South Africa: Meeting of 37 States on UN nuclear ban treaty underway The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, on Monday, opened the African Regional Seminar on the Universalisation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which is currently underway in Pretoria. The seminar is co-hosted by the DIRCO, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and includes the participation of 37 African States. The TPNW, according to the department, is a landmark agreement in the history of nuclear disarmament and represents the desire for Member States of the United Nations (UN) to rid the world of nuclear weapons. TPNW intends to further stigmatise and delegitimise nuclear weapons based on the adverse and indefensible humanitarian consequences of their use. The Treaty emphasises the humanitarian consequences of the use of such weapons. African States played a critical role during the open-ended working group on nuclear disarmament that culminated in the negotiation and adoption of the TPNW by the vast majority of UN Member States in July 2017. This is by the declaration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) as far back as 1964 for the Denuclearisation of Africa, and the establishment of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Pelindaba Treaty, adopted in 1997. The TPNW and the Pelindaba Treaty express the prohibition of nuclear weapons on the African continent while supporting the continued use of nuclear technologies for peaceful uses that contributes to socio-economic development. The African Regional Seminar will take stock of the TPNW from a regional perspective and consider the need for further progress towards universalisation of the Treaty on the continent. This will entail raising awareness about the TPNW, its importance for the African States, its place in the global and regional peace and security architecture as well as to highlight discussions about the risks posed by nuclear weapons and their catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Universalisation of the TPNW maximises the authority of the Treaty, strengthens its core norms and principles and underscores the de-legitimization of nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence. Deputy Minister Botes stressed that: For a majority of non-nuclear armed States, especially African States, the risks of the use of nuclear weapons and the scale of the humanitarian consequences that would follow, make nuclear disarmament an urgent priority. South Africas own experience has shown that neither the possession nor the pursuit of nuclear weapons can enhance international peace and security. According to Botes, the continued retention of nuclear weapons based on the perceived security interests of some States comes at the expense of the rest of humanity. He said South Africas commitment to disarmament is based on the belief that international peace and security cannot be divorced from development. South Africa continues to play a leading role in organising the implementation of the Treaty and calls upon African States to sign and ratify the TPNW at the earliest possible opportunity and thus reassert Africas leadership in nuclear disarmament and contributing to international peace and security, he added. The Executive Director of ICAN, Beatrice Fihn, said: By coming to Pretoria for this meeting, the States here are reinforcing their commitment to a world without nuclear weapons and providing needed leadership on nuclear disarmament at a time when, for the first time in many years, we are faced with the very real and deeply concerning the possibility of a nuclear weapon being used in conflict. Head of Pretoria Delegation of the ICRC, Jules Amoti, defined nuclear weapons as being one of the biggest threats to humanity. Their catastrophic humanitarian consequences for all life on our planet are today well-known, and so are the immense risks their continued existence entails. The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is an urgent humanitarian imperative, and for all those States that are party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it is also a legal duty, he added. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-01-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Chinese economy gets off to a good start in 2023 Xinhua) 08:11, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- With long queues outside restaurants, crowded subway cars, and active machines in factories and on building sites, the Chinese economy is shaking off its COVID shadow and has gotten off to a good start in 2023. ROBUST CONSUMPTION During the weeklong Spring Festival holiday, which ended last Friday, cinemas, restaurants, and tourist attractions were swamped with people eager to meet their pent-up consumption desires. Cinemas nationwide sold 129 million tickets, generating 6.76 billion yuan (nearly 1 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue in the period, up 11.89 percent year on year. Some 308 million domestic trips were made, with tourism revenues hitting a total of 375.8 billion yuan, up 30 percent. Better-than-expected holiday spending improved confidence in a services consumption recovery, CITIC Securities said in a report, noting that the catering sector is about to see a stable and sustainable rebound and that tourism will strengthen gradually during peak seasons. Expanding consumption has become a policy priority. A State Council meeting on Saturday stressed the need for timely measures to promote an early recovery of consumption as the main economic driving force. Local governments have since January been rolling out favorable policies to improve consumer sentiment. Shanghai, a mega city in east China, on Sunday unveiled an action plan including purchase tax exemptions for new-energy vehicles and vouchers for sectors such as cultural tourism and catering. Hainan, an island province in south China, has actively promoted duty-free shopping, reporting 5.19 billion yuan in sales from Jan. 1 to 28. A consumption rebound is a key theme for 2023, UBS economist Wang Tao said, predicting that full-year nominal retail sales will grow 9 percent year on year. FACTORIES IN FULL SWING Post-holiday production is also picking up across the country, with factories in full swing. On Saturday, the first business day after the Spring Festival holiday, construction on 136 key projects broke ground in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. These projects, covering everything from advanced manufacturing to modern services, are expected to have an annual output of over 150 billion yuan and create more than 110,000 jobs. In the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, more than 60 rotary drilling rigs were in simultaneous operation at a construction site for Changan Auto's new factory in January. "With an investment of 6.3 billion yuan, the project will have an annual capacity of 280,000 new energy vehicles," according to project director Wu Kezhi. Chongqing is planning to launch 1,123 major projects this year, with total investment up 18.5 percent from a year earlier. The same vigor can be seen nationwide, as local authorities are making solid efforts to resume production, bringing fresh and sustainable momentum to the economy. Major economic powerhouses -- Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shandong and Sichuan provinces -- have set their 2023 growth targets at above 5 percent. New measures for this year have been unveiled in local government work reports, and they are expected to boost the high-quality growth of China's economy. BRIGHTENED OUTLOOK The reemerging hustle and bustle across the country has painted an encouraging picture of China's economy after a difficult 2022. Saturday's State Council meeting urged efforts to promote a steady economic rebound for the beginning of the year. The meeting underscored the need to facilitate a speedy resumption of business and production after the holiday. Timely measures will be taken to promote an early recovery, advance opening-up in a steadfast manner, and stabilize and upgrade foreign trade and investment. Global investors and institutions have remained confident in the Chinese economy, and multiple investment banks have upwardly revised their forecasts for China's growth rate in 2023. Liu Linan, head of China macro strategy at Deutsche Bank, has predicted that the Chinese economy will expand about 6 percent this year and that growth will become even more steady in 2024 as China emerges from the impacts of the three-year epidemic. After returning to normalcy, and when financial risks tame and pro-growth reforms take effect, China's resilience will also strengthen in the medium-to-long term, Liu said, expressing optimism about the prospects of Chinese assets. The country's economy has passed its most difficult moment and is expected to achieve an overall recovery and improve this year, with more market vitality unleashed and an accelerated rebound in activity, analysts have said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Karabakh NSS deputy director, head of presidential Central Information Department are dismissed Armenia, Russia FMs meet in Uzbekistan GeoProMining Gold develops social cooperation with Ararat region Armenia Security Council secretary: International presence needed to resolve many security issues in Karabakh Armenia police hand over Azerbaijani found in Kapan city area to National Security Service Security Council head on CSTO: Not possible that Armenia be offered arms, ammunition help and it refuses Armenia ruling force MP to Zakharova: If we hadn't fought, given casualties, Russia MFA could call as much as it wants USD depreciating against several other major currencies Armenia Security Council chief on Azerbaijan border stability: We expect Brussels to take appropriate steps Armenia Security Council head: There were arrangements with Azerbaijan but most of them were broken CIS FMs to hold meeting in Uzbekistan Armenia Security Council chief: Azerbaijan is preparing for military escalation Newspaper: Army General Staff chief admits that Tegh village incident was Armenian sides omission as well Armenia MOD: Sanitary vehicle staff not hospitalized shamshyan.com: Armenia MOD driver, 2 medical assistants hospitalized after truck, MOD sanitary vehicle collide Brazil's president in China called for abandoning the dollar Artsakh's Ombudsman expresses dissatisfaction to OSCE chairman for attitude of international community Ararat Mirzoyan will go on a working visit to Uzbekistan Police and demonstrators clash on the 12th day of demonstrations in France Anahit Manasyan had a phone conversation with the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh he 12th protest against pension reform takes place in France Russia MOD: No ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh during last 24 hours Lemkin Institute issues statement on Azerbaijan noncompliance with ICJ order to unblock Lachin corridor MFA: Shushi is Artsakhs integral part in territorial, cultural, economic, historical aspects An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred in southeastern Turkey Charles Michel explains his activeness in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization process Armenia PM to Bujar Osmani: This visit is good opportunity to get familiarized with complicated situation South Korea bans its citizens from traveling to Armenia-Azerbaijan border region Karabakh President convenes working consultation, security challenges discussed OSCE Chairman-in-Office: I am here to find out if there is possibility to build bridges between Yerevan and Baku Armenia PM chief of staff: Azerbaijanis are already in Yerevan, we have ensured their safety Chairman-in-Office: OSCE toolkit provides mechanisms to assist peace process between Armenians and Azerbaijanis Osmani: We are ready for any efforts to achieve positive dynamics between Azerbaijan and Armenia Armenia FM: Replacing army with guards on Azerbaijan border should be part of final settlement Armenia MFA: Rumors about OSCE Minsk Group activities termination are greatly exaggerated 168.am: Who is the Azerbaijani already rendered ineffective in Armenia? What does he say in video? Armenia village youth tell how they caught Azerbaijani Armenia Investigative Committee issues statement on murder of security guard, 56, in Syunik Province Azerbaijani who crossed border into Armenia is caught by locals, found in Achanan village territory 2nd Azerbaijan soldier found, detained in Armenia Armenian health minister: Wounded soldier in critical condition due to Azerbaijan provocation has stabilized Which Armenia company is put on US sanctions list? Premier: Armenia ready for reopening of transport links, delimitation of borders Pashinyan: We are ready to withdraw troops to safe distance along Armenia-Azerbaijan 1991 border Armenia to have trade attache in Germany Azerbaijan MFA accuses France foreign ministry of smear campaign and unfair position Armenia PM: It failed to deploy border guards without escalation of tension Newly elected Armenia ombudsperson announces her priority objective in this capacity Armenia deputy PM, US Deputy Secretary of Treasury acknowledge high level of cooperation between both countries Newspaper: Karabakh soldiers who showed necessary resistance to Azerbaijan military are rewarded Armenia FM, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office tete-a-tete kicks off (PHOTOS) Armenia deputy PM, USAID official discuss opportunities for deepening cooperation Mher Grigoryan, Todd Robinson exchange views on ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia Armenia FM to Derek Hogan: Provocation near Tegh village was another manifestation of Azerbaijan aggressive policy shamshyan.com: Murder in Armenias Syunik Province, 6 gunshot wounds found on body of security guard, 57 US State Department on Armenias Tegh village incident: Use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable MFA: France deeply concerned about violence that took place near Tegh village of Armenia Legal entity from Armenia on list of those subject to US export restrictions Russia MOD: 4 ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh EU monitoring mission in Armenia not present in the area when Azerbaijan attacked Armenia National Security Service Border Guard Troops commander dismissed Armenia MOD: Tegh village incident that led to undesirable consequences was due to deployment adjustment Mayor of Frances Lyon expresses unconditional support to people of Karabakh Pashinyan: Armenian side had recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan Criminal proceedings launched into Armenia soldiers being killed, wounded by Azerbaijan near Tegh village Chairman-in-Office: OSCE supports continuation of Armenia-Azerbaijan direct contacts MFA: Russia asked Armenia to explain information about participating in joint military exercises with NATO Zakharova does not disclose details of Russian, Turkish FMs talks on Armenia-Turkey relations Russia MFA spox: CSTO mission deployment details can be talked about when Armenia is ready Zakharova: Russia favors complete unblocking of Lachin corridor Russia MFA: Other players engagement will lead to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations destabilization EU calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify border delimitation talks, until then to respect 1991 line Russia MFA spox: Yerevan, Baku accepted proposal to hold another bilateral talks Pallone: This is another senseless provocation from Azerbaijani forces against Armenia Zakharova: Russia Border Guard Service, army took measures to de-escalate situation near Armenias Tegh village Armenia deputy defense minister on possible Azerbaijan provocations again: Nothing can be ruled out Armenia MP: Azerbaijanis demanded not to do engineering work, our soldiers responded, battle started from that Marukyan: This is continuation of attacks carried out against Armenia in May and November 2021, in September 2022 About 100 killed in airstrikes in rural Myanmar Criminal proceedings to be launched against Armenia opposition MP Mher Sahakyan Armenia MP: Army corps commander was there, talks were to be held but Azerbaijan resorted to provocation Mher Grigoryan, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State discuss security issues in Armenia, region Parliament observes minute of silence in memory of Armenia soldiers who died yesterday Newspaper: How Europe reacts to yesterday's provocation by Azerbaijanis? Anahit Manasyan is elected Armenia ombudsperson Armenia MOD: No significant ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan recorded at night MOD: 3 of wounded Armenia soldiers in satisfactory condition, other 3 in moderate, severe, critical condition RA MOD announces names of soldiers killed by Azerbaijani Armed Forces As of 10:15 p.m., the situation on the frontline is relatively stable. RA Ministry of Defense The destruction of Artsakh and Syunik is a key issue for Turkey and Azerbaijan. David Babayan Suren Papikyan interrupts his working visit and returns to Armenia Azerbaijans provocation is another encroachment on the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. MFA Azerbaijan MOD publicizes data on own losses during latest Baku provocation Russia MOD: 2 ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh The reason for Azerbaijan's aggression is not being sanctioned by the international community. Edmon Marukyan Four Armenian soldiers killed, six wounded because of Azerbaijani provocation. MOD Video shows how Azerbaijani soldiers approach and open fire at Armenian soldiers Armenia National Assembly cancels special session Legislature deputy speaker on Azerbaijani infiltration into Armenia: Not case where accountability is implied Azerbaijanis opened fire in direction of Sotk The public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Azerbaijani case against Armenia are over. The Court will now begin its deliberations, the website notes. During the hearings, which took place on Tuesday, 31 January 2023, at the Court's residence in the Peace Palace, the delegation of Azerbaijan was led by Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The delegation of Armenia was headed by Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Representative of the Republic of Armenia for International Legal Affairs. The decision of the Court on the request for interim measures would be made at a public sitting, the date of which would be announced in due course. At the conclusion of the oral arguments of Azerbaijan, the representative of Azerbaijan made the following request to the Court: "In accordance with Article 60 (2) of the Rules of Court, on the basis of the facts and law set out in the Republic of Azerbaijans Request for the Indication of Provisional Measures of Protection dated 3 January 2023, and for the reasons explained during these hearings, the Republic of Azerbaijan respectfully asks the Court to indicate the following provisional measures: (a) Armenia shall immediately take all necessary steps to enable Azerbaijan to undertake the prompt, safe and effective demining of the towns, villages, and other areas to which Azerbaijani civilians will return in the Lachin District, Kalbajar District and other formerly occupied districts of Azerbaijan, including by providing information about the location, quantity, type and characteristics of landmines, booby traps and other explosive devices in these areas, in order to enable Azerbaijani internally displaced persons to return to their homes; and b) Armenia shall immediately cease and desist from any further efforts to plant or to sponsor or support the planting of landmines and booby traps in these areas to which Azerbaijani civilians will return in Azerbaijans territory, including, but not limited to, the use of the Lachin Corridor for this purpose." At the conclusion of Armenia's oral arguments, the representative of Armenia made the following request to the Court: On the basis of its oral pleadings, Armenia respectfully requests the Court to reject Azerbaijans request for the indication of provisional measures in full. Microbes have an incredible ability to thrive in different environments. Extensive research has shown the vital roles that these invisible organisms play in the ecosystems of marine and soil environments. But the atmosphere is another important habitat. Growing evidence shows that microbes in the Earths atmosphere can affect rainfall, land fertilization and food production. Little is known, however, about how these tiny life forms adapt to living in air and the even broader role that airborne microbes may play in the planets ecosystem. The W.M. Keck Foundation awarded Emory University physicists Justin Burton and Minsu Kim $1.2 million to explore these mysteries. In a collaboration with the University of Oregon, the researchers will use the funds to pioneer new methods for mechanistic studies of the physiology, metabolism, ecology and evolution of airborne microbes. The Emory project will create new tools to conduct never-before-done studies of how microbes adapt to living in air. Weve developed a prototype acoustic levitation system that opens the door for air-culturing microbes in a well-controlled laboratory environment for the first time, says Burton, associate professor of physics. The Burton lab specializes in studying the fluid dynamics of natural phenomena, from the molecular to the geographical scale. The Kim lab specializes in using advanced biophysical techniques to characterize microbes from the molecular to cellular level. We are helping to take the field of air biology into a new era, says Kim, associate professor of physics. Most research into microbe ecology has focused on microbes from marine and soil environments. Were expanding the possibilities for investigating atmospheric microbes. The Emory researchers will collaborate with additional principal investigators on the Keck Award project: Earth scientist Joshua Mendez Harper, a former postdoctoral fellow in the Burton lab now at the University of Oregon, and Josef Dufek, professor of Earth sciences at the University of Oregon. Wind-blown dust circulates globally, emitted by volcanic eruptions, wildfires and dust storms. These airborne particles can carry minerals and other nutrients across long distances. Desert dust from the Sahara, for example, is an important source of phosphorous for the Amazon rain forest. It is also well-known that microbes including viruses, fungi and bacteria hitchhike on atmospheric dust. Perhaps the most striking example of how atmospheric microbes can impact the environment is the so-called rain-making bacterium Pseudomonas syringae that has been isolated from clouds. Research shows that this bacterium may play a role in the precipitation cycle by producing an enzyme that catalyzes ice formation. Key impediments to further studying such atmospheric phenomena are sampling and culturing microbes in the air. The Keck-funded project will develop an airborne-culturing method using acoustic levitators, each about the size of a microwave oven, that simulate atmospheric conditions. The levitators will work by creating standing waves of sound, just like a musical instrument, but at a frequency well outside of the range of human hearing. These high-intensity sound waves create high pressure that is capable of suspending particles in air that are as dense as copper. Initially, the project will focus on studying bacteria, believed to make up more than 50% of atmospheric microbes. The controlled, laboratory conditions of the levitators will allow the researchers to home in on how different species of bacteria adapt to living in the harsh conditions found in the atmosphere, such as extreme temperature shifts, high humidity and solar radiation. The bacterial species studied will include some that the researchers collect from the atmosphere through balloon experiments. Team members at the University of Oregon will release a series of small, ultralight balloons. They will float on easterly winds across the country at altitudes between five and six kilometers, which is comparable to those of Saharan dust clouds and wildfire plumes. Each balloon will house sterile titanium booms affixed with tiny sponges to trap microbes within their pores. Balloon positions and sensor data including temperature, pressure, humidity and dust concentration will be transmitted continuously using amateur radio bands. As the balloons fly over Georgia, descent will be controlled using parachutes. GPS beacons will be enabled upon landing, allowing the researchers to pinpoint and recover the balloons. The methods developed in the lab, and the resulting data, will be open source. Scientists around the world can build on the work and continue to push the boundaries in the field of air biology. The award from the Keck Foundation is giving us the freedom to strike out in bold new scientific directions, Burton says. Based in Los Angeles, the W.M. Keck Foundation was established in 1954 by the late W.M. Keck, founder of the Superior Oil Company. The foundations grant making is focused primarily on pioneering efforts in the areas of medical research and science and engineering. The foundation also supports undergraduate education and maintains a Southern California Grant Program that provides support for the Lost Angeles community, with a special emphasis on children and youth. For more information, visit www.wmkeck.org. The University of Miami Law Review has announced this year's symposium, "An Unequal Burden: Exploring Environmental Justice and the Climate Crisis," to be held February 10 and 11 on the Coral Gables campus. The symposium will focus on the increasingly crucial legal field of environmental law. The discussion throughout the two-day event will look at the unequal burden shouldered by different communities from the climate crisis and how the environmental justice legal movement is working to correct historical wrongs. The program will examine various subjects, such as Miami-centric issues, labor and immigration, Indigenous approaches, climate racism and human rights, and just energy transitions. Shalanda H. Baker, the director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy, will deliver the opening keynote. Before her appointment at DoE, she was a Law, Public Policy and Urban Affairs professor at Northeastern University. She was the co-founder and co-director of the Initiative for Energy Justice, which provides technical law and policy support to communities on the front lines of climate change. Mary Kathryn Nagle, a lawyer, playwright, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, will deliver the second-day keynote. Nagle works at the intersection of justice and drama to secure the rights and sovereignty of Native nations. She has drafted and filed numerous briefs in the Supreme Court of the United States. She has also published multiple law review articles and written plays performed across the country. The symposium will also feature the first global preview of artist Xavier Cortada's video installation "Underwater Florida." Cortada will deliver a lecture Mobilizing Climate Constituencies through Socially Engaged Art to close the first day. Through the Climate Resilience Academy, the University of Miami has demonstrated a renewed determination to address the climate crisis on the UM campus. The 2023 symposium will bring the University community and the legal community together and provide a platform for these critical issues with global impact for the coming decades. The event, which will take place at the Lakeside Expo Center, is open to the public with registration and includes CLE credits 1.0 in ethics and 9.0 general from The Florida Bar. Read more about Miami Law's journals and law reviews Blinken meets Palestine's Abbas as violence spikes Washington's top diplomat Antony Blinken met President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Photo: AFP US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his sorrow Tuesday for "innocent" Palestinians killed in a spike of violence in the occupied West Bank, after meeting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. Washington's top diplomat met Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah on the final stop on a Middle East tour aimed at curbing the bloodshed, following meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and cabinet minister. Both sides are reeling from a new wave of violence. A Palestinian shot dead seven people in an Israeli settlement in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday, a day after the deadliest army raid in years in the West Bank claimed 10 Palestinian lives. This month the conflict has killed 35 Palestinian adults and children -- including attackers, militants and civilians -- as well as the six Israeli civilians, including a child, and one Ukrainian, killed on Friday. Speaking in Ramallah, Blinken expressed his "sorrow for the innocent Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in escalating violence over the last year". The year 2022 was the deadliest in the West Bank since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in the occupied territory in 2005. "Palestinians and Israelis alike are experiencing growing insecurity, growing fear in their homes, in their communities and in their places of worship," said Blinken. The US envoy's remarks alongside the Palestinian leader came a day after he met with Netanyahu, when he urged both sides to take "urgent steps" to calm tensions. Blinken on Monday also condemned Palestinians "who celebrate... acts of terrorism that take innocent lives," in the wake of the shooting in east Jerusalem. After meeting Palestinian residents in the West Bank, the US top diplomat said he saw a "shrinking horizon of hope" for Palestinians. Before heading to the West Bank on Tuesday, Blinken met new Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who took office as part of the right-wing government Netanyahu formed in December. Gallant praised Blinken for his "unwavering support" in helping safeguard Israel's military superiority in the region. The fatal east Jerusalem shooting was preceded by the Israeli forces' deadliest operation in the West Bank in years, killing 10 people Thursday in the densely populated Jenin refugee camp. Israel said its forces targeted Islamic Jihad operatives. The Israeli military later hit sites in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave. The Islamist group said Blinken's visit "emphasises the absolute support and partnership with the (Israeli) occupation". Netanyahu's cabinet has moved to punish "the families of terrorists that support terrorism" with home demolitions and other measures. His government is also planning to rescind the rights to social security benefits of attackers' relatives, and steps to make it easier for Israeli citizens to obtain permits to carry firearms. Blinken had made an initial stop in Egypt, where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, commending "Egypt's important role in promoting stability in the region". The diplomats and intelligence services of Egypt -- a major recipient of US military aid -- are regularly called upon to intercede between Israelis and Palestinians. Blinken's Israel visit is part of the Biden administration's efforts to engage quickly with Netanyahu, who had tense relations with the previous Democratic president Barack Obama. Blinken reiterated US support for a Palestinian state, a prospect few expect to advance under the new Israeli government. Speaking in Ramallah, Blinken criticised Israeli moves which Washington believes create barriers to the two-state solution. He listed "settlement expansion, the legalisation of (settlement) outposts, demolitions and evictions, disruptions to the historic status of the holy sites, and of course incitement and acquiescence to the violence". Controversial policies such as settlements and demolition of Palestinian homes have been high on the agenda of Netanyahu's new government, the most-right wing administration in Israeli history. During Netanyahu's previous tenure, Israel established ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, under deals brokered by then US president Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Monday that expanding those deals and "working to close, finally, the file of the Arab-Israeli conflict, I think would also help us achieve a workable solution with our Palestinian neighbours". (AFP) The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT) order directing the payment of provident fund and gratuity dues of the Jet Airway's former employees. A bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, said: "Anyone stepping in would know that there are overriding labour dues. Unpaid labour dues always take precedence." The apex court order has come as a setback to the Jalan-Fritsch consortium, new owners of the cash-strapped Jet Airways. The bench, also comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala said that, somewhere, there has to be finality and added that it will not interfere with the NCLAT order. The consortium's counsel submitted that an additional Rs 200 crore would be required and it would become difficult for the revival of the airline, and further added that the resolution plan, once approved, cannot be either taken back or modified. Senior advocate Siddharth Bhatnagar and advocate Swarnendu Chatterjee, represented the Association of Aggrieved Workmen of Jet Airways (AAWJA), which comprised 270 former employees of the airline. The employees had resigned on or after the carrier's insolvency commencement date and they had filed a caveat before the top court. The apex court declined to entertain the plea moved by the consortium and upheld the NCLAT's order. After the hearing, Chatterjee told the media that the order is a ray of hope for all such workmen and employees who are entangled in these types of litigation. According to the consortium, the information memorandum did not disclose any liabilities of the corporate debtor (Jet Airways) towards the provident fund and gratuity dues in full. In October last year, the NCLAT had directed the consortium to pay the gratuity dues and the provident fund dues of the employees of the airline. The successful resolution applicants for Jet Airways (India) Ltd had moved the apex court challenging the NCLAT order. --IANS ss/vd ( 326 Words) 2023-01-30-22:36:02 (IANS) The wait for the annual national Budget is almost over as the Union government is set to table the Economic Survey on Tuesday. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the pre-Budget document in the Parliament after President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament. The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators in the current financial year 2022-23 (April-March) and outlook for the next year. The Economy Survey may also give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2023-24, to be presented on Wednesday. The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Budget documents and presented day prior to the Union Budget. The most important feature which many will look out for is its central theme. Last year's central theme was 'Agile Approach', which put emphasis on India's economic response to the Covid-19 Pandemic shock. The preface of the Economic Survey 2022 stated that the "Agile approach" was based on feedback loops, real-time monitoring of actual outcomes, flexible responses, safety-net buffers and so on. Along with the sectoral chapters, the Survey document also adds new need-based chapters that need focus. The Economic Survey tabled in 2022 projected India's GDP growth of 8.0-8.5 per cent in 2022-23, which the government felt will be supported by widespread vaccine coverage, gains from supply-side reforms and easing of regulations, robust export growth, and availability of fiscal space to ramp up capital spending. Budget 2023 is likely to be the last full Budget of the Modi government in its second term with the next Lok Sabha election due in April-May of 2024. Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 will also be delivered in paperless form. The Budget documents will be available on the 'Union Budget Mobile App' on both the Android and Apple OS platforms after the completion of the Budget Speech by the Finance Minister. The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year (2023-24) commenced on October 10. The first part of the session will be held from January 31 and will go on till February 13. The Parliament will reconvene after a recess for parliamentary committees to discuss the demand for grants of various ministries. The second part will begin on March 13 and will continue till April 6. (ANI) The month of January started on a super bad note for employees in the tech world. With more Big Tech companies like Microsoft and Google joining the ongoing layoff season, more than 3,400 tech employees are being laid off per day on average in January globally. As per the data by layoffs tracking site Layoffs.fyi, 219 companies have laid off more than 68,000 employees in January so far. In 2022, over 1,000 companies laid off 154,336 workers, as per the data by layoffs tracking site Layoffs.fyi. The mass tech layoffs of 2022 are continuing into the new year. The sacking episodes have gained speed amid global economic meltdown and recession fears.Deeper layoffs are coming in 2023 as most business economists have predicted that their companies will cut payrolls in the coming months. According to a report in CNN citing a new survey, only 12 per cent of economists -- surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) -- anticipate employment will increase at their firms over the next three months, "down from 22 per cent this fall". This is the first time since early days of the Covid pandemic that more business leaders anticipate jobs shrinking at their firms. The findings indicate "widespread concern about entering a recession this year", according to Julia Coronado, president of NABE. With more Big Tech companies like Microsoft and Google joining the ongoing layoff season, about 3,000 tech employees are now being laid off per day on average in January globally, including in India. According to the survey, a little more than half of the business economists feel the risk of a recession over the next year at 50 per cent or higher, which means more layoffs in the offing in 2023. Amid the layoffs come another bad news for employees, especially from India in the US, as Google has paused its Program Electronic Review Management (PERM), a key step in acquiring an employer-sponsored green card. Google has sent an email to foreign employees, notifying them that the tech giant will pause any new filings of PERM, leaving foreign workers in a limbo. "Recognising how this news may impact some of you and your families, I wanted to update you as quickly as possible on the difficult decision we've had to make to pause new PERM applications. This does not impact other visa applications or programmes," an email from a company executive read. A Google employee posted the email on Team Blind, an anonymous social networking site for certified IT workers. A PERM application is a critical first step in the green card (permanent residence) process. The process requires employers to demonstrate that there are no qualified US workers available for the particular role, which has been an increasingly difficult position for us to support given the labor market today. Meanwhile, LinkedIn is full of job hunts, offers of support for laid off friends and colleagues, and advice for coping with career hurdles as several companies trim their workforce to navigate through an uncertain macroeconomic environment. Some LinkedIn groups are providing assistance around signing exit paperwork and aiding with connections for new jobs. London [UK]/ Boston (Massachusetts) [US], January 31 (ANI/PRNewswire): B2B growth consultancy Momentum ITSMA is delighted to announce the release of The Executive's Guide to Account-Based Marketing: Grow your most valuable customers. The book - from the global pioneers of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) - explains how to build a successful account-based strategy, create powerful customer collaboration, and drive sustained revenue growth. ABM has never been more relevant or valuable. In our latest benchmark study, 71 per cent of companies said they will increase ABM spend in 2023 and 77 per cent reported revenue growth from ABM programs. But it isn't easy to get ABM right. Especially with the context for delivery constantly changing: from market conditions and competition to tactics and tools - and most of all, customer needs. That's why marketing leaders must do even more to put customers at the heart of their business and treat each key account as an individual market. To help businesses do that, the book provides a clear framework of: - The key principles of Account-Based Marketing- The critical success factors and how to measure them- How to build, embed, and accelerate an account-based program The guide was written by Momentum ITSMA CEO, Alisha Lyndon, and features first-hand insights from Momentum ITSMA's work. "Done well, Account-Based Marketing delivers tremendous business impact. We've helped our clients drive $100bn in revenue through Account-Based Marketing. This book provides a straightforward guide to help firms sharpen their account-based strategy, turning it into an organization-wide growth driver," Alisha Lyndon said. The book also includes findings from two Momentum ITSMA studies and contributions from Senior Vice President Rob Leavitt, Partner Robert Hollier, and Chief Community Officer, Dave Munn. "ABM has come a long way since we first codified it, 20 years ago. One of the biggest challenges in driving success with an account-based marketing strategy is having strong organizational alignment and a common understanding. This book comes at a time when executive interest in ABM is at all-time high and it aims to unite executives behind a common understanding," Robert Hollier said. Get your copy today on Amazon. This story is provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI/PNN): Gifting can be a great way to show your love and appreciation to your loved ones. But finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task. That's why online gifting has become increasingly popular. Online gifting allows you to send your loved ones a thoughtful gift without having to physically go to the store. Floral Room India is one of the best online gifting services in India. In this blog, we will take a look at the benefits of online gifting, the different types of flowers available, unique gifting ideas, advantages of online gifting, benefits of shopping with Floral Room India, and more. Introduction to Floral Room India Floral Room India is a one-stop destination for all your gifting needs. They offer a wide range of flowers, cakes, chocolates, and other gifting items for different occasions. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other special occasion, you can find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Floral Room India. They also offer same day and midnight delivery services to ensure that your gifts reach your loved ones on time. The Floral Room was established in the year 2019 and is the first brand in India to officially introduce The Grande Box of 1000 roses popularly known as "Fairytale bed of 1000 roses" and plans to create many more such first-of-its-kind products for its customers. The Floral Room curates exotic and artistic floral arrangements, handcrafted with utmost love and care. It has served thousands of happy and satisfied customers in Delhi/NCR including celebrity clients, corporates, homegrown luxury brands, jewellers etc. Types of Flowers Available Floral Room India offers a wide selection of flowers for all occasions. From roses to lilies, you can find the perfect flower for every occasion. They also offer exotic flowers like orchids and tulips. You can even customise your bouquet by adding chocolates, cakes, and other items to make it even more special. Unique Gifting Ideas If you're looking for something unique, Floral Room India also offers unique gifting ideas. From personalised gifts to gift hampers, you can find something for everyone. You can even create your own gift hamper with items from their selection. Floral Room India : Advantages of Online Gifting Online gifting also offers several advantages over traditional gifting. For starters, you don't have to worry about finding a store or dealing with traffic. You can simply place your order online and have it delivered to your loved ones. Online gifting also offers more flexibility. You can choose the delivery date and time, so you don't have to worry about the gift arriving late. You can also track your order to make sure it arrives on time. Finally, you can save money with online gifting. You can often find great deals and discounts online that you wouldn't be able to find in a physical store. Benefits of Shopping with Floral Room India When you shop with Floral Room India, you can be sure that you're getting the best products at the best prices. They offer a wide selection of flowers, cakes, chocolates, and other items for all occasions. They also offer same day and midnight delivery services to ensure that your gifts reach their destination on time. Their delivery staff is courteous and professional, so you can be sure that your gifts will be handled with care. Gift Ideas for Different Occasions When it comes to gifting, Floral Room India has something for everyone. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other special occasion, you can find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Floral Room India. For birthdays, you can choose from a selection of flowers, cakes, and chocolates. You can also add personalised gifts like teddy bears and photo frames to make it even more special. For anniversaries, Floral Room India offers a wide range of flowers, cakes, and other items. You can also add a personalised message to make it an even more special gift. For weddings, Floral Room India offers a selection of flowers, cakes, and other items. You can also add a personalised message to make the gift even more special. Tips for Choosing the Best Gift When it comes to gifting, it's important to choose the right gift. Here are some tips to help you choose the best gift for your loved ones: -Think about the occasion: What is the occasion? Is it a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other special occasion? Knowing the occasion will help you choose the right gift. -Consider their interests: What are their hobbies and interests? Knowing their interests will help you find the perfect gift. -Think about their personality: What is their personality like? Do they prefer practical gifts or something more unique? Thinking about their personality will help you find the perfect gift. Finally, don't forget to add a personal touch. You can add a personalised message or a photo to make the gift even more special. Conclusion Gifting is a great way to show your love and appreciation to your loved ones. But finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task. That's why online gifting is becoming increasingly popular. Floral Room India is one of the best online gifting services in India. They offer a wide range of flowers, cakes, chocolates, and other items for different occasions. They also offer same day and midnight delivery services to ensure that your gifts reach your loved ones on time. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, visit Floral Room India. They offer a wide selection of flowers, cakes, chocolates, and other items for all occasions. Plus, they offer a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee and free shipping on all orders over Rs. 500. So visit their website today and get the perfect gift for your loved ones! Aakanksha Sinha, the founder of The Floral Room with more than 3 years of experience in this industry says," I am an architect by profession, but my creativity and immense love for flowers made me open the brand -The Floral Room. To get a change and cope with the growing market trend we wanted to redefine luxury in the floral industry." The brand's management of the supply/demand chain catering to thousands of orders every day has been excellent since its inauguration helping them to gain almost 100k followers on The Floral Room's Instagram handle ( @thefloralroomindia ). Dealing in exotic and some imported flowers like roses, hydrangeas, Lillies, carnations, daisies, etc., The brand plans to introduce more exotic varieties and unique concepts. Being established in Delhi / NCR, the brand plans to expand its services to some major cities like Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Surat, Dehradun and also plans to stretch its arms across India. Floral Room India : https://www.instagram.com/thefloralroomindia for more gifting ideas. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN) Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said on Tuesday that Adani Gadot will transform the entire Haifa port landscape. "Privileged to meet with @IsraeliPM @netanyahu on this momentous day as the Port of Haifa is handed over to the Adani Group. The Abraham Accord will be a game changer for the Mediterranean sea logistics. Adani Gadot set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire," Adani tweeted. Speaking at the event in the Israeli port city of Haifa, Adani said, "Over these years, we have struck many critical partnerships that include Elbit Systems, Israel Weapon Systems, and Israel Innovation Authority. We have initiated several dozens technology relationships wherein we have offered the entire Adani portfolio of companies to be a giant sandbox for us to learn together." "We are also in the process of setting up an Artificial Intelligence lab in Tel Aviv which will work in close collaboration with our new AI labs in India and the US. We also anticipate establishing collaborative relationships with local colleges like the University of Haifa to be able to capitalise on the deep technology expertise available in this city," Adani said. "And now we have the most momentous partnership of all the Haifa Port along with our valued partner Gadot. Talking about Haifa port, I am very confident that with the support from the government of Israel, the local authorities, and our partner Gadot, we will transform the entire port landscape," Adani said. He added that the intention is to make the right set of investments that will not just make the Adani Gadot partnership proud, but will also make the whole of Israel proud. Adani said the acquisition of the Haifa Port also comes with a significant amount of real estate. "And I promise you that in the years to come, we will transform the skyline we see around us," he said. "The Haifa of tomorrow will look very different from the Haifa that you see today. With your support, we will deliver on this commitment and do our part to transform this city," Adani said. --IANS san/arm ( 365 Words) 2023-01-31-19:58:02 (IANS) Late filmmaker Yash Chopra's iconic cinematic journey has inspired filmmaker Smriti Mundra to helm a docu-series about him. Global streaming giant Netflix is coming up with the docu-series titled 'The Romantics', which will feature 35 leading voices of the Hindi-language film industry and dive into the history of Bollywood through the lens of the Yash Raj Films' impact over the past 50 years in making Bollywood globally known. Sharing details on the collaboration, Monika Shergill, VP - Content, Netflix India said, "Fondly remembered as The King of Romance, Yash Chopra's films brought in a new wave of emotion, individualism and cultural change to Hindi cinema and helped turn one of the biggest film industries in the world into what it is today. In celebration of the iconic songs, stories and the nostalgia, we're partnering with the creative powerhouses, YRF and Smriti Mundra to bring The Romantics to our global audiences. The gripping documentary series is the real and definitive story of Yash Chopra and his son Aditya Chopra's journey to building a world class studio and will give our viewers a glimpse into the lives of one of the most influential families in Bollywood film history." The trailer of the project will be out on February 1. It was Yash Chopra who redefined Indian cinema by spreading romance and love through his films. From Raj-Simran to Veer-Zaara, the late director had given iconic love stories to Hindi cinema in his career spanning six decades. He died on October 21, 2012, just a month before the release of his last film, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. (ANI) Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, on Tuesday, unveiled the first trailer of his upcoming family entertainer film 'Shiv Shastri Balboa' and it was a fun joyride filled with emotions. Anupam took to his YouTube channel and dropped the trailer with the caption, "Presenting the Official Trailer of Shiv Shastri Balboa!" Helmed by Ajayan Venugopalan, the film also stars Jugal Hansraj, Neena Gupta, Nargis Fakhri and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. It is set to hit the theatres on February 10, 2023. The plot of the actor's new film revolves around its central character Shiv Shastri, a retiree from India and a big fan of the movie Rocky. He moves to the USA and ends up on an unexpected road trip through the American heartland which teaches that it's never too old to reinvent yourself. In the trailer, Anupam is introduced not as a boxer but as someone who trained boxers, who went on to win gold medals. After meeting his son in the USA and realizing that his grandchild has no clue about Rocky, he feels bad. As events transpire, Anupam meets Neena Gupta's character who wants to travel to India as she hasn't been home in eight years. Talking about the film, Anupam Kher said, "This is a very special movie for me. Shiv Shastri Balboa challenged my mental space but also my physical space. It's important to make films you challenge, me and Neena Gupta have worked for a year. Hard work stays with you, stardom comes and goes." Adding to this, director Ajayan Venugopal said, "It was a very small crew. It was like a family with hardly 40 people on the crew. While filming this we had lots of fun... It's been a long journey and we are very excited. Nargis Fakhri further added, "It was a great advantage and I am lucky to be part of the movie. I really enjoyed playing my character and it was a very interesting role. I enjoyed the role whether it's big or small and Anupam always helps me like my guru." (ANI) One of the most typical causes for people to seek medical attention is chronic pain, which is frequently incapacitating. American individuals who suffer from chronic pain number 65 million. Between 67 and 88 per cent of them also have sleep disruptions, which include lower sleep quality and lengthier, more frequent nocturnal awakenings. Additionally, sleep issues may make pain worse by promoting the growth of diabetes, obesity, and depression. Because chronic pain and sleep are thought to be correlated, treatment of one could be beneficial to the other. One such treatment is spinal cord stimulation, which shows mounting evidence that it improves aspects of sleep and has demonstrated efficacy in treating a multitude of chronic pain conditions. This treatment involves an implantable spinal cord stimulator that sends low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain. However, its impact on patients' lives has yet to be determined. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine, in collaboration with Albany Medical Center, conducted a study to better understand the effect of spinal cord stimulation on chronic pain and sleep. For the study, participants completed a battery of certified outcome measures regarding sleep, pain, functional status, and overall quality of life at various time periods throughout the study. These surveys were given pre-operatively and either six months or one year post-operatively. Participants also were asked about their satisfaction with the spinal cord stimulation procedure and if they would have the surgery again. Researchers examined the relationship between pain outcome measures using the insomnia severity index, a clinical screening tool that assesses the severity of both nighttime and daytime components of insomnia. With this tool, they established the minimally clinical important difference - the smallest noticeable change that a patient perceives as clinically significant, and which could indicate a change in their management. Minimally clinical important difference is particularly useful in evaluating newer treatments, as these have a smaller cohort with which to compare for statistical significance. The study, published in the journal Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, successfully established minimally clinical important difference ranges for the insomnia severity index outcome measure to help gauge improvement in insomnia after spinal cord stimulation. Results showed insomnia severity index improvement of 30 percent or more in 39.1 percent of the participants and an Epworth sleepiness scale of 30 percent or more in 28.1 percent of the participants. Minimally clinical important difference values of 2.4 to 2.6 correlated with improvement in disability and depression in the participants. The study revealed associations with sleep and both pain and depression, but no correlation between sleep and spinal cord stimulation success. "The physiologic mechanisms of both pain and sleep are complex, and the relationship between the two is poorly understood," said Julie Pilitsis, M.D., Ph.D., senior author and dean and vice president for medical affairs, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. "By recognizing the intersection of sleep disorders and chronic pain, treatment plans can be more focused and can thus lead to drastic improvements in overall health, beyond the improvement in sleep or pain alone." Spinal cord stimulation success was measured by the change between the pre-operative scores and the scores between six to 12 months post-operatively. The insomnia severity index asks seven questions to assess an individual's level of insomnia, with higher scores indicating increased nocturnal sleep disturbance. The Epworth sleepiness scale quantifies day-time sleepiness based on a patient's likelihood to doze off during eight daily activities, with higher scores indicating increased daytime sleepiness. To determine which patients had improved sleep, researchers looked at improvement in insomnia severity index or Epworth sleepiness scale of 30 percent or more. "Our study includes pertinent sleep conditions in our analysis, as the interplay between sleep and chronic pain is important to consider in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation," said Pilitsis, who also is a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. "As more studies are conducted on minimally clinical important difference thresholds, assessing the clinical response to spinal cord stimulation will improve. As such, we can gain a better understanding of the type of patient most likely to benefit from this treatment." (ANI) Launching a scathing attack on Opposition parties, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday dubbed them as "wolves". Reddy said that all wolves are joining hands but he will fight them like a lion. "All the wolves are joining hands, but I am not scared. Ask me why? Because your son only believes in you (public) and God and will march ahead bravely like a lion," Jagan said at a public meeting in Vinukonda in Palnadu district. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President was apparently referring to the efforts to form an alliance of Jana Sena Party (JSP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). JSP leader and actor Pawan Kalyan, who is an ally of the BJP, is also trying to bring TDP on board to avoid a split of anti-YSRCP votes in next year's Assembly elections. Reddy also took potshots at the Opposition for its 'false' propaganda that the state would be engulfed in a financial mess just like what happened in Sri Lanka. "Many are jealous of the development in Andhra Pradesh under the YSRCP, and have decided to indulge in spreading false propaganda. Today, money is being credited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Do you recall such an exercise by the previous government? The previous regime was being run by a gang of thieves who used to gobble up money meant for public welfare. Do you want such a rule," the Chief Minister asked. Reddy said that he only believes in development of SCs, STs, BCs and minorities, and is not bothered if the Opposition are joining hands to defame him. Claiming that Andhra Pradesh is the fastest-growing state in the country, he said the state has achieved numero uno position by achieving a GSDP of 11.43 per cent. The Chief Minister was addressing the public meeting after releasing aid under the Jagananna Chedodu scheme. "Andhra Pradesh has set an example in the country with regard to growth rate. We are ahead of all states with a GSDP of 11.43 per cent. Every sector is developing simultaneously under the YSRCP government," he said. This is the third consecutive year that the state government is disbursing aid under Jagananna Chedodu to washermen, Nayee Brahmins and tailors. A sum of Rs 330.15 crore was credited into the bank accounts of 3,30,145 beneficiaries as part of the exercise on Monday. Under the Chedodu scheme, the beneficiaries will get Rs 10,000 each per annum. The aid can be utilised by the beneficiaries to purchase tools, equipment and other necessary items to boost their income. So far, the government has extended Rs 927.51 crore aid to the beneficiaries. "As promised, we will change the fate of the poor, who are the backbone of the state. Financial support would be provided to all without any discrimination," he said. --IANS ms/arm ( 495 Words) 2023-01-30-19:50:03 (IANS) Samajwadi Party MLC Swami Prasad Maurya on Monday took a jibe at seer Mahant Raju Das stating that he could have just cursed him instead of spending Rs 21 lakh to get him killed. In a tweet, the SP MLC Mauya said the seer Raju Das wanted to spend Rs 21 lakh to get him killed due to his remarks. He passed a sarcastic remark on the seer stating he could have just used his magical powers to kill him. In his tweet, SP MLC Maurya stated, "A baba (seer) who claims to do the impossible is very popular nowadays. What kind of a baba are you? Despite having the most powerful back, you are offering a bounty to get me killed. You could have simply cursed. You could have also saved Rs 21 lakh and people could see your real face." Earlier on Saturday, the SP leader tweeted, "I will continue to oppose the conspiracy to humiliate tribals, Dalits-backwards and women in the name of religion, just as an elephant does not change its gait due to barking of dogs, in the same way, I will not change my point until they are given their duly respected." Maurya sparked a major controversy this month after he demanded the deletion of "insulting comments and sarcasm" targeted at particular castes and sects in Ramcharitmanas, a poem based on the epic Ramayana. Due to his remarks, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav was received with black flags, when he participated in the Maa Pitambara 108 Mahayagya on the banks of the Gomti in Daliganj on Saturday. Yadav alleged that the ruling BJP considers Dalits and Backwards castes as Shudra and said that the BJP is setting a bad precedent by disturbing programmes. Yadav told the mediapersons, "BJP people consider Dalits as Shudra. They consider us backwards and Dalits as Shudras (untouchable)." "I respect all religions. But if in the name of religion, a community or caste is humiliated, then it is objectionable," Yadav said. On January 24, an FIR was lodged at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on the basis of a complaint by one Shivendra Mishra against the SP leader. On January 27, Maurya in his recent remark said, "I respect all religions. I merely objected to certain verses in Ramcharitmanas which hurts the sentiments of 97 per cent of Hindus. Those verses reflect poorly on our own religion. They also advocate killing women and the Shudras. This is nothing but abuse and no religion should stand for such abuse and insult." "I just sought the deletion of a few lines that are disrespectful of women, Adivasis and the Dalits. All communities are being disrespected in the state since the SP was voted out of power. After the BJP came to power, 5, Kalidas Marg (the CM's official residence in Lucknow) was cleansed with Gangajal (water from River Ganga)," added Maurya. (ANI) A Delhi court on Monday discharged a man arrested for allegedly supplying an illegal weapon to Shahrukh Pathan, an accused in the Northeast Delhi riots case. The court noted that there was no incriminating evidence, except the disclosure statements of two accused persons in the case. It held that there was no ground to presume that the accused committed the offence. The weapon was allegedly used to fire upon Deepak Dahiya as well as the general public protesting on Seelampur Road during the Northeast Delhi riots on February 24, 2020. The case in connection with the incident was registered at Jafrabad police station. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Amitabh Rawat of Karkardooma Court discharged Babu Wasim from the offence under Arms Act. "The case against accused Babu Wasim is essentially based on surmises and conjectures rather than actual material/evidence. There is no ground to presume that the accused Babu Wasim committed an offence under Section 25 Arms Act. He is accordingly discharged for the said offence," ASJ Rawat ordered on Monday. However, the court charged Wasim for non-appearance before the court after the declaration of proclamation. "As far as Section 174-A IPC is concerned, it is a standalone offence and all the necessary legal requirements for proceedings under Section 82 Cr. P.C. was completed and no infirmity has been found or even shown by the counsel for the accused in the proceedings or order of 18.07.2020 passed by the Magistrate Court, declaring the accused Babu Wasim, a proclaimed offender," the court noted. Thus, the accused Babu Wasim is liable to be charged for the offence under Section 174-A IPC, the court ordered. It said the first incriminating material produced by the prosecution, is the disclosure statement of both accused Shahrukh Pathan and Babu Wasim but disclosure statements, by themselves, are not admissible in law. Secondly, as is admitted by the prosecution, there is no witness on record to show that accused Babu Wasim provided the said pistol to accused Shahrukh Pathan on December 6, 2019, at Brahampuri, Shahdara, Delhi or that he possessed the said firearm before December 6, 2019, the court added. The court rejected the contention that accused Shahrukh Pathan made four successive calls to Babu Wasim on December 6, 2019, at night with a location chart of the mobile phones of both accused persons showing that they were at the same place, at best, shows that theywere at the same spot at the same time or met with each other. The court pointed out, "What the prosecution is required to prove is that accused Babu Wasim possessed the said pistol before 06.12.2019 and/or delivered such pistol to accusedShahrukh Pathan on that day at that time and which was then used in riots. There is no material to substantiate this allegation." It was further noted, "Even Sanction Order under Section 39 Arms Act issued by the Addl. DCP-1, North-East District, for the purpose of Section 25 Arms Act is without proper appreciation of material on record/evidence collected by IO." Previously, the court on December 7, 2021, framed charges against accused persons Shahrukh Pathan alias Khan, Ishtiyak Malik alias Guddu, Shamim and Abdul Shehzad under Section 147/148/186/188/353/ 307 IPC, read with Section 149 IPC. Additional charges were slapped against Shahrukh Pathan for the offence under sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act while against another accused, Kaleem Ahmed, was charged with an offence under Section 216 of IPC. The chargesheet also named Babu Wasim under Section 25 Arms Act and 174A of IPC. Accordinng to the prosecution, Shahrukh Pathan was arrested on March 3, 2020. Further, according to the prosecution, he disclosed that in December 2019, he had purchased a pistol and 20 rounds from Babu Wasim by paying Rs 35,000. It was alleged that he disclosed that he had met with Babu Wasim at Masjid (Khaddewali), Ghonda and disclosed the latter's mobile number to get him arrested from Meerut. On March 9, 2020, the Babu Wasim's residence in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was raided but he was found to be on the run. On March 18, 2020, a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Babu Wasim was obtained fromthe court. On July 18, 2020, he was declared a proclaimed offender by the Karkardooma Court. Babu Wasim was charged under Section 174A of IPC in the first supplementary chargesheet filed on December 26, 2020. (ANI) Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday said India is making strides in stamping out leprosy as cases are declining year after year. "With the support of the government, and the society at large, as synergy and cooperation of all stakeholders, we can achieve the target of Leprosy Mukt Bharat by 2027, three years ahead of the SDG," said Mandaviya. The Union Health minister was addressing a video conference at an event to observe the National Anti-Leprosy Day here on Monday. The theme for this year's event was 'Let us fight Leprosy and make Leprosy a History'. Reiterating Mahatma Gandhi's enduring concern for people affected with leprosy, Union Health Minister noted that the concern and commitment to treating leprosy have their origin in our history. "His (Mahatma Gandhi's) vision was not only to treat them but also to mainstream them in our society. Our efforts to eliminate leprosy from this country under National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a great tribute to his vision. We were successful in achieving a prevalence rate of 1 case per 10,000 population at the national level in 2005. The need of the hour is consistent efforts to eliminate Leprosy. It is a curable disease, however, if it is not detected and treated at the early stage, it can cause permanent disabilities and deformities among the affected person, leading to discrimination of such persons and their family members in the community," Mandaviya said. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have adopted comprehensive measures for the prevention of the development of disease. From the year 2016, renewed efforts were made for actively detecting cases under the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC)," he added. On the efforts of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State, said the Leprosy Programme of the country strives to detect and treat cases as early as possible, gives treatment free of cost to prevent the development of disabilities and deformities, medical rehabilitation of those with existing deformities. She said the Welfare allowance has been raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 for patients for their reconstructive surgery. Highlighting the achievements of the programme, she also informed that the prevalence rate of leprosy has come down from 0.69 per 10,000 population in 2014-15 to 0.45 in 2021-22. Further, the annual new case detection rate per 100,000 population has come down from 9.73 in 2014-15 to 5.52 in 2021-22, she added. "The programme also works towards spreading awareness and reducing the stigma attached to the disease. Surveillance was also strengthened by introducing ASHA-based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS) where grassroot level workers constantly engaged in examining and reporting suspects. The special emphasis under the Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC) was given to areas that were difficult to access or had child cases and cases with disabilities. Since 2015, with the constant efforts under NLEP, we have been able to prevent many cases of disability due to leprosy," she said. She also emphasised on the need to spread awareness about the stigma around leprosy. Emphasising the 2027 leprosy eradication target, S. Gopalakrishnan, special secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said the last mile target of 2027 is going to be tougher than what has been achieved so far. "With the experiences, whole of government and whole of the society's approach, new strategies and the Nikusth 2.0 portal, we can achieve it," said Gopalakrishnan. (ANI) According to the ED statement, the attached properties include eight benami immovable properties worth Rs 7.57 crore which are beneficially owned by Saumya Chaurasia, Deputy Secretary to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The remaining 43 benami properties are beneficially controlled by Suryakant Tiwari. ED had previously issued a Provisional Attachment Order on December 9, 2022 attaching properties worth Rs 152.31 crore belonging to Suryakant Tiwari, Sameer Vishnoi IAS, Saumya Chaurasia, Chhattisgarh Civil Service Officer, Sunil Agarwal and others. In total, ED attached assets to the tune of approximately Rs 170 crore till now. The ED initiated the money laundering investigation based on the FIR filed on the complaint of the Income Tax Department. Searches have been conducted and, so far, nine accused persons have been arrested under PMLA. All of them are in judicial custody. The ED investigation has established that proceeds of crime worth Rs 540 crore were acquired in this extortion racket. A systemic network of extortion was set up with the active connivance and participation of large number of bureaucrats and higher powers. The ED said it was investigating the entire gamut of the extortion racket. (ANI) The protesters came out on to the streets and violence was resported. They burnt tires on the highway to express displeasure against the state government's decision. While visiting Bodoland area on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government decided to include villages, which have at least 80 per cent Bodo population, in the BTR. However, the protesters claimed that the decision has not been made looking into the demography of the villages carefully as many villages have a quite high non-Bodo population. "We have been surprised to see that in many villages the non-Bodo population is higher than Bodo people," one of the protesters said. They also criticised the role of MLA from Gohpur Utpal Bora for being a mute spectator in this issue. Meanwhile, the Bodo leaders have welcomed the state government's decision. Bodoland Territorial Council Chief Promod Boro said: "It is a matter of immense joy and celebration as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a major decision towards the implementation of the clause of Bodo peace accord. It will help to create a permanent peaceful environment in the region." Asked about the protests, Sarma said: "There is nothing to protest and we had a detailed discussion with various stakeholders before taking this decision to include 60 villages in the BTR." --IANS tdr/vd ( 259 Words) 2023-01-30-20:34:04 (IANS) The chartered aircraft in which the Chief Minister and senior officials were travelling to New Delhi returned to the airport, around 30 minutes after take-off. The aircraft took off at 5.03 p.m. and returned to the tarmac at 5.27 p.m. It made a safe landing. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the pilot identified an AC valve leakage which led to a problem in the pressurisation system. This forced the pilot to return to the airport to ensure safety of the passengers. The Chief Minister was on his way to the national capital to address diplomats and entrepreneurs in a curtain raise event related to the AP Global Investors Summit-2023. After the aircraft returned to the Gannavaram airport, the Chief Minister left for official residence at Tadepalli. The officials were making alternate arrangements for the Chief Minister, public representatives and officials to go to New Delhi on Monday night. --IANS ms/vd ( 189 Words) 2023-01-30-20:46:03 (IANS) The last rites of Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, who was shot by a policeman on Sunday and succumbed to his injuries, were performed in his home town Jharsuguda, with full state honours, on Monday. The mortal remains of Das were cremated at Kherual ground in Jharsuguda in the presence of several ministers, MPs, MLAs and thousands of his supporters. Das's son Vishal lit the funeral pyre following Hindu tradition. When Das's body reached Jharsuguda, a large number of his supporters went to his home to pay last respect to the departed leader. Leaders from western Odisha, cutting across party lines, also paid tribute to him. The minister's mortal remains were taken out to the crematorium in a procession of his supporters from his home. During the procession, his supporters raised slogans against Odisha Police and demanded death sentence for the accused. Earlier in the day, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid their tributes to Das at the latter's official residence in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has started investigation into the high-profile murder case. ADG, Crime Branch, Arun Bothra and IGP, Northern Range, Deepak Kumar interrogated ASI Gopal Das, who killed the Minister by firing a bullet from his official pistol. During its investigation, a Crime Branch team examined the informant and other eyewitnesses in the case. The team visited the spot and seized one empty case and other physical clue material. The team also seized a 9 mm pistol and 3 rounds of live ammunition and a mobile handset of the accused ASI. The firearms, arms and ammunition will be sent for ballistic examination and opinion, the Crime Branch said. Another team of the Crime Branch conducted investigation at Bhubaneswar including inquest followed by autopsy by a team of doctors of Capital Hospital, after arranging sufficient lighting facility. Videography of the entire process has also been done. The team at Bhubaneswar also seized the treatment records and blood-stained clothes, including other biological exhibits. Viscera has been preserved for further chemical examination and opinion, they said. The accused ASI is in police custody and will be present before a court for further police remand. However, the reason behind the assassination is yet to be revealed by the police. Meanwhile, opposition BJP and Congress strongly condemned the murder of Das and criticised the government for failing to protect its own Minister. While the BJP demanded a CBI probe into the case, Congress demanded a SIT probe under the supervision of the Orissa High Court. --IANS bbm/vd ( 435 Words) 2023-01-30-20:48:02 (IANS) TDP Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Nara Lokesh on Monday interacted with the youth during his ongoing padayatra 'Yuva Galam', saying the youth were bearing the brunt of unemployment. Lokesh said since the YSRCP came to power, the youth have been the worst sufferers because of the lack of employment opportunities and the discontinuation of fee reimbursement. Addressing the youth, the TDP MLC said, "Let us all work to dethrone this rule and bring back a regime that works for welfare and progress. Yuva Galam is an opportunity for us now and let us all utilise it." During his interactions with the public, many said jobless youths are migrating to the neighbouring states in search of employment, which was a cause for concern for their parents. Some said if they raise their voice, there will be no employment opportunities for them. Many alleged that police cases were being registered against them. To this, Lokesh Nara promised that once the TDP is back in power, the youth won't have to migrate to other states and there will be enough employment avenues for them. "I am assuring all of you that industries will come up at Palamaner through which job opportunities will be created," he said. Earlier, Nara held a meeting with the Vaddera union at Gandharamakulapalle in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh during which the community members said there was no recognition for them either economically or politically. The elders of the community also expressed concern over their children migrating to other states, and even other countries, in search of jobs. They further claimed they were not getting any funds from the federation. The community leaders demanded inclusion in the list for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and sought scholarships for students from the community. Nara said TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, during his tenure as chief minister, had set up the Satyapal Committee to study the problems of Vadderas, adding that the panel submitted its report only recently. He asked the YSRCP government to explain why the committee report has not been published yet. Nara said there is an urgent need to launch welfare schemes for the community. He promised that once the TDP comes back to power, all the necessary steps will be taken to resolve their problems. "Chandrababu Naidu has allocated Rs 70 crores for the welfare of the community," he said, adding that the people from Kuppam and Palamaner were migrating to Karnataka as they were not able to cope with the rising living expenses in the state. "Let alone new industries, even the business leaders who set up units here during the Chandrababu Naidu's tenure are leaving the state due to harassment and imposition of heavy taxes by this government," said Nara. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said that state's budget for 2023-2024 will focus on promoting exports, products made from millets, and employment opportunities. "By promoting exports, foreign exchange will come into the country and the economy of the state will be strengthened," he said at the pre-budget consultation meeting with the stakeholders related to industry, manufacturing and service sector in Gurugram. "Special focus will be to strengthen the infrastructure of the state. Having good infrastructure will encourage investment and new industrial units will also be established," he said, adding that the state government aims to create more and more employment opportunities and rapid development of infrastructural facilities. "At present, there is no burden of any additional debt on the state. Haryana has grown its economy while staying within the limit of 25 per cent of total GDP set for loans; while many states of the country have crossed this limit," he said. --IANS str/vd ( 170 Words) 2023-01-30-22:34:03 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that talks on Naga political issues are going on with the Central government and the issue would definitely be resolved. Singh, along with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied Tripura Chief Minister and BJP candidate Manik Saha as the latter submitted his nomination papers seeking re-election from the Bordowali Assembly constituency in Agartala on Monday, the last day of filling candidature. The Manipur Chief Minister said that due to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insurgency problems have been resolved in the northeast to a great extent. "As the peace was restored, the development and the welfare activities speeded up in the entire northeast making a sea change of the region. Modi ji always has been trying to integrate the region with the rest of the country. Already he is successful in his mission," he told the media. "If BJP and Modi ji are in power, peace and development would continue in the northeast region." Singh, a Congress turned BJP leader, urged the people to vote for BJP and Saha for the second time to continue the development in Tripura. The BJP government led by Singh returned to power in Manipur in the 2022 assembly polls for the second time in a row. Singh, before leaving Agartala for Imphal, also met the Manipuri community in Tripura. --IANS sc/vd ( 241 Words) 2023-01-30-22:46:04 (IANS) After culmination of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar on Monday, Congress strategists feel that Rahul Gandhi has emerged as an "undisputed leader" in the opposition camp and the programme has helped his image makeover, though he again stressed the Yatra is for the people, and not for himself or his party. In his around-3,970 km journey from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir which started on September 7, Gandhi traversed 12 states and two UTs and tried to touch the emotional chord of the people of the particular areas in that particular state. He addressed 13 press conferences, held over 100 corner meetings, over 275 planned walking interactions, and more than 100 sittings. Meeting people on way to Srinagar, he said, was the most beautiful experience of his life. At the rally concluding the Yatra, Gandhi, wearing a traditional Kashmiri 'pheran', said he was warned that he might be attacked in Kashmir, but the people here did not give him hand grenades, but hearts full of love. He added that the BJP members could not walk like this in Jammu and Kashmir because they are scared. He also spoke about the pain of losing someone while remembering his father Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, saying that he understood the pain of those who lost their kin in the Pulwama attack. "I did not do the Yatra for myself or Congress, the aim is to stand against an ideology that wants to destroy the foundation of the country," he asserted. However, the show of opposition unity was hampered as the BJP pointed out, despite all the effort, the opposition did not come together "as no one accepted him". Congress sources, however, said over a dozen leaders from the opposition parties were scheduled to attend the rally, but couldn't make it because of the closure of Jammu-Srinagar national highway and the disruption of air traffic. --IANS miz/vd ( 325 Words) 2023-01-30-22:56:02 (IANS) More than a hundred students from a school in Palnadu fell ill and were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. The students were shifted to Sattenapalli government hospital, informed officials. According to a student of the school, they had tomato rice and groundnut chutney for breakfast and chicken curry and sambar for lunch, after which they threw up and came down with Diarhoea. The government superintendent Venkata Rao said, "They may taken ill due to food poisoning. All students are safe and their parents need not worry." Further details are awaited. (ANI) The CBI filed a closure report on Monday, telling Bombay High Court that their investigation into the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar was over. The Bombay High Court had asked the CBI to inform within three weeks whether the investigation into Dabholkar's murder had been completed. The closure report was filed on Monday. A bench of Justices Ajay S Gadkari and Prakash D Naik gave three weeks' time to the Central Bureau of Investigation to inform the court so that it could decide whether to continue with the trial. The court was hearing a petition filed by Mukta Dabholkar, daughter of Narendra Dabholkar, seeking continuation of the Bombay High Court's monitoring of the case. Dabholkar, 67, was shot dead on August , 2013 in Pune. The Pune Police was initially probed the murder but the case was handed over to the CBI in 2014 following a court order. The CBI told the court that it had completed the investigation into the murder of Dabholkar and the investigating officer had submitted the closure report to the competent authority. On behalf of Mukta Dabholkar, her lawyer told the court that the CBI had not investigated the case properly and there were still many lapses. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against five accused persons in the case. The court, earlier this month, asked the central agency to apprise it of the status of its investigation in the case. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, appearing for the CBI, told the court that as far as the CBI is concerned, the investigation has been conducted and is now complete. Out of 32 witnesses, 15 have been cross-examined, he informed the court. The court then asked the CBI whether further surveillance was required. To this, advocate Anil Singh, appearing for the CBI, submitted that no further investigation was needed as the investigating officer had filed a report and it was pending before the competent authority. The court then asked the CBI to decide how much time would it take to decide. To this, Singh sought three weeks' time for the CBI to take a final decision on the matter. (ANI) Trivedi said that "Rahul Gandhi brought all the anti-social elements together through the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'". He added that "Rahul Gandhi was able to unfurl the national flag because of the sacrifices BJP leaders did". Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Trivedi mentioned several participants of the yatra and questioned their credentials. Most of them had walked with Gandhi during different parts of the foot march. "It was a politically motivated Yatra. During the Yatra, Congress leaders organised a beef party on roads of Kerala, Pastor George Ponniah termed land of India as 'impure'," the BJP national spokesperson said. He added that the former Congress President's co-travellers included Kanhaiya Kumar who was "associated with the "tukde tukde gang", and Digvijay Singh who raised questions over the surgical strike. "With these hatemongers what is the campaign of love which Rahul Gandhi is running," he said. Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which started from Kanyakumari on September 7 concluded in Srinagar on Monday. --IANS dr/khz/ ( 205 Words) 2023-01-30-23:06:03 (IANS) Introduction AACC will this year commemorate June 16, the Day of the African Child. The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now known as the African Union (AU). It honors the children and the young people who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. This years theme is Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013. In line with the history of 16 June, 1976 and the current challenges affecting young people in the continent AACC will celebrate this day by convening a public webinar to raise awareness on the day and Africa: My Home. My Future. campaign. The webinar question will be: Decolonizing the education system and changing the mindset in Africa. What is the role of the youth? Background The African continent is a host to a large population of young people. Estimates say that by the year 2050 the current youth population will be double[1]. Undoubtedly, young people are the leaders of today, who need to take up the challenge to transform Africa. As Africas youthful population continues to rise, there is uncertainty over the continents preparedness to tap this resource for economic growth. Yet the continent has challenges that are politically, economically, and socially affecting young people. There is widespread frustration and agitation by and among young people over limited economic opportunities, growing corruption, rising unemployment, and limited opportunities for political participation[2]. This growing frustration is increasingly manifested in migration of young people from the continent. Many young people are willing to risk drowning in the Mediterranean Sea in the quest to get to Europe and other developed countries rather than stay in the continent. The motivation for migrating is mostly to pursue economic opportunities and an environment to succeed. The reality is that most of the young people fail to succeed and end up living in appalling conditions. The huge youth demography that should offer tremendous dividends to the continent has seemingly been seen as a mirage. Bulk of the population of the continent are victims of the plethora of vices such as irregular migration and human trafficking, violent extremism, xenophobia, drug and substance addictions. These vices and many others have continued to impact on the wellbeing of the continent and its people. It is a disturbing situation. AACC is disturbed and is optimistic that the narrative can change. Africa is immeasurably endowed with all kinds of resources including impressive human capital resources, some of whom are excellently providing global leadership in corporate and multilateral institutions, but Africa stills lags behind with leveraging on these gifts and potentials for the common good of all people. Something fundamental is missing. The search for the missing thing and link will continue until Africa is changed for the better, and this can only be achieved if the youth of Africa think and act differently in a timely manner. The rationale of the webinar Africa: My Home. My Future. is a continental campaign that seeks to mobilize a critical mass of youth from across the continent with an intentional focus on one of AACCs programmatic thematic areas; Youth and African Patriotism. The campaign is a movement that aims to inspire young people to be and remain patriotic to their countries and Africa at large by utilizing their talents towards building a thriving continent. The campaign led by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) will continue to create and sustain in profound ways a generational movement made up of youth living in the continent and in the diaspora. It is expected that the youth that will be mobilized within the constituency of the AACC are youth that have demonstrated some level of being patriotic and passionate about Africa. The movement will stimulate conversations amongst young people of Africa, on various issues affecting them and impacting the integrity of the continent. In recognition of the crucial role that youth can play as agents of change, the AACC deliberately launched the campaign that will culminate in the convocation of youth biennially in different countries of choice where thousands of youth will congregate to reflect, harvest, energize, challenge, evolve and chart the agenda for Africas transformation while keeping their eyes on national, continental and global development agendas. AACC is organizing a series of webinars to promote the campaign Africa: My Home. My Future. in the run up to the All Africa Youth Congress scheduled for Ghana this year from 31 October to 04 November 2022. Main objective Youth are inspired to contribute to the transformation of Africa. Specific Objectives of the webinar To celebrate Day of the African Child To increase awareness on the campaign slogan Africa: My Home. My Future. To create a viable space for connectivity and networking To accelerate constructive conversations and innovative actions that display African potentialities and abundance. Expected outcomes Increased awareness of the importance of the Day of the African Child Increased awareness of the campaign Africa: My Home. My Future. Created potent space for youth engagements and constructive dialogue on the future of Africa Guiding Question for the webinar Decolonizing the education system and changing the mindset in Africa. What is the role of the youth? Methodology This will be held in a conversation format on zoom, where the guest speaker will respond to the webinar question in a one-on-one session. The speaker will have an opportunity to freely present in the first 30 minutes. After that, the moderator and participants will have an opportunity to converse with the speaker. The webinar will feature a Pan African speaker. Target beneficiaries (Participants) 100 youth leaders from the constituency of AACC in forty-three (43) African countries will be direct beneficiaries of the knowledge-based webinar that will spur them to ask critical questions and act reasonably for the greater good of their countries and the continent. Thousands of other youth will be indirect beneficiaries as the direct beneficiaries are expected to conduct stepdown engagements after the webinar. Date 16th June 2022 Time: 12:00 GMT; 13:00 WAT; 14:00Hours CAT; 15:00 Hours EAT, Social Media Hash tags #AfricaMyHomeMyFuture #aaccyouth #AAYC2022 #DAC2022 Social Media handles Twitter: @aacc_youth Facebook: @allafricayouthcongress Instagram: @aaccyouth Africa: My Home. My Future Webinar Agenda Time Item Facilitator 15:00-15:05 Opening Prayer AAYN Member 15:05-15:10 Objectives, Expectations, and Introductions Collins Shava 15:10-15:20 Opening remarks Rev Dr Lesmore G Ezekiel, Representing AACC GS 15:20-15:30 Day of The African Child Sharing from a South Africa Youth South African Youth 15:30-15:35 Poem on Africa By Obert Dube Obert Dube 15:35-16:00 Keynote Address **Key Note Speaker** 16:00-16:20 Question & Answer Session with the Audience Moderated by Collins Shava 16:20-16:30 Recommendations and way forward Daniel Orogo 16:30-16:40 Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks Rev Dr Lesmore G Ezekiel, AACC Director of Programs 16:40-16:50 Announcements on the All Africa Youth Congress & Closing Prayer Daniel Orogo Time: 3 pm East Africa Time Link for Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_34oYE17kRxSnJYYdK4FtpQ [1] UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/world-population-prospects-2017.html accessed 29/01/20 [2] The 2016 Africa Economic Outlook Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Navneet Rana MP, Dhananjay Mahadik BJP MP, Imtiaz Jaleel MP MIM, Narayan Rane MP BJP, Poonam Mahajan MP BJP, Amol Kole MP NCP were all present in the meeting at Sahyadri guest house in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Sena MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, as well as those of the Congress skipped the Union Budget discussion called for by CM Eknath Shinde. Discussions at the meeting centered on the kind of development that is needed more in Maharashtra, and the type of development projects that need to be implemented, and the kind of schemes that are lacking presently. The MPs put forward their suggestions and opinions on various issues, ranging from a flyover bridge or a dam to be built on a river to a medical college or other such things. BJP MP Dhananjaya Mahadik said, "The Uddhav Thackeray group and Congress MPs did not come to the meeting as they are not concerned about the state." Mahadik said all the MPs were allowed to raise issues pertaining to their respective constituencies at the meeting. Despite being a part of the Opposition MVA, NCP MP Amol Kolhe attended the meeting. He said, "I opposed my party's decision and attended the meeting so that I can put forward my views on the Budget for my region." A total of 64 development issues of the state were discussed at the meeting. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched a fresh attack on Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Kamal Nath. Chouhan on Monday said, 'Kamal Nath ji is running away from my questions. He is saying, why am I asking a question?...' "I will ask, why didn't you (Nath) fulfil your promises made during the Congress-led government which was in power for 15 months? You spoke so many lies and didn't fulfil them. Now you are telling new lies everyday...," Chouhan said. The chief minister said, "My question for Nath is, he had said in his the promissory note of 2018 that Krishak Kanya Vivah Sahayata Yojana (Farmers' Daughter Marriage Assistance Scheme) would be started and an incentive amount of Rs 51,000 would be given to the beneficiaries. Farmers having land up to two and a half acres would be eligible for the scheme. But did he start the scheme?" He added Kamal Nath should answer why the daughters who got married did not get money in their account and why did he not start the Krishak Kanya Vivah Yojana. Recently, CM Chouhan had said that he would ask Nath why he failed to fulfill the promises in the promissory note. He began asking questions of the PCC Chief from January 28. Reacting to CM Chouhan's remark, the Congress leader on Monday wrote on twitter, "Shivraj ji, you have once again brought your bundle of lies. You had announced in BJP's 'Nari Shakti Sankalp Patra' that 'we will double the number of Janani Express 108 ambulances to provide adequate transport facilities for mother and child to health centres.' But instead of fulfilling the promise, you want to cheat them." "Every day news arrives in the state that a pregnant woman died due to lack of an ambulance. Who is the partaker of the sin of this death, Shivraj ji?, who is responsible for the death of the children who died in the mother's womb before birth?," Nath asked of CM Chouhan. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will boycott the customary address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses in Parliament on Tuesday, calling her speech "a bundle of false promises and false claims by the Narendra Modi Government." Taking to Twitter, AAP MLA Sanjay Singh on Tuesday said that the party is boycotting Murmu's address because her speech is a "bundle of false promises" and "false claims" by the Narendra Modi-Government. "Hon'ble President's speech is a bundle of false promises and false claims by the Modi Government. In this, there is not a word of her own. Modi government has proved to be a failure on every front, so @AamAadmiParty will boycott the President's address," Singh said. The party's MPs will stay out of the Parliament House at the time of the address. There is a total of 10 MPs of the party in the Parliament. The President addresses members of both Houses in the Parliament's Central Hall on the first day of a session. It will be the maiden address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The party will present its side by holding a press conference at Vijay Chowk at 12 noon, the AAP leader added. In the latest instance of its continued face-off with the central government, ahead of the crucial Telangana Assembly elections later this year, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also has decided to boycott the customary address by the President. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the pre-Budget document in the Parliament, half an hour after the President's address. The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators in the current financial year 2022-23 (April-March) and outlook for the next year. The session will have 27 sittings and will continue till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The session will take place in two parts with the first part concluding on February 13. The second part will be held from March 13 and will conclude on April 6. The government held an all-party meeting on Monday in which the opposition parties raised issues of their concern. The first part of the session would also see a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President Address. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the debate in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The government will also push its legislative agenda in the budget session. According to government records, 26 Bills are currently pending in the Rajya Sabha and nine in the Lok Sabha. Amongst the 26 Bills pending in the Rajya Sabha, three Bills have already been passed by Lok Sabha including the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022. The bills which haven't been referred to any parliamentary scrutiny and are pending for passage include the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Repeal) Bill, 2012, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies (Third) Bill, 2013, the Delhi Rent (Repeal) Bill, 2013, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019. However, the session is expected to be stormy with the opposition parties raring to corner it on a range of issues including those related to Adani stocks and BBC documentary and the government stating that it is willing to discuss all the issues permitted by the Chair. (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Aam Aadmi Party will boycott President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of both Houses of the Parliament on Tuesday ahead of the Budget Session, BRS MP K Keshava Rao said. Speaking to ANI, Rao said that the parties are not against the President and their boycott is a protest against the Centre's "failures". "BRS and AAP have decided to boycott the President's address to Parliament today. We are not against the President but only want to highlight through democratic protest the governance failures of the NDA government," Rao said. Earlier today, AAP MLA Sanjay Singh said that the party will boycott the President's address calling her speech "a bundle of false promises and false claims by the Narendra Modi Government." "Hon'ble President's speech is a bundle of false promises and false claims by the Modi Government. In this, there is not a word of her own. Modi government has proved to be a failure on every front, so @AamAadmiParty will boycott the President's address," Singh said. The party's MPs will stay out of the Parliament House at the time of the address. There is a total of 10 MPs of the party in the Parliament. The President addresses members of both Houses in the Parliament's Central Hall on the first day of a session. It will be the maiden address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The party will present its side by holding a press conference at Vijay Chowk at 12 noon, the AAP leader added. In the latest instance of its continued face-off with the central government, ahead of the crucial Telangana Assembly elections later this year, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also has decided to boycott the customary address by the President. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the pre-Budget document in the Parliament, half an hour after the President's address. The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, will give insights into the state of the economy and various indicators in the current financial year 2022-23 (April-March) and outlook for the next year. The session will have 27 sittings and will continue till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The session will take place in two parts with the first part concluding on February 13. The second part will be held from March 13 and will conclude on April 6. (ANI) Mumbai Police has arrested an Italian woman passenger for allegedly creating a ruckus mid-air on a Vistara Airline flight soon after taking off from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on January 30. The passenger identified as Paola Perruccio was arrested by Sahar police early Monday morning after the flight landed in Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). She was later given bail by a court here. According to the Mumbai police the woman who was reportedly inebriated created a ruckus insisting that she be seated in business class despite being booked in economy. She also took off some of her clothes and walked up and down the aisle in a partially naked state hurling abuses and assaulting crew members. "We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK 256 operating from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on 30 January 2023. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the passenger," a Vistara spokesperson said. "The pilot made regular announcements to assure the other customers onboard of their safety and security. In accordance with the guidelines and our stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), the security agencies on-ground were informed about taking immediate action upon arrival. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities as per the SOPs," the spokesperson added. After registering a case against the passenger, the Mumbai Police filed a charge sheet within a day. "Mumbai Police has filed a chargesheet in record time in a case of misbehaviour by an airline passenger mid-air," police said. A medical examination was also conducted on the woman before booking her under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police said they have completed all formalities of recording statements of co-passengers and crew and others. "We have completed all the due formalities as per law and filed the chargesheet after recording all the relevant statements and medical and legal procedures," DCP Dixit Gedam said. Last year Vistara handed over an unruly passenger to London's Heathrow airport authorities after he manhandled and abused crew members during the flight. A Vistara spokesperson said the passenger was detained for investigation on arrival at London Heathrow. (ANI) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi would attend Tuesday's Presidential address in the Parliament as many of the party MPs are stuck in Srinagar, informed party sources. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also said that party chief and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge along with other Members of Parliament (MPs) would not be able to attend the address of President Droupadi Murmu in Parliament on Tuesday. "Due to the delayed flights from Srinagar airport on account of inclement weather conditions, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and many other Congress MPs will be unable to attend the President's address to both Houses of Parliament at 11 am today," Jairam Ramesh tweeted. Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also expressed his regret for his absence attend the Presidential address as he is also stranded at the airport in Srinagar due to the prevailing weather conditions. "Due to inclement weather in Srinagar, I have been stranded at the airport in Srinagar. I may fail to join the Presidential address in Parliament today. So I deeply express my regret, I will communicate this to the Speaker also," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said talking to ANI. The party leaders went to Srinagar to attend the concluding ceremony of Bharat Jodo Yatra, held on Monday. The budget session of Parliament will commence today with President Droupadi Murmu's maiden address to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at 11 am at Central Hall of Parliament. The Economic Survey will also be tabled in Parliament today ahead of the Union Budget 2023-24 which will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. This budget will be the last full-fledged Union Budget of the Modi government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. There will be a separate sitting of the Rajya Sabha for the transaction of government business, half an hour after the conclusion of the President's Address today. However, the sitting will be held for a short duration as per procedures for the transaction of government business. On Monday (Yesterday), the government held an all-party meeting in which the opposition parties raised issues of their concern, which was attended by all the top leaders from the opposition parties including DMK leader, TR, Balu, TMC leaders, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, TRS leaders K Keshava Rao and Nama Nageswara Rao, except Congress. According to government sources, both Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were held up yesterday as well due to the Bharat Jodo Yatra which culminated in Srinagar on January 30. Other party leaders who were present included Vijayasai Reddy from YSR Congress, Farooq Abdullah from the National Conference, Professor Manoj Jha from the RJD and Ram Nath Thakur of JDU. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) was represented by Priyanka Chaturvedi. The all-party meeting is a customary meeting that takes place ahead, of the start of every session of Parliament. During the meeting, the Government will seek cooperation from all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament during the Session. (ANI) Ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India's Budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens amid the unstable global economic situation. "Our Finance Minister will present one more Budget before the country tomorrow. In today's global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India's budget," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister firmly exuded confidence that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will make efforts to meet the aspirations. "Amid the unstable global economic situation, India's budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens, the ray of hope being seen by the world glows brighter-for this, I firmly believe that Nirmala Sitharaman will make all efforts to meet those aspirations," PM Modi said while addressing the media. The Prime Minister cited the "credible voices from the world of economy" and said that they have brought a positive message ahead of the session. "Today, the Budget Session is commencing. Credible voices from the world of economy, have brought in a positive message, a ray of hope and a beginning of enthusiasm. It is an important event today," he said. PM Modi said the maiden inaugural address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint session of both Houses is a matter of pride for the Constitution. "The President is going to address a joint session for the first time today. The President's first address to the joint session of Parliament is a matter of pride for our Constitution, and especially for respect of women. The whole world has its eyes on India," he said. "Our Finance Minister is a woman too. She will present one more budget before the country tomorrow. In today's global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India's budget," PM Modi added. The budget session will take place in 27 sittings till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on February 13. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session and will conclude on April 6. (ANI) In areas like Patiala and Amritsar, visibility of 200 metres and 500 metres was witnessed on Tuesday morning while places like Churu and Ajmer in Rajasthan experienced low visibility of a mere 25 and 50 metres respectively, said IMD in a tweet. However, in areas like Ganganagar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer of Rajasthan, visibility was witnessed at 500 metres. In the Hissar area of Haryana, visibility was reduced to 50 metres. In Uttar Pradesh, visibility was reduced to zero in Agra while at Bareilly, it was at 500 metres. In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior witnessed visibility of zero metres while the visibility at Purnea in Bihar was 500 metres. In Kolkata, too visibility was recorded at just 100 metres while Kaliashahar of Tripura witnessed visibility of mere 50 metres. Earlier Tuesday, the authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport too have issued a fog alert for passengers. According to the latest alerts, all airport flight operations are presently normal. The airport has requested passengers to contact the concerned airline for updated flight information. (ANI) CM Dhami, speaking at the event said that the migrants living in the country and abroad are playing a crucial role in the promotion of folk culture and assured all possible help to them by the government. Dhami, on Monday evening, paid a visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow and discussed various topics related to the mutual cooperation of both states. "Today after reaching Lucknow, the city of Sheshavtar Prabhu Shri Laxman ji, met the son of Devbhoomi and Honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri @myogiadityanath ji. ," Dhami tweeted. "On this occasion, discussions were held on various topics related to mutual cooperation of both the states from the point of view of sustainable development and public welfare," he added. CM Dhami also attended the two-day BJP's State Working Committee meeting at Dehradun's Raiwala on Monday and discussed the strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha and the local body polls in the state. (ANI) In her first address to Parliament as President, Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday expressed her gratitude to citizens for electing a stable government for two consecutive terms and said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has been identified as a decisive government. "My government always kept the country's interest paramount, showed the will to completely change the policy-strategy," she said in her pre-budget address to a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in Central Hall of Parliament today. "From the surgical strikes to the tough crackdown on terrorism, from the LoC to the LAC, from the abrogation of Article 370 to the triple talaq, my government has been recognised as a decisive government," President Murmu said. In her maiden address to the Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her gratitude to the citizens. "Wherever there is political instability anywhere in the world, those countries are surrounded by a massive crisis. But due to the decisions my government took in the national interest, India is in a better position as compared to other countries," Murmu said. Terming the government, a stable, fearless, and decisive one, "Murmu said, "My government is working towards realising the big dreams." "My government has worked for every section of society without any discrimination. As a result of the efforts of my government in the last few years, many basic facilities have either reached 100 per cent population or are very close to that target," the President said. Murmu further went on to highlight the ease that technology has provided in governance."Earlier there was a long wait for a tax refund. Today, the refund is received within a few days of filing the ITR. Today, along with transparency, the dignity of the taxpayers is also being ensured through GST," she said citing the e-marketplace and income tax refunds, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme as examples. "Over the years, in the form of DBT, in the form of Digital India, the country has prepared a permanent and transparent system," she added. The Budget session of Parliament began on January 31, 2013, with the customary address by the President to a joint session which will be followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey by the Finance Minister. The President addresses members of both Houses in the Parliament's Central Hall on the first day of the budget session every year. The first part of the Budget Session of the Parliament will go on till February 10. The Parliament will reconvene on March 12 and go on till April 6. (ANI) Introduction Internal migration within Africa has grown significantly in recent times, increasing from 15 million in 2000 to 25 million in 2017, a 67% increase that represents an annual average growth rate of 2.8% per year. Indications are that migration to Africa also experienced tremendous growth in recent years, increasing from just below 2.5 million in 1990 to more than 5 million in 2017. Africa in general and West Africa, in particular, have become a hub for irregular migration and human trafficking; and this is a major problem for the continent and its stakeholders. The reasons for such phenomena are many and varied. Among others, and to name but a few, we could point to the fact that the region is experiencing political instability with deep economic turbulences; extreme poverty causing a widespread desire among poor populations to migrate in search of better living conditions in the region or further afield; as well as traditional cultural practices such as widow inheritance causing women to flee from their villages hence falling into the hands of, in particular, even paying to be smuggled across borders. Furthermore, it has been noticed that West Africa has - compared to other regions - rather accessible/ organised migration routes for migrants destined to Europe, with flourishing networks and business for traffickers and smugglers. In the face of such a deplorable situation, corruption and lack of systematic cooperation and coordination among nations in the region has made it difficult and almost impossible for the various countries in the region to dismantle the phenomenon. Young people live in a world of unlimited potential where they constitute a tremendous and essential asset and a door to unparalleled multiplier effect When offered the right tools and motivation, young people can change the continent. AACC recognizes that the future of the continent lies in the potential of it young people as powerful agents of change and development. Moreover, the youth have a great opportunity to prevent and counter vices such as irregular migration and Trafficking in Persons. Through its flagship program Africa my Future My Home AACC seeks to work closely with the Youth in the West and Central African Sub- Region to play proactive roles in preventing and combating trafficking in persons and modern slavery/ forced migration as well as developing systems and mechanisms that can protect and assist the victims of modern slavery, forced migration and trafficking, with full respect for their human rights and dignity. Objective The webinar will engage selected young people in the West and Central African Sub Region to heighten their capacity in advocacy and create an online platform for the sharing of messages on issues relating to migration, trafficking in persons and modern slavery. Also, the online platform will enhance the communication and advocacy efforts of young people in the sub region in migration related activities Methodology This will be a one- day webinar which will be attended by selected youth participants from AACC Member Churches Expected Outcomes At the end of the consultation, it is expected that: - An online platform is created for young people from AACC member churches in West Africa to have collaborative efforts among themselves in terms of advocacy on migration, trafficking in person and modern slavery; Young people from AACC member churches in West Africa will be more informed about migration trends in the region for an evidence-based advocacy; Young people should be equipped to engage their peers at the All Africa Youth Congress in Accra, Ghana on migration issues in the West African Sub-Region Participants: Approximate number of ten (10) Youth Representatives from: DRC Nigeria Ghana Liberia Senegal Guinea Niger Gambia Togo Sierra-Leone Benin Burkina Faso Cameroon Central African Republic Cote divoire Congo Brazzaville Equatorial Guinea Gabon Dates and Venue The meeting will be online and will take place on 24th June, 2022 Registration To register for the webinar, click on the link https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i7uoYnwdSmSLNIEnz-8kOQ India has entered Amrit Kaal completing its 75 years of Independence and in this citizens have to focus on their duty towards building an ''aatmanirbhar'' (self-reliant) India, said President Droupadi Murmu in her pre-budget address to the joint session of Parliament on Tuesday. "By 2047, we have to build a nation that will be connected to the pride of the past and which will have all the golden chapters of modernity. We have to build an India that will be ''Aatmanirbhar'' and capable to fulfill its humanitarian duties," President Murmu said. In her maiden address to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajay Sabha in the central hall of Parliament President Murmu said, "India has entered Amrit Kaal completing its 75 years of Independence. Amrit Kaal is a period of 100 years of Independence and making of a developed India. These 25 years is a period for all citizens to focus on duty." The President described an India without poverty and full of prosperity. "That should be an India that will not have poverty, whose middle class will also be prosperous, an India whose youth and women will stand at the front to show a path to society and the country, an India whose youth stays two steps ahead of time," she said. President Murmu also lauded India''s growing position on the world stage and said that the country is providing solutions to the world. "Today, India''s self-confidence is at its highest and the world is looking at her from a different perspective. India is providing solutions to the world," the President said. This is President Murmu''s first budget session speech since assuming office in July last year. The President arrived in a ceremonial escort to Parliament to address the joint session at the start of the Budget session Earlier addressing reporters outside Parliament Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our Finance Minister will present one more Budget before the country tomorrow. In today''s global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India''s budget. Amid the unstable global economic situation, India''s Budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. I firmly believe that Nirmala Sitharaman will make all efforts to meet those aspirations." The budget session that began today with the President''s address will take place in 27 sittings till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on February 13. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session and will conclude on April 6. (ANI) Underlining the role of political stability in the country's development, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that India is in a better position as compared to other countries due to the decisions taken in the national interest by the central government. Addressing a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in Parliament today President Murmu said, "The benefit of a stable and decisive government is being reaped by us against the biggest crisis in 100 years and in tackling the situation that arose after it. Wherever there is political instability anywhere in the world, those countries are surrounded by a massive crisis. But due to the decisions my government took in the national interest, India is in a better position as compared to other countries." The President noted that 'Garibi hatao' in not just a slogan anymore, but the government is working to have a permanent solution to the problems of the poor and empowering them. "About 11 crore families have been connected with piped water supply in three years under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Poor families are getting the maximum benefit from this," she said. President Murmu listed the work done by the government and said that the government has worked for every section of society without any discrimination. "As a result of the efforts of my government in the last few years, many basic facilities have either reached 100 per cent population or are very close to that target," she said. "With complete transparency, more than Rs 27 lakh crores have been provided to crores of people. A World Bank report states that with such schemes and systems, India was able to save crores of people from dropping below the poverty line during COVID," the President said. Describing corruption as the biggest enemy of democracy and social justice, President Murmu said that the government has taken steps to curb it. "My government is of the clear opinion that corruption is the biggest enemy of democracy and social justice. To seize the property of fugitive economic offenders, my government passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act," she said. "My government has awakened the aspirations of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Now that basic facilities are reaching them, these people are able to see new dreams," the President added. This is President Murmu's first budget session speech since assuming office last year. Earlier today, the President arrived in a ceremonial escort to Parliament to address the joint session at the start of the Budget session. Meanwhile, addressing reporters outside Parliament before the start of the budget session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our Finance Minister will present one more Budget before the country tomorrow. In today's global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India's budget. Amid the unstable global economic situation, India's Budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. I firmly believe that Nirmala Sitharaman will make all efforts to meet those aspirations." The budget session of Parliament that commenced today will take place in 27 sittings till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on February 13. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session and will conclude on April 6. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday lauded India's indigenous defence manufacturing and said that the country's defence exports have increased manifold due to the initiatives of the government. "As a result of new initiatives by my government, our defence exports have increased six times. I am proud that today the first indigenous aircraft carrier in the form of INS Vikrant has also joined our Navy," President Murmu, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, said in her opening remarks of Parliament's Budget session. President Murmu in her maiden address to the joint sitting of the Parliament also noted that India's firm and tough stand against terrorism is the reason why the country is being heard seriously by the world on the issue of terrorism. President Murmu also mentioned India's G20 presidency this year and said that the country aims to find solutions to world problems. "India holds the presidency of the G20 this year. Along with all member states of G20, India aims to find solutions to world problems," she said. Referring to India's thrust on innovation and entrepreneurship, the President lauded the youth for taking India's innovation to the world. "My government has continuously laid unprecedented emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Today our youth are showing the power of their innovation to the world," she said. "On the one hand, we are developing our pilgrimage centres and historic heritage, while on the other hand, India is becoming a major space power in the world. India has launched the first private satellite too," the President added. President Murmu also mentioned India's role in the world of pharmacy and said that the country is enhancing its identity as "pharmacy of the world." "Today, on one hand, India is taking its ancient knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda to the world. On the other hand, it is enhancing its new identity as 'pharmacy of the world'," she said. President had this morning arrived in a ceremonial escort to Parliament to address the joint session at the start of the Budget session. This is President Murmu's first Budget session speech since assuming office. Earlier addressing reporters outside Parliament Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our Finance Minister will present one more Budget before the country tomorrow. In today's global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India's budget. Amid the unstable global economic situation, India's Budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. I firmly believe that Nirmala Sitharaman will make all efforts to meet those aspirations." The budget session that began today with the President's address will take place in 27 sittings till April 6 with a month-long recess to examine the budget papers. The first part of the session will conclude on February 13. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session and will conclude on April 6. (ANI) A professor couple was found dead with several injury marks on them at their home in Bihar's Arrah city in the state's Bhojpur district, police said. According to the police, the pair was first attacked on their heads and then killed with a sharp object. The bodies were found on Monday night. The deceased identified as Mahendra Singh, 70 and his 65-year-old wife Pushpa Singh belonged to the Agni village in the limits of the Nasriganj police station area of Rohtas district and used to live alone in their house at Katira locality after retirement, police said. Singh had retired as Dean of Veer Kunwar Singh University while his wife was a retired psychology professor in a women's college. The police are trying to identify the killers and ascertain the reason for their alleged murder.Upon receiving information a police team headed by Bhojpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Pramod Kumar Yadav and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Himanshu reached the house located under the limits of the Nawada police station and began their investigation. The police have sealed the crime spot and a forensic investigation team from Patna have begun their investigation. "We are looking at the mobile surveillance of the deceased and CCTV footage of the area to solve the double murder case. With these we can acertain the time of the incident and who all were present in the house at the time of the murder and how they entered the house," Police said. Hira Singh, the younger brother of the deceased Mahendra Singh said, "I met my brother on January 26 last time at his house. My eldest brother called me today and informed me that both the mobile phones of my brother and sister-in-law were unreachable since yesterday." Singh said that upon reaching his elder brother's house, he was told by the police of the heinous crime. Bhojpur Superintendant of Police Pramod Kumar Yadav told ANI, "The retired couple has been murdered by unknown miscreants inside their house. The police are investigating the matter with the help of the forensic team and through scientific research. The reason for the murder is still not clear but very soon culprits involved in it will be identified and arrested. At present, we have sealed the spot and are moving ahead with the process of post-mortem as well as further legal action is being undertaken." The deceased are survived by three married daughters, police said. (ANI) Reliance Jio on Tuesday announced the launch of 5G services across 34 cities spread across 13 states, taking the cumulative tally of the number of cities in the country having access to the company's True 5G services to 225. This comes days after Reliance launched its services in six states of the north east namely, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Agartala, Itanagar, Kohima and Dimapur. "Jio users in these cities will be invited to the Jio Welcome Offer, to experience Unlimited Data at up to 1 Gbps+ speeds, at no additional cost, starting today," a statement by the company said. Six cities in Andhra Pradesh (Ananthapuramu, Bhimavaram, Chirala, Guntakal, Nandyal, Tenali), three in Assam (Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur), one in Bihar (Gaya), two in Chhattisgarh (Ambikapur, Dhamtari), two in Haryana (Thanesar, Yamunanagar), one in Karnataka (Chitradurga), two in Maharashtra (Jalgaon, Latur), two in Odisha (Balangir, Nalco), two in Punjab (Jalandhar, Phagwara), one in Rajasthan (Ajmer) will receive the 5G services of the company from now on.Other cities where 5G was launched include Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Karur, Kumbakonam, Nagercoil, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai. Telangana's Adilabad, Mahabubnagar, Ramagundam will also receive 5G services. Services were also launched in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura. Jio spokesperson said that the company has achieved this feat in under 120 days since the Beta Trial launch. "We are really excited to launch Jio True 5G services in 34 additional cities, taking the total count to 225 cities. Jio has achieved this milestone in just under 120 days since the Beta Trial launch and is well on its way to connect the entire nation with the transformational Jio True 5G services by December 2023," the spokesperson said. The statement further added that a 5G network rollout of this scale is a first anywhere in the world, and 2023 will be a landmark year for India, when the entire country will reap the benefits of the revolutionary True 5G technology, delivered through Jio's superior network infrastructure. "We are grateful to the Central and State Governments for their continuous support in ourquest to digitize our country," the statement said. (ANI) The smugglers were identified as Sajid Ahmed and Abdul Motin, both hailing from Keuti, Karimganj district of Assam. According to Lunglei district police, in pursuance of specific intelligence, two persons wanted in connection with Dholai police station Case under sections 22(c)/29 NDPS Act, both of them were apprehended by Lunglei Police at Lunglei, Serkawn while boarding in one vehicle on Monday evening. A senior police official of Lunglei district said that the Assam Police team will seek custody of the arrested wanted persons. "We are also ascertaining their involvements in cases in our state too," the police official said. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the plea of journalist Rana Ayyub challenging the summons issued to her by a special PMLA court in Ghaziabad in a money laundering case lodged against her by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench headed by Justice V Ramasubramanian heard the matter and reserved the order on Ayyub's plea against the Ghaziabad court's order where summons were issued to her in relation to a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case. Earlier, the apex court had asked the Ghaziabad court to adjourn the case and posted Ayyub's plea for hearing before it on January 31 against the summons issued by the Ghaziabad court. Ghaziabad court on November 29 had issued summon to Ayyub and asked her to appear before it on January 27. During the hearing, advocate Vrinda Grover appearing for Ayyub told the bench that she is raising a jurisdictional issue that the Ghaziabad court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter. The prosecution complaint ought to have been filed in Mumbai, where the offence is alleged to have taken place, Grover said, adding that the alleged proceeds of the crime are at a bank account in Navi Mumbai and no part of the offence took place in Uttar Pradesh. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, opposed Ayyub's plea saying that money laundering is not a standalone offence and is linked with the scheduled offence. Mehta said that several persons from Uttar Pradesh have donated to Ayyub's campaign so a part of the cause of action has arisen in Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh. Solicitor General said that the agency has found that the money received was used for "travel and joy". In October 2022, the ED had filed a complaint against her before the Ghaziabad court over alleged violations in publicly raising funds. ED had registered the case on the basis of a complaint registered in September 2021 in Ghaziabad under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Amendment Act and Black Money Act against Ayyub. It was alleged in the FIR that she illegally acquired funds from the general public in the name of charity by launching fundraiser campaigns. Ayyub received foreign contributions without registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), it was alleged. (ANI) Goa Public Works Department minister Nilesh Cabral on Monday refuted a statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the Mhadei river water dispute with Karnataka had been resolved in favor of the southern state. While speaking to the press on Monday, the Goa minister refused to believe that the Union Home Minister's statement was backed by the Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Cabral said, "Our CM has not given any consent to divert Mhadei river water. I know he (Sawant) will never do it. I don't know what Union Home Minister Amit Shah is talking about." He said a delegation from the state would ask about this statement when they next meet Shah. When asked whether he condemned what Shah said, Cabral asserted, "Of course, I condemn the statement. We are not against water usage within the basin but will never allow the water to be diverted outside." Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Jana Sankalp Yatre' in Belagavi in Karnataka on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to tell you (people) that BJP, by resolving the long-standing dispute between both states, has given Mhadei water to Karnataka and, thereby, ensured farmers in several districts here are benefited." Goa and Karnataka are battling out a two-decade-long dispute over sharing the Mhadei waters. While the river runs 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is over 50 km in length in Goa. Mhadei, also known as the Mandovi river in Goa and Mahadayi in Karnataka, is considered a lifeline in the northern parts of Goa. It originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji in Goa, while briefly flowing through Maharashtra. Earlier on January 12, a delegation of the Goa government, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital, over the Mhadei river issue. The delegation urged for the immediate constitution of the Mhadei Water Management Authority as given in the award and also urged for the withdrawal approval given to Karnataka's detailed project report (DPR) for the disputed Kalsa-Bhanduri dam project. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday filed a charge sheet against an accused in a Special Court in the national capital pertaining to a conspiracy hatched by a member of ISIS, a proscribed terrorist organization, for the propagation of the ideology and to raise funds for the organization. The NIA has filed the chargesheet in the Patiala House Court against accused Mohammad Mohsin Ahmad under sections 120B and 204 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 17, 18, 39 and 40 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). According to an official statement, the case was suo-moto registered by the agency on June 25, 2022. It further said, the investigations have established that the accused Ahmad raised funds for ISIS and sent them to his Syria-based ISIS handlers through Cryptocurrency channels. "Investigations have revealed that the accused Mohammed Mohsin Ahmad conspired with an ISIS Handler & others for propagation of the ISIS ideology, with the ultimate objective to radicalize the Indian youth and recruit them for ISIS. He was also involved in raising funds for ISIS from the ISIS sympathizers in India and sending the collected funds to his Syria based ISIS handlers through Crypto-currency channels, thereby supporting the ISIS in furtherance of its terrorist activities," the statement read. Further investigation in the matter is underway. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday informed the petitioner that on January 13, 2023, the Supreme Court allowed transferring the main proceedings pertaining to uniformity in the minimum age of marriage for men and women in diverse legislations. The bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad after noted the submissions, directed its registry department to transfer the case related documents immediately to the Supreme Court. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday will hear the public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to equalise of the legal age of marriage for men and women saying the limit of 18 years for a woman, while it is 21 for a man, amounts to discrimination. The plea before the Delhi High Court earlier stated that at present, while men in India are permitted to get married at the age of 21, women are allowed to get married when they are 18. It is mentioned that more than 125 countries in the world have a uniform age of marriage. The litigant / Advocate Ashwini Kunar Upadhyay said the plea is filed in the public interest under Article 226 and it challenges a blatant and ongoing form of discrimination against women. "The discriminatory 'minimum age' limit for marriage for men and women is based in patriarchal stereotypes, has no scientific backing, perpetrates de jure and de facto inequality against women, and goes completely against the global trends," the plea said. As per the petition, some of the statutory provisions, which are responsible for discriminatory 'minimum age' limit for marriage include -- Section 60(1) of the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872; Section 3(1)(c) of the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936; Section 4(c) of the Special Marriage Act, 1954; Section 5(iii) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and Section 2(a) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The plea stated that the differential bar discriminates against women and contravenes with the fundamental principles of gender equality, gender justice and dignity of women and breaches Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution. The petitioner in his petition further stressed that women have a fundamental right to be free to pursue studies or occupations after finishing school at the age of 18. "It is a social reality that women are expected (and often also pressurised) to beget children immediately after marriage and also forced to take up household chores in accordance with their stereotypical roles in the family. This harms their educational as well as economic pursuits and often impinges on their reproductive autonomy as well," the plea said. It added that a higher minimum age will ensure "more autonomy to women in every sense". (ANI) created on: Sep 12, 2022 by Comms Office 0 0 0 Communique Libreville Communique 2 Faith Actors Ask for Stronger, Africa-Responsive Climate Ambition at COP27 Statement issued during the Faith and Climate Justice Session of a Pre-Conference of the UNFCCC Africa Climate Week (ACW) on 28 August 2022 The Welfare of the Earth is our Welfare Libreville, Gabon At the invitation of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and several partners[1], the Africa Faith Actors Network on Climate Justice (AFAN-CJ), under the auspices of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), met at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Libreville, Gabon on 28 August 2022 ahead of the Africa Climate Week. The theme of the meeting was The Welfare of the Earth is our Welfare. The conference aimed to consolidate the Faith Actors voices on adaptation, Loss and Damage, Climate Finance and mitigation, ultimately to influence discussions, debates and resolutions at Africa Climate Week, Africa Ministerial Conference of Environment (AMCEN) and the 27th UN Climate Change Summit (COP27) and other critical spaces, post-COP27. The conference focussed specifically on: Establishing a common understanding of the extent of loss and damages, the scope of past climate-related damages and issues at stake in climate negotiations as correlated by professionals, and model anticipated damages. Solidifying and strengthening the role of Faith Actors on mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, especially for loss and damage. During the consultation, participants discussed the worsening impacts of climate change, the regrettable lack of sufficient commitment from global political leaders, and slow progress in climate change negotiations, especially on loss and damage and climate finance agenda items. After thorough reflections on the different views in the room and online, participants issued the following statement: Cognisant of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.50C Report of 2018 noting that residual risks will rise as temperatures increase and that the report ranks Africa as the most vulnerable continent, with foreseeable catastrophes like those seen in Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya and Horn of Africa countries and Chad and the Sahel region, amongst other African nations. Deeply concerned about the politicisation of the climate change discourse leading to continued loss of lives; and the serious moral implications of lack of urgency in addressing the climate crisis evidenced in the non-fulfilment of some milestone commitments by those responsible for polluting the environment. Noting the role of Faith Actors as the first respondents of those affected by climate change. Appreciating the role of Faith Actors as stewards of Gods creation and committing to do all in our capacity to contribute to the efforts of addressing the effects of climate change. Welcoming the Glasgow Pact on Loss and Damage but further uncertain about the time needed to translate it into action as extreme events devastate livelihoods and economies in Africa. Reflecting and premising our hope on the outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Dialogues, the upcoming AMCEN and COP27 convenings to provide unique policy spaces for key decisions on loss and damage and climate finance. Welcoming the decision of the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC to include financing loss and damage on the agenda of COP 27 in Sharm el Sheikh. Reiterating that The Welfare the Earth is our Welfare and that the issue of climate change, is a matter of life and death beyond political discourse, hence requiring urgent attention by stakeholders. Committing as Faith Actors to engage and expand the space to unify all Faith Actors in the entire African continent, political leaders and African citizens in their own formation and play a critical role in informing policy and programme actions in advancing climate justice. In so committing, the Faith Actors demand: On loss and damage: Urgent and frank negotiations on loss and damage, given the evidence already provided by the AR6 report of the IPCC, majorly on the African Continent. Strongly denounce market-based mechanisms and other false solutions propagated as solutions for loss and damage. We further caution all stakeholders and especially the global north and the private sector against any form of thought on applying market mechanisms on loss and damage response. In addition, encouraging parties to advance dialogue on advancement of non-market and pro-poor solutions to loss and damage as a result of climate change including from slow onset events. Urgent operationalization of the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (SNLD) with a clear coordination and management structure having clear mandates and report and review procedures, and with an independent advisory body detached from the Excom, considering the magnitude of loss and damage in Africa no later than COP27. A clear distinction between loss and damage and disaster risk reduction as provided in the evidence of AR6. The establishment of a special finance facility for loss and damage response in line with article 8 of the Paris Agreement. These finances for loss and damage should be predictable in quantity and quality and should be separate from the Adaptation Fund, the GCF and any other already existing multilateral funds established under the UNFCCC. That loss and damage become a permanent priority agenda in climate negotiation processes right from SBSTAs to COPs. A greater commitment from Parties in following the direction already set by the Scottish government at COP26 in financing loss and damage not later than COP27. Call parties to be alive to the differentiated impacts of losses and damages to men, women, youth and the disabled and act following the established evidence. Greater consideration by Parties of the role and capacity of the Faith Actors in loss and damage response and fast track mechanisms for easing access to climate finance to CSOs and Faith Actors and their institutions. Stronger support to national and regional research and academic institutions to deepen research on loss and damage in order to fast-track generation of evidence to foster rapid action on loss and damage On Climate Finance: A new and additional short and long-term finance, based on the needs of the peoples of the Global South, balanced between mitigation and adaptation (with an immediate step of fixing the broken commitment of delivering the inadequate $100 billion in public finance by 2020). A comprehensive definition of Climate finance no later than COP27 as provided in Article 9 of the Paris Agreement without further procrastination. That GCF, the Adaptation Fund, and other fund mechanisms conform to evidence on gender and accessibility and embed Locally Led Adaptation Principles in all its processes. Recognition of the pivotal and leadership role that African governments should play in consolidating African voices and experiences on loss and damage and strong demand for predictable and verifiable new and additional climate finance support. For more information and inquiries about the communique contact communication@aacc-ceta.org [1] Youth organisations, women farmers, People with disabilities, Faith Leaders, Pastoralists Ahmad, a resident of Pathan Tola Town Police Station, Mau has earned illegal money by indulging in criminal activities, a senior district official said. "We are undertaking action under the Gangster Act against the moveable and immovable properties built using illegally acquired money in the district," District Magistrate Arun Kumar said in his order. The immovable properties worth around Rs 2 crore were purchased by Haji Rafiq Ahmad alias Tiger in the name of himself and his relatives with the money he illegally earned through criminal activities, the order claimed. "We are campaigning against those who have built a large number of moveable and immovable properties with the money earned illegally," he added. The order stated that the accused Haji Rafiq Ahmad had built a luxurious house on land in Pathan Tola purchased in the name of his father Vakil Ahmad and his uncle Nisar Ahmad. The land cost is close to Rs 48 lakhs (47,62,065) while the house is estimated to be close to Rs 60 lakhs (60,23,970), according to the order issued by the District Magistrate. The land in the name of Afsana, wife of his brother Naseem Ahmad, located in Mohalla Bazar Mandi is estimated to be worth Rs 14.58 lakhs (14,58, 870) while the estimated value of the house built on that land is Rs 59 lakhs (59,20,388), stated the order. The District Magistrate Kumar issued the order to attach all of them under Section 14(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act. (ANI) Joshimath disaster package announced by the Uttarakhand government is the "best" so far, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) Chairman Ajendra Ajay said on Tuesday. "The package recommended for the affected people in the meeting held on Monday by the High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted at the government level regarding Joshimath is the best disaster package so far. Some people want to create hurdles in Char Dham Yatra by resorting to bad propaganda," he said While speaking to ANI about the disaster packages, he said, "For the first time, a package of displacement and rehabilitation is being prepared based on the advice and suggestions of the disaster-affected people." Ajay, who attended the HPC meeting, said that before preparing the package for the Joshimath land subsidence-affected people, a committee of local public representatives was constituted under the chairmanship of Chamoli's District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana. "The suggestions of the committee were sent by the district administration to the government. In the governance, the HPC has given its in-principle approval on the suggestions received from the local people's representatives and the affected," added Ajay. Immediate relief was provided to the affected people due to the promptness and sensitivity of the Uttarakhand government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, he stressed. "Arrangements of heaters, blowers, electric kettles, bonfires etc., were ensured on a war footing for temporary housing, food, medical facilities and to protect the affected people from cold. Not a single affected person was allowed to face any kind of difficulty. On the contrary, at the time of the Kedarnath disaster, there were stories of every stumbling block to hide the heads of the affected," he claimed. While praising the work of the state government he said, "The government is keeping the long-term interests of the affected people in mind. As soon as the report of the experts regarding Joshimath is received, along with the works of displacement and rehabilitation, the works of conservation and treatment of the city will be started." He alleged that some people want to bake their political bread by confusing the affected. "Such people cannot be well-wishers of the affected. These people want to create hurdles in the Char Dham yatra by creating an atmosphere of fear and panic by resorting to bad propaganda. Such people want to give this message outside the state that everything is not right in Uttarakhand. "Char Dham Yatra is the backbone of the state's economy. No obstacle will be allowed to arise in it," added the BKTC Chairman. Earlier on Friday, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister while speaking to ANI said that the government is preparing a master plan to provide better facilities in the Char Dham yatra. According to officials, the state government will review preparations for the yatra 15 days prior to its commencement. Since Joshimath lies at the entrance of the yatra and the last major halt before Badrinath, officials will review preparations to ensure that the land subsidence issue does not impact the yatra. (ANI) "We heard the President's address today, but the issues like unemployment or price hike were not included in it. I suggest to the President to advise the PM to bring an act called the 'Adani Act' as there is only crony capitalism now," BRS MP K Keshava Rao said while addressing the reporters here. The party, notably boycotted the customary address by the President. Hitting out at the Central government, he said that it has failed in all the sectors of development and governance. "Modi government has failed in all sectors of development and governance during the last eight years. Since we wanted to focus on concerning issues so that the debate will go on the right path," he further said. Rao also said that the protest by the party is absolutely a "democratic and demonstrative" protest against Murmu's address. "We have respect for her like everyone. The protest by the party is absolutely a democratic and demonstrative protest against her address," he added. The Budget session of Parliament began on January 31 with the customary address by the President to a joint session, followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey by the Finance Minister. The President delivered her maiden address to both Houses in the Parliament's Central Hall today. Apart from the BRS party, Aam Aadmi Party also boycotted Murmu's address. (ANI) "The law and order situation in Maharashtra is bad and the government is busy in the politics of revenge. If you can't handle law and order, Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis should resign," she said. Speaking about the Koyta gang of Pune, she said, "The members of this gang are threatening women. The way the cases are coming up, it looks like a complete failure of the state Home department. The ED (Eknath-Devendra) government is busy in vendetta politics and has no time to run the administration." Condemning the government for its failure, she said, "I condemn this government and the Home Minister and want to ask him as to what is going on in the state." "The Home Minister should answer. If he can't handle the situation then he should resign," said Sule. (ANI) The incident happened on Monday night. The accused have been identified as Akash Jaijaan and Sagar Chowdhary who are constables in the Mainpuri's jail police. "On the information of the ruckus, the police got the medical examination of both the constables. Their consumption of alcohol has been confirmed," ASP Rajesh Kumar told ANI. He said that action has been taken against both the constables. "Action has been taken against both. A report has been sent by the police regarding the action taken in the matter," he added. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has continued shooting his questions to former Chief Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Kamal Nath about his promissory note during the Congress-led government which was in power for 15 months. CM Chouhan on Tuesday said, "Today I am asking one more question from Nath: you had said about the Kisan Fasal Bima Yojana (Farmer Crop Insurance Scheme) that on the recommendation of the gram sabha, the benefit of the insurance would be given to the farmers. Crops get damaged so many times, did you take the recommendation of the Gram Sabha? When crops were damaged during your tenure due to excessive rains, floods, cold, etc, did you give even a single penny under crop insurance scheme?" He added that Nath had made such a base in the Yojana that the farmer did not get the money. "In the last two years we have deposited Rs 17,000 crores in the farmer's account under the Kisan Fasal Bima Yojana, what did you give?" Chouhan asked. The Chief Minister also said, "Kamal Nath ji is repeatedly saying that I lie, but I have a bundle of his lies, that is his promissory note. You (Nath) lied, you cheated and you misled. You have not fulfilled even a single promise in 15 months." "Which promise has been fulfilled, tell me? Now you have come out to cheat people, we will not let this game of cheating go on here. I am saying that you (Nath) are lying, you said so many things but did not fulfil even a single one and you call me a liar. You will have to answer in the public court," Chouhan said. Reacting to CM Chouhan's reamark, Kamal Nath again wrote on twitter on Tuesday, "Shivraj ji, some people lie so much that even the lie gets ashamed. In Mandsaur, the people of the party who shot at farmers, made laws from the centre to grab the land of the farmers, crushed the children of the farmers with their vehicles, are shedding crocodile tears these days." "I ask you (Chouhan) the question that in your vision paper you had promised that you will ensure 100% procurement of pulses. Is your government buying 100% pulses from farmers? Leave the meaningless rhetoric, look at the farmers and fulfil the promise you had made to them," he further wrote. Nath also appealed to farmers that they should not worry. "The film starring Shivraj ji has six more months left, after that we all will follow the path of truth and make golden Madhya Pradesh," he added. (ANI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday hit out at the central government over the upcoming Union Budget and said that the budget will be full of "unfulfilled promises". On being asked about his expectations on the budget, the Congress leader said, "I don't have any expectations from the budget. Because even this year, the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be full of unfulfilled promises." "This budget will be her last budget," added Siddaramaiah. While expressing his confidence in his party, the leader stated that the people of Karnataka have decided to bring the Congress government back to power. For the upcoming assembly elections in the state, the leader would contest from the Kolar constituency. "I have already announced it and if the high command agrees, I will contest from the Kolar seat," said the Congress leader. However, Siddaramaiah refused to speak about Congress's stance on the boycott of the Presidential address in the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament by some of the opposition parties. "You should ask this to the national leaders," added Siddaramaiah. The Congress leader refuted all the claims about his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if given an important position. "Even my dead body would not go to BJP," added Siddaramaiah. As Congress's Bharata Jodo Yatra concluded on Monday, Siddaramaiah said, "We hope that Rahul Gandhi gathers all the opposition under one umbrella." (ANI) Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday virtually inaugurated IndiaOne Air's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Flight Operations for Jamshedpur-Kolkata under the UDAN scheme. "IndiaOne Air is an example of the UDAN Yojana how airlines were getting shut down one after the other in 20 years, three new airlines have come to the fore. There were only 74 airports in the country till 2013-14, there are 147 airports today. 1.15 crore such people who have never undertaken flight service have been benefited through this UDAN Yojana. 2.15 lakh flights were operated," Scindia said in his addressing. The Minister lauded the inauguration of the route and said that it is a landmark step in regard to the small aircraft scheme. "A landmark step that we're starting with inauguration of a route in J'khand, especially with regard to the small aircraft scheme introduced last year. This is basically for sub-26-seater aircraft, including helicopters," he said after the launch of the commercial flight. "UDAN 4.2 round devoted completely to regional and last-mile connectivity. Out of 184 routes, we've given 16 to helicopters, almost 50 to sea-planes and another 118 to small aircraft. This route today which is being inaugurated, Jamshedpur-Kolkata is an extremely important route," Scindia added. He said that for the first time officially operationalised for scheduled airlines Jamshedpur airport and under the UDAN scheme, there's viability cap funding which makes it economical for people who travel between the 2 cities between a range of Rs 2500-2600 in 9-seater Grand Cessna aircraft. (ANI) Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy held a curtain-raiser event for Andhra Pradesh Global Investor's Summit in the national capital on Tuesday and accentuated how the State created a business-friendly environment. Welcoming investors for the Global Investor's summit which will be hosted in Visakhapatnam on March 3-4, Chief Minister said that the event aims to showcase the State's strengths and the plethora of available opportunities. Addressing the international diplomatic alliance roundtable meeting hosted in Delhi, CM Jagan Reddy said, "Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the fastest growing state in the country with an 11.43 per cent year-on-year GSDP growth rate during the financial year 2021-22. Owing to an industry-friendly government, robust infrastructure, and enabling policy environment, Andhra Pradesh has always been an attractive choice for businesses from across the world. When industries grow, it speaks volumes of what we do in the state. In fact, all approvals take less than 21 days, thus making it easier to do business." The Chief Minister highlighted how the industrial corridors help in ease of doing business and magnifies the scope of scaling up the process. Hence, he announced that three industrial corridors would be constructed in Andhra Pradesh as part of the 11 being constructed in association with the Centre. CM Jagan Reddy said the emphasis has been on logistics efficiency and alluring global investors. With Andhra Pradesh having the second largest coastline in India, it is leveraging its inherent maritime advantage through the development of four new seaports. This is in addition to the existing six operational ports apart from six airports, he said. Hailing the investment-friendly environment in the State, industrialists said the state played a major role in supporting companies during a tough time such as Covid-19. Yamaguchi, Toray Industries CEO and MD said with the support of the Andhra Pradesh government, the company could start production despite the Covid constraints. "We have had huge support from Andhra Pradesh. We have invested Rs 1,000 crore in AP and started two business units. But then Covid happened. With the support of the AP government, we started production again in June 2020. Our business plan is to invest more than double our present investment by 2030. We are expecting the AP government's support for growing together," Yamaguchi said. Roshan Gunawardhana, Director, Everton Tea India (Pvt) Ltd praised the ease of doing business in the state and the government's handling of Covid-19. He said, "Ease of doing business is one factor that was good in AP and the support we got from the government helped us set up the units here. 99% of the employees are local. We are grateful to the officials and authorities for supporting us during Covid-19." Deepak Iyer, President, Cadbury India thanked the government of Andhra Pradesh for the best single-window clearance systems in the country. "Our deepest gratitude to govt of AP for providing one of the best single-window clearance systems in the entire country. We do business across the country but AP is one of the best," stated Iyer. Tae Jin Park, MD and CEO, Kia (South Korea) Motors acknowledged Andhra Pradesh's rich and abundant natural resources and assured economic growth. Tae noted that the ease of connectivity including proximity to major ports like Krishnapatnam and Chennai would enable KIA to sell their cars not just across India but across 95 countries in the world. Remembering the journey of Apache in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Sergio Lee, Director, Apache and Hilltop Group (Taiwan) said the company's success would not have been possible without Andhra Pradesh's support. He added that with the latest technology with green energy concept, the company is looking forward to contributing to economic growth in Andhra Pradesh. (ANI) A team of Bhopal Cyber Crime Branch busted a gang involved in cheating people through a 'Buddy Cash Loan App', which was being operated from Thailand, and arrested two accused involved in the crime from Mumbai, a police official said on Tuesday. The accused have been identified as Sanjay Saulkar (52) and Vishal Pawar (38), residents of Mumbai. The accused used to do some business there but behind it they used to commit cyber crimes. Cyber Crime Branch, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Shailendra Singh Chouhan told ANI, "There is a 'Buddy Cash Loan App' through which people were being cheated. We received a complaint from a local victim in the regard after which a team was formed and started an investigation into the matter." "During the investigation, the police arrested two accused involved in the crime from Mumbai. The accused used to steal data of customers via the loan app and then they morphed their photos. After that the accused used to blackmail the customers," he added. Giving information about the app, he said that the investigation revealed that it is a Chinese app developed in Thailand. Besides, the calls to the people were being made through whatsapp and it was quite difficult to trace the location of the caller. During the investigation it was also revealed that the accused cheated around crores of rupees from more than 40 people. Further investigation into the matter is underway, Additional DCP Chouhan added. Reacting to the Buddy Cash Loan App, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Tuesday appealed to people to beware of it and said, "It is an appeal to all to avoid this type of app and if you are a victim of fraud then do register your complaint with the police. Strict action will be taken against the accused." A complaint was registered by a victim, Ranjit for the same and two accused were arrested in the case, Mishra added. (ANI) created on: Jul 30, 2022 by Comms Office 0 0 AACC Statements NAIROBI: 30 JULY 2022 STATEMENT BY ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS In Genesis 37: 1ff, the Bible informs us that Joseph was sold by his brothers out of sheer jealousy and envy. Likewise, history holds that in previous centuries Africa experienced the slave trade. Indeed, many Africans have been sold by their own brothers, sisters, and leaders for one reason or another. It was enough to become a threat to the community, royalty, a friend, or even the family that one would run the risk of being sold to slavers during their next visit to the region. And that was how Africa has been deprived of its able-bodied arms, sent to the confines of America to the sugar cane and other plantations. One might think that following the abolition of the slave trade, this horrible and shameful phenomenon has been eradicated from the existence of mankind. But it is clear that we were wrong to think so; because nowadays we are witnessing a new form of slavery. The only fact that changed is that it is no longer black/Africans who are falling victims, but everybody anywhere and victims are not only sold by someone else, sometimes they sold themselves out not knowing what they are getting into, while some just out of ignorance fall in the hands of traffickers who claim to help them. Our brothers and sisters, wives, and children are being trafficked, smuggled into force labours, sexual exploitation, and child soldiers. As AACC, while fighting the phenomenon to preserve peoples God-given human dignity, we have been documenting the phenomenon of human trafficking and irregular migration. And our discovery was that anyone and everybody could be a victim. Also, poverty, social factors and cultural practices, conflict and natural disasters, and lack of information about the issue among others are the root causes. While we are once again pausing to mark the world day against trafficking in persons, the AACC is reminding us that: As churches and people of God, We are called to preserve peoples God-given rights and life, protect their dignity, and show them Gods love. Consequently, as we call on each one of us to educate our people about the phenomenon so that they do not fall victims, we are equally demanding that our diaconal ministries are activated in order to provide psychosocial support to the victim to restore their dignity and heal those who are traumatized. We are the prophetic voice in the nation and in the world. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate and call on government and world leaders to promote a safe environment for people who are pushed into forced migration or would-be migrants. As government, It is your responsibility to set up a safe migration policy for your people; You need to implement the various aspiration of the AU Agenda 2063 for an integrated Africa and for the well-being of your people. Thus, the AACC is calling on the RECs, government, CSO, FBOs, and all stakeholders To play their respective role so we to set up better migration governance at the national level; To get involved in the Rabat process to ensure that migrants basic needs and catered for are respected Chennai's Pollution Control Board conducted a public hearing meeting at Kalaivanar Arangam Hall where the locals were to give their views on 'Pen Statue' erection plan. Opposition parties including the AIADMK alliance expressed views against the statue plan, as per the sources. Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Chief Seeman warned to destroy the statue and asked DMK to erect it at their party head office. "If the 'Pen statue' is erected in the sea, I will break and destroy the statue. If you (DMK) want to erect the 'Pen statue' in memory of Karunanidhi, you can do it in your party's head office Arivalayam," he said. The statue was planned to be constructed in memory of former TN Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Tension prevails inside the Kalaivanar Arangam as ruling DMK cadres and AIADMK alliance cadres raise slogans and voices against and in favour of the statue plan, respectively. (ANI) Asaram is sentenced to life imprisonment under Sections 376 & 377 in a sexual assault case. Court ordered Rs 50,000 ex-gratia to the victim, Public Prosecutor RC Kodekar said. The 81-year-old is currently serving a life sentence in a Jodhpur case in another case of raping a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013. In the 2013 case, a girl from Surat accused Asaram of rape. Statements from 68 people were taken in the case. There was a total of seven accused, including Asaram. Earlier there were a total of eight accused but one of them became a government witness. Asaram was presented virtually for the hearing. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail and has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Jodhpur court. In the 2013 case, Asaram was accused of rape by a Surat girl, while Narayan Sai was accused of rape by her younger sister. Narayan Sai has been sentenced to life imprisonment whereas today the verdict came on Asaram, in which, he was found guilty. In this case, apart from Asaram, his wife Lakshmi, daughter Bharati and four female followers Dhruvben, Nirmala, Jassi, and Meera were accused. All of these were acquitted. The police have said that in this case, they had received strong evidence against Asaram. (ANI) The PM CARES Trust on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund was created and is existing as purely charitable and it is neither used for any government projects, nor it is governed by any of the government policies. In a fresh affidavit filed in Delhi High Court by an Under Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) who is discharging his functions in the PM Cares Trust also, stated that the Trust functions on the principles of transparency and public good in larger public interest like any other charitable trust and, therefore, cannot have any objection in uploading all its resolutions on its website to ensure transparency. "The Trust's fund is not a fund of the Government of India and the amount does not go into the Consolidated Fund of India. The record available in the public domain makes it amply clear that PMCARES-Trust is neither constituted by the Parliament nor by the government," the Trust said. It further said that the fund is not a "public authority" as defined by the Right to Information Act, and therefore, the Trust does not come under its provisions. "Contributions made to PMCARES Fund/Trust are exempted under the Income Tax Act,1961, but that by itself would not justify the conclusion that it is a "Public Authority," stated the affidavit of PMCares Trust. Under Secretary who filed this affidavit in Delhi High Court submitted, "I am discharging my functions in the PM Cares Trust on an honorary basis which is a charitable Trust not created by or under the Constitution of India or by any law made by the Parliament or by any State legislature. Despite being an officer of the Central Government, I am permitted to discharge my functions in PM Care Trust on an honorary basis." The bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad on Tuesday heard the submissions of the petitioner who sought direction to restrain PM CARES FUND from using Prime Minister of India or Prime Minister including its abbreviations in its name and on its website. The Court was hearing petitions filed by Samyak Gangwal, who sought to declare the PM CARES Fund a 'State' under the Constitution. The petitioner has also sought direction to restrain PM CARES FUND from using Prime Minister of India or Prime Minister including its abbreviations in its name and on its website. Senior Advocate Shyam Divan appearing for Petitioner earlier argued that PM Cares is using the government of India portal, the national emblem is also on the left side. If Trust's fund is not a fund of the Government of India, then this would be a violation if it's a private party. The trustees of it are also not ordinary functionaries. They have taken a high oath of office. Earlier, an affidavit filed by PMCARES Trust affidavit stated that to ensure transparency, the audited report is put on the official website of the Trust along with the details of the utilization of funds received by the Trust. "Suffice to mention that all donations received by the Trust are received via online payments, cheques, and or Demand Drafts, and the amount so received is audited with the audited report and the expenditure of Trust fund displayed on the website. In view of the specific provisions of section 8 of the Right to Information Act, the relief against para 5.3 of the Trust Deed dated 27.3.2020 pales into insignificance," the affidavit reads. PMCARES Trust while opposed to the present petitions stated that such a prayer is not only unheard of but is legally not maintainable. In his other petition, Gangwal challenged the decision of the Central Public Information Officer, Prime Minister's Office wherein the RTI application seeking documents related to the PM Cares Fund Fund was denied. Gangwal has filed its petition through advocates Debopriyo Moulik and Ayush Shrivastava. (ANI) Three persons, including two women, died and two other persons, including a minor, sustained injuries after a pile of coal ashes caved in, where they were searching coal, in Silatara locality in the state capital Raipur on Tuesday, a police official said. Those who died were identified as Mohar Bai Manhare (50), Pancho Gahare (32) and Puneet Kumar Manhare (22), residents of Sakra village in Silatara locality, Raipur. On getting the information about the incident, the police rushed to the spot and started the rescue operation. Those who sustained injuries have been admitted to the hospital. Raipur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abhishek Maheshwari said, "The locals living in Sakra village used to extract coal from the debris of coal ash of a company situated in the area. They collect the coal from it and use it to light Sigdi (a kind of stove). The place from where they extract coal was became like a tunnel." "The tunnel had become long and due to which all of a sudden it caved in. Five people were buried inside it, in which three died on the spot while two sustained injuries. Both of them were undergoing treatment. As soon as we received information, the police team reached the spot and rescued them from the debris," ASP Maheshwari said. He added that the police registered a case against the land owner into the matter and started further investigation. On the other hand, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has expressed sorrow over the death of the people in the incident. He has also instructed the officials to provide better treatment as well as other necessary help required to the injured in the incident. (ANI) As many as 50 posts of fire service personnel in different ranks were approved by CM Patnaik on Monday. They will be deployed at four airports of the state, including Jharsuguda, Utkela, Rourkela and Jeypore, as per a government release. Out of the 50 posts, 9 personnel will be deployed at Utkela and Jeypore airports whereas 16 will be deployed at Jharsuguda and Rourkela airports. Earlier, three fire stations were established at three premier medical colleges of the state, including Cuttack, Behrampur and Burla and two were established in Tihidi in Bhadrak and Baruan in Jajpur districts. 16 fire personnel were deployed at Rourkela Airport in December last year. (ANI) Ahead of the central government introducing its last complete budget tomorrow, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) high command has formed a committee to take the benefits of the budget among the public and take their feedback. As per the BJP sources, the Committee formed on January 28, comprises nine party leaders from different states, which will be headed by former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi. The nine members are BJP leader Vivek Venkataswamy, BJP National General Secretary Sunil Bansal, National Kisan Morcha President Raj Kumar Chahar, National Yuva Morcha President MP Tejaswi Surya, Bihar's former Deputy CM, MP Sushil Kumar Modi, Union Government's Chief Financial Affairs Adviser, MLA Ashok Lahiri are in the committee, BJP national spokesperson Gopala Krishna Agarwal, Sanju Verma, and Yuva Morcha national in-charge Varun Zaveri. The responsibility of the committee is to take the information regarding the benefits of the budget to the people across the country and also get their feedback. This process will start from the next day of the Budget, February 2, and will go on till February 12, the sources said. The members will be doing four meetings, one of which will be physical and rest three will be virtual. In addition to this, every state will be visited by one central minister and one senior BJP leader. BJP will try to spread that when the world is facing an economic crunch due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Indian condition is stable, and it has presented a good budget for the people. They will also try to spread how the government is working for improving the Railways facilities. For making the programme a success, a meeting of all nine members was held in the BJP headquarters today. The planning and strategy of the programme were discussed in the meeting lasting one and a half hours, the sources added. (ANI) Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Tuesday questioned the central government's silence on an US-based firm's allegations of financial irregularities against the Adani Group. At a press conference today, Pawar hit out at the Centre for not issuing any statement on Hindenburg Research's allegations of stock manipulation, money laundering and improper use of tax havens by the Adani Group. "Why does not any senior official speak on this matter?" Pawar asked. "Central government should intervene and make a statement to make people aware of the truth. There are allegations by a foreign agency about one of our industry leaders. The Centre should clarify its stand on the issue," the Maharashtra leader said. The Maharashtra LoP also reacted to the Centre's decision to block BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi from being viewed in India. "This is a democracy and we respect it," Pawar said. "If BBC or any news channel makes any news or documentary, then it should be seen that the documentary is not against the law or against the country, if it is does not disrupt the law and order situation then it should be shown," the NCP leader said. Pawar said that "if it is against the country, then the police should think about the release of the documentary or video. They should also look into the law and order situation so that it does not deteriorate." On Monday, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, senior journalist N Ram, and advocate Prashant Bhushan approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to restrain the central government from censoring the BBC documentary. The petition sought direction to quash all orders which directly and indirectly block online access to BBC's documentary "India: The Modi Question". The petitioners further sought restoration of their tweets sharing the links of the documentary, which were taken down by Twitter following Centre's orders. The right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed to citizens by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution also includes the "right to receive and disseminate information", the plea stated. Even if the contents of the documentary and its viewership/discussion thereupon are unpalatable to the powers that be, it is no ground to curtail the freedom of speech and expression of the petitioners, the plea added. Senior advocate CU Singh mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday for urgent hearing and the court agreed to list the matter. "What does the government gain by the ban on documentaries like that of the BBC? It only creates unnecessary curiosity," argued the Opposition party leaders during an all-party meet at the parliament on Monday, before the start of the budget session. (ANI) A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha's suggestions came while hearing the CBI plea against the Bombay High Court order allowing Mehta to travel to Hong Kong. CBI has challenged the Bombay High Court order which allowed Mehta to travel to his home in Hong Kong. Mehta, a British national who lives in Hong Kong with his family, returned to India in September 2021 and made his first appearance before the court in Mumbai. CBI told the court that it apprehends that huge amounts of money that have gone into those accounts and Mehta, who is a foreign national, is not giving access to the accounts. Mehta's counsel said that they have cooperated with the CBI but the probe agency is making false allegations against him. The court has listed the matter for February 9 for further hearing. (ANI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 50 locations across seven states in cases related to leakage of question papers for the written examinations for the post of Constables in Himachal Pradesh Police. In a statement, CBI mentioned that searches were conducted in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc in an ongoing investigation of two cases related to leakage of question papers for the written examinations for the post of Constables in Himachal Pradesh Police. During searches, incriminating documents have been recovered. CBI registered two cases on November 30, 2022, on the request of the Himachal Pradesh Government and further notification by the Government of India and had taken over the investigation of these cases earlier registered by the State Police on the allegations of leakage of question papers of written examinations for the post of Constables in Himachal Pradesh Police, held in March 2022. During the investigation and scrutiny of documents, the alleged role of various middlemen based in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, etc were revealed. It was alleged that they were operating the nexus for the leakage of examination papers in an organised manner. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) The Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against the top court judgement which struck down some provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act of 1988 and the 2016 amendments to the Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Tuesday mentioned the plea before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. He sought an urgent hearing on the review petition. He also urged for an open court hearing of the case. The court said that it would list the matter. Centre has sought a review of the judgement, which was delivered in August 2022 by a three-judge bench of the apex court. In August 2022, the top court ruled that the forfeiture provision under Section 5 of the 2016 Act, being punitive in nature, can only be applied prospectively and not retroactively and declared some provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act of 1988 and the 2016 amendments to the Act unconstitutional. The top court has declared that the forfeiture provision under Section 5 of the unamended Act of 1988, prior to the 2016 Amendment Act, was unconstitutional for being manifestly arbitrary. The court has noted that this brings us to the last aspect as to the retroactive operation of confiscation (forfeiture) under Section 5 read with Chapter IV of the 2016 Act. It is the argument of the Union of India that civil forfeiture being in the domain of civil law is not punitive in nature and therefore, it does not attract the prohibition contained under Article 20(1) of the Constitution. The 2016 Act, which amends the 1988 Act, expanded the 1988 Act to 72 sections (from 9 sections), divided into eight chapters. Section 5 has been modified and it presently stands as "Property held benami liable to confiscation. -- Any property, which is the subject matter of benami transaction, shall be liable to be confiscated by the Central Government." The 2016 Act provides for provisional attachment of the property where the concerned officer has genuine reason to believe, based on the material gathered, that the person in possession of the property held in benami may alienate the property. "Such provisional attachment cannot be taken recourse to every time. Recourse under Section 24(3) of the 2016 Act should be exercised in exceptional circumstances after previous approval of the Approving Authority. Such interim provisional attachment is strictly limited by time," the court said. The court had noted that the response by the Government and the Law Commission to curb benami transactions was also not sufficient as it was conceded before this Court that Sections 3 and 5 of the 1988 Act in reality, dehors the legality, remained only on paper and were never implemented on the ground. The court had held that Section 3(2) of the unamended 1988 Act is declared as unconstitutional for being manifestly arbitrary and, Section 3(2) of the 2016 Act is also unconstitutional as it is violative of Article 20(1) of the Constitution. As per Section 3 (2) whoever enters into any benami transaction shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both. The court order came on Centre appeal challenging the Calcutta High Court order. The Calcutta High Court in 2019 said ruled that the 2016 amendment cannot be given retrospective effect since there is no express provision granting retrospectively. The court had opined that such reading down was mandated to ameliorate the harsh consequences of confiscatory laws which otherwise would have allowed the State agencies to take over the property without seriously pursuing the criminal prosecutions. The Benami Act empowers the authorities to provisionally attach properties. The amendment to Benami Act, 2016 was designed to curb black money and was passed by parliament in August 2016, came into effect in November 2016. The "benami property" means any property which is the subject matter of a benami transaction and also includes the proceeds from such property and "benami transaction" means,-- a transaction or an arrangement where a property is transferred to, or is held by, a person, and the consideration for such property has been provided or paid by, another person. (ANI) created on: Oct 05, 2022 by Comms Office 0 0 AACC Statements Nairobi: 05/10/2022 STATEMENT BY THE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES ON THE RECENT COUP IN BURKINA FASO The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) strongly condemns the military coup that occurred in Burkina Faso on September 30, 2022. The coup in Burkina Faso is a sad development and a shame to the African continent. The AACC is mindful of how these coup detats have over the years negatively affected the development of the African continent. They are a drawback to Africas development. Foreign elements and invisible powers continue to exploit weak African states by providing guns and ammunition to fuel armed conflicts and capturing governmental machinery to exploit Africa's natural resources. This, AACC equally condemns and urges the international community, including African states to urgently address this phenomenon. In denouncing the coup in Burkina Faso, the AACC urges a refrain from acts that threaten the civil liberties and human dignity of citizens. AACC calls for an urgent transition of the country to civilian and democratic rule in line with the tenets and the spirit of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) which Burkina Faso ratified in 2010. This will help to restore hope to the people. Africa and the people of Burkina Faso deserve better. The AACC upholds prayers for Burkina Faso, and for its member churches, and citizens during these trying times. No injury or casualty has been reported so fire. Locals of the area noticed the fire and raised an alarm. Following information, a team of fire department reached the spot and started the operation. As many as 12 fire tenders are at the spot, and efforts to douse the fire are on, officials said. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Janta Dal (United) leader Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday lashed out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying that he was given the 'Jhunjhuna' of the Chairman of the parliamentary and he can't even nominate a member. Kushwaha even threatened to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council. "I was a Rajya Sabha MP and Union Minister. However, I didn't think twice while leaving those positions. The position of MLC is nothing big compared to that," said Kushwaha. "Even after being the Chairman of the Parliamentary Board, I cannot nominate a member. No attention was paid to my suggestions," he complained. "CM Nitish Kumar says I was given a lot of respect after I was made the Chairman of the Parliamentary Board'," he said. "When I was made the leader of the parliamentary party, I thought that I would get the opportunity to execute the responsibilities of the position. But later on I realized that as the Chairman of the Parliamentary board, I was given nothing but a 'Jhunjhuna' in my hands," he rued. "When I became the Chairman, there was no mention of the post in the party constitution. Later on, the constitution was amended and it was added," Kushwaha alleged. He said that the party did not appoint any member to the parliamentary board and did not even give him powers to appoint the members. "I had suggested the Party to nominate candidates from the backward cast to the Rajya Sabha. However, my suggestion was not heard," he added. (ANI) A constable posted at the residence of the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh died by suicide after shooting himself in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The police have taken the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem. Abhishek Yadav, a resident of Lucknow, was a constable of the 2020 batch and was posted at the SP residence last month. At around 3 am on Tuesday, he committed suicide by shooting himself with a government rifle. The incident came to light when another constable went to the guard room when it was time for changing the duty. Constable Abhishek Yadav was lying in a pool of blood. The deceased constable had been suffering from migraine for the last several months and was undergoing treatment. The deceased lived in a rented house near the police lines. He talked to some of his relatives on the phone on Monday night. The relatives of the deceased were informed; after which they reached Balrampur. The body was sent for post-mortem while the Police are probing the death from every angle. Vinay Yadav, brother of the deceased Abhishek Yadav, said that they received a call late Sunday evening from Abhishek. He had talked about a headache but did not tell anything significant. "There is no reason to take such extreme steps as suicide," his brother added. The police have said that more details would come forth after a thorough investigation. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed the medical termination of 25 weeks pregnancy carried by a minor victim of sexual assault. The High court passed the direction on a plea moved by the mother of the 13-year-old victim. Justice Prathiba M Singh directed the medical board of Safdarjung Hospital to undertake the procedure for the termination of pregnancy on Wednesday. The court observed, "The petitioner is 13 years of age and a victim of sexual assault and FIR has already been registered for the same. Further, the petitioner does not wish to carry on with the pregnancy. This stand of the petitioner is confirmed by the mother of the petition, who is acting as her legal guardian." "Under these circumstances, keeping in mind the interest of the life of the petitioner, her tender age, her education, and keeping in mind the social circumstances, even though the gestational period is more than 25 weeks, this court is of the opinion that the pregnancy is terminated," justice Singh said. The court passed the direction after considering the medical report. The court also interacted with the doctors of the medical board who joined the proceedings through video conferencing. From the interaction, it appears that there are risks involved in the termination of pregnancy as also in continuing with the pregnancy, the court said. The court directed that the minor be admitted to the hospital on Wednesday by 9 am. The doctors of the medical board assured the court that they would give the petitioner the best care during the pregnancy termination process. The minor petitioner approached the court moving a petition through advocate Shreyance Singhavi. The High Court on Monday directed the Safdarjung hospital to constitute a medical board and examine the petitioner. The bench directed to preserve a sample of the foetus for the purpose of a criminal case, which may be required in future. The court after considering the fact the petitioner is a victim of sexual assault directed that the cost of termination of pregnancy shall be borne by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare. The court has also directed that the DCPA shall release a sum of Rs 10,000 for immediate nutrition and other medical needs of the petitioner after the termination of pregnancy. (ANI) The Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hosted the pious event of Me-Dam-Me-Phi at his official residence in Delhi on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Today marks the pious occasion when we pay our respect to our ancestors as we thank them for the rich heritage they left behind for us to seek wisdom and guidance as we move ahead in life. Our rich heritage, our history, and our culture is our greatest teacher as we seek blessings to bring to life the vision of PM Narendra Modiji to build a new India." "In order to achieve the ultimate goal of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat set by Modiji, we must look for knowledge and teachings that our forefathers have left behind. It is a wonderful occasion when we have all gathered here to celebrate this wonderful festival of the Tai Ahom community for the peace and prosperity of humanity," he added. Union Minister Sonowal extended his sincere gratitude to all who joined the prayer on Tuesday. "I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you, including everyone in Assam where it is celebrated widely by people from all communities," he added. The Tai Ahom community celebrates the Me-Dam-Me-Phi festival to worship and pay respect to the ancestors seeking their divinity with God. The meaning of 'Me' means offerings, 'Dam' means ancestors and 'Phi' means God. Those, who attended the event on Tuesday, also prayed for the peace and prosperity of humanity. The festival is celebrated every year on January 31 across Assam. The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation by hundreds of people from the Assamese society residing in the Delhi NCR, among others. Among dignitaries, Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Rameshwar Teli, Dr Mahendrabhai Munjpara, Shripad Yesso Naik, and Shantanu Thakur were Members of Parliament from Northeast attended the event on Tuesday. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Thailand, Pattarat Hongtong as well as the Deputy Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Keo Sendavong. Padmashri Awardee Prof Jogendra Nath Phukan, a leading light in Tai and South East Asian studies including the history & culture of Assam, also attended. (ANI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is making planned efforts for the employment of youth, has taken an initiative before the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS). CM Yogi has constituted a 48-member team, including 12 from the Indian Administrative Service, six each from the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service officers (all retired) and 24 educationists to acquaint the youth with the employment-oriented schemes and policies of the government. From February 3 to February 5, this team will communicate with the youth in different universities/colleges, answer their queries related to employment, as well as make them aware of the utility of the GIS for the youth. In this context, CM interacted with a 48-member special team of retired officers and senior educationists in a unique programme organized at the CM's residence on Tuesday, an official statement said. The CM said that when they took over the responsibility of the state in the year 2017, the state's economy was pathetic. He said that they studied all aspects and then worked in mission mode to bring policy reforms and simplify the system. Efforts were made to improve the law and order situation. The CM said that investment proposals worth Rs 4.68 lakh crore Investors Summit have been received. After this, through three groundbreaking ceremonies, we have implemented proposals worth about Rs 4 lakh crore. CM Yogi further said that in 2017, when the bankers were called to implement the loan waiver scheme for farmers, discouraging results were received. And recently, when there was a meeting with bankers and CEOs, and MDs of financial institutions in Mumbai, people spontaneously expressed their eagerness to be helpful in the development of the state. The CM also expressed concern over the inequality in development in Uttar Pradesh. "Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand had seen very little development as compared to Central Uttar Pradesh and NCR until a few years ago. He said that these areas faced a crisis of migration of its youth," he added. Policies to provide better connectivity, strong law and order and ease of doing business focusing on Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand have been implemented, said the CM. As a result, industrial units are being established in these backward areas. "We are getting investment proposals worth lakhs of crores of rupees," he added. Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit is being organized in Lucknow on February 10-12 to attract capital investment from the country and abroad with the aim of increasing the size of the state's economy to one trillion dollars. The three-day summit will provide a platform for industrialists, businessmen, managers, high-level administrative officials, corporate leaders as well as intellectuals, academicians and policymakers from industry and commerce to explore business opportunities and ways for inclusive development of the state and establish partnerships. "This three-day Global Investors Summit will pave way for the realization of the possibilities of industrialization in the state, but will also improve the standard of living of the common citizen of the state, strengthen the economy and create lakhs of new employment opportunities. Our youth will get the biggest benefit from this summit. Our youth will no longer be forced to migrate to other states for jobs and employment," CM Yogi said. In the roadshows organized in 21 cities of 16 countries, investment proposals of more than Rs 7.12 lakh crores were received, informed the CM. Industry from all over the world has expressed enthusiasm to invest in Uttar Pradesh. This summit is going to be historic. This time all the districts are joining in organizing the Investors Summit. Before the main function on February 10-12, investors' conferences are being held in the districts and investment intents worth thousands of crores of rupees are being received directly by the districts. This is unprecedented for Uttar Pradesh. "Good plans fail due to lack of awareness. Therefore, continuous dialogue and interaction between government, industry and academia are vital. For this purpose, the state government is taking the cooperation of all you experienced officers and educationists," the CM said emphasising the importance of communication. Before the GIS begins, communication with all the youths in universities and other educational institutions is important. "While communicating, inform them about the plans for attracting huge capital investment in UP through various policies issued by the Government. Introduce them to the schemes run by the Government of India and the State Government for the welfare of the youth. Address their curiosities so that more and more youth can be benefited from the schemes. Please guide how this summit will be useful for their bright future," informed the CM to the 48-member team. Students should be made aware of the ambitious plans of the government by visiting universities and colleges. Retired officers and senior educationists will introduce the youth to the employment policies of the state government. The Uttar Pradesh State government in its mission to connect youth with employment has constituted a special team of 12 retired IAS, six each IPS & IFS officers and 24 educationists. Retired officers and educationists will go to universities to introduce the youth to the vision and mission of the Chief Minister. (ANI) "Opposition members in America have raised this issue in Parliament. Ancestors of Muhammad and Christ have been proved to be Sanatani Hindus," he told reporters here. He further said that the governments shouldn't have control over the temples and math. "The governments shouldn't have control over temples and Matth, and there is a need to spend money for the development to every corner," he added. When asked about the lost key of the Puri's Ratna Bhandar, Shankaracharya said, "The Odisha government and Jagannath temple administration never consulted over any issues regarding the temple. Why should I interfere in the missing key issue of Ratna Bhandar?" There are a total of seven treasuries within the temple, out of which one remains open at all times. Around 38 years ago the keys to four treasuries went missing, but only two keys were there with the District Collector. (ANI) CPI(M) Floor Leader in Rajya Sabha Elmaram Kareem, MP, on Tuesday said that the President's address to both Houses of Parliament today was very disappointing. CPI(M) MP Kareem said that the President's speech has become nothing more than a narrative of the corporate appeasement policies of the BJP government ruling at the Centre. In the nineteen-page speech, there is no mention of the words worker or labour. It does not mention anything about the agriculture sector of India, he said. "It endorses the fact that the union government does not stand with the downtrodden of the country. It is sad that the problems faced by the people or the challenges the country is facing today are not part of the President's speech. It prides itself on having a stable government in the centre for two consecutive terms and turns a blind eye to unconstitutional interventions by governors destabilising the state governments," said Kareem. CPI(M) Upper House MP from Kerala said that while thanking the people for giving a stable government in the centre for two consecutive terms, it does not see the horse-trading of the BJP, which came to power in many states of the country by subverting the people's mandate. "Many of the projects mentioned in the speech to praise the interventions made by the government in the fields of infrastructural development, poverty alleviation and women empowerment are actually only announcements that were not useful to the common people in any way. How can a government, which follows the policy of selling off the public sector undertakings and the country's wealth lead the country to progress?" he added He said that the job opportunities of the educated youth are constantly being cut, the rights of the workers are being taken away one by one, and the deliberate attempts to destroy the religious harmony and unity of the country were not being mentioned here. The BJP government, which has cheated the farmers, is trying to implement policies to hand over the country's agriculture sector to corporates. Not only that the government is not ready to fulfil any of the assurances given while ending the farmers' strike, but they are also doing the exact opposite to it. "The brief of this speech is that the central policy of providing all facilities to the country while the corporates are looting the entire wealth of the country is leading to the progress of the country. At this level, the President's speech, which turns a blind eye to the realities of our nation, is disappointing and extremely unfortunate" he added. (ANI) Officials said that the incident took place in the Rana village of the Badkot area of Uttarkashi. No casualty or injury to anyone was reported in the incident, they said. The teams of police, fire squad and SDRF rushed to the spot and controlled the fire with the help of the local people. The exact cause of fire and amount of property lost in the incident could not be ascertained. (ANI) Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by some states may temporarily save cash flows for the state governments but obviously it postpones the problem to a future date and makes the situation somewhat unsustainable or unstable, said Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageshwaran. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the CEA said, "We need to defer to the views of experienced former policymakers like Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who have already opined on this matter. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also expressed its concern about OPS. OPS may temporarily save cash flows for the state governments, but obviously, it postpones the problem to a future date and makes the fiscal situation unsustainable or unstable." "Congress-ruled states Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh have restored the OPS and the demand to restore OPS is also being raised in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and some other states," he added. Responding to a question on unemployment, the CEA said the urban unemployment rate has come down substantially from the pandemic period and we need to continue to make investments in the private sector that will necessitate more hiring. "Construction sector is coming back to life after the pandemic-related closures and restrictions on the movement of people across states etc. The Real Estate sector is getting revived and will also provide employment opportunities. If we see the data of EPFO, the registration rate is higher than the previous three years," he said. He also informed that the government has created an e-Shram portal, which aims to connect employers and those looking for jobs. "Employment generation is a relatively slower moving process, as compared to normal economic growth. I believe that as economic growth steadily rolls on at 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent, we will begin to see the impact on job creation because the formal economy is already creating enough jobs. We need to make sure that it diffuses even further," he added. Nageshwaran said that GDP will accelerate further if the government focuses on some more measures. "India's GDP growth is projected at 6 per cent by many international organizations. I projected 6.5-7 per cent for two reasons, which is very clearly brought out in the survey. One is that India's financial cycle is ready to roll compared to the last decade, and the second factor is India's public digital infrastructure is also ready to contribute to economic activity, because India's digital infrastructure is enabling formalization and financial inclusion, bringing more people into the mainstream economy," he said. He added that if we undertake a set of reforms or policies at the union and state levels to dismantle the licensing, inspection and compliance regulatory ecosystem, our economy could grow even further. "That ensures that Indian Education caters to 21st-century requirements provide and also if we can ensure adequate reliable power supply and if we take care of our energy security and also create a viable MSME ecosystem and continue to invest in infrastructure. These are the things that will drive our economic growth, or create opportunities for economic growth to increase the rate of growth to increase from 7-8 per cent," he said. Talking about Current Account Deficit (CAD), the CEA said that it is a function of our imports and exports and also inward remittances from what Indians working overseas sent to India, interest income, dividend income, etc. "What we received minus what we pay out so India's CAD is dominated by the trade deficit because we depend on external markets for essential items and that is something we need to work on from the long-term point of view. In terms of energy security, India is ahead of its target in the diversification of energy sources, moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy, renewable energy composition, renewable energy and traditional energy mix," he further said. (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. The Morbi court on Tuesday sent the Managing Director of Oreva Group, Jaysukh Patel, to judicial custody, in connection with the 2022 Morbi suspension bridge collapse case, that claimed the lives of 134 people. He earlier surrendered before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Morbi. Patel has been sent to a sub-jail in Morbi. People who lost their loved ones also raised slogans outside the court premises against Patel. Earlier this month, Gujarat Police filed a 1,262-page chargesheet in the case and named Jaysukh Patel as the prime accused for the suspension bridge collapse in Morbi. On January 24, a Gujarat court had issued a warrant for the arrest of Jaysukh Patel of the Oreva Group in relation to the October 30 bridge collapse in Morbi in which 134 people were killed. Ajanta Manufacturing Limited (Oreva Group) had secured the contract to renovate, repair and operate the British-era bridge on the Machchu river in Morbi. On Sunday, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Morbi, MJ Khan, issued an arrest warrant against Patel under section 70 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). "The court issued an arrest warrant against Jaysukh Patel of Oreva Group, which had a contract for the renovation of the Morbi bridge. He has not been arrested for 70 days. "No lookout notice issued yet," Government prosecutor Sanjay Vora had told ANI. Notably, Patel had moved to Morbi sessions court on January 20 for anticipatory bail in the case, while the hearing was adjourned till February 1 as the public prosecutor was not present. Patel is not named as an accused in the FIR filed by the police in the case. Nine persons, including four employees of Ajanta Manufacturing (Oreva Group), have been arrested so far in the case. They include two managers and an equal number of ticket booking clerks of the Oreva Group that was managing the British-era bridge. As many as 134 persons lost their lives after a century-old suspension bridge fell into the Machchhu River of Morbi, Gujarat. Gujarat High Court on November 7 took suo motu cognisance of the Morbi accident, issuing notices to officials, including those of the state Home department and seeking a report within a week. The Supreme Court in November said the Morbi bridge collapse incident was an "enormous tragedy", as it asked the Gujarat High Court, which was already holding hearings in the matter suo motu, to hold periodical hearings. (ANI) Aiming to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting the state in February. Incidentally, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is constantly visiting West Bengal to strengthen its organisation. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar informed ANI that Amit Shah will visit Bengal in February but the date has not been confirmed yet. "We will finalise the date of the Home Minister's visit on February 6. Although, there is a possibility that he will visit the state in the second week of February," he said. The party has also started the Loksabha Pravas Yojana, in view of the Lok Sabha elections. During the visit to West Bengal, Amit Shah will hold public meetings in two Lok Sabha constituencies, and also hold a meeting with the organisation members. Sukanta Majumdar said that before this, BJP National President JP Nadda also held a meeting in an assembly under Krishnanagar Lok Sabha in West Bengal. "Our workers have got enthusiasm from him. The party has emerged from the post-poll violence of the 2021 Assembly elections. As per the national channel surveys, BJP is going to get more Lok Sabha seats than last year. This is what the respected Home Minister, National President and our Prime Minister do when they go and address the workers. Our workers go out of the house and become full of fresh energy," he further said. The BJP state chief also said that BJP will win more than 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Trinamool Congress will try its best to bow us down and make the government. But, I can say that we will win more than 25 seats, more than the number of seats we won last time, and will try to give a gift to the respected Prime Minister from Bengal in 2024," he added. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch a 12-day-long nationwide campaign on Wednesday to reach out to the public and convey the benefits of the upcoming Union budget 2023-24. According to a party source, "BJP will hold 'Countrywide discussion on the budget', from February 1 to February 12, and run a nationwide campaign to spread awareness measures that will be announced in the Union budget 2023-24 on Wednesday. National President JP Nadda has constituted a nine-member committee for same." "Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi has been made the committee's convenor. On February 4 and 5, ministers of the Government of India, national officials and economic experts will hold conferences on the budget at 50 important centres including the capitals of various states of the country", the source added. BJP-ruled state CMs, State Presidents, Ministers, MPs and MLAs will hold conferences and public meetings across the country for the next two weeks and discuss the Budget and its benefits with the common people. Conferences will be organized in all the districts and the main issues of the budget will be conveyed to the public up to the block level. At the central level, many economic experts including Sunil Bansal, National General Secretary, Yuva and Kishan morcha national president have been made members of this committee, said party sources. (ANI) Notably, MHADA has issued a demolition notice to Sena MLC Anil Parab for his office in Bandra East. "The (illegal) construction was done by the housing society and I was using (office) as an MLA. Society demolished (illegal construction) on its own after it found that it cannot be regularised," Parab told ANI. "MHADA has also clarified that the structure was not mine. We are already in court against Kirit Somaiya for defaming me," he added. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged a protest against BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and MHADA officials at Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority office in Mumbai. (ANI) The two boulders of the Shaligram stone, which are being brought from the Gandaki river bank in Nepal for the construction of Ram Mandir, will be handed over to the Ram Mandir Trust in Ayodhya on February 2. Talking to ANI, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai said that the boulders holding spiritual importance, and considered to be crores of years old will reach the Ram Katha Kunj where it will be allowed to be worshipped by the devotees. "There is a water flow named Kali Gandaki in Nepal. It originates from Damodar Kund and is around 85 km north of Ganeshwar Dham Gandki. Both these boulders have been brought from there. The place is about 6,000 feet above sea level and snowfall takes place there. People even say that it is crores of years old. The two boulders weigh around 30 tonnes and 14-15 tonnes," he said. He said that both the boulders will reach by January 31, evening or night, after which it will proceed towards Ayodhya after a break and some rituals. "I have heard that people are coming out on streets to worship the boulders, and it took around three hours to complete the distance of 40-45 km in Bihar," he said. Champat Rai informed that the trucks will reach Ramsevak Puram by crossing the Balu Ghat intersection (booth no. 3). "The boulders will finally be handed over to the Ayodhya temple on February 2. The devotees who are willing to worship them can reach Ramsevak Puram by 10:30 pm," he added. He also said that currently the place where the boulders will be placed is being cleaned on full swing. "I am not aware of the historical and cultural significance of the boulders. I have heard that the stone of Gandaki is called Shaligram, which is considered a form of Lord Vishnu. When the black Gandaki stone comes from Nepal to Bihar, it is called Narayani," he further said. Ram Katha Kunj in Ramsevak Puram is an old workplace of the Ram Mandir, where the boulders of Shaligram stone will reach. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that Mainak Mehta, brother-in-law of fugitive Nirav Modi, should consider providing the CBI a letter of authority to access his offshore bank accounts. The CBI has alleged that Mehta has received a large sum of money siphoned off in the PNB fraud scam, where Modi is the key accused. The investigative agency also alleged that Mehta transferred the money to his and his wife's offshore bank accounts. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud suggested Mehta's counsel that he can give the letter of authority to an official designated by the CBI for accessing the bank details and the matter will end, and if not, then the court will have to take up CBI's plea and decide it. The CBI's counsel submitted that Mehta had refused to give the letter of authority and as a result, the agency had to get letters rogatory (LRs) issued. "No response on LR has been received. We have written to the embassy (in Singapore) to pursue it," counsel said. The CBI's counsel further argued that they apprehend that a huge amount of money has gone into those accounts and Mehra is a foreign national and his wife is a Belgian national, and once he leaves the country, he will not come back. Mehta is a British national who lives in Hong Kong with his family. Senior advocate Amit Desai, representing Mehta, submitted that his client has been in India for a long time and he had always co-operated and false allegations have been made by the CBI. He added that his client is willing to give the letter of authority but then he will have to stay in India for another year, and emphasised that his client should be allowed to go for some time. The top court noted that allowing Mehta to travel out of the country would mean the dismissal of the CBI's appeal without a hearing and added that the court cannot compel Mehta to give the letter of authority to the CBI. After hearing arguments, the top court listed the matter for further hearing on February 9. The apex court was hearing CBI's plea challenging the August last year order of the Bombay High Court which had allowed Mehta to travel to Hong Kong and stay there for three months. --IANS ss/vd ( 407 Words) 2023-01-31-19:10:02 (IANS) In a huge relief to lakhs of aspirants, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has deferred its new examination pattern till 2025, following a request by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after massive protests against the new system rocked the state, officials said here on Tuesday. In a letter to MPSC, Shinde said that the June 2022 move to switch the final (mains) exam pattern this year (2023) from the existing objective to descriptive, besides effecting many other changes, would be unjust and detrimental to the interests of the candidates. Accordingly, the MPSC has deferred its decision and will implement the new pattern from the 2025 exams, giving candidates sufficient time to prepare as per the new style. The Maharashtra Congress, which had carried out agitations and supported the aspirants, claimed credit and said the government has finally "bowed down" to the demands of the candidates. Congress' chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said that lakhs of candidates from all over the state have been demanding postponement of the new pattern since the past few months, including several huge protests held in Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and other places. "State Congress President Nana Patole had also raised the matter in the legislature, but the government adopted a stubborn stance and refrained from taking a decision in the interest of the candidates. After the candidates' show of unity, the government had to bend and is now taking credit for their agitation," said Londhe. He pointed out that when the Congress held a daylong protest with thousands of aspirants agitating all over the state on January 13, though CM Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis were in Pune, they did not go to meet the protesters shivering in winter temperatures. It may be recalled that the MPSC had announced its new pattern for the 2023 Main exams which led to massive protests, as the candidates usually prepare for 3-5 years before writing the competitive exam. With changes in the exam pattern from objective to descriptive, the preparations had to be changed which couldn't be done overnight, argued the candidates and organisations like Spardha Pariksha Samanvaya Samiti (SPSS). Besides the written exams pattern which will now be similar to the UPSC exams -- the number of papers has been increased from 6 to 9 with a major descriptive component, the total marks has gone up from 800 to 1750, with candidates needing to score a minimum of 25 per cent in each paper to qualify for the merit score. --IANS qn/arm ( 430 Words) 2023-01-31-19:28:02 (IANS) The Supreme Court collegium on Tuesday has recommended the elevation of Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Gujarat High Court's Chief Justice Aravind Kumar as judges of the apex court. The collegium's resolution published on the apex court website said: "After carefully evaluating the merit, integrity and competence of eligible Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges of the High Courts and also accommodating a plurality of considerations, the Collegium finds the following persons to be more deserving and suitable in all respects for being appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court of India: Justice Rajesh Bindal, Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, (PHC: Punjab & Haryana), and Justice Aravind Kumar, Chief Justice, High Court of Gujarat, (PHC: Karnataka)." The collegium is headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, K.M. Joseph, M.R. Shah, Ajay Rastogi, and Sanjiv Khanna. It further added that collegium deliberated on and discussed the names of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of the high courts eligible for appointment to the Supreme Court. "Judgments authored by those falling in the zone of consideration for elevation to the Supreme Court were circulated among the members of the Collegium for a meaningful discussion on and assessment of their judicial acumen," said the resolution. On December 13, 2022, the collegium recommended five names for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court, namely Justice Pankaj Mithal, Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Justice Manoj Misra. Their appointment is yet to be notified by the government. The Supreme Court has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges and is presently functioning with 27 judges. Thus, there are seven clear vacancies. Detailing on the reasons for selection of two Chief Justices for elevation to the apex court, the collegium said while recommending the two names it has taken into consideration the following aspects: The seniority of chief justices and senior puisne judges in their respective parent high courts as well as overall seniority of the high court judges; and the merit, performance and integrity of the judges under consideration. It further added, "The need to ensure diversity and inclusion in the Supreme Court by: (i) representation of High Courts which are not represented or are inadequately represented, in the Supreme Court; (ii) appointing persons from marginalised and backward segments of society; (iii) gender diversity; and (iv) representation of minorities. The Collegium resolves to recommend that (i) Mr Justice Rajesh Bindal and (ii) Mr Justice Aravind Kumar, be appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court of India." The collegium said the names recommended earlier by the Collegium by its resolution dated December 13, 2022 shall have precedence over the two names recommended presently for appointment to the Supreme Court. "The resolution of the Collegium in regard to the appointment of Mr Justice Rajesh Bindal, Chief Justice of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad is unanimous. However, in regard to the appointment of Mr Justice Aravind Kumar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat, Justice K.M. Joseph has expressed his reservations on the ground that his name can be considered at a later stage," said the collegium. Justice Bindal was appointed as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 22, 2006. He was appointed as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court on October 11, 2021, and stands at serial No.2 in the combined All India seniority of high court judges and he is the seniormost judge hailing from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. "While recommending his name, the Collegium has taken into consideration the fact that the Punjab and Haryana High Court which is one of the largest High Courts with a sanctioned strength of eighty five judges is not adequately represented on the Bench of the Supreme Court. The High Court of Punjab and Haryana is a common High Court for two States," added the resolution. Justice Aravind Kumar was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court on June 26, 2009 and as permanent judge on December 7, 2012. He was elevated as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court on October 13, 2021. "Mr Justice Aravind Kumar stands at Sl. No.26 in the combined All India seniority of High Court Judges. While recommending his name, the Collegium is conscious of the fact that in the seniority of Judges hailing from the Karnataka High Court, Mr Justice Aravind Kumar stands at Sl. No.02 and that at present, the Bench of the Supreme Court is represented by two Judges from the Karnataka High Court," said the resolution. --IANS ss/vd ( 785 Words) 2023-01-31-19:36:03 (IANS) The AIADMK is likely to announce on Wednesday its candidate for the bypoll to the Erode East Assembly scheduled to be held on February 27, a party leader said on Tuesday. The by-election to the Erode East constituency was necessitated after the sitting legislator, E. Thirumahan Everaa, passed away on January 4. His father and senior leader of the Congress party, EVKS Elangovan, is the candidate for the Congress-DMK alliance. The last date of filing nominations is February 8 and the counting will be held on March 2. AIADMK leader and former minister, K.A. Sengottaiyan, on Tuesday said that there was no confusion in the party over the name of the candidate, adding that the 'good news' (name of the party nominee) would be announced on Wednesday. He also said that the party election committee office will also be inaugurated on Wednesday. Sengottaiyan, who is in charge of the by-election for the AIADMK, told media persons on Tuesday that the party was not worried about the allegations of the DMK that accused his party of distributing cash for purchasing votes. He said that many voters of East Erode have migrated to other constituencies and that the names of several deceased people figure in the list of voters. He said that the AIADMK would be sending a letter to the Election Commission of Tamil Nadu regarding these issues in a few days' time. --IANS aal/pgh ( 249 Words) 2023-01-31-19:44:03 (IANS) Police said that the accused, identified as Sheikh Amjad, 33, was also found involved in 10 cases. A reward of Rs 20,000 was declared for providing information on him that eventually led to the arrest of the accused -- a resident of Katihar district in Bihar. According to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav, in May 2022, a resident of Greater Kailash-I in the national capital had hired some persons for painting works at her house, which went on for a few days. One day, she went to market by locking the main door of the house while those engaged in the white-wash work were still present. "When she returned, she found that the lock of the main door of the house was broken, and jewellery worth around 25 lakh was missing," the police officer said. During the investigation, police arrested one of the accused, Dilshad while Sheikh Amjad, Mantoo and Naseem, were absconding. A reward of Rs 20,000 was declared for each of them. Yadav said Amjad was arrested after the police received a tip-off following which a trap was laid at ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan. Police said that he is addicted to liquor and to fulfil his needs, he started committing theft and other crimes. --IANS ssh/prw/pgh ( 243 Words) 2023-01-31-19:56:05 (IANS) The raids were conducted in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The CBI said that during searches, incriminating documents have been recovered. The CBI registered two cases on January 30 at the request of the Himachal Pradesh government and took over the investigation from the police. During investigation and scrutiny of documents, the alleged role of various middlemen based in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, etc., were revealed. It was alleged that they were operating the nexus of leaking of examination papers in an organised manner. --IANS atk/prw/pgh ( 150 Words) 2023-01-31-20:38:02 (IANS) Thousands of people from all over Ladakh joined education reformist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk in support as he completed his five-day hunger strike demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory (UT) in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. A video on the reformist's private YouTube channel showed scores of locals joining his protest site. Wangchuk, whose remarkable life story inspired the blockbuster '3 Idiots', has, on his personal Twitter handle, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety and protection of Ladakh, citing studies that have forewarned the extinction of nearly two-thirds of the glaciers in the Union Territory. "FINALLY, MY #ClimateFast ENDS... It was to #SaveLadakh under #SixthShedule. I was joined by 100s of people in prayers, from all over Ladakh in snowy polar conditions," tweeted Wangchuk. Wangchuk sat on a hunger strike to draw the attention of the central government and the world to the environmental hazards that the UT was faced with, and seek safeguards for an eco-fragile Ladakh. "ALL IS NOT WELL in Ladakh! In my latest video, I appeal to @narendramodi ji to intervene and give safeguards to eco-fragile Ladakh. To draw the attention of Govt and the world I plan to sit on a 5-day #ClimateFast from 26 Jan at Khardungla pass at 18000ft -40 C," tweeted Wangchuk. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Wangchuk said if the authorities concerned continue to turn a blind eye to the needs of Ladakh and if the UT isn't provided protection and safeguards from industries, the glaciers there will be extinct, leading to enormous water scarcity and other hazards for the country and its neighbourhood. "If necessary measures are not taken, industries, tourism, and commerce will continue to flourish in Ladakh and will eventually ruin it. According to recent studies from Kashmir University and other research organisations, Ladakh may lose two-thirds of its glaciers if they are not properly taken care of. A study by Kashmir University has found that the glaciers surrounded by highways and human activities are melting at an alarming rate," Wangchuk said. "Global warming due to America and Europe alone is not responsible for this climate change. Localised pollution and emissions are equally responsible for it. In areas like Ladakh, there should be minimal human activities so that there is no harm to the glaciers," he added. Stressing the need for the adoption of sustainable development, the engineer-turned-education reformer appealed to Prime Minister Modi to ensure the protection of Ladakh and other Himalayan regions from 'industrial exploitation'. It will help safeguard the lives and employment of the people, he added. "It is my appeal to PM Modi to provide protection to Ladakh and other Himalayan regions from this industrial exploitation, as it will impact and safeguard the lives and jobs of the people. However, I believe that besides the government, the people should also be equally concerned about climate change and look for measures to mitigate it," he said, emphasizing on the need to adapt to a sustainable mode of living, ensuring that resources, while being used to meet the development goals, are also preserved for the coming generations. He also urged children to avoid wastage of food and clothes as it harms the environment in the long run. In a 13-minute long video shared by Wangchuk on his YouTube channel, he 'urgently' appealed to his countrymen and the world to help protect the 'environmentally sensitive' region of Ladakh. He has also urged PM Modi to intervene and safeguard the ecosystem of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. "This is an urgent appeal from Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh (in the Indian Himalayas) to the people of India and the world to help protect the environmentally sensitive region of Ladakh. He appeals to the Prime Minister of India to intervene and safeguard this fragile ecosystem under the sixth schedule of the Indian constitution," read the description column for his Youtube video. Born in 1966, Wangchuk, a mechanical engineer and director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), was a recipient of the Magsaysay Award in 2018. Wangchuk inspired the fictional character of Phunsukh Wangdu essayed by Aamir Khan in '3 Idiots', which released in 2009. The Ladakh-based engineer is known for setting up his innovative school, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), whose campus runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating. He set up the SECMOL in 1988 with the aim of supporting Ladakhi children and youth and training the students whom the system termed as failures. In 1994, Wangchuk launched Operation New Hope to bring reforms to the government school system. (ANI) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Simranjit Singh Mann accused retired Lieutenant General Kuldeep Singh Brar of being a war criminal for his role in operation 'Blue Star'. He further stated that Brar should be tried in court for all the damage he inflicted on the Sikh people in India and the holy shrine of 'Darbar Sahib'. He further stated that Brar should be tried in court for all the damage he inflicted on the Sikh people in India and the holy shrine of 'Darbar Sahib'. "What can we say to the culprit who are behind the genocide, and vandalism which happened on the 'Darbar Sahib'? Lieutenant General Kuldeep Singh Brar is a war criminal, he should be tried in a criminal court for all the damage he has done to the Sikh religion and with the rest of India," Mann said. The Member of Parliament called Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as a leader who wanted to liberate the Sikh people. "We consider Bhindranwale as our leader who wanted to liberate us," he mentioned. This comes after the recent episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, where the retired 1971 war veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Brar claimed that Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had "allowed" militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to grow into a sort of Frankenstein monster in operation 'Blue Star'. "No one wants an operation, but what do you do? Indira Gandhi allowed him to become Frankenstein. You could see every year what was happening. But when he reached the pinnacle, now finish him off, now destroy him. It is too late," he said. He claimed that the then-political leadership had allowed the Bhindranwale cult to flourish. "They had their own little problem support between Akali and Congress. They allowed this cult of Bhindranwale to continue," the retired army officer said. In the episode titled "Never before heard stories from the man who led Operation Blue Star" Lt Gen Kuldip Singh Brar recalled the situation of Punjab in the 1980s at a time when he said Bhindranwale was in full control of the state. Lt Gen Brar said that law and order had completely collapsed in Punjab and the "feeling of Khalistan" was building up. Bhindranwale was the head of the Sikh religious sect Damdami Taksal. He was killed along with his armed followers during Operation Blue Star launched by the Indian Army at the Golden Temple complex. The Indian Army carried out Operation Blue Star in 1984 between June 1 and June 8. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, had ordered the military operation to flush out Sikh terrorists including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who were accumulating weapons inside the premises of the Golden Temple. (ANI) As many 12 others were also injured in the fire that broke out in the Dhanbad apartment. Expressing his condolences to the kin of the victims, Soren said the district administration is working on a war footing and treatment is being provided to the injured. "The death of people due to fire in Dhanbad's Ashirwad Tower Apartment is extremely heart-wrenching. The district administration is working on a war footing and providing treatment to those injured in the accident. I am looking into the whole matter myself," tweeted Soren. He further said that everything possible is being done to provide quick medical treatment to the injured. "May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the difficult times of grief. Everything possible is being done to provide quick medical treatment to the injured," he tweeted. SSP Dhanbad Sanjiv Kumar said several people had gathered in the apartment for a marriage function. "The cause of the fire is still not known. We're focusing on the rescue. The injured were shifted to the hospital," said Kumar. Earlier in the day, a massive fire broke out at the apartment, leaving several trapped inside the building, the officials said. They further informed that a rescue operation was underway. (ANI) A number of labourers from Bihar's Siwan and other districts said that they are trapped in Tajikistan and requested the state and Central government to rescue them. The labourers went to Tajikistan on contract basis to work and alleged that the company has extended the work period from 11 hours to 14 hours but is not giving money for the overtime. As per the contract with an Indian placement company named Pari Enterprises and Tajikistan-based company TGM, the work period is 11 hours but the company forcibly asks them to work 14 hours, the labourers said. Moreover, they are only offered boiled rice, and potatoes to eat and contaminated water to drink. The family members of the labourers in Siwan district claimed that many of them fell ill and are not physically and mentally fit for work. Some of the labourers of Siwan were identified as Ramakant Kushwaha and Ramesh Kushwaha of Hardiya Bangra village, Om Prakash of Orma village, Mantu Singh of Teliabagh village, Motim Ansari of Nawada village, Nand Ji of Morwa village, and Sunil Kumar of Viyahi village. Another labourer named Harikesh Yadav is a native of Bhore Kalyanpur in Gopalganj district. Besides Bihar, dozens of labourers of other states are also trapped in Tajikistan, they said. --IANS ajk/vd ( 228 Words) 2023-01-31-21:34:04 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives in the devastating fire at a Dhanbad apartment and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lahk for the next-of-kin of the dead. PM Modi also announced that an amount of Rs 50,000 each has also been sanctioned for the injured in the incident. As many as 14 people died and 12 others were injured after a fire broke out in the Dhanbad apartment. "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the fire in Dhanbad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," tweeted the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). PM Modi also wished the injured a speedy recovery. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in Dhanbad. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon," the PMO tweeted. Earlier, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his condolences over the death of 14 persons in the major fire in Dhanbad's Ashirwad Tower Apartment. Soren said the district administration was working on a war footing and treatment is being provided to the injured. "The death of people due to fire in Dhanbad's Ashirwad Tower Apartment is extremely heart-wrenching. The district administration is working on a war footing and providing treatment to those injured in the accident. I am looking into the whole matter myself," tweeted Soren.He further said that everything possible is being done to provide quick medical treatment to the injured. "May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the difficult times of grief. Everything possible is being done to provide quick medical treatment to the injured," he tweeted. SSP Dhanbad Sanjiv Kumar said several people had gathered in the apartment for a marriage function. "The cause of the fire is still not known. We're focusing on the rescue. The injured were shifted to the hospital," said Kumar. Earlier in the day, a massive fire broke out at the apartment, leaving several trapped inside the building, the officials said. They further informed that a rescue operation was underway. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Don Pramudwinai in Delhi and discussed the bilateral relationship between India and Thailand on Monday. During the meeting, both dignitaries also discussed the situation in Myanmar. Taking the meeting to Twitter Jaishankar said, "Pleased to meet DPM and FM Don Pramudwinai of Thailand this afternoon. Discussed our bilateral relationship and the situation in Myanmar". Prior to this Jaishankar in August last year inaugurated the Indian Embassy Residence Complex in Bangkok along with Pramudwinai. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar congratulated the Ambassador of India in Thailand Suchitra Durai and her team for the excellent project delivery. "Jointly inaugurated the Indian Embassy Residence Complex in Bangkok with DPM and FM Don Pramudwinai. Congratulate Ambassador @IndiainThailand and her team for the excellent project delivery," he tweeted. Jaishankar at that time was in Thailand to attend the ninth India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting.There he called on Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and conveyed personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Privileged to call on Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha during my visit. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Benefitted from his guidance on growing our bilateral relationship as we celebrate 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations." Jaishankar said in a tweet. The Minister also paid a visit to the Temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok."Saw the splendid Ramayana murals at the Temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Our contemporary partnership with Thailand draws so much from history and culture." he said.The ninth Thailand-India Joint Commission meeting was co-chaired by Jaishankar and Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. During the joint press conference later, Jaishankar was asked a question about the Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 docking in Sri Lanka. "What happens in our neighbourhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security obviously are of an interest to us," he said. The 8th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Thailand was held on October 10, 2019 in New Delhi. (ANI) Pakistan's Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo Imran Khan of taking Pakistan into bloodshed and chaos, adding that the former prime minister should stop calling the army for help and do politics alone as no one will help him now, The News International reported. Asif made these statements while addressing a press conference at his residence in Sialkot, Pakistan. The News International report further quoted Asif as saying that the PTI had the platform of assemblies they rejected, and now they were asking the institutions to facilitate them for talks with the government. He said Khan made baseless accusations and allegations against former President Asif Ali Zardari like Zardari wanted to get Khan killed. Due to this, there was fear of bloodshed in Pakistan's politics and at that time if anything would have happened, Khan would have been responsible, the report stated. He further mentioned that the leaders of the Pakistan People's Party had made sacrifices in the fight against terror, as he cited the assassinations of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He also mentioned that by accusing Asif Zardari of wanting him dead, Imran had shifted from his stance yet again, which might bring more chaos to an already embattled country. Asif also accused Khan of being responsbile for the country's economic downfall. He said all the cards that Khan had played were rendered useless. "Khan used to blame the USA for bringing down his government, but now he was accusing caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi of doing so. This is a clear contradiction in Khan's words and actions," the report quoted him as adding. The minister said the PTI had sought dissolution of the Assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Imran, himself, had said he did not want to sit with thieves and dacoits. After that, he said his party members would withdraw their resignations from the Assembly, the minister claimed in the report. The report quoted him as saying that when the PTI's resignations started being accepted, Imran Khan said: "We are coming back to the assembly". (ANI) US President Joe Biden on Monday said that he was "not sure" about his trip to Europe around the one-year anniversary of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine next month. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said, "I'm not sure". However, in a separate question regarding Poland tour, the US president said that he would visit a crucial ally, but that date was not yet determined. Earlier, two senior administration officials in the US said President Biden was considering making a trip to Europe around the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine next month. A trip is not yet confirmed, and details have yet to be finalized. But one of the officials said that one stop under consideration is Poland, a key NATO ally currently housing thousands of American troops that also serves as a hub for Western weapons transfers to Ukraine. US service members are also training Ukrainian troops there. It is highly unlikely that Biden would travel to Ukraine as part of this trip, however, one of the officials said, citing the ongoing security concerns. Biden's aides have been planning for several weeks how they will mark the anniversary of the invasion, including potentially a major address. They hope to emphasise the resilience of the Ukrainian people, noting that when the war began, many assumed Kyiv would fall within days. Responding to queries in South Lawn, Biden also expressed his wish that the George Floyd Act be passed. Earlier, he also said America will not send the F16 fighter jets to Ukraine, CNN reported. While responding to a reporter on whether he would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Biden said "no". Interestingly, the US had ramped up military assistance to Ukraine in the form of artillery and tanks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought fighter jets to help sustain his war effort against Russia. Biden has consistently said the planes aren't on the table, even as he has given aid in other areas. Last week, Biden announced that he would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite top US officials saying previously the heavy-duty vehicles were a poor fit for the country's military. Speaking on the White House South Lawn, Biden also said he wasn't sure whether he would visit Europe next month for the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, reported CNN. In response to a separate question, Biden said he was planning to visit Poland, but wasn't sure when. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that they have not received any requests from Ukraine for fighter jets, according to CNN. "We do not have such a request formulated [from Ukraine]," Macron said at a joint press conference at The Hague where the two leaders were meeting to prepare the next EU council of February. Macron said while no requests had been received by France, "nothing is off-limits in principle." He insisted that the usefulness of each request must be considered carefully. Macron said the weapons requested should not escalate the conflict, reported CNN. (ANI) The toll from the deadly suicide bombing inside a crowded mosque inside Police Lines compound in Peshawar rose to 63, while the number of injured persons was 150, Geo News reported. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan announced a day of mourning in the province on Tuesday following the attack. The national flag will be at half-mast across the province, he said, adding, "The government shares the grief of the martyrs' families." The interim CM also assured the aggrieved families that the provincial government would not leave them alone in the aftermath of the tragedy. According to the security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayer when he blew himself up. Sahibzada Noor Ul Amin, the Imam of the mosque, was also killed in the blast, police said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Peshawar where he was informed on all aspects of the bombing, Geo News reported. PM Shehbaz also visited the injured at the Lady Reading Hospital in the city. He was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said that "investigations are underway" about how the attack happened and how the terrorist entered the vicinity. "Don't know where the attacker came from and how he entered," Ansari said while briefing the PM. The police chief further said, "There are family quarters inside the Police Lines and the attacker could be already living in the area." Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said that "investigations are underway" about how the attack happened and how the terrorist entered the vicinity. "We don't yet know where the attacker came from and how he entered," Ansari said. The police chief further said, "There are family quarters inside the Police Lines and the attacker could be already living in the area." "An emergency has been imposed at hospitals across the city and injured persons are being provided the best medical facilities," Dawn reported, citing the senior official. Those injured in the blast are reportedly said to be in critical condition. The blast took place in the mosque located in the Police Lines area of Peshawar during the afternoon prayers. Earlier, an eyewitness said there were at least 120 people at the mosque when the explosion took place. He said that the injured mostly included police personnel. (ANI) U.S. cannot demand cooperation from China while interfering in its internal affairs: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 08:13, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday at a regular press briefing that the U.S. side cannot demand communication and cooperation from China while keeping interfering in China's internal affairs and hurting China's interests. Mao's comment came after the U.S. State Department Spokesperson repeatedly mentioned Secretary Blinken's upcoming visit to China, saying that his team will discuss with China how to "responsibly manage competition and step up cooperation on transnational challenges," and also raised concerns on issues related to Taiwan, fentanyl, Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula. Mao said that in growing relations with the United States, China follows the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, adding that China remains committed to defending its own sovereignty, security and development interests at the same time. "China does not shy away or flinch from competition, but we are against defining the entire China-U.S. relations with competition alone and using competition as an excuse to contain and suppress others," she said. Mao said China is ready to have both bilateral and multilateral communication and cooperation with the U.S. side on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, but the United States cannot demand communication and cooperation from China while keeping interfering in China's internal affairs and hurting China's interests. Mao also pointed out that Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests, and it is the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations and the number one red line that must not be crossed between China and the U.S. side. "At no time should the United States ever seek to cross that red line," she said. Noting China is the first country in the world to have officially scheduled fentanyl-related substances as a class, Mao said that China has taken an active part in international counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation under the framework of the UN conventions on drug control, adding that however, China's counternarcotics capacity has been seriously hampered by U.S. sanctions on relevant Chinese institutions. "We are firmly against those sanctions and urge the United States to reflect on its inadequate counternarcotics efforts instead of deflecting the blame," Mao said. She also mentioned that China is committed to seeking a political settlement and bringing parties to the table on Ukraine and the Korean nuclear issue, and goes against any rhetoric or action that could fuel the tensions and make matters worse. "We hope the United States will work with China and let China-U.S. interactions be defined by dialogue and win-win cooperation, not confrontation and zero-sum competition, and deliver on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state to bring bilateral relations back to the track of healthy and stable growth," Mao added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The United States House of Representatives introduced a Bill calling on Washington to support Taiwan's participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a member, Focus Taiwan reported. US House of Representatives Young Kim and Al Green, on Thursday, introduced the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act seeks to ensure that the US Governor of the international fund advocates for Taipei and the provision of IMF technical assistance and training to the country. The Bill also seeks to involve Taiwan's participation in the IMF's regular surveillance activities relating to the nation's economic and financial policies, job opportunities at the IMF for the nationals, and the provision of IMF technical assistance and training to Taipei, as per the report in Focus Taiwan. The IMF is a global organization of approximately 180 member countries set up to promote the health of the world economy. "As the 21st largest economy in the world and the 10th largest goods trading partner of the United States, Taiwan deserves a seat at the IMF," Kim, who serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement released on January 26. "I am proud to be a co-lead of the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act led by Congresswoman Kim. This bill requires the U.S. Governor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to use the voice and vote of the U.S. to urge Taiwan's participation and membership in the IMF," Rep. Green said. "As a leading world economy, Taiwan's experience in promoting sound economic policies can be instrumental in helping the IMF achieve its mission. Thus, it deserves a seat at the table. My hope is that this bill will help steer it toward that direction," he added, according to the statement. As per the Bill, "Taiwan is the 21st largest economy in the world and the 10th largest goods trading partner of the United States. Although Taiwan is not an IMF member, it is a member of the World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum." According to the January 2020 Report on 15 Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of 16 Major Trading Partners of the United States, published by the Department of the Treasury, Taiwan 18 held USD 471,900,000,000 in foreign exchange reserves, 19 more than major economies such as India, South 20 Korea, and Brazil. According to the section of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8), enacted on April 10, 23 1979, ''Nothing in this Act may be construed as a 24 basis for supporting the exclusion or expulsion of 25 Taiwan from continued membership in any international organization.''. A Bill to promote Taiwan's membership of the IMF was first introduced in May 2020 by then-Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, who did not run for re-election last year. In November 2021, Gonzalez and Green again presented a bill with the same purpose, which, however, failed to pass the House by the end of its term. (ANI) China's nuclear weapons research institute managed to buy the United States chips at least a dozen times in the past two and a half years, despite decades-old American export restrictions, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The report of Wall Street Journal revealed that China had ignored the decades-old American export restrictions that were supposed to curb such sales and found a way around them. The report found that the state-run China Academy of Engineering Physics has managed to obtain the semiconductors that were made by the US companies such as Intel Corporation and Nvidia Corp since 2020 despite its placement on America's export blacklist in 1997. The chips were acquired from resellers in China and some of them were procured as components for computing systems, with many bought by the institute's laboratory studying computational fluid dynamics, a broad scientific field that includes the modeling of nuclear explosions. Such purchases defy longstanding restrictions imposed by the US that aim to prevent the use of any US products for atomic weapons research by foreign powers. The academy, known as CAEP, was one of the first Chinese institutions put on the US blacklist, known as the entity list, because of its nuclear work, reported WSJ. The Journal Review, published by CAEP, revealed that there are 34 over the past decade referenced using American semiconductors in the research. They were used in a range of ways, including analyzing data and generating algorithms. Nuclear experts said that in at least seven of them, the research can have applications for maintaining nuclear stockpiles. CAEP didn't respond to requests for comment. The findings underline the challenge facing the Biden administration as it seeks to more aggressively counter the use of American technology by China's military. In October, the US expanded the scope of export regulations to prevent China from obtaining the most advanced American chips and chip-manufacturing tools that power artificial intelligence and supercomputers, which are increasingly important to modern warfare, reported WSJ. America has been trying to aggressively counter the use of American technology by China's military for years now. In October last year, the US told chip designer Nvidia Corp to restrict exports of two computing chips for artificial intelligence work to Beijing. "On August 26, 2022, the US government, or USG, informed NVIDIA Corporation, or the Company, that the USG has imposed a new license requirement, effective immediately, for any future export to China (including Hong Kong) and Russia of the Company's A100 and forthcoming H100 integrated circuits," the company said in a statement that was published by the US Securities and Commission. The company said the license is required to export and support technologies, thereby eliminating the risk that these technologies could be used for military purposes. The statement noted that the company may request a license for a potential customer, but does not guarantee that the government will issue a license. (ANI) A mass shooting in a Florida city has left 10 people wounded while two in critical condition, the Lakeland Police Department announced on Monday, according to CNN. According to the police, a dark-blue, four-door sedan pulled up at the scene of the shooting, Police Department Chief Sam Taylor said. "The vehicle slowed, did not stop, and the four windows went down. It appeared to be occupied by four shooters in the vehicle," Taylor said, adding, "They started firing from all four windows of the vehicle and shooting males on both sides." The car took off at a high speed, and police are "actively looking for that vehicle now," CNN quoted Taylor saying. According to ABC, the police responded to calls of a shooting at a location near Iowa Avenue North and Plum Street at 3.43 pm. All the victims were adult men between 20 and 35 years old, according to Taylor. "We will be out most of the night trying to figure out who these individuals are in the vehicle," Taylor said. Police found certain 'quantity' of marijuana at the scene, which indicates to police that "there was a narcotic sales or sales of marijuana going on at the time," Taylor said, adding, "Whether that is significant or related to this is unknown," according to CNN. The chief said in his 34 years career in this department, he had never worked on a case where so many people had been shot at one time. "This is something that doesn't happen to Lakeland," he said. (ANI) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday participated in a Track 1.5 event hosted by the the US-India Business Council at the US Chamber of Commerce, with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The round table discussion was held on the sidelines of the official high-level dialogue of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) on Tuesday. Participating in the event on Monday were top industry representatives from both India and the US. Doval, who arrived in Washington on Monday morning and was welcomed by Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The Indian envoy is also hosting a reception for Doval at India House and Sullivan is also likely to attend. [{ba5b89f4-4795-4190-9ad2-9cf59b461213:intradmin/ANI-20230131002228.jpg}] The official dialogue between Doval and Sullivan will take place on Tuesday afternoon. In the discussions that will be held at the White House, there would be a laser focus on aligning Washington and New Delhi's strategic, commercial and scientific approaches specifically in the field of technology. "iCET is the next big milestone in India-US Strategic Partnership with a simple objective to take bilateral cooperation to the next level but specifically in areas of interest to India," an official familiar with the India-US deliberations told ANI. The NSA is accompanied by a high-powered delegation. India's Principal Scientific Adviser, ISRO chairman, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, and DG of DRDO, are five high-profile members of the delegation. From the US side besides Sullivan, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, NSC Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell, Senior director for national security and technology Tarun Chhabra and State Department's deputy envoy for the office of critical and emerging technologies Seth Center will be a part of the dialogue. iCET was first mentioned in a statement after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Tokyo in 2022 on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit. "Through iCET, India would send a message out to the broader industry that India can be a 'trusted partner' and that the two democracies could discuss how to build a trusted partner ecosystem between US and India where there's a free flow of R&D and other information pertaining to technology specifically," the official said. Tuesday's meeting is ought to be outcome-oriented with a clear sense of achievable action points ANI has learned.Experts say that there is a hope that both India and the United States will be able to specify priority areas of cooperation.iCET has no explicit reference to China but the Biden administration sees technology development vis-a-vis China as a zero-sum game that the US cannot lose. iCET initiative could be one way forward."As China makes extremely fast progress when it comes to technology and one sees an aggressive penetration from the Chinese side across the world, if not stemmed and matched by something aggressive, the world will find it as a fait accompli... So if one has to roll that progress back, then everybody else has to work together," another official told ANI. (ANI) United States President Joe Biden's administration on Monday announced plans to end the twin national emergencies related to COVID-19 on May 11. The COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) were declared by then-US President Donald Trump's administration in 2020. The twin emergencies are currently scheduled to expire on March 1 and April 11, respectively. The White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a statement said that the US administration's plan is to extend the emergency declarations to May 11 and then terminate them. It further said, "This wind-down would align with the Administration's previous commitments to give at least 60 days' notice prior to termination of the PHE." The White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a statement said, "To be clear, continuation of these emergency declarations until May 11 does not impose any restriction at all on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19. They do not impose mask mandates or vaccine mandates. They do not restrict school or business operations. They do not require the use of any medicines or tests in response to cases of COVID-19." The OMB noted that an abrupt end to the PHE would cause "wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty throughout the health care system." During the PHE, the medicaid programs were operated under special rules to provide additional funding to states to ensure that millions of vulnerable Americans retained their medicaid coverage during the global pandemic. The OMB stated that the end of Title 42 border policy and result in substantial additional inflow of migrants at the Southwest border. The OMB in the statement said, "The number of migrants crossing the border has been cut in half, approximately, since the Administration put in place a plan in early January to deter irregular migration from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti." In the statement, the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stressed that the US administration supports an orderly, predictable wind-down of Title 42, with sufficient time to put alternative policies in place. (ANI) Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra on Tuesday visited the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne and condemned its "vandalization" by "pro-Khalistani elements." He also said that the "place of worship has always been revered by all communities and faiths." "Visited the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, a place of worship that has always been revered by all communities and faiths. That makes its vandalization with hate-filled graffiti by pro-Khalistani elements even more condemnable. Confident that they will not succeed," tweeted Vohra. On Sunday, men from alleged pro-Khalistani groups attacked Indians carrying the national flag in their hands, The Australia Today reported. Taking to Twitter, The Australia Today said that "five people were sent to the hospital after the attack." "Another video of #Khalistan goons running a mock in #Melbourne's Federation Square Five injured one in Hospital," The Australia Today tweeted. The Indian group was seen running away from the scene while the Khalistani group continued to hit them. One individual was seen breaking an Indian flag and throwing it on the floor. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia was also appalled to see violence at Fed Square in Melbourne. "I was appalled to see violence at Fed Square in Melbourne...People have right to engage in peaceful protest in Australia, but there's no place for violence or vandalism...Pleased that police responded quickly & are investigating," tweeted Watts MP. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles was concerned to see the violence that break out at Federation Square in Melbourne. "I was concerned to see violence break out at Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday. Australia respects the right of individuals to engage in peaceful protest and supports the non-violent expression of views. Pleased @VictoriaPolice responded quickly and are investigating," tweeted Giles. Earlier, Indian envoy Vohra paid his respects at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne and discussed the community's concerns over the temple's recent vandalization. The violence witnessed in Melbourne on Sunday was also discussed. "Paid respects today at the sacred BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne, a place of spirituality and service. Discussed the peaceful community's concerns over the recent attack by vandals, and the disturbing violence witnessed yesterday in Melbourne," the Indian High Commissioner to Australia said. BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in the Mill park area of Melbourne was allegedly vandalized by anti-India elements with anti-India slogans written on the walls of the temple, located in the suburb of Mill Park, The Australia Today reported. Patel, an onlooker shared how he witnessed the vandalized walls of the temple when he visited the site on Thursday. "When I reached the temple today morning all walls were coloured with graffiti of Khalistani hatred towards Hindus," The Australia Today quoted Patel as saying. He added, "I am angry, scared and dismayed by the blatant display of religious hatred towards the peaceful Hindu community by Khalistan supporters." Issuing a statement to The Australia Today, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir stated that they are "deeply saddened and shocked by these acts of vandalism and hate." It said that they have remained committed to "peaceful coexistence and dialogue to all faiths." BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir further said that they have informed the authorities regarding the incident, as per The Australia Today report. Various Hindu temples have recently been vandalized in Australia. India condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with the Australian government in Canberra and asked for expeditious investigation against the perpetrators. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Tuesday met visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and discussed the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Pacific. "Glad to meet US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland this morning. Good talk on the Indian Subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and the many convergences in our relationship," tweeted Jaishankar. During her visit to India, Nuland will lead the US-India annual Foreign Office Consultations which cover the full range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and will also meet with young tech leaders, the US Department of State said in an official statement. Nuland is on an official visit to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Qatar from January 28 to February 3. In Nepal, the top US official engaged with the new government on the broad agenda of the US partnership with Kathmandu. The Under Secretary, on reaching Sri Lanka will mark the 75th anniversary of US-Sri Lanka relations and offer continued US support for Sri Lanka's efforts to stabilize the economy, protect human rights, and promote reconciliation, the official release added. Finally, the Under Secretary will discuss global issues in Qatar as part of the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue. "She will also meet with counterparts to discuss Qatar's critical support for the relocation of Afghans with ties to the US, as well as our bilateral agreement to protect US interests in Afghanistan," the US State Department press release added. The US administration announced its long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy last year. The document focuses on building collective capacity to deal with challenges in the region. These include a focus on challenges from China, advancing the US relationship, a 'Major Defence Partnership' with India, and supporting its role as a net security provider in the region. The US seeks an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. There is an emphasis on working with other countries not just from the region, but also from beyond. The US says it will work "in flexible groupings" to tackle major issues, "particularly through the QUAD," comprising of Australia, India, Japan and the US. India's role in the QUAD is an important element of the US-India relationship. US will "continue to support India's rise and regional leadership," working with India bilaterally and through groups on a range of issues. It refers to India as a "like-minded partner" and "driving force" in the QUAD. It will also deepen its (five) regional treaty alliances and work with groups such as ASEAN, the European Union (EU) and NATO. AUKUS, a security alliance between Australia, the UK and the US has also been recently launched. Meanwhile, Jaishankar also congratulated the Government and the people of Nauru on their Independence Day. "Congratulate the Government and the people of Nauru on their Independence Day. India will always remain a trusted development partner," he tweeted. (ANI) Delegates have arrived today at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) Research Park in Chennai to participate in the seminar on 'Role of Digital Technology in Education.' The foreign delegates were welcomed in a traditional way with a ceremonial stole. Musical instruments were played to welcome foreign delegates at the IITM Research Park as they arrived to attend the meeting. The first meeting of the G20 Education Working Group (G20 EWG) 2023 is due to take place in Chennai on February 1-2. India assumed the G20 Presidency from Indonesia on December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit for the first time in the country this year. As India takes over the Presidency, the working group aims to work together with G20 countries to bridge gaps in quality education and skilling. Over 60 delegates from the G20 member, guest countries and invited organizations (OECD, UNESCO & UNICEF) will participate in the seminar and exhibition, including academic experts, faculty and students, MoE, MSDE, NSDC, NCERT, UGC, and AICTE. During the meeting, the Education Working Group will focus on areas to ensure inclusive, equitable, relevant and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, within the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future," according to the Press Information Bureau's press release. "India proposes to build on and carry forward the deliberations held under past presidencies and address the problems that are preventing the full transformational potential of education from being realized," the press release said. It further said that in line with this spirit, priority areas have been identified for deliberation that will serve to identify and address major problems that is being faced by learners across the world, and help build on the strengths acquired during the past years, especially the use of technology in education. According to the press release, the deliberation will serve to enable a relook at the teaching and learning methods, contents, pedagogies, and assessment so that education can be made more relevant for the capacities and skills required in the 21st century. It further encourages collaboration between people, industries, and societies in the quest for widening the horizons of knowledge and using it for the good of humankind, according to the press release.In line with the approach, four priority issues have been identified for deliberation in the G20 Education Working Group meeting. The priority issues will include ensuring foundational Literacy and Numeracy, especially in the context of blended learning. It includes making tech-enabled learning more "inclusive, qualitative and collaborative at every level." The priority issues include building capacities, promoting lifelong learning with regards to the future of work and strengthening research and promoting innovation through collaboration and partnerships. (ANI) Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi today held a meeting with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias and exchanged views on further promoting bilateral and international cooperation. Lekhi is currently on an official visit to Greece from January 30-31. "Had a very useful interaction with Greek Foreign Minister Mr. @NikosDendias. Exchanged views on further promoting bilateral and international cooperation," she said in a tweet. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Lekhi, Nikos Dendias in a tweet stated, "On the margins of today's event on Greece - India friendship, organised by SG for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy, I met with #India Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, @M_Lekhi." "Discussion focused on further strengthening Greece-India rapidly developing relations in many areas, including economy & culture migration & mobility (2/2)," Dendias said in another tweet. During her visit to Greece, Lekhi also paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Athens. Lekhi also held a meeting with Emer John Chrysoulakis, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy. Sharing details regarding the meeting, Lekhi in a tweet stated, "Had a productive luncheon meeting with Prof. Emer. John Chrysoulakis, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy and his team. Shared new ideas for further strengthening India-Greece relations." Upon arrival in Athens, Lekhi stated that she looked forward to a meaningful interaction with Greek leadership and dignitaries to review cooperation in multiple spheres. "Arrived in Athens, one of world's oldest cities, on my first bilateral visit to Greece. Looking forward to meaningful interaction with Greek leadership and dignitaries to review cooperation in multiple spheres, " she tweeted. According to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, Lekhi will participate in a special yoga event as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations. She will also interact with the Indian community, friends of India, academicians and Indologists. The MEA noted that her visit to Greece will bolster the ties between the two nations. "MoS's visit to Greece will further strengthen the long-standing, warm and friendly relations between the two countries and provide an opportunity to further explore new avenues of cooperation," the statement said. (ANI) Sirisena served as Sri Lanka's President from 2015-2019. The Presidential elections in Sri Lanka are due to take place in September 2024, Lanka Xpress reported. Maithripala Sirisena made the announcement while speaking at a media briefing at the SLFP headquarters. The former Sri Lankan President said that he is not afraid of any conspiracy against him. "I will not back down from anything. I'm not afraid of any conspiracy. I respect the law and the court. I will contest for the next Presidential election with the support of the SLFP no matter what troubles were given," Daily Mirror quoted Maithripala Sirisena as saying. Meanwhile, on January 12, the country's Supreme Court ordered Sirisena to pay a sum of Sri Lankan Rupee 100 million as damages to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks that took place in 2019, as per the Daily Mirror report. (ANI) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday ruled in favour of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and declared him the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Geo News reported. The ECP announced its verdict on a petition filed by the former Pakistan Prime Minister amid an ongoing tussle with his cousin Parvez Elahi over the party leadership. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had approached ECP after PML-Q's Central Working Committee (CWC) removed him as the party's president. Parvez Elahi had orchestrated the removal of Shujaat as party president, as per the Geo News report. In July of last year, PML-Q's CWC announced its decision to release Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain from the duties of party president. The PML-Q's Central Working Committee (CWC) had cited health concerns for the decision which was taken at a meeting headed by Senator Kamil Ali Agha. "It has become necessary to isolate Ch Shujaat to save the party from destruction," said Kamil Ali Agha while talking to the media after the CWC meeting. At the time, the PML-Q's CWC had also established an election body to hold intra-party elections. During the meeting, the PML-Q leaders decided that the party will hold the polls within 10 days. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Senator Kamil Ali Agha called it an 'unpleasant' situation for everyone related to the party, according to a Geo News report. Kamil Ali Agha said that everything that happened in the party was taken in recent days was before everyone. Kamil Ali Agha said that the decision was made in the party's interest. He said that Shujaat had lost decision-making powers due to his ill health. However, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain approached the ECP regarding the matter, as per the news report. The ECP had said that former Pakistan PM Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain will continue to hold the post of party president till the petition was dealt with, as per the news report. The ECP after hearing the plea filed by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain reserved its verdict on August 18, 2022. The party was divided into two camps as Parvez Elahi, his son Moonis and most of the party leader sided with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Meanwhile, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Salik Hussain and Tariq Bashir Cheema backed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). (ANI). Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the previous policy to resettle and rehabilitate the terrorists of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been proven ineffective, Geo News reported. Sanaullah's remarks came after the proscribed TTP claimed responsibility for the mosque attack in Peshawar on Monday. Rana Sanaullah said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism. Speaking during the Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath' on Monday, he said that it was wrong to think that the outlawed TTP would be brought under Pakistan's law after negotiations with them. Pakistan's Interior Minister admitted that the idea that TTP would lay down their arms and submit to law was mistaken, as per the Geo News report. Sanaullah stressed that it was incorrect to think that the TTP was separate from the Afghan Taliban. He said that the prior policy to resettle the Taliban could not bear fruit and led to the current situation in Pakistan. Sanaullah said that the incumbent government has changed its approach towards the Taliban. He condemned the terrorist attack in the mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines, according to Geo News report. Rana Sanaullah said that the suicide bomber aimed to target police personnel. Furthermore, Sanaullah said that outlawed TTP terrorists have found safe havens in a neighbouring nation. He stressed that the development comes despite Afghan Taliban making an agreement with Pakistan and the international community that they would not permit their land to be used against any other nation, according to Geo News. He highlighted the need to hold talks with Afghanistan in order to stop terrorists from having safe shelters. The number of fatalities in a suicide bombing inside a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines has gone up to 93, with 221 people wounded, Geo News reported citing police. The explosion took place in the central hall of the mosque on Monday at around 1 pm after a suicide bomber blew himself up. A rescue operation is being carried out to pull out bodies from the debris of the mosque, Geo News reported citing an official. The official said that about 17 bodies have been pulled out of the rubble and one injured person. The official further said that a search operation is being conducted. Speaking to Geo News, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Mohammad Aijaz Khan said that the explosion appears to be a suicide attack and the head of the suspected bomber has also been found at the site. He said that the exact nature of the explosion will be known after the rescue operation concludes. (ANI) As Nuland was welcomed in India for the diplomatic visit, both sides looked forward to a productive exchange of talks. "Welcome back to India, @UnderSecStateP Victoria Nuland! Looking forward to a productive visit to advance and strengthen the #USIndia partnership," the official account of the US Embassy in India tweeted. Early today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar met visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and discussed the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Pacific. "Glad to meet US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland this morning. Good talk on the Indian Subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and the many convergences in our relationship," tweeted Jaishankar. During her visit to India, Nuland will lead the US-India annual Foreign Office Consultations which cover the full range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and will also meet with young tech leaders, the US Department of State said in an official statement. Nuland is on an official visit to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Qatar from January 28 to February 3. In Nepal, the top US official met with the new government to discuss the broad agenda of the US-Nepal alliance. The Under Secretary, on reaching Sri Lanka will mark the 75th anniversary of US-Sri Lanka relations and offer continued US support for Sri Lanka's efforts to stabilise the economy, protect human rights, and promote reconciliation, the official release added. Finally, the Under Secretary will discuss global issues in Qatar as part of the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue. (ANI) The death toll in the Peshawar's Police Lines mosque blast has risen to 100 as the rescue operation to retrieve bodies from the debris of the mosque concluded on Tuesday, Geo News reported. The toll of injured has reached at least 221. According to Mohammad Asim, the spokesperson for the primary medical facility, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, approximately 100 bodies have been taken into the facility and 53 patients are being treated, as per Geo News. A suicide bomber blew himself up in the mosque - a heavily guarded police facility at about 1 pm on Monday during Zohr prayers, forcing the roof to collapse on those praying at the time. The caretaker CM revealed that an inquiry committee had been constituted to identify those responsible for this act. Geo News reported citing Rescue 1122's spokesperson who stated that the rescue operation to retrieve bodies from the debris of the mosque has finally concluded. Speaking during a press conference alongside KP CM Azam Khan, Inspector-General Moazzam Jah Ansari said that about 10-12 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast. He said that there has been a security lapse and investigations are underway to ascertain the facts, Geo News reported. "We are checking one-month's CCTV footage and tracking the facilitators of the bomber," he added. According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the prayers when he blew himself up. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier today, India condoled the loss of lives in the deadly terror attack that shook Peshawar. Taking to Twitter, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote, "India extends its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the terror attack in Peshawar yesterday. We strongly condemn this attack, which has taken the lives of so many people." (ANI) The consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and the US under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland. The FOC provided an opportunity to continue conversations begun during the Foreign Secretary's visit to the United States in October 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. Both parties discussed the progress made in further solidifying the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Foreign Secretary and Under Secretary Nuland took stock of a number of initiatives and frameworks that reflect common strategic interests, including Quad, I2U2, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA), the official statement read. Both sides agreed to work together during India's ongoing G20 Presidency. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in multilateral fora and international organizations, including the UN, on global issues of mutual interest, according to the release. The productive and substantive meeting enabled both sides to continue a regular dialogue that has been instrumental in enhancing mutual understanding and in the identification of opportunities for further growth and enrichment of the India-US partnership. (ANI) A delegation of the German Parliament (Bundestag), led by Raph Brinkhaus, President of the German-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Group, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House on Tuesday. Referring to the long-standing ties between India and Germany, Birla said that the relationship between the two countries is based on shared values and common goals, according to an official statement. In the context of the 70th anniversary of establishment of Indo-German diplomatic relations in 2021 and completion of 50 years of India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group, Birla appreciated the contribution of German parliamentarians in strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. He added that India and Germany have a 'Strategic Partnership' since 2000, which has been further strengthened through consultations between Heads of Government since 2011. Birla expressed happiness that the current German government has held consultative talks with India which is a commendable initiative for bilateral relations between the two countries. He further said that India wants to further strengthen the parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, the official statement added. Birla also mentioned the convergence of views of India and Germany in upholding democratic values, rules-based international order, multilateralism and reform of multilateral institutions. He added that India is the largest democracy in the world. Referring to the country's democratic heritage, Birla said that India has a centuries-old democratic heritage, due to which it is known as the 'Mother of Democracy' around the world. Describing 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' as the eternal message of India, Birla said that 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' will be the main theme for the G-20 meeting to be held this year. He added that this year the P-20 meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of G-20 countries will also be held in India. Birla hoped for the active cooperation from the German Parliament as a Member of the P-20, the official statement said. Talking about the relationship between the two Parliaments, Birla said that as vibrant, pluralistic democracies, India and Germany can play an important role in tackling new and emerging global challenges. Referring to the contribution of Indian diaspora living in Germany, Birla said that over the years, Germany has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students and researchers seeking higher education including science and technology. He further said that NRIs have displayed merit in the field of science and research. Birla expressed happiness that NRIs living in Germany are discharging their responsibilities while working in various fields. (ANI) Business conglomerate Adani Group's chairman Gautam Adani, after taking over one of the largest international seaports of Israel, the Haifa port, said that he would continue investing in Israel, according to Reuters. Adani made the remarks while speaking at an event in Haifa welcoming Adani Ports (APSE.NS) and Gadot, a local chemicals and logistics group that purchased the port for 4 billion shekels (USD 1.15 billion). "We will transform the entire port landscape," Adani said. "Our intention is to make the right set of investments that will not just make the Adani-Gadot partnership proud but will make the whole of Israel proud," according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Adani also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He described the day as 'momentous' as the Port of Haifa was handed over to the Adani Group. "Adani-Gadot set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire," he said. "Privileged to meet with @IsraeliPM @netanyahu on this momentous day as the Port of Haifa is handed over to the Adani Group. The Abraham Accord will be a game changer for the Mediterranean sea logistics. Adani Gadot set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire," Gautam Adani said in a tweet. Adani is a first-generation entrepreneur and the Adani Group comprises 7 publicly listed entities with businesses spanning energy, ports and logistics, mining and resources, gas, defence and aerospace and airports. In each of its business areas, the Group has established a leadership position in India. Over the past 5 years, flagship company Adani Enterprises has invested heavily in new growth sectors that include airports, cement, copper refining, data centres, green hydrogen, petrochemical refining, roads and solar cell manufacturing. Looking ahead, it plans to foray into the telecom space and has massive plans to grow its green hydrogen and airports businesses. (ANI) Thailand expressed its desire to reconnect the people of New Delhi and Bangkok as a priority, Thailand's Ambassador to India Pattarat Hongtong said on Tuesday. "India and Thailand have close relations. We see a lot of opportunities and we should enhance our bilateral relations in all areas. We want to reconnect people of two countries as a priority," Hongtong said in an interview with ANI. Terming tourism as the "backbone" of country's economy, Thailand's key priority is to focus on boosting it and bringing international visitors to the country. After COVID, when Thailand opened the border gate for India and other countries, Bangkok witnessed huge numbers of Indians returning to Thailand. "India used to be one of the major tourist sources to Thailand before Covid with around two million people per year. Now when we are open to India and other countries we saw a huge number of Indians returning to Thailand almost with one million people which has become the number two source of tourists after Malaysia" Hongtong added. "The basis of the relation between two countries is people. So we want to reconnect with people as we used to do previously. And for Thailand tourism is the backbone of the economy and our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was 17 to 18 per cent before Covid. So we want to focus at the beginning stage of the opening to recover from the effects of Covid by boosting the tourism sector, " she said while emphasizing the significance of tourism for the country's economy and the revival of the sector after COVID. "India used to be one of the major tourist sources to Thailand before Covid with around two million people per year. Now when we are open to India and other countries we saw a huge number of Indians returning to Thailand almost with one million people which has become the number two source of tourists after Malaysia" Hongtong said. "We still want to work with India to increase the number of tourists from India to Thailand so this year minimum we expect 1.4 million so that everything returns back to normal", she added. "Now we have 230 flights per week from India to Thailand. We promote Thai tourists to know cities in India like Ahmedabad & Hyderabad and we have already started flight services. If we can bring people to know each other more then our relations will be closer," she further stated. While asserting that Indian tourists can get VISA from the Embassy as well as a visa on arrival at the airport, she said that Thailand provides full support and facility at the airport to help Indian tourists coming to the country. "And we are also sharing information and also working with the company incharge with the visa documentation and everything is in process," Hongtong said. (ANI) Calling the handover of Israel's Haifa Port by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani as an "element of a long string of future cooperation in the economic field", Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon added it is a symbol of trust between the people of two countries. "The Haifa port is a strategic port for Israel. We're really depositing it in the hands of an important Indian company like Adani. It's a symbol of trust between our people. I hope that this investment will be just the opening element of a long string of future cooperation in the economic field," the Israeli envoy said. A special ceremony was organized in Israel to celebrate the takeover of Haifa Port by the Adani Group earlier today. Highlighting the close historical ties that the two countries share, the envoy stated that the ceremony was special as the two countries completed 30 years of full diplomatic relations. "This is another bridge between our two ancient civilizations, which will boost regional connectivity and increase trade opportunities in the region. It also highlights our close historical ties, as Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives to liberate Haifa during the First World War. The ceremony was also special as it coincided with our countries completing 30 years of full diplomatic relations. We hope to see more such partnerships and collaborations take place between our business communities in future," the envoy stated. After the handing-over ceremony, Gautam Adani said that the Abraham Accords will be a game changer for the Mediterranean Sea logistics. He also assured that Adani Gadot will transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire. "Privileged to meet with @IsraeliPM @netanyahu on this momentous day as the Port of Haifa is handed over to the Adani Group. The Abraham Accords will be a game changer for the Mediterranean sea logistics. Adani Gadot set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire," tweeted Gautam Adani. On the International Day of commemoration in memory of victims of the holocaust marked here, the Israeli envoy said that the message of tolerance has to go everywhere, also in countries that did not suffer from the Holocaust. "Learning about the Holocaust is a universal message to the world of tolerance, to the different, to the weak. I think this is the message that is coming out of The International Holocaust Remembrance Day," he said. "Jews for 2,000 years have been living in India and antisemitism is not even a word that is known here in India. We think that the message of tolerance has to go everywhere, also in countries that did not suffer from the Holocaust," he added. (ANI) The death toll from the boat accident in Pakistan's Tanda Dam lake rose to 51, Dawn reported. Pakistani newspaper reported that a total of 51 students were saved while 5 were brought out alive from the Tanda Dam lake in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The boat capsized on Sunday as a group of over 50 people from the Mir Bash Khel seminary, aged between eight to fourteen years, had gone for a picnic along with the seminary's caretaker. Military personnel, including army engineers and Special Service Group's divers, along with Rescue 1122 and civil administration, have been working day and night for the last 72 hours, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the Pakistan Army's rescue and relief operation was underway at the lake, reported Dawn. Troops, along with Rescue 1122 and civil administration, rescued five students alive while army engineers and Special Services Group divers recovered 51 deceased students and teachers, the statement said. The statement added that the five rescued students had been shifted to the Kohat District Hospital while the search for one missing individual was ongoing. However, Rescue 1122 official Jawad Khalil put the death toll at 52, saying that four people had been rescued alive while one student remained missing. On Monday, the seminary's caretaker Shahid Noor -- who survived the tragedy, but lost his two sons and four nephews, had registered a first information report (FIR) against the irrigation department officials for negligence, as per the report in Dawn. On Sunday, Caretaker KP Chief Minister Azam Khan, in a statement issued, expressed grief over the incident, reported Dawn. He directed the district administration and rescue organisations to start a rescue operation on an emergency basis. "All available resources should be utilized for the safe recovery of the persons who drowned in the incident," he said. Mass drownings are common in Pakistan when aged and overloaded vessels lose their stability and pitch passengers into the water. In July, 19 women drowned when an overcrowded boat carrying a wedding party across the Indus river in Rahim Yar Khan capsized. Rahim Yar Khan Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza said as word on the incident was received, 30 rescuers, five ambulances, and a water rescue van arrived at the spot, as per the Dawn report. "Nineteen bodies, all women, have been pulled from the water while a search operation is underway for the remaining passengers," Khan added. (ANI) United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi visited Anganwadi centre, the rural childcare centre in Karnataka, and appreciated the community, state government and UNICEF for providing essential services. Taking to Twitter, Korosi said, "A warm hug on a hectic day. Visited Anganwadi, the rural childcare centre in Karnataka. Applaud the efforts of the community, state govt & @unicefindiain providing essential services & supporting mothers & children." "During my visit to a Primary Healthcare Center in Kannuru, Karnataka, I saw first-hand how the UN's partnership with the Government is aiding in COVID-19 management through digital tech support & effective cold chain management of vaccines," he added. Korosi, who arrived in India on Sunday on a three-day visit at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, landed in Bengaluru on Monday and interacted with the academics at the Indian Institute of Science, and representatives from civil society organisations. "Arrived in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Today, I will interact with scientists & academics at the Indian Institute of Science, representatives from civil society organizations, and visit water & health sector projects," Korosi tweeted. Before heading for Karnataka, Korosi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the importance of conserving and optimising global water resources. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to multilateralism including at the United Nations. Earlier, Korosi addressed the 40th Sapru House Lecture where he lauded India's calls for peace in Ukraine and worldwide. "We are approaching the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine that caused suffering and displacement. A war that has unleashed an energy and food crisis across the globe. I commend India for your calls for peace in Ukraine and across the world," the UNGA President said. Korosi commended the Indian government for its commitment to the safety and security of Indian students who were present in Ukraine when the war broke out. Korosi also stressed the need for reform in the council's size, composition, and regulations.Later, the UNGA president met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as he hosted him for a millet lunch. The two leaders also discussed the G20 agenda, UN reform, and the Ukraine conflict. "Welcomed President of General Assembly Csaba Korosi, hosting him for a millet lunch. Discussed global challenges, UN reform, the Ukraine conflict, and the G20 agenda. Assured him of India's fullest support in developmental progress and reformed multilateralism," the minister said in a tweet. (ANI) The United States and India Civil Space Joint Working Group's (CSJWG) eighth meeting concluded on Tuesday. The discussions centered on space, earth, global navigation satellite systems, spaceflight safety and space situational awareness, and policies for commercial space, according to the statement released by US State Department. India and the US gathered at the department of state for the CSJWG's eighth meeting which was co-chaired by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer R Littlejohn and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations Karen Feldstein for the United States, and Shantanu Bhatawdekar, Scientific Secretary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for India. Participants also considered the implementation of guidelines and best practices developed by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. The United States and India have strong bilateral cooperation in space. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, planned to launch in 2024, is expected to systematically map Earth, using two different radar frequencies to monitor resources such as water, forests and agriculture. The mission will provide important Earth science data related to ecosystems, Earth's surface, natural hazards, sea level rise and the cryosphere. Deputy assistant to the President and executive secretary of the National Space Council, Chirag Parikh, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Monica Medina and Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu gave welcoming remarks on behalf of the United States. The US delegation included officials from the Department of State, NASA, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce, the statement read. S Somanath, chairman of ISRO, and ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu delivered remarks on behalf of India. The Indian delegation included representatives from ISRO, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI) In this article, we discuss 10 hot oil stocks to buy now. If you want to see more stocks in this selection, check out 5 Hot Oil Stocks To Buy Now. According to a Reuters poll on December 30, oil price gains in 2023 could remain capped amid threats to demand growth from a deteriorating global economy and reemergence of COVID-19 in China. A survey of 30 economists and analysts predicted that Brent crude would average $89.37 per barrel in 2023, a 4.6% decrease from the previous consensus of $93.65 in a November survey. The average price for the global benchmark in 2022 was $99 per barrel. Analysts forecast that the average price of U.S. crude in 2023 will be $84.84 per barrel, a decrease from the previous consensus of $87.80 in the previous month. Edward Moya, senior analyst with OANDA, told Reuters: "The oil market is still tight despite a weakening global demand outlook as recession fears run wild." Oil demand will experience significant growth in the latter half of 2023 due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China and central banks taking a more relaxed approach to interest rates. It is anticipated that the effects of Western sanctions on Russian oil will be minimal, and analysts at Goldman Sachs wrote in a research note: "We do not expect an impact from the price cap, which was designed to give bargaining power to third-country buyers." To delve deeper in the oil industry, investors can also check out Top 20 Oil Exporting Countries in 2023, 12 Best Oil Stocks To Buy Now, and 20 Countries with the Largest Oil Reserves. Some of the hot oil stocks to buy now include Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY), and Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN). Our Methodology For this article we first used stock screeners to identify oil stocks that have gained at least 5% year to date in 2023 and have an average 3-month volume of more than 5 million as of January 31. From this resultant dataset we picked the stocks with highest volumes and share price gains. The list is ranked in ascending order of average 3-month share volume. Story continues 10 Hot Oil Stocks To Buy Now Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash Hot Oil Stocks To Buy Now 10. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) Average 3-month Volume as of January 31: 5.53 Million YTD Share Price Gains as of January 31: 5.61% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21 Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is a Texas-based company that provides midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, petrochemicals, and refined products. On January 5, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) declared a $0.49 per share quarterly dividend, a 3.2% increase from its prior dividend of $0.475. The dividend is distributable on February 14, to shareholders of record on January 31. On January 9, Wolfe Research analyst Keith Stanley upgraded Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) to Outperform from Peer Perform with a $27 price target. The analyst is increasing his investment in "defensive names". He cited Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)s favorable balance sheet, 8% yield with extra cash flow, and a robust and diverse core business that withstands market changes. He also noted that the stock's valuation is now at an average level. According to Insider Monkeys data, 21 hedge funds were long Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) at the end of Q3 2022, compared to 23 funds in the prior quarter. Bruce Berkowitzs Fairholme (FAIRX) is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 3.88 million shares worth $92.3 million. Like Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY), and Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN), Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is one of the hot oil stocks to monitor. Here is what Fairholme Capital Management specifically said about Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) in its Q2 2022 investor letter: Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is the largest position in the Fund. Enterprise provides processing and transportation services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil. These hydrocarbons are critical for modern life and have few, if any, ready substitutes. Commodity prices do not greatly affect the companys toll road fees. Enterprise is priced at less than nine times distributable cash flows and pays a 7.5% cash distribution. 9. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) Average 3-month Volume as of January 31: 5.97 Million YTD Share Price Gains as of January 31: 6.55% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64 ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is a Texas-based company that produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and natural gas liquids worldwide. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is one of the hot stocks to invest in. On January 12, ConocoPhillips, which left Venezuela after its assets were taken over by the government in 2007, announced that it is having initial discussions about selling Venezuelan oil in the United States as a means to recoup the approximately $10 billion owed to them by Venezuela. On January 23, Barclays analyst Jeanine Wai raised the firm's price target on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) to $160 from $151 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. Although the analyst anticipates a weaker performance for the integrated oil and exploration and production sector in Q4 compared to Q3, she believes the main drivers for sector investment are responsible use of capital and cash returns, which support a positive outlook. According to Insider Monkeys Q3 data, 64 hedge funds were bullish on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), compared to 71 funds in the prior quarter. Ken Fishers Fisher Asset Management is the leading position holder in the company, with approximately 7 million shares worth $708.5 million. In its Q1 2022 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) was one of them. Here is what the fund said: We redeployed capital into ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), which was trading at a discount to our estimate of intrinsic value and is well positioned over the long run due to its low-risk asset base. 8. Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) Average 3-month Volume as of January 31: 6.33 Million YTD Share Price Gains as of January 31: 8.27% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47 Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. The company develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, Offshore, Canadian Manufacturing, U.S. Manufacturing, and Retail segments. It is one of the hot stocks to monitor, with YTD share price gains of 8.27% and average 3-month volume of 6.33 million as of January 31. On January 17, Scotiabank analyst Jason Bouvier maintained an Outperform rating on Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) but lowered the firm's price target on the shares to C$31 from C$33. According to Insider Monkeys third quarter database, Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) was part of 47 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 42 in the prior quarter. Eric W. Mandelblatts Soroban Capital Partners is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 52 million shares worth $798.5 million. Here is what L1 Capital Long Short Fund has to say about Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) in its Q3 2022 investor letter: Cenovus Energy (Long -13%) shares declined over the quarter due to an ~18% decline in oil prices on increasing fears of a U.S recession and a slowdown in global growth. Given the long-life nature of its oil sand assets and its low cost of production, we estimate Cenovus is free cash flow break-even at an oil price of ~US$40/bbl. Despite the recent fall, oil prices remain more than double this break-even point, implying considerable free cash flow generation potential for the company at current levels, with Cenovus currently trading on a consensus FY22 free cash flow yield of around 20%. There are also additional value realization catalysts with the company continuing to progress the de-gearing of its balance sheet via organic cash generation and asset sales. 7. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) Average 3-month Volume as of January 31: 8.25 Million YTD Share Price Gains as of January 31: 5.39% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25 BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is a London-based energy company that operates through Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, Customers & Products, and Rosneft segments. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)s average 3-month volume as of January 31 came in at 8.25 million, and it is one of the hot stocks to invest in. On January 27, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) and Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) announced that they submitted a joint proposal to construct the second phase of the Beacon Wind project in response to New York's third offshore wind energy request. The companies stated that their proposed Beacon Wind 2 project with a capacity of 1,360 MW, located 60 miles east of Long Island, could supply energy to approximately 1 million homes in New York. Morgan Stanley analyst Martijn Rats on January 23 raised the firm's price target on BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) to 636 GBp from 603 GBp and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. According to Insider Monkeys Q3 data, 25 hedge funds were bullish on BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP), compared to 27 funds in the prior quarter. Peter Rathjens, Bruce Clarke, and John Campbells Arrowstreet Capital is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 27 million shares worth $772.5 million. 6. Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) Average 3-month Volume as of January 31: 9.2 Million YTD Share Price Gains as of January 31: 7.12% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48 Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) was founded in 1919 and is based in Houston, Texas. The company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) is one of the largest oil field service companies. On January 24, the company declared a $0.16 per share quarterly dividend, a 33.3% increase from its prior dividend of $0.12. The dividend is payable on March 29, to shareholders of record on March 1. On January 30, HSBC analyst Abhishek Kumar increased the price target for Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) to $57 from $43.90 and maintained a Buy rating for the stock. In a research note to investors, the analyst stated that Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL)s prospects for 2023 look strong, with growth expected from both the U.S. and international markets. According to Insider Monkeys data, 48 hedge funds were bullish on Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) at the end of Q3 2022, compared to 43 funds in the last quarter. Richard S. Pzenas Pzena Investment Management is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 15.6 million shares worth $384.5 million. In addition to Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY), and Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN), Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) is one of the hottest oil stocks to consider. Carillon Tower Advisors made the following comment about Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) in its Q4 2022 investor letter: Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) provides equipment and services to the global energy industry. Shares have been on an impressive trajectory recently, outpacing the notable move in the overall oilfield services and equipment group. Halliburton benefits from the ongoing upswing in global upstream spending and should play a pivotal role in helping exploration and production companies navigate the recent productivity declines in North American shale. The tight services and equipment market has resulted in strong pricing gains and margin expansion, and when coupled with a disciplined approach to capital spending, has paved the way for the stocks outperformance. Click to continue reading and see 5 Hot Oil Stocks To Buy Now. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 10 Hot Oil Stocks To Buy Now is originally published on Insider Monkey. Two teenagers are facing charges in connection with a stabbing near a school in Boston on Monday that left three students injured, law enforcement officials said. Deionte Wall, 18, of Dorchester, and a 15-year-old boy are slated to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges including three counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, according to the Boston Police Department. Officers responding to a report of a stabbing in the area of Washington and Armandine streets around 2:45 p.m. found three Tech Boston Academy students suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. They were all taken to an area hospital for treatment. One of the students arrested in the stabbing is said to be a fellow TechBoston student. A fight broke out on the basketball court near the school prior to the knife attack, according to school officials. Students who witnessed the incident will be provided with emotional and social support. 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 Ju'Juan Johnson is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound, four-star athlete from the class of 2024. He is from Lafayette, Louisiana, where he plays for Lafayette Christian Academy. The Knights finished the 2022 season 10-4 with a loss to St. Thomas More in the Louisiana 4A state playoffs. As far as recruiting goes, Lafayette is right in LSUs backyard. Only an hour away from Baton Rouge, Brian Kelly and his staff have had a lot of chances to check out Johnson and try their best to keep him in the state of Louisiana. The Tigers are currently a 92% favorite to land Johnson per On3, but Deion Sanders has been making moves at Colorado. He is a wildcard for any recruit right now. Kelly will have to compete with him and Florida head coach Billy Napier for the talented four-star athlete. LSUs 2024 recruiting class currently ranks as the No. 2 class in the country. NEW 2024 4-Star athlete Ju'Juan Johnson is set to commit on February 4th and decide between Colorado, LSU, and Florida. More from @Hayesfawcett3: https://t.co/1D3o6XxTLP pic.twitter.com/RMgm8Zc6Sv On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) January 30, 2023 List 8 LSU football records that could be broken Ed Orgeron, Joe Burrow Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions. Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire Maya Millete (left) and Ana Walshe instagram.com Help Find Maya / Instagram / Via helpfindmaya.com In Taylor Swifts No Body, No Crime, her 2020 vigilante song with Haim, the narrator suspects her friend is killed by her cheating husband but cant prove it because the body is never found. Her belief that justice wont be found in court isnt unfounded: Its difficult to prosecute a murder or even prove that someone has died without a body. But that is changing. In the cases of missing people, we hear a lot about corpus delicti, Latin for "body of the crime." Many interpret this literally: that you must have a body to prove a murder took place. In law, however, corpus delicti refers to the figurative body of essential facts that prove a crime was committed. Obviously, thats a lot easier to do with a corpse, as cause, manner, and even time of death can usually be determined. But as were seeing in high-profile cases like those of Ana Walshe and Maya Millete , police and the courts regularly rely on a totality of circumstantial evidence to charge, prosecute, and convict a suspect for murder in no body cases. The absolute biggest reason we're seeing more no body murder cases and continued success is because of these electronic trails that we leave behind, Tad DiBiase, a former federal homicide prosecutor who now studies and tracks no body murder cases , told BuzzFeed News. For instance, cellphones and camera surveillance can pinpoint our location, credit cards and ATMs record our spending, texts can establish relationships, and Google searches can be very revealing . Conversely, the cessation of electronic activity can also be incriminating. Virtually everyone has a cellphone, DiBiase said. Now you can say with certainty and with speed when a missing person is likely dead, because we know instantly, OK, this person's cellphone is not pinging off anything. We see exactly when she sent her last text or made her last call. If credit and bank cards arent used, DiBiase said investigators have to ask, How could she not have any access to money? How could we not know where she is? How could she not have her cellphone and all these things? Story continues Even people who cant afford or choose not to use cellphones can still be tracked by their contact with other people who do, DiBiase said. Last fall, BuzzFeed News highlighted true crime podcasts that were credited with convictions : Three of those cases Your Own Backyard, Up and Vanished, and The Teachers Pet were successfully prosecuted as murders despite the bodies of the victims never being found. In fact, in October 2022, Australia passed no body, no parole legislation barring convicted murderers from being released on parole if they refuse to reveal the location of their victim's remains. Known as Lyns Law, after Lynette Dawson the subject of The Teachers Pet it was enacted just months after her husband, Chris Dawson, was found guilty of killing her. Here are some other notable ongoing and closed no body murder cases: Ana Walshe : At his Jan. 18 arraignment, a prosecutor said Brian Walshe, charged with murdering his missing wife Ana, used his sons iPad to google dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, how long before a body starts to smell, and hacksaw best tool to dismember, and "what happens when you put body parts in ammonia. Surveillance video captured him spending more than $400 on cleaning supplies at Home Depot a few days after Ana disappeared; he was seen on other surveillance footage disposing of heavy garbage bags in a nearby apartment complex. Police later found trash bags containing a hatchet, a hacksaw, towels, a protective Tyvek suit, cleaning supplies, clothes resembling those Ana was last seen wearing, and her vaccination card. Police also found a bloody, broken knife in the basement of the couples home. Among his other internet searches, the prosecutor also said Brian googled "can you be charged with murder without a body." Maya Millete : Larry Millete will face trial this year in San Diego for the killing of his wife, Maya, who disappeared in January 2021. Though his defense attorneys have questioned whether she was killed at all, prosecutors showed evidence that she suddenly stopped using her cellphone on the day she was last seen and Larrys phone was turned off for 12 hours the next day, when prosecutors allege he was disposing of her body. Not only did she miss her childs birthday a few days later, but Maya left behind her wallet, government ID, and credit cards which she never used again. In his ruling to move forward with a murder trial, the judge said, to accept the defense theory in the case, the court would have to be convinced that Ms. Millete abandoned her life, which included three young children whom she adored, an ailing mother, siblings with whom she was incredibly close, ownership of a million-dollar home, a six-figure income from a thriving professional career, personal savings and wealth in the form of stocks, expensive purses and jewelry, extremely close relationships with friends, and her newly purchased beloved Jeep Wrangler. Jennifer Dulos : Like Ana Walshe, Jennifer was a wealthy Connecticut mother whose husband, Fotis Dulos, was arrested and charged with her murder after she disappeared in May 2019. Police found blood in their garage and in Jennifers car, and surveillance footage captured Fotis discarding black garbage bags that police later confirmed contained zip ties and clothing covered in Jennifers blood. In January 2020, he killed himself while on house arrest after posting a $6 million bond. Helle Crafts : The famous wood chipper killing of Helle Crafts by her husband, Richard, was the first murder conviction without a victims body in Connecticut state history. Evidence showed that before Helle disappeared on Nov. 18, 1986, Richard bought a freezer and a chainsaw and rented a wood chipper and a truck; authorities believe he froze his wifes body, sawed it into pieces, and ran the remains through the wood chipper. Among piles of wood chips in various locations, police found pieces of bone and tissue, a fingernail, an envelope with Helles name, and crowns of her teeth. The Crafts case was the subject of the very first episode of Forensic Files in 1996 and inspired a famous scene in Fargo , filmmaker Ethan Coen confirmed to HuffPost. Evelyn Throsby Scott : Leonard Ewing Scott was the first person in the US convicted of a no body murder. His wife, Evelyn, was last seen at their Bel-Air, California, home in 1955. Only her dentures and glasses were found, near the backyard incinerator where a neighbor had seen Leonard stoking a fire after her disappearance. The smell from that fire was so odious that neighbors called the police to complain about it, but it wasnt until questions were raised about Leonard spending his wifes money that police began investigating her disappearance. He was convicted in 1957; decades later, after he was freed, he made a dubious confession but her body was never found. Marion Fye : In this case that DiBiase prosecuted, Harold D. Austin was convicted of the murder of his live-in girlfriend Marion, a mother of five who disappeared in Washington, DC, in November 2003. Like Maya Millete, she left behind her children, purse, credit card, car keys, and driver's license, and police confirmed there was no activity on her credit cards and bank accounts. They also found her blood on the underside of a mattress at her home. Despite not having a body, DiBiase said at the time , it was the strongest case I ever took to trial. The evidence was just so overwhelming. As a judge in 1977 pointed out, just because a body is never found doesnt mean a crime didnt take place. The fact that a murderer may successfully dispose of the body of the victim does not entitle him to an acquittal, a judge wrote in rejecting an appeal by Charles Manson and his accomplices in the no body murder of one of their victims, his hired hand Shorty Shea. That is one form of success for which society has no reward. Production of the body is not a condition precedent to the prosecution for murder. Don't forget to subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get true crime deep dives delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. More on this Rep. George Santos leaves the US Capitol on January 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images An overwhelming number of Rep. George Santos' own constituents want the Republican to resign. According to a new poll, 78% of voters in Santos' district want him to step down. The poll underlines the intense pressure Santos is under amid a stream of endless scandals. An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers, including fellow Republicans, want Rep. George Santos to resign from Congress amid an endless stream of reports about he lied to voters about his experience before winning his seat. According to a newly released Newsday/Siena College Poll, 78% of voters in Santos' district who responded to the survey want him to step down. The view was broadly supported by 71% of Republican respondents, 72% of independents, and 89% of Democrats. Even 71% of overall voters think it was "wrong" for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to allow Santos to serve on two committees, a view that would have left the district worse represented on Capitol Hill as committees are where most legislation is shaped. On Tuesday morning, CNN's Manu Raju reported that Santos privately told his House GOP colleagues that he would recuse himself from his two committee assignments for an undetermined length of time. As Insider previously pointed out, Santos' scandals have made him extremely well-known considering he just won his first term. According to the poll, he has a 90% name recognition in his district, recognition on par with Gov. Kathy Hochul (89%) and surpasses McCarthy (82%), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (60%). Former Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, who ran unsuccessfully for governor and represented a nearby district for four terms, is also less recognized than Santos, who has been in office a month. That 71% of Republicans in his own district want him to step down is particularly remarkable, as the 3rd District was a hotly contested one in the 2022 midterm elections and the House GOP is holding on to its majority by a thread. The Newsday/Siena College poll was conducted from January 23-26. It was based on a sample of 653 registered voters in New York's Third Congressional District, and it has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 points. The entire methodology and crosstabs are available here. Story continues The stunning, although not surprising findings illustrate how Santos faces significant hurdles to winning reelection if he is even able to make it to November 2024. The poll comes after fellow New York House Republicans and some influential conservatives in the state previously called on Santos to resign. "The arrogance and just the lack of judgment and pushing to see how far he could go makes me feel that, as a Republican, voting for him was a joke," Jillian O'Connor, a 42-year-old Republican, told the pollsters. "It seems like he was putting on a show, setting an example of what you can do if you cheat and lie from the beginning." The poll also found that nearly 2/3rds of respondents who voted for Santos in November would not have voted for him if they know what they know about him now. So far, the freshman lawmaker has rebuffed those calls. McCarthy has stuck by Santos, a show of support that belies how Republicans flipped a competitive seat and could struggle to retain it in a special election. The GOP holds just a four-seat majority in the chamber. According to the poll, 86% of respondents within his district have an unfavorable view of George Santos, with a fascinating 6% who claim to possess a favorable view, a negative 80 percent net favorability rating that needless to say bodes ill for Santos' future in American politics. Read the original article on Business Insider On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: Seventh Memphis police officer relieved of duty over fatal Tyre Nichols traffic stop A seventh Memphis police officer was relieved of duty over the fatal Tyre Nichols traffic stop, while fire officials have also been let go. Plus, USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise looks at an artificial intelligence prediction that climate change is coming faster than we recently thought, the Biden administration plans on ending COVID-19 emergency declarations in May, USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee has the latest tips for tax season, and millions are under winter storm warnings. Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here. Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text. Taylor Wilson: Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and this is 5 Things you need to know Tuesday, the 31st of January 2023. Today, more firings after the traffic stop and death of Tyre Nichols. Plus climate change might be worse than we thought, and the Biden administration plans on ending COVID emergency declarations. A seventh Memphis police officer has been fired after officers brutally beat, tased and pepper sprayed 29-year-old Tyre Nichols after pulling him over. Nichols died three days after the traffic stop. The last two firings come after five officers were initially fired and then charged with second-degree murder, along with assault and kidnapping charges. The Memphis Fire Department has also fired three employees for failing to give Nichols an adequate patient assessment when they were called to give medical aid after the beating. A video of the violence shows nearly a half hour passes between the start of the beating and the moment when a stretcher is brought for Nichols. Criminal charges have not been filed against the firefighters. Story continues Artificial intelligence predicts that climate change is coming faster than we recently thought. That's according to a new study that found the world faces a significant risk of passing a crucial global warming threshold, potentially as soon as 2050. For more and an attempt at reassurance, I caught up with USA Today National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise. Beth, always great to have you back on the show. Thanks for coming on. Elizabeth Weise: I'm happy to be here. Taylor Wilson: There's a new study out about when we might reach the critical two degrees Celsius warming threshold. Tell us more about this study, Beth. Elizabeth Weise: This is by researchers at Stanford and Colorado State University and they're using machine learning and artificial intelligence. They basically fed in climate data going back as far as we've got it, and tried to create models to show, okay, what happened in the past, what's going to happen in the future, and linking it to changes in the amount of carbon to and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. And they know this works because then they went back and said, "Okay, what does our model say should have been happening, say, in 2015?" And it hit pretty spot on. There's a fair degree of reliability here, sadly. Taylor Wilson: So that's concerning. What might we see sooner rather than later? What's right around the corner in terms of global warming right now? Elizabeth Weise: There's two thresholds that they talk about. 1.5 degrees Celsius rise in temperature is 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit rise in temperature. So the two points we keep talking about are that 1.5 and then 2.0 Celsius. The reason that we have those thresholds is because at the Paris Agreement, back when the whole world got together and said, "Hey, let's do what we can to stop this, shall we," those were the thresholds they set. The ideal is to keep things from not rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, and really want to keep it below 2.0 degrees Celsius. And the bad news is, all the models have said, yeah, we're not going to stable at 1.5. We're already at 1.1 from pre-industrial times. The big question is, are we going to hit 2.0, and if so, when? And there have been predictions, if we continue at really high rates of greenhouse gas emissions, it could happen by the 2080s. If we really bring it low, it could never happen at all. What this AI model found was that even if we really pull down our emissions, there's a 50 in 100 chance that will go over 2.0 before 2054. And that's soon. I mean, if you've got a kindergartner, your kid's just entering their 30s then. This is the world your kid's going to live in. Taylor Wilson: You mentioned the world that current kindergartners could be growing into. What does that world look like specifically? What will it look like, Beth? Elizabeth Weise: And it's an important question. Two things that it's not just that they will happen, it's that they're already starting to happen. I mean, one is, things just get hotter. We have more heatwaves, we have longer heatwaves, we have more droughts. But the other is that weather gets more erratic. It's not that the world ends, but the world that we've built everything upon where you know the rains are going to fall at a certain time. And yeah, there are hurricanes, but there are hurricanes we can live with. It's kind of like, for people who are old enough, that movie from the '80s, This Is Spinal Tap, where the guy says, "Yeah, but my equipment goes up not just to 10, but 11." I mean, we're going to be hitting more 11s, and that's not good. Taylor Wilson: Beth, you mentioned the Paris Agreement. It's now been, what, about eight years since world leaders came together and signed that back in 2015. Is this latest study a sign that the agreement itself is failing? Elizabeth Weise: It's not. And I got to say, I mean, I couldn't keep doing this job if I thought there were no hope. Renewables are coming online at these insanely cheap prices. Every climate scientist I talk to, they all say there's hope. And not only there's hope, but we have the technology to do this. We just have to implement it. And that's what the scientists who did this work are saying is, we have to implement it harder and faster now because the ideal is not to overshoot. And what is that going to mean for the world that our kids or grandkids are growing up in. Taylor Wilson: Right. Elizabeth Weise covers climate change and energy transition for USA TODAY. Beth, thanks for giving us a little bit of a glass half full perspective at the end. We really appreciate it. Elizabeth Weise: It really is half full. You got to look on the bright side. Taylor Wilson: The Biden administration plans on ending COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11th. The move will restructure how the federal government responds to the pandemic entering its fourth year. A national emergency was first declared by then President Donald Trump on March 13th, 2020. States have been receiving extra Medicaid funding during the emergency, in exchange for keeping patients continuously enrolled in the healthcare program. As a result, Medicaid enrollment increased 30% and fewer Americans have been uninsured. But in a massive spending bill last month, Democrats and Republicans agreed to allow states to kick people off Medicaid in May. When the public health emergency ends, people without insurance will have to pay for vaccines, tests, and treatment on their own. COVID vaccines are also expected to get more expensive as the government stops buying them. About seven in 10 Americans have received an initial COVID vaccine, but less than 20% of adults have the latest booster according to the CDC. As you've already heard on the show, tax season is here. USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee has the latest tips and tricks. Medora, welcome back to 5 Things. Medora Lee: Hi, how are you? Taylor Wilson: Doing great. So let's talk taxes. First off, this may surprise some of our listeners, it surprised me, that not everyone actually needs to file their taxes. So who doesn't have to, Medora, and who does? Medora Lee: Okay. Well, basically who has to file taxes depends on a few different things, including how much you've earned and also your filing status. Whether you're single, married or filing jointly or separately, and if you're a head of household or a widower, and then your age. Those three things will usually determine whether you have to file taxes. There's some minimum thresholds for income for each of those situations that you can find on the IRS website. And then also people who are in special situations have to file taxes. People who might have household employment taxes. They have uncollected social security benefits. They bought insurance on the ACA and those types of things. Then there are the people who do not have to file taxes, and those are the people who fall underneath those income brackets. But even if you don't have to file taxes, sometimes there are benefits to filing taxes. I know this sounds crazy, doesn't it? And let me tell you why. Because you might have a refund check coming to you that you may not even know about. This is a big one that a lot of people talk about, the earned income tax credit. A lot of low and middle income people qualify for this, but only one in five people actually ever claim it. And you could get between $500 and $6,000 back. That's incredible. Taylor Wilson: Medora, how can people get their tax refunds faster? Medora Lee: The best thing to do is to request a direct deposit right into your bank account. That's also the safest way to do it. There's no worries about lost checks, or someone stealing it from your mail, or it getting destroyed if you get it by paper. To be doubly fast, you could file electronically, too, and then also request your money come electronically. Taylor Wilson: Let's talk small business owners. Medora Lee: Oh yeah. Taylor Wilson: There are additional allowed deductions from 2022. Can you tell us more about this? Medora Lee: Oh yeah, this one excites me, although I don't think anyone's bought me a lunch lately or a dinner. But anyway, that's the sad part of working from home. But in 2021 and 2022, the IRS gave companies a tax break, that if they decided they were going to order food in for their employees, try to entice them back to the office again, they could deduct 100% of that bill, including tax and tip. But that is going away next year in the tax year 2023. It's going back to the pre-pandemic level of only half of it can be deducted. Taylor Wilson: All right, Medora Lee, thank you for your insight on taxes. I'm sure we'll hear from you again throughout tax season. Really appreciate it. Medora Lee: Sure. Thanks so much. Taylor Wilson: You can stay up to date with everything money related with a daily USA TOAY newsletter called The Daily Money. You can find a link in today's show notes. Winter storm warnings and weather advisories are stretching from Central Texas to the East Coast this week. Parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee are under an ice storm warning. And further north, wind advisories are in effect in the Upper Midwest with wind chills dropping to 35 degrees below zero in some places. The National Weather Service warns that such temperatures can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. You can find more about the weather in your neck of the woods and a Winter Storm Tracker with a link in today's show notes. Thanks for listening to 5 Things. We're here every morning wherever you get your audio. I'm back tomorrow with more of 5 Things from USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 7th Memphis cop taken off force, winter storm warning: 5 Things podcast The Telegraph The precise veracity of the large cache of intelligence documents that have apparently been leaked from the Pentagon might be open to question, but there can be little doubt about the negative impact that they are having on Ukraines war effort. Even if the release of the documents turns out to be part of a clever disinformation campaign by the Kremlins cyber-trolls, it could nevertheless prompt Ukraines high command to rethink its long-planned counteroffensive against Russian forces. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Political activists met Thailand's biggest opposition party on Tuesday to demand that, if it wins in upcoming elections, it revoke a tough law that criminalises insults of the country's monarchy. Thailand has some of the world's strictest lese majeste laws, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison for each perceived royal insult. Hundreds of people have been arrested or jailed under the rules, some for as long as 43 years. Article 112 of the criminal code, as the law is known, has long been a taboo topic in Thailand and calls for it to be reformed have also led to arrests. Eight activists met on Tuesday with the Pheu Thai party and said scrapping Article 112 must be a priority. Pheu Thai has won most votes in every election in the past two decades and will be among the key contenders in this year's poll, which is due by May. "If the Pheu Thai Party want to win by a landslide, they need to revoke 112," activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk said ahead of the meeting. It came as two youth activists in pretrial detention on lese majeste charges entered their 13th day of hunger strike to demand the law be made an election issue. Article 112 was for decades off-limits in public or political debate, but youth activists have recently started to discuss it on social media and at public gatherings and protests. All 17 ruling coalition parties have vowed not to touch the law, while the ultra royalist Thai Pakdee party has started a petition to make it even stricter. The palace typically does not comment on the law. No political party has ever called for it to be revoked, though several support debate on its enforcement or reducing punishments. After the meeting, Natiporn Sanesangkhom, one of the activists, said Pheu Thai gave no firm answer on abolishing article 112. Its secretary-general, Prasert Jantararuangtong, encouraged public discussion on the way it was being enforced as a means of addressing problems in the short term. Story continues "There are many opinions and polarised views in society on the amendment of this law, which could lead to more conflict," he told reporters. In just over two years, 228 people have been charged under lese majeste and 10 are currently in detention, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which has represented many of those accused of royal insults. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty) Congratulations are in order for Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo, who have welcomed their third baby together. On Jan. 30, sources confirmed the baby's birth to NBC News. The couple, who wed in Mexico in 2014, are also parents to daughters Dusty Rose, 6, and Gio Grace, turning 5 in February. News that the Victorias Secret model, 34, and the Maroon 5 frontman, 43, were expecting came in September. Prinsloo later showed off her belly in an Oct. 15 Instagram story, recording herself in the mirror and turning to the side to reveal a growing bump. Around the same time in late September, Levine became publicly embroiled in an alleged cheating scandal. Instagram model Sumner Stroh claimed in a since-deleted TikTok video that she had an affair with the musician and shared messages between them. Levine addressed the rumors in an Instagram story, saying that his online behavior with other women had crossed the line. A lot is being said about me right now and I want to clear the air. I used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner, Levine wrote in a message to his followers on Sept. 20. He continued, I did not have an affair, nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period in my life. In certain instances it became inappropriate; I have addressed that and taken proactive steps to remedy this with my family." The Maroon 5 frontman added that he had been naive and stupid to jeopardize his marriage to Prinsloo. I take full responsibility, he concluded. We will get through it. And we will get through it together. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Gautam Adani. Illustrated | Gettyimages Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is in hot water after an activist investment firm published a report alleging large-scale corruption and malfeasance across his multinational conglomerate, Adani Group. Here's what you need to know: What's happening? On Jan. 24, Hindenburg Research a small firm run by short-seller Nathan Anderson published a 100-page report accusing the Adani Group, a conglomerate founded by Indian businessman Guatam Adani, of perpetuating "the largest con in corporate history." The report claimed the group was "engaged in a brazen stock-manipulation and accounting-fraud scheme," and vastly overstated its companies' valuations in an attempt to "maintain the appearance of financial health and solvency" despite mounting debts. Hindenburg also disclosed that it had taken a so-called "short" position against the tycoon's companies, betting that the conglomerate's stock price would drop to the benefit of the firm. Since the report was released, the Adani Group has lost over $100 billion in market value, while Adani's personal net worth has plummeted by over $50 billion. Further, the allegations "upended" the group's "much-anticipated" secondary share offering, The Economist explains: The group was attempting to raise $2.5 billion in a stock offer that expired Jan. 31, though it ultimately canceled the sale on Feb. 1 after its stock plummeted almost 30 percent. The money raised from the sale will be returned to investors. Who is Gautam Adani? Adani, 60, is the owner and founder of the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate comprised of at least seven publicly-traded companies across a number of verticals, including infrastructure, mining, and renewable energy. And though he's "relatively unknown" in other parts of the world, the prolific billionaire is an industry giant back home, where he also controls the country's largest port. But once Asia's richest man, Adani is now no longer even India's, his worth having plunged in the wake of Hinderburg's missive. Indeed, the firm "could not have selected a bigger whale," writes The Economist. "Adani is widely regarded as a master operator, with a genius for navigating the complicated legal and political landscape of Indian capitalism." Story continues How has the Adani Group responded? The group denounced Hinderberg's report as "baseless" and "malicious," and accused the firm of having an "ulterior motive" for publishing the document. "This is rife with conflict of interest and intended only to create a false market in securities to enable Hindenburg, an admitted short seller, to book massive financial gain through wrongful means at the cost of countless investors," the group wrote in its 413-page rebuttal. It said Hindenburg's actions represent a "calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity, and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India." Hinderberg and Anderson have not backed down from their accusations. Are there larger implications? The fight could have a knock-on effect for India's transition to clean energy, the Journal explains. Adani Group has interests in green energy, infrastructure, and power generation, and is "a big developer of renewable energy and generator of electricity." But it also "derives the majority of total revenue" from operations related to coal, The Washington Post reports. What does this have to do with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Both Adani and his companies have "close ties" to Modi's government, which has, in the past, helped the conglomerate more smoothly "expand into media, energy, and cement sectors," the Times writes. The billionaire and Modi are also widely perceived as having been cut from the same cloth, each with a similar ascent to power and origin story. "The Adani Group is no ordinary conglomerate: It's closely identified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he was chief minister" of Gujarat state, Jairam Ramesh, general secretary of the opposition Congress Party, said recently, per Bloomberg. The strategies of Adani's many companies also seem to consistently complement Modi's goal of developing India's economy. As The Washington Post writes: "Whether building expressways or upgrading data centers, Adani can be counted on to provide money, infrastructure, or expertise, whatever the policy priority." The prime minister has so far kept quiet on this scandal, though "it's not certain if or how Indian regulators could intervene" in the matter, the Times writes, "as Hindenburg is shorting the Adani Group's non-Indian securities." Update Feb. 2: This article has been updated throughout to reflect the latest in the story. You may also like The Hogwarts Legacy boycott controversy, explained Republicans vote to oust Rep. Ilhan Omar from House committee U.S. firm reportedly offers Ukraine 2 Reaper drones for $1, plus $10 million in shipping and handling On 31 January, an air-raid siren was announced for the third time in all oblasts of Ukraine, which lasted just under half an hour. Source: map alerts.in.ua, an independent Belarusian military monitoring project Belaruski Hajun Details: Yurii Ihnat, Air Force spokesman, previously explained that the rapid spread of the air-raid siren on the territory of Ukraine indicates the threat of strikes with Kinzhal missiles. At the same time, "Belaruski Hajun" reported about the landing of a radar plane and escort fighters in Belarus. Analysts also noted that on 31 January, not a single take-off of the MiG-31K Russian Aerospace Forces from the Machulishchy airfield was recorded. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the first alarm across Ukraine on Tuesday was announced due to the take-off of a MiG-31K in Russia. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Paris, France --News Direct-- Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, a leading provider of communications, cloud and networking solutions tailored to customers industries, is hosting its global partner conference on February 8th and 9th 2023. Following the success of the past years Connex events, this years Connex23 conference will again take to a virtual stage, enabling maximum participation from partners around the world. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise partners will have the chance to hear first-hand from CEO, Jack Chen and his executive and management teams about how Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise will help them to drive sustainable business for their companies and customers. Solutions specialists will demonstrate new product roadmaps and show how Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise can help partners and end-customers achieve tangible business outcomes by making everything connect thanks to Advanced analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity and platforms, and the Internet of Things. Continuing its vertical focus, Connex23 will reveal Alcatel-Lucent Enterprises plans for further innovation across the healthcare, education, government, transportation, energy and utilities markets. Businesses on their path to digital transformation are embracing new technologies and models to boost their business outcomes through increased employee and customer collaboration with an enhanced user experience. comments Rukmini Glanard, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Services and Marketing. We are offering an increased portfolio of value-added services to help accelerate this move to cloud subscription and as a Service business models. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise is continuing to focus on supporting its global ecosystem of 3,400 business partners and its worldwide base of over a million customers. The management will demonstrate how the company is using flexible and agile methods, which have been successfully implemented over the last year, to go the extra mile to enable complex opportunities, manage industry shortages and support business continuity for partners and end customers on an hourly and daily basis. Story continues The theme for this years event is Technology for Good. This underlines the importance of how our people, our partners, and our secure solutions work hand-in-hand to create and deliver positive outcomes, good for people, good for business and good for the environment. Technology can help individuals and companies to be better connected, to collaborate in more innovative and productive ways. said Rukmini Glanard. About Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise delivers the customised technology experiences enterprises need to make everything connect. ALE provides digital-age networking, communications and cloud solutions with services tailored to ensure customers success, with flexible business models in the cloud, on premises, and hybrid. All solutions have built-in security and limited environmental impact. Over 100 years of innovation have made Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise a trusted advisor to more than a million customers all over the world. With headquarters in France and 3,400 business partners worldwide, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise achieves an effective global reach with a local focus. Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Contact Details Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Carine Bowen press@al-enterprise.com ALcatel-Lucent Enterprise Katherine Skidmore katherine@fox.agency Company Website https://www.al-enterprise.com/ View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/alcatel-lucent-enterprise-hosts-global-partners-at-2023-virtual-conference-540082480 By Andrew Hay (Reuters) -Actor Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday for showing a "reckless" disregard for safety that led to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie "Rust" in New Mexico in 2021, according to court documents. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed charges following months of speculation as to whether she had evidence that Baldwin acted with criminal negligence when a revolver with which he was rehearsing fired a live round that killed Hutchins. Baldwin and set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were each charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The most serious charge, which carries a potential sentence of five years in jail, would require prosecutors to convince a jury that Baldwin acted with willful disregard for the safety of others. A lawyer for Baldwin declined to comment. Gutierrez-Reed's lawyer said the prosecutor had "completely misunderstood the facts and has reached the wrong conclusions." Baldwin's case is remarkable in that there is little or no precedent for a Hollywood actor to face criminal charges for an on-set shooting. A statement of probable cause by the prosecution's special investigator, Robert Shilling, made clear Baldwin was being charged as an actor and producer on the low-budget movie. Baldwin's failure to get sufficient firearms training, check with the armorer whether the revolver was loaded, or address safety complaints from crew were cited by Shilling as some of his many "extremely reckless acts or reckless failures to act" in the 10-day period leading up to Hutchins' death. The "30 Rock" actor has denied responsibility for the shooting inside a movie-set church, saying Hutchins directed him to point the gun at the camera, he cocked the revolver but never pulled the trigger. Baldwin said live ammunition should never have been allowed on the set and it was the job of Gutierrez-Reed and first assistant director Dave Halls to ensure the gun was unloaded, a position supported by many actors and the SAG-AFTRA union. Story continues Videos from inside the church prior to the shooting show Baldwin with his finger on the trigger, Shilling said. An FBI forensic test of the revolver found it "functioned normally" and would not fire without the trigger being pulled. The prosecution used Baldwin's comments to media against him, saying the investigation showed he deviated from firearm safety protocols that he laid out in television interviews. "Baldwin would have been better served not making public statements about these incidents," said Kate Mangels, an attorney with entertainment law firm Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump Holley. Still, prosecutors could face long odds convincing a jury Baldwin is criminally liable as he was assured the gun was not loaded and it will be difficult to blame him for all the movie's alleged safety failures, legal analysts said No other "Rust" producer has been charged. LIVE ROUNDS Charging documents held Gutierrez-Reed responsible for "allowing live ammunition on the set," but did not accuse her of physically introducing them onto the production. Gutierrez-Reed has said she brought two boxes of dummy rounds onto the set from a previous movie. Supply company PDQ Arms and Prop also provided dummy rounds and blanks. An FBI test found live long Colt .45 rounds taken from PDQ in Albuquerque did not match those found at the movie set, including the round that killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. As armorer responsible for firearm safety and training, Gutierrez-Reed failed to provide sufficient instruction to Baldwin, check rounds loaded into the revolver or remain present in the rehearsal to ensure the actor did not point the weapon at Hutchins, the special investigator said. Gutierrez-Reed has said she checked that the rounds were dummies before handing the gun to Halls and leaving the church due to COVID protocols. Halls then handed it to Baldwin, telling him it was a "cold gun," meaning it did not contain an explosive charge, according to police. Halls has signed a plea deal for a misdemeanor charge and is expected to cooperate with the prosecution. Gutierrez-Reed has said producers denied her requests for extra firearms training, including with Baldwin. Gabrielle Pickle, line producer on the movie, on Dec. 20 testified to New Mexico's worker safety agency (OSHA) that all of Gutierrez-Reed's requests for extra days for armorer duties were granted. On Dec. 7 Gutierrez-Reed testified to OSHA that Baldwin's lack of knowledge and "poor form" in using a revolver may have led to the discharge that killed Hutchins. Her lawyer Jason Bowles said Halls, her senior in the production, was at fault for not calling Gutierrez-Reed back into the church to perform her armorer duties. "We will fight these charges and expect that a jury will find Hannah not guilty," he said in a statement. The defendants face a court arraignment, which can be done virtually, then a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide whether there is probable cause to move forward with a trial. Preliminary hearings are typically scheduled within 60 days of charges being filed. (Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Rosalba O'Brien and Leslie Adler) Alec Baldwin, pictured in New York on Tuesday as prosecutors are expected to file formal charges for his role in Halyna Hutchins's death on Rust. (Photo: Reuters) More than one year after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed filming Rust, star and producer Alec Baldwin has been criminally charged in connection to the fatal shooting. A probable cause statement filed gives more insight into why prosecutors believe the actor is culpable, claiming he had a reckless disregard for safety on set. The document alleges he was "distracted" when he did attend a firearms training session. Prosecutors filed formal charges on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after the district attorney's office announced Alec faced two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The Emmy-winning actor isn't the only person authorities believe is responsible for the terrible accident. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of handling weapons on set of the Western, was also charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. "Today we have taken another important step in securing justice for Halyna Hutchins," New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a statement on Tuesday. "In New Mexico, no one is above the law and justice will be served." Negligent use of a deadly weapon charges were also filed against David Halls, the film's first assistant director, who allegedly handed the gun to Baldwin and declared it "cold," meaning there was no live ammunition. Halls pleaded no contest and has entered into a plea agreement that is pending approval. Tuesday's filing included a statement of probable cause. Police believe the 30 Rock star "displayed very inconsistent accounts of what happened during the incident," citing interviews they conducted as well as statements the actor made in the media. Alec has maintained he did not pull the trigger. But investigators and the FBI found the gun could not "accidentally fire." For the weapon to fire, the trigger had to have been pressed. Photo and video evidence from rehearsals "clearly show" Alec "multiple times with his finger inside of the trigger guard and on the trigger, while manipulating the hammer and while drawing, pointing, and holstering the revolver." Story continues The document claims Alec was careless when it came to gun safety, noting he "was not present for required firearms training" prior to filming. When he did show up for training, Alec allegedly only completed 30 minutes of the one hour session as he "was distracted and talking on his cell phone to his family" according to Gutierrez-Reed's deposition. Investigators determined that when Alec was rehearsing, the scene "did not require the weapon to be fired." A replica gun should be used as no firing of blanks is required. "[Alec] directly pointed a firearm at Hutchins and Souza. Whether guided by her directions or not, Baldwin knew the first rule of gun safety is never point a gun at someone you don't intend on shooting. In addition, always assume a gun is loaded. Had Baldwin performed the required safety checks with the armorer ... this tragedy would not have occurred," the document claims. The probable cause statement points to the actor's decades-long experience in the film industry and said he showed "reckless deviation" from standard safety protocols on set. The document outlines multiple ways Baldwin failed as the film's lead producer, too, as there were two "negligent discharge" incidents before the fatal incident. Baldwin was photographed in New York City earlier Tuesday. Before charges were filed, his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, spoke out on social media. Hilaria, who gave birth to the couple's seventh child in September, once again thanked fans and offered public support for her husband. "I hope you understand how much your support and kindness to Alec and our children mean. Thank you for being our community and our village. You are helping us to be stronger parents and partners during this unimaginable time, stemming from such heartbreaking tragedy," she wrote, adding: "Alec, we love you and we are here for you." The actor and Gutierrez-Reed are charged in the alternative, meaning if a jury decides either is guilty, the panel then must determine which definition of involuntary manslaughter applies. A jury could also find them not guilty. To be found guilty of the first charge, involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors must prove there was underlying negligence. The other charge is involuntary manslaughter in the commission of a lawful act, which requires proof that there was more than simple negligence involved in a death. The latter includes a firearm enhancement, or added mandatory penalty, because of the weapon involved. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face anywhere from zero to five years behind bars. Lawyers for Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed previously said they will fight the charges. "This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins's tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set," the actor's attorney, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel, previously told Yahoo Entertainment. "He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win." Gutierrez-Reed's lawyers Jason Bowles and Todd J. Bullion released the following statement to Yahoo after charges were filed on Tuesday: Alec Baldwin has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of his movie Rust. The Santa Fe, N.M., district attorneys office filed the charges against Baldwin and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed on Tuesday. Both were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The charges, which were first announced earlier this month, came more than a year after the October 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins, the movies cinematographer who was killed after authorities say Baldwin fired a live round from a prop gun while rehearsing a scene for the Western. Rust director Joel Souza was also injured in the shooting on the set of the New Mexico production. In charging documents filed in the First Judicial District Court, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies cited Baldwins reckless handling of the firearm and, as the films producer and star, his failure to mitigate numerous reckless and dangerous actions during a very short time period. In the case of a trial, jurors would decide which of the involuntary manslaughter charges would apply, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed face up to 18 months in prison on the lesser charge and a mandatory five-year sentence on the other charge, according to the paper. A law firm representing Baldwin, 64, told ITK on Tuesday it would have no additional comment, after earlier this month saying the district attorneys decision to file charges was a terrible miscarriage of justice. In a Tuesday post on Instagram, the Academy Award winners wife, Hilaria Baldwin, thanked supporters during this unimaginable time, stemming from such heartbreaking tragedy. Updated at 4:37 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The video at the top of the story will play a live stream of the trial or a replay upon completion of the day's proceedings. Firearms and cell phone data dominated the discussion Tuesday afternoon in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. The state called John Bedingfield, Murdaugh's second cousin who is a S.C. Department of Natural Resources officer and a custom gunmaker. Bedingfield testified that between 2016 and 2018, he custom built three AR-style rifles in 300 Blackout caliber to fill special orders from Murdaugh. Two of the guns were fitted with slings and thermal scopes - but one of those guns went missing, Murdaugh said. A 300 Blackout caliber weapon was used to kill Maggie Murdaugh, and several Blackout cartridges found at the scene of the murders matched in several ways other rifle cartridges found around the Murdaugh estate, leading prosecutors to suggest that Maggie was killed with a family weapon. Jan 30, 2023; Walterboro, SC, USA; Prosecutor Creighton Waters asks witness Jeff Croft, a SLED senior special agent, questions about weapons and ammunition collected from Alex Murdaughs home during Murdaughs trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse on Monday, January 30, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Boucher/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK The state then called Lt. Britt Dove, a supervisor at SLED's compute crimes division and a member of the U.S. Secret Service and FBI computer forensics task forces. Dove was qualified by the court to testify as a cell phone forensic expert. Dove testified that he extracted cellular data from phones belonging to Alex, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh using two methods, then verified the accuracy of the those results using a third method. Alex Murdaugh murder trial:Walterboro restaurants, food trucks serve influx of visitors While questioning Dove, Assistant S.C. Attorney General John Conrad entered into evidence the "full file system" data from Maggie's phone, data which was stored on an external hard drive so investigators could analyze it without altering the data on the phone itself. This data included text messages, call logs, and "physical" updates of the phone - such as when the phone was turned from a landscape position to a portrait position, or when the display lights turned on, etc. Based on the data extracted, Dove testified that Maggie made her last phone call at 7:50 p.m. on the night of the murders, June 7, 2021. The records also showed five missed calls from Murdaugh after that time, from 9:04 to 10:03 p.m. Murdaugh called 911 around 10:07 p.m. to report finding the bodies of Maggie and Paul. Story continues Dove also testified that the last text message Maggie read was from "Lynn G." - likely her sister-in-law, Lynn Murdaugh Goettee, Alex's sister - at 8:49 p.m. However, Dove testified, the data suggested that someone held her phone in their hand at 8:54 p.m. and again at 9:06 p.m. - without unlocking it or answering any of several calls or texts. The SLED cell phone expert also testified that Maggie's phone showed physical activity by the user or holder of the phone: 38 steps were taken at around 8:17 p.m., 43 steps at around 8:33 p.m., and 59 steps at 8:53 p.m. Maggie's phone remain locked however, and showed no further activity until SLED agents found it beside the road the next day - roughly a quarter to a half mile away. The trial is expected to resume at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday with further questioning of Dove. To date, the state has called 15 witnesses and entered numerous pieces of physical and forensic evidence. Jan 30, 2023; Walterboro, SC, USA; Alex Murdaugh listens to testimony from SLEDs Jeff Croft during his trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse on Monday, January 30, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Boucher/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Tuesday a.m. updates from Colleton County court Day 7 of the double murder trial of disbarred attorney Richard "Alex" Murdaugh featured grueling cross examination, controversial video evidence from SLED, and a massive amount of cell phone data. Murdaugh defense attorney Jim Griffin proved himself knowledgeable about both firearms and the law, as he went after SLED Senior Special Agent Jeff Cross Tuesday morning in a pointed and often tough cross examination. Croft had testified Monday afternoon about weapons and ammo that he had seized from the Murdaugh property, Moselle, where Paul and Maggie Murdaugh were killed, and testified about a videoed interview SLED agents conducted with Murdaugh. Video of Alex Murdaugh interview with SLED sparks controversy, debate A videoed interview of Murdaugh, which SLED conducted on June 10, 2021, three days after the killing, has sparked a difference of opinion and interpretations between the state and the defense, and even among the public following the case. During the interview, Murdaugh breaks down weeping when asked about seeing the crime scene, and appears to say, "It was so bad, I did him so bad." Croft also testified Monday afternoon that was what he heard Murdaugh say. However, during cross examination, Griffin played the video again, at normal speed and at one-third speed, asking if it wasn't clear that Murdaugh was saying "... they did him so bad." Croft, however, stuck to his original testimony. "I am 100 percent confident in what I heard and interpreted," he said, to which Griffin asked why SLED didn't immediately follow up on the alleged "confession." People on social media were still debating what was actually said on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. The S.C. Attorney General's Office also called two cell phone forensic experts to the stand, Michael Anthony Knecht, Verizon records custodian, along with Paul McManigle and Jonathan VanHouten, both with the U.S. Secret Service, to discuss cell phone records and cell phones police downloaded for evidence. Placed into evidence were cell phone data downloads from the phones of Alex, Maggie, Paul, Buster Murdaugh, and Rogan Gibson, among others. Murdaugh defense team fires back at gun evidence, testimony During cross examinations, Griffin asked why SLED investigators didn't search Murdaugh's home for bloody clothes while they were looking for guns, and questioned not only the state's claim that ammo found elsewhere at the property matched shell casings found at the scene, also enquired why prosecutors were entering weapons into evidence that weren't the murder weapon. "Did you ever find the murder weapons," Griffin asked, to which Croft replied, "Not that I am aware of." Griffin questioned why SLED did not dig up rifle slugs from the shooting range at Moselle, and why state police didn't search Murdaugh's parent's house for evidence until September of 2021. Check back for updates. Looking back at Monday in Colleton County court Day 6 of the Alex Murdaugh murder trial concluded with more testimony from SLED Senior Special Agent Jeff Croft about 300 Blackout rounds and 12 gauge shotgun shells found elsewhere at the Moselle estate, AR-15s being custom made for Murdaugh, and video footage of a SLED interview with Murdaugh that appears to contain some questionable statements from the suspect. During the afternoon session, Croft testified that other areas of Moselle, including the shooting shed and a pond, were littered with spent 300 Blackout casings and 12 gauge shotgun shells like the kinds used to kill Maggie and Paul. The prosecution played body cam footage of Croft and other SLED agents collecting these cartridges. Who is the real Alex Murdaugh? The man who wrecked a South Carolina legal dynasty. The state also played video footage of Murdaugh during a June 10, 2021, follow-up interview with SLED - the second time that Murdaugh spoke to state police after the killings. The interview was conducted inside a vehicle at a hunting lodge owned by his brother, John Marvin Murdaugh. After chatting with officers, Murdaugh relays his recollection of the timeline of events on the day of the killings. As the video plays, the S.C. Attorney General's lead prosecutor, Creighton Waters, stops and repeats certain key information to the jury, or asks Croft to elaborate or repeat certain portions of Murdaugh's statements for the jury. Power, prestige and privilege:Inside the rise and fall of the Murdaugh dynasty in South Carolina In the video, as Murdaugh described the last moments he spent with Paul, driving around the property, he broke down and wept, as SLED agents comforted him and gave him tissues. In court Murdaugh, while watching the video, began rocking back and forth and appeared to get emotional, grabbing a tissue from the defense table. Croft testified that Murdaugh told SLED the last time he saw Maggie and Paul was when the family had supper. However, earlier in the trial, Waters told the jury that the state had cell phone video evidence that put Murdaugh at the dog kennels later than that. Dig deeperHow murder charges impact other death investigations, lawsuits surrounding Alex Murdaugh Jan 30, 2023; Walterboro, SC, USA; Evidence presented in Alex Murdaughs trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse on Monday, January 30, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Boucher/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK When asked about his relationship with his wife, Murdaugh, who again appeared upset in the video, responded, "I had a wonderful wife, she was a great mother. She didn't work, but she took care of me and the boys." Murdaugh sniffled throughout the interview, then openly wept at times. During one grief-stricken moment of sobbing, Murdaugh appeared to have said this about Paul: "It's just so bad. I did him so bad." When Waters repeated this to Croft, he verified that is what he said. While the interview was being conducted, SLED agents downloaded Murdaugh's phone and had him spit out his wad of chewing tobacco in order to do an oral "buccal swab" to collect DNA. Follow Michael DeWitt's Twitter feed for Murdaugh trial updates A Twitter List by SEDOT_J_Orlando This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Alex Murdaugh murder trial: Weapons, SLED interview, phones examined Washington, DC --News Direct-- Alliance for Financing U.S. Infrastructure The Alliance for Financing U.S. Infrastructure today praised Reps. Daniel Webster (R-FL) and Colin Allred (D-TX) for introducing bipartisan legislation to create a nationally chartered bank to provide capital for infrastructure projects throughout the United States. The Federal Infrastructure Bank, as its called, will receive no federal funds or government guarantees. The bill, The Federal Infrastructure Bank Act of 2023, H.R. 490, was introduced and referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which both Congressmen are members. J. Patrick Cave, president of the Alliance for Financing U.S. Infrastructure, called the bill an important milestone on the march to securing the worlds greatest infrastructure for this nation. Infrastructure is not just an economic boon. It boosts national security at a time of heightened threats around the world. Americas infrastructure is long overdue for critical repairs and needed advancements, said Rep. Webster. This bank will work with state and local partners to facilitate private infrastructure investments, creating a much-needed mechanism for projects to access necessary funding. "Our rapid growth in Texas requires us to use every tool we can to invest in our infrastructure so our economy can grow an we can remain competitive," said Rep. Allred. "This bipartisan bill will create a national infrastructure bank, modeled after similar banks in states across the country to leverage the private sector to spur sustained, long-term investment to create jobs and help meet our infrastructure needs. I am proud to join my fellow Transportation & Infrastructure Committee colleague Congressman Webster on this bill and look forward to working together to invest in our infrastructure." Even after funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that at least another $2 trillion is needed to bring U.S. infrastructure up to acceptable levels and much more to become the global leader. According to the World Economic Forum, the U.S. ranks 12th in transportation infrastructure and 23rd for water and electricity infrastructure. Story continues While federal infrastructure investment is critical, said Rep. Webster, the current level of resources from the federal government will not address Americas current infrastructure needs on its own. The new bank will attract investments from around the world and provide long-term debt financing and loan guarantees for bridges, tunnels, ports, the electric grid, broadband connectivity, energy pipelines and storage facilities, rail, airports, dams, water treatment, and, says the bill, any other infrastructure project which the Bank identifies as providing a public benefit. The legislation encourages private investment for initial capitalization of the bank through limited tax incentives. The bill requires that at least 10% of the banks loans go to rural areas. Loans to any foreign country are prohibited, and China, its Communist Party and military are not permitted to invest. The Federal Reserve will oversee the bank, which will not take deposits or be engaged in any activities beyond infrastructure investment. A major feature of the bank will be working with state infrastructure banks, most of which are now moribund, to invest in worthy projects throughout the nation. In contrast to other infrastructure bank proposals, said Cave, this legislation establishes a nationally chartered bank that is entirely capitalized by private investment, with a board appointed by shareholders and no taxpayer dollars at risk. The Alliance for Financing U.S. Infrastructure is a 501(c)(6) organization whose role is to support the financing of infrastructure in the United States and to promote the common business interests of businesses that would benefit from increased federal financial support for infrastructure development in the United States. Contact Details Elizabeth Heaton +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com Jim Glassman +1 202-344-5777 jim@glassmanadv.com View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/alliance-hails-the-introduction-of-a-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-nationally-chartered-private-bank-to-boost-infrastructure-investments-in-the-u-s-860256755 By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc illegally threatened to withhold raises and benefits from workers at two New York City warehouses if they voted to unionize, a judge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled. In a decision issued on Monday, Administrative Law Judge Benjamin Green said Amazon supervisors told workers that they would miss out on regularly scheduled raises and improved benefits if the company was forced into lengthy union negotiations. U.S. labor law prohibits employers from making threats or promises in order to discourage unionizing. Workers at Amazon's JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island voted to join the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) last April, a first for the company in the United States. In May, employees at a smaller nearby storage facility rejected a union campaign. Green said Amazon also violated federal labor law in 2021 by removing a post from an internal message board asking workers to sign a union-backed petition to make Juneteenth a paid holiday. Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nor did the ALU. The board's general counsel, which acts as a prosecutor, is trying to use the case to convince the five-member board to ban mandatory anti-union meetings. So-called "captive audience" meetings have for decades been a common tool used by employers to discourage unionizing. Green did not rule on that issue because administrative judges cannot make new legal precedent. But the board will likely take up the issue if Amazon appeals. Amazon has faced dozens of complaints from workers and the ALU as the union attempts to organize warehouses across the country. The company has generally denied wrongdoing. Earlier this month, an NLRB official rejected Amazon's bid to overturn the results of the JFK8 election. The company said it intends to appeal that ruling to the board. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Mark Potter) Editors note: The opinions expressed in our op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Today, the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2022 have been published. Ukraine received 33 points out of 100 possible. Our score has increased by one point, and now Ukraine ranks 116th out of 180 countries in the CPI. This year's corruption perception survey came amid high-profile arrests that rocked Ukraine in the first month of the year. After all, this is the hunt for the corrupt senior officials that Ukrainian society has longed for. Anti-corruption institutions work steadily, despite the continuity of Russia's ongoing war, and do it quite effectively. But we have to admit, they still have a lot of work to do. What influenced the Ukrainian results in the new CPI, how did the fight against corruption take place during the war, and what are the prospects of our country? Let's discuss this in detail. War and anti-corruption. What do CPI results mean? Ukraine has shown stable growth within the last 10 years. During this time, we added 8 points to our score. Yes, it is difficult to call this a surge, but it can definitely be considered a confident movement forward. We need to remember that the one point we added was following the results of the most difficult year in the history of our country. Today, we tied our all-time highest score in the Index, according to the new methodology (the same was in 2020, but you must agree, the circumstances were entirely different back then). Since the time of corrupt pro-Russian ex-President Viktor Yanukovych and his associates, who actually turned the institution of power into a criminal group to steal state money, we have made a very tangible step forward. Just look back on the times before the EuroMaidan Revolution, when all information was closed, officials filed printed asset declarations as they pleased, and procurement took place on paper behind closed doors this was the reality in which the country lived 10 years ago. Story continues And over this decade, not only have we emerged as a state, but we also created a number of leading electronic tools (Prozorro, the Prozorro.Sale e-declaration system, E-health) and built the country's anti-corruption infrastructure from scratch. It should also be understood that since it is the perception of corruption that is measured, and not its actual level (it cannot be measured), the situation with a sharp increase is rather extraordinary than expected, especially in the midst of a long war. The course of modernizing the state and restoring order can be seen from how the current personnel improves the already existing elements of the state system, or at least not worsen them. Here is just a brief analysis of what was implemented based on our recommendations in 2022 and what might have influenced our score in this year's CPI. The completion of the competitions to anti-corruption infrastructure bodies partially implemented The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office head was finally appointed during the summer, which added power to the anti-corruption infrastructure. The competition in which the National Anti-Corruption Bureau Director is to be elected is moving ahead. However, electing the head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency is still stalled. This is bad because one of the agency's specialties is the manage seized Russian assets, and the presence of an effective and honest leader would improve the situation. Adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and its implementation program partially implemented There is finally a strategy, but there is no state anti-corruption program to implement it. The public calls on the government to finally approve it and not consider dubious changes from bodies that want to protect dubious practices. Continuation of privatization implemented. Ensuring transparent accounting of public property not implemented And if everything is clear and positive with the former, then as far as the latter is concerned, Ukraine definitely needs to change the legislation to strengthen control over the data on property possessed. Public procurement oversight partially implemented The January scandal with overpayments on food procurement for the military is an example of the abuse of simplifications in the procurement procedure that took place during the war. Appealing to the issue of security and urgency since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, procuring entities can sign direct agreements and not publish them online. As we can see, it's pretty harmful. Thus, the visibility and transparency of procurement need to be restored. Reform of the Constitutional Court not implemented Despite the opinion of the Venice Commission and the indignation of public experts, President Volodymyr Zelensky did sign law 7662. This law not only can raise doubts about the results of the work of the Advisory Group of Experts, which will elect the Constitutional Court judges but also allow dishonest judges to be elected to this crucial institution. Unless the situation changes, this is a direct path to establish full government control over the Constitutional Court. What Are the Prospects? It should be noted that some of these recommendations were implemented under martial law it was in 2022, the new head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office head was appointed, and the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021-2025 was adopted, albeit without several important provisions. However, the war still made it somewhat difficult to fight corruption. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the whole country has experienced a great shock. This concerned not only people but also state institutions. From the first days of the war, all information was concealed. When the first shock passed, access to the data gradually began to be restored, but so far, this is not enough. Yes, the war posed the most important challenge to Ukraine survival. And we coped with it. Our defenders have shown the entire world that they are not only able to resist the enemy but also are far superior to them in the strength of will, dedication, and professionalism. However, at the same time, Russia's armed aggression exposed other challenges, in particular, it pointed to the need to continue overcoming the internal enemy corruption. It is sometimes visible at the local level yes, even during the war, there are people who can use this bitter time to their advantage. But the January wave of corruption scandals will most certainly discourage officials from participating in schemes and taking bribes. Our anti-corruption system shows that punishment will certainly catch up with the dishonest. The anti-corruption ecosystem has survived, surrounded by Russian troops and under massive shelling, but that doesn't mean it's working at full capacity. We still have a long way to go. Namely to complete the competitions for the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Asset Recovery and Management Agency and choose professional, honest, and, most importantly, independent leaders. To consider all previous shortcomings and start a competition for the head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (the next head should be appointed in January 2024). This will greatly strengthen the capacity of the anti-corruption infrastructure. We must also open up databases where it is possible and doesn't harm our security and defense interests. And to restore accountability of all authorities submission of financial reports of political parties and electronic declarations and their verification by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention. We must understand that not only the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index but also the effectiveness of the reconstruction of our country and the success of future European integration depend on the transparency and accountability of the authorities and the effective work of our anti-corruption institutions. We, as a country, chose our path a long time ago, and this is the choice our defenders and every Ukrainian bravely fight for every day. PROVIDENCE A small crowd gathered at the south steps of the State House on Monday night to remember a Black man killed by police officers. This time his name was Tyre Nichols, beaten in Memphis by five police officers on Jan. 7 and dying of his injuries three days later. Others have suffered similar fates. George Floyd, who died with a knee on his neck. Eric Garner, who died with an arm around his neck. While the names and the places change, the end result is the same, a series of speakers said at a vigil gathered by the Black Lives Matter RI political action committee to remember this Black man from Memphis. Jim Vincent, immediate past president of the Providence branch of the NAACP, said he was on the State House steps yet again calling for the General Assembly to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. Had Nichols been killed in Rhode Island, the five officers charged with his death would have been put on paid leave instead of being fired immediately, Vincent said. Harrison Tuttle, executive director of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, the organizer of Monday evening's candlelight vigil for Tyre Nichols, addresses the gathering as he stands with community, religious and political leaders at the State House. Rhode Island is among only 14 states that maintain a bill of rights for law enforcement officers, and the only state in New England, he said. "The time is now, and now is the time," he said. Former state Sen. Cynthia Mendes said she had been in contact with Memphis City Council Member J.B. Smiley and urged those assembled to sign up to call and to email their support when the time comes. State Sen. Tiara Mack, who sponsored a bill to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, said the killings are not the only violence experienced in the community. A lack of a living wage, a deficit of affordable housing, forcing people to live outside in the cold, are all forms of violence and are perpetuated, she said. Patricia Poitevien of Barrington stands with her sons Noah LeBlanc, left, and Julien LeBlanc as they listen to speakers at Monday evening's candlelight vigil for Tyre Nichols. For former state Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, Nichols' death was a reminder of the instructions she still gives to her grown sons, like telling her tallest, 6'3", when he was in school to not stand too close to white teachers so as not to intimidate them. Story continues "This is the burden on Black mothers," she said. Nichols was just trying to get home when he was stopped, she said, calling to the audience. "What was he trying to do?" she called. "Get home," the crowd responded. What happened to Tyre Nichols on Jan. 7, 2023 Nichols, 29, died on Jan. 10, three days after at least five Memphis police officers beat him following a traffic stop. Five officers were fired on Jan. 20, then indicted a week later on charges of second-degree murder, assault and kidnapping. The Police Department released videos from the incident on Jan. 27. More:Tyre Nichols case reignites conversations among lawmakers on federal police legislation The videos show Memphis police officers brutally beating Nichols, shouting expletives and using pepper spray and a baton on him while he called out for his mother. Police struck Nichols at least 13 times, kicking his face, side and head, punching his head and chest, and striking him with a baton. Three released videos came from officers' body cameras and another came from a pole-mounted surveillance camera on the street. After the beating, as Nichols sat propped up against a police car moaning in pain, the officers gathered nearby, calling Nichols names, checking on each other and laughing. Nichols, an avid skateboarder and FedEx worker who had a 4-year-old son, was hospitalized in critical condition after he was beaten. The vigil for Nichols came the same day as news broke that a sixth police officer was placed on leave in connection with his death. 'This was criminal': Former Memphis police officers arrested, face murder charges in Tyre Nichols' death Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. Here's our latest offer. Material from USA Today was used in this report. Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Vigil for Tyre Nichols at RI State House protests loss, seeks RI change (Reuters) -Armenia on Tuesday asked President Vladimir Putin to take a tougher line on Nagorno-Karabakh and for Russian peacekeepers to end what it calls Azerbaijan's blockade of the only road leading to the enclave. Armenia said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had spoken to Putin about the resulting humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and had "highlighted" the importance of Russia taking the necessary steps to overcome it. "In this context, reference was made to the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh," the Armenian government said in a statement. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but its 120,000 inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Armenians and it broke away from Baku in a first war in the early 1990s. Azeri civilians identifying themselves as environmental activists have been facing off since Dec. 12 with Russian peacekeepers on the Lachin corridor, the only road across Azerbaijan that links Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan says the protesters are government-backed agitators. Baku denies blockading the road, saying that some convoys and aid are allowed through. The Kremlin said Armenia had asked for the call. "The current situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of consistent implementation of the entire complex of trilateral agreements of the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan," it said. Later on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed "ways to resolve the situation around the Lachin corridor," in a telephone call with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Lavrov said Russia was ready to mediate the standoff, according a readout from Russia's foreign ministry. In 2020, Azerbaijan retook territory in and around the enclave after a second war that ended in a Russian-brokered ceasefire upheld by Russian peacekeepers. Armenia has made a series of increasingly blunt public demands of Russia over the blockade in recent weeks. Pashinyan last month said Russian peacekeepers were failing to perform their duties. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn, David Ljunggren and Jonathan Oatis) PORT ST. LUCIE With the help of the Florida Highway Patrol and Facebook, Port St. Lucie police found a man investigators said stole a van with a 55-year-old nonverbal man in it before ditching the vehicle in a residential area of the city. John Peloquin, 46, of New Hampshire, was arrested Tuesday on charges including grand theft of a vehicle and abuse of a disabled adult. Investigators said Peloquin on Monday took a Dodge Caravan that a worker at a group home left running as the group home worker stopped at a liquor store on Southwest Bayshore Boulevard and bought alcohol, Assistant Chief Richard Del Toro said. The 55-year-old nonverbal man, who uses a wheelchair, was inside the vehicle. Police later learned the caretaker at the group home had been taking the man to an establishment in St. Lucie West. Police were called about the incident about 1:55 p.m. Monday. Investigators quickly circulated an image of the Dodge Caravan and of the man who they said absconded with it. About 4 p.m., police were called by a resident who reported seeing a vehicle matching the description. It was recovered on South Naranja Avenue near Floresta Drive with the 55-year-old man in it unharmed. Family remembers homicide victim:'Beautiful soul, life of the party' Del Toro said a sergeant saw the surveillance photo of the suspect, and said he thought hed encountered the man later identified as Peloquin earlier in the morning in the area of a gas station on Southwest Port St. Lucie Boulevard. He (the sergeant) didn't get the guy's name, but the guy had told him he had an encounter with Florida Highway Patrol the night before, Del Toro said. The encounter apparently involved a disturbance at a plaza on Floridas Turnpike, and FHP documented the mans name, police said. Port St. Lucie crime scene detectives search the van that had been reported stolen with a wheelchair-bound man inside at the intersection of Floresta Drive and South Naranja Avenue on Monday, Jan 30, 2023, in Port St. Lucie. The van was left there with the man inside, whom police said is OK. Del Toro said an FHP official had dropped off the man at a fast food eatery on Southwest Port St. Lucie Boulevard. That restaurant is across the street from the gas station where the sergeant encountered him. Story continues Later in the day, he walked northbound on Bayshore Boulevard and stole the vehicle, Del Toro said. Del Toro said a detective found Peloquin on Facebook and sent him a private message. At first the suspect pretended not to know what was going on, what incident he was talking about, wanting to know if the detective was a police officer, Del Toro said. The detective sent a photo of himself in uniform, and basically said this isn't a game we need to talk about what happened. Investigators went to Port Salerno where Peloquin was, and Del Toro said police got a full confession. Del Toro said Peloquin expressed remorse. He described it as a crime of opportunity, saw the vehicle running did not realize anybody was in the vehicle until he drove north on Bayshore, Del Toro said. Del Toro said Peloquin pulled off in an area where he thought the vehicle would be noticed. He left it running and went to a nearby Wawa store and got a ride to Port Salerno. He didn't intend to steal the vehicle with a person inside of it, Del Toro said. But he did leave a disabled individual unattended. New K-9 team:Bloodhound, therapy dog on duty at Martin County Sheriff's Office As for the man driving the van, 65-year-old Ernso Oge was arrested on a charge related to abuse of an elderly or disabled adult without great harm, police said. (Oge) was responsible for a disabled adult, left the gentleman in the vehicle running unattended, Del Toro said. Going into a liquor store is not what I would consider a stop that has to happen. Del Toro said Peloquin was trying to find some help from a church that could get him back to New Hampshire. He stole the vehicle to drive to this church, and while driving to the church, he realized there's somebody in the back here, and 'this isn't working out the way I thought', Del Toro said. Peloquin was held Tuesday in the St. Lucie County Jail on $10,000 bond, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on Twitter @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest breaking news and crime coverage. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Police arrest New Hampshire man after theft of van with man inside Jan. 31ATHENS A controversial asphalt plant planned for property that once was part of the city can't be blocked by the Athens City Council because it voted to de-annex the property in 2020. Citizens and the City Council have called on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to deny the property owner's request for an air permit, but an initial ADEM review suggests Grayson Carter & Son Contracting Inc. has met the agency's requirements to build the asphalt plant on 7 acres at 18736 Moyers Road, between Lucas Ferry Road and Hine Street. Greg Chandler has lived with his wife on a private drive off Moyers Road since 2004 and said the plant would be located about a mile from his home. He said he has several concerns about the proposed plant. "I'm concerned about the heavy use on the road of the asphalt trucks, the emissions that would be coming out of the plant, as well as a decrease in our property value," Chandler said. Chandler said there is more than one reason he believes his property value would decrease. "I think that the heavy use of the trucks along the road would be something that would take away from the attractiveness of the neighborhood for a buyer to come in," he said. "If there was a stench that came from the factory, the houses in that area would certainly be impacted by that." Ron Gore, head of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's air quality division, said Friday was the last day for public comment to ADEM for or against an air permit for the plant. "Several weeks ago, the department wrote a document that included a proposed air permit because ADEM had determined that the application met all of ADEM's requirements," he said Monday. Gore said the agency received 40 to 50 comments on the proposed permit but only a few addressed issues that could be taken into account by ADEM during the permitting process. He said ADEM's permit is not a zoning permit. Story continues "A lot of people mistakenly think that ADEM can take into account factors like quality of roads, aesthetics, noise, property values in whether a permit should be issued," Gore said. Gore said it could be anywhere from one to three weeks before ADEM will issue a final determination on whether the permit has been approved. "Because we got so many comments, we have to prepare a written response to the technical questions and the ones that aren't relevant," he said. "Of course, the response to the ones that aren't relevant will just be that, that they're certainly important questions for the community but not part of our decision-making process." Gore said ADEM will check to see if any of the relevant comments are valid. "For example, somebody found some article, that was originally in Arabic, that was translated and said that you shouldn't locate one of these plants near a community," he said. "It may not be correct or change our minds, but it is relevant to be checked out. So that's one of the reasons it'll take us a few days to go through that type of comment." Chandler is not only concerned about the stench from the plant but also what will be released into the air. "I know that the Alabama environmental department will do a study on that, but I'm concerned that once the plant goes in it may not be regulated and checked like it should be," he said. Randy Thomason, Grayson Carter & Son Contracting chief financial officer, said the plant's emissions will be heavily regulated by both the federal and state governments. "ADEM, which is the state government, have extremely high standards for pollution and environmental concerns," he said Monday. "In order to have a facility you have to meet their standards and if you meet their standards there would be no negative impact for the surrounding area from an environmental or pollution standpoint." Thomason said ADEM will continue to do inspections while the plant is in operation. "The ADEM permit is a continual permit, it's not a one-time thing," he said. "There will be regular monitoring from ADEM as a part of the permit." Thomason said the company is committed to working with the county and the city to keep the road maintained with the added heavy traffic. He said his company respects the concerns of the citizens, but it is in compliance with all federal and state regulations. De-annexation Until 2020, the city of Athens had significant control over the land's use through its zoning code. The site borders Athens city limits and at one time was in the city. On Dec. 14, 2020, the Athens City Council approved a resolution to de-annex 81.86 acres so the land could be excavated. According to a Jan. 17 letter to ADEM from Halston Carter, president of Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, his company had been excavating the land for two years before being notified by the city that its use of the land violated a city ordinance. The company responded by proposing de-annexation of the land on Nov. 24, 2020, and the council approved the de-annexation Dec. 14, 2020. Harold Wales, Athens council president and District 2 councilman, said in a special council meeting Friday that he reluctantly voted in favor of the de-annexation. "The reason that it needed to be de-annexed, or so I was told, is they could not pull the dirt away from that site and it being in the city without a lot of other red tape," he said. "It was going to be used, most of it, here in the city at our park, at our new school, etc., etc. That's why I changed my mind on the de-annexation because I was not going to vote for it unless I had been told that." Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said none of the dirt excavated from the site was used in the city. Wales said he was told the site would eventually become a subdivision. "I was led to believe that there would be houses over there; now it's an asphalt plant," he said. "The asphalt plant I strongly oppose at that location." Dana Henry, District 4 Athens councilwoman, said after the meeting that she voted for the de-annexation based on the information they had at the time. "We had nothing that led us to believe that an asphalt plant would ever be in the plans and I do not believe it was at that time," she said. "It was our understanding that once the dirt was moved and that site was no longer useful for that dirt, they would likely annex back into the city and do a large lot residential area." Wayne Harper, District 5 Athens city councilman, agreed. "I think all of us were in the same boat as far as what we thought," he said. "I would have never voted for this if I had known this plant was coming." In his Jan. 17 letter to ADEM, Carter said the plan at the time of the de-annexation was to resume excavation of the land and eventually return it to its agricultural use. In the letter, Carter said a decision was made in September to instead construct an asphalt plant. Resolution The Athens City Council on Friday unanimously approved a resolution, which was sent to ADEM, opposing approval of an air permit for the plant. "The city council finds that the placement of an asphalt plant at such location would be inappropriate," the resolution says. "The city council finds that the presence of the asphalt plant at this location would result in odors and emissions that could be detrimental to the public health and welfare, and would constitute a public nuisance." The resolution also mentions that there would be a negative impact on nearby property values and that heavy traffic would damage the roadways. "For reasons stated in this document, the city council strongly opposes ADEM's issuance of an air permit for an asphalt plant at 18736 Moyers Road, and urges ADEM to deny that permit," the resolution says. "The city council calls upon Grayson Carter & Son Contracting, Inc. ... to reconsider its current plan in light of the concerns expressed in this resolution, and to withdraw its application for an air permit for an asphalt plant." Henry said the plant should be located somewhere else. "I realize that asphalt plants have to exist and they have to be used but they can be better located in places that don't have such direct impact on residential areas," she said. "The plant would literally have been in these people's backyards when it could have been located someplace elsewhere without having such a direct bearing on residential areas." Gore said the resolution was one of the few relevant comments submitted to ADEM and will be reviewed carefully. "But merely the fact that it was the Athens City Council doesn't give any more weight than anybody else's comments because it's not in their jurisdiction," he said, since the de-annexation. Thomason said Grayson Carter & Son has not established a construction timeline, assuming the air permit is approved. "There's other work to be done in terms of site preparation. We kind of have to take it step by step so we have to have one thing done before we can move to the next; we don't have a definitive schedule," he said. erica.smith@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2460. Austin Butler with Vanessa Hudgens in 2014, Austin Butler with Kaia Gerber in 2022; Austin Butler with Olivia DeJonge in 2022. Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty Images, Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images, Jeremy Chan/Getty Images. Austin Butler has been in a relationship with model Kaia Gerber since late 2021. Previously, Butler dated Vanessa Hudgens for nine years between 2011 and 2020. The Oscar-nominated actor has also been romantically linked to his "Elvis" costar Olivia DeJonge. Butler dated Vanessa Hudgens for nine years between 2011 and 2020. Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler at the premiere of "The Shannara Chronicles" at iPic Theaters on December 4, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images According to the Daily Mail, Butler and Hudgens were first introduced to one another on the set of the very first "High School Musical," in 2005, although Butler did not appear in the film or any of its sequels. He did, however, appear in the spinoff, "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure." Hudgens was dating her costar Zac Efron at that time, but sometime in 2010 they split and the following year she and Butler were first romantically linked. They kept things pretty lowkey during their first few years together, with Butler not making an appearance on Hudgens' Instagram feed until August 2014 when "The Princess Switch" star shared a birthday tribute to the actor and referred to him as "the love of my life." Appearing at the premiere of his 2019 film "The Dead Don't Die," just months before their reported split, Butler referred to Hudgens as his "rock." More recently, the actor confirmed that Hudgens was the one to push him to pursue the role of Elvis Presley in the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic for which he has now received an Oscar and BAFTA nomination, telling The Los Angeles Times: "I owe her a lot for believing in me." In January 2020, Us Weekly reported that the pair had broken up after nine years together. The former couple did not respond to Insider's request for comment at the time, but Butler did address the breakup when asked about it in a GQ interview last year. He said: "Life is full of changes, and you've got to find a way to constantly be evolving and growing." It's rumored that Butler and his "Elvis" costar Olivia DeJonge struck up a romance while shooting the movie in Australia in 2020. Story continues Austin Butler and Olivia DeJonge attend the Australian premiere of "Elvis" at Event Cinemas Pacific Fair on June 04, 2022, in Gold Coast, Australia. Chris Hyde/Getty Images DeJonge played Priscilla Presley in the critically acclaimed movie, so it's no surprise to hear that the two costars spent a lot of time together during their time in Australia shooting the movie in 2020. In November 2020, the two were seen enjoying a day out at the beach together in photos obtained by MailOnline, sparking speculation that there was more than friendship between the two of them. However, the nature of their relationship and when it possibly started and ended has never been addressed. Given that the two stars carried out the press tour and subsequent Oscar campaign for "Elvis" together, it seems like they are still on good terms. Butler was photographed kissing Lily-Rose Depp in August 2021. Austin Butler and Lily-Rose Depp at The Hollywood Reporter Sundance Studio At Rock & Reilly's on January 24, 2016. John Parra/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter Butler and French-American actor and model Lily-Rose Depp the daughter of Johnny Depp were together in 2021 for an unknown length of time. The two were photographed embracing each other outside of a London restaurant on August 9, 2021, per MailOnline. They had previously met at an event hosted by The Hollywood Reporter at Sundance Film Festival five years prior in 2016. However, the two were never spotted together again, and by the end of the year, Butler had entered into another relationship. Four months later, Butler began dating Kaia Gerber. The two have been together ever since. Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber attend the 2022 Met Gala. Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22 / Contributor / Getty Images In December 2021, Butler and Kaia Gerber who is the daughter of iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford and business mogul Rande Gerber were spotted attending a yoga class and heading to Los Angeles airport together, sparking speculation that they were an item. While the couple never confirmed the rumors, in March 2022 they attended W Magazine's annual pre-Oscars Best Performances party together. The Instagram account for the outlet shared a photo of them that showed Butler planting a kiss on Gerber's cheek and referred to the actor as Gerber's "boyfriend" in the caption. Gerber was by Butler's side for his entire "Elvis" press tour and subsequent award ceremonies, including the premiere at the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival and the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, where picked up the award for best actor. In a backstage video captured by journalist Alexandre Maras and posted to Instagram, the two can be seen embracing after Butler walked off stage following his win. Read the original article on Insider By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - The defence chiefs of the United States and South Korea vowed on Tuesday to expand military drills and boost nuclear deterrence planning to counter North Korea's weapons development and prevent a war. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Seoul for talks as Washington seeks to reassure a key Asian ally over its nuclear commitment amid growing threats from North Korea. Austin met South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup, following their annual security talks in Washington in November, and was set to meet President Yoon Suk-yeol before flying to the Philippines. "In order to realise peace through strength on the Korean peninsula, we pledged to expand the scale and elevate the levels of the combined exercises and training," Lee told a joint news conference. The latest meeting of the two came as South Korea pushes to bolster confidence in American extended deterrence - its military capability, especially nuclear forces, to deter attacks on its allies. Austin said his trip aimed to deepen co-operation on tackling shared security challenges and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to South Korea as "ironclad" at a time of heightened tension and provocation. "The United States stands firm in its extended deterrence commitment that includes the full range of U.S. defence capabilities, including our conventional, nuclear and missile defence capabilities," he told the conference. Meeting with Austin later, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stressed the need for discussions between the allies to evolve an effective and powerful system of extended deterrence, so helping to dispel the concerns of the South Korean people. "North Korea's nuclear threats continue to escalate day by day," Yoon added, according to a statement from his office. Nuclear-armed North Korea launched an unprecedented number of missiles last year, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. Story continues Officials from both the United States and South Korea have also warned Pyongyang could be preparing for its first test of a nuclear device since 2017. The North's evolving threats have revived calls from some politicians and experts in South Korea to bring back U.S. tactical nuclear weapons or even a South Korean nuclear programme, though Seoul officials dismissed such a possibility. In a joint statement, the defence chiefs added that they had also committed to expand this year's combined military exercises, and deploy more U.S. strategic assets, such as aircraft carriers and bombers. NUCLEAR DRILLS More than 28,500 American troops are stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War, which ended in an armistice, rather than a peace treaty. Pyongyang has denounced the joint drills as proof of the allies' hostile intentions, and has staged its own military shows of force. Lee has said the two countries will hold nuclear tabletop exercises in February in a scenario of North Korean nuclear attacks, as they move to improve joint nuclear planning and implementation and boost information sharing. Austin said the table-top exercises would ensure that the allies saw "eye-to-eye" on their response to North Korea. The exercises are in line with the allies' talks to expand extended deterrence activities and mechanisms on the peninsula and in the region, he added. South Korea has faced growing pressure to join U.S.-led efforts to counter the rising influence of China, and help Ukraine battle Russia. While visiting Seoul on Monday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged South Korea to increase military support to Ukraine. He cited other nations that have changed their policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict following Russia's invasion. Asked about Stoltenberg's comments, Lee said he was monitoring the situation but declined to elaborate on any military support for Ukraine. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Soo-hyang Choi, Josh Smith and Heekyong Yang; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Clarence Fernandez) SYDNEY (Reuters) -The trade ministers of Australia and China will hold a virtual meeting next week, Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell, told broadcaster ABC in an interview on Tuesday. The meeting between China's Wang Wentao and Farrell would be the first between the commerce and trade ministers of both nations in three years. Relations between the two countries are improving after years of strained ties. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the G20 summit last November. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said it was a "step-by-step process", and Canberra has urged Beijing to lift sanctions on a raft of Australian exports. Canberra has two complaints at the World Trade Organisation against China's tariffs on Australian wine and barley, and is watching to see whether Beijing lifts unofficial trade blockages on other Australian exports, including lobsters and meat. "We want these trade impediments removed and next week I have organised to speak with my Chinese counterpart virtually, to start the ball rolling," Farrell said in an interview with ABC's 7:30 Report on Tuesday. This month, several Chinese utilities received permission to begin importing Australian coal, more than two years after China put unofficial bans on coal, rock lobsters and other commodities. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham and Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Editing by Alasdair Pal, Stephen Coates and Gerry Doyle) Austria and Hungary have agreed not to send military assistance to Ukraine, Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and her Hungarian counterpart Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said at a meeting in Budapest on Jan. 30, cited by Euractiv. According to the top officials, both countries' position regarding Russia's war against Ukraine is "clear" as they don't provide Ukraine with defense assistance "to prevent a further escalation." Szalay-Bobrovniczky added that Hungary would only supply humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Jan. 29 that it is important for Ukraine to continue receiving military support from partners at the same pace as Russia seeks to "prolong the war, exhaust our forces." Germany, Poland, Spain, the U.S., and the United Kingdom have all publicly pledged to send tanks to Ukraine following Zelensky's months-long requests for more sophisticated weapons to defeat Russia. Vadym Omelchenko, Ukraine's ambassador to France, said that western countries had pledged a total of 321 heavy tanks to Ukraine so far. On Jan. 19, nine European nations signed a joint statement known as the Tallinn Pledge, committing to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to liberate all its territory currently occupied by Russia. In late January, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban said that Ukraine was a no man's land and compared it to Afghanistan. After that, Foreign Ministry summoned Hungary's ambassador to Ukraine. Polish RMF FM reported on Jan. 19, citing a high-ranking EU diplomatic source, that Budapest had blocked half a billion euros worth of military aid in the seventh such package allocated to Ukraine as part of the European Peace Facility. In December, Hungary also held up the EU's 18 billion macro-financial assistance package to Ukraine. Media reports alleged that the EU saw it as Budapest's attempt to force the EU to release aid to Hungary, which had been frozen due to the country's insufficient reforms. Phoenix, AZ - (NewMediaWire) - January 31, 2023 - Choosing the right enterprise cloud-based phone system for a business can be a daunting task, with many factors to consider and numerous vendors to choose from. Ucaas Review simplifies this process by providing detailed reviews of different vendors, based on the most important metrics. This way, businesses can easily compare and select a personalized phone system provider that best meets their communication and performance needs, ultimately saving them money and improving their functionality and team performance. Discover a Professional Cloud-Based Phone System Today For businesses looking to improve communication by implementing cloud-based solutions, there are many ways of making it happen. One of the ways is hiring the services of a reliable cloud-based phone system company. The problem is finding a reliable cloud-based phone system service provider. UCaaS Review Expert Reviews UCaas Review utilizes its expertise in the industry to deliver comprehensive and informative reviews for readers and decision-makers in need of improving their enterprise communication and performance. The website features a list of top UCaaS providers and evaluates them based on crucial metrics such as call quality, business messaging quality, video conferencing support and quality, file sharing capability, and customer reviews. This allows readers to make informed decisions on the best provider for their specific needs and budget. In addition to providing reviews of UCaaS providers, UcaaS Review also focuses on assisting business owners in comparing different communication solutions, including VoIP services. It compares UCaaS services and VoIP services side by side and also offers in-depth VoIP Reviews to help visitors make the best decision for their business needs. Establishing the difference between UCaaS and VoIP services, the website reads: "UCaaS and VoIP vary in different major ways. A VoIP phone service is typically a voice service provider, both outbound and inbound. On the other hand, UCaaS is typically analyzing various business communications and installing them over Internet Protocol (IP). Another major difference between them is that VoIP is single-mode, while UCaaS is multi-modal: video conferencing, chatting, texting, video meetings, screen sharing, among others. The UCaaS solution makes it possible for companies to unify every business communication they have into a single streamlined platform." The comparison between both communication solutions also noted that UCaaS services make it possible for businesses and enterprises to support various communication services like instant messaging, VoIP, file sharing, video conferencing, and several collaboration tools all in one place instead of just leveraging streamlined voice communication. Businesses unable to decide between UCaaS and VoIP services can also leverage the information on the platform to make a productivity and performance-oriented decision that meets their communication needs. Describing the benefits of UCaaS over VoIP services, the platform noted the eliminated hardware costs required to set up and maintain UCaaS models. With this solution, businesses can effectively cut their overhead communication costs, eliminate maintenance costs, and get all of their communication solutions built into one dashboard. Besides this, UCaaS services offer integration of apps and tools, making it easier for users to explore different communication options, including secure file sharing, video and audio conferencing, and more. UCaaS solutions also provide advanced functionality and online/on-the-go access, which can help enterprises improve their internal and external communication. These solutions also offer managed security updates, which can help ensure that all communication channels are secure and protected against potential threats. UCaaS solutions can also be cost-effective, helping enterprises save money by reducing the need for expensive on-premise hardware and IT staff to manage the system. With the help of advanced call routing and automatic call distribution, UCaaS solutions can also enhance customer service by connecting customers quickly to the right representative. Overall, these solutions can improve productivity and collaboration, allowing employees to work from anywhere and focus on their work, instead of managing multiple communication channels. Ucaas Review understands the importance of getting personalized communication solutions for businesses and enterprises. They, therefore, pay attention to all information provided to ensure they are properly vetted and tailored for their audience. Business owners interested in personalized solutions can also contact the company for expert help in reviewing and assessing their needs as well as the right vendor for those needs. The Ucaas Review website also offers in-depth information on the top UCaaS services, including enterprise VoIP, Business VoIP, SIP Trunking. Call centers, IVR systems, and more. Interested businesses and enterprises can visit the company's website to read detailed reviews for decision-making. They can also contact the experts for custom recommendations. Media Contact: Company Name: Ucaas Review Contact Person: Tom Chambers City: Phoenix State: Arizona Country: US Website: https://ucaasreview.com/en/ Boston Police identify the young boy who was shot and killed in Bostons Mattapan neighborhood on Sunday. Tyler Lawrence, 13, of Norwood was shot just before 12 p.m. Sunday in the area of 119 Babson St. Officers found Lawrence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds Police said Boston Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene, but the victim died of his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital. Police have not released a description of the suspect or suspects involved, and investigators are not speculating on a motive in the murder. Neighbors told Boston 25 News that they heard between three and five gunshots and then saw the teenagers lifeless body in a driveway. That is somebodys child, said one neighbor, who didnt want her name published. It is just sad how many young people are dying, and its sad that nobody is speaking up. The Suffolk County District Attorney, Kevin Hayden released a statement following the fatal shooting. After leaving the scene in Mattapan Sunday I went home and watched football with my son, who is also 13. Thats something this family will never be able to do with Tyler, and the explicit tragedy of that reality is shattering. This is an immeasurable loss for the Lawrence family and for the city, Hayden said. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the BPD Homicide Division at 617-343-4470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-8477 or by texting the word TIP to 27463. 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 By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Azerbaijan on Tuesday called on judges at the World Court to order Armenia to help demine areas it previously controlled and stop planting explosive devices which prevent Azeri nationals from returning to their former homes. Azerbaijan asked the court, as part of an ongoing larger case, to issue an emergency ruling to order Armenia to give information about the location of the devices to allow for safe demining and stop putting in new mines. "Azerbaijanis are continuing to suffer serious injuries and die because Armenia refuses to share the information that could save them," Azerbaijan's deputy foreign minister Elnur Mammadov told the court. Armenia's representative at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the tribunal is also known, denied that his country had laid landmines outside its own sovereign territories "let alone in civilian areas". Yegishe Kirakosyan accused Azerbaijan of planting some of the mines allegedly found in Azeri areas. On Monday, Armenia asked the court in a competing case to order Azerbaijan to lift a blockade of the Lachin corridor in the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Lachin corridor is the only route through which Armenia can provide food, fuel and medicine supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians. The corridor has been blocked since Dec. 12, when protesters claiming to be environmental activists stopped traffic by setting up tents. Azerbaijan denies any blockade, saying the activists are staging a legitimate protest against illegal mining activity. In October 2020, Azeri troops drove ethnic Armenian forces out of swathes of territory they had controlled since the 1990s in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region, before Russia brokered a ceasefire. In the following year Armenia and Azerbaijan filed competing cases at the World Court. Each claimed the other had violated a United Nations anti-discrimination treaty, to which both states are signatories. It is not known when the judges will issue a decision on measures in both cases but it generally takes at least a few weeks. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Christina Fincher) Bella Hessey went into cardiac arrest when she was 11 months old (Collect/PA Real Life) A mother-of-two who watched her 11-month-old daughter take her last gasp of air before going into cardiac arrest and was told by doctors she would not make it has expressed her immense gratitude after her child survived and celebrated her third birthday last year. Abby Hessey, 26, an operations executive who lives in Bicester, Oxfordshire, said she was preparing for the worst when her daughter Bella, now three years old, was rushed to Southampton General Hospital, in Hampshire, in an ambulance in 2020. After Bella went into cardiac arrest, Abby said she watched as approximately 30 medical staff tried to resuscitate her baby, and she was given the devastating news that her daughter might not survive the night. But now, nearly three years later, Bella, who has been described as a bubbly, talkative and happy girl, with a lot of sass, is living a normal life. I had no hope, didnt think that we would ever make it, didnt think that I would ever be the same because I thought I was going to lose my baby, Abby said. Its just been a complete 360 life change to be honest just living a normal life now is amazing compared to what it was going to be. Bella was born a month early, but she was a healthy, happy, normal baby. When she was 11 months old, however, she started to develop a rash all over her body and stopped eating and drinking. Abby took Bella to the Horton General Hospital in Banbury, Oxfordshire, on multiple occasions, but she said Bella was initially misdiagnosed as having an ear and throat infection. It was not until the fourth hospital visit that Abby was told her daughter had Kawasaki disease, which, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), can be fatal if not treated in time. NHSBT says Kawasaki disease is one of the main causes of acquired heart disease in children under five in the UK. No one knows what causes Kawasaki disease, but scientists dont believe the disease is contagious from person to person, according to the Mayo Clinic. Story continues Abby said she was gobsmacked when she received the news. (PA) We stayed at the Horton that night and they gave us an ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital very early in the morning to give her the immunoglobulin (the medicine used to treat Kawasaki disease), she said. It literally worked instantly her rash had completely gone, she was eating fine, drinking fine, playing, laughing, speaking, which she hadnt done for a week prior. Once she had that, we were allowed to go home. Abby took Bella for a check-up two weeks later and was told she would need another dose of immunoglobulin a solution of antibodies taken from healthy donors as the disease had not been fully cured. However, by this point, Bellas heart complications had worsened, and she was suffering from multiple aneurysms bulges in the blood vessels around her heart. (PA) Abby explained that Bellas arteries should have measured 1mm or 2mm in diameter, but Bellas had swelled to 14mm. Bella was given steroids, blood thinners and injections to prevent blood clots, and at one point, Abby said Bella was taking 12 different medications. At the next hospital visit, Abby was told Bella would need to be taken to Southampton General Hospital as a matter of urgency and that is when she feared the worst. Being taken off in an ambulance to Southampton, it was just heartbreaking, she said. Obviously my partner wasnt allowed to come with us (due to Covid restrictions); he was constantly calling. He saw us off in the ambulance, crying, and his parents were there, crying. It was just awful because he thought he was potentially not going to see his little girl again. (PA) Abby said she had so many things racing through (her) mind in the ambulance, but she tried to stay positive and said the medical staff were amazing. Bella remained in hospital for approximately three weeks, and it was during the first week that Bella went into cardiac arrest a moment Abby remembers vividly. Abbys partner Luke called the hospital several times, asking if he could visit Bella, and they allowed him to come in just days before it happened. She was in her high chair and I could see her head going back, her taking a last gasp of air; it was just awful, Abby explained. They pressed the panic alarm, and then in this tiny little private room in this ward, there was probably 30 people in there trying to get her heart started again. We went into intensive care once they got a really low heartbeat, and the doctor came over to us and said, Im really sorry, but I dont think shes going to make the night. Just prepare yourself that this is going to be your last day with her. (PA) At that point, we were like, oh my goodness, this is it. Weve lost our little girl. The couple stayed with Bella overnight and, despite the severity of her condition, somehow, she made it. Bella is now living a normal life, is healthy and happy, and is taking only two medications. Abby explained that Bella has had several scans since being discharged from Southampton General Hospital, and they have shown that her aneurysms have shrunk and she has no blood clots. Abby continued: She is almost back to normal; her arteries are just a little bit weaker and slightly deformed, and theres a bit of wall damage in her arteries. She added: Its amazing. If it wasnt for the immunoglobulin, (I dont think she would) have made it. Abby would encourage other parents to follow (their) intuition when it comes to their childrens symptoms, as she knew something was wrong with Bella and she is glad she pushed for a diagnosis. As a mum, you know whats wrong with your baby, she said. You know if your child has a cold, or if its something more, and dont feel like youre pestering the doctors or healthcare providers if you know somethings wrong. Just keep going and going and going because, at the end of the day, its your child thats going to be affected by these choices. Abby and her partner Luke, 29, a painter and decorator, would also encourage anyone to donate plasma, as immunoglobulin, a medicine made from plasma, can help to treat Kawasaki disease. The pair are going to donate plasma themselves, as they want to continue to raise awareness and try to help others. Abby believes the medicine gave Bella an extra chance of survival and she feels extremely lucky that she did pull through and make it. Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day is being held on January 26 2023, and to find out more about plasma and blood donations, visit the NHSBT website here: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk Ukraine's Defence Intelligence has published an intercepted phone call in which a Russian occupier describes being under attack from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Source: press service of Ukraines Defence Intelligence Quote: "Its a f**king mess, yep, Ive already heard about that. Look, Roma, whats the food like at your end? Whatre the conditions like?" "Dont even f**king ask. Water - two people get one and a half bottles a day, for f**ks sake." "Thats f**ked up. And f**k-all to eat, right?" "Yep." "I can hear shooting where you are." "Theyre f**king pummelling us non-stop its a f**king mortar attack." "Is that your guys shooting?" "No, the Ukrops [Ukrainians ed.]. Were 3 f**king kilometres away. Were on the front line. Theyre pounding us so f**king hard the blades are flying off." "What blades?" "Blades from the shells. They get all f**king bent - like, into screws." ... "Of course. Obviously! Our commander and his deputy are Cargo 300 [wounded ed.] and the guy next to us is Cargo 200 [dead]." "We got musicians here with us. The musicians are ahead of us [a nickname for Wagner Group mercenaries ed.]." "So they have positions in front of you as well?" "Oh. F**k. Its hell there, Misha. I dont want to talk about it It's all f**ked up. It's basically a meat grinder." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Lex, a beloved K-9 who served with the Penn Hills police department for six years, has died. In a social media post, Penn Hills police said Lex loved children and thrived during elementary school visits. He was also a favorite at the Penn Hills Citizens police academy, and enjoyed showing off his skills for the community. The department said Lex always took time to pose for photos with citizens after his demonstrations. During his career, Lex helped arrest wanted suspects, find drugs and found numerous illegal firearms. Lex retired in 2020. Penn Hills police offered condolences to Lexs handler, Sgt. Matthew Junod, and his family. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Priscilla Presley contests Lisa Marie Presleys will, says signature is invalid UPMC hospital fire likely caused by patient trying to light cigarette while on oxygen, says rep Lisa Loring, original Wednesday Addams actress, dead at 64 VIDEO: Man accused of shooting, killing Butler County native takes the stand to testify DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts President Joe Biden has revealed that his cat, Willow, has no limits when it comes to her amusing sleeping patterns. On 26 January, the US president hosted a Lunar New Year celebration at the White House where he shared details about his cats certain nighttime habit. While reflecting on how this year is the Year of the Cat in Vietnamese culture, Biden was reminded of his own feline friend. For many of you, this is the year of the rabbit. And for others, like the Vietnamese community, its the year of the cat, he said during his remarks. The cat majestic, beloved, a protector. By the way, that sounds like our cat, Willow, Biden added, before he was interrupted by laughter. You think Im kidding. Willow may walk in here any time now, he said. She has no limitsEspecially in the middle of the night when she climbs up and lays on top of my head. President Joe Biden and his wife, first lady Jill Biden, welcomed the cat to the White House last year. The three-year-old green-eyed, grey and white tabby cat is the newest addition to the Bidens pet family, and was reportedly named after Dr Bidens hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The Bidens are also pet parents to a two-year-old German shepherd puppy named Commander. They previously had two other German shepherds, Champ and Major, before adopting Commander in December 2021. However, Champ died in June 2021 at age 13, while Major started behaving aggressively after he arrived at the White House following President Bidens inauguration. The first family brought Willow to the White House after she jumped on stage during a 2020 campaign stop in Pennsylvania. Willow made quite an impression on Dr Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop, the first ladys spokesman Michael LaRosa told The New York Times last year. Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr Biden. After welcoming the tabby cat into their pet family, the first lady shared photos of Willow prowling throughout the White House along with the caption, Meet Willow! Story continues Meanwhile, LaRosa said that Willow was settling into the White House with her favourite toys, treats, and plenty of room to smell and explore. Thank you for pawdopting me, mom @FLOTUS! Cant wait to explore the White House in its entirety. So far, everything is purrfect, I love it here and Commander is furry nice to me. I love him. And I love you! Meoweeee! - #COTUS #Willow pic.twitter.com/t3C5jUmXJU The Oval Pawffice DOTUS Fans (@TheOvalPawffice) January 28, 2022 Willow is the first cat to live in the White House since former president George W Bushs cat India lived there between 2001 and 2009. Meanwhile, former president Barack Obamas family adopted dogs Bo and Sunny during his presidency. Bo, a male Portuguese water dog, was a gift to Obamas daughters Sasha and Malia after his 2008 campaign. After winning his first presidential election, the former president addressed his daughters during his victory speech, saying, I love you both more than you can imagine. You have earned the puppy that is coming with us! By Dan Peleschuk KYIV (Reuters) -Russia claimed on Tuesday to have captured a village just to the north of Bakhmut, a city it is trying to surround in a major push for what would be its biggest battlefield prize in Ukraine since last summer. A Belarusian volunteer fighting for Ukraine told Reuters from inside Bakhmut that Russia was shelling the city constantly and its troops were trying to encircle it. Fighting was under way building by building, the volunteer said. There was no immediate response from Kyiv to Moscow's claim about the village of Blahodatne, and Reuters was not immediately able to verify the situation there. It came three days after the head of Russia's Wagner Group said the mercenary force had seized the village in an attack Kyiv said it had repelled. Blahodatne, which sits on one of the main roads into Bakhmut about 5 km (3 miles) north, was captured with the help of aerial support, Moscow's defence ministry said. Russian forces have made clear, if gradual, advances in the area in recent weeks, notably capturing the salt-mining town of Soledar to Bakhmut's north. Were it to force Ukraine to withdraw from the city that once held 75,000 people, it would be Moscow's first major gain since it took the similarly-sized cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk in July. During the fighting for Bakhmut, two civilians, a boy and a 70-year-old-man, were killed by Russian artillery on Tuesday, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said. Four others were wounded in the attack, he said. Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevaty said in televised comments that the Ukrainian army in Bakhmut had been provided "with everything necessary," after it repelled Russian attempts to gain control of an important supply line. Separately, a large Russian force has launched an assault against the Ukrainian-held bastion of Vuhledar this week, further south along the same eastern front. Russian officials have claimed to have secured a foothold there, while Kyiv says it has largely repulsed that attack so far. Story continues Britain's Ministry of Defence said the Russian force in the new Vuhledar assault was at least the size of a brigade, a unit typically comprising several thousand troops. The Russians had advanced hundreds of metres across a river toward Vuhledar and could make more localised gains there, the ministry said in an unusually detailed daily intelligence update. It said the assault on Vuhledar was unlikely to lead to a significant breakthrough, but could be intended to draw Ukrainian efforts away from defending Bakhmut. MOMENTUM Despite weeks of intense trench warfare that both sides have compared to a meat grinder, front lines in eastern Ukraine had largely been frozen in place since November after Kyiv recaptured swathes of territory in the second half of 2022. But momentum has lately swung back towards Russia as it has made incremental gains for the first time since mid-2022. Military experts say Moscow appears determined to push forward in the coming months before Kyiv receives hundreds of newly pledged Western battle tanks and armoured vehicles for a counter-attack to recapture occupied territory this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Russia's push in the east as an attempt at "revenge" for earlier losses. "We will stop them all, little by little, destroy them and prepare our big counteroffensive," he said on Monday. Kyiv says the Russian assaults of recent weeks have come at huge cost, initially mostly relying on Wagner mercenaries, including thousands of convicts recruited from Russian prisons and sent into battle in waves with little training or equipment. But Russia's call-up of hundreds of thousands of reservists late last year means Moscow has now been able to reconstitute regular military units exhausted or depleted earlier in the war. Western military experts say Bakhmut is not itself of major strategic importance. But it is one of just a few substantial cities in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region still held by Ukraine. Moscow now says taking the full Donbas is a major objective of the "special military operation" it ordered 11 months ago. F-16: BIDEN SAYS NO Since winning the Western pledge for tanks after months of lobbying, Kyiv has pressed on with further requests for arms, including calls for jet fighters such as U.S. F-16s. Neither side has been able to secure control of the skies over Ukraine. The West has so far refused to send weapons that could be used to attack deep inside Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden responded with a flat "No" when asked by reporters at the White House on Monday if Washington would send F-16s. Still, Ukraine has held out hope. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday "there is no taboo" when asked about supplying fighter jets to Ukraine. Lecornu spoke after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Reznikov in Paris. Reznikov was due also to meet President Emmanuel Macron, who told reporters in The Hague on Monday that "nothing is excluded" when it comes to military help. Macron said any move to send jets would depend on factors including the need to avoid escalation and assurances planes would not "touch Russian soil". Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also did not rule out a possible supply of F-16s to neighbouring Ukraine, in response to a question from a reporter before Biden spoke. Morawiecki said on his website that any such transfer would take place "in complete coordination" with NATO. Poland has long called for more aggressive military support for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesperson said on Tuesday London did not believe its own jets would be useful, and given that learning to fly them would take months, it would not be practical to send them to Ukraine. (Reporting by Reuters bureausWriting by Peter Graff and William Maclean; editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Mark Heinrich) Canary Medias Climate Meets Culture column explores the intersection of energy, climate and the culture at large. Did you know that the invention of the Super Soaker, one of the worlds bestselling toys, is inextricably tied to the buzzy appliance of the moment, the heat pump? This fun fact was recently discussed at a Canary all-hands meeting. I was out of the office at the time, completing my familys winter BINGO card (stomach Bug, INfluenza, Gastro issues, cOvid), but given my writings on the heat pumps uncanny resemblance to George Clooney and the debate over its nomenclature, the team decided I was best suited to investigate this intriguing connection. Before we get to that story, Id like to tell you a little bit about the inventor of the Super Soaker himself, Lonnie Johnson, because his resume is pretty incredible. Here are just a few of his accolades: Masters degree in nuclear engineering U.S. Air Force engineer who worked on the B-2 "stealth" bomber program NASA systems engineer for both the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Cassini mission to Saturn Inventor of the Super Soaker water gun Inventor of the Nerf N-Strike dart gun National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Johnson has many other accomplishments as well. I recommend reading this BBC article in which he recounts his fascinating life story. I chatted with Johnson last week to hear firsthand what heat pumps had to do with the invention of the Super Soaker and to learn more about some of his current work, including the solid-state battery storage company he founded. But first, I asked Johnson to tell me the story of how he invented the Super Soaker, and he obliged, even though its clearly one hes told hundreds, if not thousands, of times. It was 1982, and during his off hours from his day job as an engineer at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he could often be found at home tinkering and inventing. His pet project at the time was developing a more environmentally friendly heat pump one that used water in place of Freon. Johnson explained to me that he wanted to put the high water pressure that comes into homes to use as a power source. Story continues Johnson, a literal rocket scientist, explained to me how this water-based heat pump would work. So the idea was for water to come through a nozzle, so that when the water vapor flash evaporates into a low-pressure region, that evaporation process will drop the temperature of the water. When the water temperature is cool, you can transfer heat to it. Then at the bottom, you would recondense the water, but at a higher temperature. I, not a rocket scientist, nodded along. So I was experimenting with some nozzles, continued Johnson, and I had a nozzle I made in my shop hooked up to the bathroom sink, and I shot the stream of water across the bathroom, and I thought as a toy, it would be a lot more fun. After some iterations, Lonnie eventually assembled the original Super Soaker prototype, made of an empty soda bottle, PVC pipe, O-rings and nylon tubing. It would be almost a decade before the prototype became the billion-dollar blockbuster toy we know today. Over the decades since its launch, Johnson has earned millions of dollars from the Super Soaker and Nerf guns. Most people might be tempted into early retirement, but not Lonnie Johnson. I thought that I could earn enough money from a toy to support myself and then go back to some of the more challenging projects, he told me about first inventing the Super Soaker. And basically, that's what I've done. While Johnson was happy to recount this tale, he was much more excited to tell me about those more challenging projects that he is working on now with his two companies JTEC Energy and Johnson Energy Storage, both based in Atlanta, Georgia. Below is an edited and condensed transcript of the remainder of our conversation. Mike Munsell: Can you tell me about JTEC Energy? Lonnie Johnson: What we're working on now is called a Johnson thermoelectric energy converter (JTEC), and it converts heat directly into electricity. Instead of using water as a working fluid, it uses hydrogen. But the really neat thing about it is that it has no moving mechanical parts its all solid-state. The other neat thing about the JTEC technology is that it can operate on low-grade waste heat. The low-temperature range of 100200 degrees Celsius is where there's an abundance of waste heat from various industrial processes even our power plants reject heat at around 100 degrees or so. There's not a technology that can cost-effectively convert that waste heat into electrical power. And so that's the capability that we bring to the table with a JTEC. Munsell: So what are the use cases you're looking at for JTEC? Johnson: The primary use case that we're focused on is geothermal. Were in the middle of constructing a 250-kilowatt demonstration unit now. This would be the first time we really scale the technology out. We've done laboratory demonstrations and so forth. But the primary application will be thermal heat. There is an abundance of abandoned oil wells around the country and the world. And they all have geothermal heat down in the range of 100 to 200 degrees Celsius. That temperature is too low for conventional techniques for converting heat to work, but JTEC can convert that heat to electricity directly and do it more efficiently. And our projections indicate that it would be very cost-effective. It turns out that [using JTEC on] just 20% of the abandoned oil wells in the country could meet all of the U.S. power requirements. So we're very excited about it, to say the least. Munsell: And you also run a solid-state battery storage company, right? Johnson: The energy storage company is called Johnson Energy Storage. We've done our seed round of investors we raised a few million dollars. I would venture to say that we are one of two, maybe three true solid-state battery companies in the world. People claim they have solid-state, but they're using polymer gel, electrolytes and so forth. Our system is all ceramic, glass and metal materials. We literally have developed a glass electrolyte that will meet the performance requirements of the auto industry. We're in the process of demonstrating that right now. We're basically transitioning the technology out of the lab, making small cells that we can sample to customers so that they can see, indeed, that the technology is real and does what we've been saying it can do. Weve been at this a while we started working on solid-state batteries back when everybody was excited about lithium-ion. We began with a solid-state battery technology for microbatteries from Oak Ridge National Lab, and when I did the analysis there, I realized that those batteries could hold a lot more energy than lithium-ion could. But you could only make those batteries with a very expensive, slow process. And you can only make microbatteries very small cells. So over the years, we've been investigating, researching, trialing we've just about flipped over every rock and we've developed proprietary materials that nobody else has. But it's taken that to really come up with a solution. Munsell: And what makes your technology unique among those handful of companies making actual solid-state batteries? Johnson: There is one other company that I'm aware of that is working with glass, but theyre not doing what were doing. Our glass is a separated coating on the cathode, but it also extends into the cathode. So we actually have a very fast, straightforward manufacturing technique that allows us to bond a battery to the cathode and separator in a single step. It's pretty cool. Munsell: So what does your go-to-market plan look like at this point? You said you were working on getting out of the lab what are the next steps? Johnson: We're talking to investors now basically, to start gearing up so we can actually put together a prototype, or demonstration manufacturing line, or however you want to describe it. But right now, the cells are being made in a laboratory by Ph.D.-level scientists by hand, as you would expect. But were starting to get some more sophisticated assembly fixtures so that we can I wouldn't say automate, but semi-automate, actually have some tools that will allow us to produce consistent yield. Munsell: Shifting gears a bit as someone who has been working in science and energy for so long, how has climate change influenced your work? Johnson: Climate change has been my primary motivator. It's been frustrating that scientists have been aware of the need to address climate change for, geez, many years, going back to the mid-1970s, maybe even sooner. But the politicians and decision-makers have, until now, not seen the need to address the problem. Now it's beginning to overwhelm us in terms of the weather patterns that we see. And so everybody, all of a sudden, is just starting to do something about it. I'm happy that it's finally happening. Hopefully, it's not too late. Munsell: And that leads me to my next question: As a prolific inventor, someone who has created so much and is still creating, how does that impact your outlook for our future when it comes to climate? Johnson: Well, we'll deal with it. When I talk to kids, I tell them that human beings are built to be problem-solvers; its what we do best. The impact on humanity remains to be seen. When I say, I hope it's not too late, I'm saying that knowing that the CO 2 levels have gotten to a point where we're in a no man's land, and we don't know what the implications are going to be; the Earth is a large ecosystem. And the ultimate response, I think, remains to be seen. I think there's a lag in terms of how long the warming cycle will last before it turns around and starts to cool again. Its like turning a rudder on a ship you can turn the rudder and the ship will start to turn, but it's gonna go a long way before you get going in a new direction. So we're turning the rudder. But what will it take before we actually change the path that we're on, and we start to see the climate begin settling down? We'll see. Mike Munsell: What advice do you have for Canarys audience, many of whom are renewable energy and climatetech professionals? Johnson: Well, climate change is an important problem to address; it's probably the most important challenge humanity has faced. It could literally lead to our demise. So I would encourage anyone who has technical interest, and even social interest, because there are a lot of people that need to understand the implications of what we're facing. There's a role for everyone to play in addressing this challenge and getting the resources and problem-solving momentum that we will need to move things in the right direction. Munsell: Are there any new technologies out there that excite you from a decarbonization or renewable-energy point of view? Johnson: Yes, my next invention that I haven't talked to you about! I'm working on a project that condenses water from the ambient air. Most of the water-stressed areas around the world have adequate humidity in the air to make the technology work. So I'm looking at how to do that cost-effectively. Munsell: That sounds really interesting. I look forward to hearing more when more information can be released. Well, it's been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for your contributions to my childhood, my children's childhoods and everything you're doing with energy and everything you've done with spacecraft. You really do have quite the resume! A group of Black women laughing together Galentines Day is an annual holiday celebrated on February 13th. Its a day dedicated to celebrating female friendships and showing appreciation for the special women in your life! And whether youre single, married, or somewhere in-between, Galentines Day is the perfect excuse to get together with your closest friends and celebrate each other. There are lots of ways to make your Galentines Day celebration special. You could organize a group outing like brunch or dinner at a favorite restaurant, or perhaps plan an activity such as a spa day, wine-tasting adventure or movie night. Or even just get together at one of your homes for some simple snacks and drinks while you catch up with friends. If youre looking for something a bit more low-key, you could also send out cute cards or create fun Galentines Day decorations. Whatever you decide to do, its important to make your celebration memorable and show your friends how much they mean to you. A Black Girls Guide To The Perfect Galentines Day Galentines Day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of female friendships. Its a day to appreciate the special women in our lives who have been there through thick and thin even if it means just sending them a text message letting them know theyre appreciated! So give the special ladies in your life the flowers they deserve. Here are six must-have Galentines Day supplies to shop now: Photo Credit: Big Blanket Co. The Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie can be a great addition to your Galentines Day wardrobe. Not only is it warm, but its extra large size means it can even double as a blanket! This hoodie is made from premium polyester material, so its super soft and cozy to wear. Plus, its loose fit and thick material helps to keep you comfortable and insulated from the cold. Wear it to an outdoor concert with your girls, or mix and match colors with your bestie. No matter how you decide to wear it, this hoodie is the best way to keep it cute AND comfy this Galentines Day. Story continues Photo Credit: uncommon goods Cooking is a popular Galentines Day activity. Not only is it fun, but it can also be a great way to bond with friends or family members. Kick off the celebration with this Heart Oven Mitt & Spatula Set from uncommon goods. Each set includes an oven mitt and potholder decorated with tiny pink and red hearts. It also includes a red spatula for stirring, scraping, and mixing. But this set isnt just adorable, its functional, too. Its oven mitt is made from premium cotton material to provide a layer of insulation that helps to keep your hands safe. Plus, each set includes a hanger loop so you can save storage space by hanging it above your oven or kitchen sink. Photo Credit: uncommon goods Friendship necklaces are a popular way to show your love and appreciation for someone special in your life. So why not celebrate your friendship with this Birth Month Flower Necklace from uncommon goods? Each necklace includes a real pressed flower set in eco-resin for a polished, crystal clear look. It also includes a 24k gold plated chain that can be adjusted for your convenience. Choose a pair for you and your best friend to wear, or gift a necklace to your favorite cousin or Auntie. Photo Credit: Crate+Barrel Enjoy classic fun with this vintage-inspired fondue set! The enameled cast iron is perfect for melting cheese, chocolate, or oil on the stovetop. You can then transfer it to the included stand and burner to keep your food toasty. Each set includes eight color-coded forks perfect for hosting large families or friend groups. Dip breads and vegetables in your fondue set for an ideal side dish. Or gather around for wine and girl talk as you dunk fresh berries into warm, melted chocolate. No matter what you decide, the Red Cast Iron Fondue Set is a great complement to any Galentines Day party. Photo Credit: Mr. Chocolate Jacques Torres is a renowned French chocolatier, patissier, chef, and author. Recognized as Mr. Chocolate, Torres is celebrated for his skill and dedication to making quality chocolates. And fortunately, with his delicious Girls Night In Bundle, you can experience the hype for yourself. From milk chocolate pretzels to champagne truffles, this bundle provides no shortage of treats to share among friends. Each order includes: 1-Milk Chocolate Pretzels 1-Dark Chocolate Bark 1/2 lb 1-NY Collection-Apricots & Almonds 1-60% House Blend Bar 1-Caramel Popcorn 1-Tattinger Champagne Truffles 10pc So why not give it a try? Whether you enjoy your snacks over some much-needed pillow talk or tackle your cravings while watching a romantic comedy, with the Jacques Torres Girls Night In Bundle, you have everything you need and more to make this Galentines Day the best one yet. Disclaimer: Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The post A Black Girls Guide To The Perfect Galentines Day appeared first on 21Ninety. By Simon Lewis RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shuttled from Israel to the Palestinians' West Bank on Tuesday, appealing for an end to resurgent violence and reaffirming Washington's backing for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict. Blinken is urging calm on both sides after last week's killing by a Palestinian gunman of seven people outside a Jerusalem synagogue and anger among Palestinians over actions by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank. "That's the only way that we can create conditions in which people's sense of security will start to improve," he told a news conference in Jerusalem. He took that message into a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, warning all parties against any action that could threaten a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. "We've been clear that this includes things like settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts, demolitions and evictions, disruptions to the historic status of the holy sites, and of course incitement and acquiescence to violence." He said he had heard "deep concern" about the current trajectory in both Israel and the West Bank but also constructive ideas and he had asked senior officials to remain behind to continue talking. A senior State Department official said the officials staying would be Barbara Leaf, the top department official for the Middle East, and Hady Amr, U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs. Blinken's first visit since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power this month at the head of one of the most right-wing governments in Israel's history comes at a time of extreme tension between the two sides. He said Palestinians were facing a "shrinking horizon of hope" that needed to change. Amid rising anger at near-daily raids by Israeli forces in the West Bank, Abbas' Palestinian Authority (PA) suspended its security cooperation agreement with Israel last week after the largest incursion in years. Story continues The operation saw Israeli forces penetrate deep into a refugee camp in the northern city of Jenin, setting off a gunfight in which 10 Palestinians died. "The Israeli government is responsible for what is happening today, because of its practices that undermine the two-state solution and violate the signed agreements," Abbas said after his meeting with Blinken. BLOODY JANUARY In January alone, 35 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israeli troops, in the bloodiest month since 2015, while officials say attacks on Palestinian property by Israeli settlers have also increased. The raids have been going on almost daily for months as Israeli forces have stepped up a crackdown on militant groups in the West Bank following a spate of deadly attacks by Palestinians in Israel last year. Blinken also highlighted U.S. assistance to the Palestinian economy, which is heavily dependent on foreign aid. He said the United States would provide an extra $50 million in funding through the United Nations and that agreement had been reached on providing high speed 4G telecoms services to Palestinians. Before meeting Abbas, Blinken visited Deir Dibwan, a town near Ramallah that is home to many Palestinian Americans, and met civil society leaders and businesspeople. Netanyahu has reinforced troops in the West Bank and promised measures to strengthen settlements there, but has said Israel was not looking to escalate the situation. On Tuesday, Blinken met Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and discussed cooperation to stop Iran developing a nuclear weapon as well the situation in the West Bank. Hopes of achieving a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state based largely in the West Bank, have all but disappeared since the last round of U.S.-sponsored talks stalled in 2014. The Biden administration has said it would reestablish a consulate for Palestinians shuttered by former President Donald Trump, but has yet to say when or where it will be opened. (Writing by James Mackenzie;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Bernadette Baum) SEATTLE (AP) Boeing bid farewell to an icon on Tuesday, delivering its final 747 jumbo jet as thousands of workers who helped build the planes over the past 55 years looked on. Since its first flight in 1969, the giant yet graceful 747 has served as a cargo plane, a commercial aircraft capable of carrying nearly 500 passengers, a transport for NASA's space shuttles, and the Air Force One presidential aircraft. It revolutionized travel, connecting international cities that had never before had direct routes and helping democratize passenger flight. But over about the past 15 years, Boeing and its European rival Airbus have introduced more profitable and fuel efficient wide-body planes, with only two engines to maintain instead of the 747s four. The final plane is the 1,574th built by Boeing in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. Thousands of workers joined Boeing and other industry executives from around the world as well as actor and pilot John Travolta, who has flown 747s Tuesday for a ceremony in the company's massive factory north of Seattle, marking the delivery of the last one to cargo carrier Atlas Air. If you love this business, youve been dreading this moment, said longtime aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia. Nobody wants a four-engine airliner anymore, but that doesnt erase the tremendous contribution the aircraft made to the development of the industry or its remarkable legacy. Boeing set out to build the 747 after losing a contract for a huge military transport, the C-5A. The idea was to take advantage of the new engines developed for the transport high-bypass turbofan engines, which burned less fuel by passing air around the engine core, enabling a farther flight range and to use them for a newly imagined civilian aircraft. It took more than 50,000 Boeing workers less than 16 months to churn out the first 747 a Herculean effort that earned them the nickname The Incredibles. The jumbo jet's production required the construction of a massive factory in Everett, north of Seattle the world's largest building by volume. The factory wasn't even completed when the first planes were finished. Story continues Among those in attendance was Desi Evans, 92, who joined Boeing at its factory in Renton, south of Seattle, in 1957 and went on to spend 38 years at the company before retiring. One day in 1967, his boss told him he'd be joining the 747 program in Everett the next morning. They told me, Wear rubber boots, a hard hat and dress warm, because it's a sea of mud,'" Evans recalled. And it was they were getting ready for the erection of the factory. He was assigned as a supervisor to help figure out how the interior of the passenger cabin would be installed and later oversaw crews that worked on sealing and painting the planes. When that very first 747 rolled out, it was an incredible time, he said as he stood before the last plane, parked outside the factory. You felt elated like you're making history. You're part of something big, and it's still big, even if this is the last one. The plane's fuselage was 225 feet (68.5 meters) long and the tail stood as tall as a six-story building. The planes design included a second deck extending from the cockpit back over the first third of the plane, giving it a distinctive hump and inspiring a nickname, the Whale. More romantically, the 747 became known as the Queen of the Skies. Some airlines turned the second deck into a first-class cocktail lounge, while even the lower deck sometimes featured lounges or even a piano bar. One decommissioned 747, originally built for Singapore Airlines in 1976, has been converted into a 33-room hotel near the airport in Stockholm. It was the first big carrier, the first widebody, so it set a new standard for airlines to figure out what to do with it, and how to fill it, said Guillaume de Syon, a history professor at Pennsylvanias Albright College who specializes in aviation and mobility. It became the essence of mass air travel: You couldnt fill it with people paying full price, so you need to lower prices to get people onboard. It contributed to what happened in the late 1970s with the deregulation of air travel. The first 747 entered service in 1970 on Pan Am's New York-London route, and its timing was terrible, Aboulafia said. It debuted shortly before the oil crisis of 1973, amid a recession that saw Boeing's employment fall from 100,800 employees in 1967 to a low of 38,690 in April 1971. The Boeing bust was infamously marked by a billboard near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that read, Will the last person leaving SEATTLE -- Turn out the lights. An updated model the 747-400 series arrived in the late 1980s and had much better timing, coinciding with the Asian economic boom of the early 1990s, Aboulafia said. He took a Cathay Pacific 747 from Los Angeles to Hong Kong as a twentysomething backpacker in 1991. Even people like me could go see Asia, Aboulafia said. Before, you had to stop for fuel in Alaska or Hawaii and it cost a lot more. This was a straight shot and reasonably priced. Delta was the last U.S. airline to use the 747 for passenger flights, which ended in 2017, although some other international carriers continue to fly it, including the German airline Lufthansa. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr recalled traveling in a 747 as a young exchange student and said that when he realized he'd be traveling to the West Coast of the U.S. for Tuesday's event, there was only one way to go: riding first-class in the nose of a Lufthansa 747 from Frankfurt to San Francisco. He promised the crowd Lufthansa would keep flying the 747 for many years to come. We just love the airplane, he said. Atlas Air ordered four 747-8 freighters early last year, with the final one emblazoned with an image of Joe Sutter, the engineer who oversaw the 747's original design team delivered Tuesday. Atlas CEO John Dietrich called the 747 the greatest air freighter, thanks in part to its unique capacity to load through the nose cone. Four years ago, the Stumo family got a text message from their daughter, Samya Rose a Massachusetts native. She had just flown from Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on a business trip. Her final destination was Uganda. Just arrived in Addis, two more hours to Nairobi, the text read. Love you all. That was it, said Michael Stumo, Samyas father. Samya Stumo was one of the more than 150 passengers and crew killed when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 plunged into the ground six minutes after takeoff. It was the second crash of a brand new Boeing 737 MAX in five months and led to the grounding of the plane for more than a year. A federal investigation found deep flaws in not only the design of the 737 MAX but in the corporate attitude towards its safety. Boeings chief goal, the report indicated, was to keep costs down including training costs. The aircraft manufacturer had financial incentives to deliver an aircraft that required no simulator training for pilots. But there was a problem with the MAX from the get-go. Its high-efficiency engines were larger than those on the previous iteration of the plane the 737 NG and that meant mounting them further in on the wings. The result was a plane with a propensity to pitch up because the engines made the forward section of the fuselage heavier. Boeings answer to this design problem a software program known as MCAS. Operating silently in the background, MCAS was meant to apply corrections to pitch, based on data from a single Angle of Attack sensor. But MCAS was only as good as the data it was fed and its believed faulty information triggered both MAX crashes with the pilots struggling to maintain control of planes that kept, inexplicably, pitching down. Two years ago, Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department over the MAX fiasco. Half a billion dollars was set aside to compensate relatives and heirs of crash victims. But Michael Stumo said there was just one legal problem with this settlement: the families were never consulted about it. Story continues We filed, several months later, a motion in the court saying the Justice Department violated the Crimes Victims Rights Act, Stumo said. We say it violated the law, its insufficient and wrongfully exonerated the executives. The act requires victims be consulted in a timely manner whenever there is a plea deal or deferral of prosecution. Stumo said Boeing and the Justice Department fought the families on the grounds that they were not victims. We were and the judge agreed with us, Stumo said. That would be a judge in Texas, who last week conducted the arraignment of a Boeing executive on criminal charges that the company engaged in conspiracy and fraud. The executive pleaded not guilty and Boeing told Boston 25 News, in a statement, it is deeply sorry to all who lost loved ones on Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. The company said it will never forget the lives lost in the two accidents and that they serve as an inspiration to elevate the safety of Boeing products. We have made broad and deep changes across our company, the statement continued. And made changes to the design of the 737 MAX to ensure that accidents like these never happen again. Michael Stumo is not impressed. Executives should go to jail when they commit crimes just like street criminals, he said. Every other study and investigation found a widespread culture of concealment and wrongdoing at Boeing over the course of years and all the way to the top. 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 Boston firefighters rescued a total of 12 people, including five children, after raging blaze broke out at a duplex in the citys Mattapan neighborhood early Tuesday morning, officials said. Crews responding to a report of a multi-alarm blaze at 55 Cedar Street around 1 a.m. found flames on the second and third floors of the multi-family home, according to the Boston Fire Department. Firefighters used a drone equipped with thermal imaging to track and attack the fire as it spread across the roof of the building, Boston Fire Deputy Chief Michael Hocking said. They also struggled to setup ladders to battle the flames due to wires and trees near the home. The blaze was knocked down shortly after 2 a.m. and crews spent hours overhauling the burned-out duplex. Seven adults and the five children were safely evacuated and are now displaced. There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Dedicated Members of A-10 @BostonSparks spent 3 1/2 hours in the middle of the night at the 2 alarm fire on Cedar st. , until the last fire company finally left the scene . Thank you pic.twitter.com/WzOzjNcLRv Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 2023 Deputy Chief Michael Hocking addressed the media on the 2 alarm Cedar St fire where companies assisted 5 children & 7 adults evacuate & are now displaced. There were no injuries reported . Companies are clearing out. BFD-VAU is on scene to assist families with emergency services pic.twitter.com/phGnqDqEAK Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 2023 Companies had a hard setup for ladders due to wires and trees but got all sides covered well. The rear windows put up a fight with child safety bars in windows but were no real match as well. pic.twitter.com/SaXfB22OOT Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 2023 Heavy fire knocked down, all occupants were safely evacuated from the building. Companies are overhauling. pic.twitter.com/TWAJEZy2RH Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 2023 Companies continue to chase the fire which has traveled across the roof of the duplex building . The Drone unit shows the heat from above pic.twitter.com/zeuPbpqBQD Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 2023 At approximately 1:00 Companies working a 55 Cedar St. Mattapan. Fire on the 2nd and 3rd floor.The Fire has extended across to 57 Cedar st. a 2nd alarm has been ordered. pic.twitter.com/4wbfnqdsBL Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) January 31, 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 Police are asking for the publics help to find a suspect wanted in connection with a violent attack in Mattapan on Thursday. Officers responding to the area of 1286 Blue Hill Avenue around 3:00 p.m. on January 19 say the man pictured is a suspect for an assault and battery investigation that occurred there. A weapon was also used during the attack, according to authorities. The details of the crime were not immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to contact B-3 Detectives at 617-343-4712. 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 Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Olaf Scholz Brazil has no interest in passing on ammunition so that it will be used in the war, Lula told reporters at a press conference in Brasilia alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Read also: Brazil refuses to provide Germany with tank shells for Ukraine According to Bloomberg, Scholz has been trying to rally support for Ukraine during a four-day visit to South America after agreeing earlier this month to send German battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles and a Patriot missile battery to the government in Kyiv. At their joint appearance, Scholz said that many countries, including Brazil, could get drawn into territorial conflicts if other leaders decided to leaf through the history books like Putin a reference to the Russian leaders claims on Ukrainian territory, which are disputed by many academics. Read also: Three lessons from Ramstein. About Germany, tanks and offensive weapons for Ukraine Brazil does not want to have any participation, even indirect, Lula said. We should be looking for who can help to find peace between Russia and Ukraine. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden will host Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for meetings on Feb. 10, the White House announced, a month after the storming of government buildings in the Brazilian capital by far-right protesters. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the leaders would discuss U.S. support of Brazils democracy and how the two countries can continue to work together to promote inclusion and democratic values in the region and around the world." They are also set to discuss climate change, migration, economic development and security matters. Lulu replaced President Jair Bolsonaro, who left Brazil for Florida on Dec. 30, two days before Lula's inauguration. The ceremony proceeded without incident, but a week later thousands of Bolsonaros die-hard supporters stormed the capital and trashed the main government buildings, demanding that the leftish president's election be overturned. The action was sharply condemned by Biden, who pledged U.S. assistance. It had echoes of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump after he lost his reelection bid. Bolsonaro is being investigated for whether he had any role in inciting that uprising. It is just one of several probes targeting the former president, which at the least could strip him of his eligibility in future races. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court is stepping into a messy political fight next month over the meaning of a 26-word law that Big Tech firms describe as a linchpin of the modern internet but that critics say has led to the promotion of terrorism. A closely watched dispute between YouTube owner Google and the family of an American killed in an Islamic State group attack in Paris in 2015 will put the court in the middle of a conflict about when internet companies may be successfully sued for content on their sites. It could also, as Facebook owner Meta put it, turn the internet into a "disorganized collection of haphazardly assembled information." Thomas: Supreme Court Google case puts focus on Clarence Thomas Potentially at stake, the companies say, is the ability to get relevant results when searching Google for a local pizza shop or a video on how to perform CPR. The case, Gonzalez v. Google, centers on a law known as Section 230 that drew intense criticism from former President Donald Trump over accusations that social media companies throttled conservative views. Many Democrats agree, for different reasons, that the law needs an update. Why Google is at the Supreme Court The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Feb. 21 in a case about whether internet platforms may be liable for targeted recommendations, such as when YouTube suggests a follow-up video. The family of an American killed in a terrorist attack says YouTube, through its algorithms, recommended videos that aided extremists. Google and other internet platforms say recommending content is a "central building block" of the internet and that recommendations aren't endorsements. If platforms are liable for suggestions, they say, it could change what gets recommended on many different platforms. Google's Bay View campus in Mountain View, Calif., on June 27, 2022. What's Gonzalez v. Goabout? Nohemi Gonzalez was a 23-year-old American studying in Paris when members of the Islamic State group fired into a crowd at a bistro, killing her. She was one of 130 people killed in a coordinated attack across the city. Story continues Gonzalez's relatives sued Google alleging the company aided the Islamic State group by promoting its videos on YouTube. Explainer: Everything you need to know about Section 230 Trump: Aide says Trump weighed regulations on Google search engine Section 230, enacted when Americans were dialing into the internet, is widely interpreted as shielding Google from liability for hosting the videos. What's at issue is whether recommending the videos to users, through the company's algorithms, is also shielded. It's one of several major lawsuits percolating around internet regulation. The justices will hear a related case next month about whether social media companies may be sued under the Anti-Terrorism Act for "aiding and abetting" the Islamic State group. Separately, the court delayed a decision on whether to grant a review of laws in Texas and Florida that make it harder for social media companies to moderate content. In those cases, the Supreme Court asked the Biden administration to offer the government's view before deciding whether to hear them later this year or next. How Google could win Section 230 says that an internet company can't be treated as a publisher of content posted on its platform by a user. Google, and many lower courts, read that as also protecting the "dissemination" of content online. Recommendations like those offered by YouTube, Big Tech firms say, are part of that dissemination. "Recommendation algorithms are what make it possible to find the needles in humanity's largest haystack," Google told the Supreme Court. Tracker: A look at the status of key cases pending at the Supreme Court Leak: Supreme Court report on leak of draft opinion overturning Roe draws criticism "The line between just providing access to content and actively promoting that content is a lot slipperier than initially appears," said Christopher Yoo, a University of Pennsylvania law professor. If the court rules against Google broadly, he said, "it may sweep in every finding tool we have on the internet today." A woman holds a French flag at a memorial and vigil outside City Hall for the victims of the Paris attacks, on Nov. 17, 2015, in Los Angeles. Southern California resident Nohemi Gonzalez was among those killed in the attacks. How Gonzalez could win Others say that lower courts have read too much protection for internet platforms into the words of the law. In a brief that doesn't take a side in the case, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and other GOP lawmakers question how much Section 230 shields the companies from liability at all. Conservatives see the case as part of a bigger fight against what they view as biased content moderation. Musk: 'The bird is freed' as Musk owns Twitter. What's next for the social media giant? Poll: Did Musk just fire himself? Twitter users vote in poll to expel CEO from his position "The whole goal was to prevent things like sex trafficking and proliferation of child pornography," said Sarah Parshall Perry, senior legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. "What it has become...is a shield for the moderation of content in keeping with the particular political perspectives of the major tech companies." Others oppose Google's interpretation for different reasons. Common Sense Media, a child advocacy group, pointed to another practice by Big Tech it believes shouldn't be shielded from liability: The collection of personal data. "What gets recommended is based on the data collection," said Jolina Cuaresma, the group's senior counsel of privacy and tech policy. "Adolescents are really at an unfair disadvantage here, because their brains are structurally different than ours." A decision is expected this year. Contributing: Jessica Guynn This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court to hear Section 230 case Google says could 'upend' net LONDON (Reuters) - Britain does not believe it is practical to send its fighter jets to Ukraine, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday, after Kyiv indicated it would push for such Western planes. "The UK's ... fighter jets are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly. Given that, we believe it is not practical to send those jets into Ukraine," the spokesperson told reporters. "We will continue to discuss with our allies about what we think what is the right approach." (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Elizabeth Piper; editing by William James) Ukraine's call for a "fighter jet coalition" to provide planes so its forces can firmly control its airspace was on life support Tuesday after Britain apparently rejected the plan. Also Tuesday, Ukraine mourned the death in combat of a former U.S. Navy SEAL, France promised to send more howitzers, and a Ukraine newspaper found evidence of over-the-top profiteering by European weapons dealers. Max Blain, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, said sending jets to Ukraine was not practical because his country's Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets "are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly. A day earlier, President Joe Biden rejected the proposal, as did German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Asked if the U.S. decision was final, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Tuesday: "We're focused on making sure that Ukraine is ready and able to to meet the threats that they're facing right now, as well as those in the future.'' Poland and the Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia -- all of them sharing a border with Russia or its ally Belarus -- expressed support for Ukraine's plan. Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said Ukraine needs fighter jets and "we need to act." France has not ruled out sending fighter jets to Ukraine under conditions that would bar Kyiv from attacking Russian territory, President Emmanuel Macron said Monday. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said transferring jets should be discussed but that it would be a "very big next step." Ukraine currently relies on old, Soviet-era jets. Contributing: Francesca Chambers Ukrainians soldiers participate in the farewell ceremony for US citizen Daniel W. Swift in Lviv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Other developments: Russias refusal to allow on-the-ground inspections to resume is endangering the New START nuclear treaty and U.S.-Russian arms control overall, the State Department told Congress on Tuesday. Russia unilaterally suspended its cooperation with the treatys inspection provisions in August 2022 to protest U.S. support for Ukraine in the war. The International Ice Hockey Federation said Tuesday that it will prioritize safety concerns when deciding whether to allow Russia and Belarus in next year's world championships. Both are banned this year, but the International Olympic Committee is working on a plan allowing both nations to compete at next years Paris Games. France said it will send 12 more truck-mounted howitzers to Ukraine. The French military also said 150 of its soldiers would train 2,000 Ukrainian troops in Poland this summer. Human Rights Watch has called on Ukraine to investigate its use of land mines around Izium during the Russian occupation. Russian use of land mines doesnt justify Ukrainian use of these prohibited weapons, said Steve Goose, the group's Arms Division director. Story continues Ex-Navy SEAL Daniel Swift mourned in Ukraine Ukrainians soldiers held a memorial ceremony Tuesday for American Daniel Swift in Lviv, Ukraine. Swift was a former member of the Navy SEALs who has been listed in official records as having deserted since March 2019. The Navy did not provide further information about his U.S. military record, but said, We cannot speculate as to why the former Sailor was in Ukraine. Swift was killed last week in Ukraine fighting against the Russian army. Adam Thiemann a former U.S. Army Ranger who previously fought in Ukraine told Rolling Stone that during an operation in Bakhmut on the night of Jan. 14 and into the early morning of Jan. 15, Russian forces launched an anti-personnel rocket-propelled grenade at Swift and two other soldiers. Swift later died of his wounds. At least five other Americans are known to have died fighting in Ukraine, according to State Department statements and reports from individual families. Report: European arms dealers jacked up prices for Ukraine European arms brokers drive prices up and charge excessive commissions when supplying arms to Ukraine, according to an investigation by the Kyiv Independent and other media outlets. The report alleges that the Estonian company Bristol Trust OU received about $2 million, or 30% of the deal, in commission for 12,500 grenades for shoulder-fired missile launchers last March. The report says the commission was three to six times the industry average. Multiple arms brokers who spoke to the Independent on conditions of anonymity said they had raised prices for arms two to four times since Russia invaded Ukraine because of increased demand. Ukraine expects up to 140 tanks in 'first wave' of contributions Ukraine will obtain 120 to 140 modern tanks in the first wave of contributions from the West, Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Tuesday. Kuleba did not say when the tanks, including German-made Leopards, British Challengers and U.S. Abrams, would arrive. The Ukraine military has suggested that the first tanks could arrive from Norway by the end of March. Norway owns 36 Leopard tanks but has not said how many it will send to Ukraine. Germany has said it hopes to begin transferring more than a dozen tanks to Ukraine by early April. Kuleba said the tank donor coalition currently includes about a dozen countries and that Ukraine is trying to persuade more countries to join the group and to get increased commitments from those already on board. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine live updates: Britain won't provide fighter jets Kyrylo Budanov The publication notes that although operations on foreign soil would technically fall under Budanovs purview, he did not confirm his special forces were behind the strikes, which targeted strategic bombers Russia has used to hit Ukrainian cities. Read also: Ukraine to defeat great and invincible Russian army Budanov However, he did say to expect more, and that Ukraine has agents working inside Russia. This shattered their illusions of security, Budanov said. There are people who plant explosives. There are drones. Until the territorial integrity of Ukraine is restored, there will be problems inside Russia. Read also: Bakhmut as a city no longer exists, but military situation not catastrophic Budanov He also suggested that the Kremlin should fear collaborators in its midst. There are indeed people who are very easy to work with on that territory, people who understand that Russia should be different, he added. And we support such people. Read also: Budanov praises slain negotiator who helped Ukraine defend Kyiv from Russian forces WSJ In early January 2023, Budanov made similar statements in an interview with U.S. network ABC. He did not take responsibility for the strikes on Russian airbase, but suggested that such strikes would be deeper and deeper. Then he was directly asked whether Ukraine had struck the Russian airbase, to which he said: I cannot answer that question now. Only after the end of the war. He added that he was very happy to see such attacks, and when asked if there would be more, he said: I think so. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A California doctor accused of purposefully driving his Tesla over a cliff with his family inside has been charged with attempted murder. Neha Patel was still conscious when first responders reached her at the bottom of a cliff off Devils Slide, a treacherous stretch of Highway 1 about 15 miles south of San Francisco, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told the Los Angeles Times. She immediately started screaming, telling authorities her husband, Dharmesh Patel, intentionally tried to kill her and their two children, a 7-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy. She said very simply this was not an accident, Wagstaffe explained. Officials have said it is an absolute miracle that all four family members survived the 250-foot plunge the night of Jan. 2. In the end, rescue crews were able to free the two children from the Tesla Model Y using a jaws of life tool and pulled Patel and his wife from its windows. Dharmesh Patel, who was hospitalized in wake of the crash, was transferred from a medical facility on Monday to a San Mateo County jail. Hes facing charges including first-degree attempted murder and child abuse, as well as enhancements for great bodily injury and domestic abuse. His wife, Neha, who suffered serious, unspecified injuries, has since been released from the hospital. She has yet to speak with investigators, but Wagstaffe said her screams on the scene were pivotal in charges being filed against her husband. Both of their children have also been released from the hospital in wake of the incident. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The CEO of a San Francisco-based tech company has apologized after she quoted Martin Luther King Jr. in a layoff letter sent to employees last week. PagerDuty CEO Jennifer Tejada sent the letter to employees, also posted on the companys website, announcing layoffs affecting roughly 7% of employees on Thursday. A cloud computing company with locations in San Francisco, Atlanta, Toronto, Australia and the United Kingdom, PagerDuty employed roughly 950 people as of January 2022. In the letter, Tejada begins by listing out economic conditions which have led to the layoffs, before moving on to discuss the companys successes. She goes on to describe how PagerDutys business model is still strong despite the economic conditions: While demand for our products and services remains stable and our strategy to help our customers transform their operations remains relevant and intact, it is taking longer to convert than prior years. Tesla driver charged with attempted murder now in jail The announcement of the layoffs does not begin until the seventh paragraph, where Tejada lists the elimination of roles, the vast majority of which are in North America, as refinements that aim to strengthen PagerDuty moving forward. The letter goes on to discuss upcoming top-level position changes and severance plans for those impacted by layoffs. Tejada closed with the words of Martin Luther King Jr: None of this would be possible without you, our leadership, and our board thank you for your grit and resilience, your commitment to our customers and your support of our values and people. I am reminded in moments like this, of something Martin Luther King said, that the ultimate measure of a [leader] is not where [they] stand in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where [they] stand in times of challenge and controversy. PagerDuty is a leader that stands behind its customers, its values, and our vision for an equitable world where we transform critical work so all teams can delight their customers and build trust. Jennifer Tejada, CEO of PagerDuty Story continues Users on Twitter were quick to call Tejadas statement disgusting, callous, and tone-deaf. Friday night, Tejada posted an apology to the companys website. She noted that the way she wrote the letter distracted from the struggle of the employees being laid off. There are a number of things I would do differently if I could. The quote I included from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was inappropriate and insensitive. I should have been more upfront about the layoffs in the email, more thoughtful about my tone, and more concise. I am sorry, Tejada wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Cincinnati police officers outside the Procter & Gamble offices in downtown Cincinnati on the morning of May 18. P&G closed the building after they contacted the police about a security concern. The case against a former Procter & Gamble employee accused of making threats that forced the consumer goods giant to temporarily close its downtown Cincinnati offices last year has been dismissed, according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office. Benjamin Wood, 31, of Covington, Kentucky, was indicted in May 2022 on two felony counts of inducing panic, court records filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court show. His case went to trial this week, however, it was dismissed as prosecutors were unable to move forward with the case on Tuesday because necessary witnesses failed to appear in court, Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Clausing said. "Without those witnesses' cooperation, we will not refile," Clausing said in response to a question from The Enquirer about whether prosecutors will seek to try the case again. In court filings, prosecutors said that on May 18, Wood caused the company's headquarters on Sixth Street to close and a Cincinnati police SWAT team to be called to the scene "by initiating threats involving P&G, the CEO and its employees." The Enquirer obtained a Cincinnati police "officer safety bulletin" issued May 17 that states Wood "had been texting several people about going to P&G and taking over." Former Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said Wood was a former P&G employee fired in 2021. According to the bulletin, family members told police Wood suffers from mental illness. Wood was fired for not returning to the office after the company phased out COVID-19 guidelines that allowed employees to work from home, the document said. Deters said Wood made a statement that he would shut down the world via Cincinnati tomorrow. And law enforcement noted Wood had access to firearms. He was arrested at his home by the Kenton County Sheriffs Office, officials said. In October, Wood was ordered to undergo a psychiatric examination and was ultimately found competent to stand trial, court records show. Wood's public defender has yet to respond to a message from The Enquirer seeking comment. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Charges against former employee accused of threatening P&G dismissed Charlottes budget preparation is kicking off with the Charlotte City Councils annual budget retreat. Its early in the budget process right now but as the city continues to grow, one thing potentially on the table this year is a property tax increase. No final decisions will be made for several months. As inflation continues and experts speculate a possible recession, the Charlotte City Council is trying to ensure the city remains financially strong. ALSO READ: Mecklenburg County commissioners briefed on housing crunch The city is growing. It is growing in leaps and bounds and the goal is how do we pay for the growth? Councilman Malcolm Graham said Monday. The citys finance team told the Charlotte City Council their current revenue projections only cover existing services. That doesnt factor in wage increases or new projects needed due to growth. Property tax is Charlottes main revenue source. It doesnt grow with inflation and hasnt been raised in the past 4 budgets. City Manager Marcus Jones is looking for guidance from #CLTCC as to whether they want to pursue a sales tax increase and whether transportation projects should be front-loaded (bus, road improvements, vision zero) instead of transit (rail) #CLTCC Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) January 30, 2023 Councilman Ed Driggs worries this could be the year the city tries to do it. I am going to be pretty aggressive about making them justify any increase, Driggs said. We need to be very accountable and very transparent. City staffers say growth will require them to spend more money on things, such as new Charlotte Fire stations. Its too soon to say how city leaders will pay for their priorities. Story continues Lets take a look at where we are, where we want to go, and look at the resources on the table and make a decision, Graham said. You cant every time you need new revenue, raise the taxes because it makes your city eventually, or wherever you are taxing, unlivable for certain people, Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston said. This is also a revaluation year. Mecklenburg County will be sending out new home values in March and the tax rate will depend on whether leaders lower it to revenue neutral. I want the public to be aware and to be watching, Driggs said. As the Charlotte City Council weighs a potential property tax increase, city leaders continue to hope the General Assembly will grant them the authority to seek a sales tax increase through a referendum. Proceeds from the sales tax increase would go to transportation and transit projects. City Manager Marcus Jones gauged the Charlotte City Councils willingness to continue to seek a sales tax increase. He is also pitching a transportation-first package instead of prioritizing rail. That would mean the first projects completed from the funding would deal with road and bus improvements instead of light rail and streetcar. The City Council needs a lot to happen. The General Assembly must give the council the approval to put this measure on the ballot and then voters must approve it. All of that will take convincing. Winston is on board with a transportation-first approach. We have to get things done. We have to get dirt moving and we have to get improvements, he said. The city wants to act quickly to take advantage of the infrastructure law. Charlotte is already behind its peer cities, including Austin and Atlanta, which already approved funding sources for their projects. VIDEO: New transit plan could cost Charlotte taxpayers A judge has formally dismissed sex abuse charges against disgraced R&B star R. Kelly at the request of a Chicago prosecutor, who said Monday that "justice has been served" since Kelly's convictions in federal court cases in 2021 and 2022 have all but ensured he'll be behind bars for decades to come. The dismissal came at a minutes-long hearing Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, a day after Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced that her office would no longer be pursuing indictments accusing Kelly of sexually abusing four people, three of whom were underage. "I understand how hard it was for these victims to come forward and tell their stories," Foxx said in a statement. "I applaud their courage and have the utmost respect for everyone who came forward. While this may not be the result they were expecting, due to the sentences that Mr. Kelly is facing, we do feel that justice has been served." She added, "My office will direct our resources to find justice for other victims of sexual abuse who do not have the power of a documentary to bring their abusers to light." R. Kelly in court in 2019 E. Jason Wambsgans-Pool/Getty Images R. Kelly in court in 2019 Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking in New York in September 2021. He is also set to be sentenced next month in Chicago federal court after being found guilty on child pornography and child enticement charges this past September. Kelly, 56, faces 10 to 90 years in prison in the latter case. Allegations of sexual misconduct have long shadowed Kelly, but it wasn't until the rise of the #MeToo movement and the release of the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly that public pressure really began to mount for authorities to take action. The Cook County indictment was announced in 2019, before the federal cases in New York and Chicago. An attorney for Kelly did not respond to EW's request for comment Monday. Story continues [This article has been updated to reflect the outcome of Tuesday's court hearing.] Related content: BEIJING (AP) Chinas government accused Washington on Tuesday of pursuing technology hegemony, as the United States has begun stepping up pressure on tech giant Huawei by blocking access to American suppliers. The Biden administration has stopped approving renewal of licenses to some U.S. companies that have been selling essential components to the Chinese company, according to two people familiar with the matter. Neither was authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and they spoke on the condition of anonymity. The company, which makes network equipment and smartphones, has been on the U.S. Commerce Department's entity list, which comprises those subject to licensing requirements, since 2019. It has been allowed to buy some less advanced components. But the new restrictions could cut off Huawei's access to processor chips and other technology, as large U.S.-based companies such as Intel and Qualcomm are forced to wind down business with it. Bloomberg News and the Financial Times first reported the administration move. Huawei Technologies Ltd., Chinas first global tech brand, is at the center of a conflict between Washington and Beijing over technology and security. U.S. officials say Huawei is a security risk and might facilitate Chinese spying, an accusation the company denies. China is gravely concerned about the reports, said a foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning. She accused Washington of over-stretching the concept of national security and abusing state power to suppress Chinese competitors. Such practices are contrary to the principles of market economy and are blatant technological hegemony, Mao said. The White House and Commerce Department declined to comment about specific deliberations regarding Huawei. Working closely with our interagency export controls partners at the Departments of Energy, Defense and State, we continually assess our policies and regulations and communicate regularly with external stakeholders, the Commerce Department said in a statement. "We do not comment on conversations with or deliberations about specific companies. Story continues The move to halt licenses for Huawei comes after GOP Rep. Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced earlier this month that the committee would conduct a 90-day review of the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry Security. McCaul said he was ordering the review because the agency had not been responsive to two-year-old requests for information on export control licenses that the agency has granted for China. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this month, McCaul said the agency had failed to uphold its legal obligation to produce requested documents and information. McCaul on Tuesday called reports that Commerce is halting exports a positive step" and called on the department to declare it a permanent decision. Mao said Beijing would defend the legitimate rights of its companies but gave no indication how the government might respond. Beijing has made similar declarations after past U.S. action against its companies but often does nothing. The ban on sales of advanced U.S. processor chips and music, maps and other services from Alphabet Inc.s Google unit crippled Huaweis smartphone business. The company sold its low-end Honor smartphone brand to revive sales by separating it from the sanctions on its corporate parent. The Commerce Department agreed to grant export licenses to U.S. companies to allow them to sell less-advanced chips and other technology to Huawei that was deemed not to be a security risk. That followed complaints suppliers would lose billions of dollars in annual sales. Huawei scrambled to remove U.S. components from its network and other products and has launched new business lines serving factories, self-driving cars and other industrial customers. The company hopes those are less vulnerable to U.S. pressure. Huawei says its business is starting to rebound. In 2020, we successfully pulled ourselves out of crisis mode, Eric Xu, one of three Huawei executives who take turns as chairman, said in a December letter to employees. U.S. restrictions are now our new normal, and were back to business as usual. Last years revenue was forecast to be little-changed from 2021 at 636.9 billion yuan ($91.6 billion), Xu said. The tightening of export controls on Huawei comes just days after Japan and the Netherlands agreed to a deal with the U.S. to restrict Chinas access to materials used to make advanced computer chips. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit China next week. It will be the first visit to China by a Cabinet-level official in the Biden administration. __ Madhani reported from Washington. Christina Ricci Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images Christina Ricci reportedly called out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its review of this year's Oscar nominations following the backlash over actor Andrea Riseboroughs surprise Best Actress nod. Riseborough's nomination on Tuesday, for the indie film To Leslie, confused some insiders as she landed a nod without a traditionally heavily funded campaign. On Friday, the Academy, which hosts the Oscars, announced it will review the campaign procedures for the recently announced 2023 nominees. As Deadline reported on Friday, Ricci, in a now-deleted Instagram post, defended Riseboroughs nomination and criticized the notion that Oscar nominations should only go to the actors and filmmakers who spent a lot of money campaigning. Seems hilarious that the surprise nomination (meaning tons of money wasnt spent to position this actress) of a legitimately brilliant performance is being met with an investigation, Ricci wrote, per Deadline. So its only the films and actors that can afford the campaigns that deserve recognition? Feels elitist and exclusive and frankly very backward to me. The Yellowjackets actor said Riseborough likely had nothing to do with To Leslies Oscars campaign, claiming that actors never orchestrate their campaigns themselves. If its taken away shame on them, Ricci reportedly wrote. BuzzFeed News has reached out to Riccis representatives for comment. Andrea Riseborough Jason Mendez / Getty Images The exclusion of The Woman King star Viola Davis and Till star Danielle Deadwyler in the Best Actress category caused outrage from fans online , who are arguing that the Academy continues to neglect performances by Black women. Davis and Deadwyler were nominated at other major awards shows leading up to the Oscars, like the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. Riseborough did not receive nominations at either show. Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Puck reported on Jan. 26 that Riseboroughs campaign was largely led by actor Mary McCormack, wife of To Leslie director Michael Morris. The story said McCormack and others emailed and called tons of members of the Academys actors branch, begging them to see the little-watched alcoholic drama and post online about Riseboroughs searing performance. Story continues Puck specifically cited celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Amy Adams, Edward Norton, Frances Fisher, Howard Stern, Gwyneth Paltrow, and fellow Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett as those who backed Riseboroughs performance. Multiple sources told Variety on Friday that the Academy will hold a meeting on Tuesday where Riseborough will be discussed. Related Stories (AP) Cindy Williams, the Shirley half of the hit television sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died after a brief illness at age 75, according to a statement from her family Her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, said in a statement to the Associated Press that passing of their kind, hilarious mother has brought the family insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed. Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved, according to the statement. Williams, who starred opposite Penny Marshalls Laverne on the iconic eight-season sitcom, also starred in classics American Graffiti and the Best Picture-nominated 1974 thriller The Conversation. A guest appearance as Shirley with Marshall as the wise-cracking Laverne on ABCs massive Happy Days proved so popular that the duo starred in their own spin-off series, following the friends lives as roommates and co-workers at Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee. Laverne & Shirley with its Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated opening sequence ran for eight seasons from 1976 to 1983, becoming the most-watched show on television by its third season. It also received six Golden Globe nominations and one Emmy nomination. Williams left the show in its eighth season when she became pregnant with her first child. This is a developing story Nearly 80 percent of voters who live in embattled Rep. George Santoss New York district want him to resign from Congress, according to a new survey that comes the same day the first-term Republican told colleagues hed be stepping down from his committee assignments. A Newsday/Siena College poll released on Tuesday, which questioned voters from New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, found that 78 percent of respondents think Santos should resign, including 71 percent of Republicans, 72 percent of independents and 89 percent of Democrats. Thirteen percent of respondents overall said they didnt think the Long Island Republican should step down, while another 9 percent said they did not know or did not have an opinion. Three-fourths of respondents said they did not think Santos could be an effective representative for his district, including 65 percent of Republicans, 74 percent of independents and 84 percent of Democrats. And 71 percent of respondents said that Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was wrong to seat Santos on two congressional committees, including 59 percent of Republicans, 69 percent of independents and 82 percent of Democrats. Talk about buyers remorse. NY 3 voters elected George Santos by a comfortable margin not even three months ago. But today, the vast majority of his new constituents including the vast majority of those who voted for him want him gone, Siena College Poll Director Don Levy said in a press release regarding the polls results. Discouragingly, three-quarters or more of voters of every party say that Santos behavior and now his refusing to resign show that our political system is broken, not that his behavior says little about the state of our politics. The polling comes as Santos has faced calls from Democrats and even his fellow Republicans in Congress, particularly New York members, to resign after he admitted he had fabricated parts of his identity and history and as news outlets continue to report discrepancies about his life. Hes also been under scrutiny regarding his financial disclosures. Story continues Santos told his fellow House Republicans on Tuesday that he is walking away from his committee seats, but he has rejected calls to step down entirely, and McCarthy has refused to call for his resignation. The Newsday/Siena College poll surveyed 653 residents from New Yorks 3rd Congressional District Jan. 23-26. The margin of error is 4.4 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A photo of Timothy Davis, then 31, of the South Side, taken at the Franklin County jail following his arrest by Columbus police in September 2017 on outstanding warrants, including assault on a police officer in 2016 for which he was latter convicted. The city of Columbus will pay a $225,000 settlement to avoid a potential second federal court trial on claims of excessive use of force against a wanted man by city police officers, who beat him repeatedly and used a stun gun on him 11 times during an arrest at a Driving Park convenience store in 2017 that was captured on cellphone video. The City Council approved the settlement 7-0 at its meeting Monday despite an internal affairs investigation that found the officers were justified and a federal jury that determined in 2021 the officers did not violate his civil rights because a federal judge last year determined the jury made a mistake in finding the city totally not responsible and ruled that the man could refile for a new trial. Timothy D. Davis, of the South Side, was 31 years old in September 2017 when Columbus police sought to arrest him on several outstanding warrants after he was spotted inside a Driving Park convenience store. Police said officers had been injured during previous attempts to arrest Davis, and one of the warrants was for a 2016 incident in which an officer was struck near an eye with a handcuff bracelet. Under the settlement, the city and the eight defendant officers in the case Matthew Baker, Sean Connair, Eric Everhart, Anthony Johnson, LeVon Morefield, Robert Reffitt, Ryan Steele and Alan Bennett will make no admission of liability and will be released from all claims connected to the incident. The settlement avoids another trial, along with potential punitive damages and attorney fees. The parties agreed to the terms of a settlement in December, and the City Attorneys Office and the Department of Public Safety recommended council approval of the agreement Monday. Citing the fact that the Columbus settlement comes in the wake of the disturbing graphic video released Friday and the arrests or suspensions of a group of Memphis police officers for the fatal beating of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols resulting from a reported traffic stop, Council member Shayla Favor said, "I think we would be remiss if we didn't ask what policies have been implemented (by Columbus police) to ensure that a situation does not occur again like this one, especially given the climate" nationally. Story continues Assistant Safety Director Robert Stewart said he would look into it. "You know, you see eight officers and one individual, I think it probably does raise some red flags with folks," Favor said. Favor, who also raised a question about "qualified immunity" for police officers, asked Public Safety to follow up with a written response to council concerning policies and training. Davis had sued the city and eight police officers in federal court, claiming the Division of Police fails to properly train, supervise, monitor, counsel or discipline officers who use excessive or unreasonable force against civilians, in particular black residents. A federal jury ruled in favor of police in 2021, but Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley of U.S. District Court in Columbus last September ordered a partial retrial, saying a complete jury verdict in favor of the officers "is against the clear weight of the evidence." "The evidence in this case was disturbing. (Columbus officers) beat and electrocuted (Davis with a stun gun), very nearly to death, even though he was unarmed, outnumbered, and generally contained at the end of the arrest," Marbley wrote. A citizen's cellphone video showed officers using profanity and one officer punching him repeatedly during a struggle to arrest Davis, who resisted police instructions to put his hands behind his back. Two plainclothes officers initially attempted to arrest, but more arrived as Davis struggled and resisted. Marbley found that as more officers arrived on the scene, the police should have reasonably been expected to reduce the amount of force being used against Davis. "Once Plaintiff was pinned to the ground by four, five and six officers versus two, earlier in the arrest the risk of flight and ability to resist all but vanished," Marbley wrote. He noted that police used the stun gun on Davis for a combined 55 seconds, which exceeds the manufacturer's standard of 15 seconds due to risk of internal damage. Marbley also said that officers never gave Davis a chance to comply with their demands toward the end of the incident. Marbley found that any reasonable jury "should have concluded that the force utilized was greater than necessary" later in the arrest as officers used a Taser on Davis 11 times and continued to hit Davis after he was subdued and while the stun gun was being used. "The force never relented to give (Davis) a reasonable chance to comply. (Davis) had as little as one second between Officer Bennetts Taser cycles in which to regain control of his muscles and comply with commands. Similarly, Officer Baker left Plaintiff less than one second between knee strikes in which to give up his hands," Marbley stated in the ruling. The initial officers involved were part of a "Violent Crime Working Group" that had been looking for Davis. The incident in Memphis involved a special "Scorpions" task force. After the incident with Davis, a police bodycam video captured another officer, Joseph Bogard, who was not involved, talking to another officer about what had happened. Bogard said he would have told Davis, "I'm going to for real arm-bar you, and then when that still doesn't work, I'm going to choke the life out of you. Then while you're drooling on yourself, I'll handcuff you." He was reprimanded for conduct unbecoming an officer. Davis was ultimately convicted of the 2016 assault on a police officer and sentenced in 2018 to 30 months in prison. wbush@gannett.com @ReporterBush (Editor's note: a previous version of this story incorrectly identified the Public Safety official at the meeting Monday.) This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus pays $225k to settle any claims over 2017 police arrest I spent my first 10 years living in Michigan City, 35 nautical miles from Chicago. I was a Cold War kid. Our bogeyman was Soviet General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, who made a lasting impression when he took off his shoe at the United Nations, hammering the podium while threatening to "bury" the U.S. At Edgewood Elementary School, we practiced nuclear drills (along with fire drills). Downtown Michigan City had "fallout shelters" marked with yellow and black signs. After the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, my father, Jack Howey, who was city editor of the News-Dispatch, didn't betray his emotions to the family, but later described several sleepless nights during that 13-day crisis. I remember my first grade teacher telling us that President Kennedy was going to address the nation. She had a worried look on her face. I conjure these events and images because here in 2023, we find ourselves once again on the nuclear straight-razor. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, a top ally of President Putin who now serves as deputy chairman of the Security Council, posted on Telegram: "It never occurs to any of the lowlifes to draw an elementary conclusion from this: The defeat of a nuclear power in a conventional war can trigger a nuclear war. Nuclear powers have not lost major conflicts on which their fate depended." That is just one in a continuum of reckless nuclear saber-rattling from the Putin regime as it flounders in its war with Ukraine, a conflict it picked and is now losing. The Guardian reported that the Kremlin is now deploying Pantsir defensive missile intercept systems around Moscow and near Putin's dacha. January 25, 2023: A Leopard 2 main battle tank of the German armed forces Bundeswehr shoots during a visit by the German Chancellor of the troops during a training exercise at the military ground in Ostenholz, northern Germany, on Oct. 17, 2022. - Germany approved the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, after weeks of pressure from Kyiv and many allies. Berlin will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr stocks and is also granting approval for other European countries to send tanks from their own stocks to Ukraine, a government spokesman said in a statement. The Daily Beast reported that Ukrainian authorities are now saying that Russias biggest cities are bound to suffer attacks. Internal escalation of the war in Russia is inevitable, said Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, told The Daily Beast. This past week, President Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO have agreed to send Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The German Leopards will be delivered in a couple of months, in time for an expected Spring offensive that could determine the fate of this brutal war. These tanks have the ability to do what the first key advocate of the tank during World War I First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill envisioned, which is to break across trenched "no man's land." Story continues Recently, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that its 2023 Doomsday Clock has been set forward to the closest to catastrophe it has ever been, just 90 seconds before midnight. The horrific war in Ukraine has increased the risk of nuclear weapons use, raised the specter of biological and chemical weapons use, hamstrung the worlds response to climate change, and hampered international efforts to deal with other global concerns, the Bulletin stated. Russias thinly veiled threats to use nuclear weapons remind the world that escalation of the conflict by accident, intention, or miscalculation is a terrible risk. The possibility that the conflict could spin out of anyones control remains high. No one can do this alone, but everyone can do something, said the Bulletins President and CEO Rachel Bronson. We hope that the moving of the clock is a motivator that we all need to pay attention to these key issues. Brian Howey Eric Schlosser, author of "Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety and Fast Food Nation" writes in The Atlantic: "Several scenarios for how Russia might soon use a nuclear weapon seem possible: (1) a detonation over the Black Sea, causing no casualties but demonstrating a resolve to cross the nuclear threshold and signaling that worse may come, (2) a decapitation strike against the Ukrainian leadership, attempting to kill President Volodymyr Zelensky and his advisers in their underground bunkers, (3) a nuclear assault on a Ukrainian military target, perhaps an air base or a supply depot, that is not intended to harm civilians, and (4) the destruction of a Ukrainian city, causing mass civilian casualties and creating terror to precipitate a swift surrender the same aims that motivated the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki." "Any response by the Biden administration would be based not only on how Russia uses a nuclear weapon against Ukraine but also, more important, on how Russias future behavior might be affected by the American response," Schlosser adds. "Vladimir Putin can determine if, when, and where a nuclear attack occurs in Ukraine. But he cannot control what happens after that. The consequences of that choice, the series of events that would soon unfold, are unknowable. One thing is clear, after all my discussions with experts in the field: We must be ready for hard decisions, with uncertain outcomes, that nobody should ever have to make." Should we be losing sleep over this reckless rhetoric of the despot Putin and Dmitry Medvedev as this war worsens? Well, perhaps. This is not a situation for overt panic, but reasonable concern. It means having discussions with your family, friends and co-workers about what to do, where to go, and how to communicate should such a crisis develop. The columnist is managing editor of Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs at StateAffairs.com/pro/Indiana. Find Howey on Facebook and Twitter @hwypol. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: How likely is a nuclear war? Jane Roberts, the wife of Chief Justice John Roberts, acknowledges having represented a wide variety of public officials including senior Justice Department officials and Cabinet members as they transitioned to jobs in the private sector, according to testimony in an arbitration hearing to resolve a lawsuit filed by an ex-colleague against her former legal recruiting business. A partial transcript of that testimony was included in a complaint submitted to the House, Senate and Justice Department filed in December on behalf of the former colleague. The complaint, a copy of which was obtained by POLITICO, accuses the chief justice of failing to acknowledge the full extent of his wifes work in his ethical disclosures, presenting her as a salaried employee of her firm rather than one who receives commissions from law firms, some of which have cases before the Supreme Court. Jane Roberts placements included at least one firm with a prominent Supreme Court practice, according to the complaint, which also includes sworn testimony from Roberts herself, in which she notes the powerful officials whose agencies have had frequent cases before her husband for whom she has worked. A significant portion of my practice on the partner side is with senior government lawyers, ranging from U.S. attorneys, cabinet officials, former senators, chairmen of federal commissions, general counsel of federal commissions, and then senior political appointees within the ranks of various agencies, and I -- they come to me looking to transition to the private sector, Roberts said, according to a transcript of a 2015 arbitration hearing related to her former colleagues termination. In her testimony, Roberts also noted the benefit of working with senior government officials: Successful people have successful friends. Jane Roberts and her firm, Macrae, did not immediately respond to requests for comment by email. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court declined to respond to questions Tuesday about the complaint and whether the court is pursuing the issues raised in it. Story continues In response to earlier questions about the justices financial disclosures, the court pointed to a 2009 ethics opinionfrom the Judicial Conference that judges generally dont need to recuse themselves in cases simply because their spouse works as a consultant or service provider to a firm involved in litigation before the court. As a general proposition, the fact that the spouse or the spouses business has a business relationship with an entity that appears in an unrelated proceeding before the judge usually does not require the judges recusal, the opinion says. The high court also noted that the federal governments rules for financial disclosures generally do not require public disclosure of the clients of officials spouses. As the most senior officials in the judicial branch, the justices are not bound to follow such guidance or policies. However, they look to those practices for guidance, a spokesperson said. The complaint included a list of Jane Roberts placements between 2007 and 2014 and her alleged commissions, some of which are hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is unclear whether the figures represent her earnings or the firms billings for her work. In an analysis filed along with the complaint, Pace University law professor Bennett Gershman writes that it is plausible that the Chief Justices spouse may have leveraged the prestige of judicial office to meaningfully raise their household income. That concern, together with the failure of the Chief Justice to recuse himself in cases where his spouse received compensation from law firms arguing cases before the Court, or at least advise the parties of his spouses financial arrangements with law firms arguing before the Court, threaten the publics trust in the federal judiciary, and the Supreme Court itself, Gershman wrote. A sworn affidavit backing the complaint was submitted by Kendal B. Price, a Massachusetts attorney and former colleague of Jane Roberts at the legal recruiting firm Major, Lindsey & Africa, where Price was a managing director in the partner practice group. Price, who was eventually fired from the firm, recalled in his affidavit being told that Roberts was the companys highest-earning recruiter and that her early significant commissions, going to someone with so little recruiting experience, represented a stark anomaly compared to the rest of the field. When he raised the issue, colleagues did not seem to wish to discuss it, he said. In a statement to POLITICO, Price said he decided to file a complaint with government authorities in order to expose potential ethical issues regarding the Supreme Court. The national controversy and debate regarding the integrity of the Supreme Court demanded that I no longer keep silent about the information I possessed, regardless of the impact such disclosures might have upon me professionally and personally, Price said. Not sharing it with the appropriate authorities for purposes of enabling them to investigate weighed on me increasingly, and I felt obligated to make this contribution to this important national conversation. A New York attorney who submitted the complaint on Prices behalf, Joshua Dratel, said his client acted in part out of frustration that there is no official mechanism for raising ethics issues at the Supreme Court and due to previous reporting in POLITICO and elsewhere about ethics concerns at the high court. In September, POLITICO reported that gaps in ethical disclosures enabled justices, including Roberts, to shield their spouses clients who may have business before the court. The importance of this issue and the unavailability of any viable means of addressing this is what led to us sending it to the places that we sent it to, Dratel said Tuesday. This is a gap in transparency that's only become more critical in the past year in terms of the impact that it has on the integrity of our institutions. In 2014, Price sued Major Lindsey over his termination, alleging that the firm had not paid his commissions and that another colleague there had stolen his clients, according to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Jane Roberts was named as a defendant in the case. Price explained in his affidavit sent to Congress that he had been afraid of potential negative consequences of coming forward with allegations against Jane Roberts. Prices suit against Major Lindsey was moved from a Massachusetts state court to an arbitrator, who eventually ruled against Price. In his affidavit, he noted that he only directly interacted with Jane Roberts once during his time as an employee of Major Lindsey. In a statement, John Cashman, president of Major Lindsey, maintained that Roberts, who worked at the firm for more than a decade, was among several very successful recruiters at [the firm]. As a firm, MLA makes placements at hundreds of law firms each year and like many of our highly-skilled recruiting consultants, Mrs. Roberts had a strong track record of excellent work, Cashman said in the statement. The success of our recruiters and of our organization stems from the fact that we hold our work and each of our consultants to the highest standards: Candidate confidentiality, client trust, and professionalism are the cornerstones of our 40 years of successful business. Dratel, Prices attorney, rejected the notion that Price leveled the complaint against the Robertses out of lingering spite over his firing or the failure of his legal action against the firm. Were well down the road from that, Dratel said. This is about the nation and the integrity of the court and knowing something that contributes to that. He didnt publish this. He sent it to Congress. Among the officials represented by Roberts at Major Lindsey was former Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar, who joined the prominent Washington-based law firm WilmerHale in 2013, according to Price. For arranging Salazars hiring, Price calculated that Roberts must have received about $350,000, he alleges. And as part of that deal brokered by Roberts, WilmerHale also agreed to open an office in Denver. In the 2015 testimony in Prices suit, Jane Roberts said lawmakers she has placed at law firms have started at annual salaries ranging up to $3 million. WilmerHale did not immediately respond to a message asking for comment. Salazar is currently U.S. ambassador to Mexico. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful. Five years after Roberts received the commission from WilmerHale, the firms lawyers appeared before the Supreme Court representing a marine construction company, the Dutra Group, in a case regarding a sailor injured on one of the companys vessels. Chief Justice Roberts ultimately sided with WilmerHales client, that the sailor was not owed punitive damages, Gershman noted. Beyond the Dutra case, WilmerHale maintains a significant practice before the Supreme Court, and between 2013 and 2017, argued more cases before the court than any other law firm, according to data from SCOTUSBlog cited in the complaint. Gershman argued that, given his wifes relationship with the firm, the judicial recusal statute would require the chief justice to recuse himself from WilmerHales 27 cases between 2013 and 2017. Alternatively, Roberts could have sought disclosure and waiver. Gershman argued that the chief justice must recuse himself from all cases with counsel that have made substantial payments to his household or fully disclose such payments to counsel and seek a waiver by the litigants. Gershman also noted that Roberts financial disclosures list his wifes income as salary, as opposed to commission. The allegations that Jane Roberts may have used her husbands position for financial benefit, combined with the deficiencies in Roberts financial disclosures, is far from trivial, technical, or harmless, Gershman writes. It directly threatens the publics trust and confidence in the federal judiciary at the highest level, he noted. It's unclear what action, if any, lawmakers have taken on Price's complaint, but Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Tuesday that the situation underscores the need for formal ethics rules for the Supreme Court, along with an enforcement mechanism. This complaint raises troubling issues that once again demonstrate the need for a mandatory code of conduct for Supreme Court justices," Durbin said in a statement. "We must work on a bipartisan basis to pass Sen. [Chris] Murphys bill, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, which would simply require Supreme Court justices to adhere to the same standard of ethics as other federally appointed judges. Passing this requirement is a common sense step that would help begin the process of restoring faith in the Supreme Court. Workers from Eslich Wrecking Co. clean out debris Monday afternoon from the two downtown buildings being torn down along Lincoln Way E in Massillon. Demolition and cleanup are to continue for much of the week. MASSILLON The estimated price tag for the teardown of two collapsing buildings downtown has come in at little more than $450,000. Overall, the cost to bring down the vacant structures, 14 and 20 Lincoln Way E, is about $457,000, Economic Development Director David Maley told City Council on Monday night. Going, going, almost gone:Condemned downtown Massillon buildings with historic value coming down Massillon historian:'Heartbreaking' two historic buildings coming down Louisville-based Eslich Wrecking Co. began the work Sunday morning and continued throughout the day. On Monday, a crew was cleaning up debris from the properties. A rear view Monday of two historic buildings, 14 and 20 Lincoln Way E, that are being demolished this week in downtown Massillon. The Stark County Land Bank has committed to fund up to $200,000 of the total demo amount, Maley said. City Council will consider whether to dedicate 2022 carryover dollars from the general fund to cover the remainder of the total, or about $257,000. If council approves the funding, Maley said, the plan is to asses the owner's property taxes to recoup $257,000. Grant "Fuzzy" Kowell is the owner of both structures. Massillon Lincoln Way building demo work to continue this week Work to demolish the two Lincoln Way buildings is to continue through the week. "It will probably take a few more days to get everything down and cleaned up," said Maley, nothing that the overall job appears to be about 75% completed. Work was done last week to secure much of the CJ Duncan Jewelers building, 24 Lincoln Way E, for the demolition of the two neighboring structures to the west. Eslich workers last week installed steel support components to help preserve of neighboring buildings, such as CJ Duncan Jewelers, 24 Lincoln Way E, and 10 Lincoln Way E, the most recent home to Bonnie's Engravers Gallery. On Jan. 18, the city closed a section of Lincoln Way and posted a detour between Third Street SE and First Street SW after a partial building collapse prompted inspectors to deem the Lincoln Way structures in need of emergency demolition. There is no immediate use for the property once the buildings are completely down, said Maley, adding that the city has had no discussion with Kowell on the issue. Story continues "Ultimately, we'd like to have the site redeveloped. But we're focused now on getting the safety issue figured out," Maley said. Massillon council vote denies former Howard's Tiger Rags demo plan During a special meeting Monday night, City Council voted 5-4 against a plan to demolish the former Howard's Tiger Rags and adjacent building. During a special meeting Monday night, City Council voted 5-4 against a plan to demolish the former Howard's Tiger Rags and adjacent building. Following the vote, the meeting became somewhat testy between Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry and members of council who voted against the plan, mainly because there's no immediate "plan B" to tear down the unsafe buildings. The A. Altman Co. of Canton was in line to purchase the buildings and property at 125 Lincoln Way W and 129 Lincoln Way W from current owner James Rubin. A. Altman had agreed to buy the properties for $120,000, pending the demolition using a state grant. Councilman Ted Herncane, D-at large, said prior to the vote he would be against the proposal unless the city put a lien on the property. "I think it's unfair to others who had been up for similar votes," Herncane said. More:Biz moves: Real estate company plans to buy Tiger Rags building, redevelop site Councilman Mike Gregg, R-Ward 3, reaffirmed his position to tear down the buildings using the state grant money. "These are not city of Massillon taxpayer dollars. This is grant money from the state of Ohio," he said. For weeks, City Council had been considering proposed legislation that would use state grant funding to demolish the two structures. The estimated cost to tear down the buildings was $175,000. The grant amount the city has been awarded is for $225,000. Catazaro-Perry told council that Massillon was one of few Ohio cities to receive the grant money. "We worked hard to get our application in (with the state) and get approved," she said. "And that's a big deal." Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon demolition buildings Lincoln Way Conrad drug store A diverse crowd young and old, Black and white turned out in Stroudsburg on Monday evening to call for change in response to the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police. "If you remain silent, you are part of the problem. If you work within law enforcement, and your first thought was not, 'This must stop,' but instead, 'Not all cops,' you are part of the problem. If you remain silent again, you are part of the problem. If you remain apathetic, you are part of the problem," said Christa Caceres, president of the Monroe County chapter of the NAACP, which organized the event. She urged people to contact elected officials to ask that deaths of unarmed people killed by police be investigated by the attorney general's office or a bipartisan review board every time, regardless of whether the district attorney refers the case. State Reps. Maureen Madden (D-115) and Tarah Probst (D-189) both appeared at the vigil, urging the attendees to reach out to their elected officials to express their concerns about police brutality and support for the legislative initiative to have the attorney general investigate deaths linked to police. "We are going to craft an incredibly responsible bill that looks at all sides," Madden said. "But at the end of the day, this bill is to have independent investigations of the deaths of people at the hands of law enforcement. So make those phone calls tomorrow. Make those phone calls and say, 'You know, Rep. Madden's got this bill she's introducing, we really think it will help.'" Community members expressed their fears about potential police encounters. "I just want to grow up where people can walk around and be safe and people can drive, African Americans can drive and not feel the need to be scared that if you get pulled over you're going to die and I just want to feel safe while growing up," said 12-year-old A.J. Williams to a round of applause from a supportive crowd. 12-year-old A.J. Williams speaks at a vigil for Tyre Nichols in Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. A Marine Corps veteran, Kenneth Mercer, said that "we have allowed our police departments to behave like militaries." Story continues "Armies are designed to kill. That's the business of armies. I was part of that business. And that's what's happening here right now," he said, adding that tactics must change for the safety of all people. Marine Corps veteran Kenneth Mercer speaks at a vigil for Tyre Nichols in Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. 'Work as one unit for humanity' Stroudsburg Area Regional Police Department Chief Jennifer Lyon, the only law enforcement official to speak at the vigil, said Nichols' death "wasn't about bad police work, this wasn't bad training these were criminals, this was a gang of thugs that beat somebody to death." Lyon advocated for the community to work together to combat such practices. "This is not getting solved from us. This is not getting solved from groups. This is only solved when we all get down and dirty together and work as one unit for humanity, for the basic human race at this point. So thank you all for coming out tonight. Thank you all for supporting each other. And let's continue to fight the fight," Lyon said. Stroud Area Regional Police Department Chief Jennifer Lyon speaks at a vigil for Tyre in Nichols in Stroudsburg's Courthouse Square on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. On Jan. 7, Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was pulled over by Memphis police officers at a traffic stop. Body camera footage from the officers part of the "SCORPION Unit," which stands for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods" and other surveillance footage show them brutally beating Nichols while shouting expletives at him, using a baton and pepper spray as he called out for his mother. Audio from the footage show the officers making light of the situation and laughing, as Nichols was struck at least 13 times. Nichols was hospitalized, and died from the injuries he sustained three days later. Christa Caceres, president of Monroe County NAACP, speaks during a vigil for Tyre Nichols at Courthouse Square on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. Former officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. all members of the SCORPION Unit, which has been disbanded have each been charged with one count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault acting in concert, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and one count of official oppression, court records show. An officer who had fired a stun gun, identified by police and his own attorney as Preston Hemphill, was relieved of duty, though he was not subject to departmental or criminal charges. "I haven't watched the video, and I'm not going to watch it. I have two sons. They are 25 years old and 22 years old, and I worry about them every minute of every day," said Tameko Patterson, vice president of the local NAACP. They tell her not to worry, but she tracks their locations using Life360, a location sharing and safety app. "Why do I have to do that? Why? No one has the right to take another's life. I don't care what badge you wear. I do not care. A mother should not have to worry about her sons walking out of the door and if they will return again. It's time for this to stop. We have to change the laws," she said. This is a developing story and will be updated. What happened to Tyre Nichols:Video shows Memphis police violently beating Tyre Nichols in the traffic stop that led to his death In Congress:Tyre Nichols case reignites conversations among lawmakers on federal police legislation This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Monroe NAACP leads vigil in Stroudsburg after Tyre Nichols death PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A state House committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth in South Dakota. Supporters argued a bill barring youth from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and surgery would protect adolescents from irreversible damage, while opponents argued it only blocks them from becoming their authentic selves. Republican Rep. Bethany Soyes bill passed through a House committee on health and human services Tuesday morning with a dominant vote from Republicans. Despite testimonies from health care providers, legal advocates and transgender youth, the bill will move on to a vote in the Republican-dominated House. Soye said she had Gov. Kristi Noem's support for the bill, which targets transgender individuals below the age of 18. After nearly two hours of discussion, all eight Republicans on the committee voted for the bill, while the only two Democrats opposed it, adding South Dakota to the list of at least 18 other states pushing legislation to block transgender youth health care this year. Utahs Republican governor signeda ban on gender-affirming care last week, and similar bans have passed in Arkansas and Alabama, but they are being challenged in court. Testifiers in support of the bill spoke from personal experience, either as patients who regretted decisions to undergo surgery as young adults experiencing gender dysphoria, or as doctors who argued normal puberty was a cure for gender dysphoria. Don Oliver, a retired pediatrician from Rapid City, said he disagreed with guidance from leading medical associations such as the American Medical Association that support gender-affirming care as medically necessary. We as a profession have lost our way, lost our bearing, lost our anchor, Oliver said. Opponents criticized the bill on the grounds of overreach into healthcare concerns between patients and doctors, and for infringing on civil rights. Gender-affirming care is part of comprehensive primary care, said Daniel Heinemann, chief officer of Sanford Health and chair of South Dakota's American Academy of Family Physicians. Family physicians are deeply concerned by the growing trend of recent legislative efforts to criminalize care directed at specific patient hospitalizations. Story continues Heinemann said gender diversity is a normal part of the human existence. Samantha Chapman, a member of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, said, It is impossible to discriminate against a person for being transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex." Soye raised this bill as a matter of consent. She compared a childs inability to consent to gender affirmation procedures to their inability to consent to purchasing cigarettes, drinking alcohol or joining the military. She also questioned the health care profession, saying, the fact is the medical community can get things wrong." Opponents to the bill noted that a young person's decision-making is heavily factored into the procedure of certifying treatment. Dr. Anne Dilenschneider, a mental health care provider with New Idea Counseling, said gender dysphoria diagnoses take months. The process factors in a child's social skills, emotional skills, medical history and disabilities before addressing gender, and that involves reports from teachers and other certified adults close to the patient. This experience of gender dsyphoria or gender incongruence has to be marked and sustained over time, and that means years. This wasn't a kid who was on TikTok and says, Hi, Im trans,'" Dilenschneider said. She added that the bill's misinformed language, such as chemical castration, upset her most. Other opponents included 16-year-old Elliot Morehead of Sioux Falls, who skipped their physics test to testify at the Capitol. Im transgender and Im proud, Morehead said. Morehead told the committee it took six months of therapy to receive a referral to simply discuss hormone therapy and other affirming treatments. They said telling children to grow out of gender dysphoria is like telling someone struggling with depression to just be happy. Democratic Reps. Kameron Nelson and Erin Healy opposed the bill for sex-based discrimination. They cautioned fellow voters the bill would cost the state and taxpayers millions of dollars spent in litigating a complete ruling. Morehead was also disappointed in the committee's ruling but said they would remain optimistic. Despite having discussed leaving the state to pursue healthcare available to them, they want to keep up the fight. If we leave, the next generation is left behind," Morehead said. "That's why I'm staying here and continuing to fight." COVID-19 still int'l health emergency: WHO Xinhua) 08:14, January 31, 2023 Photo taken on March 30, 2021 shows an exterior view of the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Chen Junxia) GENEVA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic still constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO's highest alert level. The announcement came amid the recent increase of weekly reported deaths worldwide. After its quarterly assessment meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, the WHO's International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee announced on Monday that COVID-19 continues to constitute a PHEIC, which has been concurred by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. COVID-19 remains a dangerous infectious disease with the capacity to cause substantial damage to health systems, the committee said in a statement, while acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic may be approaching an inflection point. Although infection or vaccination may lead to higher levels of population immunity globally and limit the impact of morbidity and mortality, "there is little doubt that this virus will remain a permanently established pathogen in humans and animals for the foreseeable future," the committee said. It then called for long-term public health action that will prioritize the mitigation of COVID-19 impact on morbidity and mortality. Meanwhile, the committee recommends that countries should achieve 100 percent vaccination coverage of high-priority groups, improve reporting of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data to the WHO, and ensure long-term availability of medical countermeasures, such as COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Jonathan Woodgate signed for Newcastle on this day in 2003 (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Archive) Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate completed a 9million move to high-flying Newcastle on this day in 2003. The then 23-year-old joined the Magpies, who were second in the Premier League at the time, on a four-and-a-half-year contract after becoming the latest big-name departure from Elland Road. Leeds faced a dire financial situation which forced them to sell Woodgate and left manager Terry Venables future in doubt. The former England boss had stated he would consider his options should the centre-half depart, having already seen the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler sold under his watch. Woodgate had established himself in the Leeds side which reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2001 and during his time in West Yorkshire he won the first of his eight England caps at just 19 years of age. Following his arrival at St James Park, Woodgate spoke about his title hopes, with Sir Bobby Robsons Newcastle five points behind leaders Arsenal at the time. I believe so, the position theyre in. Why not? he said when asked of his new club could win the league. Theyre second in the league, five points behind Arsenal, who have got to come here as well. Thats the big game, and hopefully they can win that game. The defender, who was found guilty of affray in 2001, also spoke frankly about the court case which almost wrecked his career, saying: Its been the hardest time of my life. You look back and you think of things that youve done wrong and Ive done a few things wrong but Ive got over them and Im going to start afresh at Newcastle United and hopefully go from strength to strength. Woodgate made 37 appearances on Tyneside before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid for 13.4million in August 2004. He only represented Real on 14 occasions during an injury-plagued spell in Spain and eventually returned to England with home-town club Middlesbrough, first on loan and then on a permanent deal in 2007. A year later he made the switch to Tottenham where he scored an extra-time winner in the 2008 Carling Cup final before finishing his career with stints at Stoke and then back at Boro. Woodgate is currently an assistant to Michael Carrick at Boro, having previously been in charge at the Riverside and Bournemouth. A Charlotte concealed handgun instructor was in limbo for months as his concealed carry renewal went cold. For months, Channel 9s Hunter Saenz has covered the challenges people face with getting gun permits approved in Mecklenburg County. Knowing he was going to talk with him, Saenz asked for the sheriffs office to weigh in on Bryan Yerkes renewal -- he asked them what was taking so long for it to go through. By Tuesday afternoon, Yerkes permit was finally approved. But the process to get there is what hundreds of others are still going through. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gun rights advocates sue Meck sheriff, claim hes denying constitutional rights Yerke is a certified concealed handgun instructor. But since September of last year, by no fault of his own, his concealed handgun permit has been expired. Oh its definitely an unpleasant experience, he said. It meant he cant carry his gun around, and later this month he could lose his gun permits in other states as well. He said he did everything right last summer -- he filled out the application and even paid the fee. But as of Tuesday morning, his application was still pending. I want the sheriff to obey the law, Yerke said. Then, after Saenz started asking questions, Yerkes permit was approved Tuesday afternoon. But there are many others who are still waiting. According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office, as of Monday, there were more than 3,000 unfulfilled concealed handgun permits. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sheriffs office faces lawsuit as gun permit applicants wait months for approval In November, Sheriff Garry McFadden said he sends every applicant to the Veterans Administration as part of his mental health checks. Once an application is complete and all mental health checks are met, state law requires sheriffs to take less than 45 days to approve or deny a permit. We cant make these institutions work any faster, we cant demand them to work any faster. So thats the clog, McFadden said. Story continues Data shows the sheriffs office is still waiting to get mental health checks back from applicants who applied in March of last year. Yerke, who was caught up in that wait, said thats not right. He doesnt understand why his application needs to go to the VA because hes not even a veteran. The Veterans Affairs office would have no information whatsoever on me, Yerke said. It doesnt make any sense to me, unless you factor in that we may have a sheriff that just does not want to issue gun permits, period. McFadden said he wants to be thorough with all checks. If something bad happens, he doesnt want the finger pointed at his department. He is currently being sued by Grass Roots North Carolina over how long its taking to get permits. That lawsuit is still playing out. The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office shared the following statement with Channel 9: The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) has received several inquiries about the permitting process and where it now stands. Our dedicated staff continues to work diligently to process all permit applications in accordance with state requirements. Almost 3,800 hours of overtime have been expended this fiscal year. MCSO has implemented several changes to the permitting process to be more efficient to include mailing permit(s) to customers to eliminate visits to the office; and utilizing a new interface to reduce duplicate entries for new applicants. From October 22, 2022, to January 31, 2023, we have received 4,933 releases for approximately 110 days of releases from Veterans Affairs (VA). Since October 24, 2022, MCSO has processed over 6,200 applications to meet the demand and continues to work to process applications as soon as possible. MCSO has found that not everyone discloses their military status on their application, so to be certain we are getting accurate information, the process is to check everyone through the same facilities. This process has been in place since 1996. The agency continues to wait on mental health facilities to return the releases needed to process applications, as there is no state requirement for these facilities to return the documents in a timely manner. We could not be prouder of how hard our staff are working to process applications. They have worked during the holidays, significant hours of overtime, and have worked in the office throughout the pandemic to keep up with the demand. MCSO is committed to serving our customers as best we can, as we strive to process all permit applications in accordance with the state requirements. (WATCH BELOW: Sheriff McFadden responds to lawsuit over waiting times for concealed handgun permits) Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call Senate Democrats want to ramp up the pace of federal judge confirmations this Congress. But their task could grow challenging when it comes to filling vacancies in states with GOP senators. By tradition, senators have essentially a veto power over district court nominees in their home states. Senate Democrats are vying to confirm more of President Joe Biden's nominees to the federal bench after he broke his recent predecessors' records for judges appointed in their first two years in office. "This Congress, with an even larger majority, Senate Democrats will ramp up to a record pace and continue to make our courts more reflective of our country," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement to Insider. But even with a 51-seat majority, the task for Democrats could grow challenging as many of the 88 open judgeships a number that's expected to rise with new retirements will require cajoling support from Republican senators, or jettisoning a century-old Senate practice that empowers them. By tradition, senators essentially have a veto over district judge nominees in their home states. Almost a third of the current vacancies are in states with at least one GOP senator, who could block some of Biden's choices. "I will not hesitate if I don't think they ought to be on the federal bench," GOP Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, where there are four district court vacancies, told Insider. Biden has repeatedly expressed a strong commitment to reshaping the federal courts after former President Donald Trump dramatically shifted the judiciary to the right. Democrats see judicial confirmations as a defense against GOP attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, weaken gun restrictions or curtail voting rights through the bench. "One of the really important things about having a balanced federal judiciary is ensuring that some of these awful, unpopular, radical things that the Republicans are trying to implement through the courts aren't just sailing through," said Justin Goodman, Schumer's former communications director who is now an executive vice president at the public affairs firm SKDK. Story continues Yet if Republicans balk at Biden's nominees, Democrats will face increased pressure from the left to bury the Senate's judicial-approval tradition to cement the president's legacy on the bench. Both Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, and the panel's top-ranking Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham, are hoping it won't get to that point. "I'm not asking anybody to capitulate," Graham said during a committee meeting last week. "I'm asking people to cooperate. And I'm hoping we can find some system that works." President Joe Biden. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Judicial vacancies in Republican-led states Since Biden became president, he's appointed nearly 100 federal judges more than Trump and President Barack Obama did in their first two years, according to the Federal Judicial Center. Biden's nominees increased diversity on the historically homogeneous courts, most notably with the ground-breaking confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. "Both, in terms of ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, and experience, no one has topped him. I mean, no one's even close," Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, told Insider. Now in a divided Congress, the table is set for Democrats to accelerate the pace of confirmations. The Senate, alone, confirms judicial nominees, and Democrats are expecting ample opportunity to focus on them since Republicans control the House and major legislative activity is less likely. The party is aiming for a year like 2019, when the GOP-led Senate confirmed 102 of Trump's nominees to the bench after Democrats won the House. But the Senate Judiciary Committee's long-standing "blue slip" tradition could complicate Biden's plans to transform the courts over the next two years. When considering district court vacancies, senators from that home state must return a blue sheet of paper, with lines that say "approve" and "disapprove," for a nominee to receive a hearing and move forward in the confirmation process. The process, started in 1917, is meant as a courtesy to home state senators and to fulfill the president's "advice and consent" constitutional obligation of the Senate. With GOP hostility toward Biden's agenda and signs of hyperpartisanship in the Senate, he's so far largely avoided potential blue-slip fights by nominating circuit court judges who sit on one of 13 courts that hear challenges of district court decisions and whose nominations do not require blue slips to advance and district court judges in states represented by his party. A senator can derail an aspiring federal judge simply by refusing to return the slip. Democrats confirmed 28 circuit court judges and 68 district court judges in Biden's first two years. Of the district court judges, the majority were in states with Democratic senators and only one nominee was confirmed in a state with two Republican senators: Iowa. "President Biden's gonna have a tougher time filling district court slots over the next two years because he's already picked the low-hanging fruit of filling district court slots with two Democrat home state senators," said Mike Davis, who previously served as chief counsel for nominations to former Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican. Biden, a former Judiciary Committee chair himself, could continue to prioritize and appoint judges in Democratic-led states, which he's widely anticipated to do. But if Democrats want to make good on their promise of restoring balance to the courts, experts say they must place judges in red states, where there are currently 28 open district court seats, including in Texas, Florida, Idaho and Wyoming. The sole pending nomination for those vacancies is in Mississippi. "The real difference will come when you replace the Republican appointees with a Democrat who has very different experience and different views ideologically," Tobias said. "[Biden] needs to get more of those." Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana. Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Image 'Antiquated blue slip process' Durbin, as judiciary chair, has the power to change the informal, blue-slip practice for district court confirmations, but committee staffers said it's premature to discuss that option. At the moment, the top Democrat is reminding Republicans that his party returned 130 blue slips for district court nominees under Trump, including many in the second half of his administration. Democrats are hoping their GOP colleagues will do the same now that the roles are reversed. "It can be done if you're willing to sit down and be reasonable on both sides of the table," Durbin said during a committee work session. Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) January 25, 2023 Besides Graham, other Republicans senators have worked across the aisle on judicial confirmations. Durbin recently praised Sens. Mike Braun and Todd Young of Indiana for returning blue slips on Judge Matthew Brookman for a district spot in their home state, signaling a smooth confirmation process ahead. Yet although some Republicans are cooperating, Durbin said, "so far we've only received 12 blue slips in the first two years from the Republican side." And some GOP members have threatened to withhold their support. Kennedy, the senator of Louisiana, successfully negotiated with Democrats on confirming a circuit court nominee last Congress. But he said the White House "hasn't seemed to be in a real big hurry on the district court appointees." "We have discussed some names, but the names that the White House has sent to me, I'm not going to support and they know that," he told Insider. "I'm not looking for activists or ideologues. I'm looking for good lawyers who will make good judges." Sen. John Cornyn of Texas also griped that the White House has delayed talks on judicial nominations. "We would like to maintain some cooperation and communication with the White House and certainly we're not doing anything to slow this down," he said in last week's committee meeting. Durbin, seemingly trying to assuage Cornyn's concerns, responded at the time: "It is definitely a two-way street. We're asking members to try to cooperate but certainly the White House has to do the same." The White House has insisted that its goal is to consult with all senators of both parties to fill judicial vacancies in the remainder of Biden's term. And while the administration could win over some hesitant Republicans, at least one has already opposed a Biden nominee. GOP Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin initially approved Judge William Pocan for the state's eastern district court, but then walked back his support, denying a blue slip and preventing him from advancing. Despite Durbin's pleas for bipartisanship, progressive advocacy and legal groups, who have celebrated Biden's record on the federal courts, aren't holding their breath that GOP senators will come around. "It's time for the Senate to do away with the antiquated blue slip process, which is letting Republican senators tell President Biden who can and cannot become a judge," Christopher Kang, chief counsel at Demand Justice, said in a statement to Insider. "With fewer and fewer vacancies remaining in blue states, President Biden needs to be able to appoint judges in red states to maximize his judicial legacy so Americans across the country will benefit from a diverse judiciary," he added. "For him to do that, he needs Chairman Durbin to have his back." Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Lindsay Graham of South Carolina. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Biden's 'partial legacy' The blue-slip tradition has been a source of headaches for both Republicans and Democrats. The Obama White House voiced frustrations with the custom in 2014, when Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy chaired the committee, because they thought Republicans were exploiting it by blocking nominees or using delay tactics. "This abuse is a significant constraint on the president's selection of potential nominees and on his ability to quickly nominate individuals to fill long-standing vacancies," Eric Schultz, then the White House deputy press secretary, told Gannett at the time. Leahy required two positive blue slips from home-state senators for both circuit and district court nominees to advance. His successor, Grassley, however, announced a different standard for circuit court nominees during the Trump administration, saying a lack of two positive blue slips wouldn't prevent a nominee from getting a hearing unless the White House failed to consult with home state senators. Graham, who followed Grassley, imposed a similar policy and, now, so does Durbin. It's a powerful tool that senators don't want to lose. The blue slip is "the last thing pretty much left that makes senators very relevant" in the district judge nominating process, according to Graham, who chaired the committee from 2019 to 2021. He felt pressured to change the rule so Republicans could fill any vacancy they wished, and he warned that Durbin would now feel the heat from Democrats. "I think it's important we keep it," Graham said. The South Carolina Republican acknowledged that Democrats joined forces with Republicans when he was chairman, even if vacancies remained in three blue states under Trump and not many were filled in California. Graham encouraged his fellow GOP senators to create a process that would allow nominations to advance "in a reasonable fashion." Durbin has not yet signaled any urgency to abolish the tradition. But in the coming weeks and months, if Democrats fail to place judges in red states because of GOP holdouts, the party must decide whether to abandon blue slips to satisfy their agenda before Biden's term ends. Rakim Brooks, president of Alliance for Justice, a left-leaning legal policy coalition, cautioned against Republicans blocking nominees in their home states and slowing down legal action in different parts of the country. "That just seems fundamentally unfair," he said. Brooks fears that Biden will leave only a "partial legacy" on the courts if Democrats fall short on this responsibility and continue to honor blue slips. Though he has faith that the party will make the right decision in the face of Republican opposition. "I think they'll come around, ultimately, to seeing that what they're aiming to do just ultimately proves to be impossible," Brooks said. Read the original article on Business Insider Members of the Service Trades Council unions, which represents 45,000 Disney workers, are encouraging members to reject a new contract offer from the company. STORY: Port Canaveral sets record for passengers coming through the port At issue is a pay increase for the first year of the contract. The unions says Disney is proposing raises of $1 a year for most workers, but leaders say that is not enough to cover the increasing cost of living. STORY: Laverne & Shirley star Cindy Williams dies at 75 The unions wants a $3 dollar per hour raise next year and a three-year contract. Disney said that their offer would get all cast members to $20 per hour by the end of the contract. STORY: Father speaks out after son allegedly receives racist messages and threats from fellow students In an official statement, Disney further broke down what that means. This very strong offer provides our Cast Members with a nearly 10% average increase immediately and guaranteed raises for the next four years with every single non-tipped Cast Member promised at least a $20 starting wage during the contract, and the majority seeing a 33% to 46% increase during that time. The contract with the unions expired in October and both sides have been negotiating since then. CLICK HERE to read the original WFTV article. STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories MAINZ, Germany A family dispute, a missing woman, and a body that had been stabbed to death found in the womans car by her parents: These things, authorities in Germany now say, are not as they once seemed. Far from being the victim, the woman who had been missing had instead found a lookalike on Instagram and killed her with a friend in order to stage her own death and start a new life, prosecutors and police in Bavaria now say. The case has been dubbed the doppelganger murder by local media. Arrest warrants on suspicion of murder have now been issued for the woman and her friend, police in the southern city of Ingolstadt, around 50 miles north of the regional capital, Munich, announced Monday. The pair have been in custody since days after the body was discovered. Police searching for clues after murder case in Ingolstadt (Peter Kneffel / Picture Alliance via Getty Images file) I can confirm that the accused 23-year-old female obviously planned to start a new life due to family problems, police spokesperson Andreas Aichele told NBC News. She had set up several social media accounts to find any persons looking as similar to her as possible,Aichele said. Investigations revealed contact to several young ladies during a period of few weeks. Investigators assume that under a pretext she managed to organize a meeting with the later victim. Together with the 23-year-old male she traveled to the Heilbronn region to pick her up and carry out the planned murder, Aichele added. Under German privacy laws, the full names of victims or suspects are not publicly released. Police searching for clues after murder case in Ingolstadt (Peter Kneffel / Picture Alliance via Getty Images file) The mystery began last Aug. 16, when the body of a woman who had been stabbed to death was found by the parents of the 23-year-old German-Iraqi female in her parked vehicle in Ingolstadt, according to a statement from police in upper Bavaria north. But a subsequent autopsy raised serious doubts about the identity of the woman, they said in a statement two days later. It brought relief to the father of the 23-year-old, but not under the circumstances he expected. The police came to us ... and said, Good news, your daughter is alive. We were so happy. We thought she was dead, German newspaper Bild quoted the womans father as saying. Story continues Instead, two days later, police said they had arrested the woman and another 23-year-old of Kosovan descent under suspicion of manslaughter. The two suspects have been in custody since, and the arrest warrants on suspicion of murder were issued late last week. The dead woman, it turns out, was another 23-year-old woman who police said looked strikingly similar to the suspect. The suspects came up with the plan to search online for a woman who looked similar to the German-Iraqi, kill her and place her in such a way that the corpse would be mistaken for the suspect, police said in a statement Monday. She offered them various benefits in order to achieve a meeting. However, it did not come to a meeting with those women, prosecutor Dr. Veronika Grieser said. According to the Bavarian police, the main suspect contacted the victim through social media in early August and arranged a meeting on Aug. 16. She traveled with her friend in her car to the greater Heilbronn area, around 150 miles west of Ingolstadt, to pick up the victim at home, police said. The victim was lured out of the vehicle and stabbed to death in a wooded area insidiously and for base motives, the statement added. Andy Eckardt reported from Mainz, Germany, and Aina J. Khan from London This article was originally published on TODAY.com Activist Scott Schaeffer-Duffy holds a sign during a candlelight vigil Monday in memory of Tyre Nichols outside Worcester City Hall. Nichols, a Black man, was beaten by police officers Jan. 7 in Memphis, Tenn., and later died. The officers have been charged with second-degree murder. WORCESTER Dozens of people gathered Monday night at City Hall to hold a vigil honoring Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was fatally beaten by police in Memphis, Tennessee, and called for more action to address police brutality. "Continue that fight so we can be a better city, a better commonwealth, a better country," at-Large City Councilor Khrystian E. King said. "This is not about showing up now or showing up for a little while and engaging and pushing an advocating. It has to be a sustained effort to ensure we have equity, equality and justice in every facet of our life and every facet of our community." Police body cam video released Friday shows five Memphis officers brutally beating the 29-year-old Nichols, shouting expletives and using pepper spray and a baton on him, while he called out for his mother in a traffic stop Jan. 7. He was hospitalized and died three days later. The five officers were all fired and were charged Thursday with second-degree murder and other crimes in connection to Nichols' death. Monday, city officials said two more Memphis police officers were relieved of duty and two EMTs and a firefighter were fired as the investigation surrounding Nichols' death continues. Reverberations felt nationwide Vigils nationwide have been organized to remember Nichols. Monday's city vigil was organized by Free Worcester and the Independent Socialist Group of Worcester. Speaker Ashley Rogers of the Independent Socialist Group of Worcester speaks Monday during a candlelight vigil in memory of Tyre Nichols outside Worcester City Hall. Nelly Medina, a community activist with Free Worcester, said the vigil is a sign of the community's desire for action on police violence. "Our meeting here this evening signifies resistance as we gather fearlessly, unapologetically," Medina said. "We seek justice desperately for Tyre Nichols and know every 28 hours before and after his murder, law enforcement, vigilantes or security guards take a life in this country." Ashley Rogers with the Independent Socialist Group said protesters have been in the same place before, organizing in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, and setting off a summer of protest calling for changes to policing in the country. Story continues Rogers said that politicians ignored calls to defund the police and, instead, increased their budgets. She said the violence displayed in the Memphis video is inherent in the police system, referencing the shooting death of Sayed Faisal in Cambridge in early January, who advanced toward officers with a knife. "This is not an isolated incident. This isn't a case of bad apples. This is business as usual for the police, all police," Rogers said. Worcester not immune to scrutiny As the nation reels from the video of Nichols' assault, Worcester has been in the midst of a moment of increased scrutiny on its police department. Worcester police are currently under a civil investigation by the office of U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and the Department of Justice, attempting to determine whether a pattern of discriminatory practices or excessive use of force exists within the police department. People gather for a candlelight vigil Monday in memory of Tyre Nichols outside Worcester City Hall, Monday. Nichols, a Black man, was beaten by police officers Jan. 7 in Memphis, Tenn., and later died. Friday, the Telegram & Gazette reported the city recently paid $272,500 to settle a civil rights lawsuit brought against the police captain who acts as the departments civil rights officer and commands its investigative division. Rogers referenced the DOJ investigation in her speech and compared the hotspot policing model the Memphis officers who beat Nichols used to Worcester's adoption of ShotSpotter Connect technology. She also called for a greater organized movement to combat racist policing and a democratic body with complete oversight over the police. Prayers, calls for justice As a Black man and an elected official, King said desensitization from the trauma of incidents like the death of Nichols is all too common and escaping the presence of such violent footage can feel nearly impossible. "I encourage everyone to think about that trauma, to take of yourselves, take care of your family and loved ones," King said. "And that's as important as the advocacy." Bixby Fiske, 3, has his candle relit by Maya Desai as his mother, Jenny Pacillo, looks on behind him during a candlelight vigil Monday in memory of Tyre Nichols outside Worcester City Hall. The participants held candles as a prayer was recited for Nichols and for justice in his case. A few audience members gave brief thoughts on the death of Nichols. The event concluded with an impromptu singing of the civil rights movement anthem, "We Shall Overcome." Saturday, Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent and City Manager Eric D. Batista both released statements condemning the actions of the Memphis officers, and promised to work to improve community relations with police and dismantling systemic racism in city government. The weekend after the release of the video had been quiet in the city with no organized protests. The vigil organizers emphasized that the event was not a protest and was meant to be a time to reflect on the pain caused by Nichols' death. Material from The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester candlelight vigil remembers Tyre Nichols, calls for action on police violence bortnikau / iStock.com Owners of older Hyundai and Kia car models might be having buyers remorse these days due to issues getting the vehicles insured. See the List: GOBankingRates Best Banks of 2023 Car Repossessions: 5 Expert Recommendations If You Fall Behind on Payments Explore: 7 Cars That Are Not Worth the Price Two of the biggest auto insurers in the United States Progressive and State Farm have stopped writing policies in some cities on Hyundai and Kia models that have been classified as too easy to steal, CNN reported. The cities mentioned in media reports include Denver and St. Louis (though neither Progressive nor State Farm would confirm specific cities and states to CNN). A Fall 2022 analysis from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that certain 2015 through 2019 Hyundai and Kia models are about twice as likely to be stolen as other vehicles of similar age. According to a September 2022 press release from the HLDI and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles dont have electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from breaking in and bypassing the ignition. The immobilizers are designed to confirm whether a specific key belongs to a specific vehicle. If not, the immobilizers keep cars from moving. The feature is standard on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers. Our earlier studies show that vehicle theft losses plunged after immobilizers were introduced, HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore said in a statement. Unfortunately, Hyundai and Kia have lagged behind other automakers in making them standard equipment. Take Our Poll: What Are Your Financial Priorities in 2023? As CNN noted, some of the 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia models are so easy to steal that their thefts started trending on social media. Some thieves even posted videos of their thefts and offered advice on how to steal the vehicles developments that no doubt caught the attention of insurance companies. Story continues In a statement to CNN, State Farm said it has temporarily stopped writing new business in some states for certain model years and trim levels of Hyundai and Kia vehicles because theft losses for these vehicles have increased dramatically. This is a serious problem impacting our customers and the entire auto insurance industry. Progressive is also cutting back on insuring these cars in some markets, spokesman Jeff Sibel told CNN in an emailed statement. During the past year weve seen theft rates for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles more than triple and in some markets these vehicles are almost 20 times more likely to be stolen than other vehicles, Sibel wrote. Given that we price our policies based on the level of risk they represent, this explosive increase in thefts in many cases makes these vehicles extremely challenging for us to insure. In response, in some geographic areas we have increased our rates and limited our sale of new insurance policies on some of these models. To help address the problem, both Hyundai and Kia have been working with local police departments to make steering wheel locks available to affected owners, according to the IIHS-HLDI report. In addition, Hyundai has identified a security kit it believes will help prevent thefts. Whether these features are enough to convince certain insurers to write policies on the cars is uncertain. Know: The Best Month To Buy a Car in 2023 Find: Can You Buy Cars Directly From Automakers To Save Money? Meanwhile, immobilizers are standard on all Hyundai vehicles built after Nov. 1, 2021, and immobilizers were installed on all 2022 Kia models and trims either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: If You Drive These Cars, You May Be Uninsurable for Reasons Out of Your Control Image: Tristan Fewings / Stringer (Getty Images) Joe Cornish, the Ant-Man writer who is also known for Attack the Block and The Kid Who Would be King, revealed in an interview with Playlist some new details behind Edgar Wrights Ant-Man exit. Although Wright has stated before that he left for creative differences, Cornish said that the issues likely started much earlier. When Edgar and I first met Marvel, they were in offices above a BMW showroom in Beverly Hills, Cornish said. He described a business that was still struggling to find its footing in filmthis was pre-Iron Man after all. Cornish and Wright worked on Ant-Man for nearly a decade, but in between their argreement with Marvel and production time, the landscape changed completely. Read more He described Wrights auteurship evolving over that time as well. In this period in his career, he went on to direct Hot Fuzz and the comic book adaptation Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. His style was not Marvels style, and Cornish thinks this might have been a reason that the exit happened. Marvel didnt necessarily want the authored movie that Edgar and I wanted to make because, at that point, they had... this universe where the movies had to integrate. Edgar is an auteur. Edgar Wright makes Edgar Wright movies. In the end, thats why it didnt happen, I guess. It makes sense that Marvel, which famously makes movies that almost all look the same due to its VFX process, wouldnt have been in love with whatever Wright dreamed up. The idea that Marvel would say no to Wright is baffling, as I cannot imagine asking someone to do a less cool version of whatever Wright wanted. At any rate, they didnt need each other: Ant-Man is still going (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jeff Loveness, is out February 17) as is Wright, who has a slate of projects lined up after his 2021 double-punch of Last Night in Soho and music documentary The Sparks Brothers. Story continues Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Sameh Shoukry and Serhiy Lavrov Lavrov said he confirmed that Shoukry has given him a certain message from Blinken, who was recently on a visit to the Egyptian capital Cairo. Read also: Lavrov says its out of the question that Russia will accept Zelenskyys peace formula The Russian minister said that Russia is allegedly always ready to listen to any serious proposal aimed at resolving the entire current situation in its comprehensive context. In this sense, we once again heard the message through the minister that Russia must stop, Russia must leave, and then everything will be fine, Lavrov said. Read also: Israeli FM conveys Blinkens message to Lavrov Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Ukraines peace formula at the G20 summit in November. Russia has repeated refused to discuss Ukraines formula, and has yet to put forward any peace plans of its own. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine An El Paso woman accused of posing as a federal employee who promised to help process immigration applications "amassed more than $400,000 of unexplained wealth" in 18 months, authorities said. Ana Maria Hernandez, 53, is accused of defrauding more than 20 immigrants and their families, but U.S. Homeland Security Investigations agents believe she might have victimized many others. HSI agents arrested Hernandez on Jan. 23 after a federal grand jury indicted her on Jan. 4 on 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of impersonating a U.S. government employee. Ana Maria Hernandez is accused of defrauding migrants by posing as an employee of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Hernandez allegedly posed as an employee of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and told undocumented immigrants and their families that she could process immigration applications for a fee, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said in a statement. Immigration:El Paso Border Patrol led nation in migrant encounters in 1st quarter of fiscal year 2023 While allegedly representing herself as working for the federal immigration agency, Hernandez allegedly claimed she could provide clients with legitimate U.S. immigration documents, according to the indictment. The indictment stated that victims paid Hernandez for help in adjusting their immigration status for themselves, relatives and friends. Biden on the Border:President Biden to El Paso: 'What can I do to help?' An HSI investigation found that Hernandez might have allegedly defrauded victims of more than $400,000 and suspect she might have scammed more people than the ones already identified. The indictment states that Hernandez allegedly contacted victims via telephone, text message, email and personal meetings. She instructed them to provide various identification forms and documents and was paid in cash, money orders and bank wire transfers. The alleged scheme dates back to at least 2020. More:Lamborghini, horses and diamonds: El Paso crypto investor pleads guilty to fraud If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count and three years on the impersonation count, officials said. Story continues According to jail records, Hernandez, of the Lower Valley, remains held without bond at the El Paso County Jail in Downtown. Anyone who was allegedly deceived and defrauded by Hernandez may call the HSI toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423. The American dream:Last bus out: How one family's trip on a migrant bus delivered a dream This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso woman accused in $400,000 immigration impersonation fraud Eleven Deltona High School students face charges after a fight between a girl and boy escalated into an all-out brawl in the school's cafeteria on Friday, Volusia County sheriff's deputies said. All of the students were charged with unlawfully and knowingly disrupting or interfering with the lawful administration or function of the school, sheriff's investigators said. Two girls, 15 and 16, were additionally charged with battery. They punched a student in the face, sheriff's deputies said. Students fight construction workersAnother off-campus fight reported near Seabreeze High Student groping accusationsFamily of 10-year-old accused of groping school employee wants apology, counselor fired The incident occurred at 12:22 p.m. on Friday during lunch, according to a report. The details in the report state that a boy and a girl were arguing, during which the boy pushed on the girl's arm. The girl pushed the boy's arm away and they separated. The boy then reached at the girl and pushed her. In defending herself, she punched him in the face, the report states. Another girl then hit the boy in the face without provocation, prompting an all-out brawl involving all 11 students, deputies said. Deputies were called in to help a School Resource Deputy and with the help of the school's staff broke up the fight, the report said. The school's principal pressed charges on all the students, the report indicates. All the students were detained and taken to the Volusia Family Resource Center in Daytona Beach where they were processed and released to their parents or guardians, said sheriff spokesman Andrew Gant on Monday. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Deltona high school students face charges in lunchroom brawl Peru Macchu Picchu If you had plans to visit Machu Picchu in Peru any time soon, you may not get that opportunity in light of recent events. Violent political clashes have endangered the safety of locals and tourists in Peru. As a result, officials have closed the site until further notice. This Inca marvel has mesmerized for years and is probably Perus most celebrated site. People have wandered through the ruins and climbed Machu Picchu mountain. Risk-takers have conquered the narrow, steep steps of Huayna Picchu mountain, otherwise known as The Stairs of Death. Machu Picchu was a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders, explained History. For hundreds of years, until the American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911, only peasants living in the region knew of the abandoned citadels existence. The name means Old Peak or Old Mountain in the Quechua language. The Inca built it ages before the invention of cranes and other construction machines. Similar to the pyramids of Egypt, they managed to do it with baffling efficiency. According to Machu Picchu Gateway, the Inca set the stones to fit together without mortar, and you cant even get a piece of paper between them. Moreover, the stones are very heavy. This begs the question: how were they able to move them? The answer is lots of chiseling, sheer and almost superhuman strength. Machu Picchu has drawn hundreds of tourists, willing to risk crowds and the elements for a chance to get that fantastic Instagram photo, especially when the sun casts a yellow, orange and red glow over the stone monuments or when the fog rolls in. Here is everything you need to know about Machu Picchu and the civil unrest in Peru. 1. What Happened? According to BBC, the violent protests, which have seen dozens of people killed, began when Perus previous leader was ousted. Additionally, protesters damaged railway tracks, forcing authorities to suspend service. Over 400 people were left stranded at Machu Picchu, according to Luis Fernando Helguero, the Peruvian tourism minister. Story continues Those with tickets to Machu Picchu can get a refund or credit to use them. The credit is only valid for up to one month after the conclusion of the demonstrations. 2. Were Those Stranded Able To Get Out? Yes, eventually. The tourism ministry announced that 148 foreigners and 250 Peruvians were safely evacuated on trains and buses. This is not the first time tourists and locals have been stranded owing to conflict in the country. In December, visitors stuck at Machu Picchu had to be airlifted out. 3. What's Happening Politically In Peru? Locals responded angrily at the election of the new president, Dina Boluarte, who is the first woman in Peru to hold that office. Before becoming president, she was the vice president. CNN reported on January 20 that Boluarte pleaded for an end to the violence, which mostly was happening in the capital city of Lima. Once again, I call for dialogue, I call on those political leaders to calm down, she urged. Have a more honest and objective look at the country; lets talk. 4. Protesters Are Not Moved BBC reports that demonstrators are demanding fresh elections and want Boluarte to stand down, which she has so far refused to do. They want former president Pedro Castillo released from prison. BBC explains, Castillo is in jail facing charges of rebellion and conspiracy, which he denies. He insists he is still Perus legitimate leader. According to some reports, police response has been ruthless. Theyve used tanks, helicopters and tear gas to bring the crowds to heel. NPR interviewed one young man who said, this outrages us. The only thing the government is doing with these detentions is worsen tensions. When the population finds out about this, theyre going to react in a more radical fashion. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union (EU) will consult the technology and telecoms sectors on whether tech giants like Alphabet Inc's Google, Meta and Amazon.com Inc should subsidize network costs, according to a Commission document seen by Reuters on Tuesday. EU telecoms providers including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Telecom Italia say the six largest content providers account for more than half of data internet traffic and should contribute their fair share. The providers also point to Netflix Inc, Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp. The tech giants say the idea is equivalent to an internet traffic tax that could interfere with Europe's net neutrality rules treating all users equally. The commission's query is part of a 19-page document the EU executive drafted before it proposes legislation. The EU executive is expected to publish the document next week to garner feedback from telecoms operators and Big Tech, although the timing may change. The next step is an agreement with EU countries and lawmakers to finalise the legislation. "Some stakeholders have suggested a mandatory mechanism of direct payments from CAPs (content application providers)/LTGs (large traffic generator) to contribute to finance network deployment. Do you support such suggestion and if so why? If no, why not?" the questionnaire asked. The questionnaire also asks who the mechanism should apply t; whether it would negatively impact innovation, the internet ecosystem and consumers; and whether the EU should create a continental or digital levy or fund. The EU will also query Big Tech and telecoms providers' investment spending and future developments, confirming a Reuters story this month. "The Commission's questionnaire is basically asking questions that seek to justify the 'fair share' narrative pushed by big telcos. What is more, it seems to ignore the impact on consumers and fundamental net neutrality protections," an industry source said. "The Commission is also asking for detailed business information, such as peering contracts, that is usually confidential. This effectively excludes key stakeholders from taking part. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Josie Kao) Katie Crews, 30, was accused of employing excessive force in the moments leading up to the death of David McAtee, a cherished cook who provided LMPD officers with food while they were on their beats. A former Louisville Metro Police Officer received two years of probation instead of a prison sentence in a case connected to the 2020 killing of a beloved Black barbecue chef. Katie Crews, 30, was accused of employing excessive force in the moments leading up to the death of David YaYa McAtee just after midnight on June 1, 2020 when she fired a pepperball at his McAtees restaurant. Crews was among the LMPD officers and Kentucky National Guard members responding to a crowd near McAtees restaurant following a 9 p.m. curfew that then-Mayor Greg Fischer implemented in response to protests over Breonna Taylors killing by police, The Louisville Courier Journal reported. A makeshift memorial for David McAtee is shown outside the location where he was shot and killed by police in the early hours of Monday morning on June 1, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky. Katie Crews, who was charged with using excessive force in the moments leading up to McAtees death, has been sentenced to two years of probation. (Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) This sentence makes clear that law enforcement officials are not above the law, said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division in a statement Monday, according to The Courier Journal. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute law enforcement officials who violate our federal civil rights laws and defy the public trust by using excessive force. A grand jury found Crews willfully deprived McAtees niece, Machelle McAtee, of a constitutional right to be free from an unreasonable seizure and force by a law enforcement officer. The federal indictment claimed that the former officer caused bodily harm when she fired a pepperball at M.M., striking M.M., while M.M. was standing on private property and not posing a threat to (Crews) or others. Even though nobody was outside YaYas BBQ, video from a nearby business shows Crews standing at the fence line and firing objects at the door of McAtees eatery. After McAtee pulled his wounded niece into the eatery, McAtee fired his handgun twice. Louisville police officers, Kentucky National Guard members and Crews returned fire. McAtee died instantly after a bullet from a National Guard members weapon struck him. Story continues Machelle claimed she had been struck at close range by at least three projectiles when standing in the entryway of YaYas BBQ. Following internal investigations of Crews and a Facebook post made days before McAtees death in which she celebrated a protester being hit by pepper balls, the married officer, who joined the LMPD in 2018, was fired in February 2022. She had been on paid administrative leave since the shooting. Crews attorney, Steve Schroering, emphasized in court documents that she has a wife and a large, loving and supportive family and no past criminal history. As part of a plea agreement, Crews forfeited her certifications as a law enforcement officer and faced a misdemeanor rather than a felony charge. She also consented to forgo future job searches in policing. According to court filings, she now works as an explosive canine handler for a security company, primarily screening air cargo for dangerous objects. A lawsuit brought on behalf of McAtees mother and niece, which has been settled for $725,000, described YaYas BBQ, located a few blocks from the Louisville unrest and rallies in its city center, as a safe haven that fateful summer. Doubling the punishment recommended by prosecutors, in addition to probation, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Beaton sentenced Crews to 200 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. McAtee, 53, is remembered as a cherished cook who provided LMPD officers with food while they served the public on their beats. This former Louisville police officer abused her authority as a law enforcement officer, Clarke said, The Journal reported, and violated the victims civil rights. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Ex-Kentucky cop gets 2 years probation in case tied to killing of Black chef appeared first on TheGrio. BOSTON A former naval police officer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine has agreed to plead guilty to three counts of making threatening communications to his ex-wife and her mother in Iowa. Luis De Leon, 30, of Middleton, Massachusetts was charged and has agreed to plead guilty to three counts of making threats in interstate commerce, according to Rachael Rollins, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge with the FBI. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. De Leon was arrested Sept. 26. According to the charging documents, on or about April 30, 2022, De Leon made a threatening phone call to his ex-wife in Iowa from a mobile telephone belonging to another person. During the call, De Leon allegedly made several threatening statements including, Youre gonna (expletive) pay! Do you understand!? There will be death! There will be war in the street! You wanna to go war!? Ill take you to (expletive) war! Between May and June 2022, prosecutors allege, De Leon sent sent two letters containing threats to his ex-wifes mother in Iowa. In the letters, it is alleged that De Leon wrote, Ill be heading over there soon [] God help you and your dysfunctional family if you try and stop me. I wont be alone either just so you know and thats for your safety not mine!!! [] If you dont believe me just look where Im sending this from. I dont really have much else to lose, and do you know what men with nothing left to lose usually do? The charge of making threatening communications in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner is prosecuting the case. If you need help Seacoast Media Group provides the following information as a public service: Haven is a violence prevention and support service for men, women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. Havens 24-hour hotline is 1-603-994-SAFE (7233) or visit havennh.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ex-Portsmouth shipyard officer to plead guilty to threatening ex-wife By Sonia Rolley GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) -A focus of Pope Francis' visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo is a meeting on Wednesday with around 60 victims of the decades of violence in the east of the country who have made the cross-country journey to see him. The pontiff had hoped to travel to the eastern city of Goma but cancelled the stop following a resurgence of fighting in the mineral-rich region, where more than 120 armed groups are fighting for control of land and natural resources. Millions have been killed, and millions more have been displaced by the violence in the east since the 1990s. WHAT IS DRIVING THE VIOLENCE IN EASTERN CONGO The conflict in Congo goes back decades, making it difficult to isolate a few causes, said Jason Stearns, director of the Congo Research Group. At the start, rebellions abroad with rear bases in Congo, local struggles over land, resources, and identity especially over the status of groups speaking Rwandan languages, and the weakness of the Congolese state were the main causes, he said. The state has a large responsibility because it has done little to dismantle, demobilize, or defeat any of the 120 armed groups in the east, he said. Competition for control of the region's rich natural resources has also contributed to the violence. Pierre Boisselet from Kivu Security Tracker, which monitors unrest in the region, said: "The conflict has reached a stage where it seems to be self-sustaining because, over the decades, a class of professionals in violence has been formed, both among local and foreign armed groups and the states of the region." WHO ARE THE MAIN ACTORS IN THE VIOLENCE Myriad armed groups are involved in the violence, some with a few dozen members while others have hundreds of armed combatants, sometimes along ethnic lines. The most active in recent years include: * The M23. The name refers to the March 23 date of a 2009 accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo. The group says the government has not kept its promise to fully integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and government. Story continues It seized swathes of territory in a resurgence since March 2022, displacing over 500,000 as they advanced to the gates of Goma, leading to the cancellation of the pope's visit there. * The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), is an armed group run by mostly ethnic Hutus who fled Rwanda after taking part in the 1994 genocide. They are seen as M23's main rival. Rwanda has accused Congo of using the FDLR a proxy, while Congo has accuse Rwanda of backing the M23. Both sides have denied the accusations. * Fighters from the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, commonly known as CODECO, are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has been in conflict with Hema herders. They are seen as one of the most violent against civilians. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo blamed the militia for a mass grave with 49 bodies including 12 women and six children found on Jan. 19. * Islamic State-linked militia, known locally as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is another violent group operating in the region. It has killed and maimed scores in village raids and bombings. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for some of ADF's violence. The group is suspected of killing 20 people in a raid last week, and 14 others in a church bombing. (Writing by Bate FelixEditing by Alexandra Hudson) CAIRO (AP) Sudanese authorities have released a man convicted of the 2008 killing of a U.S. diplomat in a drive-by shooting in the capital, Khartoum, his family said Tuesday. The release followed a 2020 deal between Sudan and the Trump administration that included compensation settlements for killings of Americans. Abdel-Raouf Abu Zaid, designated a terrorist by the United States, was captured weeks after the shooting. He was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing of John Granville, an official with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Granville's Sudanese driver. Abu Zaid spent most of the past 15 years behind bars in Kubar Prison in Khartoum and was released on Monday, according to his brother, Abdel-Malek Abu Zaid, who posted photos on social media showing the scene outside the prison following Abdel-Raouf's release. Abdel-Malek would not elaborate but one of the daily newspapers in the country, the Sudani, reported that the Abu Zaid family had paid blood money to the slain driver's family. Under Islamic law, or Sharia, which Sudan's judiciary follows, a convict can be pardoned if his victim's family is financially compensated. A spokesman for Sudan's ruling military declined to comment on the case. Other officials could not be reached for comment. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of the reported release of Abdel-Raouf Abu Zaid, designated a terrorist in 2013 by the U.S., and was seeking more information from the authorities in Khartoum. We call for full accountability for the murders, of Granville and his driver, Abdel Rahman Abbas Rahama, the State Department said. Earlier this month, Abu Zaid's family apologized for the killing of Granville and his driver, saying in a video message: We, as a family, apologize and acknowledged Abdel-Raoufs mistake and he already admitted his mistake and expressed his regret and remorse for what has happened. Three other men were sentenced to death along with Abu Zaid while a fifth man received a two-year sentence for providing the weapons used in the attack. Story continues The four awaiting hanging broke out of prison in June 2010, killing a Sudanese police officer and wounding another in a shootout in Khartoums twin city of Omdurman, according to a Sudanese notice to the international police agency, Interpol. Abu Zaid was recaptured weeks later and returned to Kubar Prison. The three other men were not recaptured. Local reports have said two of them later died in Somalia while the third is still living there. In 2020, Sudan's former transitional government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok reached a deal with the Trump administration to stop any future compensation claims being filed against the African country in U.S. courts. This came after Sudan paid $335 million to settle compensation lawsuits at U.S. courts related to the 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, the deadly 2000 bombing of the USS Cole at Yemens southern port of Aden which killed 17 Marines, as well as Granvilles killing. Granville, 33, was an official for the USAID. He was working to implement a 2005 peace agreement between Sudans north and south that ended more than two decades of civil war. He was being driven home early in the morning on Jan. 1, 2008, from a New Year Eve party, when another vehicle intercepted his car and the gunmen inside opened fire on Granvilles vehicle, killing him and his driver, also a USAID employee. The attackers then fled the scene. ___ Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. Matthew Rodwell, left, died following an alleged attack by a father and son in Downham Market, Norfolk. (SWNS) A father and his son murdered his wife's new partner after finding him hiding in an upstairs wardrobe at her home in Downham Market, Norfolk, a court has heard. Wayne Peckham, 49, and his son, Riley Peckham, 23, are accused of murdering Matthew Rodwell, 39, on 23 January last year A post-mortem examination revealed that Rodwell died as a result of strangulation, Norwich Crown Court heard on Tuesday. The court heard he suffered more than 40 "significant injuries" during the alleged attack, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Peckham and his son deny murder. The court heard they attacked Rodwell after finding him at the home of Wayne's wife and Riley's mother, Kerry, with whom he had started a relationship. A father and son are accused of murdering a man at a house in Downham Market, Norfolk. (SWNS) Read more: Man who punched paramedic called magistrate 'mug' and told court 'I need a beer' Riel Karmy-Jones KC, prosecuting, said Rodwell, from Fincham, Norfolk, had hidden in a wardrobe when the pair arrived at the house, and from there made a 999 call to police. She said: "Matthew, still hiding in a cupboard upstairs, heard Kerry downstairs. He hid in the wardrobe and called 999." She said Rodwell was "terrified about being found by Riley and Wayne". During the call, made from the wardrobe in the bedroom of her youngest son, Rodwell expressed "genuine fear about what was about to take place", the court heard. Mrs Peckham had let her son Riley in through a window after she heard him on a roof outside. She had tried to get him to leave but he shouted and then his father entered the house. Riley then discovered Rodwell in the wardrobe after picking up his shoes, the court was told. Karmy-Jones said: "Riley said: 'You're going to die, you're going to die'." Mrs Peckham could hear her son and Rodwell "grappling with each other" upstairs and tried to block her husband, but he "barged" past. Father and son Wayne and Riley Peckham are on trial for murder at Norwich Crown Court. (PA) Mrs Peckham tried to grab hold of his leg as Rodwell was assaulted at the top of the stairs, the court heard. Story continues She then fell down the stairs and did not see "exactly what happens", the prosecutor said. The court heard Rodwell also ended up at the bottom of the stairs, where Wayne began "kicking, stamping and punching" him to "his body and face". Mrs Peckham tried to protect Mr Rodwell and was also struck, the court was told. Karmy-Jones said he had "over 40 significant injuries as a result of the attack that was inflicted upon him". Prosecutors say Matthew Rodwell, pictured, was murdered by a father and son. (SWNS) He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination revealed that he died of strangulation, the court heard. Police arrived at the house at about 8.05pm and arrested Wayne, but Riley fled the scene in handcuffs and was caught a few hours later at another address. The court heard Mrs Peckham moved in with Rodwell after ending her "turbulent" relationship with Wayne, the father of her three children, who was "rough, volatile and controlling" towards her. Wayne Peckham, from Hilgay, is charged with murdering Rodwell and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mrs Peckham. He has also denied two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and another offence of assault by beating in relation to an earlier incident in Downham Market on 4 December 2021. Riley, also from Hilgay, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the same incident on 4 December 2021. Karmy-Jones said the prosecution case was that this was a "joint enterprise" in which the two defendants had "acted together to settle scores". The trial continues. UPDATE: 10:15 p.m.: Action News Jax spoke to Corker Wimberly, father of the targeted student, in a phone conversation. He had this to say about the latest message sent by Bishop John J. Snyder High School: I empathize with the parents. Kids do crazy things, but for every action, there is a reaction. For me, I have to protect my family. So we definitely can feel a little safer tonight because threats are not taken lightly. I want everybody to know, we have to get along in this world, neither one of our races are going anywhere, so we have to figure it out, a way to get along. Corker Wimberly UPDATE: 5:04 p.m.: The students accused of sending racist messages and threats to a fellow student have been expelled from Bishop Snyder High School. This is the message that was sent to the families and faculty and staff of Bishop Snyder High School: Snyder Letter 1-31-23 by ActionNewsJax on Scribd UPDATE, 4:55 p.m.: Action News Jax has learned that two students have been charged with felonies in relation to the alleged racist messages and threats sent to a student at Bishop John J. Snyder High School on Jacksonvilles Westside. Original story from 1/30/2023 below: A Jacksonville family is outraged and speaking out after their son allegedly received racist messages and threats from fellow students at Bishop John Snyder High School in Westside Jacksonville. Now, the family is taking to social media, calling out the boys who allegedly sent these messages to this student. This all comes after these alleged messages were sent to the student in a Snapchat group chat. One of the messages states the student isnt allowed to use any words from the dictionary because, quote, white people made them. Later in the chat, another fellow student is then seen referencing the nickname of the student and suggesting that hes dead. One boy in the chat then proceeded to allegedly send this picture of him with a firearm, saying 10 v 1. Another student allegedly suggested that the student would get jumped. Story continues [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Its also alleged that they threatened the targeted students entire household, saying theyll, quote, black hawk down his residence. The family has now filed a police report with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. Read: A wave of declarations across the U.S. is condemning racism as a public health crisis Action News Jax spoke with the allegedly targeted students father on Monday night, who says its been a painful time for his son and the family. Its a lot of pain. Theres things in those messages that my son will never forget, Corker Wimberly said. I dont wanna have to worry about my son. And I dont want any parent to have to worry about the safety of their son, or their kid. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Wimberly also met with school officials and says the school is investigating and taking the matter seriously. It cant be swept under the rug at all, Corker says. And I think the school, Bishop Snyder, is taking the necessary precautions and got a good plan of action. Action News Jax has also requested the police reports associated with this incident and will provide further updates as they become available. STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories President Joe Biden. Drew Angerer/Getty Images The FBI searched Biden's old office after his lawyers discovered a cache of classified documents there, CBS reported. Biden's representatives cooperated with the search in mid-November, and the FBI did not seek a warrant. The DOJ also searched Biden's home earlier this month, after a second batch of records was discovered there. The FBI searched President Joe Biden's old office at the Penn-Biden Center last year, CBS News reported. Agents carried out the search in mid-November, after Biden's aides discovered 10 classified documents at the office dating back to his time as vice president. CBS reported that the FBI did not seek a warrant to search the office and that Biden's representatives cooperated with the sweep. Although the documents' discovery and the FBI's search took place in November, the White House did not publicly announce it until earlier this month. CBS' reporting is the latest twist in an ongoing controversy involving both Biden and former President Donald Trump's mishandling of national security information both of whom now face separate special counsel investigations. After Biden's lawyers discovered the initial cache of classified documents in his office in November, they immediately notified the White House counsel's office, which contacted the National Archives. The documents were turned over to the Archives soon after, and the FBI began investigating that same month whether classified information had been improperly handled. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed John Lausch, a Trump-era US attorney in Chicago, to handle the inquiry. In December, Biden's legal representatives told Lausch that they had uncovered additional classified materials in the garage at Biden's personal residence in Delaware. On January 12, after reports surfaced that a second batch of classified documents had been found after the initial sweep of Biden's old office, Garland took the extraordinary step of appointing a special counsel to investigate Biden's handling of classified information. The move put Garland and the Justice Department in the unprecedented position of overseeing two parallel special counsel investigations into the current and former president's management of government records. Story continues On January 21, Biden's personal attorney Bob Bauer announced that the Justice Department had also searched the president's Delaware home and discovered half a dozen documents marked classified. Neither Biden nor first lady Jill Biden were present during the search, which lasted 13 hours. Trump, for his part, has repeatedly pointed to the way the feds have handled the Biden investigation as being tainted by political bias, alleging that Biden has been treated with more leniency than he was when the FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago last summer. "When is the FBI going to raid the many homes of Joe Biden, perhaps even the White House?" Trump wrote on his Twitter-esque website, Truth Social. But legal experts and DOJ veterans caution against conflating the two inquiries, noting that Biden's team immediately notified the archives and has been cooperating with the DOJ, while Trump refused to turn over troves of sensitive government records over 18 months of back-and-forth with US officials. As new details continued spilling out about the DOJ's investigations into Trump and Biden, CNN also reported last week that classified documents were discovered at former Vice President Mike Pence's home in Indiana. According to the report, the FBI is investigating the materials and reviewing how they ended up at Pence's residence. The former vice president's team found two boxes that included classified records and four boxes that contained potential presidential records but believed they were courtesy copies of documents the Archives already possessed, according to Politico. Pence sent the six boxes to NARA last week. Read the original article on Business Insider [Source] Filipino netizens have slammed the Philippines first virtual model for purportedly not looking Filipino. Berlina, who has a fair skin tone, a slim figure and narrow eyes, was introduced to social media on Dec. 23, 2022, in a photo with Filipino Twitch streamer Ninabuns. The virtual model, which was created to be part of the growing number of influencers in the fashion industry, has since garnered more than 6,000 followers on Instagram. More from NextShark: Great taste is universal: Behind the scenes of Times Squares Jollibee flagship store According to When In Manila, the models unique face structure was created based on 100 faces to make it appear more realistic and detailed. Her face design also took into account Filipinos' favorite facial features, according to the lifestyle publication. Although there are no details regarding Berlinas personality yet, there are over 11 photos of the model on social media. More from NextShark: Chinese inventor builds 27,000,000mAH power bank capable of charging 5,000 smartphones Many online users have reportedly criticized the virtual model, arguing that its physical appearance stems from unrealistic beauty standards. Shes going to set impossible beauty standards for our younguns, an Instagram user wrote. Except she doesnt look like a Filipina and may have unrealistic beauty standards. Rename it to a cute A.I. model instead since she doesnt represent a trace of being Pinay, another user said. Even the non-human Filipino models look white lol, entrepreneur Amira de Vera commented. Story continues Some Facebook users also disapproved of Berlina's thin body type. Feed her some rice, somebody, one user wrote. Wouldve been more amazing if her body was of average size, another person commented. Berlina was compared to Lil Miquela, an American fictional character that debuted in 2016 and was touted as the first virtual influencer. UGH! Not [Philippines] being a copycat again. Can we not create another Lil Mickela [sic] guys? one user said. Lets support, hire and appreciate human models [more] than this thing. A former employee of the Broome County District Attorneys Office pleaded guilty to charges of grand larceny Monday, wrapping up a case that resulted in the former District Attorney losing his license to practice law in New York. James M. Worhach, 37, formerly worked as the executive assistant and media relations representative under Stephen K. Cornwell Jr., who served as Broome County District Attorney from 2016 to 2019. In pleading guilty to the felony charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, Worhach admitted to stealing more than $1,000 from the Broome County government to pay for unauthorized long-term parking for himself and Cornwell in a downtown Binghamton commercial lot throughout Cornwells time in office. Pro sports:Professional lacrosse league with teams in Binghamton, Elmira cancels rest of season New business:Ice cream and hot dog shop to open next to 'castle house' on Route 26: What to know Local schools:High schools 'lightyears behind' in Title IX proficiency: What Chenango Valley case shows Worhachs guilty plea, which was entered one day before jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial, was part of a plea agreement, according to Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary, who served as special prosecutor on the case. Fazzary declined to share the terms of the plea agreement prior to Worhachs sentencing, scheduled for March 7 in Broome County Court. Worhach, Cornwell previously pleaded guilty in stolen records cases The larceny charge was the second in a two-count indictment against both Cornwell and Worhach in 2021, though that case against Cornwell was later dropped. In December, both Cornwell and Worhach pleaded guilty to their respective charges outlined in the first indictment, which accused them of stealing files related to their previous arrests on charges of driving while intoxicated. Cornwell pleaded guilty to a felony count of fourth-degree grand larceny, admitting he stole hard copies of police reports and witness statements pertaining to his 1995 arrest on charges of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, assault of a police officer and obstruction of governmental administration. Story continues Cornwell then altered his name and deleted his date of birth from corresponding digital files in an apparent attempt to prevent them from turning up in a search of an online case management database. Worhach pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in exchange for admitting he stole and falsified county records relating to his own 2013 felony DWI conviction. Cornwell was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and sentenced by Madison County Judge Donald Cerio to three years conditional discharge. Under the terms of the felony charge, Cornwell also forfeited his license to practice law in the state. Building the case The crimes were discovered in 2021 by investigators and other staff members at the District Attorneys office, working with Broome County internal auditors, according to Fazzary. Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak brought the case before a grand jury and secured indictments before the case was transferred by court order to the Schuyler County District Attorneys Office, due to the likelihood that Broome County employees would be called as witnesses in a potential trial. Since becoming DA Ive made a commitment to the people of Broome County to investigate and prosecute corruption in our local government, Korchak said in a statement after Worhach's plea. Korchak previously served as chief assistant prosecutor under Cornwell. Fazzarys office is seeking $5,455 in restitution for Broome County. Worhach faces up to four years in prison. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: James Worhach pleads guilty to grand larceny in DA corruption case A grand jury in New Mexico has indicted a former Republican candidate for state legislature on 14 criminal charges in relation to conspiring with and paying four men to shoot at the homes and businesses of elected officials, the Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office said in a statement Monday. Solomon Pena was arrested on Jan. 16 over what officials called politically motivated shootings. Pena was the Republican candidate for New Mexicos District 14 in November and subsequently lost to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia. Pena was indicted on 14 counts, including three counts of criminal solicitation to commit a shooting at a dwelling or occupied building, two counts of conspiracy to commit a shooting at a dwelling or occupied building, one count of shooting at a dwelling or occupied building and two counts of transportation or possession of a firearm or destructive device. Police said that they believed Pena was the mastermind behind the four shootings that took place between Dec. 4 and Jan. 4 at elected officials homes. The police also said that Pena was with another suspect in a car after the latest shooting took place, where police said they found a gun with ballistics indicating that it was related to the shooting. Police have previously said no one was injured in any of the four shootings. We want to thank the Albuquerque Police Department and our other law enforcement partners for bringing Mr. Pena to justice, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said in a statement Monday. An attack on elected leaders is an attack on our democracy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Washington State University student was found dead in his dorm last week. WSU made national headlines last month when one of its criminology graduate students, 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, became the main and only suspect in the brutal quadruple murders in the neighbouring college town of Moscow. The university and its Greek life have now come under scrutiny after 19-year-old freshman Luke Tyler was found dead on 22 January at the Pullman campus. Foul play is not suspected but Tylers official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy later this week, The Daily Evergreen reported. A group of Tylers friends have since claimed that his sudden death followed a long and cruel pledging process allowed by his fraternity, Theta Chi, The Spokesman-Review reported. In a Change.org petition, they demanded that the fraternity is disbanded. Their inhumane and cruel hazing forced Luke, and many others to do things nobody should ever be forced to do, the description read. We demand that Theta Chi be investigated, shut down and the fraternitys president, as well as pledge masters and others with power in the fraternity be investigated for their involvement with the death of Luke Tyler. More than 9,000 people have signed the petition. Meanwhile, Tylers grieving family remembered him as an amazing person with an incredible [effect] on everyone whose life he touched. A GoFundMe page raised more than $11,000 for a memorial service and to contribute to a cause Tyler supported. A spokesman for the university told CBS affiliate KREM2 that no details about Tylers death will be released pending the investigation by law enforcement. Arguably the most important element of this protocol is the direct outreach from our Dean of Students Office to the family and friends of the decedent. Im very thankful for the incredible work and ongoing support services provided by our Dean of Students in this case, and overall, the university said in a statement. The Independent has reached out to WSU Police. Cooking with gas could get less expensive for Southern California consumers next month. (Frank Hoermann / Associated Press ) With astronomical natural gas prices squeezing the pocketbooks of Southern California Gas Co.'s 21.8 million customers, the company says relief may be on the way as soon as next month. In a statement, the company said the price of natural gas for its customers would be down 68% for February compared with January. While were relieved that prices have dropped significantly since last month, they remain higher than usual for this time of year, said Gillian Wright, a SoCalGas executive. The utility attributed the drop in consumer gas prices primarily to a commensurate drop in the wholesale price that SoCalGas will pay for gas in February compared with January. The utility said in December that a customer who paid $130 in their peak month of winter consumption last year would this year pay $315, a 142% increase, due to a more than 300% increase in the wholesale price of natural gas since January 2022. The higher gas prices have spurred elected officials to take action. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson addressed the price hikes, saying in a tweet that he would call an emergency City Council meeting Wednesday afternoon "to establish a financial assistance fund for seniors and families struggling to make ends meet." California Senate Minority Leader Brian M. Jones, a Republican from San Diego, wrote a letter Monday with other Republican senators to the California Public Utilities Commission urging the body to expedite the distribution of California Climate Credits to residents. Those credits, typically distributed in April and October, come from a state program requiring industrial polluters to buy carbon offsets from the California Air Resources Board. SoCalGas, for its part, announced a $1-million contribution to the Gas Assistance Fund, which provides one-time payments of as much as $100 for residents below specified income thresholds. The fund is a partnership between the utility and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Customers looking for tips on how to conserve natural gas and lower their bills in the process can use this guide. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The invaders are on the offensive, but suffer heavy losses The enemy is also carrying out unsuccessful offensives on the Avdiyivka and Novopavlivka parts of the front, the General Staff said.. Read also: Russia likely preparing for offensive in Ukraine in coming months, says ISW As of Jan. 31, Russian troops on the Kupyansk and Zaporizhzhya axes are defending previously seized positions. Over the past day, Ukrainian Defense Forces units repelled Russian attacks near Novoselivske and Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast, as well as Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, Vuhledar, and eight other settlements in Donetsk Oblast. Read also: Russians plan offensive actions for February, says analyst The situation in the areas of Volyn, Polissya, Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi in the north of Ukraine remained unchanged, and no enemy offensive groups were detected. Russian units are conducting drills at the training grounds of the Republic of Belarus. The Russian forces shelled areas near the settlements of Khrenivka, Huta-Studenetska, and Chervonyi Khutir in Chernihiv Oblast, around seven settlements in Sumy Oblast, and near 12 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. On the Kupyansk section of the front in Kharkiv Oblast, Kupyansk and four other settlements in the oblast, as well as Novoselivske and Andriyivka in Luhansk Oblast were hit by enemy fire. On the Lyman section of the front, the enemy shelled Kreminna and four other settlements in Luhansk Oblast, as well as four settlements in Donetsk Oblast. On the Bakhmut section of the front, Bakhmut and 12 other settlements in Donetsk Oblast came under enemy fire. On the Avdiyivka section of the front, shelling with tanks, mortars, and artillery was recorded in the areas of Maryinka and seven other settlements in Donetsk Oblast. On the Novopavlivka section of the front, Russian troops fired at Vuhledar and five other settlements in Donetsk Oblast. On the Zaporizhzhya section of the front, Russian attacks hit Vremivka and Novopil in Donetsk Oblast, as well as eight settlements in Zaporizhzhya Oblast. In total, more than 20 settlements were hit. On the Kherson section of the front, attacks from multiple rocket launchers, cannon artillery, and mortars were recorded in the areas of the city of Kherson and six other settlements. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine George Santos will voluntarily step down from two House committees he recently joined after meeting Tuesday morning with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The move comes after weeks of calls from Democrats for Mr McCarthy to do more to punish the freshman congressman who has now admitted to lying about much of his background and faces a federal investigation by the Justice Department. It also comes as some critics have hit the House speaker for seeking the removal of three Democratic members of Congress from two committees over what the left decries as partisan reasons many criticised Mr McCarthy for seeking to punish Democrats for political reasons while shielding one of his own from accountability. Though Mr McCarthy has faced pressure to strip Mr Santos of his committee memberships or even go as far as some of his GOP colleagues and call for his resignation, it wasnt immediately clear if the suggestion that Mr Santos step down had come from the speaker. Nevertheless, its a major blow to Mr Santoss credibility as a US congressman and the third congressional district of New York in general, which now is represented by a member of Congress who has no committee memberships and little sway over the crafting of legislation at all beyond simple votes on the House floor. The news broke as an NBC News poll released this week found that nearly in ten New Yorkers who live in the Nassau County district Mr Santos calls home want him out of office; this latest development is only likely to intensify those calls for his ouster. The Independent recentely visited Mr Santos district on Long Island, where a local newspaper publisher admitted the lawmaker was a completely non-serious candidate and weird. My initial reaction was that he was sort of childish and boastful, and he bragged about his money and his wealth, but he didnt carry himself in the way that someone who had been successful in finance would carry themselves, Grant Lally of the North Shore Leader said. Story continues Mr Santos has remained steadfast in comments to the media claiming that he will not resign; however, he faces a growing list of politicians on both sides of the aisle calling for him to step down and denouncing him as a liar. That list, which includes a fair number of his fellow New Yorkers, grew to include New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week; he joins other Empire State politicians like Reps Anthony DEsposito, Ritchie Torres and the Nassau County Republican Party. The controversy surrounding his long list of lies about his background which included fictions about his work history, education, and other, more shocking fibs now appears to be causing serious trouble for the freshman congressman as he faces new questions about his campaigns fundraising tactics. FEC filings from the Santos campaign last week showed an unusually high number of donations just under the $200 reporting threshold, but that was far from the only problem with the documents. A treasurer for several of his fundraising committees denied that he was working for the campaign, and a number of Mr Santoss top donors could not be located or even identified as real people by journalists digging in to the filings. ATLANTA Georgia lawmakers want to increase the sentence for gang recruitment activities as part of a tough-on-crime push under the Gold Dome this legislative session. A new state Senate bill would increase the penalties for recruiting someone to join a gang or participate in gang activity through mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines that judges would have to follow in most cases. Sponsored by Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia, Senate Bill 44 has the backing of Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Georgia state Sen. Bo Hatchett This bill is one piece of the overall approach to reaffirm that Georgia will not tolerate gang activity or recruitment, Jones said. Senate Bill 44 will enact powerful new tools to combat the violent street gangs operating across our state. The bill requires judges to impose at least a five-year prison sentence for violation of the law. If the person who has been recruited to the gang is under 17 years of age or has a disability, the mandatory minimum penalty is steeper at least 10 years for the first offense. The legislation provides some exceptions to the mandatory minimum sentences, including if the accused has not already been convicted of a felony or if the judge decides that the interests of justice will not be served. It also provides an exception to the minimum sentencing rules if the accused helps with identifying and convicting other gang members. Delivery regulations:Georgia Senate bill aims to regulate DoorDash, Uber Eats, others Senate agenda:Georgia Senate GOP issues agenda; backs tax rebates, pushes review of tax credits Not everyone agrees that the bills sentences for gang recruitment would help solve Georgias crime problem. Senate Democrats would prefer to reduce the number of guns on the street in Georgia and increase community investments in mental health and violence-prevention programs, according to a legislative agenda released Tuesday. We will be tough on crime in a common-sense way: keeping guns away from people who will harm Georgians, the agenda states. Story continues In general, states have moved away from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements over the past few decades, said Kay Levine, a professor at the Emory University School of Law and an expert in criminal procedure. Levine said leniency in sentencing is not a major problem in Georgia, and increasing penalties does not necessarily deter crime. All that we know about deterrence is that it is the likelihood of getting caught that affects people's behavior not the punishment, she said. Judges often view the minimum sentencing rules as legislative overreach into the judicial domain, Levine said. Theyre like, We have this job for a reason: We're the ones who hear the evidence, we're the ones who read the pre-sentence report, were the ones who have seen the defendant testify, we hear from the victim, Levine said of how many judges think about such requirements. We are judges, we are here to exercise our judgment. Despite such misgivings, the bill has a strong shot of success in what has been a slow start to the legislative session. Twenty-two Senate Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors. There is no place for gangs in Georgia, said Hatchett, the bills main sponsor. Passage of this vital legislation is a top priority. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia Senate bill would set mandatory sentences for gang recruitment A Georgia police department received what they considered a sizeable donation thanks to one North Carolina man. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Rincon Police Department says Austin Banks, of North Carolina, bought a gold Mercedes-Benz. Officials say an anonymous caller told police they saw Banks shopping at the local Walmart. Authorities later learned Banks was reportedly in possession of concentrated THC, also known as Dabs. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Dab or dabbing are the names for concentrated butane hash oil (BHO). Its a new way of taking or ingesting cannabis that involves THC. Officers did not say how much of the substance Banks had in his possession. TRENDING STORIES: Officials says Banks had just purchased the Mercedes one day prior. Banks car was seized and he was taken to the Effingham County jail. Rincoin police says anyone who would like to donate their car to the police department can learn about their charitable program. We would like to extend this program to whomever wishes to participate although there are certain restrictions. Rincons beloved Lt. Snitch is available to see if you qualify, the department said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Vancouver, BC --News Direct-- MarketJar Source: Depositphotos Nuclear energy is regaining popularity and will likely help uranium prices rebound further in 2023. Several of the world's most developed countries have announced plans to extend the life of their existing nuclear power plants, with some even expanding their fleets rather than shutting them down as was previously planned. The result has accelerated the uranium market's robust recovery over the last two years, after nearly a decade of low prices. This has included announcements of new construction and additional incentives and funding from Japan, France, South Korea, India, the UK, the US and most recently Germany, which has always had a love-hate relationship with nuclear energy. For the last four decades, Germany has always maintained a love-hate relationship with nuclear power. Right now, Germany only has three existing nuclear reactors that produce 6% of the country's power supply, a fraction of the 1990s when there were 19 nuclear power plants that produced about a third of its electricity supply. However, like many other European nations, Russias war is forcing Deutschland to rethink its energy security. Germany and Russia were significant energy partners up until last year, with the latter supplying the majority of the nation's oil and natural gas. But as winter approaches, Europe and Germany are searching for substitute supplies as a result of the conflict in Russia. The public is now supporting Germany's decision to reconsider its nuclear phaseout plan. In an August 2022 poll, 41% support extending the operation of German reactors by a few months, while another 41% support the use of nuclear energy in the long term. Japan decided on a new nuclear policy in December. This policy will restart the country's nuclear fleet, extend the life of old reactors beyond the current 60-year limit, and build new reactors. Also in December, the Indian government approved five new nuclear plants and announced funding for ten more. This is part of India's plan to build three times as many reactors in the next ten years. Story continues Western governments are also paying more attention to energy security following the December invasion of Ukraine. However, after so many years in a slump in which mines were closed and most undeveloped projects struggled to move forward, uranium production is confronted with declining reserves and grades. With uranium commentators estimating that the required incentive price for new supply is more than $90 per pound - a roughly 80% increase over current prices - an exceptional tightening of the already thin uranium market could occur as early as 2025. Even though there are no official sanctions against Russian uranium, the fact that the country has 27% and 39% of the world's capacity for conversion and enrichment caused prices for conversion and enrichment services to more than double in 2022. According to experts, this upward price pressure could trickle down to the spot price of uranium in 2023 and beyond. According to a new report from The Oregon Group, this uranium bull market, which is the third one since 1968, could continue for much longer. The Oregon Group is a go-to resource in the world of finance. This investment firm was founded by independent capital markets professionals Anthony Milewski and Justin Cochrane. Milewski has worked in the mining industry in various capacities, including consultant, founder, and investor. The Oregon Group Forecasts a 10-year Uranium Bull Market Milewski and The Oregon Group believe that the number of uranium-fueled nuclear reactors will increase in the future. The report, which is titled "The Start of the Uranium Bull Market and the Coming of the Second Atomic Age," explains some of the most critical factors that have contributed to this increase, particularly energy security, decarbonization and the commercialization of compact modular reactor technology. According to an analysis of the uranium market, there has been a significant decrease in global inventories. Plus, new production is expected for a while, meaning there is a serious possibility of a shortage. Some key sections of the report include The uranium market has recovered from a decade-long decline. Mining operations will be restarted as the price of uranium rises but because reserves and grades at existing producers are declining, and more advanced development projects are required, supply will only be able to keep up with demand sometime soon. The producers argue that higher prices should be used to encourage new production. The European Union has approved billions of euros in green nuclear energy subsidies. Nuclear reactors generate clean energy when powered by uranium, one of the most energy-dense fuels. Opinions about uranium and nuclear power have shifted worldwide for similar reasons. Many Japanese people are now calling for the restart of their nuclear reactors. After 10 years of underinvestment, mergers, and warnings from industry leaders that new output requires high prices, the supply side is finally recovering. Uranium stocks have increased in value over the last few years. This study provides a wealth of data about a dynamic industry and analyzes the major drivers that will continue to drive price growth in the near future. It includes a list of uranium stocks and ETFs to consider and an explanation of why you should invest in each. This market may be in the early stages of a long-term bull market for uranium, meaning its a good idea for investors to keep an eye on it. The Oregon Group's "The Start of the Uranium Bull Market and the Coming of the Second Atomic Age" report can be read in its entirety by clicking here. Disclaimer 1) The author of the Article, or members of the authors immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, The Oregon Group. Market Jar Media Inc. has or expects to receive from The Oregon Groups Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc) one thousand five hundred USD for this article. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on PressReach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on PressReach.com 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, forward-looking statements), which reflect management's expectations regarding The Oregon Group.s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as predicts, projects, targets, plans, expects, does not expect, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, anticipate or does not anticipate, believe, intend and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to The Oregon Group.s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) The Oregon Groups business plans and strategies; (d) services that The Oregon Group intends to offer; (e) The Oregon Groups milestone projections and targets; (f) The Oregon Groups expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) The Oregon Groups intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) The Oregon Groups expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of managements experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute The Oregon Groups business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) The Oregon Groups ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) The Oregon Groups ability to enter into contractual arrangements with additional Pharmacies; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) The Oregon Groups ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of The Oregon Group to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) The Oregon Groups operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact The Oregon Groups business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing The Oregon Groups business operations (e) The Oregon Group may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, The Oregon Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does The Oregon Group nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither The Oregon Group nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of The Oregon Group or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of The Oregon Group or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of The Oregon Group or such entities. Contact Details James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/germany-becomes-unexpected-supporter-of-nuclear-revival-amid-energy-crisis-615992443 A nine-year-old Black girl whose neighbours called the police on her as she was spraying to eradicate an invasive insect species from her home town in New Jersey has been honoured by Yale University. Bobbi Wilsons efforts to remove spotted lantern flies from the town of Caldwell were recognised at a 20 January award ceremony at the prestigious Ivy League college, according to the university. Bobbi also gave her personal lanternfly collection to Yales Peabody Museum collection, and was named as the donor scientist on its official database. On October 22, the young girl prepared a homemade repellent of water, dish soap and vinegar and was using it to kill the destructive pests on trees near her home for a school project. Gordon Lawshe, a former treasurer of the local branch of the Republican Party, called 911 to report that a little Black woman in a hood was spraying sidewalksand trees near his home. I dont know what the hell shes doing, scares me though, Mr Lawshe said, according to a recording later released by the Caldwell Police Department. The incident prompted a national debate about racial profiling after her elder sister Hayden, 13, spoke up about the encounter at a town council meeting. Bobbi Wilson, 9, was given an award by the Yale School of Public Health. (Andrew Hurley / Yale) Bobbis mother Monique Joseph said at a recent ceremony at Yale to honour her daughter that the experience had been such a visceral shock that the only thing she could compare it to was when her mother died. You know, you hear about racism; you kind of experience it in your peripheral if youre lucky in your life. It doesnt come knocking on your door. That morning when it happened, my world stopped, she said in remarks published by the university. A 9-year-old Black girl and her mother, Monique Joseph, were approached by a police officer after a neighbour called 911 on the young girl after he saw her spraying the grass to fend off an invasive species in the area (CNN/Caldwell Police/video screengrab) Organiser Ijeoma Opara, an Assistant Professor at Yale School of Public Health, invited Ms Joseph, Bobbi and Hayden to tour the university campus in Connecticut in November after hearing about the police callout. She described the recent award as something unique to Bobbi. We wanted to show her bravery and how inspiring she is, and we just want to make sure she continues to feel honoured and loved by the Yale community, Ms Opara said. ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's main opposition Syriza party said on Tuesday it would abstain from any parliamentary votes until a national election is held, in protest over the conservative government's handling of a phone tapping scandal. Alexis Tsipras, the firebrand leader of the leftist party, announced his decision days after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis survived a no confidence vote in parliament over the case, which is still under investigation by prosecutors. "From now on we will abstain from any vote in parliament," Tsipras told reporters, calling on opposition parties and labour unions to take action and adding that the vote of confidence was now up to the Greek people. Mitsotakis has denied any involvement in the case and has said that an election will be held in the spring. He controls 156 deputies in the 300-seat house, so Syriza's move is not expected to affect the government's legislative initiative. The phone tapping case emerged in August, when the leader of the Socialist party said that Greece's intelligence service EYP had listened to his conversations in 2021. Syriza submitted the censure motion against the government last week and Tsipras, prime minister from 2015 to 2019, told parliament the surveillance involved politicians, journalists and security officials. On Tuesday, Tsipras said Mitsotakis had failed to provide answers in parliament on the matter and that the leftist opposition would not legalise the work of a "fallen" government. The government accused Syriza of "blackmail," while the Socialist PASOK party, the third-largest group in the Greek parliament, responded that Syriza's stance was irresponsible. (Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Paul Simao) ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greeces main opposition party said Tuesday that it won't participate in parliamentary votes until a general election is held later this year, in response to the alleged wiretapping of senior officials by the state intelligence service. We will not legitimize the legislative work of a government that is demonstrably ... deviating from democracy, opposition leader Alexis Tsipras, who heads the left-wing Syriza party, told reporters. Allegations that politicians and journalists have been targeted in legally-sanctioned wiretaps, as well as with spyware from unknown origins, have triggered judicial investigations and rattled Greeces politics before an election due before the summer. Tsipras on Tuesday called for parliament to be dissolved immediately, allowing for the election to be held in three weeks a demand the government swiftly rejected. Government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou accused Tsipras of acting dangerously by attempting to undermine (Greeces) parliamentary system and constitutional order. The center-right government argues that it mishandled some surveillance procedures by the National Intelligence Service and has recently banned the use of commercially available spyware. As spring approaches, the time draws near for everyones beloved woodchuck to cast his prediction on whether therell be six more weeks of winter simply by seeing his shadow. Yes, its Groundhog Day. Every year since 1886, crowds as large as 40,000 have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on the morning of 2 February to watch a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerge from a burrow on Gobblers Knob. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow, then winter will endure for six more weeks. If it is cloudy, then spring will come early that year. In recent years, the annual festival has even been live-streamed to people as early as six in the morning, as members of the top hat-wearing Inner Circle announce the groundhogs forecast. Sure, Punxsutawney Phils weather predictions may not be totally accurate, but whats the harm in celebrating a small, furry woodchuck each year? In fact, Groundhog Day is an interesting tradition full of history. Here are five facts you never knew about Groundhog Day: 1) Punxsutawney Phil, the legendary groundhog who casts his prediction, has reputedly been operating in the Pennsylvania town for more than 130 years. Despite the lifespan of a groundhog usually being less than six years, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Clubs Inner Circle maintains they have been speaking to the same groundhog since 1887. 2) Punxsutawneys first Groundhog Day in Gobblers Knob dates back to 2 February, 1887, when the towns newspaper editor Clymer Freas informed his readers: Today is groundhog day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow. However, the tradition can be traced to the Christian religious holiday of Candlemas Day, when Christians would take their candles to the church to have them blessed. It wasnt until Candlemas Day was introduced in Germany that an animal was brought into the lore, claiming that if a hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be a Second Winter or six more weeks of bad weather. Story continues After German settlers came to what is now the United States, the Pennsylvania Dutch and other German-speaking immigrants maintained the same tradition of Groundhog Day. But with the absence of hedgehogs in their new home, woodchucks were chosen instead. The earliest known American reference to Groundhog Day was in a Morgantown, Pennsylvania shopkeepers journal entry dated 4 February, 1841. Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, the entry reads, per the National Weather Service. But if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate. 3) Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 106 times and not seen his shadow 20 times, according to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Of these times, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that the groundhogs forecasts have been about 40 per cent correct within the last 10 years. 4) Groundhogs are also referred to as woodchucks, forming the basis for the tongue-twister: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? 5) Groundhog Day is celebrated beyond Pennsylvania. All throughout the US, states and local towns have their own Groundhog Day events marked by their own residing groundhog. In Milltown, New Jersey, attendees await the weather forecast from Milltown Mel. Staten Island Chuck is the name given to New York Citys official weather-forecasting woodchuck who is housed at the Staten Island Zoo. The holiday is also observed throughout Canada. T+L TOP TRAVEL ADVISOR | SLOVENIA SPECIALIST Courtesy of Respective Travel Advisor A Slovenia vacation with Nicol might have travelers exploring the Piran salt pans along the Adriatic coast, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Ljubljana, or visiting the Renaissance-era Predjama Castle. This country is great for travelers who have explored many of the major countries in Europe but want something new to experience with the similar highlights: food, culture, picturesque scenery, and history, says Nicol. She has expertise all over Europe too recently, she planned an adventurous family trip in Iceland that included everything from overnight camping in the countrys highlands to a private Arctic surfing experience. Language(s) Spoken: English Additional specialties: Iceland and the UK Average Daily Spend: $1,500 per person Trip Planning Fees: none Contact Info gwen.nicol@scottdunn.com | 858-523-9000 scottdunn.com For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. A 44-year-old Coast man was arrested Friday on charges of sexual battery and molestation after an investigation revealed he had raped a girl for several years and fathered her child, according to press release from Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam. Deputies first learned of the alleged abuse on Jan. 11 after responding to a call to speak with a 16-year-old who wanted to report she had been molested. The girl told authorities she had been molested and raped by Dan Cochran Jr. for several years, Hancock County Chief Deputy Jeremy Skinner said in the release.. The sheriffs office obtained warrants to obtain Cochrans DNA and confirmed he was the father of the victims 18-month-old child through a paternity test. Skinner said deputies worked with Child Protective Services during the investigation and two other juveniles were removed from Cochrans home after his arrest. Cochran is also wanted on a first-degree rape charge in a warrant issued by Vernon Parish Sheriffs Office in Louisiana. Cochran is held on a $200,000 bond at the Hancock County jail and is on hold for Vernon Parish. The Hancock County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating and will continue to work with other agencies in relation to the sex crimes case, Skinner said. Health officials are monitoring a case of active tuberculosis in a Tacoma woman who has declined treatment, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Washington averages about 200 cases of active TB per year, with about 20 of those cases occurring in Pierce County. TB infections usually affect a persons lungs but can also happen in other parts of the body. It is curable with medication but can result in death if left untreated. Most people who are treated with the proper medication fully recover from the illness. People with active, untreated infections are contagious and represent a risk to the community, according to health officials. Most people we contact are happy to get the treatment they need, said Nigel Turner, division director of Communicable Disease Control in Pierce County. Occasionally, people refuse treatment and isolation. When that happens, we take steps to help keep the community safe. Health officials say they are working with the woman and her family to try to persuade her to get the treatment she needs. The health department has the legal authority to seek a court order to persuade patients to comply and receive treatment for TB, but this has only been done in very rare cases, according to Turner. State law requires healthcare providers to report all cases of active TB to a local health department. A close view of an F9F Panther jet touching down on the deck of the USS Oriskany, tail hook engaging the arresting wire, smoke coming from impact of tires, in November 1952. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images An outgunned US Navy pilot downed four Soviet MiG-15 jets in a legendary dogfight over 70 years ago. Royce Williams was flying an inferior F9F Panther. Military aviation experts say Williams' success that day was a result of his training and readiness. More than 70 years ago, a US Navy pilot took on seven Soviet aircraft then among the world's best interceptor fighters and shot down four of them in a legendary dogfight that was classified for decades. The Korean War air battle is no longer a secret, and the pilot, Royce Williams, was recently awarded the Navy Cross for his display of "extraordinary heroism." Williams was outmatched that day, fighting in an inferior plane with the numbers clearly on the enemy's side. Insider asked naval-aviation experts how he pulled off a win with the odds stacked against him. They said it was his training and readiness that saw him through that. On November 18, 1952, the day of the battle, Williams was flying an F9F Panther, a Navy carrier-based jet fighter, as part of a team of three planes from the fighter squadron VF-781 during a combat-patrol mission over the Sea of Japan when they encountered seven Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet fighters. This swept-wing Soviet aircraft was considered to be superior to the straight-wing American Panther in terms of overall performance. The Soviet jets engaged the American team, and it wasn't long before Williams found himself fighting alone. An unexpected fuel-pump issue forced the team's flight leader to return to the aircraft carrier Oriskany, leaving just the young lieutenant and his wingman. Then when Williams shot down one of the enemy planes, his wingman pursued it, and Williams was left to take on the six remaining Soviet aircraft on his own. Williams was outgunned and outnumbered as he took on the Soviet jets in what became the longest dogfight in US military history, but he held his own. According to Pacific Fleet, during the 35-minute battle, he shot down four MiG-15s in a single fight, something no American pilot had ever done. But as the US and Soviet Union were not engaged in open conflict, his exploits were kept secret. Story continues According to Williams' Navy Cross citation, his plane was "severely damaged" by a direct hit from one of the Soviet MiG-15s, but he continued to engage the Soviets until he managed to escape through the clouds and land a "nearly uncontrollable" plane back on the USS Oriskany. A Grumman F9F Panther firing its guns during an attack on the North Korean port of Hungnam. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images 'The only thing I could do was out-turn them' Manufactured by Grumman, the F9F Panther first flew in 1947 and became the backbone of US Navy and Marine Corps air fleets during the Korean War, according to the National Museum of the US Navy. They were armed with four 20 mm cannons and also carried air-to-ground munitions. Hill Goodspeed, the deputy director at the National Naval Aviation Museum, told Insider that during the Korean War, the Panther primarily conducted ground strike missions as opposed to engaging in air-to-air fighting. The MiG-15, meanwhile, first entered service in 1949 and operated against United Nations forces during the Korean War, according to the National Museum of the US Air Force. This aircraft was armed with 23 mm cannons and a 37 mm cannon. A Soviet Union MiG-15. Photo by: aviation-images.com/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Though the MiG-15 could fly faster and climb to a higher altitude, the Panther had the advantage in turning ability. When an aircraft is able to out-turn another, it can prevent an enemy from getting a good shot. The Panther also had certain firepower advantages with a more stable firing platform than the MiG-15, Goodspeed said. Williams told the American Veterans Center in a 2021 video interview that the MiG-15 was the "best fighter airplane in the world" at the time and that "plane on plane," he was at a clear disadvantage. "In the moment I was a fighter pilot doing my job," Williams said in an account of the fight, according to Pacific Fleet. "I was only shooting what I had," he recalled. "They had me cold on maneuverability and acceleration the MiG was vastly superior on those counts to the F9F. The only thing I could do was out-turn them." Goodspeed said human factors and the ability to understand the enemy were critical in a fight like this, explaining "it all comes down first and foremost to the person in the cockpit and the training they've received." Two US Grumman F9F Panther jet fighters refueling after having been armed with rockets under their wings in 1951. Photo by Interim Archives/Getty Images This dogfight was 'a very rare feat' Guy Snodgrass, a career Navy fighter pilot and former US defense official, told Insider that Williams' engagement "justifies" the role of institutions like the US Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program also known as TOPGUN. It's not always possible to change the equipment that the US has in its arsenal, but military institutions can help shape training and readiness levels. "Having a better piece of equipment can lull you into a false sense of security that your equipment is going to take care of the engagement for you. And that's not the case," said Snodgrass, a former TOPGUN instructor. "Once you get inside that visual arena, then you're in a position where your skills, your dedication, your hard work, staying in the fight all those things become outsized factors that can really turn the tide of the conflict." Snodgrass said one element of the TOPGUN training was studying "adversarial" aircraft made by countries that the US might have a greater chance of going up against in the future like Russia or China. These are then compared with the strengths and weaknesses of US aircraft. Williams' dogfight isn't the only example of US planes battling enemy aircraft that are superior on paper. During World War II, for example, the Navy's F4F Wildcat went up against Japan's Mitsubishi A6M Zero, which was considered to be the more capable plane in part because of its maneuverability, Goodspeed said. That said, "in the jet age, to shoot down multiple jets in air-to-air combat was a very rare feat," Goodspeed explained, comparing later fights with those during World War II, when an aviator might shoot down several planes in one day. Snodgrass said there were lots of big-picture lessons to extract from large-scale wars like Korea or Vietnam, and specific engagements like Williams' dogfight demonstrate how a pilot can use their strengths in a situation where they may be outmatched. "The machines have advanced. The tactics have advanced," the former aviator said. "So it's really more the principle that you're going after rather than the specifics of this case." Williams receiving the Navy Cross at the age of 97. US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Childs The US government classified the legendary 1952 dogfight, and Williams, who was awarded the Silver Star in May 1953 and retired from the Navy in 1980, was sworn to secrecy about what happened until his story was finally declassified about 20 years ago. Because Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has the authority to upgrade awards, he decided to review Williams' case and said it stood out. On January 20, he presented Williams with the Navy Cross, which is the service's second-highest military honor. "It was very clear to me that his actions were extraordinary, and more closely aligned with the criteria describing a higher award," Del Toro said of Williams during a ceremony in San Diego. "And sir, what a tremendous honor it was to tell you in person, that after all these years, your courageous actions would finally get the recognition they deserve." Correction: February 2, 2023 An earlier version of this article misstated the Grumman F9F Panther's place in naval aviation history. The first carrier-based jet-powered fighter was not the Panther. It was the McDonnell Aircraft Company FH-1 Phantom. Read the original article on Business Insider Taiwanese automotive conglomerate Hotai Motor exposed reams of personal customer data from its car rental and carshare unit, iRent, until a security researcher found the data online last week. Even then, it took the company a week and the intervention of the Taiwanese government to act. Hotai Motor is one of the largest financial holdings companies in Taiwan, and also the Taiwanese distributor for Toyota. iRent is a popular auto service app, bought by Hotai in 2022, which allows customers to pay hourly to rent cars that can be found either free-floating or at a depot. iRent reportedly has over 1.1 million registered cars and 580,000 iRent users. Security researcher Anurag Sen discovered a database containing iRent customers' full names, cell phone numbers and email addresses, home addresses, photos of their drivers' licenses, and partially redacted payment card details, on a Hotai-owned cloud server that was inadvertently accessible from the internet. Because the database was not password-protected, anyone on the internet could access the iRent customer data just by knowing its IP address. Sen said the exposed database also contained millions of partial credit card numbers, and at least 100,000 customer identification documents, as well as selfies, signatures, and rental vehicle details. TechCrunch reviewed a portion of the exposed data and confirmed Sen's findings. Internet records by Shodan, a search engine for exposed devices and databases, show the database was spilling data as far back as May 2022 and contained about 4.2 terabytes of data at the time it was secured. TechCrunch sent several emails this week to Hotai Motor with details of the exposed database, but we did not receive a reply. All the while, the database was updating with new customer data in real time. On January 28, TechCrunch subsequently contacted Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs, the government department that regulates and oversees the country's internet and telecoms, for help in disclosing the security lapse to the company. In an emailed response, Taiwan's minister for digital affairs Audrey Tang told TechCrunch that the exposed database had been flagged with Taiwan's national computer emergency response team, known as TWCERT/CC. Within an hour, the exposed iRent database became inaccessible. Story continues A short time later, Hotai Motor confirmed it had secured the database. "We had blocked the outside connection to this IP immediately." Hotai said that it would inform customers whose data was exposed. It's not clear if anyone else, other than Sen, found the database during the nine months it was spilling data. Its not the first time a car rental company has compromised its own customers' data. Back in 2017, Hertz accidentally leaked the personal data of 36,000 customers. Frances national data protection authority fined Hertz France 40,000 at the time because the data was found to be easily accessible online. House Republicans will push their long-planned investigations into the spotlight this week with hearings on the U.S.-Mexico border and COVID-19 relief spending programs, providing a first glimpse of how GOP leaders will use the biggest tools they have against Democrats and the Biden administration and how they will set the tone for the 2024 election cycle. The House Judiciary Committees first hearing of the new Congress will be on The Biden Border Crisis: Part I, led by Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). The House Oversight and Accountability Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), will have a hearing on waste, fraud and abuse in federal pandemic spending. I dont think history will be kind to the PPP loan program, Comer said at a National Press Club event on Monday, referring to a program that provided businesses with forgivable loans. I think itll be eventually viewed in the same manner that the big bank bailouts were when people find out where a lot of that money was going. And the House Energy and Commerce investigations subcommittee will hold a hearing titled Challenges and Opportunities to Investigating the Origins of Pandemics and Other Biological Events as a part of its probe into the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the viruss origins. Theyre just the tip of the iceberg for planned investigatory hearings and actions. Republicans had been plotting extensive investigations into the Biden administration for more than a year before the midterm elections. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in preparation for taking the House majority, organized GOP members into task forces to come up with oversight and legislative priorities. Republican members of committees started investigations last year when they were in the minority. Republicans now have control over committee hearing topics, a better chance of getting answers from administration officials, and are armed with subpoena power to compel testimony and documents though no committee has used it yet. Story continues Next week, the Oversight panel is set to hold a hearing on the U.S.-Mexico border and a hearing with former Twitter employees about the platforms suppression of the New York Posts story on the Hunter Biden hard drive in 2020. The Oversight panel is also taking action on an extensive probe into the business dealings of President Bidens family, with a large focus on Hunter Biden. And a revived Oversight subcommittee on the COVID-19 pandemic is also planning to probe the origins of the virus. The House Oversight, Judiciary and Intelligence committees have also sought information relating to President Bidens handling of classified information. The House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees are expected to revisit the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The ultimate showstopper may be the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government under the House Judiciary Committee, a panel created after those who had opposed McCarthy for Speaker demanded a Church-style committee, in reference to a 1975 Senate select committee named for former Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho) that investigated intelligence agencies. In anticipation of aggressive Republican investigations, several outside groups have popped up to push back on the GOP narrative. Congressional Republicans today have no other calling than to engage in character assassination that distracts from real issues, creates a false perception of corruption, runs up legal bills and threatens the livelihoods of those caught in the web of their lies, former Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) said at an event this month for Facts First USA, one of those groups. Comer, for one, is hoping that his handling of the hearings will bring a sense of legitimacy to his probes. His panel is packed with right-wing GOP firebrands such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Rep. Lauren Boebert (Colo.) and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (Pa.). If I wanted to have a big political hearing that was full of red meat, we would have victims families that lost their lives to fentanyl. We would have people that have been human trafficked. But were not. We just asked four Border Patrol bosses, Comer said, referring to his request to have four Border Patrol agents testify in a Feb. 6 hearing. Comer said that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is refusing to allow those agents to testify and has accused DHS of obstructing congressional oversight. DHS had offered testimony from Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, but expressed concern about disrupting operations if the four lower-level officials testified in person, according to a letter obtained by CNN. The Judiciary panel, in contrast to Comers thinking, on Wednesday will bring as a witness Brandon Dunn, the stepfather of a teen son who died from a fentanyl overdose and co-founder of an organization to raise awareness about fentanyl. Other Republican witnesses for Wednesdays Judiciary hearing will be Terrell County, Texas, Judge Dale Lynn Carruthers and Cochise County, Ariz., Sheriff Mark Dannels. Republican witnesses for the Oversight hearing will be Michael Horowitz, chair of a pandemic oversight committee under the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency; Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general at the U.S. Government Accountability Office; and David M. Smith, Assistant Director in the Secret Service Office of Investigations. Updated at 9:31 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For activist Helen Shih, hearing about Senate Bill 147 a proposal to bar citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from buying property in Texas was stressful in a week filled with preparations for Lunar New Year events. The week also ended in grief after a mass shooting at a Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, Calif. "So it's like all of these things were happening simultaneously, and it was extremely stressful," said Shih, a member of the Rise AAPI board and an adviser to the United Chinese Americans board. More:Asian Americans say Monterey Park killings revive fears, trauma of rising anti-Asian hate around US Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, who filed SB 147, is proposing to bar legal permanent U.S. residents, visa holders and asylum seekers from those four countries from buying land, though she has indicated she'll remove legal permanent residents from the prohibition. Filed in November, the bill gained political steam after Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted on Jan. 15 his commitment to sign the bill, which proponents say is needed for national security. SB 147 piggybacks on a 2021 state law that bars those four nations from owning or controlling critical infrastructure projects in Texas. Shih said SB 147 discriminates against the very people trying to flee oppression in those countries and find safety in America. Being able to buy a condominium or a small home helps people build a life here, the Houston-area activist said. She helped Austin activists organize a rally at the Capitol on Sunday after co-organizing protests in the Houston area. The Capitol rally came after other protests were held statewide, and there was a concurrent one in Dallas. An outpouring of Chinese American community members gathered at the Capitol from across the state with signs that said, "Stop Chinese hate," "Say no to the exclusion bill," and "Say no to discriminatory bill SB 147, SB 552," the latter a related bill filed by Sens. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, to ban the purchase of agricultural land by citizens of those same countries. Story continues Xiaoyu Wu holds up a sign in protest of SB 147 at the Capitol rally Sunday. "I work here, and I live here. I make contributions to this country. There's no evidence that we are threats. These are all groundless accusations," Wu said. More:Proposed law would bar China, Russia, Iran and N. Korea from owning property in Texas Community organizations including United Chinese Americans, the Austin Chinese Engineers Society and the Asian Americans Leadership Council organized the rally. State Reps. Gene Wu, D-Houston, and Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, and Austin City Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri spoke at the demonstration. Austin resident Lina Sun said she is protesting SB 147 to protect her family. She said a bill targeting Chinese Americans could give rise to more anti-Asian sentiment and negatively affect her child. "It can't be: Prohibit all the individuals, or good people, to purchase property for their family," Sun said. "It's unconstitutional." She said this bill would affect her mother's dream to buy property and establish a life in the U.S. Her mother, in her 60s and currently living alone in China, wants to live with Sun in the U.S. since Sun's father has died. Austin resident Sheng Peng said the rally was not just about protesting SB 147, but about raising alarm against these kinds of proposals, which might further provoke hatred and violence against Asians. Chuck Guo from Stop Asian Hate unfolds a flag at the rally. Peng said that even if you are an American citizen, you are not safe from discrimination, stoked by SB 147, as long as you look Chinese. "And it's not good for the country," Peng said. "It's already a divided country. It will deepen the division further. So that's what this is about. It's not about a political game. It's about human rights. It's about the whole society." Houston resident Xiaoyu Wu voiced similar sentiments and even gave up attending his son's Lunar New Year performance at the University of Texas to attend the rally. Tony Xu, also from Houston, said he is an American citizen but participated in the rally to protect future generations. Round Rock-based immigration attorney Chuck Guo called the bill unlawful discrimination based on national origin and said other state legislatures may follow suit if Texas passes this bill. Protesters also told the American-Statesman they expect Chinese Americans U.S. citizen or not to face housing discrimination if the bill passes. The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday of Kolkhorst's intention to change her bill to allow legal permanent residents to buy land. In a Jan. 20 statement, Kolkhorst said: "In the committee substitute, the bill will make crystal clear that the prohibitions do not apply to United States citizens and lawful permanent residents. This has always been about common-sense safeguards against Russian, North Korean, Chinese and Iranian authoritarian regimes, not those fleeing the tyranny of those governments who seek freedom in Texas." "Even if we cut it down, even if we remove some provisions, it will still say 'all Texans are equal, but some Texans are less equal.' And that's a really dangerous thing to say," state Rep. Gene Wu said of the bill. Changing the bill is 'a slippery slope' Wu, the Democratic state representative from Houston, is advocating for SB 147, in its entirety, to be rejected. "Even if we cut it down, even if we remove some provisions, it will still say 'all Texans are equal, but some Texans are less equal.' And that's a really dangerous thing to say," Wu said. Shih, the Houston-area activist, said any changes to the bill would still cause some groups to be excluded, even if legal permanent residents were removed from the land purchasing ban. "Still, all other visa holders, other legal immigrants, will have trouble too," Shih said. "This is not just my concern, but the whole community feels that way. Again, it's like a slippery slope. Where are you going to draw the line? And whoever's being pushed out of that line, they will be the one who's going to suffer from this." Wu said national security concerns were addressed in SB 2116, for which he voted in 2021. He said the only new proposal SB 147 adds is the individual person component, but he added that there are other ways for Texas to review and address national security risks without "a blanket law" targeting an entire community. "Why use a sledgehammer approach? Why use a sledgehammer when a scalpel could do?" Wu said. Hua Liu participates in a march in opposition to Senate Bill 147 at the Capitol on Sunday. The bill would ban the purchase of Texas land by companies, government agencies and citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Protests against SB 147 in Texas mount in Austin, Houston, Dallas Anti-personnel petal mine This is stated in the HRW report published on Jan. 31. The organization claims to have documented numerous cases of missiles with PFM antipersonnel mines (petal mines) being fired into occupied territories near Russian military facilities. Read also: IAEA arrives at ZNPP, but some mission members leave early, Chairman of Lukoil falls out a window, HRW releases report on filtration camps HRW also noted that Russian troops used antipersonnel mines, including booby traps, in various regions of Ukraine. During the seizure of part of Kharkiv Oblast, the Russians kidnapped, interrogated and tortured, and in some cases killed civilians, the report said. Read also: Russian invasion forces launch overnight missile attack on Kharkiv, causing damage and casualties Russian forces have repeatedly used antipersonnel mines and committed atrocities across the country, but this doesnt justify Ukrainian use of these prohibited weapons, said HRW Arms Division Director Steve Goose. The report states that HRW interviewed over 100 people, including witnesses to landmine use, victims of landmines, first responders, doctors, and Ukrainian deminers. Everyone interviewed said they had seen mines on the ground, knew someone who was injured by one, or had been warned about their presence during Russias occupation of Izyum. Human Rights Watch documented PFM mine use in nine different areas in and around Izyum city and verified 11 civilian casualties from these mines. Read also: Ukrainian rescuers free about 3,000 miners trapped in Dnipropetrovsk mines after Russian missile strikes According to the organization, all nine areas were near the places where Russian troops were stationed at the time. HRW suggests that the Ukrainian military could have allegedly shelled these areas with Uragan multiple launch rocket system shells with PFM mines. Meanwhile, the organization believes that the use of antipersonnel mines by Russia on the territory that it hoped to permanently control is unlikely. Story continues HRW reached out to the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President, and contacted several government officials. The Ministry of Defense replied that the Ukrainian military adheres to international obligations, in particular the ban on the use of any antipersonnel mines, and said that until the end of the war they cannot comment on information about the types of weapons used by Ukraine. The use of antipersonnel mines is prohibited by international humanitarian law because they can harm both military personnel and civilians. Read also: Erdogan to discuss humanitarian issues with Zelenskyy and Putin Reaction of Ukrainian Foreign Ministry The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said Ukraine was fully fulfilling its international obligations against the background of the war crimes of the Russian invaders and their crimes against humanity and genocide of the Ukrainian people. We remind you that according to the Ottawa Convention, Ukraine has already destroyed 3 million antipersonnel mines, in particular stocks of extremely dangerous POM-3 mines. Russia, having attacked Ukraine, used and is using the entire range of prohibited mines, in particular the POM-3 Medallion mines, which are particularly dangerous for civilians, the agency said in a statement. Read also: Russians placed mines in schools and hospitals during retreat from western Kherson Oblast The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Ukraine is always open to cooperation with international organizations, and expressed hope that HRW will help Ukraine in consolidating international efforts to support the country in the field of demining. Ukraine has taken note of the HRW report, which will be properly analyzed by the involved institutions of Ukraine, the agency added. Ukrainian Ombudsman reacts Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliaments Commissioner for Human Rights, wrote on his Telegram channel on Jan. 31 that during the nine years of the war unleashed by Russia, Ukraine has become the most polluted country with antipersonnel mines, which threatens the lives of civilians. Read also: Three lessons from Ramstein. About Germany, tanks and offensive weapons for Ukraine He added that Russia has many more different weapons and uses its entire arsenal against Ukrainians, not complying with the norms of international law, since its goal is the destruction of the Ukrainians. Despite this, Ukraine appealed to the UN that it could not fully guarantee the implementation of the Ottawa Convention (the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on their Destruction) in connection with the war in 2018. Russia, in turn, is not a party to this convention, he said. The ombudsman said that Ukraine needs more high-precision weapons from Western allies in order to repel the aggressor. He noted that on Jan. 25, the Russians fired at eight-story buildings in Bakhmut with thermobaric ammunition from the Solntsepek system. The occupiers also used POM-3 Medallion mines, which explode when approaching and can kill a person within a radius of 16 meters. Ukraine remains committed to its international legal obligations! Lubinets added. Read also: Kremlin within reach of Ukrainian weapons, just like Engels airfield, Ukraines intel warns Putin Our state has always shown openness to investigations into any allegations. At the same time, Ukraine has reliable evidence that Russia is making every effort to discredit Ukraine, primarily with the aim of weakening its military support. Therefore, we call on all partners to take this factor into account before drawing conclusions about any accusations against Ukraine! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advocacy group Human Rights Watch called on Ukraine on Tuesday to investigate accusations that its military used thousands of rocket-fired antipersonnel landmines in and around the eastern city of Izium when Russian forces occupied the area. Human Rights Watch noted that it had also issued three reports last year accusing Russian forces of using antipersonnel mines in multiple areas across Ukraine since they invaded the country on Feb. 24, 2022. Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. "Ukrainian forces appear to have extensively scattered landmines around the Izium area, causing civilian casualties and posing an ongoing risk," said Steve Goose, Arms Division director at Human Rights Watch. "Russian forces have repeatedly used antipersonnel mines and committed atrocities across the country, but this doesn't justify Ukrainian use of these prohibited weapons," he said. Ukraine is a party to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. Russia is not. Moscow has denied targeting civilians or committing war crimes. Human Rights Watch said use of antipersonnel mines also violates international humanitarian law because the devices cannot discriminate between civilians and combatants. In response to questions, Human Rights Watch said Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk wrote in a Nov. 24 letter that Ukraine fully commits to all international obligations in the sphere of mine usage, including "the non-use of anti-personnel mines in the war." Polishchuk told Human Rights Watch that Ukraine's forces strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and the 1997 antipersonnel mine convention. The New York-based advocacy group said it conducted research in Ukraine's Izium between Sept. 19 and Oct. 9, interviewing over 100 people, including witnesses to landmine use, victims of landmines, first responders, doctors, and Ukrainian deminers. Story continues "Human Rights Watch documented PFM mine use in nine different areas in and around Izium city and verified 11 civilian casualties from these mines," it said on Tuesday. "The nine areas were all close to where Russian military forces were positioned at the time, suggesting they were the target." A PFM is a scatterable antipersonnel mine, commonly called the 'butterfly mine'. Human Rights Watch said Polishchuk did not respond to any of its specific questions about PFM mine use in and around Izium, noting that "information on the types of weapons used by Ukraine... is not to be commented on before the war ends." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) [Source] Chinese Americans from North Texas are protesting against two Texas Senate bills that would ban specific communities from buying property in the state. Over 250 protesters flocked to John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in downtown Dallas on Sunday to condemn Senate Bills 147 and 552, which they have denounced as discriminatory. Bill 147, filed by Republican State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst in November 2022, will effectively prevent people with ties to four countries China, Russia, North Korea and Iran from purchasing Texas property or real estate if passed. More from NextShark: Taiwanese Singer, Actor Alien Huang Passes Away at 36 Meanwhile, Bill 552 will hinder companies with links to the four countries from buying agricultural land. "I will sign it, Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted on Jan. 15 in support of Bill 147. This follows a law I signed banning those countries from threatening our infrastructure. According to Kolkhorst, the bill seeks to address national security issues with the singled-out countries. More from NextShark: Police Seek Help to ID Man Behind Violent Anti-Asian Attack in NYC A bill is filed in Texas legislature to ban citizens, governments & entities of China, Iran, North Korea & Russia from purchasing land in Texas. I will sign it. This follows a law I signed banning those countries from threatening our infrastructure. More from NextShark: Recoil Magazine Addresses Controversy Over LGBT Advocate, 'Top Shot' Winner Chris Cheng Cover https://t.co/0b3LiQZHmE Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 15, 2023 More from NextShark: NYC man who attacked 7 Asian women in 3 hours charged with hate crimes Following Abbotts expressed support, organizations backed by the local Chinese American community bared their plans to conduct a series of demonstrations in Texas' major cities. Story continues The Sunday protest, which was hosted by DFW Chinese Alliance, included testimonies from community members who shared their concerns about the bills. A Euless resident named Kuo Zhang lamented how Bill 147 would have a significant effect on their family. My husband and I are expecting a baby and we were planning to buy a house for our extended family, too, Zhang was quoted by The Dallas Morning News as saying. A recent Texas A&M University graduate named Wei Wu finds both bills hateful and discriminatory. We are here, we pay taxes, were here to seek our dreams; we should not be discriminated against, she said. Speaking to attendees, Plano City Council member Maria Tu urged Austin lawmakers to fight against the Senate bills on behalf of the Chinese Americans in their community. Other local elected officials sought help from attendees to let Auston lawmakers know that they oppose the proposed legislation. Hailong Jin, DFW Chinese Alliance's board director, said the bills are akin to previous anti-Chinese legislation in the U.S., including the Chinese Exclusion Act and Californias Alien Land Law. According to Jin, passing the bills poses a dangerous precedent, as other states will follow and anti-Asian hate will increase in this country definitely. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Sweden's government should act differently if it wants to clinch Turkish support for its bid to join NATO, Hungary's foreign minister said Tuesday, adding that a recent Quran-burning protest outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm was unacceptable." Peter Szijjarto made the remark at a news conference following talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Hungarys capital Budapest. Both diplomats addressed the Jan. 21 anti-Turkish protest that increased tensions between Ankara and Stockholm as Sweden seeks Turkeys approval to join the military alliance. As a Christian and as a Catholic, I must say that burning of a holy book of another religion is an unacceptable act," Szijjarto said, and criticized a statement by Sweden's prime minister that while the burning of the Quran was inappropriate and deeply disrespectful, it fell under Swedish freedom of speech protections. "Stating that the burning of a sacred book is part of freedom of speech is just plain stupidity," Szijjarto said, adding that perhaps they (Sweden) should act differently than that" if they want to secure Ankara's backing. The meeting in Budapest came as Turkey and Hungary remain the only two NATO members that havent approved bids by Sweden and Finland to join the military alliance. The northern European neighbors one of which, Finland, shares a border with Russia dropped their long-standing military neutrality and sought NATO membership in response to Moscows war in Ukraine. A unanimous vote of all 30 NATO members is necessary for admitting new countries. Cavusoglu said Turkey shares Hungary's wish for NATO enlargement, but that it was now impossible for us to confirm (Swedens) accession into the alliance. He called the Quran-burning protest a provocation which will take us nowhere, it can only lead to chaos. Ankara has also said it's displeased with Swedens efforts to crack down on groups that Turkey considers to be terrorist or pose a threat to the country, including Kurdish groups. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Sweden should not expect Turkeys support in its membership bid. Story continues Hungarys government was expected to vote on accepting Sweden and Finland into NATO by the end of last year. The issue will be on the Hungarian parliaments agenda during its first session of the year in February, Szijjarto said. Szijjarto said Hungary has a clear standpoint" on admitting Sweden and Finland into NATO, but would not attempt to influence Turkey either way. I never urge any other foreign governments to do things which are not of our concern, Szijjarto said. ___ This story was first published on January 31, 2023. It was updated on February 1, 2023 to correct that while Finland has a border with Russia, Sweden does not. Investigators working on the Idaho murders case lost Bryan Kohberger for several hours during the cross-country trip from his apartment at Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania, it has been revealed. Surveillance teams were tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. But, on 13 December, when he began the journey home for the holidays with his father, FBI agents managed to lose him almost as soon as their car pulled out of the parking lot at his graduate housing. The shocking revelation has come to light in Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two, citing law enforcement sources who admitted that for several alarming hours or more the man believed to have brutally stabbed four University of Idaho students to death had seemingly vanished. Hours later, the car finally pinged miles away in Colorado and surveillance resumed. Mr Kohberger was arrested on 30 December at his family home and is now behind bars in Moscow on murder charges. Key points Bryan Kohberger attorneys receive trove of evidence in case Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Xana Kernodles mom feels betrayed by attorney who dropped her for daughters alleged killer Bryan Kohberger met local police chief and sent him gushing email months before murders Chilling online comments from suspect as teen revealed FBI agents lost Bryan Kohberger for hours while he was under surveillance 09:46 , Rachel Sharp Investigators working on the Idaho murders case lost Bryan Kohberger for several hours during the cross-country trip from his apartment at Washington State University (WSU) to his family home in Pennsylvania, it has been revealed. Surveillance teams were tasked with keeping eyes on the 28-year-old criminology PhD student after he became a person of interest in the 13 November murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Story continues But, on 13 December, when he began the journey home for the holidays with his father, FBI agents managed to lose him almost as soon as their car pulled out of the parking lot at his graduate housing. The shocking revelation has come to light in Air Mails The Eyes of a Killer: Part Two, citing law enforcement sources who admitted that for several alarming hours or more the man believed to have brutally stabbed four University of Idaho students to death had seemingly vanished. Hours later, the car finally pinged miles away in Colorado and surveillance resumed. Mr Kohberger was arrested on 30 December at his family home and is now behind bars in Moscow on murder charges. Why the defence requested evidence about a co-defendant 13:00 , Rachel Sharp Earlier this month, Bryan Kohbergers attorney Ann Taylor filed a discovery request in the case, asking the judge to order the prosecution to hand over all discovery in the case within 14 days. Among the discovery requests were witness statements, digital media and police reports about the case. It also included a request for information about a co-defendant in the case. Statements of co-defendant. Any written or recorded statements by a codefendant, and the substance of any relevant oral statement made by a co-defendant whether before or after arrest in response to interrogation by any person known by the codefendant to be a peace officer or agent of the prosecuting attorney, or which are otherwise relevant to the offense charged, the filing reads. The request has prompted speculation of evidence suggesting that Mr Kohberger may have had an accomplice or that the defence could seek to argue that as part of their case. However, Mr Levin explained that this is just part of the standard requests for discovery in a case. These are just very standard requests as part of the defences discovery request, he said. While ruling out other individuals as possible suspects will likely form part of the states case against Mr Kohberger, he said that this does not indicate that there are other suspects. The probable cause affidavit makes no mention of a co-defendant and law enforcement officials have previously insisted that they believe the suspect acted alone. The request making mention of a co-defendant is also just one of 18 discovery requests made in the court filing. I dont think I would make much hay of that, Mr Levin said of the discovery request. Judge extends gag order in Idaho murders case 12:15 , Rachel Sharp A court in Idaho has extended a gag order issued earlier this month prohibiting law enforcement officials from revealing information about the murders of four University of Idaho students and the arrest of their accused killer Bryan Kohberger. The order, issued by the Latah County Chief Magistrate on 4 January, was extended on Thursday and will remain in place throughout court proceedings until a verdict has been reached or unless the mandate is modified by the court. The earlier court order banned investigators, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and members of both the prosecution and the defence from sharing any new information about the investigation or the suspect before a verdict is reached at trial. As a result, Moscow Police Department, which had been sharing updates on the investigation, said in a statement that it will no longer be communicating with the public or the media regarding the case. The order both extends and expands the earlier measure. What is the significance of the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers home? 11:30 , Rachel Sharp The Independent spoke to two experts - Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert for the Texas Department of Public Safety; and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer - for their takes on each of the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers home. How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? UI students launch fundraiser selling bracelets in victims honour 10:45 , Rachel Sharp University of Idaho students have launched fundraiser selling bracelets in honour of the four murder victims. The Vandal Strong bracelets are black silicon bands featuring the names of Ethan, Maddie, Xana and Kaylee. They are for sale on the UI website with funds from the sales set to go towards a memorial for the victims. Student fundraiser organized by @ASUIDAHO selling #vandalstrong bracelets to raise money towards building a permanent memorial on @uidaho campus for Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee. A way for us to honor and remember them forever, tweeted Xana Kernodles family member Sheldon Kernodle. Student fundraiser organized by @ASUIDAHO selling #vandalstrong bracelets to raise money towards building a permanent memorial on @uidaho campus for Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee. A way for us to honor and remember them forever. Link to buy below:https://t.co/agvLa4CtmB Sheldon Kernodle (@amigoshel) January 20, 2023 Restaurant where Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen worked denies Bryan Kohberger rumours 09:30 , Andrea Blanco Jackie Fischer, owner of the Mad Greek where slain students Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle were servers spoke out in a strongly-worded Facebook post on Friday after an anonymous former staff member claimed to People that Mr Kohberger had visited the eatery in the weeks before the killings. Mogen, Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Kernodles boyfriend Ethan Chapin were all killed in a violent stabbing attack on 13 November in Moscow. Mr Kohberger, a Washington State University PhD criminology student who lived 15 minutes from the victims home, has been charged with the murders. According to the People report, Mr Kohberger visited the restaurant in Moscow twice in the weeks leading up to the murders and ordered vegan pizza. It also alleged that an investigator with insight into the case reportedly told the magazine that authorities knew about the visits to the restaurant, had seized footage and that both staff and owners had been interviewed by law enforcement. But within hours of the article being published, Ms Fischer slammed the claims and said they were unequivocally false. The news/media should really do their due diligence before running a story with completely fabricated information. This person who wants their 5 minutes of fame has now caused a whole bunch of extra work for myself and the investigators, Ms Fischer wrote in a Facebook post. Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by police chief for internship months before murders 08:00 , Andrea Blanco Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by a local police department for an internship position months before the slayings. New emails show a brief exchange between Washington State University student Bryan Kohberger and the then-chief of Pullman Police Department Gary Jenkins regarding Mr Kohbergers interview process for the research assistantship for public safety position in April 2022. In his email to Mr Jenkins, Mr Kohberger wrote that it was a great pleasure to meet with you today and share [his] thoughts and excitement. Mr Jenkins replied that it was great to meet and talk with you as well. Read the full story here. A survivor is defending the surviving roommates in the Idaho murders 06:30 , Andrea Blanco There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders Defence attorneys receive thousands of documents and photos as evidence in Idaho murders case 05:00 , Andrea Blanco Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger have now received thousands of documents and photos as evidence in the University of Idaho murders case. Court filings reveal that prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, handed over the huge trove of evidence to lawyers for the 28-year-old suspected mass killer last week, including 995 pages of documents, one audio/video file, and 1,865 photos. The evidence which shows what led investigators to arrest the criminology PhD student for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin came in response to the defences discovery request in the case. However, the state objected to handing over some information in the case, including the identity of potential informants. The State objects to requests by the Defendant for anything not otherwise addressed above on the grounds that such requests are outside the scope of I.C.R. 16 and/or are not subject to disclosure under ICR 16(g) (work product and informants), prosecutors wrote in the court filings. These were the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers Washington state home: 03:30 , Andrea Blanco Unsealed search warrants have revealed what evidence was seized from Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) during searches in late December. This included: - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. Fraternity member found dead at alleged Idaho murderers Washington State University 02:00 , Andrea Blanco WSU made national headlines last month when one of its criminology graduate students, 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, became the main and only suspect in the brutal quadruple murders in the neighbouring college town of Moscow. The university and its Greek life have now come under scrutiny after 19-year-old freshman Luke Tyler was found dead on 22 January at the Pullman campus. Foul play is not suspected but Tylers official cause of death will be determined by an autopsy later this week, The Daily Evergreen reported. A group of Tylers friends have since claimed that his sudden death followed a long and cruel pledging process allowed by his fraternity, Theta Chi, The Spokesman-Review reported. In a Change.org petition, they demanded that the fraternity is disbanded. Madison Mogen's father reveals what he did when he learned of Bryan Kohbergers arrest 00:30 , Andrea Blanco The devastated father of slain University of Idaho student Madison Mogen has revealed that he just broke down and cried when he learned that his daughters accused killer had been taken into custody by police. Ben Mogen had been clinging onto hope that the murderer who violently stabbed his daughter to death alongside her friends Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin would be brought to justice. Finally, seven weeks on from the 13 November slayings, an investigator broke the news to him that a suspect Bryan Kohberger had finally been arrested and charged with their murders. Mr Mogen spoke out about the moment that he learned about the break in the case on ABCs Good Morning America earlier this month. He said, Ben, this is the moment weve been waiting for, he said the officer told him. I just broke down, and I just cried. The grieving father said that learning about Mr Kohbergers arrest felt like a huge weight that got lifted. The evidence found inside Bryan Kohbergers home: Monday 30 January 2023 21:46 , Andrea Blanco Unsealed search warrants have revealed what evidence was seized from Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) during searches in late December. This included: - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. Kaylee Goncalves had moved out of student home shortly before the stabbings Monday 30 January 2023 20:35 , Andrea Blanco Idaho murders victim Kaylee Goncalves had already moved out of the home where she and three other students were brutally murdered but tragically returned to Moscow to visit her best friend that fateful weekend. Goncalves parents told NBCs Dateline that the 21-year-old had recently left the student rental property on King Road, Moscow, ahead of her upcoming graduation that December and a move to Austin, Texas, for a new job at a tech firm. Then, on the weekend of 12 November, she decided to go back to the college town to visit her best friend Madison Mogen. The two young women had been inseparable since meeting in the sixth grade and Goncalves wanted to show Mogen her new Range Rover that she had saved up for and bought. The pair also planned to go to a party together on the night of Saturday 12 November. These girls were best friends since sixth grade, like inseparable, said Goncalves mother Kristi Goncalves. That was the last time that I saw Kaylee. Hit-and-run unfolded outside Bryan Kohbergers home on night of Idaho college murders Monday 30 January 2023 19:50 , Andrea Blanco A hit-and-run unfolded outside of Bryan Kohbergers home on the same night that he allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students, it has been revealed. At around 11.40pm on the night of 12 November, police were called to a report of a crash in front of an apartment complex on the Washington State University (WSU) campus, in Pullman, Washington state, according to authorities. The apartment complex, which houses mainly graduate or PhD students, had been home to Mr Kohberger since August when he relocated from his home state of Pennsylvania to start a PhD program in criminal justice at the university. When officers arrived on the scene, they found two pedestrians a male WSU student and a woman with injuries after being struck by a car. The driver had already fled the scene. Defence attorneys receive thousands of documents and photos as evidence in case Monday 30 January 2023 19:08 , Andrea Blanco Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger have now received thousands of documents and photos as evidence in the University of Idaho murders case. Court filings reveal that prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, handed over the huge trove of evidence to lawyers for the 28-year-old suspected mass killer last week, including 995 pages of documents, one audio/video file, and 1,865 photos. The evidence which shows what led investigators to arrest the criminology PhD student for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin came in response to the defences discovery request in the case. However, the state objected to handing over some information in the case, including the identity of potential informants. The State objects to requests by the Defendant for anything not otherwise addressed above on the grounds that such requests are outside the scope of I.C.R. 16 and/or are not subject to disclosure under ICR 16(g) (work product and informants), prosecutors wrote in the court filings. What can be expected from Bryan Kohbergers preliminary hearing on 26 June? Monday 30 January 2023 17:57 , Andrea Blanco Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes its way through the courts. Further evidence and information about the case is not expected to be made public until the preliminary hearing on 26 June, after a judge issued a gag order preventing officials from talking about the case. Behind the scenes, both sides will be conducting investigative work, examining discovery and moving the case forward, said Mr Levin. In the preliminary hearing, the prosecution and the defence will then both lay out their cases in court for the first time, witnesses will likely be called and the defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine them, and Mr Kohberger will enter a plea on the charges. I think this case looks like it is headed to trial, said Mr Levin, adding that due to the complexity of the case it could take some time. As a case where the death penalty is on the table, it will take a long time to wind its way through the courts and it will be a lengthy court proceeding, he said. Its not the kind of case a court regularly handles so whether its in 2023 is an open question. Computer, hair, glove and stained items seized from Idaho murders suspects home Monday 30 January 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco Police investigating the murder of four Idaho students seized a string of items from suspect Bryan Kohbergers apartment, including possible hair strands, a disposable glove, items with red and brown stains and a computer, according to an unsealed search warrant. Investigators stated in the search warrant application that they hoped to find hair strands that could link the suspect to the scene of the horrific November crime in Moscow, Idaho. They said in the application that this could be either through the four victims or through a dog that was at the rental house at the time of the slayings, reported The New York Times. Police said that one of the items found at the suspects apartment at nearby Washington State University was a possible animal hair strand. In the documents, investigators said one item had a collection of dark red spotting, and that a pillow had a reddish/brown stain on it. Bryan Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Monday 30 January 2023 15:30 , Andrea Blanco The attorney representing Bryan Kohberger has ties to the family of a second victim of the University of Idaho murders, it has been revealed. Public defender Anne Taylor previously represented the father and stepmother of Madison Mogen in now closed criminal cases, according to court records seen by Inside Edition Digital. The connection comes after it emerged that Ms Taylor was representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Northington on drugs charges at the time of Mr Kohbergers arrest. Court documents, filed on 5 January, showed that the attorney then dropped her as a client the same day that she took on Mr Kohbergers case and represented him in court in Moscow for the first time on charges of murdering Kernodle, Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves. The ties to the victims families has raised some concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the case. How strong is the case against Bryan Kohberger? Monday 30 January 2023 14:45 , Rachel Sharp It will be another six months before Bryan Kohberger and the families of his alleged victims come face to face in court again, after his preliminary hearing was postponed until the summer. The 28-year-old criminology PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted when he eventually goes on trial for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin the four students who were found violently stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. For more than six weeks, the murders remained a mystery and left the small college town racked by fear. Then, on 30 December, Mr Kohberger was arrested 2,500 miles away at his family home in Pennsylvania and charged with four counts of murder and one charge of burglary. Details about the murders and his alleged role in them were laid out in the damning probable cause affidavit released earlier this month. But just how strong is the case against him? What can we expect next from the defence and the prosecution? And why has Mr Kohbergers attorney requested evidence about a co-defendant? Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes it way through the courts. The Independents Rachel Sharp writes: Kaylee Goncalves family reveals reason for calls to former boyfriend not long before murders Monday 30 January 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp Kaylee Goncalves family members have revealed a possible reason for the calls the slain student made to her former boyfriend not long before she was brutally murdered. In the early hours of 13 November, Goncalves and Mogen both made phone calls to Goncalves ex-boyfriend Jack DuCoeur, with whom she shares pet dog Murphy. Mr DuCoeur did not answer the calls. Just hours later at between 4am and 4.25am Goncalves and Mogen were brutally stabbed to death alongside Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. In a sit-down interview with the YouTube channel Chronicles of Olivia, the Goncalves family spoke out about the calls, saying that they believe their daughter was seeking to rekindle her relationship with Mr DuCoeur. Goncalves broke up with Mr DuCoeur ahead of her post-graduation move to Texas, but had later voiced concerns that she might not ever find another Jack and was considering getting back together with him, they said. Kaylees father Steve Goncalves said that the couple had remained friends and the slain student was looking for every excuse for [Mr DuCoeur] to pick up the phone. The evidence found inside Bryan Kohbergers home: Monday 30 January 2023 13:15 , Rachel Sharp Unsealed search warrants have revealed what evidence was seized from Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU) during searches in late December. This included: - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. VOICES: The eerie online world of the Idaho murders case Monday 30 January 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp While America has long been fascinated with true crime, the shocking brutality and seeming randomness of the Moscow murders sent the internet sleuth community into overdrive. Conspiracy theories and rumours have dominated the investigation with thousands of people joining social media groups to discuss their take on what transpired and why. The Independents Rachel Sharp writes: The eerie online world of the Idaho murders case Xana Kernodles mother says she opposes death penalty for daughters killer Monday 30 January 2023 11:45 , Rachel Sharp The mother of slain student Xana Kernodle has revealed that she opposes the death penalty for her daughters accused killer Bryan Kohberger. Cara Northington told NewsNation that she wants the suspect to pay for what hes done but is against the death penalty. Thats not who I am. I dont believe in [the death penalty], but I do think that he should spend the rest of his days in prison, she said. Her stance comes in opposition to the parents of Kaylee Goncalves who previously said they would support the death penalty for the person responsible for killing the four students. What can be expected from Bryan Kohbergers preliminary hearing on 26 June? Monday 30 January 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes its way through the courts. Further evidence and information about the case is not expected to be made public until the preliminary hearing on 26 June, after a judge issued a gag order preventing officials from talking about the case. Behind the scenes, both sides will be conducting investigative work, examining discovery and moving the case forward, said Mr Levin. In the preliminary hearing, the prosecution and the defence will then both lay out their cases in court for the first time, witnesses will likely be called and the defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine them, and Mr Kohberger will enter a plea on the charges. I think this case looks like it is headed to trial, said Mr Levin, adding that due to the complexity of the case it could take some time. As a case where the death penalty is on the table, it will take a long time to wind its way through the courts and it will be a lengthy court proceeding, he said. Its not the kind of case a court regularly handles so whether its in 2023 is an open question. Bryan Kohberger attorneys receive thousands of documents and photos as evidence in case Monday 30 January 2023 10:15 , Rachel Sharp Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger have now received thousands of documents and photos as evidence in the University of Idaho murders case. Court filings reveal that prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, handed over the huge trove of evidence to lawyers for the 28-year-old suspected mass killer last week, including 995 pages of documents, one audio/video file, and 1,865 photos. The evidence which shows what led investigators to arrest the criminology PhD student for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin came in response to the defences discovery request in the case. However, the state objected to handing over some information in the case, including the identity of potential informants. The State objects to requests by the Defendant for anything not otherwise addressed above on the grounds that such requests are outside the scope of I.C.R. 16 and/or are not subject to disclosure under ICR 16(g) (work product and informants), prosecutors write in the court filings. How strong is the case against him? Monday 30 January 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco It will be another six months before Bryan Kohberger and the families of his alleged victims come face to face in court again, after his preliminary hearing was postponed until the summer. The 28-year-old criminology PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted when he eventually goes on trial for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin the four students who were found violently stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November. Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office who has no official connection to the Idaho murders case, speaks to The Independent about the strength of the criminal case and what to expect next as it makes its way through the courts. How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? Bryan Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Monday 30 January 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco The attorney representing Bryan Kohberger has ties to the family of a second victim of the University of Idaho murders, it has been revealed. Public defender Anne Taylor previously represented the father and stepmother of Madison Mogen in now closed criminal cases, according to court records seen by Inside Edition Digital. The connection comes after it emerged that Ms Taylor was representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Northington on drugs charges at the time of Mr Kohbergers arrest. Court documents, filed on 5 January, showed that the attorney then dropped her as a client the same day that she took on Mr Kohbergers case and represented him in court in Moscow for the first time on charges of murdering Kernodle, Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves. The ties to the victims families has raised some concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the case. What is the significance of the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers home? Monday 30 January 2023 15:05 , Andrea Blanco The Independent spoke to two experts - Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert for the Texas Department of Public Safety; and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer - for their takes on each of the items seized from Bryan Kohbergers home. How strong is the case against Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger? Xana Kernodles mother says Bryan Kohberger lawyer had power of attorney over her as she slams betrayal Monday 30 January 2023 05:00 , Rachel Sharp The mother of slain University of Idaho student Xana Kernodle has claimed that she gave her power of attorney to the public defender now representing her daughters alleged killer. Anne Taylor, the chief of the Kootenai public defenders office, filed on 5 January to recuse herself from representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Denise Northington in order to become the lead defence attorney for Bryan Kohberger. In an interview with NewsNation on Wednesday night, Ms Northington spoke out over the sense of betrayal she feels after her attorney stepped down from her case, saying she had given Ms Taylor power of attorney over her. The Independents Andrea Blanco has the full story: Idaho murder victims mom says she gave Bryan Kohberger lawyer power of attorney The tragic reason an Idaho murders victim returned to Moscow after moving out of her student home Monday 30 January 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Idaho murders victim Kaylee Goncalves had already moved out of the home where she and three other students were brutally murdered but tragically returned to Moscow to visit her best friend that fateful weekend. Goncalves parents told NBCs Dateline that the 21-year-old had recently left the student rental property on King Road, Moscow, ahead of her upcoming graduation that December and a move to Austin, Texas, for a new job at a tech firm. Then, on the weekend of 12 November, she decided to go back to the college town to visit her best friend Madison Mogen. The two young women had been inseparable since meeting in the sixth grade and Goncalves wanted to show Mogen her new Range Rover that she had saved up for and bought. The pair also planned to go to a party together on the night of Saturday 12 November. These girls were best friends since sixth grade, like inseparable, said Goncalves mother Kristi Goncalves. That was the last time that I saw Kaylee. Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves (Instagram) Idaho murders victims father reveals what he did when he learned of Bryan Kohbergers arrest Monday 30 January 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco The devastated father of slain University of Idaho student Madison Mogen has revealed that he just broke down and cried when he learned that his daughters accused killer had been taken into custody by police. Ben Mogen had been clinging onto hope that the murderer who violently stabbed his daughter to death alongside her friends Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin would be brought to justice. Finally, seven weeks on from the 13 November slayings, an investigator broke the news to him that a suspect Bryan Kohberger had finally been arrested and charged with their murders. Mr Mogen spoke out about the moment that he learned about the break in the case on ABCs Good Morning America this week. He said, Ben, this is the moment weve been waiting for, he said the officer told him. I just broke down, and I just cried. The grieving father said that learning about Mr Kohbergers arrest felt like a huge weight that got lifted. Potential reason why victim called ex-boyfriend before Idaho murders Sunday 29 January 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco A University of Idaho student stabbed to death in her sleep may have called her ex-boyfriend on the night of her murder to rekindle their relationship, her family believes. Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed during a 13 November attack in the small college town of Moscow. The murders gripped the nation and a secretive investigation by the FBI, Moscow Police, and Idaho State Police eventually materialised into the 30 December arrest of Washington State University PhD criminology student Bryan Kohberger. Goncalves family has now shed new light on why she might have been calling her ex-boyfriend Jack DuCoeur in the hours before she was brutally attacked. In a sit-down interview with the YouTube channel Chronicles of Olivia filmed two days before Mr Kohbergers arrest the Goncalves said their daughter broke up with Mr DuCoeur ahead of her post-graduation move to Texas, but had later voiced concerns that she might not ever find another Jack and was considering getting back together with him. Kaylees father Steve Goncalves said that the couple had remained friends and the slain student was looking for every excuse for [Mr DuCoeur] to pick up the phone. The family noted that they were not just blindly sticking up for Mr DuCoeur, and that they had done their due diligence by looking out for scratches on his body, and potential evidence on his shoes and inside his car. Even logically, I think a lot of people assume that were blinded by this individual but contrary to that, were very capable of removing our emotions for Jack which is absolute love and just looking at the situation logically, Alivea Goncalves, Goncalves sister, said on the interview. Looking at this individual logically, looking at a pattern of behaviours of him that we have seen throughout five, six years ... In our hearts and in our heads and in every sense of the word, its just not [plausible that he committed the crime]. What was found inside Bryan Kohbergers home: Sunday 29 January 2023 21:00 , Andrea Blanco Last week, police in Washington unsealed search warrants for Bryan Kohbergers apartment in Pullman and his office at Washington State University (WSU). The unsealed documents reveal that investigators seized a string of items from his home. This included: - one nitrite type black glove - one Walmart receipt with one Dickies tag - two Marshalls receipts - dust container from a vacuum - multiple possible hair and hair strands - one possible animal hair strands - two cuttings from uncased pillow of reddish/brown stain - two top and bottom mattress cover with multiple stains - items with a dark red spot - a computer tower - a Fire TV stick No items were seized from his office which he shared with other PhD students. Hit-and-run unfolded outside Bryan Kohbergers home on night of Idaho college murders Sunday 29 January 2023 19:00 , Andrea Blanco A hit-and-run unfolded outside of Bryan Kohbergers home on the same night that he allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students, it has been revealed. At around 11.40pm on the night of 12 November, police were called to a report of a crash in front of an apartment complex on the Washington State University (WSU) campus, in Pullman, Washington state, according to authorities. The apartment complex, which houses mainly graduate or PhD students, had been home to Mr Kohberger since August when he relocated from his home state of Pennsylvania to start a PhD program in criminal justice at the university. When officers arrived on the scene, they found two pedestrians a male WSU student and a woman with injuries after being struck by a car. The driver had already fled the scene. Bryan Kohberger met local police chief for interview months before Idaho murders Sunday 29 January 2023 17:00 , Rachel Sharp Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by a local police department for an internship position months before the slayings. New emails show a brief exchange between Washington State University student Bryan Kohberger and the then-chief of Pullman Police Department Gary Jenkins regarding Mr Kohbergers interview process for the research assistantship for public safety position in April 2022. In his email to Mr Jenkins, Mr Kohberger wrote that it was a great pleasure to meet with you today and share [his] thoughts and excitement. Mr Jenkins replied that it was great to meet and talk with you as well. Read the full story here: Bryan Kohberger was interviewed by police chief for internship months before murders VOICES: The eerie online world of the Idaho murders case Sunday 29 January 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco Even now Bryan Kohberger is in police custody, the online rumour mill shows no signs of winding down. The Independents Rachel Sharp reports: The eerie online world of the Idaho murders case Forensic experts weigh in on evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home: Sunday 29 January 2023 13:00 , Rachel Sharp Authorities have lifted the lid on alleged evidence found in the home of Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger, marking the latest development in a horror case that has gripped the nation for two months. A search warrant was executed at Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman, Washington, on 30 December, the same day he was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on charges for the 13 November stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. A record of evidence recovered during the apartment search was unsealed on Wednesday, revealing the seizure of 15 items including hairs, receipts, a computer tower, a disposable glove and items with peculiar stains. The record reignited a frenzy of speculation online - despite its simplicity and lack of conjecture. But what significance, if any, can actually be gleaned from the list? The Independents Andrea Blanco spoke to two experts - Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert for the Texas Department of Public Safety; and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer - for their takes on each item. What forensic experts say about evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home Computer, hair, glove and stained items seized from Idaho murders suspects home Sunday 29 January 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco Police investigating the murder of four Idaho students seized a string of items from suspect Bryan Kohbergers apartment, including possible hair strands, a disposable glove, items with red and brown stains and a computer, according to an unsealed search warrant. Investigators stated in the search warrant application that they hoped to find hair strands that could link the suspect to the scene of the horrific November crime in Moscow, Idaho. They said in the application that this could be either through the four victims or through a dog that was at the rental house at the time of the slayings, reported The New York Times. Police said that one of the items found at the suspects apartment at nearby Washington State University was a possible animal hair strand. In the documents, investigators said one item had a collection of dark red spotting, and that a pillow had a reddish/brown stain on it. Restaurant where two Idaho murders victims worked denies Bryan Kohberger rumours Sunday 29 January 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco Jackie Fischer, owner of the Mad Greek where slain students Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle were servers spoke out in a strongly-worded Facebook post on Friday after an anonymous former staff member claimed to People that Mr Kohberger had visited the eatery in the weeks before the killings. Mogen, Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Kernodles boyfriend Ethan Chapin were all killed in a violent stabbing attack on 13 November in Moscow. Mr Kohberger, a Washington State University PhD criminology student who lived 15 minutes from the victims home, has been charged with the murders. According to the People report, Mr Kohberger visited the restaurant in Moscow twice in the weeks leading up to the murders and ordered vegan pizza. It also alleged that an investigator with insight into the case reportedly told the magazine that authorities knew about the visits to the restaurant, had seized footage and that both staff and owners had been interviewed by law enforcement. But within hours of the article being published, Ms Fischer slammed the claims and said they were unequivocally false. The news/media should really do their due diligence before running a story with completely fabricated information. This person who wants their 5 minutes of fame has now caused a whole bunch of extra work for myself and the investigators, Ms Fischer wrote in a Facebook post. Stained items seized from Bryan Kohbergers Washington state home Sunday 29 January 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco In the search warrant record, investigators list several items with stains, including cuttings of a mattress cover, a reddish/brown stain on an uncovered pillow and a collection of dark red spot. Forensic expert Dr Monte Miller and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told The Independent that police likely believe those stains could be blood. A reddish or brown stain is a euphemism for, We found something that looks like blood, Dr Miller said. It might be blood from the victims, might be his blood. They dont know until they test it, but theyll be able to get DNA if it is blood. We dont know what the stains in the cover sheets look like, but again theyre looking for any kind of DNA, evidence that might have come from the crime scene. Bryan Kohberger is facing murder charges in the killings of four University of Idaho students Ms Coffindaffer added: They dont call it blood, but its definitely inferred that it was blood. Dr Miller noted that while stains on clothing and bedding are not necessarily unusual, investigators will try to link the evidence found at the Pullman apartment to the crime scene in Moscow. The likelihood that any of those stains came from the crime scene, is going to be dependent on how well he cleaned up, he said. A survivor is defending the surviving roommates in the Idaho murders Sunday 29 January 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders Speculation around co-defendant in Idaho murders case is debunked Sunday 29 January 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Duncan Levin, a former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office and attorney at Levin & Associates, spoke to The Independent about the criminal case against the 28-year-old criminology PhD student. Among the discovery requests made by the defence were witness statements, digital media and police reports about the case. It also included a request for information about a co-defendant. The request prompted speculation online that there may be evidence suggesting that Mr Kohberger had an accomplice in the killings or that the defence could be planning to argue that as part of their case. However, Mr Levin explained that this is just part of the standard requests for discovery in a case. The Independents Rachel Sharp has the story: Speculation that Bryan Kohberger has co-defendant in Idaho murders case debunked She slept through an attack that nearly killed her roommate. Now, shes defending a stranger in the Idaho murders Sunday 29 January 2023 01:00 , Rachel Sharp There are many chilling similarities between the murders of four Idaho students in November and a 1992 attack at a student home in Buffalo none more so than the experiences of the roommates who survived. Alanna Zabel tells The Independents Rachel Sharp why she feels the need to defend the surviving roommate in Idaho and how she understands the way trauma can shape reactions to such horrifying events: She slept through an attack in her home - and has a message about the Idaho murders Xana Kernodles mother says Bryan Kohberger lawyer had power of attorney over her as she slams betrayal Saturday 28 January 2023 23:00 , Rachel Sharp The mother of slain University of Idaho student Xana Kernodle has claimed that she gave her power of attorney to the public defender now representing her daughters alleged killer. Anne Taylor, the chief of the Kootenai public defenders office, filed on 5 January to recuse herself from representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Denise Northington in order to become the lead defence attorney for Bryan Kohberger. In an interview with NewsNation on Wednesday night, Ms Northington spoke out over the sense of betrayal she feels after her attorney stepped down from her case, saying she had given Ms Taylor power of attorney over her. The Independents Andrea Blanco has the full story: Idaho murder victims mom says she gave Bryan Kohberger lawyer power of attorney Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Saturday 28 January 2023 21:00 , Andrea Blanco The attorney representing Bryan Kohberger has ties to the family of a second victim of the University of Idaho murders, it has been revealed. Public defender Anne Taylor previously represented the father and stepmother of Madison Mogen in now closed criminal cases, according to court records seen by Inside Edition Digital. The connection comes after it emerged that Ms Taylor was representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Northington on drugs charges at the time of Mr Kohbergers arrest. Court documents, filed on 5 January, showed that the attorney then dropped her as a client the same day that she took on Mr Kohbergers case and represented him in court in Moscow for the first time on charges of murdering Kernodle, Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves. The ties to the victims families has raised some concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the case. Legal expert debunks speculation about co-defendant Saturday 28 January 2023 19:00 , Rachel Sharp Last week, Bryan Kohbergers attorney Ann Taylor filed a discovery request in the case, asking the judge to order the prosecution to hand over all discovery in the case within 14 days. Among the discovery requests were witness statements, digital media and police reports about the case. It also included a request for information about a co-defendant in the case. Statements of co-defendant. Any written or recorded statements by a codefendant, and the substance of any relevant oral statement made by a co-defendant whether before or after arrest in response to interrogation by any person known by the codefendant to be a peace officer or agent of the prosecuting attorney, or which are otherwise relevant to the offense charged, the filing reads. The request has prompted speculation of evidence suggesting that Mr Kohberger may have had an accomplice or that the defence could seek to argue that as part of their case. However, Mr Levin explained that this is just part of the standard requests for discovery in a case. These are just very standard requests as part of the defences discovery request, he said. While ruling out other individuals as possible suspects will likely form part of the states case against Mr Kohberger, he said that this does not indicate that there are other suspects. The probable cause affidavit makes no mention of a co-defendant and law enforcement officials have previously insisted that they believe the suspect acted alone. The request making mention of a co-defendant is also just one of 18 discovery requests made in the court filing. I dont think I would make much hay of that, Mr Levin said of the discovery request. Forensic experts discuss evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home: Saturday 28 January 2023 17:00 , Rachel Sharp Authorities have lifted the lid on alleged evidence found in the home of Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger, marking the latest development in a horror case that has gripped the nation for two months. A search warrant was executed at Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman, Washington, on 30 December, the same day he was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on charges for the 13 November stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho. A record of evidence recovered during the apartment search was unsealed on Wednesday, revealing the seizure of 15 items including hairs, receipts, a computer tower, a disposable glove and items with peculiar stains. The record reignited a frenzy of speculation online - despite its simplicity and lack of conjecture. But what significance, if any, can actually be gleaned from the list? The Independents Andrea Blanco spoke to two experts - Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert for the Texas Department of Public Safety; and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer - for their takes on each item. What forensic experts say about evidence seized from Bryan Kohbergers home Kohbergers attorney has ties to second victims family Saturday 28 January 2023 15:00 , Rachel Sharp The attorney representing Bryan Kohberger has ties to the family of a second victim of the University of Idaho murders, it has been revealed. Public defender Anne Taylor previously represented the father and stepmother of Madison Mogen in now closed criminal cases, according to court records seen by Inside Edition Digital. The connection comes after it emerged that Ms Taylor was representing Xana Kernodles mother Cara Northington on drugs charges at the time of Mr Kohbergers arrest. Court documents, filed on 5 January, showed that the attorney then dropped her as a client the same day that she took on Mr Kohbergers case and represented him in court in Moscow for the first time on charges of murdering Kernodle, Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves. The ties to the victims families has raised some concerns about a possible conflict of interest in the case. By Chris Thomas, Aditya Kalra and Sriram M MUMBAI (Reuters) - Gautam Adani's crucial $2.5 billion share sale was fully subscribed on Tuesday as investors pumped funds into his flagship firm, despite a $65 billion rout in the Indian billionaire's stocks sparked by a short-seller's report. The fundraising is critical for Adani, not just because it will help cut his group's debt, but also because it is being seen by some as a gauge of confidence at a time when the tycoon faces one of his biggest business and reputational challenges. Hindenburg Research's report last week alleged improper use of offshore tax havens and concerns about high debt, which Adani denied, but the subsequent market meltdown has led to a dramatic and sudden fall in his fortunes as he slipped to eighth from third in Forbes rich list rankings. The 30% anchor portion of India's largest ever secondary share sale attracted investors including Maybank Securities and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, as well as India's HDFC Life Insurance and state-backed Life Insurance Corporation. The list of investors who participated in the book building, which had gathered only 3% in bids on Monday amid concerns over the rout in Adani's stocks, is not yet public. By Tuesday, the overall share sale was fully subscribed as foreign institutional investors and corporate funds flooded in, although participation by retail investors and Adani Enterprises employees remained low. "The purpose of the FPO (follow-on public offering) was two fold to raise funds to reduce the debt and to broadbase the shareholding ... they haven't been able to broadbase the shareholding," Ambareesh Baliga, a Mumbai-based independent market analyst, said. The offer closes days after Adani's public face-off with Hindenburg Research, which last week flagged concerns about the use of tax havens and "substantial debt" at the group. It added that shares in seven Adani listed companies have an 85% downside due to what it called "sky-high valuations". Story continues That Adani group has said it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements, calling the report baseless and adding it is considering taking action against Hindenburg. Support for Adani's share sale came even as the flagship's shares closed at 2,973.9 rupees, up nearly 3% but below the lower end of the sale price band of 3,112 rupees. Adani Group's total gross debt in the financial year ended March 31, 2022, rose 40% to 2.2 trillion rupees ($26.83 billion). Adani said on Sunday in response to Hindenburg's allegations that over the past decade the group has consistently de-levered. Adani said the Hindenburg report was a "calculated attack" on India and its institutions, while its CFO compared the market rout of its stocks to a colonial-era massacre. Hindenburg later said Adani's "response largely confirmed our findings and ignored our key questions." Adani Group's ballooning debt https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ADANI-INDIA/zjvqjwkdlpx/chart.png RETAIL, CORPORATE DEMAND Asked about the Adani-Hindenburg saga, India's chief economic adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran told reporters the "corporate sector as a whole has deleveraged and their balance sheets are healthy. So, what happens to one particular corporate group, is a matter between the market and the corporate group." Adani had in recent days repeatedly said investors were standing by its side and the share offering would go through. Bankers at one point had considered tweaking the pricing of the issue, or extending the sale, Reuters had reported. Most of the demand during the public book building process came from non-institutional investors who invested more than 1 million rupees each, with bids totalling five times the shares on offer. The portion for qualified institutional buyers, which includes foreign investors, was 1.2 times subscribed. Adani Enterprises $2.5 bln share sale https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ADANI-FPO/FPO-ADANI/znvnbkeoevl/chart.png But domestic financial institutions or banks, as well as domestic mutual funds, made no bids. And demand from retail investors and company employees remained muted, garnering bids of 12% and 55% of shares on offer. "Investors would view the successful completion of the FPO as a welcome relief, as it implies that the company still has the support of institutional investors," Leonard Law, Senior Credit Analyst at Lucror Analytics Singapore, said on Tuesday. Adani's firm held extensive discussions over the weekend and through Monday with investment bankers and institutional investors to attract subscriptions, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the talks. The names of investors is not yet available, but Abu Dhabi conglomerate International Holding Company said late on Monday that it will invest $400 million. Adani Transmission closed nearly 4% higher on Tuesday after losing 38% since the Hindenburg report, while Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone climbed 2.6%. Adani Total Gas closed down 10% at its lower price limit, while Adani Power and Adani Wilmar were down 5% each. Hindenburg said in its report it had shorted U.S.-bonds and non-India traded derivatives of the Adani Group. On Tuesday, U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone continued their fall into a second week. (Reporting by M. Sriram, Chris Thomas, Aditya Kalra, Jayshree Upadhyay, Shivangi Acharya, Anshuman Daga and Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Alexander Smith) BATTLE CREEK - An Albion man will spend up to three decades behind bars for his role in a 2020 murder and torture case. David Michael Wallace, 49, was sentenced to 13.5 to 30 years in prison Monday for the June 2, 2020, shooting death of Jesse Fyffe, 24, of Lansing and formerly of Albion and Battle Creek, and the torture and wounding of Joseph Lazarus III, 23, of Albion. He was credited with 720 days served. "All in all, you took somebodys life ... very brutally," Calhoun County Circuit Court Judge John Hallacy said moments before imposing Wallace's sentence. "Its just inhumane, just brutal." David Michael Wallace As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Wallace pleaded no contest in November to single counts of torture and second-degree murder. In exchange, charges of open murder, unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and felony firearm were dismissed, with a minimum sentence agreement of 13.5 years in prison. "Had you been convicted as charged youd never see the light of day again," Hallacy reminded Wallace. "The facts of this case, I think, would be disturbing to any jury." Wallace's brother, 33-year-old Tyler Christopher Wallace, was also charged in the murder and torture case and pled no contest in July 2022 to a single count of involuntary manslaughter in exchange for the dismissal of open murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, and felony firearm charges. He was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison in September with credit for 588 days served. David Wallace offered his condolences to Fyffe's family Monday, telling the court that "in my state of fright and my paranoid mindset, I was scared for my sons life and my life as well" on the night of June 1, 2020. "I truly wish I could take everything all back and if I could, I would," Wallace said as he choked back tears. "To be able to go back and not do what I did to hurt anybody. ... I am truly regretful for what happened that night." Lazarus testified during an April 2021 preliminary exam that he and Fyffe went to the Wallace property at 14225 24 Mile Road in Marengo Township about 10 p.m. on June 1, 2020, to purchase marijuana. Story continues Lazarus said he had purchased the drug several times from David Wallace and that his father knew Wallace. Lazarus said they found a door to the house open and walked in. Inside were two men Tyler Wallace and an unknown third man who yelled "freeze." Lazarus said he was struck with a gun by the unknown man as Fyffe fled through a window. Tyler Wallace struck Lazarus and put him in a chair. Moments later David Wallace walked up the driveway yelling "we got them boys," Lazarus said. "Mike Wallace began to laugh and beat me in the head with the butt of the gun. 'You came to the wrong . . . house. You are going to die. Who are you and who is your friend?'" Lazarus said he was hit with the gun and brass knuckles and a small baseball bat was used to break his arm. He also was shot in the leg. Wallace wanted to know the name of the other man, and told Lazarus, "I will have to tell your dad I had to kill his son." Wallace told Lazarus to beg for his life and to pray but that it wouldn't do any good. After Lazarus was shot in the leg, the brothers took him across a field to an opening in some woods and told him to dig his grave. "I didn't believe anything that was going on," Lazarus told Prosecutor David Gilbert at the time. "I thought I was dreaming," but he admitted he feared for his life. The men brought him back to the house and David Wallace left for about 10 minutes after a phone call from a family member who said Fyffe had been found. Wallace returned with Fyffe but the two men struggled and Fyffe took David Wallace's handgun. David Wallace ran for cover and Lazarus said Fyffe and Tyler Wallace exchanged several gunshots and Wallace emptied his gun. Fyffe then began to help Lazarus on his bad leg, and they crossed the road but more shots were fired and Fyffe let go of Lazarus. Fyffe's body was found in a roadside ditch. Lazarus was found wounded in a nearby gravel pit. Calhoun County Sheriff Office deputies and the Michigan State Police were called to the house after Tyler Wallace arrived at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall with gunshot wounds and reported some details of the incident. Joseph Lazarus Lazarus told the court he received injuries to his head, to both hands, his broken arm and the gunshot wound to his leg. He said the experience also affected him mentally. "It crushed me," he said. "I died that night, honestly." Michael Bartish, attorney for David Wallace, said his client denied taking Lazarus out and instructing him to dig his own grave. He also disputed Lazarus' reasoning for being on the property. "I dont believe this was (about) a drug transaction anyway," Bartish said Monday. "These were two individuals who came to basically an abandoned house that was used for storage, and (they) had stolen a number of items (from that location) the evening before." Bartish also said he believed Wallace's harsh comments toward Lazarus were, to some extent, intended to scare the young man "to make sure that nobody like this would ever come back to his house or property again." "The fact of it is the defendant set a trap. He and his brother set a trap for these two individuals because they had some belief that someone who stole from them was going to come back, so they set that trap and they captured these two individuals," Calhoun County Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Meyer responded, noting Lazarus' ability to describe a portion of Wallace's property where he believed a dead body ultimately that of a raccoon was buried supported the fact he was led by Wallace to dig his own grave. "How else would Joseph Lazarus know that there was a decaying raccoon out there that he had thought was a body if he wasnt there digging his own grave?" she said. Meyer also pointed to the fact that Wallace admitted to his role in the incident once police arrived on scene. "He admits to what he did. He admits to capturing this individual, kidnapping Jesse Fyffe from the side of the road and bringing him back to this scene," Meyer said. "Although the defendant has been able to sit in jail for the last couple years and think about his actions, he took those actions. He did what he did and he needs to be held accountable for what he did." Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: David Wallace of Albion to serve up to three decades in prison in murder, torture case This article originally appeared on Velo News Intermarche-Circus-Wanty didnt waste any time amassing points in the UCIs restarted promotion/relegation dogfight. The UCIs officially updated ranking as at January 31 puts the Belgian team on top of UAE Team Emirates and Jayco-AlUla after the opening bout of the new three-year battle for WorldTour licenses. A series of top 10s in Australia from Hugo Page and three victories in Mallorca from Rui Costa and Kobe Goossens saw the team counter the loss of former leaders Alexander Kristoff, Domenico Pozzovivo, and Jan Hirt by getting to the top of the league, early. Id be lying if I said I dont look at the UCI points, team director Aike Visbeek recently told Wielerflits. Our strategy is designed to ensure that we do not end up in a situation that many teams found themselves in during 2022. We want to be stable." Rui Costa Biniam Girmay Kobe Goossens Kobe Goossens Hugo Page Biniam Girmay 6 races. 6 podiums. 3 victories. But most importantly, an immense team spirit built for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/ysUvLg452h -- Intermarche-Circus-Wanty (@IntermarcheCW) January 30, 2023 The team already acknowledged it wouldnt match its breakout 2022 season this year as it pivoted toward youth. Also read: Intermarche team set for season of renewal in 2023 Intermarches forecast that it would need to race strategically and focus on low-profile, high-scoring races in order to guarantee its WorldTour future is already playing out as the points battle sits front of mind of all but the biggest of teams. UCI rankings at 31/01/23 Racing across the Tour Down Under, Vuelta a San Juan and Challenge Mallorca has already seen teams active in amassing points in fear of getting caught out in 2025. Story continues Last year saw endangered teams like Lotto-Soudal and Israel-PremierTech racing all across the globe as they looked to make up lost time in the UCIs league. It was a chase that proved futile as they ended up booted from the money-spinning WorldTour. The UCI league published Tuesday gives early hints at how the next three years might play out as the lucrative, life-giving status as a WorldTour team again boils down to a triennial tally of points. This month, WorldTour powerhouses UAE Emirates and Ineos Grenadiers clambered up the ranking via the single-minded hunt for GC victory in the prestigious WorldTour-opening TDU. Elsewhere, squads that last year failed in the 2022 hunt for survival Lotto-Dstny and Israel-PremierTech made sure to get off on the front foot by spreading their squads wherever the going looked good. Intermarche-Circus-Wanty did similar. By intelligently selecting riders, it was possible to compete for victory every day with a balanced team and this gave the whole group a big motivation, Intermarche chief Visbeek said Tuesday of his early season hot start. For teams like UAE Emirates, Ineos Grenadiers, and Jumbo-Visma with their dozens of top talents in just one roster, the calendar is there for the taking as wins come relatively easily. Smaller teams have to spread their bets and cross their fingers. Jumbo-Visma, Deceuninck-Alpecin in no rush Van Aert and Van der Poels incoming return to road racing will change the game for their teams points tally. The surprises in the UCI league table so far? Jumbo-Visma and Alpecin-Deceuninck didnt crack the top 20, at 28th (108 points) and 37th (78 points) respectively. The two teams bosses arent likely to be too bothered by their lowly ranking - its hard to see them struggle to pull in points in coming months. Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel roar back to road racing in the coming weeks for the spring classics, and Jumbo-Vismas stage racer royalty will be following close behind in the UAE, Algarve, and Catalunya. And Astana-Qazaqstan? Team boss Vino wont want to know. After a 2022 season that Alexander Vinokourov described as rock bottom, his team is down in 56th with just 31 points. Three weeks of racing means little over three years. But Intermarche-Circus-Wanty sure wont be complaining at its hot start so far. For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today. Buildings destroyed by shelling in Kherson region A year ago, I wrote that we were facing a new 1914 or 1939. And the main question is, in which direction will we head: towards more war, or away from it? My prediction, or rather wish, for 2023 is to advance as soon as possible towards 1918 or 1945 and end this war with a victory over Russia. Read also: Who benefits from a long war in Ukraine? This wish is dictated by the high price that we have already paid, which is growing every day. In addition, a price is being paid by the whole world. It is difficult to find a point on the map that has not been affected by the war in one way or another. Back in June, it was said that the populations of many countries in Asia and Africa were in for a real hell if the supply of Russian and Ukrainian bread to world markets was not resumed. American journalist Thomas Friedman even proved that the war in Ukraine was affecting the destruction of rainforests in the Amazon. And most of all, the nuclear blackmail of Russian President Vladimir Putin puts the whole world on the brink of the apocalypse. In the early 2000s, British experts wrote that the 20s of this century would be decisive for the survival of mankind: if certain threatening processes could not be stopped, then our continued existence was greatly in question. As far as I understand, none of these processes have been stopped, and in addition to them, humankind has also added the Russian-Ukrainian war. The issue of timing is key. The Russian-Ukrainian war has the chance to go down in history as the last conventional war and the first technological one Putin started the war against Ukraine with the expectation of a quick and easy victory. But in war, unlike in chess, the initiator generally loses. In most cases, decisions to start a war are made mainly on the basis of false calculations and, as a rule, with a significant underestimation of the enemy's forces. This is exactly what happened on February 24, 2022. Ukraine erased Putin's expectation of a blitzkrieg. Story continues Read also: This will force Russia to end the war Since that time, it has become clear that this war was destined to be a long one. The reason is its conventional nature. A few years ago, there were predictions that the wars of the future would be high-tech wars - in the silence of offices, in front of computer screens, with minimal use of human power. That did not happen. By its nature, this war is akin to the First or Second World War with massive armies, fronts, artillery, tanks, and aircraft. And the Russian invaders are fighting the way the Russian imperial army fought in the First World War and the Red Army fought in the Second World War. Their main calculation is to smother the enemy with their corpses, and also, as in previous wars, to kill, rape, and rob the civilian population. However, with all the similarities to both world wars, this war is still closer to the First than the Second World War. In WWI, despite the large-scale battles, there were no big breakthroughs, the forces of both opponents were approximately equal, so after hopes for a blitzkrieg, the fighting turned into a protracted positional war. As British officers sneered in the spring of 1917, if the front continued to advance at the rate it was, then their army would reach the Rhine in 180 years. According to British intelligence, the Russian army at the beginning of this war was moving at a speed of 6-7 km per month. At this rate, they would reach the Dnipro in the spring of 2251. The Kharkiv breakthrough and the liberation of Kherson broke the pace. We owe this to the dexterity of the Ukrainian command, the heroism of the Ukrainian army, the resilience of the rear, and Western assistance. But there is another accelerating factor: the increasing use of drones and the emergence of gamers. Thanks to them, the Russian-Ukrainian war has the chance to go down in history as the last conventional war and the first technological one. This change not only reduces Russias chances of victory (it was and has remained a great but backward empire), it increases the chances of ending the war as early as 2023. Ukraine was being prepared for the role of cheese in the trap for the Russian rat. But the Ukrainians themselves have become skilled rat-catchers. The soldiers and officers who came to the rotation from the front say almost unanimously: the Russian army has no chance to win on the battlefield. Putin seems to understand this too. Therefore, he is imposing a protracted war of endurance. For this, he is destroying Ukraines infrastructure, depriving it of electricity and heat, and returning it to the Middle Ages in order to break Ukrainians spirit. He is also counting on the fact that the West will get tired of supporting Ukraine, and Westerners, terrified by the prospect of a cold winter and an economic crisis, will force their leaders to demand peace. Read also: The Russians have been preparing for this for 30 years: How can we end the war in Ukraine? Putin's biggest victory now would be to force Ukraine into a truce. It would stop the war for a while, but would not remove any threat to Ukraine or the world. In her biography of Putin, writer and journalist Masha Gessen writes that his philosophy is the logic of judo: to cling to an opponent, even if he is stronger, and not let go until he is completely exhausted. Economists were wrong about how fast the Russian economy could collapse. Putin has managed to create his own economy built on oil, gas, and military production. It has little vulnerability to Western sanctions. Under such conditions, and given Russians' habit of despotism and poverty, Putin can hold out for a long time. Now time is on his side. The only thing that really threatens the Putin regime is defeat at the front. This would undermine the Russian populations faith in Putin as an invincible alpha male. The successes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces make it possible to end this war as early as 2023. Therefore, they deserve not only our support and sympathy, but also high-tech weapons, weapons, and more weapons. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Tacos, tequila shots and live music --- sign us up. The 3rd annual Jacksonville Taco & Margarita Festival will return to TIAA Bank Field and Dailys Place in April! WHEN + WHERE : Saturday, April 22 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 40 local restaurants and food trucks will serve up all kinds of taco creations, and there will be bars and beverage stations serving margaritas, tequila shots, beer, water, soda and more. Organizers say the family-friendly event will also feature a live DJ and bands. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 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. Belarus announced the start of new exercises with the Russian troops The ministry said that during the week representatives of the military departments of the two countries "will work on the issues of joint planning of the use of troops based on the experience of armed conflicts in recent years." Read also: Joint aviation exercises with Russia to kick off in Belarus The theme of the drills is as follows: "Decision-making on the use of a regional grouping of troops (forces) in the interests of ensuring the military security of the Union State." The Union State is how Belarus and Russia describe the Moscow-dominated partnership between the Belarusian and Russian dictatorships. Read also: Belarus unlikely to invade Ukraine, believes Ukrainian military intelligence The Belarusian Ministry of Defense stated that the training is "aimed at increasing the compatibility of the military authorities of the two states" and "is the next stage of preparation for the joint operational exercise" 2023 Union Shield, which will be held in Russia in September 2023. In a December interview with UK news magazine the Economist, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said that Russia could launch a new offensive in February. According to Zaluzhnyi, the offensive could take place not in Donbas, but in the direction of Kyiv from Belarus. Read also: Ukraine would have enough time to react to potential invasion from Belarus Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Jan. 24 warned that Russia was amassing forces for a new large-scale offensive. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A circuit court judge has dismissed a lawsuit over Floridas decision to fly dozens of migrants to the northeast. In September, Florida flew about 50 people from Texas, to our state, and then to Marthas Vineyard. Watch: 10 injured in Lakeland shooting, suspects still at large, police say The lawsuit argued the Florida Department of Transportation and a contractor did not fully comply with public records requests related to those flights. In her ruling, the judge said the plaintiff did not prove those documents had been withheld. Watch: Florida lawmakers weigh getting rid of licenses to conceal carry firearms Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A New York federal court ruled that the identities of two anonymous sponsors who helped secure Sam Bankman-Fried's release on bail should be public. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images A federal judge agreed to unseal the names of Samuel Bankman-Fried's two anonymous bail sponsors. But he paused his own decision for a week to allow for appeals. The judge pointed out that the sponsors waded into a highly public criminal case. The federal judge overseeing Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal case said there was no justifiable reason to keep secret the names of the disgraced cryptocurrency mogul's two anonymous bail sponsors, ordering to unseal their names in court documents. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan said that the sponsors, whose identities Bankman-Fried argued should be kept secret for their safety, knew what they were getting into. "The non-parental bail sureties have entered voluntarily into a highly publicized criminal proceeding by signing the individual bonds," Kaplan wrote in his ruling on Monday. At the same time, Kaplan paused on his own decision until February 7, giving Bankman-Fried and the sponsors an opportunity to appeal because of the "novel" legal issues at stake, he wrote. Bankman-Fried's bail package includes a $250 million bond secured by his parents' home in Palo Alto, California, and also involves the two additional sponsors who put up a combined $700,000, according to a court filing this month. According to the rules of their bail agreement, one of those additional sponsors couldn't be a family member, according to court filings. Bankman-Fried's attorneys have sought to keep the names and addresses of the two non-parent sponsors under seal. They've argued in court filings that Bankman-Fried's parents have been subject to harassment, and that the two other sureties would be as well if they were publicly identified. A group of media organizations, including Insider, argued that the public had a right to know who was bankrolling Bankman-Fried's bail. "Given Mr. Bankman-Fried's relationships and access to some of the most wealthy, powerful, and politically connected individuals, including elected officials, access to the identity of the bond sureties will bolster trust in the judicial process here," the news organizations, represented by Jeremy A. Chase and Alexandra Settelmayer at the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, argued in a filing earlier this month. Story continues In December, federal prosecutors in New York unveiled 8 counts against Bankman-Fried, including wire fraud and conspiracy charges, in what they characterized as an effort to "misappropriate billions of dollars" of FTX customer funds. Prosecutors have also pursued others in his orbit, and secured plea deals in December with Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Bankman-Fried's separate firm Alameda Research, and with FTX co-founder Gary Wang. In his Monday decision, Kaplan weighed whether the bail documents qualified as "judicial documents" that normally have a presumption of public access, and considered whether the sponsors had countervailing privacy interests. "If the names of the non-parental sureties are disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that those individuals would become subject to publicity that they would prefer not to attract," Kaplan wrote. "That is entitled to some consideration, especially in a case which has the notoriety that this one has attracted." "But that alone does not do the trick," Kaplan continued. A representative for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Julia Fox has revealed why keeping her New York City apartment has helped her son become more in touch with the real world despite her life in the spotlight. In a recent video on her TikTok, Fox responded to a troll who claimed that she was worth 30 million dollars. The remark was a comment on the New York City apartment tour video she recently conducted on the platform in an effort to give maximum transparency to her fans about her not-so luxurious space. After noting in her clip that she didnt expect [her] apartment tour to go so viral, she shut down the claim that shes worth $30 million. Not even close, she said. I dont give a f***. I dont need $30 million, what does one person need $30 million for? Ive survived on a lot less and Im doing just fine. The 32-year-old actor explained that the criticsm around her apartment shouldnt be that deep since its the place where she first welcomed her now two-year-old, Valentino, whom she shares with ex-husband Peter Artemiev. This just happens to be the apartment that I took my son home from the hospital from, she said. Its just home. It really is Valentinos apartment. Its like a sentimental thing. She went on to explain that while she could probably afford a bigger place, she still thinks that her current apartment could give her child a sense of normalcy. I dont want him to grow up and be like a f***ing prick, Fox continued. I want him to be in touch with the real world. Because I grew up in the real world, believe it or not. So I just want my son to have the same. The Uncut Gems star noted that while fans have assumed that she buys nice s**t, she actually doesnt. More specifically, she said the couture she does wear is borrowed and that her clothes are usually made by young designers, who are just starting out. The model concluded her video by calling out the positive reviews shes received about her apartment tour. Story continues It really warms my heart that so many people relate, she said. I used to be an aesthetic queen and want my space curated perfectly or a certain way. But now I realised theres more to life. I dont give a f***. As of 31 January, Foxs video has more than 3.3m views, with fans in the comments praising her perspective and criticising any trolls who mocked her apartment. People are mad when celebs are out of touch, and also mad when theyre just like us I guess? one wrote. Youre so real for this, thats why youre the only influencer I follow, another added. A third said: Its only you and your son, I dont get it, why do they think you need an empty mansion. TikTok users also emphasised how much they enjoyed seeing Foxs space, one of which wrote: I loved the apt tour. I thought it was refreshing and its an actual HOME that is lived in and loved. Fox first gave a glimpse of her one-bedroom apartment on TikTok earlier this week, describing it as very underwhelming because she doesnt like having excessive displays of wealth in her home. @juliafox Come with me on a very underwhelming apartment tour! also to clarify I have only ONE mouse and hes cute original sound - Julia fox They make me feel icky, especially people that have really big houses. Its just really wasteful when theres so many homeless people in this country, she said. Im just not really like that. In the tour, the native New Yorker revealed that she put her bed in the living room so she could turn the bedroom into a playroom for Valentino. She also showcased her little bathroom and kitchen, which had shoeboxes in it. Fox confessed that similar to many New Yorkers, she has a minor mouse problem, which she tries to view as a positive thing. I appreciate that at night, while were sleeping, they come out and clean up the crumbs that my son drops on the floor, she said. Im not gonna evict the mice any time soon. Photo: Glacier Media A man who tormented staff at North Vancouver's Lynn Valley Care Centre with dozens of hoax phone calls early in the pandemic was convicted Friday in BC Supreme Court for trapping a man in a Richmond apartment and subjecting the victim to assault and humiliation for more than a day. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes found Taymour Aghtai, 28, guilty of sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon, extortion, unlawful confinement and use of an imitation firearm in relation to the unlawful confinement. At the time of the crimes, six months after the Lynn Valley Care Centre hoax calls, Aghtai was operating a business buying and selling merchandise from his home. The victim, who he had known since they were teenagers, occasionally supplied or purchased items. The victim, whose name is protected by a publication ban, testified during the trial that once he arrived at the apartment near the Richmond Olympic Oval on Sept. 4, 2020, Aghtai hit him on the head from behind, and restrained him with handcuffs and zap straps. He said Aghtai and others assaulted and humiliated over the course of 30 hours until he escaped. The man testified that Aghtai was not the main aggressor, but played a very significant role, Holmes said. Aghtai denied the charges. Holmes said that he testified the man willingly stayed at the apartment, and was at no time subjected to any restraint, violence or abuse of any type that Mr. Aghtai inflicted or witnessed. Holmes found the evidence showed beyond a reasonable doubt that Aghtai kept the man restrained physically and sometimes used threats and intimidation against the victim. For instance, Aghtai fired bear spray directly into the victims mouth and was a party to the pistol-whipping of a man with an imitation firearm. Holmes said that he also aided and encouraged a sexual assault with a broom handle, recording it on video and laughing while he did so. Aghtai also committed extortion by aiding and abetting another man to use threats of violence to induce the victim to have or simulate intercourse with a dog, which was also recorded. She found the victim to be a better witness than Aghtai. Some of the offences on Mr. Aghtai's criminal record, such as conveying a false message with intent to alarm, and obtaining by false pretenses, and fraud, of falsehood at their core, Holmes said. This, too, weighs against Mr. Aghtai's credibility. He will be sentenced at a later date. Before she read her verdict, Holmes revealed the reason for adjourning Aghtais previous hearing. It was my turn to get COVID, and Im over it, Holmes said. But there is a lingering cough and occasionally it comes out of the blue and I cant stop. Holmes had managed to stay healthy while presiding over the highest-profile international and domestic BC Supreme Court white-collar cases that coincided with the pandemic: The extradition hearings for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou and the fraud and breach of trust trial of former B.C. Legislature clerk Craig James. The verdict came 11 days after a judge in North Vancouver Provincial Court reserved sentencing of Aghtai for public mischief and two counts of conveying a false message with intent to alarm. Aghtai had pleaded guilty in December 2021 to making 63 malicious crank calls to four managers, six nurses and two administrators at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in March 2020. The Crown recommended a sentence of two years less a day, plus three years probation. Aghtais defence lawyer asked for a 16-to-18-month sentence. Sentencing was originally scheduled for October, but Aghtai refused to leave his cell before the hearing. Provincial Court heard Jan. 16 that a 2014 psychological assessment concluded that Aghtai was a narcissistic, anti-social alcohol abuser with psychopathic tendencies. Aghtai has a criminal record dating back to 2008 for making hoax phone calls that falsely alleged heinous crimes or impersonated police officers. He also has a record of assault, robbery, break and enter, confinement and weapons offences, and violating court orders. In 2020, he stole personal protective equipment from a seniors care home and escaped lawful custody at Richmond Hospital where he assaulted two corrections officers by threatening them with a contaminated syringe. Kansas City, Kansas, police on Monday announced a homicide investigation involving a case of a man fatally shot during a suspected burglary attempt earlier in January. The shooting occurred Jan. 22 in the 10900 block of Hubbard Road, said Nancy Chartrand, a spokeswoman for KCKPD. Police officers were initially dispatched there by a homeowner who reported intruders at their home. During the 911 call, the homeowner reported to police that another resident had shot one of the suspected intruders. Responding police officers found 32-year-old Deven Monaghan, of KCK, critically injured by gunshot wounds outside of the home. He was taken by ambulance to an area hospital and died there two days later, Chartrand said. The Major Case Unit was investigating. Anyone with information was asked to contact the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. The homicide investigation announced by KCKPD on Monday is one of two in the city since 2023 began, according to data maintained by The Star. On the afternoon of Jan. 27, police officers found one gunshot victim, described as a female, dead inside a vehicle in the 6100 block of Haskell Avenue after being called there in response to a reported shooting. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the shooting event as taking place during a home invasion. Police say the man was shot outside the home. Update: Police said Tuesday morning that Lily Launer had been found. Kansas City police were asking the public for help Monday evening to find a 14-year-old girl who did not return home from school. Lily Launer, 14, was last seen near Northwest Congress Avenue and Northwest Barry Road after leaving school around 3 p.m. Monday, police said in a statement. She was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue sweatpants and rainbow-colored shoes, police said. Runaway/Endangered Juvenile Attempting to locate Lily Launer, white/female, 14 yoa, 508, 150 lbs She was last seen leaving school on todays date at approximately 3pm wearing black hoodie, blue sweatpants, and rainbow colored Vans. pic.twitter.com/p0Qcm2FIzX kcpolice (@kcpolice) January 31, 2023 Launer is described by police as a white female, 5-foot-8 and about 150 pounds. Police were asking anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact the Juvenile Section at 816-234-5150. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's foreign ministry criticised Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Tuesday for saying Crimea would never return to Ukrainian control, describing his comment as "unacceptable." Russia seized the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and Kyiv has said it will not abandon efforts to regain control of the region. In remarks on Monday detailing his objection to Zagreb providing military aid to Kyiv, Milanovic said it was "clear that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine". "We consider as unacceptable the statements of the president of Croatia, who effectively cast doubt on the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko wrote on Facebook. In the same statement, Nikolenko thanked the Croatian government and people for backing Ukraine's since Russia's invasion in February last year. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has openly voiced support for Ukraine. "We highly appreciate and thank the government of Croatia and the Croatian people for their steadfast support of Ukrainians in the fight against Russian aggression," Nikolenko wrote. (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Lafayette Police Department LAFAYETTE, Ind. On Monday, police arrested a 14-year-old girl at Tecumseh Junior High School after she sent a photo of a gun over Snapchat and allegedly made threats to shoot another student. The incident occurred over the weekend, but it was not reported to law enforcement until Monday, after the student, a 13-year-old boy, informed school officials about the Snapchat messages, according to police. School officials were informed of this information shortly after the school day started, at which time the school called the Lafayette Police Department. LPD investigated the boys claim, and then arrest the 14-year-old girl early Monday morning at Tecumseh Junior High School, who was also a student at that school, according to police. It was a direct threat to one student, not a threat to the school, LPD Lt. Justin Hartman said. We investigated right when the student came forward with the message and showed it to school authorities. We took the investigation right then and made an arrest pretty quick on it. Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette middle school student arrested for threating to shoot classmate Before the beauty community could even take a breath after the backlash against Tarte Cosmetics infamous influencer trip to Dubai, TikTok creator Mikayla Nogueira stepped up and said, Hold my mascara. Nogueira, who is arguably one of the top beauty influencers on TikTok right now, posted a TikTok on Jan. 24 about LOreals telescopic lengthening mascara. The video was hashtagged with #LorealParisPartner, and Nogueira herself is no stranger to posting beauty product ads that are styled similarly to her genuine product review videos. These are the lashes of my dreams! Nogueira captioned the video. Ironically, according to her followers, they are certainly lashes that dont exist in reality. Nogueira has been accused of wearing false lashes when advertising the strengths of the mascara. The ad, which is still up on Nogueiras TikTok as of this writing, is being dubbed lashlighting a play off of gaslighting. im so deep into mikayla nogueira lashgate bestie really thought she was fooling us,, i know ardell wispies when i see them miss girl pic.twitter.com/nVeV2Ihf13 jade (@Iatenightdevil) January 25, 2023 Many, many other creators took to their platforms to break down why they thought Nogueira was wearing fake lashes. Ashley Gonzalez, a lash artist with her own line of lashes, pointed out what she thought was a separation between Nogueiras real lashes and the alleged fake ones in the video. I just want to share my professional opinion, and lets be 100%, there is no disputing that she used strips, Gonzalez wrote in the caption. A Reddit post speculated that Nogueiras follower count has been fluctuating since Lashgate which contradicted fan assumptions that she would only lose followers. The user included screenshots from TokCount, a live follower count tool that sources its data from TikTok, although it is not affiliated with the app or its owner, ByteDance. Story continues Other users pointed to Social Blade, which is another tool that breaks down the analytics of social media accounts like YouTube and TikTok, and accused Nogueira of buying followers during the month of January. According to Social Blades findings, Nogueiras TikTok account increased from 14.2 million to 14.4 million followers from Jan. 14 to Jan. 31. Like TokCount, the platform is not part of YouTube or TikTok, and while Social Blade is pretty well known, its follow-count tracking has been found to not be 100% accurate. Similar to with the Tarte Dubai trip, the backlash against Nogueira raises the question of whether LOreal actually benefited from the ad. The video and, subsequently, the mascara has been one of the top trending stories in the last week. Does it work? Its been proven that outrage drives clicks and profit, so could this have been some genius scheme to sell mascara? Studies have found that this marketing tactic of using influencers and their platforms to sell products, whether or not it aligns with their overall branding does not work on the younger generation. Gen Z is aware of influencer marketing strategies adopted by brands; however, they expect the brands and influencers to behave responsibly while sharing information, a Psychology & Marketing article reported. Followers have avoided or unfollowed influencers because of disingenuous endorsements, the promotion of unrealistic or unsustainable lifestyles, and misrepresentation. The timing for LOreal and Nogueira couldnt be worse, as searches and calls for de-influencing have skyrocketed across social platforms in response to users feeling overwhelmed with overconsumption and influencer inauthenticity. The hashtag for the movement currently has over 56 million views on TikTok. De-influencing is intended to be a way to slow down the nonstop trend cycle nature of TikTok and encourage shoppers to be more sustainable and thoughtful when it comes to purchases. Its intended to be about recognizing that influencers are in partnerships with the brands theyre praising and typically get the products for free. But de-influencing is being conflated with bashing bad products, which is a subjective point of view and not the point of the movement. Influencers and brands can and should be taking the opportunity to examine marketing strategies because they are not working anymore. Nogueira, who used to be considered a legitimate beauty expert by her millions of followers, lost her credibility in just one 44-second video. Was it worth the LOreal partnership? In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! The post Lashlighting, de-influencing and why beauty brands are failing Gen Z appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: Jaclyn Hill responds to internet conspiracy theories that she's holding stranger's cat 'hostage' Are influencer beauty trips even effective anymore? Remi Bader, Jameela Jamil among influencers speaking out against Hollywood's 'wonder drug,' Ozempic The latest week of Operation Consequences mainly targeted Victorville, resulting in felony arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms, sheriffs officials said. Sheriffs officials said the latest week of Operation Consequences mainly targeted Victorville, resulting in felony arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms. Authorities also revealed its participation in Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, a statewide human trafficking rescue operation. Operation Consequences The latest seven-day operation ended on Jan. 27 and saw targeted crime suppression at the following locations: 13000 Block of Mesa Linda Road, Victorville 13400 Block of Baylor Drive, Victorville 15300 Block of Village Drive, Victorville 13800 Block of Dahlgren Drive, Victorville 12600 Block of Mariposa Road, Victorville 16500 Block of Bear Valley Road, Victorville 13500 Block of El Evado Road, Victorville 15000 Block of Tatum Road, Victorville 14100 Block of Riviera Drive, Victorville 14400 Block of Seventh Street, Victorville 15300 Block of Bear Valley Road, Victorville 12600 Block of Navajo Road, Apple Valley 16400 Block of Main Street, Hesperia 18600 Block of Juniper Street, Hesperia 2700 Block of Duncan Road, Phelan 34000 Block of County Line Road, Yucaipa 34200 Block of Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa 34400 Block of Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa 11400 Block of Mission Vista Drive, Rancho Cucamonga 3000 Block of Chardonnay Way, Jurupa Valley 4900 Block of N Acacia Avenue, San Bernardino 1000 Block of West Evans Street, San Bernardino 600 Block of E Third Street, San Bernardino The latest week of Operation Consequences mainly targeted Victorville, resulting in felony arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms, sheriffs officials said. Investigators conducted the one-week operation with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Gangs/Narcotics Division, Specialized Enforcement Division, and multiple patrol stations. Additionally, with assistance from the SBC Probation Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. During the week, 34 search warrants were served, and investigators made 24 felony arrests and seized 31 firearms, three unserialized or ghost guns. Story continues Also, 28 pounds of methamphetamine and one-half pound of cocaine were located and seized. Operation Reclaim & Rebuild As part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the SBC Human Trafficking Task Force participated in Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, which focuses on rescuing victims of sexual slavery and human trafficking. Over the past week, investigators served six search warrants connected to human trafficking. Also, 21 arrests were made, and 14 victims were rescued and provided with resources. The operation also provided victims with much-needed services, identifying and arresting their captors, seeking successful prosecutions, and disrupting the demand for vulnerable victims by targeting their customers. To report activities or concerns related to human trafficking, contact the SBC Human Trafficking Task Force at 909-387-8400 or by email at humantrafficking@sbcsd.org. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME, or you may leave the information on the WE-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Latest Operation Consequences mainly targets Victorville Gitanas Nauseda believes that drawing new Speaking to television channel LRT TV on Jan. 30, Nauseda said that in the context of Russian aggression, it was inappropriate to talk about any "red lines" in this matter with regard to the Kremlin regime. Read also: Lithuania extends EUR 40 million in military aid to Ukraine "I have seen many red lines that have been drawn, and sometimes I even have the impression that these red lines are not drawn by us, the Western countries, the democracies, but that it is the terrorist state of Russia that is trying to draw them through fear and threats, and it is trying to impose them," Nauseda said. The Lithuanian leader noted that many Western countries, including Germany, had previously ruled out supplying Ukraine with anything more substantial than helmets and bulletproof vests, but now they are preparing to transfer heavily armored vehicles. Read also: Ukraines path towards NATO membership should persist despite war, Lithuania says "This Rubicon has been crossed, so I do hope that this red line if it really exists, and I think it exists only in our heads will also be crossed," Nauseda said, emphasizing the extreme importance of military assistance to Ukraine "at this crucial stage in the war." Read also: Poland and Lithuania will insist on security guarantees for Ukraine, Polands Duda says Hungary and Austria, on the other hand, are categorically opposed to providing any weapons to the Ukrainian army, according to the Osterreich newspaper. During a meeting between the defense ministers of the two countries, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky and Klaudia Tanner, the parties declared that military aid to Ukraine could lead to an "escalation. According to the Hungarian minister, this could result in the conflict spreading to other European states. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Photo: The Canadian Press A national Indigenous organization is calling on Canadian police forces to make "fundamental changes" to end brutality against members of racialized groups in the country. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples says the case of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was brutally beaten by police during a traffic stop earlier this month in the Memphis, Tenn., and later died, is a reminder of the systemic police brutality in both the United States and Canada. National Chief Elmer St. Pierre says racism and discrimination are the roots of police brutality against racialized people. He says police officers should learn how de-escalate tense situations rather than using violence. Last week, several Canadian police chiefs condemned the death of Nichols and said the officers involved must be held accountable. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples says all Canadian police forces need to "acknowledge the wrongs of the past" there have been several notable cases of police brutality against members of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities in Canada in recent years. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told LRT TV that NATO countries should not have "red lines" and supply Ukraine with the weapons it needs to win the war against Russia. The president explained that many of the so-called red lines that the West is afraid to cross were drawn by Russia. Nauseda also pointed out that Ukraines EU candidacy, which was once considered non-negotiable, is now a serious possibility. According to the Lithuanian president, the threats of Russian escalation only serve to frighten the west from sending more fighter jets, tanks, missiles, and other necessary weapons to Ukraine. Because fighter jets and long-range missiles are essential military aid, and at this crucial stage in the war, where the turning point is about to happen, it is vital that we act without delay, he said. Lithuania recently pledged to transfer L70 anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine. The country has also committed to training Ukrainian soldiers and restoring Ukrainian military equipment. Nauseda and Polish President Andrzej Duda recently visited Ukraine and reaffirmed both countries commitment to aiding Ukraine in the long term. Disabled TV presenter Sophie Morgan says British Airways broke her wheelchair. (Getty) Loose Women star Sophie Morgan has claimed that British Airways broke her wheelchair in transit. The broadcaster, who requires a wheelchair at all times after suffering a spinal injury at 18, says the airline damaged her chair on a flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow. Taking to Instagram to detail the experience, Morgan said: "Landed at Heathrow with a bang. Someone - no one took responsibility - decided to attach my wheelchair and my batec (battery-powered attachment) whilst in transit (they were checked in separately, in two parts, unattached) and they have done so a) without permission and b) COMPLETELY WRONG!!!" Read more: Disabled TV presenter Sophie Morgan abandoned on empty plane for 40 minutes She continued: "It took over half an hour to "break" them apart, all that time I had to sit on an aisle chair that was NOT safe and I didnt know if I would be able to get back into my chair. Eventually, they broke them apart and I got back into my chair and reattached the batec but its not safe to use. I then discovered more damage." Sophie Morgan was traveling from LA to London when her wheelchair was broken in transit. (Alamy) Morgan also explained her poor experience with British Airways customer service: "And what was I told to do by BRITISH AIRWAYS!? Send an email via the website.This has GOT TO STOP. Thousands of chairs are damaged by airlines every year. Its #JustPlaneWrong." Yahoo has contacted British Airways for a response. Morgan's Loose Women panelist Charlene White shared her dismay at the situation on Twitter calling the incident 'unacceptable'. This is unacceptable Sophie. Livid youve had to deal with this. Were on the @loosewomen panel together tomorrow right? Well definitely talk about it more then this shouldnt be happening xx https://t.co/kEKexxjL5W Charlene White (@CharleneWhite) January 31, 2023 Since her injury in 2003, Morgan has been a vocal campaigner for disability rights and also designed a mannequin for wheelchair users for retailers to use in shops. Story continues As well as making several appearances on Loose Women since 2021, Morgan has also been a part of Channel 4's broadcasting team for the Paralympic Games since 2012. Sophie Morgan tests out a robot walking system. (Getty Images) Morgan has also fronted documentaries on disabled models, road accidents and transport issues for disabled people. Watch below: London 'working on plan' to bring Olympics and Paralympics back to capital. Watch: Lorraine Kelly laughs at Matt Hancock's TV presenting hopes Lorraine Kelly has revealed Matt Hancock turned down an invitation to appear on her show as she laughed at suggestions he may become a host of Good Morning Britain. The Scottish TV star - who previously called the former health secretary a "pound shop Milk Tray man" - made no attempt to hide her dislike for Hancock as she discussed his latest GMB interview with hosts Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid as they handed over to her on the ITV show. Kelly, 63, chuckled: "I think he has [kept his distance]. I mean he did have an invite but he funnily enough didn't pop in and say hello." Read more: Matt Hancock confronted by Kate Garraway on GMB over I'm A Celeb appearance Lorraine Kelly thought Matt Hancock's TV presenting aspirations were a joke. During Hancock's lengthy interview on the ITV breakfast show Reid asked him if he aspired to become a guest co-host, a question he declined to answer yes or no to. Kelly laughed and shook her head as she said: "I thought you showed great restraint there." She joked: "Richard - I'd be worried for your job! He's coming after you! He didn't say no, did he?" Kelly went on: "I think maybe he thought this morning was an audition. But who knows? "For goodness sake, can you imagine? That would be interesting handovers in the morning, wouldn't it?" Matt Hancock did not deny he would like to become a TV presenter on GMB. (ITV) She then burst out laughing. She later said on her show that Hancock "did squirm, a lot" during the interview. Hancock told Good Morning Britain he did not do I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! "primarily" for the money, but "to try to show who I am." He admitted he would like to go into TV presenting and make documentaries on matters he thought were "important". Lorraine Kelly was not keen on the idea of Matt Hancock working on GMB. (ITV) Reid asked him: "Would you like to host Good Morning Britain? Is that what this is about? Do you want to sit in the Piers Morgan 'mincer' chair? You're laughing. Is that what you're after?" Read more: Lorraine Kelly mocks 'pound shop Milk Tray man' Matt Hancock after tell-all interview Hancock said: "No, I'm not going to be applying for your job. You do it too well." (Bloomberg) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva turned down a German request to send ammunition to Ukraine as part of the international effort to help Kyiv repel the Russian invasion. Most Read from Bloomberg Brazil has no interest in passing on ammunition so that it will be used in the war, Lula told reporters at a press conference in Brasilia alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz has been trying to rally support for Ukraine during a four-day visit to South America after agreeing earlier this month to send German battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles and a Patriot missile battery to the government in Kyiv. While the front lines in the conflict have been relatively stable so far this year, Russia has been attacking residential areas and the Ukrainian power grid with missiles, and both sides are looking to build up their supplies ahead of renewed fighting expected in the spring. It is right and remains right that many countries in the world support Ukraine, with humanitarian aid, but also with weapons, Scholz said at the end of his trip on Tuesday in Brasilia. His team was surprised by the hard line Lula took on the issue during their meeting, a German official said, asking not to be identified discussing private conversations. Chilean President Gabriel Boric offered the clearest response to Scholzs appeals, condemning President Vladimir Putins war of aggression. We will always defend multilateralism, the peaceful solution of conflicts and, above all, the validity of human rights, Boric said after meeting with Scholz in Santiago Sunday. Boric said he had promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to help with the clearing of land mines after the war. Story continues I am very thankful for Chiles clear position on this question and really also touched because it is important that there are states which help to argue here with a clear position, Scholz said at a joint presser with Boric. It is also important that there are other democracies in South America which share this view. In Argentina, however, Scholz was less successful, with President Alberto Fernandez refusing to offer any military assistance follow a meeting in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The chancellor and I wish for peace to return to the region as soon as possible, Fernandez said. Blaming Zelenskiy Scholz has tried to establish a rapport with the South American leaders by talking about his own experiences on their continent. In Buenos Aires, he told his audience that he had first visited Argentina in the 1980s as a young Socialist and then again later as a tourist in Patagonia. In Santiago, he recalled a visit to Chile during the final phase of the Pinochet dictatorship. On his last stop in Brasilia, he encountered in Lula a leader who remains ambivalent about the Russian invasion and who has in the past criticized Zelenskiy and blamed him for the conflict. Lula, in line with Brazils traditional foreign policy, likes to portray himself as a mediator of conflicts in a multipolar world, rather than an automatic ally of the US and the European Union. A German government official suggested that Lulas reluctance to condemn Putin may also be shaped by the large quantity of fertilizers that Brazilian farmers buy from Russia. At their joint appearance, Scholz said that many countries, including Brazil, could get drawn into territorial conflicts if other leaders decided to leaf through the history books like Putin - a reference to the Russian leaders claims on Ukrainian territory, which are disputed by many academics. Brazil does not want to have any participation, even indirect, Lula said. We should be looking for who can help to find peace between Russia and Ukraine. (Updates with comment from Scholz in fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim demanded Goldman Sachs Group Inc. honor its settlement with the government for its role in the 1MDB scandal and vowed to gradually lower the nations debt in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions Haslinda Amin. Most Read from Bloomberg In the wide-ranging interview, his first with international media since taking office last year, Anwar spoke about his fragile coalition, the role of his family in the government and Malaysias desire to balance geopolitical competition between the US and China. Below is a transcript of the interview with Anwar. Some of the questions and answers on a variety of topics have been edited for length and clarity: Q: Your political journey has been extraordinary to say the least. You were touted as the future prime minister of the country from as far back as 1997. More than 20 years on how does it feel to finally be premier? Waiting in the corridors of power is of course an experience by itself because you observe the players. Its like King Lear with Cordelia looking at the stage and you learn from the strengths and weaknesses of your foes, and hopefully when youre in office you try and improve, and do your best to serve. Q: Youve inherited a nation thats so divisive. You saw the first hung of parliament, a country tainted by the long standing 1MDB scandal. How do you regain credibility? Its not just 1MDB but this corruption is systemic, as Ive said, which means it cuts across the whole spectrum of particularly the political elite, and therefore you have to set a good example. There are political leaders who are not there for money and avoid all cases of corruption, abuse. People are fed up with the situation and Malaysia shouldnt be known for its financial scandals or malfeasance. It should be known for its vibrant, multiracial society with a capacity to move forward. Story continues Q: So what can be done in the first 100 days of your government? From the first day you must give a clear message: no more corruption, no more negotiating tenders, no more abuse, and you remain consistent for days and weeks and months and years. Im sure the people will decide not only your favor, but the favor of a new narrative, a new policy. Q: No more corruption you say, and yet here you are tied up with Barisan Nasional whose party chief faces multiple charges. Is there a disconnect there? He has been investigated and charged is undergoing trial and the court should decide independently. I made very clear that the courts are independent and I do not think I should prejudge the case. But it shouldnt be just purely political. Why refer to him personally when Ive said that the system is corrupt. Theres so many other political leaders who have been abusing their positions: former prime ministers, former finance ministers, by the hundreds and millions of dollars. Q: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi faces 47 counts of corruption. He is your deputy prime minister. Im not here to discuss his case. I am here to suggest that the court process must be independent and he must be given a chance the fairness to be adjudicated by an independent, impartial court. Q: What if you lose your deputy prime minister? What if Zahid is found guilty and sent to prison? Let us move on. We have to work from day one, to ensure that the system that we have has good governance, and that the system is free from corrupt leaders. And I think to be fair, they have observed these rules now. Theres not one trace I can find from any of my team now trying to squander through contracts or projects and Im fine with that. People should judge me from the last two months. Q: How stable is your government? What is important is has been tested in Parliament and we secured a two-thirds majority which is stronger. I dont need a two-thirds majority. I need a comfortable or strong majority. There is no indication that there is friction within the coalition. For now the government is stable. It has not been this stable for the last 10-15 years. Thats good enough for Malaysia. Q: Some people are taking issue that your daughter Nurul Izzah is a senior adviser to economic and financial affairs. Your wife is a member of parliament. Is that too much family in the government? Azizah is in her own evolution. She is not just pampered. She struggled, stood the test with the party, with reformasi over the last 20 over years and she is now an ordinary member of parliament. Is that a big deal? Nurul Izzah is now an advisor. Shes qualified. Shes not being paid for the job. Shes someone I trust to help me out. She can deliver. Shes not abusing her position. Shes not using it to try and abscond some funds to give your cronies. That is a sickness and the rotten system we inherited, and she is there together with many other colleagues of mine to try and dismantle that. Q: Is there is too much competition against China? We dont have that problem. We would use our potential and whatever little influence to try and engage with everyone. We also express in private some of our concerns with China or the United States for that matter, but then overall we want to remain good friends to both. Q: Who should bear the bulk of the responsibility for the rising antagonism between the US and China? I dont necessarily need to assess that because our hope is that there should be more engagement to resolve this outstanding problem, because the continued resentment and antagonism into these countries are affecting a smaller country like Malaysia and Asean adversely, so it is to our interest and to the international community if they can have an amicable resolution to this tense relationship. Q: On Ukraine, do you see the need for President Zelenskiy to start negotiating earlier rather than later for the greater good of the world? We have been consistently in favor of negotiations. However tough and difficult you must never fear to negotiate. (Updates with additional remarks from Anwar. An earlier version corrected a reference to Anwars wife Wan Azizah.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Jacob Dan Davidson of Centerburg, who was arrested following a Nov. 11 shootout with Bucyrus police, will be held without bail following a hearing Monday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. A Licking County man who escaped custody after being arrested following a shootout with Bucyrus police will be held without bail, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold ruled Monday. Leuthold also ordered a competency evaluation for Jacob Dan Davidson, 38, 15715 Sinkey Road, Centerburg, during the hearing Monday. Davidson, who was arrested by Bucyrus police following a Nov. 11 shootout, was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 15 on charges of felonious assault, a first-degree felony; disrupting public services, a fourth-degree felony; improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises, a third-degree felony. Bail originally was set at $2.5 million, Leuthold said. Because of a constitutional amendment approved by Ohio voters in November, guidelines for how bond is set have changed since Davidson's original arrest. Davidson, who is being represented by attorney Jerry W. Thompson, escaped from Twin Valley Behavioral Health Hospital on Columbus' west side on Dec. 29, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol. He was recaptured a few days later in West Virginia. In denying Davidson bail, Leuthold said there was "clear and convincing evidence that he opened fire on police, and was basically well-armed and prepared for a firefight." Coupled with the fact that Davidson has mental health issues, "there's clearly, clearly, without question" evidence the defendant poses "a substantial risk of serious harm to any person or the community, because it's just random shooting; no one is safe." Leuthold added there's no "reasonable expectation" that imposing conditions on his release, such house arrest, would be sufficient to ensure the public's safety. In Morrow County, shooting victim was struck in the face Leuthold's ruling followed testimony by Detective Tyler Winkelman of the Crawford County Sheriff's Office regarding events leading to Davidson's arrest. Story continues Winkelman, who said he had reviewed reports and video recordings pertaining to the case, testified that on Nov. 11, the sheriff's office received a 911 call from a woman who said she had just been shot at, and "ultimately her car was struck and she was struck in the face." The woman called her husband, whose vehicle also was stuck by gunfire, Winkelman said. Deputies discovered the shooting had taken place in Morrow County, just south of the county line on Iberia Road near Galion. In Crawford County, they found signs that someone had been shooting at high-voltage power lines. Another driver reported someone had fired at his vehicle. Detective Tyler Winkelman of the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, right, testifies during a bond-setting hearing for Jacob Dan Davidson of Centerburg in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday. The sheriff's department issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert, and Bucyrus police Officer Devin Wireman attempted to stop a vehicle that "somewhat matched the description, had a broken out rear window; the driver was wearing a helmet and he observed a long gun inside the vehicle," Winkleman said. As Wireman attempted to stop the SUV, the driver stopped and shots were exchanged before officers were able to arrest the shooter, later identified as Davidson. No one was injured in the shootout but one bullet struck a helmet worn by Davidson, Bucyrus police reported afterward. The T-F has previously reported that Davidson is also a suspect in Licking County for firing upon and damaging a public utilities station, according to Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp. Davidson's Sinkey Road address is in the northwest corner of Licking County. Davidson has not been charged in connection with the shootings in Morrow County, Winkleman said. Two firearms, both rifles or long guns, were found in Davidson's car, along with matching shell casings, he said. "I do believe the state has met its burden of clear and convincing evidence that the defendant did commit the F1, clear and convincing evidence that he poses a substantial risk of physical harm to the community and that there is no absolutely no term or condition I could set that would maintain safety," Leuthold said in issuing his ruling. "These are random shootings; this isn't a situation where there's motive, where the defendant knew the person, had dislike for the person. This is a situation where, for no discernable reason at least so far, the defendant just started taking shots at property and at people," said the judge, who stressed Monday's session was bond hearing and "has nothing to do with the trial." Competency evaluation ordered Also during Monday's hearing, Leuthold also ordered that Davidson be evaluated to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Jacob Davidson, right, who was arrested following a Nov. 11 shootout with Bucyrus police, will be held without bail following a hearing Monday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. His attorney is Jerry W. Thompson, left. On Nov. 21, a written plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and request for competency evaluation was filed with the court, Leuthold said. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 27, but did not take place because Davidson had been transferred to Twin Valley Behavioral Center for a mental evaluation. The hearing was rescheduled, but on Dec. 29, the defendant escaped from Twin Valley. "Whether legally it's an escape or not, it's not for me to decide," the judge noted. Following extradition proceedings, he was returned to the Crawford County Jail on Jan. 23, and Monday's hearing was scheduled. If Davidson is found competent to stand trial, evaluators will then attempt to determine his mental state at the time of the offense, Leuthold explained. Once he received those reports, a hearing will be scheduled within 10 days, he said. ggoble@gannett.com 419-559-7263 This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus shootout suspect will be held without bond, judge rules A man armed with an AR-15 style rifle and 13 ammunition magazines opened fire in an Omaha, Nebraska, Target store Tuesday before he was killed by a responding officer, police said. The shooting just before noon sent customers running out of the store or hiding in fitting rooms, but no one else appears to have been shot. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said 911 calls were made shortly before noon local time about an active-shooter inside the store, which prompted a heavy police response from local, state and federal authorities. "The first arriving officers went into the building, confronted the suspect and shot him dead," Schmaderer said during a news conference. Police officers gather outside a Target store in Omaha, Neb. (Josh Funk / AP) Police said the man, who has not been identified, fired inside the store and was fatally shot by an Omaha police officer. "He had an AR-15 rifle with him and plenty of ammunition," Schmaderer said. Omaha police officers and a Nebraska State Trooper entered the Target and encountered the gunman with the rifle, police said. Officers issued numerous loud verbal commands ordering the suspect to drop the rifle, the police department said in a statement Tuesday evening. An Omaha officer fired their handgun at the gunman, killing him, according to police. At least 29 people called 911, police said. Some customers ran outside when gunshots were heard. Jasmine Gascar told NBC affiliate WOWT of Omaha that she was in a fitting room and hid there. Others rushed in to hide as well. She reported hearing between 10 to 15 shots. "I was sure I was going to die. I was sure," Gascar told the station. She texted people and told them that she loved them. Investigators conducted sweeps of the store but did not find any victims, and as of Tuesday night no one had arrived at local hospitals on their own, police said. Mayor Jean Stothert said that police saved lives by their response. Target said in a statement that all employees and customers safely evacuated from the store, and the company thanked police. Target will provide counseling to workers, it said. Police said the gunman will be identified once next of kin is notified. The investigation is ongoing, the department said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The family is Anthony Lowe Jr is calling for justice after the 36-year-old double amputee was shot and killed by police officers in Huntington Beach, California, last Thursday afternoon. In a confrontation captured on video by a bystander and posted to social media, Mr Lowe, who uses a wheelchair, is seen holding a knife and scrambling away from multiple police officers who appear to be pointing weapons at him. Shortly thereafter, police shot Mr Lowe multiple times and killed him. You guys knew your lives wasnt in danger, Mr Lowes cousin Ellakenyada Gorum told KCAL in Los Angeles. Hes running on his limbs. How cold-hearted could they be? The Huntington Park Police Department told the television station that its officers responded to a call around 3:45 on Thursday afternoon from a man who reported that he had been stabbed by a man in a wheelchair. After police arrived at the scene, they found and confronted Mr Lowe. Police said the officers first attempted to taser Mr Lowe, but were unable to stop him from threatening them with the knife. Next, they shot him. The video below may be upsetting, but does not include footage of the shooting itself. My cousin got this a few days ago. The gun shots happen a few seconds after he stop recording. Im not sure what the backstory is. #huntingtonpark #hppd #policeshooting #wheelchair #LASD pic.twitter.com/TXaY61a0in WaFlo (@WaFlo998) January 28, 2023 To Mr Lowes family, the notion that police had to fatally shoot Mr Lowe to protect themselves strains credulity. Story continues Be realistic about this, what could he have possibly done in a wheelchair? Mr Lowes aunt, who did not provide her name, told the television station. We want justice. The shooting of Mr Lowe, a Black man, comes as police violence prepetrated against Black Americans is once again at the forefront of the national consciousness due to the killing of Trye Nichols by police in Memphis and the killing of Keenan Anderson by police in Los Angeles. Body camera footage of Mr Nichols death released last week sparked fresh outrage over the killing in Memphis and around the country, with Americans responding by participating in protests in multiple cities. Now, Mr Lowes family and community members are calling for justice to be done in his case as well. It is not yet clear whether there is any body camera footage of the shooting of Mr Lowe. The footage of the incident captured by the bystander that is posted to social media does not include the shooting itself, while Huntington Beach officials are thus far declining to release footage captured on a nearby business security camera and turned over to the sheriff. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is assiting in the investigation into the shooting, but Ms Gorum told the television station that the family has heard little from the department so far. A man in Singapore has sued a woman who rejected him for $3m, claiming that she caused emotional trauma to his life. The man, Mr K. Kawshigan, filed his lawsuit against Ms Nora Tan after she told him she wasnt interested in a romantic relationship with him, according to Singapore-based newspaper The Straits Times. The publication reported that Kawshigan filed two lawusuits against her, including a $3 million High Court claim that alleged the woman caused damage to his stellar reputation and trauma, depression and impacts to his life. He claimed that due to the remarks she made, he lost earnings from his business partnerships and had to pay high costs for therapy in order to overcome his trauma. The second lawsuit was a $22,000 magistrates court claim in which Kawshigan alleged that Tan had breached their agreement about working on their relationship. He claimed that the breach had negatively impacted the earnings hed received as an active high-capital trader by night and a busy CEO by day. He also alleged that the breach required him to look for deeper psychological assistance. The $22,000 claim was struck out earlier this month by State Courts deputy registrar Lewis Tan, who expressed that Kawshigans claim was manifestly groundless and without foundation, per The Straits Times. His judgment was published earlier this week, in which he said: Considered in totality, I find that the present action was intentionally initiated by the claimant with the ulterior motive of vexing or oppressing the defendant by requiring her to defend various claims that fundamentally stem from the same factual matrix in different forums. This court will not be an accessory to his calculated attempt to compel engagement from the defendant who, after years of massaging the claimants unhappiness, has finally decided to stand up to his threats rather than cower and give in to his demands, he added. The magazine noted that Kawshigan and Tan first met in 2016 and then became friends. In September 2020, their friendship changed, with Tan regarding her peer as a friend while Kawshigan considered her his closest friend. Story continues Tan then told him that she needed to distance herself from the friendship and encouraged him to be self-reliant. That following month, Kawshigan sent her a letter and threatened to file a lawsuit with a claim for monetary damages arising from negligent infliction of emotional distress and possible defamation, as reported by Straits Times. Although Tan tried to have a conversation, Kawshigan told her she either had to meet his demands or face irrevocable damage to her professional reputation. Kawshigans counsellor also reached out to Tan and asked her to be a part of his sessions, which he agreed to. However, a year and a half later, she stopped going to the sessions. She started her harassment proceedings against him in April 2022. The magazine went on to note that after multiple conversations, Tam cut contact with Kawshigan in May of that year because she realised that he couldnt respect her request for boundaries. Kawshigan filed his $3m claim against her in July before filing his $22,000 claim in August. Tan has applied to strike out the $3m claim, with a pre-trial hearing set for 9 February, according to Straits Times. The U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined a Manchester contractor for failing to follow safety rules that could have prevented a trench collapse that contributed to the death of an employee who was buried during a trench collapse last summer in Vernon. The workplace safety agency said the contractor, Botticello Inc., had been warned about what inspectors called four serious trench safety violations on an earlier job in Stafford. Botticello Inc. faces $375,000 in OSHA fines, the agency said. The unidentified employee was buried when an 8-foot trench collapsed while he was connecting drainage piping at a residential development in July. OSHA had warned Botticello of the earlier violations in 2015. This deadly cave-in and the workers death should never have happened, said OSHA Area Director Dale Varney. After a previous OSHA inspection, Botticello Inc. knew of the dangers of working in an unprotected trench and the need to inspect the trench and ensure required effective cave-in protection was in place before any employee entered the trench. The company, however, still chose to ignore these required safeguards and now a workers family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve. In a statement announcing the fine, OSHA said Botticello failed to: Provide the trench with a protective system to prevent it from collapsing and caving in on workers. Have a competent person conduct inspections before and during the work to identify and correct any hazardous conditions before employees entered the trench. Ensure the 135-foot-long trench contained sufficient means of egress to allow employees to safely exit. By most estimates, one cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds about the weight of a subcompact car and trench collapses happen in seconds, which helps explain why they are among the construction industrys most fatal hazards, Varney said. OSHA has a National Emphasis Program in place to alert employers and workers of the dangers, and to hold violators accountable. We encourage anyone who sees workers in an unsafe trench to help us save lives by reporting the hazardous situation to OSHA. Botticello provides construction contracting services including site work, rock crushing, stump grinding and demolition. The company has 15 business days to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, OSHA said. A Botticello spokesman declined comment. According to statistics published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),Canada's health care system employs 1.6 million people. That's 8% of all jobs. It doesn't specify if that includes the private sector (dentists, physios, chiropractors, etc). Also since 2010, Canada's population rose from 34 million to 38.2 million today, an increase of 12%. Over that same period, the number of physicians went from 77,500 to 106,000, an increase of 37%. Among physicians, the category of "generalist medical practitioners" rose from 38,000 to 50,000, an increase of 33%. In addition: The number of female physicians rose from 31,400 to 49,300, an increase of 57%. The number of nurses rose from 318,600 to 382,800, an increase of 20%. The number of personal care workers rose from 175,000 to 240,000, an increase of 37%. The number of CT scanners up 13%. Number of MRI machines up 35%. Number of mammography machines up 21%. Granted, the average age went up two years over that same span, and older people consume more health care services, but, maybe, just maybe, it's not the number of healthcare workers that is the problem. Why are wait times going up and service levels going down? Why are people dying in the ER waiting room? Perhaps it's the system that is sick. Are we getting full productivity out of those 1.6 million people? Not likely. Sadly, instead of actually fixing the problems, the federal and provincial governments like to blame someone else for their incompetence. They love to fight amongst themselves over funding levels while the house of cards is falling down all around them. (Meanwhile) the rest of us are paying a very high price, both literally and figuratively, for their ineptitude. Lloyd Vinish, Kelowna LVIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Former U.S. Navy SEAL Daniel Swift, who was killed fighting for Ukraine, was commemorated in a memorial service in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on Tuesday. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who attended the service, said on Facebook that Swift had fought for Ukraine's International Legion, and earned an award during his service. "Sincere condolences to the family and eternal memory to the defender," Sadovyi wrote. According to a statement by the U.S. Navy, Swift deserted from the U.S. military in 2019, and was killed while fighting in Ukraine on Jan. 18. The service, held at a Catholic church in Lviv's historic centre, was attended by several dozen mourners, including Swift's brother, Thomas. (Reporting by Roman Baluk; writing by Max Hunder; editing by Jonathan Oatis) South Fulton police are on the search for robbers they say are finding their victims on dating apps. Police told Channel 2s Audrey Washington that person or people responsible for a string of robberies along Old National Highway over the last few weeks. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Authorities say the suspects are using the dating app Grindr, which is largely used by gay men, to find unsuspecting victims, meet them along Old National Highway and rob them at gunpoint minutes later. Money is asked for and, at some point in time, the gun is produced and the victims are robbed, Captain Jimmy Wyche said. Washington asked to speak with some of the victims, but police told her they were uncomfortable speaking on camera. In 2020, Channel 2 spoke with a woman who lived through a similar incident. She was threatened and assaulted by a man she met on the dating app Hinge. Nothing was said, just started to strike me in my head all over, Brittany Correri said. He said he was going to shoot me. That man, Ben Fancher, was later arrested in New York. TRENDING STORIES: Detectives say they are still searching for the suspects in the South Fulton robberies. Police are urging people to be smart when meeting people online. If you meet up with them, try to go somewhere public, somewhere well-lit, somewhere you will be safe. And also notify a friend or family and let them know where youre going, Wyche said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: LANSING The Michigan Legislature on Thursday approved a supplemental spending bill totaling $1.1 billion over two years, but some Republicans are complaining about how the new Democratic leadership moved the spending through the legislative process. State Reps. Jim DeSana, R-Ash Twp., and Dale Zorn, R-Onsted, were two legislators who were expecting to have time to review the bills. They voted "no" on both of them because time was not given to review them, they said in news releases. Zorn Its a new year, new legislative term, new party in control of the Legislature and unfortunately were not off to a great start, Zorn said in the release. Sadly, the first legislation House Democrats decided to put up for a vote was a secret spending plan they forced a vote on without any opportunity to review. They bypassed the typical process put in place to make sure legislators and the public have a chance to thoroughly vet legislation and chose to operate in the dark. I hope this is not a preview of how the next two years are going to be handled. DeSana In the final hours, these bills grew to a massive $1.1 billion, and then we were asked to vote them through without any chance to review the spending, DeSana said. I may be new to the Legislature, but Im not a fool. I respect the people I serve too much to rubber-stamp a bloated spending plan slapped together behind closed doors. An example of what was in the bill is $200 million to support a paper mill near Escanaba, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The $200 million in incentives the state would pay to support Sweden-based Billerud, the owner of the Escanaba Mill, would be contingent on the company spending at least $1.1 billion on the project, according to budget documents. The budget documents did not specify what project is to receive the money. But Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, confirmed Thursday that the incentive is aimed at the mill in Delta County, which can employ more than 1,000 people. The mill earlier received Michigan Strategic Fund support described as a first step in supporting a planned private sector investment of more than $1 billion. Story continues "Billerud is our largest employer in the U.P," said McBroom, and the project will revitalize a mill that is near the end of its life and switch its product to high-demand paper packaging from kraft paper, which is in decline, he said. McBroom was among the Republican "yes" votes when the Senate voted 24-14 to approve the conference report on Senate Bill 7 late Thursday. The House later approved the conference report 60-48, with some Republican support. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her expected signature. The conference committee report also includes money to reduce blight in cities, increase affordable housing, help businesses hurt by the pandemic, and create a state fund to prevent drinking water shutoffs. Details of that program, which would be managed by the Treasury Department, were not provided. Earlier, the conference report, which was not made public until Thursday, was approved 3-2 in committee a party-line vote. "I like that we actually took the time to invest in a bunch of priorities that people have said that they needed prioritized," Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said after the conference committee meeting she chaired. "We did so urgently," and "we closed our books," on the 2022 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, Anthony said. Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee The bill includes $146.3 million in spending for the 2022 fiscal year, nearly all of which is federal, and $946.2 million in spending for the 2023 fiscal year, of which $706.2 million would come from the state's general fund. The state currently has a budget surplus calculated at $9.2 billion. Republicans have complained that Democrats who took control of the Legislature Jan. 1 turned an exercise to close the financial books for 2022 into a spending spree. But neither of the two Republican members of the conference committee, Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-North Muskegon, or Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, would say why they voted no, as they left the meeting. More:5 takeaways from Whitmer's State of the State speech More:Buttressed by Democratic majorities, Whitmer lays out vision in State of the State speech Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, a former House Appropriations chairman, voted no and said the spending is reckless with a likely recession looming. "We should not take careless votes today that could potentially result in cutting services later this year," Albert said. The 2022 spending is mostly $120 million to cover overspending in the state health department's food assistance program. Spending for 2023, in addition to the $200 million for Escanaba, includes: $150 million to deposit into the state's Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, which the state has used to pay major incentives to manufacturers with plans to build batteries and electric vehicles. $150 million to develop a tax credit program to "reduce the housing cost burden of residents," and $50 million to support affordable housing projects for "missing middle" households, which the Michigan State Housing Development Authority defines as households with incomes between 185% and 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. $75 million to support programs to help businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. $75 million for blight elimination in cities. $25 million to create a Water Shutoff Prevention Fund in the Treasury Department. $25 million to support the expansion of statewide apprenticeship programs. The split vote in the committee was unusual during the administration of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Democrats and Republicans generally reached consensus on previous supplemental spending bills. This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Michigan Legislature approves $1.1B supplemental spending bill HANOI (Reuters) - A pilot was killed when a Vietnamese air force fighter jet crashed during a training session on Tuesday in the north of the country, state media reported. The accident happened at noon in Yen Bai province and the 30-year-old pilot died while trying to land the Russian-made Su-22 jet at a local airport, the official Vietnam News Agency reported. Vietnam's defence ministry has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, it added. Two pilots were killed in a similar exercise involving an Su-22 in central Vietnam in 2018, while two were forced to eject over the South China Sea in 2015 when their Su-22 jet went down. Vietnam relies heavily on Russia for its military procurements, although it is seeking to diversify its equipment and arms suppliers. (Reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Martin Petty) Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation on Tuesday that codifies a "fundamental right" to abortion access and reproductive care in the state, solidifying abortion protections into law over the objections of Republican lawmakers. The Protect Reproductive Options Act, or PRO Act, narrowly passed the Minnesota Senate on Saturday. Lawmakers debated the act for more than 14 hours, as Republicans attempted to add in amendments that were ultimately all rejected. The House passed the bill earlier this month. Walz and other Democrats had said the legislation was one of the top priorities for this legislative session. While abortion rights are already protected in Minnesota because of a 1995 Supreme Court decision, Democrats framed the PRO Act as a second line of defense. "The message we are sending to Minnesota today is very clear: your rights are protected in this state," Walz said at Tuesday's signing. "Today we are delivering on our promise to put up a firewall against efforts to reverse reproductive freedom. No matter who sits on the Minnesota Supreme Court, this legislation will ensure Minnesotans have access to reproductive health care for generations to come." Gov. Tim Walz signs a bill to add a fundamental right to abortion access into state law on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota. / Credit: Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via Getty Images The bill codifies protections to reproductive health care, including contraception, sterilization, preconception care, maternity care, abortion care, family planning and fertility services, and counseling regarding reproductive health care. There are other related bills moving through the legislature, which could repeal restrictions and protect patients and providers from out-of-state legal action. House Speaker Melissa Hortman says the bills will be on the floor by the second week of February. Republicans have called the bill "dangerous" and "extreme." "Make no mistake, this extreme bill provides for taxpayer-funded abortion, on-demand, up until and even after birth," said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann. Police kill man who opened fire in Omaha Target Investors looking at water rights as Western drought continues Police looking for man in connection with 2 monkeys stolen from Dallas Zoo [Source] The man hailed as a hero for disarming the Monterey Park mass shooting suspect was awarded a medal of courage and invited to attend President Joe Bidens upcoming State of the Union address. Brandon Tsay, 26, wrestled a gun away from 72-year-old Huu Can Tran at Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio in Alhambra, California, minutes after the latter allegedly killed 10 people at Star Ballroom Dance Studio in neighboring Monterey Park on the eve of Lunar New Year. Surveillance footage shows Tsay struggling with Tran before he ultimately manages to disarm the alleged mass shooter. Had he failed to do so, there could have been more deaths that night. More from NextShark: NYPD data: 32 percent drop in reported anti-Asian hate crimes in 2022 Tsay recalled the struggle in an interview with "Good Morning America": I was able to pull the gun away from him, shove him aside, create some distance, point the gun at him, intimidate him and say, Get the hell out of here. Ill shoot. Get away! Go! At this point, I thought he would run away, but he was just standing here contemplating whether to fight or run away. Tran was found dead hours after the incident with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Days later, an 11th victim succumbed to their injuries. More from NextShark: Asian American COVID-19 Patients Have Higher Mortality Rate Than Others Tsay said he was traumatized by the encounter. I was shaking all night. I couldnt believe what happened. A lot of people have been telling me how much courage I had to confront a situation like this. But you know what courage is? Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to have adversity to fear when fearful events happen such as this. Tsay was awarded a medal of courage by the City of Alhambra on Sunday, coinciding with Lunar New Year celebrations. More from NextShark: Torrance Man Allegedly Receives Bizarre Anti-Asian Mail From 'Church of Scientology' The carnage would have been so much worse had it not been for Brandon Tsay, said Rep. Judy Chu (D, CA-28), who attended the awarding ceremony. Story continues Chu invited Tsay to attend Bidens State of the Union as her guest, but the president himself invited the Alhambra hero an hour later. More from NextShark: 'Suspicious death' of Chinese man leads Sydney police to seek identities of 2 men captured on CCTV Biden also called Tsay last week to thank him for his incredible action in the face of danger. Monterey Park police outside Star Ballroom Dance Studio, where Huu Can Tran fatally shot 11 people on Jan. 21. (Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times) Three decades before he shot 11 people to death in a Monterey Park ballroom, Huu Can Tran told police he believed relatives of a woman hed been dating had threatened to kill him and were trying to lure him into a trap. Trans suspicions which were apparently groundless were laid out in documents obtained by The Times from the San Gabriel Police Department. The records provide some insight into what appears to be his paranoid worldview. Just this month, authorities said, he went twice to the police station in Hemet, where hed moved into a trailer park, and claimed his family had defrauded and tried to poison him. Twelve days later, Tran, 72, opened fire in Star Ballroom Dance Studio on Garvey Avenue, killing 11 people on the eve of the Lunar New Year. He killed himself the next day as police closed in on his van in a Torrance strip mall. Investigators have not disclosed whether they have identified a motive, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said last week they knew of no connection between Tran and his victims, who ranged in age from 57 to 76. The sheriff said Tran had been arrested just once in 1990, on suspicion of illegally possessing a firearm but provided no other details. The San Gabriel police records shed light on that arrest. The evening of Nov. 27, 1990, Officer James Kermode responded to a radio call of a possible robbery at Glendon Way and Del Mar Avenue. Tran, then 40, ran up to Kermodes patrol car and said a liquor store had just been robbed, the officer wrote in a report. Tran offered to show Kermode the store that had been victimized. Before driving him there, the officer did a quick pat-down for weapons. In Tran's left jacket pocket, Kermode found a loaded RG40 .38-caliber revolver, according to the report. Tran was handcuffed and driven to the San Gabriel police station. After waiving his Miranda rights, Tran said he'd been walking his dog when he saw a man running out of Georges Liquor on New Avenue carrying a metal box. The owner ran outside, pointed to the man and said he had robbed money, Tran told police. He took off running after the man. Story continues As he passed his home on Manor Way, Tran said, he took his dog inside, grabbed his gun and continued tailing the suspect. When the man stopped at a bus stop, Tran said he walked past him and went to a phone booth, from which he called police. Asked what he intended to do with the revolver, Tran said he "took the gun for protection, according to the report. He was booked at the city jail on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, but there is no record of him being charged with the offense. It is unclear from the police report whether Tran legally owned the gun. The day after Christmas in 1992, Tran called San Gabriel police and claimed he was being threatened. Officer C.E. Gray went to his home on Manor Way to take a report. Tran told the officer hed met a woman about four months earlier at a Tokai restaurant and had been dating her occasionally since then, Gray wrote. She had recently confided in Tran that she was married but seeking a divorce. Tran said he received a phone call from the sister of the womans husband. The sister-in-law, he said, told him she'd recently come to California from Taiwan and belonged to an unspecified Taiwanese gang. The woman said that if he kept seeing her brothers wife, she would have one of her buddies kill him, Tran claimed. Tran, who reported working as a self-employed carpet cleaner, told police he got another call from a man who asked him to come immediately to clean the carpets in his Torrance home. Knowing that both the husband and sister-in-law of the woman he was dating lived in Torrance, Tran thought it could be a setup, and he told the caller he didnt work in the evening, he told police. I just want you to come here tonight, Tran recalled the man saying. Three weeks after making the report, Tran contacted the police again and said that morning hed found 49 shotgun shells on his front lawn. He claimed a relative of the woman he was dating had left the ammunition to scare him, the report says. Tran agreed to place a recording device on his home line, but after it failed to work because of an unspecified malfunction, he told police he did not want prosecution, an officer wrote, but only to make the police department aware of the situation in case something happened to him. When the officer called the husband of the woman Tran had been dating, the man, whose name is redacted, said he had never called Tran, much less threatened him. The man acknowledged having marital problems and was aware Tran and his wife had been seeing each other when he leaves the country on business," the report says. The man said it was not he who was calling Tran but the other way around: Tran, he said, had been calling his home phone at all times of the night, hoping his wife would pick up. Noting there was no physical evidence to support Trans allegations, the officer closed the case. Seven years later, Tran called San Gabriel police and said he was being threatened again, records show. He told the officer who responded to his house that, for the last nine months, he'd received "numerous" calls at home, the officer wrote in a report. "[Tran] said the suspect does not say anything when he answers the phone and has no idea who the suspect is," the officer wrote, signing off with "NFD" no further details. In the report, Tran's occupation is listed as "dancing instructor / self-employed." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Innovation to help fuel high-quality development 08:16, January 31, 2023 By ZHOU LANXU, LIU ZHIHUA and OUYANG SHIJIA ( Chinadaily.com.cn An employee runs checks on a robot at a facility in Hai'an, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Zhai Huiyong/For China Daily] Innovation: Targeted steps may help boost high-tech sector China's multipronged pushes for innovation will accelerate productivity growth and give rise to more emerging industries, in turn consolidating the momentum of the country's high-quality development, economists and executives said. They commented after China recorded 4.5 percent average annual growth from 2020 to 2022, which is projected to outrun global growth of about 2 percent during the same period as well as the growth of other major economies, such as the United States and the eurozone. Having shown such resilience despite COVID-19 outbreaks, China's economy is expected to achieve average annual growth of above 4 percent through 2035, as innovation powers the country's modernization drive under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialist Economy with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Wang Qian, chief economist for the Asia-Pacific region at the US-based Vanguard Investment Strategy Group, said, "If the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation (of the Chinese people) can be fully tapped, the long-term outlook of China's economy is expected to be upbeat." Wang said innovation is of great significance because the country's population is projected to decrease in the coming years, and this means that growth momentum will come from labor productivity improvement, which relies on innovation as a key driver. As China is expected to gradually overcome COVID-19 disruptions, the focus is shifting to how the nation will boost growth in a new year of its journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects, tackling growth challenges such as demographic changes, a real estate slowdown and a harsher external environment. A key report delivered at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October stressed innovation as being at the heart of China's modernization drive and as the primary driver of growth. Citing the report, Lan Zongmin, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that Xi's economic thought serves as the key guidance for the country's innovation-driven development, which has highlighted the crucial importance of innovation as well as the methodology to boost innovation. To get the country's new journey of modernization off to a good start, policy efforts will be stepped up on multiple fronts this year to accelerate innovation, including strengthening macroeconomic policy adjustments, vitalizing private enterprises and boosting international technological exchanges, experts said. Policymakers are expected to ease macroeconomic policies in a targeted manner this year to spur high-tech and emerging sectors, while keeping cautious about launching broad-based, large-scale stimulus, said Wang at Vanguard. "One should spend the policy space where it can generate the biggest effect." In a sign that policymakers are focusing on structural stimulus, the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, said on Sunday that it will extend the use of lending tools to boost carbon reduction and ensure the stability of logistics. The Central Economic Work Conference, which concluded in December, called for stronger support from financial institutions for such key areas as technological innovation, while highlighting the crucial role of enterprises in technological innovation. As the country ramps up efforts to boost enterprises' innovative capacity, platform enterprises may receive favorable financing conditions in terms of research and development investment and overseas business expansion, Liu Li'nan, head of macro strategy for Greater China at Deutsche Bank, said in a research note. Lin Jianhai, vice-president of the International Finance Forum and former secretary of the International Monetary Fund, stressed the importance of leveling the playing field for State-owned and private enterprises, which can go a long way to enhancing productivity growth by boosting technology development and application. With the pushes for innovation filtering through, technological advances, digital transformation and green economy among other priorities of innovation-driven development will inject strong impetus into China's modernization in the coming years, according to experts. Hu Yifan, head of macroeconomics for Asia-Pacific at UBS Global Wealth Management, said investments in such high-tech sectors as microchips, new materials, high-end equipment, robotics and artificial intelligence will likely register resilient growth this year, helping the country's annual GDP growth rebound to about 5 percent from 3 percent in 2022. In 2022, high-tech manufacturing investment expanded by 18.9 percent, outperforming the 5.1 percent growth in total fixed-asset investment, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Liu at Deutsche Bank said digital transformation will remain a strong engine for China's growth in the coming decade, adding that the share of the digital economy in the country's GDP may increase to 45 percent by 2025 if the digital economy expands by 10 percent on average annually. Zhang Ying, managing director of Dassault Systemes Greater China, said the French industrial software company has witnessed Chinese enterprises' accelerated push for digital transformation, which has strengthened its commitment to increasing investment in China. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Re. Gerry Poole's letter No deal with Putin (Castanet, Jan. 27) Does Mr. Poole expect NATO will invade Russia and parade victorious in front of the Kremlin? Does he expect a western-friendly group will attempt and succeed in a coup, killing Putin, and eliminating all USSR-longing interests ? If not, unless he gears up for a very bloody official war, there will have to be a deal with Putin. Mathieu Nouquet, West Kelowna A motorcyclist was killed when it collided with a Charlotte Fire Department ladder truck Monday, fire officials said. Ladder 24 was responding to a call when the crash happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Pineville-Matthews Road at McMahan Road in south Charlotte. The crew of Ladder 24 began treating the person on the scene who was taken to a hospital and died. The wreck is under investigation. ALSO READ: 1 hurt when bullets hit cars, fire truck in southwest Charlotte Traffic was being diverted to Carmel and Johnston roads. No further information has been released. Return to this story for updates. A state agent insisted Tuesday he heard a possible confession from Alex Murdaugh even after defense attorneys for the disgraced South Carolina lawyer slowed the audio down during Murdaughs double murder trial. At question is whether Murdaugh said I did him so bad or They did him so bad as he sobbed and spoke to state agents during a recorded interview three days after Murdaughs wife and son were killed. WATCH BELOW: ABC News live stream of the Murdaugh trial State Law Enforcement Division Senior Special Agent Jeff Croft testified he was 100% confident Murdaugh said I. That could be interpreted as a confession from Murdaugh that he fatally shot his son Paul with a shotgun near kennels at their Colleton County home and hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. Murdaughs wife, Maggie, was shot several times with a rifle and her body was found nearby. Prosecutors havent explained why they have emphasized the comment. PREVIOUS TRIAL COVERAGE: What were the things going through your mind when you heard, or misheard, I did him so bad? defense attorney Jim Griffin asked Croft during cross-examination. I wasnt a good dad? I spoiled him? Or, I killed him? It was definitely something we needed to follow up on, Croft said. The agent said he didnt ask for clarification that day because he thought it was too early in the investigation to confront Murdaugh and lose his cooperation. Griffin asked about an interview three months later and Croft said the agents didnt get to asking about that but did ask Murdaugh point-blank if he killed his wife and son. Story continues Griffin asked if it would be up to the jury to decide the truth. They get to hear the tape and make their own mind up on what he said, yes sir, Croft responded. Murdaugh, 54, is standing trial on two counts of murder in the shootings of his 52-year-old wife and 22-year-old son. Murdaugh faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. Crofts testimony wasnt only about Murdaughs statement. He assisted the chief agent investigating the killings and dealt with a wide range of evidence. As with much of the first four days of testimony, there were interesting bits and pieces from prosecutors, often provided without further explanation like a $1,021.10 receipt from a Gucci store with an item circled or Maggie Murdaughs cellphone recovered on the side of the highway a short distance from the familys property. MORE PREVIOUS REPORTING The defense used their cross-examination of Croft to try to poke holes in how the investigation unfolded. Croft was asked if he knew why state agents didnt search Murdaughs home in the hours after the killings for dirty clothes, possible blood in drains or other evidence. Croft said he didnt know what other agents did. Griffin also asked Croft why agents didnt search Murdaughs mothers home until September three months after the killings even though that was the only place Murdaugh said he went before finding the bodies. I know I did not go and Im not sure what any of the other agents in the investigative circle had done, Croft said. The next witness called up Tuesday morning testified about phone records from Murdaugh, his wife and son and others in the case. That may lead to another piece of key testimony prosecutors mentioned in their opening statement a video made by Paul Murdaugh at the kennels about four minutes before he stopped using his cellphone where his fathers voice can be heard. Alex Murdaugh told police hours after the killings and repeated in Crofts interview three days later that he wasnt at the kennels that night. Murdaugh also faces about 100 charges related to accusations of money laundering, stealing millions from clients and the family law firm, tax evasion and trying to get a man to fatally shoot him so his surviving son could collect a $10 million life insurance policy. He was being held in jail without bail on those counts before he was charged with murder. Since the killings, Murdaughs life has seen a stunningly fast downfall. His family dominated the legal system in tiny neighboring Hampton County for generations, both as prosecutors and private attorneys known for getting life-changing settlements for accidents and negligence cases. Hendersonville Police Cheif Blair Myhand recites the pledge at the 75th annual North Carolina Apple Festival on Sept. 3, 2021 in Hendersonville. HENDERSONVILLE - A decorated law enforcement officer and US Army veteran throughout his career, Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand has two more titles to add to his already impressive resume. According to a Jan. 31 news release from the City of Hendersonville, Chief Myhand, who has served as Hendersonville Police Chief for the past two years, was recently sworn in as the President of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police and the North Carolina FBI National Academy Associates. His terms as president of both groups will run through January 2024. More:HPD offers new engagement initiative following calls for service "I am honored to have been selected by my peers to represent the Chiefs of Police around the state this year. So few people ever get this opportunity," Chief Myhand told the Times-News on Jan. 31. "I am also appreciative of City Manager John Connet, the Mayor (Barbara Volk) and city council for allowing me to serve in in this role." Chief Myhand said his duties will include leading the Board of Directors, facilitating association meetings, representing the association in Raleigh on legislative matters and speaking to the media on behalf of NC chiefs upon request about emerging issues. "As you might imagine, my tenure (mid-January 2023 to mid-January 2024) as president started very busily with the beating death of Tyre Nichols. My job is to represent the position of the chiefs in a positive and sincere way that promotes the values of our profession rather than damaging it," Chief Myhand said. He began his law enforcement career in 1994 as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC and was one of three first Metropolitan Police Department responders to the Pentagon when it was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. He was given the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism for his actions that day. Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand with last year's popular Ellaberry Farm llamas. Prior to his law enforcement career, he joined the U.S. Army in 1987, serving for both Virginia and North Carolina Army National Guards until retiring in 2011 as an Infantry First Sergeant. He served two combat tours, one each to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Story continues More:Hendersonville City Police fully staffed; has $6.7 million budget for FY22-23 He joined the Apex Police Department in Apex, North Carolina in 2005 where he served in many capacities before taking the job of Chief of Police of the Clayton Police Department in 2017. He stayed there until February 2021, when he was hired as Hendersonville's Chief of Police. Chief Myhand has been a member of the NC Association of Chiefs of Police since 2012, when he served as the Region 7 Director from January 2018 to January 2021. Region 7 includes Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Orange, Durham, Wake, Franklin and Johnston counties. He was elected to the executive board as Sergeant at Arms in January 2021. Once elected, executive board officers automatically ascend to the office of president over a five-year period typically, the release said. However, since being elected, two executive board officers retired during their terms of office, and those retirements shortened Chief Myhands rise to president. As president, Chief Myhand will represent both the Hendersonville Police Department and all North Carolinamunicipal Chiefs of Police when speaking about law enforcement matters around the state. Those requestsoften come from media outlets, elected officials, special interest groups and other concerned parties. He mayalso appear during legislative matters to help influence public policy and laws affecting law enforcement andcitizens throughout the state, the release said. Chief Myhand was also sworn in as the FBI National Academy Associates North Carolina Chapter Presidentfor 2023. The association is comprised of graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. ChiefMyhand graduated from the 252nd Session of the FBI National Academy in March 2013, the release said. Police Chief Myhand has led the Hendersonville Police Department with professionalism and enthusiasm overthe past two years, said Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk in the release. His leadership has ushered in new initiatives, standards, transparency and community engagement to all levels of the organization. We look forward to his continued department leadership and applaud his appointments to these state-level organizations where hecan continue to bring advancements to the law enforcement profession. This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Myhand sworn in as president of NC Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI NAA House of Hope Domestic Violence Prevention Specialist Kayla Woody In conjunction with National Stalking Awareness, on last weeks Native Bidaske (Spotlight), Editor Levi Rickert welcomed Kayla Woody, a domestic violence prevention specialist at the House of Hope, to discuss the signs of stalking and how to get help. House of Hope is a program through the Citizen Potawatomi Nation that offers free assistance to all individuals, Native or non-Native, who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Stalking doesn't discriminate; it doesn't matter your gender, your economic status, your race, ethnicity, or your sexual orientation, Woody said. Stalking can happen to anyone. When asked to share national figures on stalking, Woody stated that, 1 in 2 Native women in their lifetime are going to experience those stalking behaviors. Which is quite a bit higher than just the normal national average, where we see nationally 1 in 3 women will experience stalking. When we see stalking, we think about what we've seen on TV, a person you know kind of lurking in the dark or hiding behind something but that's not always the case. A lot of times the stalker wants you to know they are there, Woody said. During the interview, Rickert asked Woody about identifying stalking, how stalkers use technology to their advantage and more. Watch the episode on our YouTube channel, or view the embedded video below. Link to video: https://youtu.be/hacjFFEoHEo 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 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that China is watching closely and learning lessons from Russias ongoing invasion with neighboring Ukraine. Speaking at a news conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Stoltenberg said it is a crucial time for Asian-European relations. Beijing and Moscow are leading an authoritarian pushback against the international rules-based order, Stoltenberg said at the news conference, adding the Russia-Ukraine war is not just a European crisis,but a challenge to the world order. Stoltenberg also said that If Russian President Vladimir Putin comes out victorious from his invasion of Ukraine, it could lead to dire consequences such as China heading down a similar path in the near future. If President Putin wins in Ukraine, this would send a message that authoritarian regimes can achieve their goals through brute force. This is dangerous, Stoltenberg said. Beijing is watching closely. And learning lessons that may influence its future decisions. What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow, he added. So we must remain united and firm. Standing together for freedom and democracy. Stoltenbergs remarks come amid growing concerns about China possibly invading neighboring Taiwan. A U.S. general said in a memo on Friday that he believes the country will be at war with China by 2025. China has ramped up its military and economic pressure on Taiwan in recent months, with experts predicting Chinese President Xi Jinping will use various tools in the coming year to impose Chinese control of the island. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is reportedly planning a trip Taiwan later this year, in a visit that would mirror that of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last year, which infuriated Beijing. In a statement this week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned certain individuals to abide by the one-China principle and avoid official interactions with Taiwan. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Sakura Murakami and Kentaro Sugiyama TOKYO (Reuters) -NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Japanese premier Fumio Kishida pledged on Tuesday to strengthen ties, saying Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its growing military cooperation with China had created the most tense security environment since World War Two. The comments came in a statement issued during Stoltenberg's trip to Japan following a visit to South Korea on which he urged Seoul to increase military support to Ukraine and gave similar warnings about rising tension with China. "The world is at a historical inflection point in the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II," the two leaders said in the statement. It also raised concerns about Russia's nuclear threats, joint military drills between Russia and China near Japan, and North Korea's development of nuclear weapons. Stoltenberg told reporters a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden China at a time when it is building up its military, "bullying its neighbours and threatening Taiwan". He added, "This war is not just a European crisis, but the challenge to the world order. "Beijing is watching closely, and learning lessons that may influence its future decisions. What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow." China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Stoltenberg's latest remarks. Responding to similar comments Stoltenberg made during his Seoul visit, China on Monday said it was a partner to countries, not a challenge, and that it did not threaten any nation's interests or security. While the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation groups 30 countries in Europe and North America, Stoltenberg has said its members are affected by global threats. Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol became the first leaders from their countries to attend a NATO summit last year, joining as observers. Story continues China has previously criticised NATO's efforts to expand its alliances in Asia. Russia, which calls its invasion of Ukraine a "special operation", has repeatedly cast NATO's expansion as a threat to its security. In December, Japan unveiled sweeping plans to beef up its defence capabilities, changes once unthinkable for a pacifist country that will make it the third-biggest military spender after the United States and China. Bolstering its cooperation with NATO in areas from maritime security and arms control to cyberspace and disinformation will further help to respond to the changing strategic environment, the statement added. The meeting comes as Japan prepares to host the annual Group of Seven (G7) summit in May, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is expected to be a major topic of discussion. Kishida is considering visiting Kyiv in February to reinforce his support for Ukraine in the conflict, domestic media have said. (Reporting by Sakura Murakami and Kentaro Sugiyama; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Clarence Fernandez) NLE Choppa took to the streets of Memphis, his hood, to express support for Tyre Nichols. He is the most recent Black man to have his life tragically and senselessly taken by police. The post NLE Choppa Leads Peaceful Memorial Protest For Tyre Nichols appeared first on Blavity. Nichols, 29, was savagely attacked and murdered by five Black Memphis police officers following a traffic stop on January 7. The city of Memphis is still in mourning over his death. NLE Choppa made the decision to act first on Saturday by planning a nonviolent rally in honor of the innocent Black man, as noted by Billboard. #SkateForTyre 4687 Cottonwood Rd At 2PM. Lets Do Something Peaceful And Loving For Something Tyre Loved To Do #SPREADTHIS #MEMPHIS #901 pic.twitter.com/JzrQaqHM2f NLE Choppa (@Nlechoppa1) January 28, 2023 The rapper announced in a video shared on social media that he felt moved to make a bad situation better and he thought about it before going to sleep. Today, I felt it on my heart to turn a negative situation to a positive. I actually went to sleep dwelling on how I could wake up today and do that, he said in the video I just want to skate for Tyre in respect to him and know thats how he would have wanted everybody to act, he continued. Story continues Along with adults and kids, the rapper from Memphis started the protest at 4687 Cottonwood Road using a skateboard. No justice, no peace, we gon skate for Tyre, they passionately chanted. He acknowledged that it is challenging for everyone to unite, and he lamented that it takes a tragic event to bring people together. He did, however, express appreciation for the groups efforts. Last week, footage of the horrific attack was released to the public, prompting widespread outrage and ultimately leading to the dismissal and subsequent murder charges against the disgraced officers involved, according to Blavity. Injury to Nichols resulted in hospitalization and eventual death. He can be seen crying out for his mother and yelling, Im just trying to get home, in footage of the fatal beatdown. Since then, the five police officers have been fired and accused of murder, according to AP News. In the wake of the release of Nichols confrontation with police, many well-known figures have spoken out about the horrific incident. Ciara, along with a slew of others, took to Twitter to express their sorrow over Tyre Nichols unjust death. My heart is crushed. I couldnt watch the full video because it hurt so much to see something like that. I pray for those with hate in their hearts. I pray for the lost souls of people. There is no need to take anyones life. Rest In Peace Tyre. #JusticeForTyre pic.twitter.com/D6EmofKE9W Ciara (@ciara) January 28, 2023 On Instagram, our former president Barack Obama expressed his grief-stricken thoughts and emotions. The vicious, unjustified beating of Tyre Nichols and his ultimate death at the hands of five Memphis police officers is just the latest, painful reminder of how far America still has to go in fixing how we police our streets. Along with mourning Tyre and supporting his family, its up to all of us to mobilize for lasting change, he shared. The murder of this defenseless Black man will continue to generate more interest and prompt additional research into the circumstances surrounding why it was committed by one of our own black brothers. Much respect to NLE Choppa for stepping up to the plate to do something positive for our community during these trying and redundant times. Kenya Waltons son still feels enough anxiety from a wrongful police raid on their home that he barely goes out the front door. He cant go to a regular public school, Walton said. (Police) opened up wounds that shouldnt have been opened. Walton spoke Monday at a news conference about a no-knock raid on her residence in May 2020 that was conducted on the wrong address. She said officers wearing tactical gear chased her son, then a juvenile, with assault weapons and detained him. Walton was joined by Yolanda Irving, whose Southeast Raleigh duplex home also was raided in error in May 2020. They are part of a federal civil rights lawsuit filed last year against the city of Raleigh, a now-fired Raleigh police detective and his police colleagues and supervisor. The women were joined by attorneys and activists of the civil rights group Emancipate NC and by attorneys of the Tin Fulton, Walker and Owen law firm. They chased me and the Walton kids down with guns, said Irving. They was innocent. They was outside minding their business. I thought I was going to lose my son they way he was running for his life. As part of the lawsuit, Irving has demanded that the city and the Raleigh Police Department apologize to them and that Raleigh police revise their warrant execution policies. The city previously fought the plaintiffs over the latter demand last year, preventing them from reaching a settlement, according to previous N&O reporting. Its been three years, said Irving. We still have no justice. Its been very hard. Its been very traumatizing. Police did not petition for a release of the raids body camera footage, The News & Observer reported previously. Raleigh police raid wrong home The news conference comes after Emancipate NC issued a letter Jan. 17 to Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and members of the City Council calling out the city for spending thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to fight the civil rights lawsuit, said Dawn Blagrove, executive director and attorney of Emancipate NC. Story continues There is no question as to whether or not RPD violated and traumatized two families, Blagrove said. Instead of standing on that truth, the city of Raleigh has allowed its attorneys and the high-priced private attorneys that they have paid to fight these people that they know have no money for their own legal representation. Dawn Blagrove, executive director of Emancipate NC, speaks during a press conference in Raleigh, N.C. on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, about a 2020 incident in which Raleigh police officers served a no-knock raid at the wrong address. The city previously told The N&O that it would not comment on the lawsuit and would deal with it in the courts. We want a fair outcome for all parties involved in this litigation, spokeswoman Julia Milstead said in a statement last month, The N&O reported. Responding in kind will not promote justice; in fact, it would jeopardize fairness. Thus, we cannot comment on misrepresentations and material omissions that have been provided to you. Those will be addressed where appropriate in the courts. Police chief Estella Patterson previously rejected the lawsuits claims and said that police do not use no-knock warrants. Emancipate NC provided to reporters an image of a police warrant that shows the warrants designated address, apartment 1620B, with a red door. But police instead raided Irvings home, which is at 1628B and has a tan door. In previous court depositions, the plaintiffs said they were distressed by the use of thinly-veiled racist innuendos about Black people made by city attorneys, Blagrove said. The deposition was very racist, Irving said. (The city attorneys) asked questions like, why is our kids father not in their lives, Why does your son have tattoos? What do they mean? What kind of gang is he related to? The May 2020 raid was executed by the polices Selective Enforcement Unit. It was led by Omar Abdullah, a now-fired police detective who was sued separately for fabricating drug charges that sent over a dozen Black men to jail. The plaintiffs and the city will enter mediation for the lawsuit on Feb. 6. They will seek compensation for the traumatic injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by Irvings and Waltons children, as well as the children of another parent in the raid. Racism at play, attorney says It is systemic racism that allows the Police Department to insulate those officers who blatantly violate their trust and cause harm to the people they are supposed to protect, Blagrove said. Blagrove argued thats behind the recent death of Darryl Tyree Williams, who died on Jan. 17 in police custody after police tased him three times. It is systemic racism that allows the police all over the country, but specifically here in Raleigh, to create special units and give them so much leeway that they think and behave as though they are above the law, she added. Blagrove said their demands that the city and police apologize and compensate the plaintiffs come in the aftermath of renewed national attention on police brutality due to the killing of Tyre Nichols. Nichols, 29, was beaten to death in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 7 by police officers who were part of a special crime-prevention squad, prompting protests nationwide. Lawsuit filed against fired detective, city of Raleigh after police raid wrong apartment Photo: The Canadian Press Members of the Vancouver School Board have voted unanimously to support the renaming of Lord Roberts Elementary in the city's West End neighbourhood. In moving the motion, trustee Lois Chan-Pedley told the board's Monday night meeting that "the evidence is clear that it is time to give the school a new name." The school's parent advisory committee has been asking for the renaming since 2019 after exploring the background of the school's namesake, Lord Frederick Roberts, who led the British forces during the Boer War in southern Africa. Roberts was considered one of the most successful British military commanders in 1901 when the school was built, but critics now reject his methods that included the use of concentration camps during the war and the targeting of Indigenous populations while Roberts served in India and Afghanistan. In supporting the motion to explore a new name, Trustee Janet Fraser thanked parents and staff at the school for creating a detailed biography about Roberts. She says the information was influential in understanding why "his name and legacy do not reflect where we are in the school district in 2023." The Vancouver school board launched a new administrative policy in 2022 that allows for the renaming of a school or other board facility under several circumstances, including if requested by the community. The policy now requires the formation of a community-based renaming committee that must present a final report to the board for its decision, although no timeline is linked to the work. Several other Vancouver schools have been renamed recently but Lord Roberts is the first to use the officially codified policy. "I really look forward to watching this process unfold," Chan-Pedley told trustees just before the unanimous vote in favour of the change. Jan. 30"Not in our town!" That was the wailing battle cry of longtime Gainesville civil rights activist Rose Johnson, who delivered an emotional sermon Monday evening during a prayer vigil for Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was fatally beaten by Memphis police officers as he screamed for his mother. The vigil, held on Gainesville's Midland Greenway, drew a crowd of more than 40 people. Johnson, executive director of the Newtown Florist Club, a longtime civil rights organization in the city, spoke in anguished tones about Nichols' killing and said the community must do everything in its power to ensure that this level of police violence is never visited on Gainesville. "We are going to be better," she said. Body camera footage of Nichols' beating was released Friday, spurring scattered waves of protests across the country and renewing calls for police reform. "It's a systemic thing," said Mateo Penado, 22. "Black lives should not be lost because of police violence." City Councilwoman Barbara Brooks said while it is not her job to micromanage the police, she and her fellow council members will work to enact policies meant to prevent police violence, noting that the city police department has hired two mental health clinicians. "The demand was so great that we had to get two," Brooks said. "You just need to know that the council is aware of issues that come up in the city and if we are not aware, then it's your job to let us know. Not that we're going to fix it, but we go to the various departments and find out what is happening, what's taking place. What can we do about this from your point of view? How can the City Council assist you in taking care of these issues so that the city is safe, the residents are safe?" Police Chief Jay Parrish put out a statement on social media Friday condemning the five police officers whom he said murdered Nichols and pledged to continue having conversations about police accountability. Story continues "I am sickened by the actions of these five men that took an oath to protect the very person they murdered," Parrish said. "In communities like Gainesville, love, sacrifices, and relationships built over years can be affected by the poor actions of a few. We hope the pursuit of justice has begun with the arrest of the five former officers." Five Memphis police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith have been fired and charged with murder and other crimes in Nichols' death, the Associated Press has reported. They face up to 60 years in prison if convicted of second-degree murder. Two more officers have been relieved of duty, the AP reported Monday, and two emergency medical technicians were also fired. Four of the five officers had posted bond and been released from custody by Friday morning. A woman held a sign that read, "Killers out on Bond." The footage released Friday shows police beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes while screaming profanities at him in an assault that the Nichols family legal team has likened to the infamous 1991 police beating of Los Angeles motorist Rodney King. Nichols calls out for his mother before his limp body is propped against a squad car and the officers exchange fist-bumps. "Our goal all along has been to always use these national cases as a way to help prevent incidents like this from happening in our community," Johnson said earlier in the day before the vigil. "The treatment of Tyre Nichols goes beyond anything that we could ever imagine it reopens old wounds," she added, referring to the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Following the release of footage of the beating last week, Johnson said she sent emails to Parrish and Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch alerting them to the possibility of protests. Johnson said she is not aware of any protests so far in her community. "But what I do know is that people have been talking, and I think that what you have is a community of people who are just tired, just really tired. Like, here we go again," she said. "And, you know, just because you don't see the public protests, it doesn't mean that people are not there's a lot of tension in this space with what has happened to Tyre Nichols." Cities nationwide had braced for demonstrations after the video emerged, but protests were scattered and nonviolent, AP reported. Several dozen demonstrators in Memphis blocked the Interstate 55 bridge that carries traffic over the Mississippi River toward Arkansas. Protesters also blocked traffic in New York City, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. The Associated Press contributed to this article. State Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday accused former President Donald Trump of lying on the record, in a letter to a judge presiding over her lawsuit against his company. Trump and his lawyers have falsely denied facts they have admitted in other proceedings, and failed to respond to factual allegations plainly within their knowledge, attorneys for James wrote in a letter to state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron. On Tuesday, James office also released video of Trump pleading the fifth more than 400 times in a deposition in the case. James alleges Trump and his kids violated the law through serial manipulation of the values of his properties to obtain loans, tax breaks and other benefits. A number of the denials are demonstrably false and actually contradict sworn statements by the defendants in other proceedings, a lawyer for James wrote in a six-page letter. James office asked Engoron to schedule a conference to discuss the matter, and said they plan to ask him to impose sanctions. The same judge sanctioned Trump last year for failing to meet deadlines by fining him $10,000 a day for nearly two weeks. The judge had ruled the former president flouted a court-ordered deadline to turn over paperwork. Mr. Trump, I know you take your business seriously, and I take mine seriously, Engoron said at the time. I hereby hold you in civil contempt and fine you $10,000 a day. Specifically, James took issue with objections from Trumps lawyers regarding when he left his company for the White House. They disagreed with a characterization from James that Trump remained the inactive president of the Trump Organization. James said Trump described himself that way in a sworn October 2021 deposition in a Bronx lawsuit brought by activists protesting his immigration policies. Well, I wasnt active during the time I was at 1600, Trump said in the deposition, according to court transcripts. I would say that I was an inactive president and now Im active again. Story continues In a taped deposition with James office in August, Trump invoked his right to stay silent more than 400 times. Anyone in my position not taking the Fifth Amendment would be a fool, an absolute fool, Trump said in the testimony, a video of which the Daily News obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request. One statement or answer that is ever so slightly off just ever so slightly, by accident, by mistake such as, It was a sunny and beautiful day, when actually, it was slightly overcast, would be met by law enforcement. The attorney generals lawyers said Trumps adult children and their lawyers have also alternately denied and admitted to things. They said Eric Trump denied and stated in the same case that Seven Springs had purchased a building in December 1995 for $7.5 million. James civil action lawsuit demands $250 million and to severely curtail the New York business prospects of Trump and his adult children. Trumps lawyer Alina Habba did not respond to a request for comment. BEIJING (Reuters) - One Chinese citizen was killed in an attack on Monday in Ethiopia's Oromiya region, the Chinese embassy in the country said, and it warned other citizens in Ethiopia to exercise caution and build up safety awareness. Nine Chinese citizens in Gebre Guracha, a town in northern Oromiya, came under armed attack on Monday evening and one was shot dead, the Chinese embassy in Ethiopia said in a statement on Tuesday. It did not identify the perpetrators. A spokesperson for Ethiopia's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment. The Chinese embassy added that border areas between Oromiya and other states have seen frequent armed attacks, kidnappings, and robberies, making security risks extremely high. Last week, unidentified gunmen briefly abducted dozens of workers of Nigeria's Dangote Cement in Oromiya region. They were later released unharmed, a company spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement on Monday. Hailu Adugna, spokesperson, for Oromiya's regional government, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the abduction of Dangote Cement's workers. The violence in Oromiya is separate from a two-year war between the federal government and regional forces in the northern region of Tigray, which stopped in November, when the Ethiopian government and Tigray forces signed an agreement to end the hostilities. Oromos, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, had hoped that their lot would improve after they helped Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is of mixed Oromo-Amhara parentage, come to power in 2018. However, many became disenchanted with Abiy and feel neglected by the government. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Additional reporting by Dawit Endeshaw in Addis Ababa; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) I thought that going natural 9 years ago was purely about embracing my budding Black womanhood and shunning the euro-centric gaze on how my hair naturally grows. It turns out that it was much more than that. For many, the return to natural hair was protection from processes that genuinely mean harm. Hair relaxers recently made the news and left a potent (and familiar) sting among Black women everywhere. A recent study revealed a link between excessive use of hair-straightening chemicals and uterine cancers in women. As most wouldve guessed, Black women are most vulnerable as hair-straightening chemicals are largely targeted at Black women and girls. The study shows a link between hair-straightening chemicals and uterine cancers The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published findings from a study from researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The researchers used data from more than 33,000 women aged 35 to 74, across the U.S. for more than a decade. These were women also taking part in the Sister Study, an ongoing study focusing on risk factors for breast cancer as well as other health conditions. The study was ongoing for 11 years and during that time, 378 women developed uterine cancer. We estimated that 1.64 percent of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70, but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05 percent, the study leader, Alexandra White of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Safety (NIEHS) explained in a statement. However, it is important to put this information into context. Uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, she added. Frustratingly, there is still something to keep in mind, even with this caveat. Black women develop uterine cancer at much faster rates than women of other races, according to the National Cancer Institute. Within the study, researchers list frequent use of hair-straightening chemicals as more than four times a year. Story continues Study reveals greater risk for Black women Previous studies revealed an increased risk of certain hormone-related cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers linked to hair-straightening chemicals. The same study lists certain hair dyes as increasing similar risks too. This study showed that the link between hair-straightening products and uterine cancer was most prominent among Black women. Black women made up only 7.4% of the studys participants yet 59.9% reported using hair-straightening products. There are a few things to keep in mind with these findings. Not only are relaxers aggressively marketed at Black women and girls, but there is also exposure at younger ages than other races. The assumptions that Afro-textured hair needs to be tamed, is unprofessional, or unattractive are some of the beliefs that still linger in society. This has tragically led the Black community to cling to hair-straightening chemicals. Societal pressures from within and outside of the Black community have also led to normalizing the use of hair-straightening chemicals. The study illuminates what many had a gut feeling about: safe haircare is not always a guarantee for Black women. This is exactly why Black women have started taking their strands back into their own hands. Supporting Black-owned products is, quite literally, life-saving. It provides transparency and honors the fact that Black women and girls deserve clean and safe hair care. Related: These Are The Health Conditions That Black Women Disproportionately Suffer From Thoughts from a natural haircare expert We reached out to Kameese Davis, natural haircare expert and founder of Nylahs Naturals to speak on the study. Davis studied the science behind safe Afro-textured haircare and founded her company on toxin-less haircare. This is what she had to say about the use of chemical straighteners in the Afro-haircare space: Recent studies have uncovered serious health risks associated with straight perm processes for Black women. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, many chemicals used in these processes contain harsh ingredients such as formalin and ammonium thioglycolate. These can cause scalp irritation, hair loss, breakage, and even chemical burns. Further research conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that these strong chemicals could also lead to an increased risk of developing skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema. These issues can be difficult to manage and may require long-term medical treatment. Your hair deserves the best, safest option Additionally, using permanent toxins on delicate Afro-strands can contribute to further damage from environmental pollutants like dust and smoke. As a result, the AAD recommends that Black women avoid straightening or perming their hair, as it can be damaging to both their physical and mental health. Instead, they suggest using alternative methods such as deep conditioning treatments and natural oils to achieve desired looks without sacrificing the integrity of your hair and compromising your health. Photo credit: Nappy Overall, it is important for Black women to take into consideration the risks associated with chemical processes like straight perms before committing to them. With an informed decision, you can help maintain healthy hair and skin while avoiding unnecessary risks. At Nylahs Naturals, we are committed to providing natural and organic products that help maintain the health of your hair without compromising its integrity. We believe that all women should have access to high-quality products in order to look and feel their best. explains Davis. Final thoughts on navigating hair-straightening chemicals and uterine cancers Ultimately, the damaging link between hair-straightening chemicals and uterine cancers is an invitation to return to cleaner hair care. Equally, for those who choose to use hair-straightening chemicals, its about ensuring to use them moderately. While Black women are often encouraged or forced to put their supposed presentability before their health or comfort, this study is a loud call for reconsideration. How can we grow future generations to reverse these avoidable health risks and what conversations have we been avoiding? Related: The Relaxer Box Girls: Where Are They Now? The post Op-Ed: Study Reveals Link Between Hair-Straightening Chemicals And Uterine Cancers, And Black Women Are The Most Vulnerable appeared first on 21Ninety. Police in Oregon are searching for Benjamin Obadiah Foster, who has been accused to attempted murder. Grants Pass Police Department Police in Oregon are searching for an attempted murder suspect accused of tying up and beating a woman. The suspect may be using dating apps to find potential victims or people who may help with his escape, police said. A victim's rights lawyer told Insider that companies should do more to keep their apps safe. Police in Oregon have launched a manhunt for an attempted murder suspect they say is using dating apps to target "unsuspecting individuals." Major dating sites say they haven't found anyone matching the suspect's name and are monitoring for him, but a victim's rights lawyer told Insider on Tuesday that companies "should be held liable" now that they've been put "on notice of this violent user." "The onus should be on the online companies and not on the public to keep their apps safe," Carrie Goldberg, a New York-based attorney specializing in sex crimes, told Insider. Oregon's Grants Pass Police Department said that 36-year-old suspect Benjamin Obadiah Foster is using dating apps to find additional potential victims or people "who may be lured into assisting with the suspect's escape." Authorities started searching for Foster after they discovered a woman "bound and severely beaten into unconsciousness" at a home in Grants Pass, Oregon, on January 17. The woman was hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect who authorities say fled the scene before officers arrived is wanted by police on charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and assault. Authorities are offering a $2,500 reward for anyone who has information leading to Foster's arrest and prosecution. Police have described the man as "extremely dangerous." In revealing that the suspect has been using dating apps, the Grants Pass Police Department said it wants "the community to be extra safe while this predator is still at large" and noted that anyone who may be assisting Foster with his escape "will face potential prosecution." A spokesperson for Match Group, which owns a series of dating apps including Tinder, Match.com, Hinge, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish, told Insider that it has not found a person with the suspect's name on its platforms. Story continues Additionally, a spokesperson for the dating app Bumble told Insider that its team "has been working around the clock to identify any members based on the information that is available to us at this time." "As of now, we have not located any members with the name Benjamin Obadiah Foster on Bumble App," the spokesperson added. Goldberg said all dating apps "should be on notice that this violent and dangerous user is a potential customer who may be using their product as a hunting ground." If the apps claim that "their product is too big to moderate users or is immune from liability, that's not an excuse and should be challenged in court," according to Goldberg. People have tried suing dating apps over real-life violence, Goldberg said. In 2016, for example, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit determined that a woman who said she had been stalked and attacked by an individual she met on a dating app should be able to sue Match. But the claim was dismissed in 2017 when a district court judge found that Match doesn't have an obligation to "control the dangerous conduct of another or to warn others of the dangerous conduct, except where a special relationship exists and the harm is created by foreseeable conduct." It's unclear whether Match Group or Bumble have warned users about the Oregon suspect, and neither company answered if they had notified users when asked by Insider. Police say Foster might try to change his appearance Meanwhile, police said last week that authorities, including federal agents and an Oregon State Police SWAT team, raided a home in Oregon's Josephine County where they seized Foster's 2008 Nissan Sentra. During the search, investigators arrested a 68-year-old woman for hindering prosecution, police said. "Following a lengthy manhunt, Foster evaded capture and likely received assistance in fleeing the area," said the Grants Pass Police Department. The department warned the public over the weekend that Foster "may attempt to change his appearance by shaving his beard and hair or by changing his hair color" as it urged the public to pay close attention to Foster's "facial structure and eyes since those features are very difficult to change." Tips about sightings of Foster have inundated the department and police say they are "confident this dangerous criminal will soon be captured with the assistance of a concerned citizen." Grants Pass Police Department Chief Warren Hensman told CNN on Monday that Foster had a "prior relationship" with the victim he is accused of torturing. "This was not a random attack," Hensman told the news outlet, adding, "I've seen a lot in my career, but some things do stick with you, and this will stay stained in my memory for many years to come." According to CNN, court records in Clark County, Nevada, show that Foster was accused of attacking women who he had relationships with in two previous different cases. A spokesman for the Nevada Department of Corrections told Insider that Foster in the first case had been sentenced to 12 to 30 months for battery with substantial bodily harm and was brought to an intake facility in the prison system on October 18, 2021. Foster was released on the same day "due to the pre-sentence jail credits," according to the spokesman. In the second case, he was charged with felony assault, battery, and kidnapping in 2019, CNN reported. Foster took a plea deal for both, according to CNN. Staying safe on dating apps Security on dating apps is tricky, cybersecurity expert George Grispos told Insider. He said the law could provide added protection on dating apps. Legislators, for example, could make it a law that dating apps must require all users to verify their identity by providing an official document. Requiring verification of identity is not challenging to implement on dating apps, said information technology expert Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo. But dating apps might be averse to the idea because there are practical implications to consider, such as whether a user would be willing to upload a copy of their ID. Dating apps might also wonder whether doing so could bring up privacy issues, such as what happens in the event of a security breach, Choo said. If a dating app with ID information is compromised or breached, there might be reputational consequences. Individual dating app users should be cautious when interacting with strangers online, Grispos said. Institutions can help by educating young students and women on cybersecurity and how to stay safe online. It's also about common sense. "I think people need to make sure they meet new dates in open and public spaces let friends and family know," he said. Read the original article on Insider By Asif Shahzad and Ariba Shahid ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Cash-strapped Pakistan on Tuesday held a first round of talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a bid to unlock stalled funds from a $7 billion bailout to ward off economic meltdown. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar met IMF Pakistan Mission Chief Nathan Porter, the finance ministry said, and briefed him on the "fiscal and economic reforms and measures being taken by the government in different sectors". The IMF funding is critical for Pakistan, which has barely enough foreign exchange reserves to cover three weeks of imports. Fuel comprises the bulk of the import bill. Pakistan secured a $6 billion IMF bailout in 2019, which was topped up with another $1 billion last year. The talks, to continue through Feb. 9, are meant to clear the IMF's 9th review of its Extended Fund Facility, aimed at helping countries facing balance-of-payments crises. The lender had set several conditions for resuming the bailout, including a market-determined exchange rate for the local currency and an easing of fuel subsidies. Last week, Pakistan removed an artificial cap on the rupee, resulting in it losing 14.73% in interbank trading during the last three trading sessions. The central bank said the rupee gained 0.65% against dollar on Tuesday in inter-bank trading, but, according to the exchange companies' association, lost 0.54% in the open market. "We believe that the rupee's weakness still has further to run, particularly with Pakistan's balance-of-payments position likely to remain weak for several more months," Fitch Solutions said. New measures also include taxation, shedding power sector debt and hiking energy prices, with people already facing 24.5% inflation. The central bank also raised interest rates this month by 100 basis points to fight inflation. The finance ministry, which raised fuel prices by 16% over the weekend ahead of the talks, said in its monthly report issued on Tuesday that fiscal consolidation was key to saving official reserves and exchange rate stability. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad in Islamabad and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Miral Fahmy, Arun Koyyur and Nick Macfie) Re. Ricky Daytonas letter Proxy war with Russia (Castanet, Jan. 27) Mr. Daytona, I really admire you. Just when I thought that at my advanced age I had seen, or read, just about everything, you arrive like a breath of air. You make me think, which is obviously your goal. I disagree with you, but I know where you are coming from. As for Mr. Poole (No deal with Putin (Castanet, Jan. 27)) and Mr. Lupul, (Countering writer's view (Castanet, Jan. 27)) right on. Your responses to Mr. Daytona were spot on. If I may, Id like to add my two cents worth. Mr. Daytona, do you know the difference between fighting and self-defence? Do you know the difference between aggression and resistance? I think not. Weve been taught through the Bible to turn the other cheek, but when a much larger and more vicious bully is beating you up, turning the other cheek just gives him/her a new target. If someone were to break into your home, what would you do? Ask the Chechens. The Georgians. Ask the Belorussians (they havent been invaded, just had their democratic election stolen by a Putin-ite). The difference this time is Ukraine is accessible to the outside world. Of course (Ukrainians) are asking for help, and of course the West should provide it. If it were my home, Id be rallying my friends and neighbours too. As for the buffer zone, isnt that the excuse the (former) USSRthe government (Russian President Vladimir) Putin worked forused to enslave the Warsaw Pact nations? As if that wasnt enough for Stalin, he and his minions tried to recruit other nations from Malaysia to North Korea to Greece. The Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War were the offshoots of a global communist (read authoritarian) action that could have led to either total enslavement or nuclear war. Thank God neither happened. No one likes war and no one, except the corrupt, like corruption. Where do you get the information on how corrupt the Ukrainian government is? Is it from the same news items that tell how Putin is out to de-Nazify its neighbour? Probably. At the same time, you dont mention the Russian oligarchs, and how many of them have disappeared (or died). Putin is a monster. (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy is no saint, but at least hes trying to save his people. If we put you in charge, Mr. Daytona, what would you be doing? Gary Lynch JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blamed Israel on Tuesday for a sharp escalation of violence in the West Bank as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged calm on both sides and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to a two state solution. Calling for "the complete cessation of unilateral Israeli actions, which violate the signed agreements and international law", Abbas reiterated the Palestinians' longstanding demand for Israel to end its occupation. "We are now ready to work with the U.S. administration and the international community to restore political dialogue in order to end the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said in a statement. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Alison Williams) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Mahmoud Abbas spent much of his life before becoming Palestinian president in the shadow of Yasser Arafat, long the figurehead of the Palestinian cause, but he has never secured the same status in the role and has not brought his people closer to statehood. Based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, the 87-year-old has seen his role further eclipsed by the rise of Hamas, the Islamist group that has controlled Gaza since 2006, and by the expanding Jewish settlements on occupied West Bank land. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited him on Tuesday, after repeating Washington's support for a two-state solution. But Abbas has previously said Western governments have effectively undermined that goal by failing to recognise Palestine as a state and by failing to hold Israel to account. It now seems a distant hope with rising bloodshed on the West Bank in the past year, a drive by the new Israeli government to expand West Bank settlements and recurrent exchanges over Gaza of militant rockets and Israeli airstrikes. "The Israeli government is responsible for what is happening today, because of its practices that undermine the two-state solution and violate the signed agreements," Abbas during Blinken's visit, a charge the Palestinian president often makes and which Israel refutes. Abbas was the first generation of Palestinian exiles, born after colonial powers drew new Middle Eastern borders and is old enough to recall the first Arab-Israeli war of 1948 when half the 1.4 million Arabs of Palestine - including Abbas himself fled or were driven from their land into a new life as refugees. He was an early member of Fatah, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) faction that dominated Palestinian politics for decades. He became leader of both when Arafat died in 2004, and a year later was elected president of the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited sovereignty in the West Bank. Story continues The high point of his career was a 1993 White House ceremony at which he and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres signed the Oslo accords which offered the prospect of Palestinian autonomy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Behind them were U.S. President Bill Clinton, Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, applauding warmly. In his suit and tie - a stark contrast to Arafats keffiyeh headscarf and combat fatigues - Abbas advocacy of dialogue over violence and long service as a negotiator raised hopes for a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But when Arafat died more than a quarter of a century later the Israeli-Palestinian peace process was moribund and relations with Washington were at a nadir. Critics accused Abbas' inner circle of graft, nepotism and ineffectiveness. FEWER APPEARANCES He has been seen less and less in later years, and repeated visits to hospitals have added to concerns about his ability to lead the Palestinian government through political turbulence. One public appearance in 2018, backfired dismally when - not for the first time - he was accused of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial in a speech. Amid international condemnation of his remarks, he was forced to apologise. Abbas was born in 1935 in Safed, a town in what was then British-ruled Palestine and is now northern Israel. He fled to Syria as a child amid fighting over the creation of Israel and later went to work in Qatar, where he joined other Palestinians including Arafat in Fatah. After Israel captured and occupied the West Bank and Gaza in the 1967 Six Day War, Arafat's Fatah seized control of the PLO and a decades-long guerrilla campaign against Israel began, with its leaders moving from Jordan to Lebanon and later Tunisia. When the Palestinian leadership returned from exile to Gaza after the Oslo Accords Abbas was upbeat, promising: "I will live in Palestine." But peace talks faltered in following years. Abbas won a presidential election in 2005 but his Fatah group was defeated 2006 parliamentary elections. Hamas routed Fatah in a civil war in Gaza, leaving Abbas with control of Palestinian-administered areas in the West Bank but there have been no Palestinian elections since. Seeking to regain the initiative, Abbas made unilateral moves to seek Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. In 2012, Palestine won "non-member statehood" at the U.N. General Assembly. But the goal of a state has remained elusive. Abbas has held little sway with successive U.S. presidents, whose role is vital in Middle East diplomacy, and he has looked ever more isolated as regional allies the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco have signed diplomatic deals with Israel. "Having contributed to achievements that place our people at the forefront of history," he warned as far back as 1994, "I remain deeply concerned that we could get swept away by history, lose control, and suffer an unrecoverable setback." (Additional reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Edmund Blair) Conservative commentators were forced to backtrack over conspiracy theories and jokes about the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, after the release of police video and audio last week. Related: Police body-camera video of Paul Pelosi hammer attack released One Fox News commentator had to retreat from his claim there was no evidence of a breaking and entering when his host pointed out that footage of the attacker breaking into Pelosis home was playing on screen at the time. Got it, Brian Claypool said. Yeah. OK. Cant we talk more about what is the DoJ doing? The Department of Justice has charged Pelosis attacker, David DePape, with assault and attempted kidnapping. The 42-year-old also faces state charges including attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Pelosi, 82, was attacked in his San Francisco home in late October, a time when his wife, Nancy Pelosi, was still speaker of the US House. According to tapes released by the police, the attacker said he was looking for her. She was not present. Her husband suffered a fractured skull and injuries to his hand and arm. Republican leaders including Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell condemned the attack. But prominent rightwingers including Donald Trump Jr, the Fox News host Tucker Carlson, the Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk and Republican members of Congress including Ted Cruz and Marjorie Taylor Greene eagerly spread jokes, misinformation and conspiracy theories. Joe Biden said such reactions showed the Republicans were extremely extreme. Jill Filipovic, a Guardian columnist, wrote that though the attack should shock the conscience of the nation it has shown just how immune to human decency and empathy the Trumpist right has become. Last week, a judge in San Francisco ordered the release of police and surveillance footage. On Friday, the footage played widely on TV and online. Musk said sorry in answer to a tweet in which Juanita Broaddrick, an author who accuses Bill Clinton of rape, said the Pelosi footage showed what was still a questionable and bizarre situation between two men in their underwear. Other users pointed out that the footage showed neither man was wearing only underwear. Story continues Perhaps the most awkward reaction, however, came from Claypool, who according to his own website is a nationally regarded trial attorney, trusted media personality, and a genuine ally to those who have endured sexual abuse and faced civil injustice. Referring to a conspiracy theory which holds that Pelosi let DePape into his home, Claypool said: The question theyve not talked about is, and nobody wants to talk about, but lets do it, is did Paul Pelosi know this guy? Claypool pointed to the fact the footage shows Pelosi with a drink in his hand. The commentator also claimed a 911 call also released showed Pelosi to be kind of passively in fear, it didnt sound like he was in fear for his life. Things started to go wrong for Claypool when his Fox News host, Sandra Smith, said: Wasnt that an effort to keep the attacker calm, potentially? I think thats the way a lot of us interpreted that 911 call that this was somebody who had 911 on the line and that Pelosi was trying to convey that he was in distress, that he was in immediate danger, without escalating the situation with the attacker. And, by the way, theres clear footage outside of the house, showing this attacker breaking through the glass windows on the side of the house. Fox News rolled the footage. Im not saying that I welcome this upon him, Claypool said. What Im talking about is we just want transparency over what happened. Why did it take so long to get the video footage? Instead of cutting his losses there, Claypool switched tack. The other issue, he said, is, look, where is the evidence of a breaking and entering? Smith said: Theres video of him breaking into the house. Claypool said: I havent seen video of him breaking into the house. Smith said: Its on the screen right now. I assume its with the hammer you later see [the attacker] with. This is clear video that we have been given outside of the house. The attacker is on the right side of the screen, breaking through the house. Claypool said: Got it. Smiths co-host, John Roberts, said: Hes clearly using that to break in. Claypool said: Yeah. OK. But cant we talk more about what is the DoJ doing? The attorney then attempted to compare justice department treatment of the Pelosi attack with the Hunter Biden thing, with the Mar-a-Lago search warrant central Republican attack lines about the conduct of the presidents son and an FBI raid on Donald Trumps home in search of classified documents. Claypool insisted he was not questioning that Paul Pelosi feared for himself. But, he said: All Im saying is a complete lack of transparency again, by the DoJ and people just want transparency on high-profile investigations involving high-profile Democratic officials. PayPal announced on Tuesday that the company will lay off 2,000 employees, which is about 7 percent of its workforce. CEO and President Dan Schulman wrote in a message to employees shared on the company website that while PayPal made substantial progress in restructuring its cost structure and prioritizing its allocation of resources, more work needs to be done. He said the downsizing will occur within the next few weeks, and that some organizations in the company will be impacted more than others. Change can be difficult particularly when it includes valued colleagues and friends departing. We will face this head-on together, drawing on the unparalleled scale of our global platform, the strategic investments we have made to strengthen our core capabilities, and the trust and loyalty of our customers, Schulman said in the message. Schulman said the leaders of PayPals business units and teams will be in contact with their employees over the next few days and weeks to discuss how the changes will impact their parts of the company. This will be a challenging period for our community, but I am confident we will come through it together with compassion for each other, our values at the fore, and a shared commitment to the future of PayPal, Schulman concluded. PayPal is the latest tech company to announce a round of layoffs in the industry. Workday also announced plans to cut jobs on Tuesday, which will eliminate about 3 percent of its global workforce. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As of 31 January, there are approximately 1,100,000 inhabitants in Kharkiv, although after the first month of the full-scale war there were 200-300,000 people there. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, during a briefing at the Ukraine-Ukrinform media centre on 31 January Quote: "We currently have 450,000 IDPs [internally displaced persons ed.] in the city of Kharkiv and the oblast. If we're talking about the city of Kharkiv, we currently have 1,100,000 people [there]. Let me remind you that at the time of the full-scale invasion, after, relatively speaking, its first month, only 200-300,000 people remained to live in Kharkiv. This means that people are returning. They are not so active anymore, but they are returning to the territories where it is relatively safe." Details: Syniehubov added that people are also returning to some settlements in the oblast, in particular, to the city of Lozova. During the evacuation, when part of the oblast was still occupied, there were about 10,000 people there, and now, there are 60,000. Reference: As of 2019, the population of Kharkiv was 1,446,107 people. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! A California pizza restaurant that apologized for a workers refusal to serve police now faces online backlash over the firing of the employee. The San Francisco Police Officers Association posted to Twitter on Jan. 29 to say police visiting Pizza Squared were denied food and told they were not welcome in the restaurant. The union called the actions shameful and hateful. Pizza Squared responded on Twitter with an apology, saying the worker involved was a trainee on his third day at the restaurant. We expressly told him we didnt share his views & that he was out of line, the restaurant said. He was fired at the end of the day. The police union said on Twitter that it appreciated the apology. But responses on Twitter to the Pizza Squared post called the restaurant owners cowards and bootlickers for their actions. Disappointing how you handled this. I love pizza but not if its made by boot lickers, read one comment. So youre OK with armed violent thugs in your establishment? No thanks then, read another post. Just chiming in to say that I wont ever be eating at your restaurant if this is how you treat your employees. Enjoy your cop-only clientele, another comment read. The dispute comes amid national protests over the release of a video showing Memphis police beating Tyre Nichols, 29, after a traffic stop on Jan. 7. He died three days later. Five former officers have been charged with murder in the case, National Public Radio reported. Three emergency medical technicians have been fired and two more police officers have been disciplined. The San Francisco police union and other police unions in California and Hawaii posted a Jan. 27 joint statement to Twitter calling the death of Tyre Nichols horrific. The killing of Tyre Nichols at the hand of five cowardly former Memphis police officers is repugnant and the complete antithesis of how honorable law enforcement professionals conduct themselves every day, the statement read. Story continues Ex-boyfriend on the run after woman shot at Whataburger, Arizona officials say Boyfriend shoots Jack in the Box worker who got in the middle of a girl fight, AZ cops say Taco Bell workers beat man with broom, chair when he refuses to leave, Nebraska cops say By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska and Kuba Stezycki WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland aims to get training time on Leopard 2 battle tanks down to five weeks at a centre where Ukrainian soldiers are likely to be taught how to operate the Western battlefield workhorse against Russia's invasion. The village of Swietoszow in western Poland, near the German border, hosts one of just three Leopard training centres in Europe - the others are in Germany and Switzerland. The Polish military declined to confirm where Ukrainian soldiers would be trained, but military experts said Swietoszow was the most likely location. "It is possible or even likely that the training of Ukrainian Leopard 2 tank crews will take place in Swietoszow, but other locations cannot be ruled out," said Jakub Pawlowski, military expert and deputy editor-in-chief of Defence24.pl. A coalition of Ukraine's Western supporters formed in January to provide Kyiv with German-made Leopard tanks, and on Jan. 20 Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Ukrainian troops would be trained on Leopards in Poland. At a training centre equipped with simulators, 14 crews of four personnel each can undergo instruction at once. Training on the Leopard - the vaunted modern battlefield tank used by many NATO member countries in Europe - has hitherto taken about 10 weeks but this could be reduced to five, instructors said. "If we intensify training (by maximising the number of) instructors, our time and our weekends, we can train an entire crew in five weeks," Major Maciej Banaszynski, Poland's Leopard training centre commander, told Reuters on Tuesday. "Leopard tanks are third-generation tanks. Their mobility on diverse terrain is better compared to Russian tanks," said chief warrant officer Lukasz Setny, a senior Leopard instructor. "A (Russian tank) is like having a new Fiat 26p rather than a second-hand Mercedes. It is easier and more comfortable to drive an old Mercedes than a new Fiat 126p, he said. Story continues Banaszynski said Polish instructors were running Leopard training courses for tank crews and for drivers. "In addition, we now run courses for mechanics for the arms, chassis and equipment accompanying Leopards, he said. The only tank Ukraine has so far used against Russia's invasion has been the T-72 inherited from the former Soviet Union. But Poland's Leopard trainers said it was not difficult to switch from operating old- to new-generation battle tanks. (Reporting by Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, editing by Mark Heinrich) Photo: The Canadian Press Minister of Economic Development, Minister of International Trade and Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion Mary Ng, right, looks on as United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai speaks during a joint news conference in Ottawa, Thursday, May 5, 2022. The United States is filing another formal dispute over what it considers Canadas failure to live up to its trade obligations to American dairy farmers and producers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld The United States is filing another formal dispute over what it considers Canada's failure to live up to its trade obligations to American dairy farmers and producers. It's the second time the U.S. has launched such a dairy-driven escalation, formally known as a dispute settlement panel, in less than two years. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says the new panel has become necessary because Canada has so far refused to take the steps necessary to properly address the first one. That panel ruled in December 2021 that Canada was indeed violating the terms of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement with the way it was allocating import quotas for U.S. dairy products. U.S. trade officials and dairy industry advocates say a large share of those quotas were being allocated to processors rather than producers. The U.S. says the federal government amended its policies, but that the new procedures remain "inconsistent" with the terms of the agreement, known as USMCA in the U.S. and CUSMA in Canada. "The Canadian government's revised measures have not fixed the problem," Tai said in a statement announcing the decision. "Canada made commitments to the United States in the USMCA, and the Biden-Harris administration is ensuring that they honour those commitments." Polish instructors train military on Leopard Poland hosts one of three Leopard training centers in Swietoszow, near the German border. The other two are in Germany and Switzerland. Read also: Poland very much wants Ukraine to become EU member, says Polish deputy FM The Swietoszow center trains up to 14 four-man tank crews at a time. According to the instructors, nominally the course takes 10 weeks to complete, but this time can be brought down to just five weeks. Read also: Polish PM names terms for transferring F-16 fighters to Ukraine If we intensify training (by maximizing the number of) instructors, our time and our weekends, we can train an entire crew in five weeks, said Banaszynski. He added that besides tank crews, the center also trains maintenance and auxiliary personnel. On Jan. 20, Polish Defense Ministry said it expects to train an entire Ukrainian tank brigade by March. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The US Secret Service (USSS) has arrested a man alleged to have impersonated an officer and who carried a stash of knives near the Congressional complex in Washington, DC. The suspect, Max Eli Viner, 37, had previously been recorded by the Secret Service as being wanted for questioning. Mr Viner was identified by US Capitol Police (USCP) and taken into custody on Monday evening around 6.20pm after the police were tipped off by USSS. Hes now facing charges of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon within the District of Columbia. He was arrested by the Secret Service after being caught by US Capitol Police, the agency said in a statement. Capitol Police said that an officer with the USCPs Bicycle Response Team noticed a man, who was wanted for questioning by the U.S. Secret Service, near the corner of Third Street and Madison Drive, NW. Officers with the USSS Uniformed Division first spotted the suspect a few minutes earlier near Constitution Avenue and 15th Street. When police searched Mr Viner, they found multiple knifes on him as well as a chain saw blade. Police found several knives on a suspect arrested near the US Capitol (US Capitol Police) The United States Secret Service quickly arrived on scene, searched the suspects SUV, and found fake police equipment. USSS officers also discovered shell casings, a smoke grenade and a gas mask inside the suspects Ford Explorer, police said. US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said in a statement that this is another example of how our teams work closely with our partner law enforcement agencies to keep everyone safe. These partnerships are critical. We thank the U.S. Secret Service for their detailed and timely information and we thank our officers who continue to show their dedication to our critical mission every day, he added. Jan. 31LINESVILLE A western Crawford County couple has been charged with more than $100,000 worth of home improvement fraud. Conneaut Lake Regional Police Department has charged Chad Eckenrode, 42, and Kristi L. McBride, 38, both of 3438 Maple Lane, Atlantic, with false statement for home improvement services, receiving advance payment for services and failing to perform work, theft by deception and deceptive business practices. Police allege the married couple defrauded a man of $118,135 in remodeling of a Sadsbury Township home, according to the criminal complaint filed in the case. Police allege the homeowner signed a contract with A+ Handyman Service in September 2021 to remodel a home on Hickory Drive, but failed to fulfill the contract as required. A+ Handyman Service is owned by McBride and Eckenrode is a construction supervisor, the affidavit said. The contract was to demolish and remodel portions of the interior, remove and remodel exterior portions, and construct a new addition to the rear of the residence, according to the arrest affidavit. The affidavit said the homeowner made a down payment of $20,000 in December 2021. In 2022, subsequent checks were issued by the homeowner of $11,130 and $9,000 on March 19; $19,130 on May 2; $2,615 on May 22; $28,130 on June 10; and $28,130 on Aug. 28 for a total payment of $118,135, the affidavit said. McBride also had requested the checks be issued to McBride's Handyman Service instead of A+ Handyman or to McBride herself, the affidavit said. The affidavit said there are photographs of uncompleted construction at the home, alleged damaged caused by rainwater, windows not sealed, open end plumbing, cracked wood and open electrical ends. Eckenrode and McBride were arraigned Monday before Magisterial District Judge Adam Stallard of Linesville. They were released on $120,000 unsecured bond each. Preliminary hearings for both McBride and Eckenrode are scheduled for Feb. 13 before Stallard. Keith Gushard can be reached at (814) 724-6370 or by email at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com. Police in Manhattan, Kansas were investigating three rapes reported in the college town on Saturday by women between the ages of 20 and 21. The Riley County Police Department on Monday released its weekend report of criminal activity investigated by officers. It included two separate cases opened on Saturday evening and night in Manhattan, home to Kansas State University and roughly 120 miles west of Kansas City. The first was made by a 21-year-old woman who told officers she was assaulted by an unknown man. The second was jointly reported by two women, ages 20 and 21, who said they knew the identity of their attacker. Police as of Monday had a 32-year-old male suspect in that case. Police were not disclosing further details of either case, citing the nature of the crimes, according to the crime report. RIVIERA BEACH City police are searching for the person who shot a man to death outside a convenience store Monday afternoon. Officers responded to the fatal shooting shortly after 3 p.m. at the 3300 block of President Barack Obama Highway, north of Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach police spokesperson Brittany Collins said. 'Funny, caring, loving':Police seek shooter in death of Willis Williams, lead cook at McCray's BBQ 'American Pain':Former Wellington pill mill kingpins Chris, Jeff George subjects of CNN documentary Federal fraud case:West Palm-area nursing school one of three targeted in fake diploma probe They pronounced the man dead at the scene. Police have not identified the victim, nor did they release any details about people they would like to question in the shooting. Police are investigating the incident as a homicide. They had not made any arrests as of Tuesday afternoon. This is a breaking story. Check back to www.PalmBeachPost.com for updates. Maya Washburn is a reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida network. Reach her at mwashburn@gannett.com Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Riviera Beach police investigate fatal shooting outside convenience store Photo: The Canadian Press NDP MP Heather McPherson is seen during a news conference, Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in Ottawa. The NDP is accusing the Liberals of basing their sanctions regime on "political theatre" as data suggest few funds have been frozen and none have been seized. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld The NDP is accusing the Liberals of basing their sanctions regime on "political theatre" as data suggest few funds have been frozen and none have been seized. The federal government has been announcing sanctions almost weekly that bar people associated with authoritarian regimes from having financial dealings in Canada and from entering the country. Yet publicly released RCMP data show barely any change in the amount of money frozen in Canadian bank accounts between June and December of last year, despite hundreds of people being added to sanctions lists. Ottawa passed legislation in July that allows the government to take possession of funds from sanctioned people and divert them to victims of wrongdoing, but it has not moved to do so. The government issued an order for the restraint of property in December to start the process of forfeiting US$26 million held by a firm owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, but it has yet to file an application in court. NDP MP Heather McPherson argues that Canada is using sanctions as a symbolic tool, without taking the steps to actually disincentivize support for autocracies. By Philip Pullella and Paul Lorgerie KINSHASA (Reuters) -Pope Francis denounced the "poison of greed" driving conflicts in Africa as he began a visit to Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, saying the rich world had to realise that people were more precious than the minerals in the earth beneath them. Many tens of thousands of people cheered as he travelled from the airport into the capital Kinshasa in his popemobile, with some breaking away to chase it while others chanted and waved flags. But the joyous mood, one of the most vibrant welcomes of his foreign trips, turned sombre when the 86-year-old pope spoke to dignitaries at the presidential palace. He condemned "terrible forms of exploitation, unworthy of humanity" in Congo, where vast mineral wealth has fuelled war, displacement and hunger. "Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hands off Africa. Stop choking Africa: it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered," Francis said. Congo has some of the world's richest deposits of diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, tin, tantalum and lithium, but those have stoked conflict between militias, government troops and foreign invaders. Mining has also been linked to inhumane exploitation of workers, including children, and environmental degradation. "It is a tragedy that these lands, and more generally the whole African continent, continue to endure various forms of exploitation," the pope said, reading his speech in Italian while seated. People listening to a French translation applauded repeatedly. "The poison of greed has smeared its diamonds with blood," he said, referring to Congo specifically. Compounding the country's problems, eastern Congo has been plagued by violence connected to the long and complex fallout from the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda. Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group fighting government troops in the east. Rwanda denies this. Story continues "As well as armed militias, foreign powers hungry for the minerals in our soil commit, with the direct and cowardly support of our neighbour Rwanda, cruel atrocities," Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi said, speaking just before the pope on the same stage on a hot, muggy afternoon. The pope did not name Rwanda in his address or take sides in the dispute. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo rebuffed Tshisekedi's comments. "Its obvious that this ridiculous obsession with scapegoating Rwanda is President Tshisekedis electoral strategy - a distraction from the poor performance of his government, and failure to deliver to their citizens," she told Reuters. 'DEVOURED BY VIOLENCE' An estimated 5.7 million people are internally displaced in Congo and 26 million face severe hunger, largely because of the impact of armed conflict, according to the United Nations. About half of Congo's population of 90 million are Roman Catholics and the Church plays a crucial role in running schools and health facilities in the sprawling central African country, as well as promoting democracy. The pope criticised rich countries for ignoring the tragedies unfolding in Congo and elsewhere in Africa. "One has the impression that the international community has practically resigned itself to the violence devouring it (Congo). We cannot grow accustomed to the bloodshed that has marked this country for decades, causing millions of deaths," he said. Tshisekedi made a similar point: "While the international community has remained passive and silent, more than 10 million people have been horribly killed." First scheduled for last July, the pope's trip was postponed because of a flare-up of a chronic knee ailment. Francis had originally planned to travel to Goma, in eastern Congo, but that stop was scrapped because of a resurgence in fighting between M23 rebels and government troops. In an apparent reference to the M23 and other militias active in Congo's eastern regions, the pope said the Congolese people were fighting to preserve their territorial integrity "against deplorable attempts to fragment the country". On Wednesday, Francis will celebrate Mass at a Kinshasa airport that is expected to draw more than a million people. He also will meet victims of violence from the east. Francis will stay in Kinshasa until Friday morning, when he will fly to South Sudan, another African country grappling with conflict and poverty. In a first, he will be accompanied for that leg of his journey by the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the global Anglican Communion, and by the Church of Scotland Moderator. The religious leaders have described their joint visit as a "pilgrimage of peace" to the world's youngest nation. South Sudan gained independence in 2011 from predominantly Muslim Sudan after decades of conflict. Two years later inter-ethnic conflict spiralled into a civil war that killed 400,000 people. A 2018 deal stopped the worst of the fighting. (Additional reporting by Justin Makangara, Benoit Nyemba, Sonia Rolley and Stanis Bujakera, and Philbert Girinema in Kigali; Writing by Estelle Shirbon and Philip Pullella; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Barbara Lewis and Mark Heinrich) Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in Zagreb, Croatia, in February 2020. AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File Croatia's president said that Russian-annexed Crimea will never rejoin Ukraine, breaking from NATO. Zoran Milanovic added that more Western-supplied weapons will only "prolong the war." The county's prime minister disagreed, saying the comments "harm Croatia's foreign policy position." On Monday, Croatia's president seemingly broke with his NATO allies by suggesting publically that Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, was forever lost to Ukraine. "It is clear that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine," Zoran Milanovic said, according to Reuters. Russia's annexation of the region has not been recognized internationally, including by the EU, the US, or China, and Ukraine has pledged to retake the Black Sea peninsula as part of its current military efforts. The peninsula was taken before Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Milanovic also criticized the flow of Western weapons going to Ukraine, according to The Associated Press, including the recent decision by Germany, the US, and other allies to send advanced tanks. "I am against sending any lethal arms there," he said, addressing reporters during a visit to a military barracks. "It prolongs the war." He added: "What is the goal? Disintegration of Russia, change of the government? There is also talk of tearing Russia apart. This is mad." Milanovic's view that sending Ukraine arms will make the war last longer stands in contrast to the view of many Western officials, who say that giving Ukraine the weapons it needs is the best way to end the conflict as fast as possible. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in December that giving Ukraine better weaponry would help to end the war. "The Ukrainians have the valor necessary to succeed. They have shown it. They just need the equipment," he said. In recent months Ukraine has pushed Russian forces back in the east, thwarting its efforts to conquer vast tracts of the country. Experts told Insider's John Haltiwanger this month that a battle for Crimea could be the next big stage of the war. Story continues Croatia's president has repeatedly criticized Western help for Ukraine, Reuters noted. In October Milanovic said that Croatia would not train Ukrainian troops as "I do not want Croatia to be involved in this war more than is necessary." But the country's prime minister, Andrej Plenkovic, who has more political power, has taken a more pro-Ukraine stance. On Monday he said that Milanovic's comments "directly harm Croatia's foreign policy position," according to the AP. Plenkovic also said last June that he supported Ukraine's steps to joining the EU, and accused Russia in September of a "violation of international law." Earlier this month Plenkovic said that "the key thing is that we support Ukraine in regaining their territories, in preserving their sovereignty, in preserving the constitutional order." Read the original article on Business Insider Prosecutors have dismissed a pending criminal case against a Wichita police officer accused of slapping a handcuffed prisoner strapped into a patrol car over an availability issue with a key witness. Andrew Barnett was scheduled for jury trial this week on the misdemeanor battery charge. But in a court filing late Monday morning, the Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office announced it was dismissing the case without prejudice, which leaves open the possibility of filing it again in the future. In an emailed response to questions Monday, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said his office made the decision to dismiss the case because a necessary witness is not available but said he would consider pursuing it again later. I will reassess the case in light of this development and in light of the recent acquittal in the case involving Barnett before deciding whether to refile, he wrote. A defense attorney listed for Barnett in court records did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment Monday afternoon. Earlier this month, Barnett was acquitted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct in an unrelated case where he was accused of threatening an Avis Rental Car counter clerk at Eisenhower National Airport who wouldnt rent him a vehicle with someone elses travel vouchers and a credit card he didnt physically have in his possession on Dec. 2, 2021. In the newly dismissed case, Barnett stood accused of hitting a Kansas City, Missouri, man who was in handcuffs and strapped into the back seat of a police patrol car on May 14, 2021. Barnetts slap came after the man, who was reportedly in custody for alleged drug- and traffic-related offenses, had climbed into the drivers seat of the patrol car and struggled with officers but was after the man had already been subdued and secured. Barnett, in an interview with law enforcement, claimed he opened the door to the patrol car after the scuffle to ask the prisoner what he was thinking and used his hand to move the mans face because he thought the man was about to spit on him, according to an affidavit released by the court last year. Story continues Other officers interviewed described Barnett as angry and hot headed, the document says. The prisoner denied Barnetts version of events and said he didnt know why the officer had smacked him, the affidavit says. The interaction was not captured on police body camera. Barnett was charged last February. He pleaded not guilty to allegations in both misdemeanor cases. It was a fourth night of protest in Metro Atlanta after the video of the arrest of Tyre Nichols death at the hands of Memphis police was released. Mondays protest was held at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark next to the Eastside Beltline Trail. Nichols, a skateboarder himself, was beaten with a baton, punched and kicked during a traffic stop with Memphis police. He died three days later. You want to be active. He was active skateboarding, so it should be nothing for us to be active either celebrating his life or protesting the police brutality, skateboarder Dimitri Crippen told Channel 2s Candace McCowan. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The calls for reform are coming from many directions, but how to make a change is dependent on who you ask. Protesters want to stop the construction of public safety training facilities such as the proposed Atlanta police training facility, where there have been protests. At Destiny World Church in Austell, Pastor Wilbur Purvis III hopes the change can start in his sanctuary. We must raise the status of black men, and I believe it begins with us and that is what happened at that moment, Purvis said. Video from his Sunday service of men from all races linking arms, a moment he believes was needed. RELATED STORIES: Five of the officers who were fired, arrested and charged for Nichols death were Black, which Purvis noted. What was sad about Memphis it was brothers with badges. We are accustomed to having problems with badges, but now we have brothers with badges beating on people who look like themselves, thats problematic, Purvis said. A sixth officer, who is White, and a seventh officer, who has not been identified, have also been relieved of duty. Story continues Two Memphis Fire Department EMTs and a driver were fired after an internal investigation determined they had violated multiple department policies and protocols. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Pueblo city councilor wants to introduce an ordinance that would seek to curb shoplifting by mandating jail time for people who steal more than $300 worth of retail items. The ordinance, which is expected to be introduced by council president Heather Graham, would require a person convicted of that crime to spend no more than three days in Pueblo County jail, she told the Chieftain. There is no timeline yet on when the ordinance might be introduced, but the citys legal department is working on it, Haley Sue Robinson, director of public affairs for the city, confirmed. Graham, the owner of both Grahams Grill restaurant locations and Rubys at 100 Broadway Ave., said some Pueblo business owners are frustrated with crime they say is hurting their businesses. I think to have immediate consequences for doing what were not supposed to do is another way to deter criminals who rob places and (commit) property damage, Graham said. I mean, small-business owners are ready to pack up and leave Pueblo because theyre so frustrated about the crime and constant trouble theyre facing. An offender would be charged with no more than a misdemeanor if convicted through the ordinance, Graham said. She said the ordinance would mimic one that Aurora City Council passed last year, which was met with criticism from some Aurora city councilors who felt mandating jail time wouldnt deter people from committing additional crimes, according to a report from the Denver Gazette. Aurora council member Danielle Jurinsky, a conservative small-business owner who was elected to council in 2021, introduced the ordinance. Another Aurora council member, Juan Marcano, voted against it and said at a September meeting where councilors discussed the ordinance that jail is not a deterrent (to crime). He also said he believes diversion and prevention programs would be more effective and cost friendly, according to the Sentinel. The Sentinel also reported that council member Alison Coombs, who joined Marcano in voting against the proposal, said mandating jail time through the ordinance could cause people to lose their job for not showing up to work. Story continues Graham said she suspects the proposal could be hard to pass in Pueblo because some councilors will likely vote against it, but she believes its time to tell people that its not OK to do these types of things. She said she doesnt think the ordinance would produce repeat offenders. Rather, people thinking about committing such a crime wouldnt do it in the first place, knowing they would face a consequence stricter than a fine, she said. If the ordinance were to pass, Graham said she suspects the county jail might face overcrowding as offenders found guilty of the crime are sentenced, but once the word gets out about the ordinance, people will know not to steal and wont be put in jail. I dont think its the intention of (people between) 18 and 30 years old to have a life of crime, Graham said. I think they do it because they know they can get away with it. Maybe spending a few nights in jail is what they need to get back on track. Graham said she spoke with a district judge who expressed a desire to have the ability to sentence accordingly, if the ordinance passed. For example, if an offender is dealing with a mental health issue, a judge could pursue an alternative approach rather than impose the three-day jail stay. Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller said at a press conference earlier this week the police department made significant progress to address shoplifting in 2022 and that the departments Directed Enforcement and Community Engagement (DICE) team has helped deter shoplifting and other low-level crimes. Graham, who acknowledged Pueblo PDs efforts despite facing staffing limitations, said she thinks Pueblo needs to do more to deter shoplifting. (Shoplifting) isnt just in Pueblo, its everywhere, but in Pueblo at least we can maybe control it a little better and come up with some tools and rules to enforce and take back the community from criminals, Graham said. According to the city of Pueblos municipal code, theft from a merchant is a Class 2 municipal offense, which is punishable through a fine of no more than $1,000. Graham said she expects city council will discuss the ordinance during executive session and that it could be introduced at some point in February. Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @josuepwrites. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo City Council member wants jail time for shoplifters Vladimir Putin talks with David Cameron at the London 2012 Olympic Games - BBC/Darren Staples "Boris, I dont want to hurt you, but with a missile it would only take a minute. Not the words of a Bond villain but of Vladimir Putin, on the telephone to Boris Johnson, on the eve of the invasion of Ukraine. It was one of many insider moments revealed in Putin vs the West (BBC Two), billed as the story of how Putin wrongfooted the West in the decade leading up to the war. Award-winning film-maker Norma Percy specialises in heavyweight political documentaries featuring the people who were in the room when the big decisions were made, from world leaders to special advisers. Unsurprisingly, Volodymyr Zelensky appeared but Putin did not. On the British side of things, David Cameron, Theresa May and Johnson all appeared. The series serves as a reminder that Johnson can be a serious politician when not mugging for the cameras or deploying his schoolboy Latin, although he was the only talking head here to address the camera with, at one point, his hand stuffed into his trouser pocket. News reports of the events covered here a G20 summit, bilateral meetings, telephone conversations gave us only brief, official lines. The documentary provided behind-the-scenes colour from those present, and it was fascinating. We got a real sense of the personalities involved. A British foreign policy adviser read out his note of what Putin had told Cameron in Downing Street: I know youre a great country with a great history. You all think Im not democratic like you. I wont argue with you Im an ex-KGB man, Im wicked and scary with claws and teeth, and youre all so well-bred and so well-educated. But you remember Abu Ghraib, David? Did you see those pictures? It was medieval, what happened there. It was a speech that provided more insight into Putins view of the West than any amount of commentary from political correspondents on the nightly news bulletins. What makes Percys documentaries so compelling is the mix of small details and large truths. The latter: the reluctance of some nations to back sanctions against Russia. Johnson spoke of the magnetic pull of Putin and Russian influence, even within the EU. The former: Putin gazing admiringly at a portrait of Margaret Thatcher and murmuring: Ah, truly she was an Iron Lady. And a French diplomat describing the sensation of staring into the totally empty eyes of a Putin portrait: Suddenly you say, If I was in a cellar tied to a chair in front of him, I would really be terrified of this guy. Photo: The Canadian Press CORRECTS NAME TO SOQUOIA -Soquoia Green, a cousin of Tyre Nichols, lights candles with family and friends during a vigil for him late Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Regency Community Skate Park in Natomas, where Tyree used to skateboard when he lived in Sacramento, Calif. Nichols, who moved to Tennessee in 2020, was fatally beaten by Memphis police earlier this month. (Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP) Vice President Kamala Harris plans to attend the funeral of Tyre Nichols, who died three days after he was beaten by Memphis police officers just minutes from his home, the White House said Tuesday. Harris was invited to attend the funeral services Wednesday by Nichols mother and stepfather, RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells, according to Harris's press secretary, Kirsten Allen. Harris spoke by phone with the Wells family on Tuesday, expressing her condolences and offering her support. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Nichols family last week. Harris will be joined by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a senior adviser to the president for public engagement, and Mitch Landrieu, a White House senior advisor and infrastructure implementation coordinator, who is a former mayor of New Orleans, Allen said. Five Black officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in Nichols Jan. 7 beating and subsequent death. Video of the beating, which was released publicly last week, shows that many more people failed to help Nichols, who was also Black, beyond the five officers charged in his death. Two more Memphis police officers have been disciplined and three emergency responders fired in connection with Nichols death, officials said Monday. Officer Preston Hemphill, who is white, and another officer whose name wasnt released, have been suspended, police said. Nichols' family, the Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump plan to gather Tuesday evening at the historic Mason Temple in Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech the night before he was assassinated to speak about the latest developments in the case. Six of the officers involved were part of the so-called Scorpion unit, which targeted violent criminals in high-crime areas. Other Memphis residents who say they also were brutalized by officers in the unit will also speak at Mason Temple, according to a statement from Crump. Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis said after the video's release that the unit has been disbanded. Its a step in the right direction, but due to the severity of the situation its not enough, Damion Carrick, 44, said as he participated in a protest Monday evening at Shelby Farms Park. You got a man dragged out of his car, beaten senseless, to a pulp and nobody doing nothing about it. Its heartbreaking. Nichols death was the latest in a string of early accounts by police about their use of force that were later shown to have minimized or omitted violent and sometimes deadly encounters. Memphis Police Department officers used a stun gun, a baton and their fists as they pummeled Nichols during the nighttime arrest. Video shows Nichols running away from officers toward his house after he was pulled over on suspicion of reckless driving. The video footage released Friday shows the 29-year-old father calling for his mother and struggling with his injuries as he sits helpless on the pavement. The five officers chatted and milled about for several minutes as Nichols remained on the ground, but other authorities were on the scene. Two Shelby County sheriffs deputies also have been suspended without pay while their conduct is investigated. Nichols' older brother, Jamal Dupree, told CNN's Don Lemon on Tuesday that he feels guilty because he wasn't there to protect his younger sibling. Im 99% sure that my brother has never gotten into a fight before. And the one time he got into an altercation with other humans, we wasnt there to protect him. My brother was trying to cooperate with them, Dupree, who lives in California, said of the Memphis officers. Dupree said he hasn't watched the police video. "I already knew how they treated him because Ive seen it all over the world, Dupree said. Police brutality is nothing new. I already knew they treated my brother like an animal. They treated him like he was nothing. I dont have to watch the video to know that. He said he has seen reports about his brother and thinks other people are learning about who he was as a person. I think people really know my brother did not deserve this," he told CNN. "He was not that type of person. Yeah, he was just a good guy around the board. ... We want justice. Nichols' sister, Keyana Dixon, was among more than 100 friends, family and supporters who gathered for a candlelight vigil Monday night at a skate park in Sacramento, where Nichols grew up, The Sacramento Bee reported. This was his favorite place to skate, she said at the vigil. I just want to thank all of you for your continued support for our family, and making sure his name is never forgotten. A childhood friend, Ryan Wilson, said he met Nichols at a skate park when he was 12 and they became fast friends, sharing their dreams for the future. Nichols had some struggles while young, but he focused on making others happy, Wilson said. I just feel like all he wanted to do was find his place in this world, and he just wanted to be happy," Wilson said. RowVaughn and Rodney Wells have accepted an invitation to attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address next week at the Capitol. They will attend with Rep. Steven Horsford, a Nevada Democrat and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to Vincent Evans, a spokesperson for the caucus. Nichols' funeral is set for Wednesday at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. Sharpton will give the eulogy and Crump will speak immediately after the funeral. Those expected to be in attendance include Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, and Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd. The deaths of Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, and Floyd in Minneapolis, at the hands of police sparked protests across the nation about racial injustice. House Democrats are asking for the visitor logs of those who met with former President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence after they left office, matching a GOP request as both sides race to do oversight of mishandled classified records. The letter from Democrats on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee comes after Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) requested visitor logs for President Bidens Delaware home following revelations that classified documents from his tenure as vice president were found in the house and garage. In a tit for tat, ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said the panel should also look at the residences of Trump and Pence. While Pence had several classified documents, authorities spent months looking to recover more than 10,000 records from Trump, including an ultimate cache of more than 300 classified records found at Mar-a-Lago. Just last week, news reports revealed that attorneys for former Vice President Pence discovered approximately a dozen documents with classified markings at his home in Carmel, Indiana, Raskin wrote in the letter to the U.S. Secret Service. Given that the U.S. Secret Service provided protection for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence during the time they stored classified materials at their respective residences, the Committee is seeking information from your agency regarding who had access to former President Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club and former Vice President Pences personal residence since leaving office, he added. Oversight on documents issues has ramped up in recent weeks, as both parties seek to review the discovery of classified documents in private spaces used by Trump and Biden. Thus far, the Justice Department has largely refused to provide much information to lawmakers on the pending investigations. That has frustrated lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including those on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which sent a bipartisan letter asking for information. Story continues This is very straightforward. We are the committee charged with making sure that our intelligence agencies are doing a good job, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), vice chairman of the panel, said during an interview with Fox News. Part of their job is to protect classified information from espionage and from putting our country in danger. We know that there are letters and documents and material the media seems to know more about it than Congress does that are out there, that were not stored properly, in [Bidens] garage or whatever. We want to know what those materials are, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. T+L TOP TRAVEL ADVISOR | EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA SPECIALIST Courtesy of Respective Travel Advisor Kenya-born Visram connects travelers with top guides for spotting the Big Five in the Serengeti and tracking chimpanzees in the mountains of Tanzania. Hes also clued in to lesser-known camps and lodges, like those of the Dar es Salaam-based Wellworth Hospitality Collection. For a spring 2022 trip that Visram calls a Covid comeback celebration, he sent a group of 15 on a spectacular tour of South Africa and Botswana. Over 13 days, the group visited the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, and a stop in South Africa, staying at private conservancies in Khwai and the Gomoti Plains, and at Ngoma Safari Lodge, which works with the nearby communities. It took an extreme amount of effort to plan and operate a safari via South Africa to Botswana when the fear of covid was still present in large numbers, he says. Language(s) Spoken: English, Gujrati, Kutchi, and Swahili Average Daily Spend: $1,125 per person Trip Planning Fees: $1,000 to $2,000 Contact Info sales@africanmecca.com | +1 610-590-1234 africanmeccasafaris.com instagram.com/africanmeccasafaris facebook.com/AfricanMeccaSafaris twitter.com/AfricanMecca For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The Netherlands is ready to consider Ukraine's request for the supply of F-16 fighter jets, but so far no such request has been received. This was stated by Prime Minister Mark Rutte at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in The Hague; European Pravda with reference to NOS. "There is no supply now, and no requests either," Rutte said. At the same time, he emphasised that there are no taboos on supporting Ukraine to win the war with Russia. "But it would really be a very big next step if it came to that," Rutte said about the fighter jet supply. Macron did not rule out the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine, saying that "in general, nothing is prohibited." Background: Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated that the transfer of F-16 multi-purpose fighters or other aircraft to Ukraine is possible only in close coordination with other NATO allies, as was the case with Leopard tanks. At the same time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz claims that the question of a possible provision of fighter jets to Ukraine does not even arise at the moment. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Multiple jihadi attacks across Burkina Faso over several days have resulted in the death of at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, government authorities said Monday. Burkina Faso's State Information Agency posted on its Facebook page that a dozen soldiers and a civilian were killed Monday in Falagountou in Burkina Faso's Sahel region during clashes between the military and jihadis. Another 20 people were killed in two attacks over the weekend in the country's east-central and western regions. Four people were executed Saturday afternoon when gunmen intercepted their van between Tenkodogo and Ouargaye villages. On Sunday, a passenger mini-bus coming from the western city of Banfora was intercepted by armed men, said Col. Jean Charles dit Yenapono Some, governor of the Cascades region in a statement. Eight women and one man were freed, the rest of the people were abducted and their lifeless bodies were found with bullet holes the following day, he said. Jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State Group has ravaged the West African country for years killing thousands and displacing nearly 2 million people. Nearly 5,000 civilians have been killed since 2015, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). The violence has sowed frustration and distrust among the population and led to two coups last year. The new junta leader, Ibrahim Traore, seized power in September promising to stem the violence but attacks are increasing. Traore has mobilized tens of thousands of civilian fighters to combat the jihadis alongside the army. But analysts says the civilian fighters are accused of targeting other civilians perceived to be working with the jihadis, which is fueling retaliatory attacks. The types of mass-atrocities that are occurring were expected, as the conflict was expected to escalate in the coming months due to the increased mobilization of the population through the (volunteer) program and the increasing trend of extrajudicial killings by defence and security forces observed in recent months, said Heni Nsaibia, senior researcher at ACLED. With the increase in state violence and state-sanctioned violence, it is not surprising that militant violence is escalating and further fueling cycles of attacks and retaliation, he said. NEW YORK (AP) Manhattan prosecutors investigating Donald Trump have convened a new grand jury to hear evidence in a years-old probe into payments made to keep the porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with the former president, according to multiple news reports. The news outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported that witnesses started testifying before the grand jury on Monday, signaling an escalation in what Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has alluded to as the next chapter in his offices Trump investigation. A spokesperson for Braggs office declined comment. In a post to his Truth Social platform, Trump blasted Bragg as the Radical Left Manhattan D.A. and said the new grand jury was a continuation of the Greatest Witch Hunt of all time. Grand juries have been convened before in New York to explore the possibility of criminal charges against Trump, but to date none have issued an indictment. The Manhattan grand jury would be the latest legal threat to Trump as he ramps up his presidential campaign. A special grand jury in Atlanta has investigated whether Trump and his allies committed any crimes while trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. Last month, the House Jan. 6 committee voted to make a criminal referral to the Justice Department for Trumps role in sparking the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The FBI is also investigating Trumps storage of classified documents. The hush-money investigation in New York involves payments of $130,000 to Daniels and $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal to buy their silence in the run-up to Trumps 2016 election victory. Trump has denied having affairs with either woman. Trumps former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, made the payment to Daniels through his own company and said he then was reimbursed by Trump. McDougals payment was made through the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer, which then squelched her story in a journalistically dubious practice known as catch-and-kill to help Trump become president. Story continues The New York Times reported that the National Enquirer's former publisher, David Pecker, was spotted entering the building where the grand jury was meeting on Monday. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law by arranging the payouts. He served about a year in prison before being released to home confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal prosecutors said Trump was aware of the payouts, but they declined to charge him with any crime. Cohen previously told The Associated Press he recently met with Manhattan prosecutors for 2 hours. The Trump Organization was convicted last month of tax fraud and fined $1.6 million as punishment for an unrelated scheme in which top executives dodged personal income taxes on lavish job perks. Now with the trial having ended, we are now moving on to the next chapter, Bragg told The Associated Press in an interview after the tax fraud trial. The Trump Organization in a statement suggested that Bragg, a Democrat, was trying to undermine Trumps fledgling 2024 presidential campaign. Reviving the investigation years after federal prosecutors had decided not to bring a case is simply reprehensible and vindictive," the company said. Braggs predecessor as district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., also examined the hush money payments before shifting the probes focus to the Trump Organizations tax and business practices. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Jan. 30 said Russia made a mistake invading Ukraine but refused to condemn the full-scale invasion during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "I think Russia made the classic mistake of invading another country's territory, so Russia is wrong," Lula said, Reuters reported. "But I still think that when one won't, two won't fight. You have to want peace," he said, adding that he did not think either side was interested in finding a peaceful end to the war. PROVIDENCE A little more than two years after the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a group of Democratic lawmakers in Rhode Island is seeking to bar convicted insurrectionists from holding office. The bill made its appearance on Friday, the day Bernard Joseph Sirr, a 47-year-old North Kingstown man who participated in the breach of the U.S. Capitol, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of interfering with police officers during a civil disorder, according to federal prosecutors. His sentencing is scheduled for May 12. Sirr was one of three Rhode Islanders charged in connection with the siege, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump forced their way into the Capitol, breaking windows and assaulting members of the Capitol Police in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election as president. Democratic lawmakers in at least three other states have introduced similar bills, aimed at sending the message that "those who engage in an attempted overthrow of the government shouldnt be allowed to run it," according to an Associated Press story on similar efforts in Connecticut, New York and Virginia. What would the Rhode Island bill do? The legislation in the states comes after the House Jan. 6 committees final report, which found Donald Trump criminally engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election he lost. The bills vary in scope. For example, the bill introduced in Virginia earlier this month would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony related to an attempted insurrection or riot from serving in a position of public trust including those involving policymaking, law enforcement, safety, education or health care. The Rhode Island bill, introduced by Representatives Camille Vella-Wilkinson, Carol McEntee, David Morales, Jose Batista and Enrique Sanchez, is not that specific. But it would permanently ban "any person convicted of sedition, insurrection, rebellion, or a [related] felony ... [from] being a candidate for or holding public office in the state" and also "from being employed by the state or any political subdivision thereof." Story continues How would the bill run afoul of RI's Constitution? It is not yet clear, however, if the disqualifications sought by the legislators would require an amendment to the state Constitution. Asked for his thoughts on the bill, Steven Brown, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, told The Journal: "Whatever one's sentiments about the bill's intentions, it is in clear conflict with our state Constitution, which explicitly bars only incarcerated felons from voting. "The R.I. Constitution further specifies that people disqualified from running for office because of criminal convictions are eligible to run once three years have elapsed after completion of their sentence. A statute cannot override these clear constitutional commands and limits." If passed, the legislation would, in effect, put a version of the 14th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution barring insurrectionists from holding office into state law. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment says: "No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress... or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same." A Republican Rhode Island lawmaker, Justin Price, acknowledged that he "marched to the Capitol with 1 million peaceful patriots" on Jan. 6, but denied taking part in the violence. Price was not charged, and he ignored calls for his resignation. But he was defeated in his 2022 bid for reelection to his House District 39 seat, representing Exeter, Hopkinton and Richmond. On Monday, Republican Rep. Michael Chippendale, the House minority leader, said the law should come down hard on violent rioters, but he worries that the vague language in the bill about a felony committed "in relation to" sedition, insurrection, rebellion could snag a protester exercising his or her 1st Amendment rights. "There's a very strong political motivation behind this bill. I get it," he said. "Let's make sure if we are going to pass this that we are not disenfranchising folks." Nearly 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes in the Capitol riot, with about half of them pleading guilty to riot-related charges and more than three dozen convicted at trial, according to the Associated Press. "The charges range from misdemeanors for those accused of entering the Capitol illegally but not participating in violence to felony seditious conspiracy for far-right extremist group members accused of plotting to stop the transfer of presidential power," according to the AP report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI bill would block convicted insurrectionists from RI offices or jobs BANGKOK (AP) Myanmar's military is increasingly turning to airstrikes with deadly results to try to crush stiff armed resistance two years after it seized power and plunged the country into a prolonged civil war, a human rights monitoring group said in a report Tuesday. The military is heavily reliant on fighter jets and helicopter gunships supplied by its allies Russia and China, according to the organization Myanmar Witness and other experts. The group's compilation of 135 airwar incidents from July to mid-December shows the number of airstrikes has been on an upward trend since September. As the Myanmar military struggles to exert control over areas of resistance, airstrikes have become a key part of their offensive, the report says. The military "is putting the population of Myanmar in a precarious position, destroying homes, schools and places of worship sites which should be safe for civilians. According to a January statement by the National Unity Government, an underground group that calls itself the countrys legitimate government and serves as an umbrella organization for opponents of military rule, 460 civilians, mostly children, have lost their lives in airstrikes. Myanmars army has defended its actions, saying they are being used against what it calls terrorist activities and legitimate military targets. The army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, 2021, and immediately was met with widespread public protests that security forces suppressed with lethal force. The futility of nonviolent protest drove opponents to armed resistance, which some U.N. experts and others have characterized as civil war. According to the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a watchdog group that tracks killings and arrests, 2,940 civilians have been killed by the authorities since the army takeover. The actual death toll is likely to be much higher since the group cannot easily verify casualties in remote areas and combat zones. Story continues The army has long contended with ethnic minority rebel groups in frontier areas that are fighting for greater autonomy but now finds its forces stretched thin as it also battles pre-democracy guerrillas in Myanmars heartland. In many cases, ethnic rebels have teamed up with pro-democracy guerrillas in the loosely organized armed wing of the National Unity Government. They have effectively denied the military government control of large swaths of the country, undermining its claims to legitimacy. But they lack the resources to deliver a knockout punch on the battlefield. Although the military is demoralized and has been losing control over many parts of the country, its increasing use of air power is a major challenge for the resistance, Christina Fink, a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, said at a Jan. 19 online seminar organized by the Stimson Center think tank in Washington, D.C. The military has an air force capability it didnt have 20 years ago, she said. They have been able to purchase planes from both Russia and China. Theyve been able to get the training in Russia, for instance, and are now using those to great effect, Fink said. Members of the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organization that offers hands-on medical assistance to ethnic minority villagers in Myanmars border regions, were among the rare outside witnesses who were able to see the effects of an airstrike when a Myanmar jet fighter dropped two bombs on the village of Lay Wah in northern Karen state on Jan. 12. They observed the bombing run from a distance and rushed to the village to offer assistance. The bombs destroyed two churches and the school as well as other structures, the Rangers said in an account circulated to their supporters. The victims included a 3-year-old and her mother, a Catholic deacon, another pastor, and a villager who was helping at the church "and was disintegrated by the blast and only the stumps of his legs could be found. David Eubank, a former member of U.S. Army Special Forces and founder of the Free Burma Rangers, told The Associated Press in a text message last week that since the 2021 takeover, Myanmar's military has come with a speed and a force we have never seen in our 30 years of humanitarian relief work here. We witnessed the first airstrikes right after the coup detat in Karen state in villages around us, killing and maiming civilians, many of the women and children we treated in our clinic," said Eubank. Then last year, he saw almost daily airstrikes by Yak-130 and MiG-29 as well as K-8 jet fighters that bombed, strafed and rocketed villages and clinics. "I saw firsthand 10 people who were killed in different bombing events and came up on other areas where many more were killed before we arrived. We also saw Hind attack helicopters in February. Almost every day shooting rockets, and machine gun into villages, he said. The opponents of military rule have virtually no access to sophisticated weapons to combat air attacks. Their supporters are urging an embargo on the sale of aviation fuel to Myanmar to stop the air attacks. The European Union has imposed an arms embargo on Myanmar as well as a ban on equipment that can be used for internal repression or for monitoring communications. The United States bars any commercial transactions with Myanmar's military and its major cronies and agents. These airstrikes have devastated families, terrorized civilians, killed and maimed victims. But if the planes cant fuel up, they cant fly out and wreak havoc," Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard said in November. Today we are calling on suppliers, shipping agents, vessel owners and maritime insurers to withdraw from a supply chain that is benefiting the Myanmar Air Force. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell talks to reporters Friday at the Republican National Committee winter meeting in Dana Point, California. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell talks to reporters Friday at the Republican National Committee winter meeting in Dana Point, California. WASHINGTON The Republican National Committee is welcoming ubiquitous pillow monger Mike Lindell into the fold after his failed run for the chairmanship, despite his continuing baseless claims that foreign powers stole the 2020 election from Donald Trump by hacking into voting machines and his post-coup-attempt visit to the White House with papers advocating martial law. Lindell won votes from only four of the RNCs 168 members in Fridays election at its winter meeting, but he was nevertheless praised by Ronna McDaniel, who won her fourth two-year term, and her allies. Wheres Mike? McDaniel said, after winning 111 votes, more than twice the total of California RNC member Harmeet Dhillon and Lindell combined, as she brought both onstage and thanked them equally. Thank you for the race you ran, for the leaders you are in our party. We are so grateful for you. That embrace of an election liar worse than Trump himself brought bewilderment from former major Republican players. I sometimes refer to the obviously unhinged as being crazier than a sprayed roach. Mike Lindell is such a lunatic that he makes sprayed roaches look like Zen masters, said Mac Stipanovich, a longtime GOP consultant in Florida who left the party after its takeover by Trump. Any embrace of Lindell by anyone is a sure sign of advanced, irremediable moral decay. Jennifer Horn, a former RNC member when she ran New Hampshires state party, said cozying up to the likes of Lindell is not helpful. Further proof that the GOP is consciously choosing to build their future on dangerous, extreme, anti-democracy election deniers. Lindell did not respond to HuffPost queries for this article. In his sales pitch to committee members as well as in media interviews, Lindell has frequently claimed that he had been a major donor to the RNC but stopped after learning of the partys wasteful spending, which he described as a money-laundering operation. Story continues With the RNC, the money, I used to be a big donor, and you donate money, and when I find out that almost half of it was going to fundraising . Thats just too much overhead, thats crazy, Lindell said last week at a debate sponsored by pro-Trump radio host John Fredericks, whose program Lindell sponsors. In fact, Lindell has never donated directly to the RNC, and he never donated to a federal candidate or committee at all prior to Trumps nomination in the 2016 presidential election, according to a HuffPost review of Federal Election Commission records. Lindell did contribute $195,000 to Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee, that distributed a total of $110,700 to the RNC between August 2016 and January 2018. And though that is a significant sum, it pales in contrast to the partys truly large donors. According to HuffPosts analysis, Lindells total to the RNC makes him its 865th biggest donor from August 2016 through November 2022, with 19 donors contributing $1 million or more. Even among donors to Trump Victory, Lindells total places him in just 475th place, with nine donors giving more than $1 million. In all, Lindell over the past six years has donated a total of $529,782 to federal candidates and committees including $100,000 to a pro-Trump super PAC a number dwarfed by the $40 million he claims to have spent on proving his election conspiracy theories. I assumed he was a donor to some degree, said one RNC member who spoke on condition of anonymity and who defended McDaniels praise for Lindell. She would like to get him in the tent in a way that he would actually be helpful. The praise for Lindell by McDaniel and others is based on his endless promotion of his MyPillow sleep products on right-wing media. Lindell once earned his living counting cards at casinos and then overcame a crack cocaine addiction before starting his pillow business, he told HuffPost in a previous interview. Today he meticulously tracks the effectiveness of his various advertising by using unique promo codes for each piece of programming, be it a cable show or a podcast. His prominence in Republican politics began when he enthusiastically endorsed Trump in 2016 and started donating to Trump Victory. By the 2018 midterm elections, he was appearing onstage with Trump. When the COVID-19 pandemic came, Lindell appeared at the White House with vaccine and testing executives to announce that his factory would turn out face masks. Later that year, after Trump lost the presidency to Democrat Joe Biden, Lindell became among the most influential spreaders of ever-more-preposterous conspiracy theories. He was eventually sued for defamation by voting machine maker Dominion, which is seeking $1.3 billion in damages. And even after Trumps attempt to coerce his own vice president into falsely and illegally giving him a second term failed on Jan. 6, 2021, Lindell was photographed at the White House bearing papers with the words martial law if necessary visible on them. Lindell claims not to know anything about the document he was carrying, but he has not stopped his lies about a stolen election. At Fredericks debate at which he was the only candidate in attendance; neither Dhillon nor McDaniel showed up he claimed that almost 2 million votes had been stolen from Trump in 2020 in California alone. Hes a nut job, said Oscar Brock, an RNC member from Tennessee and one of the committees few outspoken critics of Trump. He spent $40 million trying to convince people that Italians affected the outcome of the election. There are no Italian space lasers affecting vote totals on the machines. Even the RNC member who defends McDaniels attempt to co-opt Lindell concedes that doing so risks hurting the party with mainstream voters. It gives credibility to some of the crazy things he says, the member said. Anybody who thinks that the 2020 election wasnt won by Biden just isnt dealing with facts. He needs to get some people around him who would actually educate him. And then the question is: Would he listen to them? I dont know. Related... Dan Buchman walks through the newly expanded Terminal 5 at O'Hare International Airport on Jan. 31, 2023. The new expansion includes 350,000 square feet of vaulted ceilings, natural light, and floor-to-ceiling high-performance glass offering an expansive view of the airfield. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) OHare International Airports Terminal 5 now has more space to accommodate planes and passengers after 10 new gates opened for airlines use. The new gates entering service mark the completion of a key piece of the revamp of the former international terminal, which has been under construction about four years. Additional work remains underway at the terminal and other major work is planned as part of a broader overhaul of the airport, including eventually tearing down Terminal 2 and replacing it with a new Global Terminal and two satellite concourses. Advertisement The $1.3 billion renovation of Terminal 5, designed by firms HOK and Muller & Muller Ltd., was set to expand the terminal by 350,000 square feet, add passenger amenities and security checkpoint lanes, reconfigure customs facilities and replace an aging baggage handling system. The terminal now serves both domestic and international flights. And, in October, Delta Air Lines moved into 10 renovated gates and opened a new lounge in Terminal 5, vacating its former space in Terminal 2. Advertisement People eat, drink and work inside Delta Air Lines new 22,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 at O'Hare International Airport on Jan. 31, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) By providing jobs and contracting opportunities, as well as acting as a catalyst for roadway and other infrastructure improvements, our airports have become essential to the economic health of our region, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said during a Tuesday event celebrating the opening of the terminal extension. And further, our airports continue to serve as gateways to Chicago for domestic and international travelers. The new gates are expected to handle about 120 arrivals or departures a day and up to 18,000 additional daily passengers, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. That will bring the total number of flights at Terminal 5 to about 440 arrivals and departures each day. Nine of the 10 new gates use a flexible system that can accommodate both large wide-body planes and smaller narrow-body aircraft, meaning the space needed to park two large planes can also be repurposed to fit three narrow-body planes, the city said. The new gates opened in phases between June 2022 and January. They are not assigned to an individual airline, and could be used by any carrier that operates out of the terminal. Terminal 5 opened to serve international flights in 1993 at a cost of $618 million, Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee said during the Tuesday event. It replaced an interim international terminal created in the mid-1980s, known as Terminal 4. A Southwest Airlines jet taxis outside of the newly expanded Terminal 5 at O'Hare International Airport on Jan. 31, 2023. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) It was initially designed to accommodate 61 million passengers flying to 30 international destinations, Rhee said. By 2019, the terminal was handling 83 million passengers traveling to 73 locations, she said. The pandemic hit air travel hard in 2020, but it also allowed construction on Terminal 5 to progress quickly as airlines demand to use gates dropped, Rhee said. Some work remains at the terminal. New concessions are expected to open in phases throughout 2023, and a six-story parking garage is to be finished in 2024. Advertisement The new baggage handling system is expected to be finished later this year, as are more upgrades to the customs and immigration area. About $3.5 million worth of art from Chicago artists, commissioned by the citys Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, will be installed near baggage claim, the customs and immigrations arrival area, and the concourse level. Other work will take place along the roads and curbside areas outside the terminal. sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com Tyre Nichols and Rodney King (AP) US police officers deadly use of force against Black people is pervasive and lessons have not been learned over the decades, the lawyer for Rodney King has warned. The comments come in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who was savagely beaten by five Black Memphis Police officers on January 7. He died three days later in hospital. On Friday, authorities released four different pieces of video showing the father-of-one being punched, kicked in the head, struck with a baton and pepper-sprayed, after a traffic stop. The footage has been compared to the beating given to Rodney King in 1991, which was also captured on video; though Mr Nichols did not survive as Mr King did. Milton Grimes, who was the attorney for the late Rodney King, said: The beating of Rodney King should have been a wake-up call to address the military style, racist police culture of violence in the US, but sadly nothing has changed. The US is not a war zone but the violence impacted on African Americans speaks of a culture of impunity, and oppressive use of force. The aggressive nature of policing in the US is a national disgrace falling well below international standards. Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was pulled over while driving and died three days later, is detained by Memphis Police Department officers on January 7, 2023. (AP) A Memphis Police Chief said the video showing officers beating Mr Nichols is perhaps worse than the notorious footage showing Mr Kings attack. Mr King was beaten by a group of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers in 1991 in an attack that was captured by a bystander on video. He was aged 26 years old at the time. The four officers were later cleared by a predominantly white jury which sparked the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Mr King survived the beating and later became an advocate for peace, famously saying during the riots can we all get along. He died in 2012 aged 47. Members of the United Nations-backed International Commission of Inquiry on the Systemic Racist Police Violence Against People of African Descent in the United States, have condemned unlawful violence on Black people who are often treated as second class citizens. Story continues The group, comprised of members and groups across the UK, US and Caribbean, has further called on US president Joe Biden to create an Independent National Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Commission, with the power to monitor and regulate the performance of all US police departments, implementing a zero-tolerance policy for instances of police brutality and use of excessive and deadly force. Commission members include Judge Peter Herbert (UK), Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (UK), Former mayoral advisor Lee Jasper, Operation Black Vote, Society of Black Lawyers, the Pan African Lawyers Union, Sir Hilary Beckles (Barbados), Reverend Al Sharpton (US), Bert Samuels MP (Jamaica) and more. Nichols parents RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells have accepted an invitation from the Congressional Black Caucus to attend Mr Bidens State of the Union address next week. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, said that the air defence system had been activated over the region. Source: Telegram channel Real Gladkov ( ) Quote: "Our air defence system was activated over Belgorod district and Shebekinsky district. 2 shells were shot down. The consequences are clarified by operational services. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties or damage. If there are any, I will inform you additionally." Reference: Belgorod Oblast borders Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy Oblasts. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian troops shelled a residential area in the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast on Jan. 31, killing two, including a 12-year-old boy, and injuring at least five more people, Prosecutor Generals Office reported. The exact number of victims is being clarified. The artillery attack damaged shops, pharmacies, and other buildings, according to the Prosecutor Generals Office. Earlier on the day, Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said that Russian forces had injured three civilians in Kostiantynivka, Kurakhove, and Bakhmut. Russia has attacked Bakhmut continuously for over five months in its effort to occupy the entirety of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. Capturing Bakhmut would allow Russia to disrupt Ukraines supply lines in the area and open up a main road leading to the two key Ukrainian cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Oil tanker, illustrative photo According to preliminary estimates by experts, sea exports of Russian crude oil from the Black Sea in January 2023 will increase significantly. Read also: Sanctions decimate Russian oil price Russia has already lost its key European market for crude and is about to do the same for refined products an EU import ban is due to come into force on Feb. 5, U.S. news agency Bloomberg wrote on Jan. 30. According to analysts, the growth will be from 15% to 35%, and the volume of exports will be from 3.4 to 4.2 million tons instead of 2.9 million tons in December 2022 depending on how many tankers with Russian crude oil pass through the Bosporus Strait in the last days of the month. This is more than the growth of Russian crude oil exports from the Black Sea ports, which took place in December 2022 the first month of the introduction of the EU embargo and the price cap on oil, which amounted to 14.4%. Read also: Russian oil shipping costs surge ahead of embargo Bloomberg This increase was fueled by exports to India. While Russian oil companies have successfully diverted crude shunned by traditional European customers to willing new buyers, predominantly in India, it is unclear yet whether they will find it so easy to redirect refined products to markets that are well supplied from their own refineries, Bloomberg wrote. On relatively small volumes of crude oil exports from the Black Sea, Russia managed in December 2022 to replace 2/3 of the Greek tankers that previously transported Russian oil to countries other than the EU with ships from non-European countries. It is noted that in December 2022, 24.7% of this oil was subject to the price cap, respectively, 75.3% of oil did not fall within the scope of the restriction, as it was transported by tankers that did not belong to carriers from the European Union. In December 2022, the decrease in the export of "marine" crude oil of the Russian Federation from the Black Sea to the countries of the European Union almost did not occur despite the beginning of the embargo, BlackSeaNews noted. Story continues Read also: Russia forming 'shadow fleet' to circumvent oil sanctions FT Since the introduction of the price embargo on Russian oil, 10 tankers with Russian crude oil have left the Black Sea for countries other than the EU. For relatively small volumes of crude oil exports from the Black Sea, the Russian Federation was able to replace 2/3 of Greek tankers with vessels from other countries in December 2022. Among these tankers were recorded vessels that can be accurately classified as gray fleet. In October of last year, Bloomberg wrote that a vast shadow fleet of tankers with unknown owners is being amassed to service Moscows interests. Intense US-led diplomatic wrangling to soften aggressive European Union sanctions has been going on for months but time is ticking. Already in January, the agency wrote that transshipment of Russian Urals oil into the sea reached record values after the introduction of a maximum price for it. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Jan. 30The lawyer representing Garry Ramsey, who is charged with murder in the stabbing death of Robert Arthur Callahan Jr. outside Callahan's door in a Manchester elderly housing complex, made clear Monday that self-defense will be at least one of Ramsey's claims during his trial. MURDER TRIAL DEFENDANT: Garry Ramsey, 58, of Hartford VICTIM: Robert Arthur Callahan Jr., who lived in an apartment at 21 Carver Lane in a Manchester elderly housing complex and died at age 68 on June 5, 2021 ISSUES: Self-defense, thoroughness of police investigation The first witness at the Hartford Superior Court trial was now-retired Manchester police Officer Michael Brouillard, who was the first officer to arrive after the stabbing was reported shortly before noon on June 5, 2021. Brouillard testified that he asked Callahan, 68, who did it, and Callahan responded, "Garry." The jury saw those first moments of the investigation via video taken by Brouillard's body camera. Callahan, who was lying on the pavement in front of his apartment in a blood-soaked shirt, quickly stopped responding verbally, only moaning in response to the officer's persistent attempts to keep him talking. Brouillard testified that there was a woman in Callahan's apartment at 21 Carver Lane, later identified as Tiffany Menendez, who "was hysterical." Menendez didn't testify Monday, but police have said she gave them information indicating that Ramsey, now 58, of Hartford had committed the stabbing. Brouillard testified that he went through Callahan's pockets looking for identification and found, along with his wallet, a set of brass knuckles. Under cross examination by defense lawyer Michael L. Chambers Jr., Brouillard testified that he couldn't tell from the crime-scene evidence who "initiated any physical confrontation" or brought a knife into it. But the former officer also said under redirect examination by prosecutor Samantha Magnani that no knife was found at the scene. Manchester police Detective Andrew Young, the lead investigator in the case, testified later Monday and said a search that encompassed the inside and outside of the apartment produced no knife. Story continues Young also described a number of other court-authorized searches, including a search of the car Ramsey was believed to have been driving, in which police took several swabbings for DNA evidence. Young said the purpose of the swabbings was to find out whether the car contained Callahan's DNA. But, on cross examination by the defense lawyer, the detective acknowledged that, even if every swabbing taken from the car tested positive for Callahan's DNA, it wouldn't reveal who started using the knife. Police obtained a warrant for Ramsey's arrest early in the investigation, and Ramsey turned himself in two days after the stabbing. Young testified that he saw no injuries on Ramsey at the Manchester police station and that Ramsey didn't complain of any injuries. But he acknowledged under cross examination by the defense lawyer that he didn't ask Ramsey whether he was injured. Chambers said at Ramsey's arraignment in Manchester Superior Court on the day of the arrest that Ramsey had suffered injuries, and the defense lawyer wants to put a transcript of those remarks before the jury. But prosecutor John F. Fahey vigorously objected, saying the lawyer's remarks were hearsay and would improperly make him a witness in the trial. Judge Kevin Doyle said he would wait until Tuesday morning to decide whether the jury could hear the transcribed remarks. In addition to the self-defense, Chambers raised the possibility that police didn't fully pursue the possibility that someone other than Ramsey might have committed the stabbing. Brouillard testified on cross examination that Menendez had blood on her that she said was her own. The former officer acknowledged that he "didn't question it any further." For updates on Glastonbury, and recent crime and courts coverage in North-Central Connecticut, follow Alex Wood on Twitter: @AlexWoodJI1, Facebook: Alex Wood, and Instagram: @AlexWoodJI. (Bloomberg) -- US Senator Dianne Feinstein said shell announce this spring whether she will seek reelection to a seventh term even as fellow California Democrats announce plans to compete for the seat. Most Read from Bloomberg Youll be hearing, soon, Feinstein told Bloomberg News on Monday night. In the spring sometime. Not in the winter. I dont announce in the winter. Feinstein, 89, is the Senates longest-serving Democrat and its oldest member. Her health has been an issue on Capitol Hill and in her home state after the San Francisco Chronicle reported last year that some colleagues were expressing concern about memory lapses and her ability to perform duties. She has the seniority to serve this session of Congress as the Senates president pro tempore, a job that is third in line for the presidency. But she passed on it, and in January Senator Patty Murray of Washington rose into the prestigious post. In 2020, she stepped aside as top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee after she was criticized by progressives over her handling of Amy Coney Barretts Supreme Court confirmation hearings just weeks before the presidential election. Representatives Katie Porter and Adam Schiff have already announced plans to run for the Senate seat, while Representative Barbara Lee has informed the Congressional Black Caucus of her plans to run but hasnt announced publicly. Representative Ro Khanna has also expressed an interest in the seat, but told Bloomberg News he wants to see whether Lee, a fellow progressive, runs. The Democrats will be the candidates to watch, since the all-party primary system makes it possible for only members of the majority party to advance to the general election. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the state by nearly two to one. Story continues Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. air passengers would be offered refunds for delayed flights and transportation on rival carriers under sweeping consumer protections proposed on Tuesday after a series of disruptions including a holiday meltdown at Southwest Airlines. U.S. lawmakers said the wide-ranging measures would require airlines to pay at least $1,350 to passengers denied boarding as a result of an oversold flight, prohibit airlines from further shrinking plane seat sizes pending regulatory changes, and give consumers new rights to sue airlines for unfair practices. Passengers would receive refunds for any flights that arrived more than an hour late. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey joined with other senators in introducing the "Passengers Bill of Rights and the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous Fees (FAIR) Act." Southwest sent apologies to 2 million customers, CEO Bob Jordan said, after more than 16,000 flights were canceled in the week ending Dec. 29 when its crew scheduling software failed. The outage was a boost to consumer protection activists. Blumenthal predicted airlines would mobilize an army of lobbyists to fight the proposals despite having received $54 billion in government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. "They come into this moment with reduced power," he told reporters in a phone call, adding airlines "have lost a lot of credibility" by opposing new consumer protections. Airlines for America, a group representing major airlines, said the "proposed policies in this bill instituting government-controlled pricing, establishing a private right of action and dictating private sector contracts would drastically decrease competition, leading to a subsequent increase in airfare." In the past airlines have succeeded in defeating consumer protections proposed by lawmakers. Congress in September 2018 dropped plans to mandate "reasonable and proportional" baggage and change fees" in the face of heavy lobbying. Story continues A group of U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers also introduced the FAIR act which they said in a statement would "prohibit airlines from charging unreasonable fees... not proportional to the costs of the service actually provided." Lawmakers want to require airlines to provide ticket refunds and alternative transportation, including for instance seats on other air carriers, for flights delayed between one and four hours. The bills would direct the Transportation Department (DOT) to facilitate interline agreements between airlines to ensure availability of alternative flights. Southwest Airlines does not have such agreements. The bills would requires airlines to disclose "true costs of flying" and offer lowest fares on multi-segment flights and allow passengers to sue airlines for unfair and deceptive practices. They would eliminate a cap on fines that DOT charges airlines for violating consumer protection laws and prevent "airlines from negotiating low, slap-on-the wrist fines for egregious conduct." In August, a bipartisan group of 36 state attorneys general said states and federal agencies should have new powers to investigate airline passengers' complaints and complained DOT had not done enough to hold airlines accountable. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Howard Goller) Mourners pay their respects Jan. 28, 2023, at a makeshift memorial in Memphis, Tennessee, near where Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten by police. (Desiree Rios/The New York Times) Along with our heartfelt sympathies for their loss, we extend our gratitude and admiration to the family of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old father who died three days after a sickeningly savage police beating in Memphis on Jan. 7. The familys courageous call for protesters to avoid violence as they demanded justice appears to have helped Americans to process some of the anger and pain of this horrible episode and mercifully maintain peace after the release of the incendiary video. Advertisement The video shows Nichols putting up no defense as five police officers drag him from his car and punch, kick, tackle, pepper-spray, shout dozens of contradictory orders at him. They tase the defenseless, 29-year-old FedEx worker and then laugh about it. No question that the video offers much to be outraged about. Instead of trying to bring order, the police in these video images appear to be creating more disorder, until Mr. Nichols is taken away unconscious without any reason becoming apparent as to why police stopped him in the first place. Advertisement The officers were immediately fired and the district attorney brought charges including second-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. And, once again, the nation is left to ask what went wrong and how can we avoid such tragedies from happening again? In Memphis, attention quite properly turned to the special unit in which these particular cops were working. Known by the acronym SCORPION, for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods, it emerged in the ways that similar strike-force units have been created in other cities, including Chicago, at various times as part of a get-tough response to surges in crimes. Chief Cerelyn Davis formed the Memphis unit in 2021 shortly after she became the first Black woman to lead the department. In response to rising homicide numbers and, among other hazards, incidents of late-night drag racing and stunt driving on the citys streets, she deployed some 40 officers to focus less on writing tickets and more on aggressive strategies such as seizing cars from the most dangerous drivers. But, as arrests went up, so did complaints of heavy-handed tactics, particularly by this team, in response to relatively minor offenses. Such past complaints seemed to be graphically illustrated in the present by the bodycam video that showed officers beating Nichols relentlessly as he pleaded to be released to go home. Although born out of a desire to respond quickly in neighborhoods torn apart by crime, these units often create new problems. The Memphis Police Department immediately disbanded its SCORPION unit after Nichols death. The tragedy has to be particularly frustrating for Chief Davis, a former president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. While the killing of Nichols reminds many of the deaths of Laquan McDonald in Chicago or George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of white police, Nichols case offers the less frequent and perhaps more complicated example of a Black victim killed by Black officers. Thats a possible sign of what retired New York Detective Marquez Claxton, director of the Black Law Enforcement Alliance, called a toxic police culture which, of course, sometimes can be fed by racism. Advertisement All of these issues and more have been raised in Chicago, where issues of race and policing are often intertwined. Even among police officers themselves, the use of specialized units has long been controversial. District officers are divided as to how much value the specialized units who operate citywide can have, compared to officers who are more familiar with the communities they patrol day in, day out. Officers assigned to specialized citywide units do not know the good kids from the bad kids, said an officer quoted in a recent university study of Chicago high crime hot spots. After they alienate local young people, for example, they then leave neighborhood officers to clean up the mess. The research suggests this is not a matter of the race of the individual officers, but of the kind of policing they are being told to do. In the wake of Nichols death, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, called on Sens. Cory Booker (D.-N.J.) and Tim Scott (R.-S.C.) to resume their talks for federal policing legislation. Previous talks ultimately stalled on such sticking points as whether police should be shielded from lawsuits and whether national policing standards could be imposed without funding for local departments to pay for them. Still. Its the right starting point, said Durbin on ABC This Week Sunday. Lets hope so. A similar bill, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, repeatedly passed the House under Democrats and President Joe Biden has said it should be taken up again. Advertisement One thing that mercifully has not been heard in the current talks is the self-defeating Defund the Police slogan that emerged out of the Democrats progressive wing on the heels of Floyds tragic death. Now we have a new tragedy. Let us drum up a new seriousness about improving big-city policing, preventing such tragedies from happening again. Its not an impossible task. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. BROUSSARD, La. (KLFY) Police in Louisiana are investigating after 12 squirrel monkeys were stolen from their habitat over the weekend. Zoosiana, a 45-acre zoological park located roughly 10 miles outside Lafayette, was broken into shortly before midnight Saturday, officials said in a social media post. The suspect allegedly targeted facilities for Zoosianas smaller primates and was able to steal 12 squirrel monkeys. The remaining squirrel monkeys have been carefully assessed by both the Zoosiana veterinarian and animal care team, and there are no other apparent issues affecting their health or well being, officials said Monday. All other animals are accounted for and appear to have been undisturbed. 2 monkeys taken from Dallas Zoo in latest suspicious event Broussard Police Chief Vance Olivier told Nexstars KLFY that investigators are reviewing video footage to help capture the suspect or suspects. Its a unique investigation but that doesnt change the protocol. In the 13 years of law enforcement, we havent really investigated a theft of squirrel monkeys. Were going to continue investigating it as any other crime that has taken place, Chief Olivier said. Zoosiana Director Matt Oldenburg said the focus is to stay on track. We checked the remaining squirrel monkeys to make sure there was nothing apparently wrong outside of the situation that occurred. Were working hard to rebuild their comfort, Oldenburg told KLFY. Squirrel monkeys require special care that the suspect or suspects who stole them may not be able to provide that care. Oldenburg added that when one squirrel monkey is missing, those who remain are aware something is out of place. If you hear something, we really want to get these animals back to their natural habitat where theyve been for a while, Chief Oliver said, encouraging the community to report anything suspicious to authorities. Story continues Anyone with information is asked to contact Broussard Police Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS or Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. This theft comes as authorities in Dallas, Texas continue to investigate a string of odd incidents at the citys zoo. On Monday, police said they believe someone cut an opening in an enclosure and took two emperor tamarin monkeys, small primates with long whiskers that look like a mustache. The incident follows the Jan. 13 closure of the zoo and a daylong search when a clouded leopard named Nova went missing. On Jan. 21, an endangered vulture named Pin was found dead, and the zoo said the death did not appear to be natural. Zoo President and CEO Gregg Hudson said the vulture had a wound. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Slovakia's parliament on Tuesday approved Sept. 30 as the date for an early election in the country. Ninety-two lawmakers in the 150-seat National Council two more than needed voted in favor of the move that came a week after lawmakers amended the countrys constitution to make it possible to hold early elections. The Slovak Constitution previously didn't allow for an early election. After the coalition government led by Prime Minister Eduard Heger lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in December, President Zuzana Caputova gave lawmakers a Jan. 31 deadline to make the needed constitutional changes and approve a date for the snap vote. The opposition called the no-confidence vote following months of political crisis. Caputova asked Hegers Cabinet to stay in office with reduced powers as a caretaker government. The president had said she would select a new prime minister and swear in her government if lawmakers didn't meet the Jan. 31 deadline. The Sept. 30 date was supported by the parties that formed the outgoing coalition government. The opposition wanted the election to be earlier in June or May. The opposition would stand a good chance to win an early ballot, according to recent polls. The outgoing government has been donating arms to the Ukrainian armed forces while opening its border to refugees fleeing the war with Russia. Some current opposition leaders, including former populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, oppose military support for Ukraine and European Union sanctions against Russia. Slovakias next regularly scheduled parliamentary election wasn't due to be held until February 2024. Christian loved art, sports, geology and had a passion for social justice, his family say; he had trained as a chef and was looking at coding programmes (The Glass Family) The parents of a Colorado 22-year-old killed by police after calling 911 for roadside help have blasted officers attempts to dismiss charges against them while sharing their despair that people like Tyre Nichols and their son keep losing their lives at the hands of law enforcement. What are they doing? an exasperated Sally Glass, mother of Christian, asked as she fought back tears outside of Clear Creek County Courthouse, where the two former officers charged in her sons death appeared on Monday. Former Clear Creek County Sheriffs Deputy Andy Buen has been charged with second-degree murder and two misdemeanors, official misconduct and reckless endangerment, in the 11 June death of Christian. Former Deputy Kyle Gould, who was Mr Buens supervisor working remotely while observing events via body cam, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. The men responded last June when Christian called 911 because his car got stuck near Silver Plume; the amateur geologist repeatedly offered to throw anything that might be considered a weapon out of the car when dealing with 911 and law enforcement but was instructed not to. Seven officers responded from different departments and spoke with Christian for more than an hour as he appeared to suffer some type of mental health crisis. When he refused to leave the vehicle, however, officers eventually tasered him; he appeared to grab a small knife as he subsequently thrashed and Mr Buen fatally shot him. Prosecutors have petitioned for a joint trial, while Mr Goulds lawyer on Monday argued that the case be dismissed for reasons that include his clients physical absence on the night in question. After speaking to on-site officers and allegedly authoritizing the breach of the vehicle, Mr Gould was en route to the scene when Christian was killed, according to court documents. Its incredibly hard to sit there and hear them basically trying to get off, Ms Glass said Monday after the hearing. Thats what theyre going to try and do ... Thats what were going to have to sit through. Story continues The court date came just days after the release of body camera footage from the fatal police stop of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, video eerily reminiscent of the footage from Mr Glasss killing. I saw Tyres parents interview, part of the interview that they did, and really see the same thing we were going through just disbelief, Mr Glass said on Monday. I think he said something like, Im just trying to make it home or something like that. What are they doing? What are they doing? he said of police departments and violent altercations. Elijah McClain, with his iced tea Im just walking home, his wife added. The guy driving Im just going home. Christian, just driving ... what are they doing? She said it was just very, very hard to listen to and, honestly, to be that physically close to the former officers charged in her sons killing, who are next due in court in April. Both men were fired by Clear Creek County following the indictment last year. An internal affairs report that concluded in December found that Mr Buen had failed to recognize his verbal and non-verbal tactics were failing to de-escalate Mr. Glass and gain Mr. Glass cooperation. Simon and Sally Glass were present in court this week in Georgetown, Colorado for the court appearance of two officers charged in the death of their son, Christian, 22 (Sheila Flynn) Rather, Deputy Buens actions escalated Mr. Glass to the point that Mr. Glass stopped all verbal communication before other officers could attempt to negotiate with him. The report found that Christian had not been in a physical position to kill anyone. A knife is a dangerous weapon, however for Mr. Glass to kill or seriously injure an officer on scene, he would have had to exit the vehicle or turned his body so significantly in the drivers seat that he would have been able to reach the knife more than one to two feet outside the vehicle, in order to inflict injury. Regarding Mr Buens actions, the report found that four reasonable officers with direct vantage points of the events chose not to fire their handguns. For this reason, Deputy Buen using deadly force against Mr. Glass was not consistent with that of a reasonable officer. Mr Glass on Monday said more must be done to stop such fatal interactions with police. People need to see this, he told reporters. This needs to stop. He added that he would love to see the other police chiefs here in this area in Colorado come out [and] condemn what happened to Christian Glass. They were very quick to do it with with Tyre Nichols, he said. This is happening in their own backyard. The Glasses praised Tennessee authorities for swift action taken against officers charged in the case of Tyre Nichols, a Black 29-year-old man who died three days after being beaten during a 7 January traffic stop. Five officers were fired and indicted on charges including murder and kidnapping. Theyve already filed charges for all of them ... quick, and its great to see that and thats thats how things should be done, Mr Glass said Monday, noting that seven months had passed since their sons killing. The runup to Mondays court date was particularly emotional, he said. Its just really hard, added Ms Glass. I think now were beginning to accept [Christians] gone. At the beginning, we couldnt understand and, honestly, accept it. But as months go by ... you just have to accept it. Its just a deep, deep sadness and loss. She said that people are disgusted by what happened to their son as obviously we are, as parents. So many people have reached out to us, she said. It could have been your nephew, your son, your grandson. If it could happen to us, it can happen to anyone. People are outraged, and we have to make sure that this goes ahead, theyre indicted, theyre prosecuted, theyre convicted, theyre put in prison, and it doesnt happen to somebody else. South Koreas Financial Supervisory Service, the countrys regulator, has recommended setting up a unified system for mandatory information disclosure from digital asset exchanges and issuers of cryptocurrencies to provide more dependable data and protect investors from fraud, according to local media reports. See related article: S.Korea sees passing crypto investor protection as a priority: report Fast facts Ahn Byung-nam, the head of Digital Asset Research at the regulator, said a unified mandatory disclosure system about issuance, listing and circulation of cryptocurrencies will provide better safeguards to investors, Asia Business Daily and other media reported, citing his comments at a Monday meeting of the governments Digital Assets Committee. Other officials at the meeting emphasized the need for stricter disclosure on token issuers and exchanges, according to the media reports, following a series of bankruptcies and allegations of fraud in the global crypto industry last year. Disclosure of relevant financial information should be an obligation to protect investors, but there arent any requirements right now for such digital assets, Jeon In-tae, professor of mathematics at the Catholic University of Korea, said at the meeting, according to Asia Business Daily. Last year, South Korean blockchain game developer Wemades native token WEMIX was delisted from four major exchanges in the country on reports it underreported circulation numbers for the token. WEMIX plunged over 70% in less than a week on the report. At the same meeting, Cha Myung-hun, the chief executive officer of local crypto exchange Coinone, said the Digital Asset eXchange Alliance (DAXA) is developing a unified standard for exchanges in token delisting, according to the news reports. DAXA is a trade group of five local exchanges Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit and GOPAX that are licensed to provide fiat-to-currency services to local investors. South Korea has been working to establish an all-encompassing regulatory framework for protecting digital asset investors, initially aimed at being enacted last year. Around ten proposals were presented at the countrys National Assembly, but none have been discussed at its parliamentary sessions. See related article: South Korea unlikely to push out crypto regulation before the U.S., authority says Southern Democrats are pushing for President Biden to pick Atlanta to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention over fellow finalists New York City and Chicago. Current and former lawmakers and leaders from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia were among more than five dozen signatories who penned an imploring letter to the president, shared by NBC News. Democratic turnout in the state of Georgia is the single greatest reason that you and Vice President Harris are in the White House today instead of Donald Trump and it is the single greatest reason why Democrats have maintained a majority in the United States Senate, the letter to Biden reads. While some pundits might argue that there is no correlation between a convention site and partisan performance in the ensuing election, holding the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta will have effects that reverberate far beyond Georgias borders, it added. Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnocks win in Georgia against Trump-backed Republican candidate Herschel Walker delivered a crucial win to Senate Democrats, bumping up their majority to 51-49. Warnock is notably among the letters signatories, along with fellow Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, five Georgia representatives and other state leaders. The Democrats in the letter argue that selecting Atlanta would be key to acknowledging Georgia voters contributions during the midterms and spurring them to get out the vote to reelect Biden and Harris. Biden has not yet formally announced whether hell mount a 2024 bid to stay in the White House but has said that he intends to and is expected to announce a campaign as soon as next month. The Atlanta advocates also say selecting the city will inspire Democrats in other competitive Southern states to run, to organize, to fundraise, and to volunteer in what is now truly fertile Democratic territory and could doubly serve to put Republicans on notice for competitive future races. Lets nominate Joe Biden in the very building where over 40,000 Georgians cast their ballots the deciding ballots for Georgias 16 electoral votes for him in 2020. Hosting the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia will reignite the sense of enthusiasm that led him to victory and inspire Democrats around the country down the home stretch in 2024, the letter concludes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On the eve of the visit to Volgograd of Vladimir Putin, the aggressor country's president, the 'Volgograd' road signs at all main entrances to the city were temporarily replaced with 'Stalingrad' signs [Khrushchev's administration changed the name of the city to Volgograd (Volga City) as part of his programme of de-Stalinisation following Stalin's death]. Source: Interfax Russia Details: Interfax reported that the renaming of the city in accordance with the decision of the local authorities is done 10 days a year, including 2 February: the day of the end of the Battle of Stalingrad. However, it is known that Putin's visit to Volgograd is expected from 30 January to 5 February. Before that, the centre of Volgograd was hurriedly cleaned up. At the same time, from 30 January to 3 February, the city introduced a ban on the transit of heavy-duty and large vehicles, in particular those transporting dangerous goods. Background: On 30 January, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, said that Putin would come to Volgograd for one day. It is not yet clear whether the president will take part in the celebrations. Volgograd-based media report that the city is also expecting a visit of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of PMC Wagner, and Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, as part of the festive events. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! For years, climate experts have been warning that our planet is undergoing changes that would make extreme weather events more commonand this past year, New Mexico saw those predictions come true. Extremely dry and windy weather in the spring and early summer created the perfect conditions for what proved to be the worst wildfire season in our states modern history. Then, a mere few weeks later, heavier than normal monsoon rains dropped nearly 20 inches of rain on parts of the state, flooding areas that had been scorched by the fires. As our neighborsmany of whom were forced out of their homes for monthscontinue to recover from this disaster, the Forestry Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department recommends specific actions that could lessen the impact of future extreme weather events on the states forests and communities. These steps include: Updating the Forest Conservation Act to clearly delineate the Forestry Divisions authority to carry out taskssuch as projects to stabilize steep slopes after they have burnedthat contribute to the long-term health of forested watersheds. Creating a minor exemption to the State Procurement Code to streamline the process of securing federal funds for wildfire prevention and forest management. Providing funding for hot-shot firefighting crews to boost our chances of suppressing wildfires at the earliest possible stages. EMNRDs Forestry Division is the states lead agency for fire suppression and forest management on 43 million acres of non-federal, non-municipal and non-tribal land, that is, the state and private lands. This important work was authorized by the Forest Conservation Act in 1939. However, this act has not been updated in 35 years. New Mexico has enormous needs for forest fire suppression rehabilitation and repair, post-fire slope stabilization, erosion control, riparian restoration, seeding and reforestation of burned areas after the historic 2022 fire season. Updating the Forest Conservation Act will enable the state to provide better technical assistance to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate. This change has been proposed in the form of House Bill 195 in this years legislative session. Story continues Senate Bill 206 proposes a minor exemption in the State Procurement Code that would make it easier to secure federal funds that have recently begun flowing to address the wildfire crisis. The federal government launched an initiative in fall of 2021 to address the wildfire crisis with potential to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to New Mexico counties, communities and landowners to prepare for the next bad fire season. For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 created a new competitive grant program for Community Wildfire Defense Grants with an authorization of one billion dollars to be spent over 5 years. While non-governmental entities are eligible to receive funding from these programs, and the NGOs provide critical support to local governments and communities to plan projects and get more work done, there is a hitch. The New Mexico state procurement code requires a competitive process for state agencies to pass federal funds to NGOs, which in many cases means NGOs have to compete through two duplicative processes. A narrow procurement code exemption could fix the problem by allowing the state to rely upon the federal agencies competitive application and selection processes before contracting with non-governmental entities. Finally, catching wildfires when they start and while they are still small is essential. New Mexico can increase its capacity for initial attack with more firefighting crews. We are urging the legislature to fund two hot shot crews and fire support positions for the Forestry Division to boost the states capacity to catch wildfires before they spread. These crews could put their expertise to work restoring forests when not actively fighting firesdoubling the value to the state. These three actions will be a good start to address the impact climate change is having on our states forests and surrounding communities. We urge all New Mexico residents to contact your elected representatives and ask them to support these proposed solutions. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Reducing the impact of climate change on NM's forests, surrounding communities Chef Stephen Sandoval butterflies a striped sea bass at Suenos inside the Soho House on July 13, 2022, in Chicago. The former executive chef at Lena Brava, Stephen Sandoval, has opened a pop-up at the Soho House focusing on the Baja coast. The menu is rich with seafood and items grilled over a live fire. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Stephen Sandovals cooking finally has an official home. As you may remember, Suenos started as a pop-up in Soho House last year, where it was only supposed to operate for six months. But the project did so well, and received such high praise, that it kept extending its stay. A month ago, we found out that it would continue until May, meaning it will soon mark its one-year anniversary. Advertisement But Sandoval always knew he wanted to find a permanent location, and now he has one at 1235 W. Grand Ave. in West Town. He hopes the new restaurant will open in the fall. Actually, there will be two concepts in the same building, Entre Suenos and Diego. The former will delve further into Sandovals take on the seafood-focused Mexican cuisine from Baja California. It will be a bit more elevated than what we had at the pop-up, Sandoval said. It will be more in line with our Entre Suenos dinners that we held. Despite the fact that it will feature an a la carte menu, hes also hoping to offer a tasting menu option. Advertisement If youre worried about missing the more casual dishes from Suenos, thats where Diego comes in. Diego will be where youll find the fish tacos and the Diego burrito from the pop-up, Sandoval said. Youll also find things like a chilaquiles torta. Sandoval compared Diego to Nonna, the small sandwich and pizza shop attached to Formentos in the West Loop. You have to utilize the space as much as possible, Sandoval said. Plus, we love those traditional flavors. Though Sandoval is still working on the layout, the first floor could have up to 75 seats, with an additional 50 on the patio. The second floor will hold a private event space. Sandoval is bringing in Danielle Lewis to design the cocktail menu, and hes close to securing a pastry chef, but hes keeping the name a secret for now. While youll have to wait until the fall to see it in person, Sandoval is still operating the Suenos pop-up at Soho House until May. Even though he could coast to the finish line, hes using the time to test out new menu items. Im doing a big menu change soon, Sandoval said. We are going to try some new ideas to test what our opening menu is going to look like. Entre Suenos and Diego plan to open in the fall at 1235 W. Grand Ave. nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com Selma school officials say the students of Eric White Elementary School are safe while the campus is locked-down after a police officer was shot Tuesday afternoon. The district is releasing students in small groups from the schools gate on Mitchell Ave. starting at 2:30 p.m. due to police action in the area, according to a message officials shared with The Bee. This was an update from the schools original plan to release students from the K-6 school of roughly 450 students at nearby Ringo Park. The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, the message says. A Selma police officer was shot by a man in a residential neighborhood in the Fresno County city on Tuesday, authorities said. The shooting occurred shortly before noon in the 2600 block of Pine Street, just west of Highway 99 and south of Rose Avenue. It was not clear if the suspect was injured. Just before 2:30 p.m., the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said an arrest had been made but did not immediately report any details. We have our shooting suspect in custody, Deputy Tony Botti said in a brief media statement. There are no outstanding suspects. The officers condition remained unclear. In addition to FCSO, law enforcement including California Highway Patrol and police from Fresno, Kingsburg and Parlier were at the scene and established a perimeter around the location for the investigation. The Bees Thaddeus Miller and Anthony Galaviz contributed to this report. Jan. 30FARMINGTON Students and staff at the Mt. Blue Campus were dismissed early Monday after Regional School Unit 9 officials were notified of a bomb threat that proved to be a hoax, according to authorities. Farmington Police Chief Kenneth Charles said state police did a thorough search and nothing was found. "It was not a credible threat," he said, adding that the investigation will continue into the source of the threat. Before that determination was made, however, the Maine State Police Explosive Detection Canine Team was called to check the campus, which includes Mt. Blue High School and the Foster Regional Applied Technology Center. Public safety officers and Farmington Fire and Rescue were also on site. High school students were sent home by noon, either by bus or their personal vehicles. "All students and staff are safe," according to a post on the school district's Facebook page. All after-school activities were canceled. A fundraiser created by the mother of Tyre Nichols has raised more than $1m for the family in the wake of his death. My husband and I have had our entire world turned upside down by what happened to our son, RowVaughn Wells wrote in the description of a GoFundMe page raising funds for the family. We are two hardworking, loving parents, [and] now have to turn our full-time attention to seeking proper justice for our son, she added. We have yet to have the proper space to begin our grieving process, which will be long and burdensome. The fundraiser will help cover the costs of mental health services and time off work, where they do not have unlimited paid time off, she said. The funds will also support the creation of a memorial skate park for Nichols, in honor of his love for skating and sunset, according to Ms Wells. Nichols died in hospital three days after he was severely beaten by police in Memphis, Tennessee, earlier this month. The 29-year-old FedEx worker and father of a four-year-old son was a celebrated skateboarder who loved photography, writing on his website that his vision was to bring my viewers deep into what I am seeing through my eye and out through my lens. People have a story to tell, he wrote, why not capture it. (AFP via Getty Images) Tyre Nichols was loved by his community and was known to be gentle, kind, and joyful, Ms Wells wrote. He was known as someone you know when he comes through the door he wants to give you a hug and that he wouldnt hurt a fly. Nichols had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket, she said. He was an honest man, a wonderful son, and kind to everyone. He was quirky and true to himself, and his loss will be felt nationally. On 27 January, the city released video footage from the night he was brutally beaten, pepper sprayed, kicked in the head and repeatedly struck as officers shouted a series of contradictory orders and failed to provide aid as Nichols pleaded for them to stop and called out for his mother. Story continues The videos which have galvanised a national movement against police violence also contradict an initial police report written hours after the beating that claims Nichols was noncompliant and started to fight officers. My baby was just trying to make it home to be safe in my arms, Ms Wells wrote on GoFundMe. Tyre was unarmed, nonthreatening, and respectful to police during the entire encounter. We have verified this fundraiser that was started by Tyres mom to cover the cost of the familys mental health services and a memorial skate park in his honor. We will ensure these funds safely and quickly reach the family as they navigate this tragedy.https://t.co/dZ3iRDWa1C Jalen Drummond (@jalen_drummond) January 28, 2023 Five officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith were fired and charged with second-degree murder, along with several other offences. A sixth officer has been placed on administrative leave, and two Memphis Fire Department emergency medical workers and a driver have also been fired. Jalen Drummond, GoFundMes director of public affairs, said the platform will ensure these funds safely and quickly reach the family as they navigate this tragedy. The fundraiser was supported by social justice platform Communityx, founded by Chloe Sledd, whose father was nearly fatally shot by Chicago police officers in 1989. A mannequin's head is covered in a dress shop in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi Veiled and headless mannequins are a ubiquitous sight in fashion shops across Afghanistan. A shop owner says the Taliban's restriction has affected the psyche of female shoppers. Afghans say life is difficult under the Taliban, with no signs of things improving. Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, women have been forced to cover up. Now, the faces on mannequins of all genders must be hidden, too. A mannequin's head is covered in a dress shop in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi For the past two years, the Taliban has gradually erased women from public spaces. Being a woman in Afghanistan means being invisible. Women are not allowed to work, go to school, and are forced to wear the veil in public. The Taliban's move to restrict women's rights in Afghanistan began with vandalizing storefronts displaying images of women. Today, the Taliban have ramped up these efforts by trying to ban a seemingly inconspicuous object: mannequins. Insider spoke to several locals from Kabul, including a shop owner, a female athlete, and an Afghan-born scholar, to find out why the Taliban wants to destroy mannequins and how this affects the lives of both men and women in Afghanistan. In Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, mannequins were once a symbol of fashion and culture. But in the past year, shop owners have resorted to displaying them headless or covered in cloth, just to keep their stores open. Black plastic bags cover the heads of mannequins displayed in evening gowns in Afghanistan, Monday, Dec. 26, 2022. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi In August 2021, the Taliban announced that shop owners must remove the heads of their mannequins, or do away with them all together. But several shop owners pleaded with the Taliban to let them keep their mannequins intact. The Taliban agreed, but on one condition all mannequins must have faces covered. One such shop owner is Faisal Azizi. Before coming to the US to study political science and government at Dartmouth College in March, he operated a family business selling traditional Afghan clothing. Azizi told Insider that the Taliban forced locals to deface banners displaying photos of fashion models before trying to totally ban the use of mannequins. Story continues The Taliban believe statues and images of the human form are forbidden, according to their strict interpretation of Islamic law. But experts like Bahar Jalali, an Afghan-born professor of the history of modern Middle East at Loyola University Maryland, believes the move to deface mannequins is part of an extremist ideology to attack personal freedoms and to rid life in Afghanistan of any semblance of normalcy. "Even under the most conservative Afghan regimes of the past, mannequins were part and parcel of the urban landscape," Jalali, who fled Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion in 1979, told Insider, adding that the Taliban sees the figures of women as offensive and shameful. Shop owners now use various materials to cover the faces of mannequins: lace, cloaks, and even black plastic bags. Hooded and cloaked mannequins in Afghanistan. Stringer/AFP via Getty Images While some shop owners in Afghanistan have resorted to using aluminum foil or paint to obscure the faces of mannequins, Azizi still feels it's important for the mannequins to look stylish. Azizi, with the help of his brothers in Afghanistan, continues to run the shop from the US. Mannequins are a valuable commodity to shop owners because of how expensive they are. Azizi estimates that each one costs between $200 and $300. "We try to match it to the color of the dress, to make it look like a mask," Azizi said. "We can't just put a plastic bag it looks like you've abducted someone." No matter how hard the shop owners try to make it look fashionable, Azizi feels the requirement has affected shoppers' psyche. "Sales are completely down at the moment," he said, adding that sales for his shop have dropped between 50% and 70% since the restrictions began. "When people go to the store and see the covers they don't want to buy," he added. For many Afghan women, shopping in itself is a difficult experience under the Taliban. Like the mannequins, they too are subjected to many rules. Tape wrapped around the head of a mannequin in Afghanistan. Nava Jamshidi/Getty Images In Afghanistan, women must be accompanied by a male chaperone whenever they leave their house, Jalali said, and going shopping is no exception. Marwa Ali, a 21-year-old soccer player raised in Kabul, said many women like her experience a harrowing journey from their homes to the apparel shops. Ali declined to share where she currently lives for security reasons. "I went shopping with my brother in our personal car, and the Taliban forced me to leave the front seat of the car and sit in the back," Ali told Insider, adding that she likely would have been treated worse had she refused to wear a mask or cover her face. Ali said she misses shopping in her relaxed clothing and that browsing fashion shops doesn't make her feel "alive" like it did before. "We don't want to cover the faces of women or mannequins," she said. In an effort to keep female employees protected, Azizi often has them act as shoppers during spot checks by the Taliban. The heads of mannequins at a clothing store in Afghanistan. Stringer/AFP via Getty Images Operating a shop with female employees in Afghanistan is risky, Azizi said. Those caught are often subjected to violence. "You can't argue with them. They come with guns," Azizi said, adding that the Taliban can "just abduct you or put you in jail without due process." Working women are harassed, he said. Azizi likened the Taliban's treatment of women to living in "a cage" where "they can't go out." Several of Azizi's female employees are widows. He explained that many of their husbands died while serving in the now-defunct Afghan National Army. Veiled mannequins in an apparel shop in Afghanistan. Courtesy of Faisal Azizi In a patriarchal society like Afghanistan, living as a woman without a husband makes life even harder. Living under Taliban rule is a balancing act, Azizi said: Shop owners need "to be nice with them" in order for their businesses to survive, but they also need to employ female workers in order to help families in need. "My business is feeding 40 to 50 families," he said. "Women are not allowed to work. There's no protocol. But I try to take care of my employees." For Marwa Ali, whose father died 12 years ago, the hardship is something she witnesses everyday. "There are so many women, like my mother, who don't have a husband to work for them. They need a job. How else would they have income or food for their family?" Ali said. The future of the mannequins and women under the Taliban continues to look bleak. A close up of traditional Afghan clothing. Courtesy of Faisal Azizi Mannequins might just be the tip of the iceberg, Azizi said, adding that he expects the Taliban to impose more restrictions over time. "For the local economy, the Taliban need to be nice to the locals. But once they are stable in three or four years they'll ban everything," he said. For the Taliban, the plan is to continuously erase women from the public sphere, Jalali said. She sees the mannequins as just one more example of the broader attack on women and their presence in the public sphere. "Being a woman in Afghanistan will be the equivalent of being under house arrest with no opportunity for education, employment, freedom of movement, and basically no sense of normalcy," she added. Read the original article on Business Insider Norway will send German-made Leopard 2 combat tanks to Ukraine as soon as possible; most probably, this will happen at the end of March. Source: Bjrn Arild Gram, Minister of Defence of Norway, in an interview with AFP, reported by European Pravda Details: Oslo has not stated the number of tanks yet. "We have not decided on the number yet," Defence Minister Bjrn Arild Gram said. Norway is among several European countries that have promised to send Western-type tanks to Ukraine. This Scandinavian state has 36 Leopard 2 tanks in service. Earlier, Gram clarified that it was going to be Leopard 2A4, which is the same modification that Poland is going to supply Ukraine with. The media reported that Norway is considering supplying Ukraine with up to eight Leopard 2 tanks. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Reproductive rights is a hot-button topic for much of the political spectrum in the U.S. Against that backdrop. TBD Health is not-so-quietly making patient-focused and inclusive sexual healthcare available and accessible to everyone in the U.S., as it raises a $4.4 million round to scale up further. At a time when womens rights are being challenged by our government, it was critical for us to build a sex-positive healthcare company that makes it easy for people to prioritize their health, said Daphne Chen, co-founder and co-CEO of TBD Health in an interview with TechCrunch. As someone who has experienced firsthand the judgment that doctors and clinicians pass when it comes to sexual health, its our mission to create a safe space for people to seek inclusive, trauma-aware care, as well as treatment and resources on their own terms, regardless of where they live. The company is extending operations in the context of a huge amount of change. At one end of the scale, people are more likely to have non-traditional relationships where multiple sexual partners are a thing, and sexual safety and testing remains important. At the other extreme, a huge swathe of the U.S. has woefully lacking sex ed and access to sexual health clinics. The CDC reports that 20% of people in the U.S. have an STI, and that young people are not as good at preventing them as perhaps they ought to be. TBD Health is pushing a new line of services it refers to as digital sexual health. "We have a couple of services that are available today. One of which is our at-home STI testing, which we're really excited about because it's a protocol that allows you to manage your sexual health from the comfort and privacy of home," says Chen. "What that looks like is we're able to send you a kit that's customized to your specific needs and your risk profile to your home, you're able to self-collect your samples (urine, blood as well as any swab samples that might be needed), which then gets shipped to our partner lab and you get your results in just a few days. All results are reviewed by our clinical team and a customized care plan is created just for you. And we're also really excited about the fact that your relationship with TBD doesn't end after your test result comes back. We are creating an ongoing relationship, and we're doing a lot of follow-up. We really believe that as your sex life changes your sexual health care needs do too. And so we want to stay on top of that and make sure that we're able to serve you no matter where you are in your sexual health journey." Story continues We spoke with the company a year ago, when it was just starting to gather speed with its at-home services, in addition to its in-person clinic in Las Vegas. Today, the company told TechCrunch it has raised a $4.4 million round of investment from Tusk Venture Partners, with participation from Springdale Ventures, Human Ventures, Expansion VC, Starbloom Capital, Hyphen Capital and The Community Fund. More and more were seeing local sexual health clinics nationwide shuttering due to lack of funding and resources. This leaves an immense strain on those who urgently need care, said Stephanie Estey, co-founder and co-CEO of TBD Health. We seek to be a solution for those living in sexual health care deserts and beyond by offering a more accessible and approachable way to taking care of your sexual health. Of course all eyes are on Roe v. Wade's impact on delivery and access to sexual health services. "Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year, its critical people must have accessible options to reproductive and sexual healthcare," said Bradley Tusk, managing partner at Tusk Venture Partners in a statement provided by TBD. "We are proud to back TBD Health as they establish new standards for care through its STD testing kits, availability of emergency contraceptives with next-day shipping nationwide, and an in-person care hub in Las Vegas." The company has invested a lot into ensuring its services are trauma-informed and radically inclusive, which means that its clinicians are able to meet complex sexual health situations with understanding and kindness. "The true differentiator of TBD is the care that comes along with the experience. All of our clinicians are trained in sex positivity, they have sensitivity training, and they are trauma-aware. And so with TBD, you are not just getting a test result. You're getting a partner. So what does that actually look like?" Estey asks rhetorically. "That looks like counseling. That looks like making sure you have the next steps. That looks like making sure that you have resources to think about an STI result both for yourself as well as your partners. We really walk you through the entire process. That is dramatically lacking in healthcare today, which feels very transactional. TBD is all about putting the human and compassionate approach back into the experience and making sure that people feel empowered to take ownership of their sexual healthcare." You can learn more about TBD on its website. When members of the Democratic National Committees Rules and Bylaws Committee voted in December to propose a new calendar for the partys presidential primary lineup one that replaced New Hampshire with South Carolina as the host of the first-in-the-nation primary many national Democrats saw a chance for progress. This calendar does what is long overdue: It expands the number of voices in the early window, and at the same time it elevates diverse communities, said Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the DNC, last week. But New Hampshire Democrats have not welcomed the change, responding with final pleas to keep New Hampshires spot, vows to hold the primary first anyway, and threats to withhold support from President Joe Bidens reelection campaign if the calendar is approved. A supporter of Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden picks a campaign sign up off of the ground outside of a polling place at Webster School on Feb. 11, 2020, in Manchester. This week, DNC members from around the country will meet in Philadelphia to decide whether to formally accept that new calendar. If recent public discussions are any guide, there is little interest in further negotiation. A testy Rules and Bylaws meeting last week illustrated two forces that appear unlikely to change: The DNC is poised to push New Hampshire back in its primary lineup, and New Hampshire is poised to move ahead and hold its primary anyway. Both sides appear exasperated. I am a little bit frustrated to hear folks in New Hampshires Democratic establishment sounding more like the Republican governor publicly, said Mo Elleithee during the Jan. 25 meeting. Lee Saunders, another committee member, agreed. It doesnt help organizing and mobilizing our communities across the country to have this divisiveness shared in public. We should never talk like that within the DNC. The members were reacting to a series of responses from New Hampshire Democrats in the two months since the Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to put South Carolina first. As a condition of joining Nevada in the second spot, New Hampshire would be required to change its voting laws to expand absentee voting or else be pushed back in the lineup to March, well behind the early states. Story continues On Jan. 5, a number of New Hampshire political leaders from Republican Gov. Chris Sununu to House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, an Auburn Republican, to Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy sent letters indicating that the DNCs demands would not be met. Some were sharply worded. On Jan. 18, prominent New Hampshire Democrats, including former Gov. John Lynch, penned a letter to Biden urging him to reconsider the calendar and warning it could affect his reelection campaign. And this month, former New Hampshire House Speaker Steve Shurtleff told WMUR that he would vote for another candidate for president if New Hampshire lost its primary spot. Ill look for another candidate before I support Joe Biden if he should go so far as to take away the first-in-the-nation primary from the Granite State, Shurtleff said. The comments touched a nerve. At the Jan. 25 meeting, Saunders said he found the comments from New Hampshire disturbing. I appreciate and understand differences of opinions. We have it all the time within our union. But we also come to agreement when the time comes. Leah Daughtry, another member, said she was shocked by claims that the change in the calendar had come as a surprise. This has been an ongoing conversation for this committee through I dont know how many meetings that New Hampshires status, like Iowas status, was up for discussion, she said. The irritation highlights a disconnect between national and Granite State Democrats. DNC members believe there can still be an outcome where New Hampshire embraces a second-place position that elevates more diverse voting bases in South Carolina and Nevada. New Hampshire Democrats dont see a happy ending in any scenario that does not keep the state first. The disconnect could play out in Philadelphia this week. Speaking to her fellow Rules and Bylaws Committee members, Joanne Dowdell, New Hampshires party delegate, made the traditional pitch for New Hampshires first position: New Hampshire is a small state with discerning voters where any candidate can compete regardless of wealth or connections. Retaining the New Hampshire primary as the first primary is not merely an argument to adhere to a century-long legacy, she said. It is because during that period of time, we have cultivated a process and created an atmosphere that is uniquely positioned to host the kind of contest that makes all politics even the race for president local. She said she supports elevating more diverse states to start the primary calendar, but said that could be done while keeping New Hampshire at the start. The early primary window, Dowdell argued, should tell the story of not just one group of voters, but rather the broader story of our party. But Dowdell also used her time to push back on the committees proposed conditions to allow New Hampshire to go second. One of those conditions is the repeal of the 1975 law that requires the New Hampshire secretary of state to schedule New Hampshires Democratic and Republican primaries before any other state. The other is the expansion of absentee voting. Both mandates are nonstarters in the Republican-led State House, Dowdell said. And the states law means that the Democratic presidential primary will be held just as early as the Republican one, Dowdell added. Dowdell also issued warnings to the national party: Should the full DNC attempt to end New Hampshires first-in-the-nation primary, Biden could see a dip in support in the Granite State. And should Biden try to skip campaigning in New Hampshire as punishment for an unsanctioned primary in 2024, he could miss out on critical infrastructure in the general election, Dowdell said. New Hampshire was proud to deliver our four electoral votes to the president on election night, Dowdell said, referring to the general election. These four votes could be the deciding factor in 2024. Unfortunately, they could now be at risk. Dowdell emphasized her support of Biden and her appreciation for his first term, but she said the new primary calendar is a risk. It is safe to say that this is not how any of us would like to kick off a reelection campaign, she said. And given everything that is at stake, it is in everyones interest to find a mutually agreeable solution that meets the presidents and the DNCs goals without punishing New Hampshire because of our state law. Democrats from outside of the Granite State voiced a different perspective. Daughtry argued that New Hampshire was clamoring to keep a 100-year-old privilege, an effort that could be seen as insensitive to many Black Americans who had not had easy access to voting until the Civil Rights movement. And she said the existence of a state law should not have bearing over the decisions of the DNC. If all 56 state parties are going to pass a law so that we can be first, were just going to have the wild, wild West, she said, referring to the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories. And Elleithee said that the new calendar ensured that the DNC was not going to be held hostage by history. National Democrats also took pains to praise New Hampshires historic role. Elleithee called the state one of the most magical places to do politics, and said that he saw compelling reasons to keep New Hampshire in the early window, if not first in line. But Elleithee argued that New Hampshires first-in-the-nation status was a bit of a fallacy. The Granite State had always followed Iowa in the calendar, he noted. With the new proposed primary calendar, New Hampshire was still in the second week. I understand Iowa is a caucus and New Hampshire as a primary, and New Hampshire state law says they need to be the first contest of its kind, he said. But lets be real it has been viewed as the second-in-the-nation contest. The proposed primary calendar championed by Biden gave New Hampshire a chance to stay in that second place if it changed its state laws, Elleithee argued. We have maintained the tradition that New Hampshire has asked us to maintain, he said. Dowdell was not convinced. As the meeting wound up, she asked what the punishment would be if New Hampshire held an unsanctioned primary. Would the national party remove the states primary delegates? Would Biden cease campaigning? How would the state party transition from a rogue presidential primary to a general election campaign. My concern is what does the path look like going forward? she said. And we havent had that discussion. We havent had that conversation and I think the implications are real. This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH primary 2024: Tensions rise as DNC meets Employees of HarperCollins Publisher participate in a strike outside the company's offices in Manhattan on Nov. 15, 2022 in New York City. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) There is a romantic notion that a book is the product of a single authors obsessive work, perhaps locked away somewhere a garret or a basement sweating the details down to the last comma. While theres some measure of truth in this image, when you go into a store and hold that finished book in your hands, in reality, youre looking at the product of the work of dozens of people editors, designers, marketers, publicists literal teams that are tasked with bringing an authors work to its best final form. Advertisement Having witnessed this process with each of my own books and comparing the final package with what I mightve been able to accomplish on my own, I came to appreciate the necessity of these people with the expertise and dedication to doing the work not of writing, but of publishing. Currently, some of the folks who do that work for the publisher HarperCollins are on strike in order to establish conditions of employment that allow them to do their work better, work that ultimately benefits all of us as readers. Advertisement After having worked without a contract since last April, staffers from the design, marketing, legal, publicity and sales departments called for an indefinite strike this past November. Since that time, HarperCollins reportedly hasnt engaged in formal bargaining sessions with union leaders. The primary negotiation point for the striking workers is raising the minimum pay from $45,000 per year to $50,000 in order to make it more possible for lower-level employees to live in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the country and the locus of the majority of U.S. publishing. Authors, including HarperCollins authors, have pledged support for the striking workers. That includes big names like Barbara Kingsolver and Jacqueline Woodson. Additionally, more than 200 literary agents have pledged not to submit any new manuscripts to the publisher until the strike is resolved. Importantly, the striking workers are not asking people to boycott HarperCollins books, recognizing that such a move would punish authors. Its a complicated dynamic, as Dan Kois writes in an essay at Slate discussing his conflicted feelings over publishing his debut novel Vintage Contemporaries with HarperCollins, even as he supports the staffers who are on strike. There does not appear to be a way to force HarperCollins to the bargaining table, unless things really start to fall apart. The money it would take to increase the minimum salaries of staffers is truly trivial measured against the size of HarperCollins corporate parent News Corp.s bottom line. I must admit that for a number of weeks, Ive wanted to write about this situation, but have hesitated because I wanted to be able to provide a suggested action or some fresh insight on the situation, but the fact of the matter is that things are at an impasse and theres not much bystanders like us can do about it. But as I realized that the vast majority of regular reading folks are probably not aware of the strike, and might not know the kind of service these employees provide, I felt the least I could do is to use my platform to say that these workers deserve a living wage, and the books we read would be lesser things without them. Advertisement John Warner is the author of Why They Cant Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities. Twitter @biblioracle Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books youve read. 1. Hamnet by Maggie OFarrell 2. Coventry by Helen Humphreys Advertisement 3. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones 4. The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths 5. What are People For? by Wendell Berry Anna N., Winnipeg, Manitoba A Willy Vlautin novel is a powerful emotional experience, and its not something every reader appreciates, but looking at this list, I think Anna will be absorbed and moved by Dont Skip Out on Me. 1. Beyond the Sea by Paul Lynch Advertisement 2. The Man Who Died by Antti Tuomainen 3. Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah 4. Sugar Street by Jonathan Dee 5. Weapons of Mass Delusion by Robert Draper Bill M., Atlanta, Georgia For Bill, Im going to suggest a pairing that I experienced by reading Sugar Street and Lydia Millets Dinosaurs back-to-back, two novels with a similar premise a main character who walks away from a previous life with very different trajectories after those acts. Advertisement 1. The Professor and the Parson by Adam Sisman 2. In a Free State by V.S. Naipaul 3. Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus 4. The Looking-Glass War by John le Carre 5. An African in Greenland Tete-Michel Kpomassie Connor G., Oxford, England Advertisement For Connor, Im going to recommend a mordantly funny novel about philosophy. Looking at this list, he looked like a good candidate for Lars Iyers Spurious. Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books youve read and your hometown to biblioracle@gmail.com. The U.S. Justice Department has requested documents from Tesla related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, according to a regulatory filing. To our knowledge no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred, Tesla said in the filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Austin, Texas, electric vehicle maker cautioned that if the government decides to pursue an enforcement action, it could possibly have a material adverse impact on its business. Messages were left Tuesday seeking comment from the Justice Department and from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department. Tesla Inc. is already facing multiple investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for problems with its two driver-assist systems, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Despite their names, Tesla still says on its website that the cars cant drive themselves. Teslas using Full Self-Driving can navigate roads in many cases, but experts say the system can make mistakes, which even CEO Elon Musk acknowledges. Were not saying its quite ready to have no one behind the wheel, CEO Musk said in October. Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, said the Justice Department could be looking at safety issues with the systems, or it could be investigating Tesla claims that the cars can drive themselves when they can't. When you get the car, it really can't do everything that's been promised, Brooks said. Tesla is putting a vehicle out on the road that is unable to perform to the capabilities claimed. Yet we have drivers relying on those promises and esentially not paying attention to the drive because they think it is more capable than it is. The systems have been under investigation by NHTSA since June of 2016 when a driver using Autopilot was killed after his Tesla went under a tractor-trailer crossing its path in Florida. A separate probe into Teslas that were using Autopilot when they crashed into emergency vehicles started in August 2021. At least 14 Teslas that have crashed into emergency vehicles while using the Autopilot system. Story continues Including the Florida crash, NHTSA has sent investigators to 35 Tesla crashes in which automated systems are suspected of being used. Nineteen people have died in those crashes, including two motorcyclists. The agency also is investigating complaints that Teslas can brake suddenly for no reason. Full Self-Driving went on sale late in 2015, and Musk has used the name ever since. It currently costs $15,000 to activate the system. Tsl In 2019 he promised a fleet of autonomous robotaxis by 2020, and he said in early 2022 that the cars would be autonomous that year. Since 2021, Tesla has been beta-testing Full Self-Driving using owners who havent been trained on the system but are actively monitored by the company. Tesla said this month that 400,000 owners are participating. Auto safety advocates and government investigators have long criticized Teslas monitoring system as inadequate. Three years ago the National Transportation Safety Board listed poor monitoring as a contributing factor in a 2018 fatal Tesla crash in California. The board recommended a better system, but said Tesla has not responded. NHTSA has noted in documents that numerous Tesla crashes have occurred in which drivers had their hands on the wheel but still werent paying attention. The agency has said that Autopilot is being used in areas where its capabilities are limited and that many drivers arent taking action to avoid crashes despite warnings from the vehicle. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board determined in 2020 that Teslas system to make sure drivers are paying attention is not adequate, and it should be limited to areas where it can safely operate. Tesla shares were up just under 4% in Tuesday morning trading. A Tesla car "spontaneously" burst into flames on a California freeway over the weekend and firefighters used thousands of gallons of water to put it out. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the car's battery caught fire on Saturday along Highway 50. No one was injured, authorities said. The department tweeted that "nothing unusual" took place before the Tesla Model S became "engulfed in flames," but the agency said the car's battery cells "continued to combust" while the fire was being extinguished. "Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery," the department tweeted. Electric vehicle fires: Something surprising can cause electric vehicles to catch on fire. Here's what experts want you to know. Experts: Gas prices have jumped for five straight weeks and are 'unlikely' to drop soon A Tesla car "spontaneously" burst into flames on a California freeway over the weekend and firefighters used thousands of gallons of water to put it out. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the car's battery caught fire on Jan. 28, 2023 along Highway 50. A Tesla car "spontaneously" burst into flames on a California freeway over the weekend and firefighters used thousands of gallons of water to put it out. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the car's battery caught fire on Jan. 28, 2023 along Highway 50. In all, firefighters said, they used 6,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire. Tesla vehicles have lithium-ion batteries that can present fire and explosion hazards when damaged, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Crews arrived to a Tesla Model S engulfed in flames, nothing unusual prior. 2 Fire Engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck were requested to assist. Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery. Thousands of gallons were used in extinguishment. pic.twitter.com/5dIXxo9hP5 Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) January 29, 2023 Tyre Nichols update: 3 Memphis Fire Department personnel fired for not providing aid to Tyre Nichols Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla car battery 'spontaneously' bursts on California Highway 50 Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) has introduced a slate of legislation that seeks to honor American slaves and their descendants. At some point, they ought to have their descendants benefit from the injustice with justice, in the form of first making sure that their ancestors are respected for what theyve done, Green told The Hill. I assure you if Anglos suffered what Black people suffered in this country, they would be doing what Im doing, and would have done it long ago to correct the injustice. Greens legislation, The Conscience Agenda: Our Moral Imperative, includes expanding Slavery Remembrance Day, posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the American enslaved, removing Richard Russells name from the Russell Senate Office Building, enacting the Securities and Exchange Atonement Act and establishing the Department of Reconciliation. Green said this agenda is needed more than ever, coming as the country argues over what part of African American history can be taught in schools. Most recently, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) rejected a new Advanced Placement (AP) course for high school students on African American studies, saying the content is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value. In response, the College Board will release an updated version of the course At this moment in time, we have persons who are trying to rewrite history, persons who refuse to acknowledge the facts associated with our history, said Green. There are persons who dont want the history of slavery, the atrocities that were perpetrated upon Black people, they dont want that talk. We cannot allow history to be rewritten to the extent that it likely will be without our voices being raised. Part of Greens agenda is already in action. On Aug. 20, 2022, President Biden recognized Slavery Remembrance Day as a day to reflect on the terrible toll of slavery, and on our nations profound ability to heal and emerge stronger. Story continues That specific date was chosen because on Aug. 20, 1619, the first Africans were brought to Virginia on the slave ship, the White Lion. While Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the emancipation of Black people, Green said, Slavery Remembrance Day would involve a program that would be spread out in churches around the country to honor and remember those who lived and died in slavery. It would also be a day of reflection, Green added, when the U.S. would take time to condemn the act of enslavement. Theres no emolument associated with it, but there is the benefit of knowing that you have been a part of correcting an injustice and what happened in this country in 1619 and then for centuries was a great injustice, said Green. Posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the American enslaved would be another way for Congress to honor the foundational mothers and fathers whose backs this country was built on, he added. The medal would be awarded to the Africans first brought to America on the White Lion and all their descendants. Posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal isnt unheard of the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the honor, as were servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan. Most recently, Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley were awarded the honor. But, Green said, part of why it is so important to bestow this honor is because in 1956, Congress awarded the medal to Confederate soldiers. We cannot revile the ancestors but revere the enslavers, said Green. And that includes those who went on to join the United States government, like Sen. Richard Russell, he said. Russell (R-Ga.) served in the United States Senate from 1933 until 1971. As chair of the Southern Caucus, Russell was a staunch opponent of civil rights. He filibustered for six days to stop an anti-lynching bill from passing and, in 1964, voted against the Civil Rights Act. He was against integration, and he once declared America a white mans country. Today, the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., is named after Russell, but Green refuses to enter that building in a one-man silent protest. His agenda calls for removing Russells name from the building and renaming it The Old Senate Office Building until a new name can be agreed upon. But Greens agenda also calls for atonement, specifically in the form of a racial equity audit every two years. This audit would investigate the extent of a financial institutions historical connections direct or indirect to slavery. For instance, during the 19th century, Citizens Bank and Canal Bank in Louisiana, part of JP Morgan today, accepted slaves as collateral for loans to Southern plantation owners. JPMorgan and Chase apologized for this involvement in 2005. Greens plan would also create an office of reparations within the Treasury Department. Green is hoping to see movement on his agenda this Congress but much of it is unlikely to pass. The House is now controlled by Republicans, who have a very different view on racial justice. In fact, a 2021 Pew Research Center survey found an overwhelming number of Republicans think little or nothing needs to be done to ensure equal rights for all Americans, regardless of race. Republicans are also more likely than Democrats to say the nation has made a lot of progress toward racial equality over the last 50 years. Only 6 percent of Republicans believe white people benefit from advantages that Black people do not have. Green said America has always needed racial justice. Racial justice is needed because theres been racial injustice, said Green. It was a great injustice to enslaved people and over the centuries, one segment of society has benefited from that injustice. It requires acknowledgement of what the enslaved peoples did to make America the great country that is, Green added. America didnt get great by itself. It had free labor for centuries to give it a pretty good start. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Reuters) - The Texas oil regulator on Sunday advised oil and gas pipeline operators to secure equipment and facilities after forecasts for severe weather over the next several days. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), which oversees the state's oil and gas industries, issued the notice after the National Weather Service forecast wintry precipitation and ice accumulations across several parts of the state. The oil regulator advised the operators to secure all personnel, equipment and facilities to prevent injury or damage, and monitor and prepare operations for potential impacts. It also asked the operators to "heed" all watches, warnings and orders issued by local emergency officials and monitor weather reports. "Significant icing possible due to freezing rain. Total ice accumulations of one-tenth to one quarter of an inch, particularly on elevated surfaces and bridges. Some sleet will be possible," the National Weather Service said in a forecast for portions of north central, northeast and south central Texas. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates most of the state's power grid, also issued a notice for a potential freezing precipitation event for the Panhandle, north, west and central areas of the region beginning on Monday through Thursday. Millions of Texans were left without power, water and heat for days during a deadly winter storm in February 2021 after the shutdown of a large amount of electric generation and gas pipelines. (Reporting by Kavya Guduru in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) BANGKOK (AP) Thailand's police commissioner apologized Tuesday after seven officers were placed under investigation for allegedly extorting money from a Taiwanese actor who was visiting Bangkok on a holiday. Charlene An posted on social media that she was traveling in a taxi with friends after a night out in the Thai capital when they were stopped and searched at a checkpoint in the early hours of Jan. 5. She said she was threatened with a criminal charge for having an e-cigarette and later paid 27,000 baht ($820) before they were able to leave. Two captains, two senior sergeant majors and three sergeants who were at the checkpoint were transferred to inactive positions while the investigation is ongoing, police said. There are still many good police. We must encourage the good ones and deal with the bad ones," police Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas told reporters at police headquarters. "I would like to stress that our city has lots of visitors coming. Immigration police, tourist police and local police must take the best care of tourists. And for the incident that has happened, if there is wrongdoing, as the head of the organization, I apologize to the victims affected by what happened, he said. Anyone found guilty will be punished, he said. Thai police earlier denied the accusation and suggested An was intoxicated and had not been able to produce travel documents, possibly because of a language barrier. Police were unable to produce videos from body cameras from the night, according to local media. Presidential politics are hanging over efforts to rekindle police reform in Congress after the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police in Memphis. The lead Republican negotiator in the talks, Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.), is widely believed to be exploring a presidential bid, and Republican strategists warn any deal with Democrats could set him back. Senate Republicans are expecting Scott, the only Black member of the conference, to take the lead in negotiating with Democrats after he spent months during the last Congress trying to hammer out a police reform deal with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and former Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.). GOP aides and strategists are doubtful that any reform deal can be passed by Congress that wont become a political liability for Scott, given demands by Democrats to open individual police officers to personal legal liability for alleged misconduct. Thats a potential concern for Scott, who is viewed as a top prospect to become the GOPs vice presidential nominee if he doesnt win the presidential nomination. Scott has to be careful he doesnt sign off on a sweeping reform bill that puts him at odds with the Republican base, something that happened to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) after he endorsed a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013. I see this as something that can turn into a Gang of Eight situation for Tim Scott in the way that it did for Marco Rubio, said GOP strategist Ford OConnell. He was referring to the bipartisan negotiating group that agreed to create a pathway to citizenship for more than 10 million undocumented immigrants in exchange for tougher border security and other reforms. Political experts, however, say that Scott could boost his national profile ahead of a presidential run by achieving a legislative breakthrough on an issue that rose to prominence after George Floyd died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The clamor for reform has grown more intense after authorities released graphic videos Friday night that showed police beating Nichols. Five police officers face criminal charges for the incident. Story continues Theres reason to think he would be serious about and he would be looking for a way to maybe package what were calling police reform with a larger law enforcement package that might include a lot more money for training, Steven S. Smith, a professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, said of Scott. Smith said if Scott is looking for a niche in what is likely to be long list of Republican candidates running for president, this might be it. He acknowledged that theres a pretty serious risk for Scott if he cuts a major police reform deal with Democrats, but argued he has to balance that potential downside with the need to break out in what could be a crowded presidential primary field. The question is whether or not theres a place for him in the contest for the presidency without distinguishing himself in some way, Smith said. Maybe this would be a way he could do that. Scott declined to comment when asked about police reform Monday afternoon. Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) said Monday that he expects Scott to again take the lead in any potential talks but raised doubts whether Democrats would agree to anything that most Republicans could support. He did a lot of good work the last time around until the Democrats torpedoed it, he said. GOP senators are already warning that Democrats shouldnt expect Scott to make any big concessions beyond the legislation he introduced in 2020 to end the use of chokeholds, increase the use of body cameras and provide more federal resources to hire and train new officers. Tim Scott proposed an incredible bill and frankly Democrats turned it down, said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a centrist who has worked with Democrats on other issues. Tim had a great bill, they wouldnt accept it. We can go back to Tim Scotts bill, Cassidy said, asserting that some of the demands being made by Democrats are disingenuous. Cassidy said there might be a better chance of striking a deal on police reform in a nonelection year, before next years presidential politics scuttle any chance of getting something done. Were in the first year of a two-year cycle and sometimes people actually look at policy as opposed to have an eye toward politics, and maybe that will change the dynamic of the talks, he said. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Monday floated the idea of protecting individual police officers from lawsuits but making police departments liable for misconduct, an idea he raised two years ago during the final stretch of police reform negotiations. I oppose civil lawsuits against individual officers, Graham posted on Twitter. However, holding police departments accountable makes sense and they should face liability for the misconduct of their officers. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), an adviser to the Senate Republican leadership, noted that Senate negotiators discussed this possible compromise two years ago and it didnt go anywhere. The Texas senator predicted that police reform has less chance of passing now that Republicans control the House than it did in the last Congress, when there was a Democratic House majority. I think its probably less likely to happen now with divided government, he said. A senior Democratic aide said any police reform bill that has a chance to get to President Bidens desk will likely have to originate in the Senate, given that Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) didnt show much interest in passing a comprehensive bill in the last Congress. Only one House Republican voted for the sweeping George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in March of 2021. The House passed four other crime- and policing-related bills with varying bipartisan support in September. They were the Invest to Protect Act, to provide federal grants to small law enforcement agencies; the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, to provide grants for community violence initiatives; the Mental Health Justice Act, to train and assign mental health professionals to situations with people suffering mental health crises; and the VICTIM Act, to give local investigators more access to crime-solving technology. The biggest accomplishment on the police reform front in the last Congress was passage of the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act of 2022, which Biden signed into law in late December. It provided $124 million in grant funding to pay for law enforcement agencies to develop new curricula for officers. Cornyn on Monday said these types of reforms only work when police officers follow their de-escalation training, something that didnt happen in Memphis the night Nichols died. He said the de-escalation tactics funded by the bill, which he cosponsored, if used, would have avoided this tragic result. We talked about the George Floyd Act for a couple years and [de-escalation training bill] was the only thing we could come to agreement on so I dont know what other options are on the table, he said, dismissing the chances of passing a broader police reform bill. Mychael Schnell contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Polish tourist was hit in the head with a stick and yelled at after walking up the steps of the Mayan pyramid in Chichen Itza, according to the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia of Mexico. The pyramid, an archaeological and historical site, has been closed to climbing since 2008, but that didnt stop the man from crossing into the restricted area and walking up the stairs of the pyramid on Jan. 28. In a video circulating on social media, the man can be seen being led down the steps of the Temple of Kukulcan, the Mayan pyramid, by site officials. When he reaches the ground, he is met by an angry crowd. Other local and international tourists can be heard yelling obscenities and voicing their anger toward the tourist in the video. The tourist is then approached from behind by a shirtless man holding a large stick while being led away from the temple. The shirtless man swings the stick, hitting the back of the mans head. The site officials then attempt to lead the tourist through the crowd where he continued to be berated. The Mexico Daily Post reported that the man had accessed the area to take pictures and share them on social networks. The man was arrested by the Municipal Police of Tinum and held for 12 hours before being released with a fine, Jose Arturo Chab Cardenas, head of the INAH Yucatan Center, said in a statement according to Aristegui Noticias. Chab Cardenas said the man was a visitor from Poland and that he had been fined 5,000 pesos, the equivalent of around $266. His arrest comes just two months after another tourist went viral for walking up the steps despite yells from onlookers. The woman climbed the temple on Nov. 20 and when she came back down, people threw food and water at her and pulled her hair. Story continues The Temple of Kukulcan was built by the Mayans for the feathered serpent god Kukulcan between 800 and 900 A.D., according to Atlas Obscura. The temple helped the Mayans to track the summer and winter equinoxes, when the Mayans said Kukulcan would return to commune with his worshippers and bring good health and healthy crops. Tourists must respect the security measures of the INAH in the archaeological zone to preserve the cultural heritage of Mexico, take care of other visitors and enjoy that Mayan legacy, Chab Cardenas said to the Mexico Daily Post. Medieval Italian bridge was pedestrian-only until California tourist arrived, cops say Iconic California state park with waterfall onto beach closed by storm damage I love to kill deer. Man accused of poaching says hed kill more deer, officials say After 28 years the age of the victim herself police in California connected a truck driver living in Utah to the 1994 murder of a trans woman. The victim, Terrie Ladwig, was murdered in her apartment in Concord, California, on Dec. 2, 1994, and the case had remained unsolved until recently, Concord police said in a news release posted to Facebook on Monday, Jan. 30. Concord Police said recent developments led them to identify 55-year-old James William Grimsley as a suspect in the killing. Lt. Sean Donnelly told news outlets there was forensic evidence at the scene. Police say theyre investigating Grimsleys ties to the Bay Area and told the Bay Area News Group he could have passed through the Contra Costa County area as a truck driver in the 1990s. He would have been about 26 at the time. The Contra Costa Times reported in 2004 that Ladwig had called her husband, who was a U.S. Navy sailor, to tell him someone was trying to break into their home, according to the outlet. Her husband rushed home from a base in Bangor, Washington, and discovered her body after she had been beaten and strangled. Her murder publicized their marriage, and the U.S. Navy gave her husband an other than honorable discharge, the San Francisco Examiner reported at the time, according to the Bay Area News Group. This victim, Terrie, was only 28 at the time, Donnelly told Bay Area News Group. She was young and had her whole life ahead of her. Hopefully there will be some justice after all these years. A friend of Ladwigs told ABC 7 she was relieved to see her friends case finally solved. She was a great woman, she had a great personality, she made people laugh, Brittany Shoras told the station. She would brighten my day when she came in. We talked about transgender issues and the laws that we didnt have back in those days that we have today. After an extradition hearing in Utah, Grimsley will be extradited to California to face the murder charge, Donnelly told McClatchy News in an email. Hes being held on a $1 million fugitive bond, ABC 7 reported. Story continues Police ask anyone with information to contact Concord PD Detective James Cartwright at 925952-603-5829. Woman found dead in canvas sack 52 years ago has been identified in Arizona, cops say Threats against LGBTQ community spark domestic terrorism warning, Homeland Security says Man kidnapped mall manager 29 years ago, CA officials say. Now DNA leads to charges President Donald Trumps administration neglected state efforts to combat domestic and foreign criminals collecting billions of dollars fraudulently from overwhelmed unemployment systems, Californias Employment Development Director said Monday. Nancy Farias swung back hard against allegations by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., that California has done a poor job fighting unemployment fraud. We object to the chairs mischaracterization of Californias response to the unemployment insurance fraud attacks and the chairs failure to acknowledge the inadequate response by the Trump Administration Farias wrote in a four page letter to Comer. Comer is chairman the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which is investigating the California unemployment system. The committee plans a Wednesday hearing on Californias actions, as well as those of other states. Farias contended it was President Donald Trumps administration which left neglected state UI systems fighting domestic and international criminal enterprises effectively on their own. Their fight is shaping up as a highly partisan battle. Republicans took control of the House earlier this month, and Comer has vowed to examine COVID-related spending. I believe with all my heart that we have a duty to have the backs of the American taxpayer. That is something that has been left out of the mix over the last several years in Congress, he said Monday. Its unclear who was most to blame for the initially slow response to the fraud, and chaos, that the system endured as the COVID pandemic exploded in 2020. The California state auditor was critical of some of the states response, and the independent federal Labor Department was critical of some of the federal response. Plagued by fraud California, like other states, was suddenly deluged with unemployment claims as the economy went into freefall in the spring of 2020, when COVID-triggered restrictions virtually shut down public activity. Story continues Washington created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help. It provided weekly jobless benefits to people who traditionally could not qualify for unemployment insurance, such as self-employed workers. Unemployment agencies throughout the country made it a priority to get the benefits out quickly to those in need. But in doing so, they exposed their systems to massive fraud. California officials have estimated about $20 billion was improperly paid, including some to prisoners, organized crime interests and others. The vast majority of that fraud activity occurred in the new federally-funded Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program which lacked some of the basic safeguards that are built into the regular state unemployment insurance programs. Regular unemployment Insurance is a joint federal-state program. There are some federal regulations that govern the program and there are some state specific ones as well. But with PUA, states were required to build and launch what the federal program called for, funded entirely by federal funds, not the employer contribution funds that pay for regular UI benefits. States administered the PUA program according to the requirements of the program set by the federal government. Comer blasted state officials for the mess. Governor (Gavin) Newsom and agency officials tried to deflect by blaming the federal government for expanding unemployment benefits during the pandemic and loosening eligibility rules, Comer said in a letter to Farias earlier this month. He said that Despite the unexpected and unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic, Californias problems cannot be blamed on COVID alone. He cited a January 2021 report from then-State Auditor Elaine Howle. She said the federal government warned the state at least three times in the early months of the pandemic to beef up its fraud protections. EDD fights back Farias Monday hit back at Comer. The Trump administration expressed no interest in establishing such coordinated national response when these programs were initiated in 2020, leaving states to fend for themselves against a clear pattern of sophisticated, international criminal syndicates at work, she wrote. She cited an August, 2020, report from the Labor Departments Inspector General, a nonpartisan watchdog. The report showed that on May 26, about two months after PUA was created, the inspector general warned about potential fraud. And that office suggested timely, additional guidance could assist states in better protecting funds against fraud, waste, and abuse. Further, ETA has directed states to leverage their existing program integrity systems to include (new) programs, but ETA can do more to ensure adequate program assessment. ETA is the U.S. Labor Departments Employment and Training Administration. On August 31, that agency sent a 17 page memo addressing ways to combat fraud to the states. But Farias told Comer that the federal agency did not act to develop any sort of coordinated national response to detect or prevent the fraud. And federal money to help fight fraud was not available until September 2020, and Californias share was woefully inadequate. Nevertheless, Farias said, California, responded aggressively to fraud attacks by implementing new fraud prevention and detection measures, which prevented over $125 billion in fraudulent payments. As of November, EDD reported 1,713 investigations into fraud have been opened in the past three years. There have been 296 convictions and more than $1.1 billion seized or recovered so far as investigations into pandemic fraud continue. Farias, appointed to her current job last year by Newsom, praised the Biden administration, which took office in January 2021, for creating a Fraud Enforcement Task Force in the Justice Department to prosecute and recover stolen funds from domestic and international criminals involved in the fraud. Last year, the department named a chief prosecutor to lead a team to probe major fraud targets. Biden says "no" to sending fighter jets to Ukraine Xinhua) 08:18, January 31, 2023 U.S. President Joe Biden walks on the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 27, 2022. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) President Joe Biden's remarks came as debate picked up steam over whether to arm Ukraine, which has been in conflict with Russia for nearly a year, with Western-made fighter jets. WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that he won't approve sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. "No," Biden said in response to a question about the possibility of such a decision. As he spoke, Biden arrived back at the White House from a trip to Baltimore, Maryland. Biden also said he was planning to visit Poland but didn't yet know when. The president's remarks came as debate picked up steam over whether to arm Ukraine, which has been in conflict with Russia for nearly a year, with Western-made fighter jets. Asked about the administration's decision on potential delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer said during an appearance on MSNBC last Thursday that "we have not ruled in or out any specific systems." "We have tried to tailor our assistance to the phase of the fight that the Ukrainians are in. I don't have an announcement to make one way or the other," he added. Albeit a constant request from the authorities in Kiev, fighter jets have long been regarded by the West as a taboo in terms of military assistance for Ukraine, for fear that such deliveries would lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter last Wednesday that securing the provision of Western-type fighter jets are among the "new tasks ahead" for Ukraine. On the same day, the United States and Germany announced their respective decisions to send combat tanks to Ukraine. Ukraine's plea for fighter jets met with refusal from Germany, whose chancellor, Olaf Scholz, recently said combat aircraft is not an item on Berlin's list of weapons for Ukraine. "The question of combat aircraft does not arise at all," Scholz said in an interview with Tagesspiegel published on Sunday. "I can only advise against entering into a constant competition to outbid each other when it comes to weapons systems." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Over the next two weeks, well have the chance to see a rare green comet that is flying by the Earth for the first time in about 50,000 years. At its closest point on Wednesday, it will come within 26 million miles of our planet. Its expected to be at its brightest around Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and just barely visible to the naked eye. Advertisement But what makes this green-hued comet, officially named C/2022 E3 (ZTF), so special? This literally is current humankinds one and only chance to see this comet because even if it does return to our part of the solar system, were talking like 50,000 years in the future, said Michelle Nichols, Adler Planetariums director of public observing. That alone kind of makes it a little special. Advertisement While it could potentially come back in several tens of thousands of years, it may also just keep going and exit the solar system completely if a large gravitational object, such as a planet like Jupiter, adjusts its orbit enough, she said. Its origin and hue also make it special. There are a couple of different reservoirs for comets, Nichols explained, such as the Kuiper belt out past the orbit of Neptune. This green comet is from the Oort cloud, which is much farther out in space in an area that we actually have never observed. Its distance also means we rarely see comets from the Oort cloud since it takes them so long to orbit the sun. Green-hued comets are seen a little less frequently than comets that are yellowish-white (which might be due to dust) or blue (which is a different kind of gas). The color all depends on the type of stuff the comet is made of, what it is emitting and what happens when light hits it, Nichols said. For comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), when ultraviolet light from the sun hits it, a specific molecule emits a green light. A close-up of the green comet taken through a telescope from Northerly Island on Jan. 15. (Bill Chiu ) What does the name mean? While comets are often named after people who discovered them, such as the Hale-Bopp comet, named after Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, the green comets official name is more complicated. The C/ portion of C/2022 E3 (ZTF) indicates that its a comet. Next, 2022 is for the year it was discovered, while E indicates the specific time period, in this case, the first half of March. The 3 means that its the third comet to be discovered in that time period. Finally, ZTF stands for Zwicky Transient Facility, which is the facility in California that discovered the comet. Comet vs. asteroid Comets and asteroids basically are all leftovers from the formation of the solar system, Nichols said. So comets and asteroids are old. The main difference between them is what theyre made of: asteroids tend to be rocky, while comets have more ice. Meanwhile, meteorites, like the one a Field Museum research scientist helped discover recently in Antarctica, are pieces of space rock that didnt fully burn up once they entered the Earths atmosphere and reached the Earths surface. Advertisement While comets can impact Earth, Nichols said it doesnt happen often. How to see the green comet If you want to get a glimpse of this comet, there are some steps youll need to take. Since its just on the cusp of being considered naked eye visible, its recommended to use binoculars or a small telescope to really see the comet. Youre looking for a faint fuzzball, Nichols said. Getting away from the bright lights of the city is usually always better when it comes to looking out for comets, but a big problem that people will run into is that the moon will be in its waxing gibbous phase, so its bright light will compete with the comet. If you cant get away from bright lights, trying to mitigate them as much as possible will help viewing efforts. That could be as simple as making sure any lights are to your back. In terms of where to look in the sky, it will all depend on the day and the time. Nichols recommended searching for the comet on an app that shows you the night sky, such as Stellarium. The Adler also has a viewing chart with details on where to look for the comet at 9 p.m. from Feb. 1-8. A viewing chart for where to look in the night sky to see C/2022 E3 (ZTF) from Feb. 1 through Feb. 8. (Adler Planetarium / HANDOUT) And dont forget to check the weather. Weather permitting, the Adler hopes to get its telescope rigged up with a camera and broadcast a live view on its YouTube channel of the comet from the Doane Observatory on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. The Scopes at the Adler Facebook group will post updates on if the observatory will be open. The National Weather Service currently is predicting mostly clear skies Tuesday night, partly cloudy Wednesday for Chicago, though bitterly cold. Advertisement Well probably know a day or two in advance if the weather is going to cooperate enough to at least try, Nichols said. It all depends on if these clouds move out of the way. ksamoy@chicagotribune.com Former President Donald Trump pauses during an address to New Hampshire Republicans. Reba Saldanha/AP Trump had a rocky start as he emerged from seclusion to hit the 2024 campaign trail. A pair of events in South Carolina and New Hampshire illustrated his staying power in the GOP. But the former president's appearances also underlined his status as a vulnerable front-runner. Former President Donald Trump's return to the campaign trail over the weekend ended his bizarre self-imposed seclusion that saw a declared presidential candidate do few of the actual things candidates are supposed to do. In campaigning in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Trump checked off the box of visiting two of four early states that loom over the GOP's presidential primary and caucus calendar. His presence also illustrated that while he is the current frontrunner, he is not scaring opponents off the field as one might expect from a former president. The reality is that Trump is only beginning to take his third campaign seriously. In the meantime, senior operatives are gathering support for one of his possible opponents just outside of the room. But the rest of the entire field is frozen, unable or unwilling to grapple with Trump head-on. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis smiles as confetti falls after he is declared the victor on election night 2022. Getty Images Rival campaigns are poaching support at Trump's own rallies For example, take his time in New Hampshire. Trump's commanding win in the Granite State in 2016 after a humiliating loss in Iowa began his glide path to the nomination and eventually the White House. While the former president worked the room, reporters found volunteers for a pro-Ron DeSantis super PAC signing up volunteers for the Florida governor, who has yet to even announce his intentions. That fact didn't stop outgoing Vice Chairwoman Pamela Tucker from signing up volunteers. Just before the gathering, a University of New Hampshire poll found that DeSantis held a 12-point lead among likely GOP primary voters. DeSantis hasn't even visited the state for months. According to Politico, Trump's speech at the New Hampshire GOP's annual meeting was added to his schedule at the last minute. The apparent lack of communication about the former president's first visit to New Hampshire since 2020 came despite Trump confirming his trip to South Carolina weeks prior. Story continues Former President Donald Trump listens to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the White House, on October 21, 2019. Alex Wong/Getty Images But no one is willing to take him on directly The good news for Trump is that for the time being the rest of the potential 2024 campaign field remains frozen. Former Vice President Mike Pence is dealing with his own classified documents mess. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is sniping at former US Ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley. And it remains to be seen what former 2016 hopefuls like Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Marco Rubio, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will do. Trump's visit to South Carolina also appears to have gone more smoothly. Gov. Henry McMaster, who more or less owes Trump his job, re-upped his support for the former president. Ditto for Sen. Lindsey Graham, who rebuked Republicans who want Trump's policies without Trump personally. In 2016, Trump locked down support across the South, something he'll want to replicate, particularly if the 2024 nomination turns into a protracted fight. There's a lane to take on Trump, but nobody is stepping into it None of these factors are evidence of a juggernaut campaign. The reality is that there has always been an opening to challenge Trump. The question is will any candidate want to lock horns with a former president, as The Atlantic's McKay Coppins outlined in a piece on how 2024 could look a lot like 2016, with the GOP privately wishing for Trump's demise while doing little to actually bring his comeuppance. "None of Donald Trump's opponents ever have the balls to throw him the damn brick," Terry Sullivan, one of Rubio's top 2016 operatives, told Coppins. "They just hope someone else will. Hope isn't a winning strategy." Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump sued journalist Bob Woodward on Monday, claiming that the audio companion to Woodward's book "Rage" improperly used recordings of his interviews with the former president. According to Trump's suit, filed in federal court in Florida, he contends that he consented to being recorded only for the purposes of the book and not to the release of the audio recordings for other reasons. The complaint accuses Woodward of "systematic usurpation, manipulation, and exploitation of audio of President Trump gathered in connection with a series of interviews." MORE: GOP members of Congress show little concern over Trump book revelations on coronavirus response The "Trump Tapes" were released in October and include 20 interviews Woodward conducted with Trump from his time as president and as a candidate. Those interviews include 19 times that Trump and Woodward spoke, either in person or by phone, between December 2019 and August 2020, Trump's lawsuit states. "I wanted to put as much of Trump's voice, his own words, out there for the historical record so people can hear and make their own assessments," Woodward says in the audiobook, calling the conversations "lengthy" and "raw." PHOTO: Investigative journalist Bob Woodward delivers remarks on 'New threats to Democracies' during CNN International Summit on November 21, 2022, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images) Trump's suit also names "Rage" publisher Simon & Schuster and its parent company, Paramount, as defendants -- alleging they usurped audio that was subject to limitations on use and distribution "as a matter of copyright, license, contract, basic principles of the publishing industry, and core values of fairness and consent." In a joint statement, Woodward and Simon & Schuster said: "Former President Trump's lawsuit is without merit and we will aggressively defend against it." "All these interviews were on the record and recorded with President Trump's knowledge and agreement. Moreover, it is in the public interest to have this historical record in Trump's own words," the statement continued. "We are confident that the facts and the law are in our favor." Story continues "Rage" was one of three books that Woodward published about Trump after his turn as a political candidate, along with "Fear" and "Peril." "Rage" reportedly sold hundreds of thousands of copies after its initial release, in the fall of 2020, and made headlines when Woodward quoted Trump during a March 2020 interview as saying that he had wanted to intentionally minimize the risk of COVID-19 to avoid alarm: "I still like playing it down because I don't want to create a panic." Trump's new lawsuit argues "Rage" was a "total failure," which motivated Woodward to release the interview audio as well. PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign stop to unveil his leadership team, at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina, January 28, 2023. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters, FILE) He is suing for breach of contract, deceptive trade practices, unjust enrichment and copyright infringement. He asked the court to find that he owns the recordings, audiobook and derivative works in full and therefore is entitled to all revenues arising from what he calls the exploitation of such works. The lawsuit also seeks damages. ABC News' Kate Hodgson contributed to this report. Trump sues Bob Woodward for releasing audio of their interviews originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Mutulu Shakur, who has an advanced form of cancer, is making up for lost time with his family after the Black liberation activist was released on parole from a 60-year prison sentence in December. Im so happy to be free, Shakur, Tupac Shakurs stepfather, told NBC News. I fought hard every day that I was incarcerated. I have a lot to do, hoping that society gives me another swing at it. But my life is an example of what could happen. I am very hopeful. The 72-year-old was released from federal prison on Dec. 16 after more than 35 years behind bars on racketeering, robbery and robbery murder charges. The organized movement advocating for Shakurs release stepped up its efforts in recent years as the man developed myriad health issues, most notably stage 3 multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that can affect the bones and kidneys. Shakur has endured drastic weight loss due to his illnesses and treatments; has had Covid at least twice; and has relied on IV feeding tubes on and off in the months leading up to his release, his attorney, Brad Thomson, previously said. Thomson said doctors with the Federal Bureau of Prisons gave Shakur less than six months to live last May, noting that his cancer treatment had stopped working. Shakur was considered the leader of a group that robbed a Brinks armored car in Rockland County, New York, in 1981, leaving two police officers and a Brinks guard dead. Shakur had been denied release several times over the years, with authorities insisting that his crimes were too serious and his health had not deteriorated enough to warrant release. However, in the October decision, officials told Shakur, We now find your medical condition renders you so infirm of mind and body that you are no longer physically capable of committing any Federal, State, or local crime. Now hes spending his final days with family in Los Angeles. Mopreme Shakur, Shakurs son, said his fathers health has appeared to be improving since coming home. He was reunited with his six living children and three grandchildren, which, Mopreme said, has done wonders in lifting Shakurs spirits. Story continues I think being free does a lot for the spirit, Mopreme said. He gained like nine pounds in the first 10 days he was home. Tupac Shakur in 1992 (Gary Reyes / Bay Area News via Getty Images ) Shakur said of his own health: I am receiving excellent care in two categories Western oncology and holistic natural therapies. I dont take this freedom for granted. Along with enjoying time with family, Shakur has spent the last few weeks on a food tour, trying different foods he didnt have access to while in prison, his son said. Everyones bringing him bean pies from every direction! Mopreme added. Supporters spent years advocating for the release of Shakur, whom they consider a political prisoner. They say authorities wanted to make an example of Shakur because of his activism with revolutionary Black nationalist groups. Its been kind of surreal for myself and many others, said Jomo Muhammad, an organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement who advocated for Shakurs freedom. A lot of tears and happiness. We were always clear that the system had no intention of freeing him and it was only through organizing and people rallying behind him that hes home. Folks feel a lot of accomplishment. Shakur served 36 of a 60-year sentence stemming from a 1988 conviction for conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, bank robbery, armed bank robbery and bank robbery murder. He was convicted of leading a group of revolutionaries in a string of armed robberies in New York and Connecticut. He was also convicted of helping JoAnne Chesimard, aka Assata Shakur, escape from a New Jersey prison in 1979, according to The Associated Press and Thomson. But advocates like Muhammad have said the government targeted Shakur all those years ago to quell his activism, and believe that at the time of his arrest in 1986, Shakur was doing his own independent investigation of COINTELPRO, an FBI campaign to discredit radical groups including Black liberation movements that were deemed illegal. They also have claimed his incarceration was linked to his Black liberation efforts and his work with revolutionary Black nationalist groups in the 1960s, including the Revolutionary Action Movement and the Republic of New Afrika. In his younger years, Shakur was also recognized for his work bringing holistic health care to Black communities in the Bronx. He informally studied acupuncture and in the 1970s joined with several other activists, in groups like the Black Panthers and the Young Lords, to take over part of Bronxs Lincoln Hospital and run the Lincoln Detox Center, a community center that used acupuncture to treat drug dependence and provided political education that produced several community activists, according to The Washington Post. Shakur expressed joy over reuniting with his family, of whom he said he feels proud. Its been a great, great day, in 38 years of life, that I have had an opportunity to hug and nestle with my six children and three grandchildren, he said. I am so proud of them, that they have survived and are presently in good physical and, more importantly, mental strength in light of what my life has caused them. Theyre very productive citizens that have not been tainted by the politics of my issues. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Amina Ismail SARARO, Iraq (Reuters) - Looming over the deserted village of Sararo in northern Iraq, three Turkish military outposts break the skyline, part of an incursion that forced the residents to flee last year after days of shelling. The outposts are just some of the dozens of new military bases Turkey has established on Iraqi soil in the past two years as it steps up its decades-long offensive against Kurdish militants sheltered in the remote and rugged region. "When Turkey first came to the area, they set up small portable tents, but in the spring, they set up outposts with bricks and cement," Sararo's mayor Abdulrahman Hussein Rashid said in December during a visit to the village, where shell casings and shrapnel still litter the ground. "They have drones and cameras operating 24/7. They know everything that's going on," he told Reuters, as drones buzzed overhead in the mountainous terrain 5 km from the frontier. Turkey's advances across the increasingly depopulated border of Iraqi Kurdistan attract little global attention compared to its incursions into Syria or the battle against Islamic State, but the escalation risks further destabilising a region where foreign powers have intervened with impunity, analysts say. Turkey could become further embroiled if its new Iraqi bases come under sustained attack, while its growing presence may also embolden Iran to expand military action in Iraq against groups it accuses of fomenting unrest at home, Kurdish officials say. Former secretary general for Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces, Jabar Manda, said Turkey had 29 outposts in Iraq until 2019 but the number has mushroomed as Ankara tries to stop the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launching attacks on its own territory. "Year after year the outposts have been increasing after the escalation of battles between Turkish forces and the PKK," he said, estimating the current number at 87, mostly in a strip of border territory about 150 km long (95 miles) and 30 km deep. Story continues "In those outposts there are tanks and armoured vehicles," said Manda, who is now a security analyst in Sulaimaniya. "Helicopters supply the outposts daily." EMPTY VILLAGES A Kurdish official, who declined to be named, also said Turkey now had about 80 outposts in Iraq. Another Kurdish official said at least 50 had been built in the last two years and that Turkey's presence was becoming more permanent. Asked to comment on its bases in Iraq, Turkey's defence ministry said its operations there were in line with article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which gives member states the right to self defence in the event of attacks. "Our fight against terrorism in northern Iraq is carried out in coordination and close cooperation with the Iraqi authorities," the ministry said in a statement, which did not address questions about the figures cited by Kurdish officials. Turkey's presence in northern Iraq, which has long been outside the direct control of the Baghdad government, dates back to the 1990s when former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein let Turkish forces advance 5 km into the country to fight the PKK. Since then, Turkey has built a significant presence, including one base at Bashiqa 80 km inside Iraq, where it says Turkish troops were part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight Islamic State. Turkey said it worked to avoid civilian casualties through its coordination with Iraqi authorities. A report published in August by a coalition of NGOs, End Cross-Border Bombing, said at least 98 civilians were killed between 2015 and 2021. The International Crisis Group, which gave a similar civilian death toll, said 1,180 PKK militants were killed between 2015 and 2023. According to an official with Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the conflict has also emptied at least 800 villages since 2015, when a ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK broke down, driving thousands of people from their homes. NEW TARGETS Beyond the humanitarian impact, Turkey's incursion risks widening the conflict by giving carte blanche to regional rival Iran to step up intelligence operations inside Iraq and take its own military action, Kurdish officials say. Tehran has already fired missiles at bases of Kurdish groups it accuses of involvement in protests against its restrictions on women, displacing hundreds of Iranian Kurds and killing some. Iran did not respond to requests for comment. Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq also have a pretext to respond to Turkey's presence, analysts say, raising the prospect of escalation between Turkish troops and groups besides the PKK. Hamdi Malik, a specialist on Iraqi Shi'ite militias at the Washington Institute, said pro-Iranian groups such as Liwa Ahrar al-Iraq (Free People of Iraq Brigade) and Ahrar Sinjar (Free People of Sinjar) rebranded themselves last year as the resistance against the Turkish presence. According to a Washington Institute report, attacks on Turkish military facilities in Iraq increased from an average of 1.5 strikes per month at the start of 2022 to seven in April. If the groups, which are deeply hostile to Washington, step up operations that would also undermine the influence of the United States and its 2,000 troops in Iraq, said Mustafa Gurbuz, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Center Washington. "Turkey is underestimating the strength of opposition and the fact that these facilities will become targets in the future and more so as hostilities increase," said Sajad Jiyad, Baghdad-based analyst for The Century Foundation, a U.S. think-tank. 'THEY HAVE BOTH WRONGED US' Northern Iraq's fragmented politics mean that neither the federal government in Baghdad nor the KRG regional authority are strong enough to challenge Turkey's presence - or to meet Ankara's goal of containing the PKK themselves. The Baghdad government has complained about Ankara's incursions but has little authority in the mainly Kurdish north, while the region's ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) does not have the firepower to challenge the PKK, despite seeing it as a potent and populist rival. The KDP has historically cooperated with Turkey but has limited influence over a neighbour which wields far greater military and economic clout. "We ask all foreign military groups - including the PKK - to not drag the Kurdistan Region into any kind of conflicts or tensions," KRG spokesman Jotiar Adil said. "The PKK are the main reason that pushed Turkey to enter our territories in the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, we think the PKK should leave," he said. "We are not a side in this long-standing conflict and we have no plans to be on any side." Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani told Reuters the conflict between Turkey and the PKK was a matter of concern, but less pressing than the threat from Islamic State. Hariam Mahmoud, a leading figure in the Kurdistan Liberation Movement, a civilian opposition group in Iraq influenced by the ideas of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, said no matter how much Turkey squeezes them they will continue to resist. "In our opinion, this is an occupation and fighting resistance is a legitimate right," said Mahmoud, who lives in Garmiyan district south of Sulaimaniya. Civilians, meanwhile, continue to pay the price. Ramzan Ali, 72, was irrigating his field in Hirure a few km from Sararo in 2021, when he heard a huge blast. The next thing he remembers is being on the ground covered in blood. He said a Turkish shell had crashed into his property - a regular occurrence when Turkish troops respond to PKK attacks with artillery. "I watched my life flash before my eyes," Ali said in the town of Zakho, where he is still suffering from shrapnel wounds. "I am mad at both the PKK and Turkey. They have both wronged us." (Reporting by Amina Ismail in Sararo, Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Kawa Omar in Dohuk; Editing by Dominic Evans and David Clarke) By Reuters staff (Reuters) - Two years after Myanmar's military coup, a young factory worker turned resistance fighter mourns the loss of his leg in battle. A former diplomat has not seen his family in four years. A beauty queen adjusts to a new life in wintry Canada. And an exiled teacher dreams of returning to school. The Feb. 1, 2021 coup, which unseated Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyis elected government, has left a trail of upended lives in its wake. U.S-based conflict monitoring group Acled says about 19,000 people died last year as a crackdown on protests led many to take up arms against the military. Some 1.2 million people have been displaced and over 70,000 have left the country, according to the United Nations, which has accused the military of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Myanmar's military says it is carrying out a legitimate campaign against "terrorists". It did not respond to requests for comment by Reuters. The stories of four people reflect a crisis the U.N. special envoy last week warned was taking a "catastrophic toll" on the population. THE RESISTANCE FIGHTER Aye Chan heard the rat-tat-tat of gunfire followed by an explosion. "I didn't know if I had been hit or not," the 21-year-old told Reuters, recalling the military attack last year that cost him his leg. When he tried to stand, his legs didn't work. A comrade carried him to a hospital where he awoke to find one had been amputated from the knee down. A factory worker making instant noodles before the coup, he had been part of the massive crowds which took to the streets to demand democracy be restored after the coup. When protest groups began taking up arms, he joined them. The first time on the frontlines, his heart was pounding. Then I looked around at my comrades and they were smiling and laughing. I was not afraid. While morale among the resistance troops is high, he said, they are outmatched by a well-equipped army. Story continues When they shoot, they shoot continuously, we cant even raise our head, he said. We need to save bullets as well. Now, he spends most days sleeping, cooking and sharing food with friends. I try to live my life as happily as I can, he said. I can't do the things I did before. Reuters is not disclosing his whereabouts for security reasons. He has no regrets about joining the resistance. If I recover enough, I will go back to war. This is until the end. THE DIPLOMAT Aung Soe Moe, 52, was the first secretary in Myanmar's embassy in Japan when the coup happened. A month later, he joined hundreds of thousands of government workers who quit to join the civil disobedience movement, which aimed to cripple the military's ability to govern. His wife, stuck in Myanmar with his daughter after the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraged him to speak out. They later fled across the border to Thailand, where many from Myanmar have sought refuge but have been trapped without documents. He has not seen them since 2019. Alone in Tokyo, he had to move out of his plush three-bed apartment in the embassy grounds. With his source of income gone, other Myanmar residents in Japan offered money to cover his basics and rent for a cramped studio flat. Japan's government extended Aung Soe Moe's diplomatic visa so he could remain in Tokyo, but he can't work and that visa expires in July. Japan's foreign ministry declined to comment on his future status. "I suffered a lot but there is nothing worse than losing the future of the people in Myanmar," he told Reuters. He volunteers a few days a week doing administrative tasks such as writing social media posts for Myanmar's National Unity Government - a parallel civilian government set up after the coup. He is worried the world will forget about Myanmar, especially since the war in Ukraine. "But the Myanmar people have not given up on the truth," he said. "We will never give up!" THE BEAUTY QUEEN When the military seized power, 23-year-old Han Lay was a model about to take part in an international beauty contest in Thailand. After protesting with friends, she decided to use her platform to speak about Myanmar. The night before, she couldnt sleep with excitement and worry, she said. On the stage, she fought back tears as she spoke about military violence on a day when more than 140 demonstrators were killed. The clip went viral. In Myanmar, the military charged her with sedition. She was detained at an airport in Bangkok for several days, pleading on social media not to be sent back to Myanmar. Eventually she flew to Canada and settled in London, Ontario, where she lives with a Burmese-Canadian family, refugees from the 1988 democracy uprising also crushed by the military. She said she had been lonely when she first arrived but was adjusting. "I was born in Myanmar, and my family, my friends, and my future, everything (is) in Myanmar I could not have a chance to meet them, I miss them every day," she said. THE TEACHER A middle-school teacher has been living in a Thai border town since fleeing arrest in Myanmar last year. A slight woman with long black hair, she joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM) that sprang up after the coup. She asked not to be named, for fear of military reprisals. I knew that my life would become difficult if I joined CDM, she said. But if we dont revolt, it will not be OK for our future. She joined street protests wearing her green and white teacher uniform, and fled the country after the crackdown. Like many Myanmar refugees in Thailand, she is undocumented and lives in fear of arrest. She ekes out a living crocheting bags and clothing, earning less than $10 a week, and relies on food donations from the parallel civilian government. I will be a CDM-er til the end, she said. A person needs to go through both good times and bad times. Her green and white uniform is safe in Myanmar, she said, neatly stored, in case of her return. (Reporting by Reuters staff in Asia, John Geddie in Tokyo and Wa Lone in London, Ontario; Writing by Poppy McPherson; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) On the eve of the funeral for Tyre Nichols, who died days after a brutal beating by Memphis police officers just minutes from his home, his family was sharing remembrances and expressing grief. Nichols older brother, Jamal Dupree, lamented he was not there to save his brother from the attack he suffered at the fists and feet of the five officers, who have been charged with second-degree murder and other offenses. Ive been fighting my whole life and the one fight I needed to be here for, I wasn't here," said Dupree, adding that violence was against his brother's nature. My brother was the most peaceful person I've ever met in life, he said. If my brother was here today and he had to say something, he'd tell us to do this peacefully. The family gathered Tuesday evening with the Rev. Al Sharpton at the historic Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis where the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his final speech the night before he was assassinated to speak about Nichols and the latest developments in the case. Sharpton, who will eulogize Nichols at the funeral Wednesday morning, said he wanted the family to stand where King stood before they lay Nichols to rest. Theyre standing on that ground because we will continue in Tyre's name to head up to Martins mountaintop. Thats why we wanted to start this right on this sacred ground. This is holy ground. And this family now is ours and they're in the hands of history, Sharpton said. Among those expected in attendance Wednesday is Vice President Kamala Harris, who the White House said was invited by Nichols mother and stepfather, RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells. Harris spoke by phone with the Wells family on Tuesday, expressing her condolences and offering her support. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Nichols family last week. Harris will be joined by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a senior adviser to the president for public engagement, and Mitch Landrieu, a White House senior advisor and infrastructure implementation coordinator, who is a former mayor of New Orleans, said Harriss press secretary, Kirsten Allen. Story continues Five Black officers have been fired and charged in Nichols Jan. 7 beating and subsequent death. Video of the beating, which was released publicly last week, shows that many more people failed to help Nichols, who was also Black, beyond the five officers charged in his death. Two more Memphis police officers have been disciplined and three emergency responders fired in connection with Nichols death, officials said Monday. Officer Preston Hemphill, who is white, and another officer whose name wasnt released, have been suspended, police said. Six of the officers involved were part of the so-called Scorpion unit, which targeted violent criminals in high-crime areas. Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis said after the video's release that the unit has been disbanded. Its a step in the right direction, but due to the severity of the situation its not enough, Damion Carrick said as he participated in a protest Monday evening at Shelby Farms Park. You got a man dragged out of his car, beaten senseless, to a pulp and nobody doing nothing about it. Its heartbreaking. Nichols death was the latest in a string of early accounts by police about their use of force that were later shown to have minimized or omitted violent and sometimes deadly encounters. Memphis Police Department officers used a stun gun, a baton and their fists as they pummeled Nichols during the nighttime arrest. Video shows Nichols running away from officers toward his house after he was pulled over on suspicion of reckless driving. The video footage released Friday shows the 29-year-old father calling for his mother and struggling with his injuries as he sits helpless on the pavement. The five officers chatted and milled about for several minutes as Nichols remained on the ground, but other authorities were on the scene. Two Shelby County sheriffs deputies also have been suspended without pay while their conduct is investigated. Nichols' sister, Keyana Dixon, was among more than 100 friends, family and supporters who gathered for a candlelight vigil Monday night at a skate park in Sacramento, where Nichols grew up, The Sacramento Bee reported. This was his favorite place to skate, she said at the vigil. I just want to thank all of you for your continued support for our family, and making sure his name is never forgotten. A childhood friend, Ryan Wilson, said he met Nichols at a skate park when he was 12 and they became fast friends, sharing their dreams for the future. Nichols had some struggles while young, but he focused on making others happy, Wilson said. I just feel like all he wanted to do was find his place in this world, and he just wanted to be happy," Wilson said. Nichols' mother and step father have accepted an invitation to attend Bidens State of the Union address next week at the Capitol. They will attend with Rep. Steven Horsford, a Nevada Democrat and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to Vincent Evans, a spokesperson for the caucus. Nichols' funeral will be held at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. After Sharpton's delivers the eulogy, Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump will issue a call to action. Others expected to be in attendance include Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, and Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd. The deaths of Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, and Floyd in Minneapolis, at the hands of police sparked protests across the nation about racial injustice. ___ Associated Press journalists Gary Fields in Memphis; Darlene Superville in Washington; and Rebecca Reynolds in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report. For more coverage of the Tyre Nichols case, go to https://apnews.com/hub/tyre-nichols. WASHINGTON (AP) The parents of Tyre Nichols, the Black man who was severely beaten by a group of Memphis, Tennessee, police officers and died days later, will attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address next week at the U.S. Capitol. RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Nichols, have accepted an invitation to attend the speech from Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., who is chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to Vincent Evans, a spokesperson for the group of Black lawmakers. Videotape released last week of the violent Jan. 7 encounter between Nichols and the police officers shows the officers savagely beating the 29-year-old FedEx worker for three minutes while screaming profanities at him. Nichols was hospitalized and died on Jan. 10. Five police officers, who also are Black, have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in Nichols' beating and death. On Monday, two more Memphis police officers were disciplined and three emergency medical technicians were fired in connection with the case. Horsford said it was important for Nichols' parents to hear from the president and their elected representatives in Congress. I have invited the Nichols family as guests of the Congressional Black Caucus so they will be there on that day to hear from the president and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to hear how we will finally take action to keep our communities safe, Horsford told MSNBC on Monday. Lawmakers this year are allowed to take guests with them to the House chamber for the Feb. 7 speech for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy Williams arrives to the TV Land Awards 10th Anniversary in New York on April 14, 2012. Williams, who played Shirley opposite Penny Marshall's Laverne on the popular sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in Los Angeles at age 75, her family said Monday, Jan. 30. (Charles Sykes/AP) LOS ANGELES Cindy Williams, who was among the most recognizable stars in America in the 1970s and 80s for her role as Shirley opposite Penny Marshalls Laverne on the beloved sitcom Laverne & Shirley, has died, her family said Monday. Williams died in Los Angeles at age 75 on Wednesday after a brief illness, her children, Zak and Emily Hudson, said in a statement released through family spokeswoman Liza Cranis. Advertisement The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed, the statement said. Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved. Williams worked with some of Hollywoods most elite directors in a film career that preceded her full-time move to television, appearing in George Cukors 1972 Travels With My Aunt, George Lucas 1973 American Graffiti and Francis Ford Coppolas The Conversation from 1974. Advertisement But she was by far best known for Laverne & Shirley, the Happy Days spinoff that ran on ABC from 1976 to 1983 that in its prime was among the most popular shows on TV. Williams played the straitlaced Shirley Feeney to Marshalls more libertine Laverne DeFazio on the show about a pair of blue-collar roommates who toiled on the assembly line of a Milwaukee brewery in the 1950s and 60s. They were beloved characters, Williams told The Associated Press in 2002. DeFazio was quick-tempered and defensive; Feeney was naive and trusting. The actors drew upon their own lives for plot inspiration. Wed make up a list at the start of each season of what talents we had, Marshall told the AP in 2002. Cindy could touch her tongue to her nose and we used it in the show. I did tap dance. Williams told the AP in 2013 that she and Marshall had very different personalities but tales of the two clashing during the making of the show were a bit overblown. The series was the rare network hit about working-class characters, with its self-empowering opening song: Give us any chance, well take it, read us any rule, well break it. That opening would become as popular as the show itself. Williams and Marshalls chant of schlemiel, schlimazel as they skipped together became a cultural phenomenon and oft-invoked piece of nostalgia. Advertisement Marshall, whose brother, Garry Marshall, co-created the series, died in 2018. Actor Rosario Dawson shared a video of the opening theme on Twitter on Tuesday. Singing this song with so much gratitude for both of you ladies, Dawson tweeted. Absolute gems. United again Rest in Paradise Cindy Williams. The show also starred Michael McKean and David Lander as Laverne and Shirleys oddball hangers-on Lenny and Squiggy. Lander died in 2020. McKean paid tribute to Williams on Twitter with a memory from the production. Backstage, Season 1: Im offstage waiting for a cue. The scripts been a tough one, so were giving it 110% and the audience is having a great time, McKean tweeted. Cindy scoots by me to make her entrance and with a glorious grin, says: Shows cookin! Amen. Thank you, Cindy. Advertisement As ratings dropped in the sixth season, the characters moved from Milwaukee to Burbank, California, trading their brewery jobs for work at a department store. In 1982, Williams became pregnant and wanted her working hours curtailed. When her demands werent met, she walked off the set, and filed suit against its production company. She appeared infrequently during the final season. Williams was born one of two sisters in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles in 1947. Her family moved to Dallas soon after she was born, but returned to Los Angeles, where she would take up acting while attending Birmingham High School and major in theater arts at LA City College. Her acting career began with small roles in television starting in 1969, with appearances on Room 222, Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style. Her part in Lucas American Graffiti would become a defining role. The film was a forerunner to a nostalgia boom for the 1950s and early 1960s that would follow. Happy Days, starring her American Graffiti co-star Ron Howard, would premiere the following year. The characters of Laverne and Shirley made their first TV appearance as dates of Henry Winklers Fonzie before they got their own show. Lucas also considered her for the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars, a role that went to Carrie Fisher. Advertisement In the past three decades Williams made guest appearances on dozens of TV series including 7th Heaven, 8 Simple Rules and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2013, she and Marshall appeared in a Laverne & Shirley tribute episode of the Nickelodeon series Sam and Cat. Last year, Williams appeared in a one-woman stage show full of stories from her career, " Me, Myself and Shirley, at a theater in Palm Springs, California, near her home in Desert Hot Springs. Williams was married to singer Bill Hudson of musical group the Hudson Brothers from 1982 until 2000. Hudson was father to her two children. He was previously married to Goldie Hawn and is also the father of actor Kate Hudson. By Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and its allies imposed further sanctions on Myanmar on Tuesday, marking the two-year anniversary of a military coup with curbs on energy officials and junta members, among others. Washington imposed sanctions on the Union Election Commission, mining enterprises and energy officials, among others, according to a Treasury Department statement. Details of the decision were first reported by Reuters. It marks the first time the United States has targeted Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) officials under the current Myanmar sanctions program, a Treasury spokesperson said. Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom also announced sanctions. Myanmar's top generals led a coup in February 2021 after five years of tense power-sharing under a quasi-civilian political system that was created by the military, which led to a decade of unprecedented change. Myanmar has been in chaos since the coup, with a resistance movement fighting the military on multiple fronts after a bloody crackdown on opponents that saw Western sanctions re-imposed. Tuesday's U.S. sanctions target the managing director and deputy managing director of MOGE, which is the junta's single largest revenue generating state-owned enterprise, according to Treasury. Human rights advocates have called for sanctions on MOGE, but Washington has so far held back. Also designated by Washington was the Union Minister of Energy, who Treasury said represents Myanmar's government in international and domestic energy sector engagements and manages the state-owned entities involved in the production and export of oil and gas. Mining Enterprise No 1 and Mining Enterprise No 2, both state-owned enterprises, as well as the Union Election Commission, were also hit with sanctions by Washington. TOUGH ELECTION RULES On Friday, the junta announced tough requirements for parties to contest an election planned for August, including a huge increase in their membership, a move that could sideline the military's opponents and cement its grip on power. Story continues The election would subvert the will of the people if opponents of the military continue to be met by violence, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "Many key political stakeholders have announced their refusal to participate in these elections, which will be neither inclusive nor representative, and which almost certainly will fuel greater bloodshed," he said. The rules favor the Union Solidarity and Development Party, a military proxy stacked with former generals, which was trounced by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party in 2015 and 2020 elections. Thousands of NLD members were arrested or jailed in the coup, including Suu Kyi, and many more are in hiding. The NLD in November described this year's election as "phoney" and said it would not acknowledge it. The election has also been dismissed as a sham by Western governments. Washington also targeted former and current Myanmar military officials, the Treasury said, accusing the Air Force of continued air strikes using Russian-made aircraft against pro-democracy forces that have killed civilians. Canada targeted six individuals and prohibited the export, sale, supply or shipment of aviation fuel in its action. Australia targeted members of the junta and a military-run company. The United Kingdom designated two companies and two people for helping supply Myanmar's air force with aviation fuel used to carry out bombing campaigns against its own citizens. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, said that even with Tuesday's action, the United States has still not matched stronger sanctions imposed by the European Union, particularly when it comes to natural gas revenue and banks that process foreign payments for the extractive sector. "As a result, the measures taken so far have not imposed enough economic pain on the junta to compel it to change its conduct," Sifton said in a statement. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis and Susan Heavey in Washington and Sachin Ravikumar in London; Editing by Nick Macfie and Grant McCool) covid-19-public health emergency Credit - Athanasios AlatsidisGetty Images Almost since the emergence of COVID-19, the U.S. has treated the disease as both a national and public health emergency. That will end on May 11, 2023, the Biden Administration announced Jan. 30. The decision to end these important designations will have wide-ranging impacts on many health measures that Americans have come to take for granted over the past few years, including free vaccines, booster shots, tests, and treatments. Declaring COVID-19 a public health emergency (PHE) in Jan. 2020 allowed the federal governmentvia a COVID-19 response led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)to access funds and resources to pay for everything from personal protective equipment such as masks, to tests and vaccines, and respond in other ways to the pandemic. Under the PHE, the government could also modify Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies to increase access to treatments and other resources critical to controlling the spread of COVID-19. Two months later, President Trump declared a national emergency surrounding COVID-19, which opened up additional funding for the response, including continued coverage for people under Medicaid and expanded funds for hospitals to care for COVID-19 patients. The declarations allowed a public health approach to health care during the pandemic, says Dr. Josh Sharfstein, vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. They helped a lot of people to get services. Now were going back to a health care approach to health care, and that brings all of the weaknesses of our system into play. Sharfstein notes that when the emergency declarations end, more than just access to COVID-19 services will be affected. The funding made available through the declarations made it possible to continue covering millions of people under Medicaid, even if their eligibility had changed; the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that anywhere from five to 14 million people could lose Medicaid coverage if states deem they are no longer eligible when this provision ends. The majority of them are expected to be Black and Latino people, so there are concerns that health inequities will worsen, says Dr. Jose Figueroa, assistant professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Story continues Heres what will else change when the national and public health emergencies end in May. COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 vaccines and boosters will continue to be covered for people with private insurance when given by in-network providers, but according to an analysis by KFF, people may have to pay out-of-pocket if they get their shots from providers outside of their covered network. People with Medicare will continue to receive free vaccines, which are covered under Medicare Part B through the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in 2020. Medicaid beneficiaries will also continue to receive free vaccines. Uninsured people will no longer be able to access free vaccines through state Medicaid programs, which had received expanded federal funding to cover these services for the uninsured. COVID-19 tests Currently, people with private insurance or Medicare can order up to eight rapid at-home tests a month and get reimbursed for their cost. After the PHE ends, insurers may continue to cover COVID-19 tests, including the over-the-counter at-home kind, but only if they are distributed by a narrower pool of in-network providers. Medicare beneficiaries will also have to start paying for a portion of any tests. Medicaid will continue to pay for COVID-19 tests that are ordered by a doctor, but each state will decide whether to cover at-home tests. Read More: When Should You Use Home COVID-19 Tests? Heres What Experts Say COVID-19 treatments Privately insured people will continue to receive coverage for COVID-19 treatments, including widely used antiviral therapies like Paxlovid. People with Medicare Part D will be covered for antiviral treatments until the federal supply is depleted. After those doses are gone, beneficiaries will have to pay for a portion of this drug treatment. Medicaid will reimburse only for treatments that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Whether medications that are under an emergency use authorization from the FDA are covered will vary state by state. Emergency use authorizations (EUAs) The dual emergencies arent the only ones in place to respond to COVID-19: The HHS Secretary also granted EUA power to the FDA to streamline availability of new COVID-19 drugs. The end of the dual emergencies does not affect the EUAs that the FDA granted to some COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral drugs like Paxlovid. The emergency declaration behind the EUAs is issued by the HHS Secretary, and remains in effect until the Secretary decides to terminate it. If the emergency EUA declaration ends, then any medications authorized under it may no longer be available. The drugs would have to receive full FDA approval in order to make it to market again. In a statement, the FDA says that if that occurs, it would allow enough time for the transition to ensure that approvals of the drugs are forthcoming. Telehealth Most Medicare coverage of telehealth services that were expanded and allowed during the pandemic will end when the PHE concludes reports KFF. The only exceptions are permanent changes for beneficiaries seeking mental health and substance use help. For these services, providers from another state can treat patients in different states, and audio-only services are also permanently covered. For Medicaid recipients, services and coverage will vary state by state. Hospital care The 20% increase in Medicare reimbursements that hospitals received for COVID-19 patients will end with the expiration of the PHE. This may indirectly affect patients hospitalized for COVID-19, who may see higher costs reflected in their medical bills. With people having to pay for COVID-19-related health services, the virus could find new opportunities to spread, and potentially even morph into more disease-causing variants. It means there will be less testing in this country, and likely less treatment because not everyone can afford it, says Figueroa. Will this change the trajectory of the pandemic? Its something we are going to have to watch. President Joe Biden and his aides are making nice with Israels new far-right government and theyre doing it in a highly public fashion. The choice to engage the coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu was clear Monday, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrivedon a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. Blinkens trip follows separate visits to Israel by U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and CIA Director William Burns. It also comes amid a spike in violence between Palestinians and Israelis. The visits show how, given U.S. worries about Iran, Russias war in Ukraine and the Palestinians, distancing the United States from Israel is not a serious option, former officials and analysts said. Thats despite the fact that the new Israeli leadership includes backers of what many critics allege are racist, homophobic and misogynistic policies. Israel remains an important ally due to its intelligence capabilities and its historical and political resonance in the United States. And Bidens long-term goal of shifting Americas focus toward Asia will rest in part on remaining on good terms with Israeli leaders, while encouraging their efforts to improve ties with Arab states and bring more stability to the long volatile Middle East. The administration will go to great lengths to avoid a confrontation with Netanyahu, said Aaron David Miller, a former State Department official who took part in many Middle East peace talks. Its good policy to engage, and clearly, given the fact that the president is going to announce in the next several weeks or months his intention to seek a second term, its also good politics. The Biden administration is treading carefully in the new reality presented by Netanyahus far-right coalition. Make the visits, but downplay their importance. Meet with Netanyahu, but avoid his more extreme coalition partners. And hold onto the hope that diplomacy can reduce tensions. Story continues The new Israeli government is dotted with religious zealots with antipathy toward Arabs, LGBTQ+ people and others. And as Blinken arrived, there were questions about whether some of these coalition leaders would further stoke recent violence. On Thursday, Israeli security forces killed nine Palestinians in the West Bank in what Israel called a raid against a terrorist unit. The next day, a Palestinian gunman killed seven Israelis near a synagogue in east Jerusalem. Blinken urged de-escalation. Its the responsibility of everyone to take steps to calm tensions rather than inflame them, he said upon reaching Israel after a stop in Egypt. Asked about the significance of the secretary of States visit, a U.S. official described it as unexceptional. Israel is an important ally with a new government very different from what came before. Its normal for a secretary of State to make an early trip, said the senior Biden administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the topic involved sensitive diplomatic issues. But Blinken has more than meet-and-greets to deal with on his trip. Iran is one major example. Israel views the Islamist regime, which has called for Israels destruction, as an existential threat. Over the weekend, reports emerged that suspected Israeli drones had attacked a military facility in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Details of that strike, including the type of military facility targeted and whether Washington had advance notice, remain fuzzy. Netanyahu has long been at odds with the Biden administration on exactly how to deal with Iran. He has opposed the Iran nuclear deal, which lifted many sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. The Biden team tried to salvage that agreement, which the Trump administration quit in 2018, but the Iranian regimes oppression of popular protests has put the matter on hold. But the United States is working to strengthen the ties between Israel and a few Arab countries some of them also at odds with Iran through the Abraham Accords. The Biden administration hopes such integration as it calls it will provide a bulwark against Iran, whose Shiite Islamist regime has harassed its neighbors for years. Israels enmity with Iran also is affecting its policy toward Russias war on Ukraine. Kyiv has urged Israel to donate systems to help it fend off Russian missile and other attacks. But the Israelis want to maintain good relations with Moscow because they want to be able to strike Iranian sites in Syria, where the Kremlin holds significant sway. The issue is further complicated by Irans decision to supply Russia with drones that the Kremlin is using against Ukraine. Blinken pushed Israel to do more to help the Ukrainians. Russias ongoing atrocities only underscore the importance of providing support for all of Ukraines needs humanitarian, economic and security as it bravely defends its people and its very right to exist, a topic that we also discussed today, he said alongside Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday. Blinken did not plan to meet with the more extreme members of the Netanyahu-led coalition some of whom have views that have alarmed many Israeli Jews, especially secular ones, not to mention Israeli Arabs and Palestinians. Netanyahu has given these allies positions that include overseeing some security forces that deal with Palestinians. U.S. officials have, however, said they will hold Netanyahu responsible for the actions of his government, noting that hes stressed that hes the one in charge. But Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges, is counting on his coalition partners to help shield him from prosecution. That makes it harder for the United States to pressure him, even though hes had experience as a prime minister and has a long friendship with Biden. The new Israeli government Netanyahu leads also is trying to limit the powers of the Israeli judiciary an effort that worries Washington, though it has little ability to stop it. Blinken nodded to all of these concerns Monday, stressing that Israel and the United States had shared ideals, among them our support for core democratic principles and institutions, including respect for human rights and the equal administration of justice for all. Administration officials also say they will keep pushing Israel to engage with the Palestinians, and the chief U.S. diplomat is supposed to meet Tuesday with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, in the West Bank. But Netanyahu and his Israeli colleagues appear to have zero interest in talking about peace with the Palestinians. In fact, they are taking steps to make it harder, including by promising more allowances for settlers in the West Bank, which further undermines the possibility of a Palestinian state. The reality is that the Palestinians themselves are ill-prepared for serious negotiations. Abbas has run the Palestinian Authority for nearly two decades, and hes unwilling to hold an election for fear of losing to rivals such as Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Many younger Palestinians are deeply disillusioned with their leaders corruption and ineptitude. Although the Biden administration frequently speaks out in support of human rights for Palestinians, Biden has ruled out conditioning U.S. military aid to Israel on its treatment of the Palestinians and there are few other levers Washington has to pull with an ally whose cooperation it needs in the Middle East. While the Biden administration routinely says it supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it has abandoned the issue in all but rhetoric, said Khaled Elgindy, a scholar with the Middle East Institute. Palestinians are low on the agenda. NEW PHILADELPHIA A Dover woman who stole $196,422 from St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg has been sentenced to 90 days in jail. Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos also ordered former church office manager Jodi A. Davis to pay $30,924 in restitution and spend five years on probation. Fraud in Newcomerstown:Former funeral director sentenced to 15 years for stealing from employer The judge noted that the amount of restitution requested was far below the amount stolen because insurance covered most of the loss. Thomakos reserved a three-year prison sentence, which Davis could be forced to serve if she fails to follow terms of probation. Terms include no use of alcohol or drugs of abuse, and maintaining or obtaining employment to make monthly restitution payments. Davis must pay court costs. Beginning:Dover woman facing theft charge, accused of stealing nearly $200K from Strasburg church Try to reduce fraud:'Trust but verify' Nearly $3 million taken:County prosecutor continues effort to recoup stolen funds In 2018:Pastor forgives woman who stole from Dennison-area church Davis, 57, was in charge of all secretarial and financial duties at the church, according to congregant Kathy Osler, who coordinated the five-member team of church members who volunteered to investigate the theft. "The church realizes that we trusted but failed to verify," Osler said. She noted the church has developed new safeguards. How did Jodi Davis steal from St. John United? She said Davis made unauthorized purchases for personal use from 16 online and in-store merchants, including $55,680 worth of gift cards, two storage barns and 20 phone cases. She used the tax exemption number of the church to avoid paying sales tax. The total church budget for 2022 was less than the amount Davis embezzled, Osler said. She said many members are elderly and on fixed incomes. Osler gave a detailed account of the negative impact the crime had on the church, including: Story continues Maintenance and capital projects were delayed. Fundraisers were needed to finance special projects or repairs, such as replacement of the front door. The credit rating of the church suffered because some card balances were large and were not paid timely. Employees, including the pastor, went without deserved raises because of a shortage of funds. Davis stole money from an insurance settlement for a roof replacement necessitated by a 2016 hailstorm. A church member made a special contribution of $10,000 to allow the church to cover its bills. Emotional distress for church members and employees. The investigative team, all retirees, worked 22 months to uncover the extent of the theft. They worked full time for the first 10 months. "The work of investigating this crime was grueling," Osler said. "It was exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. There were many times that we wanted to quit, but that was never an option. We felt like we were incarcerated for at least 10 months." Jodi Davis' attorney gives her side Defense attorneyReid Yoder said Davis initially stole to support her family in 2009 after her husband lost his job. He said she intended to repay the church. He asked that Davis be sentenced to house arrest because incarceration would cost her the job she needs to keep paying restitution. He said Davis suffers from anxiety and depression and had suicidal thoughts after her crime was discovered. "She also has been in a living hell and a nightmare since this has happened," the Akron defense attorney said. "It's an ugly crime, judge, stealing from the church." Thomakos said Davis had other options. "Over 300 people lined at the food bank last week and received enough food," Thomakos said. "You don't have to steal from the church to get food in this community because there are even more generous people outside of that one church who are supporting the food bank. Many churches help people with utility bills from time to time, or other needs. So there are resources out there." Given the chance to speak on her own behalf, Davis sobbed before making her statement. "I am so very sorry and devastated by what I have done," she said. "This is not who I am. I was raised better and I know better. I want to get myself back and to be the person I know I really am." Thomakos said she was not surprised the Davis suffered from anxiety and depression after hiding her deception through "manipulative conduct" for 12 years. In her statement, Osler said that whenever anyone in the church started asking "too many" questions about finances, Davis tried to get that person removed from the position. She asked to get an accountant off the finance committee, saying he gave her the "creeps," Osler said. She said Davis never fully cooperated with a former church council treasurer who continually asked questions about finances and asked to see bank statements. "Instead, she contacted the current church council president and threatened to quit if they didnt stop this person from harassing her," Osler said. "That should have been a sign to all of us that something wasnt right, but most people just thought it was a personality conflict." The thefts occurred between Sept. 30, 2009, and March 19, 2021. "People gave that money to the church for its mission," Assistant County Prosecutor Scott Deedrick said. "The church does a tremendous amount of good in Strasburg and even some of the surrounding areas. That money wasn't available." Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com. On Twitter: @nmolnarTR This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Defense: Woman stole from church after husband lost job The U.K. Prime Minister's spokesman said on Jan. 31 that "it is not practical" to send British fighter jets to Ukraine, as quoted by Sky News. "The U.K.'s Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly," explained the spokesman. Ukrainian officials have recently stepped up calls on allies to supply advanced fighter jets, mainly F-16s, as Ukraine's Armed Forces use old Soviet-era aircraft. However, Western countries have been reluctant to send the fighters so far. "We will continue to provide and accelerate our military support to Ukraine and listen carefully to their requests," the U.K. governmental spokesman added. This statement comes hours after U.S. President Joe Biden said that his country wouldn't send American fighter jets to Ukraine, even though the U.S. is ramping up military assistance in the form of artillery and tanks. On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he does not rule out sending fighter jets to Ukraine. He added, though, that multiple conditions must be met before doing so, including the assurance that such equipment will not be used to "touch Russian soil." The U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on Jan. 30 that he was keeping an open mind about providing Ukraine with fighter jets if a coalition is created, according to Sky News. According to Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak, Poland is ready to provide Ukraine with long-requested F-16 fighter jets in coordination with NATO. The Dutch government also said on Jan. 20 that Ukraine hasn't yet formally requested the jets adding that the Netherlands is ready to look into providing them when asked. Kyiv's intensified requests for heavy weaponry from the West come as Western, Ukrainian, and Russian sources continue to indicate that Russia is preparing for an imminent offensive, according to the latest update of the Institute for the Study of War. LONDON (AP) Britain's police chiefs promised a cultural change on Tuesday as they apologized to families of the victims in the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy, the U.K.'s worst sports disaster which saw 97 people killed during a crush of soccer fans at an overcrowded stadium. For what happened, as a senior policing leader, I profoundly apologize. Policing got it badly wrong," said Chief Constable Andy Marsh, the College of Policings chief executive officer, said as the body published a response to a 2017 report into the experiences of victims' families. A crush in the lower tier of Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, a city in northern England, at an FA Cup semifinal match led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters on April 15, 1989. Many victims were smashed against metal fences, trampled on or suffocated in the crush. Authorities spent years blaming fans for the disaster, and an initial inquest ruled the deaths an accident. But a campaign by survivors and victims families succeeded in getting the verdicts overturned in 2012, after a far-reaching investigation that examined previously secret documents and found wrongdoing and mistakes by authorities. A second inquest concluded in 2016 that the victims were unlawfully killed as a result of failings by police, the ambulance service and the Sheffield Wednesday soccer team, which plays at Hillsborough Stadium. The report found that the behavior of fans didn't contribute to the deaths. Several former police officers and a lawyer were charged years after the disaster with attempting to pervert the course of justice, but none has been convicted. The National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing said Tuesday that the code of ethics used by police forces will be reviewed. They also said there will be a new code of practice on police information and records management to prevent the problems faced after the Hillsborough disaster, when records were lost or destroyed. The European Union will commend Ukraine for its progress on the reforms needed for accession, and it will send a strong signal to Moscow, but member states remain divided over the speed of accession. Source: Euractiv, referring to the draft communique of the Ukraine-EU summit, which will take place on 3 February in Kyiv, reports European Pravda Details: According to the draft communique, EU and Ukrainian leaders are set to reiterate "the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union" and "its commitment to support Ukraine's further European integration". "The EU acknowledged the considerable progress that Ukraine demonstrated in the recent months towards meeting the objectives underpinning its candidate status for EU membership, welcomed Ukraine's reform efforts in such difficult times, and encouraged the country to continue on this path and to fulfil the conditions specified in the Commission's opinion on its membership application to advance towards future EU membership," the draft communique states. Beyond the anticipated language on EU accession, progress is expected in such areas as customs-free access for Ukrainian exports, access to the bloc's roaming-free zone and inclusion in the single euro payment zone. Both sides are also set to sign a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of renewable energy sources. The EU ambassadors are expected to agree on the final version of the summit communique on 31 January. Four EU diplomats told Euractiv that during the last few weeks, the member states argued about the positive wording of the text regarding the prospect of Ukraine's membership in the EU. Poland, the three Baltic states, and Ukraine have been pushing for language that would indicate to Kyiv its membership application can be sped up. "What we expect from the summit is encouragement for Ukraine and a clear assessment of the progress they have made. Although its just a statement, words matter, which is why we are pushing for a more encouraging version of the text," an Eastern European EU diplomat said. Story continues In June, the European Commission recommended Ukraine be given the status of a candidate for EU membership, on the condition that Kyiv takes a number of legislative and political steps known as the "seven recommendations". These recommendations included the adoption of a law on the selection process of the country's Constitutional Court's judges on a competitive basis, strengthening the fight against corruption, harmonising media regulation within EU standards, and protecting national minorities. However, despite the decision to grant Kyiv candidate status, the prospect of Ukraine joining in the near future remains remote. "A large number of large member states will not accept too positive language not in the least because the agreed language is hardly a month old, so no one's ready to reopen a difficult discussion that weve only just concluded," one EU diplomat said. Several EU diplomats said that the language in the draft declaration has become "too forward-leaning for some more sceptical member states", with pushback expected from France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark and Belgium. The more sceptical member states deem the reference to "considerable progress" as too premature and "pre-empting the normal steps in the accession process" as no formal assessment of Ukraine's progress has been presented yet. They would prefer to stick with the language used at the June European Council and the agreed-upon process, under which the European Commission is expected to provide an interim update on Ukraines progress in fulfilling the seven requirements that the EU set to start accession talks. This update would come in addition to the regular assessment done as part of the Commission's annual enlargement package regularly published in October, where further recommendations are likely to be added. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! By 1976, the mercenarily brilliant artist Andy Warhol had figured out there was bacon to be brought home from painting portraits of the rich and famous. And so when the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Fereydoun Hoveyda, offered to arrange for the white-haired iconoclast to journey to Tehran to take preparatory Polaroids of the Shahs wife, Farah Pahlavi, Warhol was all in with the idea. And thus Warhol found himself ordering room-service caviar at the Royal Tehran Hilton in a modern, culture-loving city that would not be so easily recognized today. Advertisement In Andy Warhol in Iran, a two-character play first seen last summer at the Barrington Stage Company in the Berkshires and now in its Chicago premiere at the Northlight Theatre, the writer Brent Askari imagines a scenario wherein Warhol encounters a young Iranian revolutionary, Farhad (Hamid Dehghani) who plans to kidnap the famous face of pop art as a pawn who might be used for political purposes. Warhol, who is played at Northlight by Rob Lindley under the direction of BJ Jones, is having a moment in the theater. In December, I saw the actor Paul Bettany take him on in Anthony McCartens The Collaboration, a Broadway piece about Warhols work with the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (played by Jeremy Pope). McCartens play was based on real-life events; Askari imagines an alternate reality at the Tehran Hilton. And set designer Todd Rosenthal recreates the lux room. Advertisement Rob Lindley and Hamid Dehghani in "Andy Warhol in Iran" at Northlight Theatre. (Michael Brosilow) The result at Northlight is a modestly entertaining piece of theater its only 70 minutes that falls somewhat short of riveting real-time drama (you dont really believe Warhol is in any danger) but debates a lot of interesting cultural history. Those ideas, richly articulated here, are enhanced by two honest performances and projections from Mike Tutaj that underpin Warhols musings on art and commerce, and also Farhads narration about the history of his beloved city, a place that has seen so many people and entities try and mold it in their preferred image. Askari doesnt take a clear or radical position on the Iranian revolution (just three years away at the point where the play is set) but offers two fundamentally sympathetic characters with the rise in fundamentalism that led to the disruption of so many of the nations freedoms squarely placed on the shoulders of imperialist and corporate malfeasance and myopia. Dehghanis Farhad, well-educated and literarily inclined, is not unlike a U.S. progressive trying to persuade the famously agnostic Warhol into a greater level of political engagement. Warhol is a fascinating assignment for an actor. Ive seen two strong performers, working with two different directors, play him in the last few weeks and the interpretations were quite distinct and yet both were complex and compelling. For all his interest in commerce and duplicability, Warhol was a true original. And, as this play makes clear, a famous figure in the now-lost Tehran of 1976. Chris Jones is a Tribune critic. cjones5@chicagotribune.com Review: Andy Warhol in Iran (3 stars) When: Through Feb. 19 Where: Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie Advertisement Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Tickets: $30-$89 at 847-673-6300 or northlight.org Ukraine needs to replace its morally and physically outdated Soviet-made aircraft of various types with a single type of multipurpose fighter jet in order to protect the skies. The F-16 can become such a fighter jet in the number of 200 pieces. Source: Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, on air with the La Chaine Info French TV channel and in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Details: Ihnat has pointed out that Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe, and it needs air protection both in wartime and peacetime. The aircraft grouping of the occupiers that is located at 40 airfields in Russia, Belarus and occupied territories is five or six times bigger than Ukrainian aircraft in terms of the quantity of vehicles. Quote: "In addition, we are behind when it comes to technologies. Therefore, the need is serious. We need to create up to five tactical aircraft brigades with a single type of Western-type multipurpose aircraft. It is now being determined what type it will be Obviously, we cannot receive all of them at once, but gradually transitioning to a new multipurpose jet is a demand of time. As of now, the F-16 is the most likely candidate to replace outdated Soviet-made jets, because there are certain unbiased reasons for that. And this is not a sole decision; we are constantly having consultations with our partners. Indeed, Ukraine will not get everything at once; obviously, it will be several aircraft units first, the squadrons. First, we need to prepare flight crews, aircraft engineers and airfield infrastructure for further switching to new equipment types and everything that comes with it. Then, we need to form up to five aircraft brigades. Each of the brigades can include up to three squadrons. Such a state as Ukraine, one of the largest ones in Europe, needs this exact number of jets, and it will be a full rearmament and replacement of old Soviet-made equipment." More details: Ihnat has said that the Air Force of Ukraine has 11 brigades at the moment: one training brigade, three transport brigades, one assault brigade, one bombardment brigade and five fighter brigades. The Air Force received the newest jet, the Su-25, in 1991. Story continues He has also pointed out that such a reform of the Air Force was planned long before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is about gradual rearmament and switching to Western equipment by 2035: aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, and UAVs. The war has significantly accelerated this process. Ihnat has emphasised that supplies of weapons do not happen very fast. Nevertheless, negotiations are ongoing at all levels. The spokesperson has stressed that the F-16 jet has a wide range of weapons: it can strike both ground targets (such as ammunition and fuel storage points, fortifications and armoured vehicles of the enemy) and all kinds of aerodynamic targets (such as missiles, jets, helicopters and kamikaze drones). Ihnat has added that obtaining air superiority will let the army successfully conduct ground operations, including the liberation of Ukrainian land. As for possible terms of F-16 supply, he has specified that there has to be a relevant decision at the highest level first; therefore, making any predictions now is incorrect. At the same time, he has stated that pilots and other specialists are ready for training, and relevant bodies are already adapting the infrastructure. Background: The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine pointed out that receiving multipurpose fighter jets was a priority for them. Yurii Ihnat said that a multipurpose jet is capable of carrying out various tasks, including efficiently fighting air threats, including cruise missiles and UAVs, and striking ground targets at the same time. This particularly refers to American-made F-16, F-15 or F-18 aircraft of certain modifications or their European analogues. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that after the decision on tanks, Ukraine should be supplied with aircraft, and this is an important task. The manufacturer of American F-16 fighters is ready to supply its aircraft to European countries, which could then re-export the fighter jets to Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, does not exclude the possibility of supplying Ukraine with fighter jets. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Oleksii Reznikov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, said that a "no" from the United States regarding Western fighter jets for Ukraine should now be understood as a refusal only at this particular moment in time, and Ukraine previously passed such "stages of refusal" with all Western weapons. According to European Pravda, he said this at a briefing in Paris after a meeting with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. "In the beginning, all types of assistance passed the "no" stage. This means "no" as of today," said Reznikov, adding that in the end, the focus moved to the discussion of technical possibilities, then to the training of crews and, finally, the transfer of certain systems. "It happened with HIMARS, it happened with 155-mm artillery, with the Bradley [IFVs]. With the German Leopard, it was also a "no" at first, and now we have a tank coalition. That's why I believe in the future "aircraft coalition". But there must always be a leader first. That's why I'm here," Reznikov said, hinting that he expected French leadership in the issue of aircraft as well as light wheeled tanks, which was also a certain impetus for the rest of the allies. According to him, at the meeting, the ministers discussed Ukraine's needs for aerial platforms with an emphasis on air defence. "Any aircraft is a platform, from which one or another type of weapon can be used, so we did not talk about the specific name of the aircraft. We talked about the fact that tactical aviation is also an element of air defence. We talked and agreed that we will research this issue together with partners, which could be such a practical platform for improving our air defence capabilities," Reznikov said. Commenting on the issue of aircraft for Ukraine, Lecornu recalled the statement of President Emmanuel Macron that "there are no taboos" for France, and hinted that a personal meeting of ministers was necessary, particularly in order to discuss issues that are not discussed in telephone conversations. Story continues As reported, on Monday, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, said that the USA did not plan to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. After that, the White House said that the US was already providing significant military aid to Ukraine and was focused on the needs of Kyiv and the situation on the battlefield. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The current situation in Bahmut He said the enemy had shelled Ukrainian positions in this area with artillery almost 200 times in the past day. Read also: Regular Russian army likely to replace exhausted Wagner Group forces in Bakhmut offensive Bakhmut continues to be one of the main directions of enemy attack, Cherevatyi said. The enemy suffered huge losses in personnel during the day: 277 enemy troops were killed, 258 received wounds of various degrees. The fighting took place near Spirne, Chervona Hora, Paraskoviyivka, Bakhmut, and Klishchiyivka. Read also: Azov Regiment becomes assault brigade and already fighting in Bakhmut At the same time, Cherevatyi said the invaders had failed to cut the route used to support the group of Ukrainian defenders in Bakhmut. All necessary ammunition, equipment, and food are being delivered to the city, he added. When asked about the possibility of Ukrainian units withdrawal from Bakhmut, he said that such decisions are made in the context of the general situation to preserve personnel and occupy better positions, and are taken in several stages. The command has various options for actions, the command is constantly monitoring the enemy, and we have a countermeasure for each of his actions, Cherevatyi said. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine At least five light motorboats with Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (SRGs) were destroyed by Ukrainian forces in the area of the islands at the mouth of the Dnipro River on 30-31 January. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "The enemy has intensified the activities of its sabotage and reconnaissance groups in the area of the islands at the mouth of the Dnipro River. Over the last day [30-31 January], Ukrainian Defence Forces destroyed at least five light motorboats with such hostile groups." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! By Edward McAllister and Nellie Peyton DAKAR (Reuters) -United Nations experts on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by government forces and Russian private military contractor Wagner Group in Mali. Mali, whose government took power in a 2021 military coup, have previously said Russian forces in the West African country are not mercenaries but trainers helping local troops with equipment bought from Russia. Western powers say the Russian forces in Mali include Wagner Group contractors. "Since 2021, the experts have received persistent and alarming accounts of horrific executions, mass graves, acts of torture, rape and sexual violence, pillaging, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances perpetrated by Malian armed forces and their allies," said the statement from the independent experts. Mali's army spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last year that the Russian state had nothing to do with Russian military contractors working in Mali, adding that the African country had the right to work with private Russian firms. Reuters has contacted Wagner for comment. Mali is engaged in a fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State who have waged a decade-long insurgency that has spread to neighbouring countries. The statement mentioned Wagner Group by name, and described credible reports of the involvement of military personnel believed to belong to the group in a massacre of hundreds of people in March. Survivors have said white mercenaries suspected to be Russians took part in the massacre in Moura, a market town in central Mali. The incident sparked international uproar and prompted the U.N. to open an earlier investigation. Mali's army has denied any wrongdoing in Moura and said it killed 203 militants there during what it described as a military operation. Wagner Group has attracted international attention over its prominent role in fighting during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Washington last week designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organization responsible for widespread human rights abuses. (Reporting by Edward McAllister, Nellie Peyton and Emma Farge;Editing by Alexander Winning and Frank Jack Daniel) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday asked a judge to put a hold on Meta Platforms Inc's deal to buy virtual reality app maker Within Unlimited while the two sides await a decision from the court. The FTC sued the Facebook and Instagram owner in July to stop the Within deal and asked the judge to order a preliminary injunction, saying Meta's "campaign to conquer VR" began in 2014 when it acquired Oculus, a VR headset manufacturer. There was a trial on the case in December. The agency asked for the court to order Meta to refrain from closing its deal for Within until 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on the first business day after the judge rules on whether the deal may go forward. Or, the agency said in a court filing, the judge could extend the existing temporary restraining order for 7 days. The current restraining order expires at 11:59 Pacific time Tuesday night. The fight to determine if Meta could go forward with this relatively small deal is seen as a test of the FTC's bid to head off what it sees as a repeat of the company acquiring small upcoming would-be rivals to secure dominance, this time in the nascent virtual and augmented reality markets. (Reporting by Diane BartzEditing by Nick Zieminski) The US will accelerate its deployment of advanced weapons including fighter warplanes and bombers on the Korean peninsula, the countrys defence secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday after arriving for talks in South Korea. Washington is looking to bolster its joint training and operational planning with its ally as the region witnesses the rising threat of nuclear test and missile launches from North Korea. The US defence secretary met with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-Sup in Seoul and pledged to further expand and bolster the level and scale of this years combined exercises and training, according to a statement from the US Department of Defense. To this end, the two leaders concurred on the need to take into account changes in the security environment, including the DPRKs [North Korea] recent steps with respect to its nuclear and missile programmes, to strengthen combined exercises and training, including the upcoming combined bilateral exercises, the statement added. The two leaders agreed to expand the scope and scale of combined field training exercises and to conduct a large-scale combined joint fires demonstration this year, it added. Both the ministers vowed to continue to deploy US strategic assets in a timely and coordinated manner in the future. Mr Austin and Mr Lee also spoke about an upcoming simulated exercise between the allies in February, which is aimed at sharpening their response if North Korea uses nuclear weapons. Experts monitoring tensions in the region say North Korea has been building towards a full-scale nuclear test by conducting close to 100 short- and long-range missile launches last year. The top US defence officials visit comes at a time when South Korea has publicly raised its concerns about Pyongyangs escalatory test launches as well as provocative statements from Kim Jong-un and his regime. Dozens of missiles tested by the country in 2022 were confirmed to be nuclear capable and having the potential to strike targets as far afield as the US mainland. Story continues Reassuring the South of the USs continued military backing, Mr Austin said: We deployed fifth-generation aircraft, F-22s and F-35s, we deployed a carrier strike group to visit the peninsula, you can look for more of that kind of activity going forward. The USs commitment to protecting its allies with its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear ones, remains ironclad, he added. This weeks visit is expected to spark tensions in the coming months as Mr Kim had pledged to deliver on promises over North Koreas nuclear ambitions for 2023. In an address at the end of last year, he had called for an exponential increase in nuclear warheads, mass production of battlefield tactical nuclear weapons targeting South Korea and the development of more powerful long-range missiles designed to reach the US mainland. Analysts say Mr Kim is attempting to force the US to accept the idea of North Korea as a nuclear power and negotiate urgently needed economic concessions from a position of strength. For Pamela Anderson, fame came in increments. First as a model for the Canadian beer brand Labatt Blue. Then in the pages of Playboy magazine. Baywatch was the project that brought her to life in three dimensions, even if the shows producers treated her character as yet more scenery there to be looked at and thats how audiences responded in turn. The consumption of her image soured and turned gleefully cruel when a sexually intimate home video of her and then-husband Tommy Lee was stolen from their home. The tape transformed their private moments into a public bootleg cash machine and without their consent. Anderson looks back on all of it in the Netflix documentary Pamela, a love story, which functions as a corrective to the Hulu limited series Pam & Tommy, which came out a year ago. Anderson had no involvement in the Hulu show, by her own choice. She would have preferred it hadnt been made at all. Why dredge up one of the ugliest periods in her life? Who does it serve? Hint: Those who stood to gain financially. Advertisement Many people not named Anderson and Lee made several millions from that tape. Thirty years after the fact, the Hulu project ensured an entirely new group of people not named Anderson and Lee would again profit from this saga. That includes the shows creators, as well as stars Lily James and Sebastian Stan in the title roles. If something about that feels off, the Netflix documentary is an opportunity for Anderson to sort through some of these feelings on her own terms. (Her oldest son, Brandon Thomas Lee, is a producer on the film.) Advertisement Pamela Anderson at home with her dog, as seen in the documentary "Pamela, a love story." (Netflix) The interviews take place at her home in Vancouver Island. Shes returned to the small town of her childhood which is triggering and crazy, she says, coming home to this nutty place where my childhood happened. The rocky beaches and grassy fields look idyllic. A dog is frequently by her side. But her memories are more complicated. Her mom worked as a server at a pancake house. Her father was a poker player, con man, chimney sweep and also a notorious bad boy. Her parents would fight and reconcile in a never-ending cycle. Her childhood was disrupted by sexual abuse, first at the hands of a babysitter and later by an older man. She learned to dissociate. When those traumatic moments happened, I would just leave my body and float away and Id make my own little world. She doesnt talk about what kind of life or career she envisioned in her future. Maybe she didnt know herself. I just thought: I have to get off the island. When Playboy came along, it was her ticket out. But also: Now I was going to take the power of my own sexuality and take my power back. Too often celebrity documentaries are an exercise in image management, or artless compilations of archival footage spliced with recent interviews. Andersons documentary, from director Ryan White (whose credits also include 2019s Ask Dr. Ruth), avoids many of these pitfalls. I was surprised by how much I liked it, largely because White creates an intimacy with Anderson that gives the illusion of stripping back the artifice. I say illusion because interviews, by their nature, are staged, purposeful conversations. Theres a level of performance going on, perhaps more so when the subject has been in the public eye for so long. From left: Pamela Anderson early in her career with Playboy photo editor Marilyn Grabowski. The photo appears in Pamela, a love story. (Netflix) But White does some interesting things to undercut that cynicism. Theres an informality, with the camera up close. Gone is the heavy makeup that defined Andersons look for so long. At 55, there are hints in her offhand asides that suggest she doesnt feel as confident about her body as she once did. She wears loose clothing in colors like off-white and sand call it beachy cottage core and she has the ultrathin eyebrows of someone who lived through the intense plucking of the 90s and colors her own hair with products she buys at the drugstore. Its unclear if she has close friendships with women. If so, they remain tucked away and undiscussed. Her golden retriever gazes at her longingly and she seems content in these moments. You dont get the sense someone is nervously hovering just off camera ready to step in for a quick touch-up. These are all intentional decisions Anderson and White are presenting her in a specific way but it never feels like a put-on. You also notice the absences. Anderson doesnt talk about whether she felt pressured to maintain a certain body image, even after her pregnancies. How was she able to avoid this notorious pitfall of Hollywood? Advertisement She is also a person of contradictions: A survivor of sexual abuse herself, she has said in previous interviews that she thinks the #MeToo movement went too far. She also struck up a friendship with Julian Assange, who has been accused of rape. People are complicated and make all kinds of rationalizations that make sense to them. But the documentary doesnt ask her to grapple with these cognitive dissonances. Its a missed opportunity not to get the goods on her, but to learn more about how Anderson has constructed her worldview. Because so much else comes through with clarity. Shes funny and a bit lonely. Self-aware and self-deprecating. Smart and bright and interesting. Its worth asking if the fame machine couldnt, or wouldnt, make room for a career where these qualities could be put to sly use. For too long she sought out men who embodied the flattest stereotypes of masculinity. The relationships didnt last. (I forgot she was once married to Kid Rock; or as she calls him, Bob.) More than once she marries someone because why not? She wants a deep and real connection, but that doesnt always sync up with why not? The now-infamous videotape would alter her life forever. The law should have been on her side, but a persistent misogyny clouded those efforts. She remembers looking at an assemblage of male lawyers and wondering: Why do these grown men hate me so much? Its an astute observation, about the entitlement the rage that fuels exploitation. From left: Brandon Thomas Lee and Pamela Anderson revisit old tapes in Pamela, a love story. (Netflix) There are other videotapes from that time that shes kept stored away. She watches them again for the first time here. She and Lee were besotted in the beginning. Hearing the tone in my voice, I was happy. But later she admits: I romanticize the past, so now that were talking about it a little bit, I can remember some things that were really big red flags but if I didnt think about it too much, I would think our relationship was perfect. Lee was often jealous of phantoms that didnt exist. The tape only complicated that dynamic and he would ultimately turn violent one night while she was holding their infant son. A six-month jail sentence followed. He wanted to stay together. Anderson refused. I just took my kids and was like, no. It wasnt a gray area for me. You cant do that. She still has affection for Lee its wrapped up in a wish for what might have been but she describes their life post-divorce as a very long 18 years of co-parenting. Advertisement The tape branded her with a digital scarlet letter in a way that Lee simply wasnt. It affected her opportunities going forward. I had to kind of make a career from the pieces that were left. The aftermath affected her two sons and Im glad the film addresses this, even briefly. Brandon talks about being a young child and thinking everyone had this dirty little secret about my family. In school, if anyone brought up his mom, I was quick to fight. Almost 30 years later, her anxiety about the tape becomes a present-day reality once again thanks to the Hulu series. She declines to watch, but her son tells her about the first few episodes and you can see her panic rising. She had blocked out so much as a defense mechanism. And now that its all coming back up again, I feel sick I feel like Ive been punched. I dont feel good right now. Anderson doesnt dwell in her anger, so Ill do that for her. Hollywood likes nothing more than to pat itself on the back when it deserves nothing of the sort. Andersons story is part of the public record; producers dont need her permission. But whose story is Pam & Tommy really interested in telling? Seth Rogen developed the series and he also stars as Rand Gauthier, the man who stole the tape and was never held legally accountable. The character is a sad sack whose motives are given a lot of consideration. He ultimately feels terrible about his actions and is contrite by the end. Thats a departure from the real Gauthier, who told Rolling Stone in 2014 that he likes the fact that he contributed this small token to the world and hes always enjoyed watching the tape itself. The shows creators claim their intentions were sincere and hoped the series could perhaps find a little recompense for Anderson. Its a hollow sentiment. The documentary humanizes her experience and the vapor trails that never seem to fully burn off in ways a scripted prestige project never could. Anderson says she received no money for the tapes distribution. That was her call. It felt too gross, too morally compromised. Do you regret not monetizing it, White asks her. No and she could have used the money, too. Im not that person when it comes to money. I just want my credit card to work and I want to be able to get my nails done. This is a very down-to-earth sentiment and then later you see a full-size shipping container on her property that is filled to the brim with her shoe collection. Now, Pamela. Advertisement The shoes come out because shes packing for an extended trip to New York. Shes starring in Chicago on Broadway, an eight-week run as Roxie Hart. I was struck by how committed she is during rehearsals. Its a reminder that Andersons fame precedes the social media era of influencers who get by with neither talent nor charisma. She has the stuff. And by the time she takes the stage, youre rooting for her and shes good. Really good. She doesnt have a powerhouse voice, but in the clips we see, its clear she understands the inner life, the pain and the humor, of a vamp like Roxie Hart. And she imbues the quiet opening bars of Nowadays Its good, isnt it? Grand, isnt it? Great, isnt it? Swell, isnt it? with a mournful feeling that I found unexpected and moving. Its a high point to end the documentary on, but also one thats well-earned. So much of Pamela, a love story is about a woman searching for love from men who saw her as a person to be obtained and then controlled. The best love story might just be the one she develops with herself. Pamela, a love story 3.5 stars (out of 4) Where to watch: Netflix Pamela Anderson performs on Broadway in "Chicago," as seen in the documentary Pamela, a love story. (Netflix) (Netflix) Nina Metz is a Tribune critic Advertisement nmetz@chicagotribune.com The three lead officials carrying out oversight of American military and economic assistance to Ukraine concluded a joint trip to Kyiv last week as part of their investigative duties, according to a joint statement. The leaders from the offices of inspector general for the department of Defense and State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials as part of oversight efforts on billions of dollars of U.S. assistance. They also visited the countries of Poland and Germany. Our time in Kyiv afforded us the opportunity to directly communicate American taxpayer expectations of transparency and accountability to the Ukrainian government officials responsible for ensuring that U.S. assistance is deployed efficiently and effectively as Ukraine fights to win this war and its future, Diana Shaw, acting inspector general for the State Department said in a statement. The visit comes as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed the need to be vigilant on tracking American tax dollars going to Ukraine. Congress has approved two massive assistance packages in response to Russias invasion totaling $85 billion. Another aid package is likely to come up around September as part of Congresss deliberations on spending for fiscal 2024. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had warned not to expect a blank check to be written for Ukraine with Republicans in control of the lower chamber. A group of conservative Republicans has opposed U.S. aid and military assistance to Ukraine. But Republicans supportive of ongoing assistance to Ukraine have welcomed the efforts by the offices of inspector general, even as they have called for oversight. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a joint statement earlier this month welcoming a plan put forth by the Defense, State and USAID inspectors general. The Inspectors Generals newly-released Joint Strategic Oversight Plan is a welcome development. We look forward to hearing from them on their findings and recommendations on how to enhance the oversight of these funds and how to replenish U.S. stockpiles in a timely manner, the chairmen said in the statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The response of Joe Biden, the US President, to the question about supplying Ukraine with modern fighter jets may not be the final stance of Washington, since the high-level discussions on arming Kyiv with jets are yet to be held. Source: European Pravda, with reference to the Politico media outlet, citing an anonymous American official A U.S. official, when asked about Bidens remark, said "there has been no serious, high-level discussion about F-16s". "In other words, it doesnt appear that Bidens pronouncement is the result of an internal policy review and instead is the current stance of the ultimate decision maker," Politico concludes. On Thursday, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said the U.S. would be discussing fighter jets "very carefully" with Kyiv and its allies. Apart from the direct supply of the fighters, the U.S. could approve the re-export of F-16s from third-party countries that operate them, a requirement for the transfer of the American-made warplanes. Earlier, Politico reported that a contingent of military officials is quietly pushing the Pentagon to approve sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help the country defend itself from Russian missile and drone attacks. Reportedly, on Monday, 30 January, Joe Biden stated that the USA was not planning to send the F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. After that, the White House clarified that the USA was already supplying Ukraine with significant military aid, taking into consideration Kyivs needs and the situation on the front. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Virgin Medias internet service has gone offline, users have complained. The company acknowledged the problems but said there had been only a brief outage for some services. The problem was fixed shortly after it began, the company said. A host of users complained on Tuesday afternoon that they were unable to get online with the apparent outage hitting in the middle of the working day in the UK. Thousands of users were affected by the problems, across the country, according to tracking website Down Detector. Jan. 30A middle school counselor in Wasco was arrested Monday on suspicion of molesting a 14-year-old girl. Kern County Sheriff's deputies were called Sunday night to the city for a child molestation investigation. Their preliminary investigation showed Jose Solis, 37, of Shafter touched a girl inappropriately, the KCSO wrote in a news release. Solis worked as a counselor at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 305 Griffith Ave. Kelly Richers, the superintendent of the Wasco Union Elementary School District, wrote in an email the district was notified Monday about the arrest by KCSO deputies "due to allegations unknown to the district at this time." The counselor was placed on administrative leave, and Richers declined to answer other questions because this was a personnel matter. Solis was booked into jail at 12:13 a.m. Monday on suspicion of a felony charge of a lewd and lascivious act with a child, annoying or molesting a child and sexual battery. The Kern County District Attorney's Office said Monday it hasn't yet received KCSO's investigation to review for potential charges. The White House on Tuesday condemned this weeks terrorist attack on a mosque in Pakistan, noting that reports say the death toll is up to 100 people. The suicide bomb blast in Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan is one of the deadliest militant attacks in the country in years, leaving more than 200 people injured. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has accused the Pakistani Taliban of the attack. White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson in a statement called targeting a mosque particularly inexcusable. This is tragic and heartbreaking news, and we extend our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Terrorism is indefensible, and to target worshippers is unconscionable, Watson said. She added that the United States is ready to provide support to Pakistan in its efforts to recover and rebuild. The suicide bomber is suspected of using more than 26 pounds of explosives, CNN reported. The mosque was located in a highly secured police compound in Peshawar. The attack has raised alarms with authorities over how the bomber carried it out amid an increase in activity from the Pakistani Taliban, known as TTP, The Associated Press reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden will press House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for a detailed list of spending proposals when the two meet at the White House on Wednesday, officials said ahead of the meeting. Biden advisers Brian Deese and Shalanda Young said in a memo to reporters Tuesday that the White House would release its own budget in early March. It is essential that Speaker McCarthy likewise commit to releasing a budget, so that the American people can see how House Republicans plan to reduce the deficit, Deese and Young wrote. A Republican budget proposal, the advisers said, should specify whether Republicans would pursue savings through cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance subsidies, research or public safety spending. Republicans should also specify how much their budget will add to the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations, as in their first bill this year. House Republicans approved a symbolic bill cutting IRS funding for tax enforcement, which the Congressional Budget Office said would boost deficits by more than $100 billion. Republicans have signaled they want a major spending showdown with Biden, and that they would use the so-called debt ceiling as leverage. The federal government is already butting up against a legal limit on how much it can borrow in order to cover expenses, and if Congress fails to raise the limit, the government would default potentially triggering a financial crisis and a recession. Biden has said he would refuse to negotiate over the debt limit, but has nevertheless engaged in a back-and-forth with Republicans, skewering them for suggesting theyd cut spending on popular retirement programs and demanding they be specific about what they want. Republicans have struggled to define what theyd like to see cut from the federal budget. Some have proposed vague across-the-board cuts to discretionary spending, while others have suggested that it is Biden and the White House who should identify spending restrictions. A top House Republican on Monday said the GOP would seek to cut the woke agenda in negotiations with Biden. Story continues Since last week, McCarthy has claimed that Republicans would not propose changes to Social Security or Medicare as part of their spending demands. GOP lawmakers typically sidestep political blowback over such proposals by promising to strengthen or save those programs instead with changes for future beneficiaries. Deese and Young noted Tuesday that the Republican Study Committee, a policy-focused group of House lawmakers, last year proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare through higher eligibility ages and reduced benefits for some recipients. McCarthy insisted Sunday those programs should be off the table for now and that it was a shame congressional Democrats had refused to produce a budget. They wont even negotiate, McCarthy said on CBS. I want to make sure we have something responsible, something that we can move forward on and something that we can balance our debt with. So Im looking [forward to] sitting down. Thats exactly what Ive been asking for. The White House is expected to submit a budget proposal to Congress in the coming weeks, as mandated by federal law. But such plans are often ignored on Capitol Hill. Its unclear whether the divided and narrow House GOP majority will also produce a budget of its own. Asked Monday what his message was for McCarthy ahead of their sit-down this week, Biden told reporters: Show me your budget, Ill show you mine. Related... The White House will release its budget proposal for next fiscal year on March 9, officials said Tuesday, as they pressure Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to release a detailed budget of his own outlining House Republicans spending plans. The White House on Tuesday circulated a memo from National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young ahead of President Bidens meeting with McCarthy on the debt ceiling. The two officials confirmed Biden would unveil his budget for fiscal 2024 in early March. President Biden will release a budget on March 9, Deese and Young wrote. It is essential that Speaker McCarthy likewise commit to releasing a budget, so that the American people can see how House Republicans plan to reduce the deficit whether through Social Security cuts; cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage; and/or cuts to research, education, and public safety as well as how much their Budget will add to the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations, as in their first bill this year. The presidents proposed budget is typically seen as a messaging document about the administrations priorities and is often disregarded by lawmakers as they seek to pass funding bills through Congress. But in this case, White House officials are using the release of the budget to lean on McCarthy to be transparent about whether he wants to cut programs like Social Security and Medicare as members of his caucus call for spending cuts. Biden and McCarthy will meet Wednesday at the White House to discuss the debt ceiling, which lawmakers must raise in the coming months or risk a government default that could wreck the economy. Some Republicans have signaled they plan to use the debt ceiling negotiations as leverage to secure spending cuts and reforms to government programs. Asked about his message to McCarthy ahead of the meeting, Biden told reporters Monday: You show me your budget, Ill show you mine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President of the United States Joe Biden delivers his President Joe Biden, pictured in Baltimore, informed Congress on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 that he intends to end the COVID-19 emergency in May. Credit - Kyle MazzaSOPA Images/LightRocket Getty Images President Bidens plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt was already in crisistied up in legal challenges that have already reached the Supreme Court. But the Administrations announcement that it is ending the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies on May 11 could spell its doom, according to legal experts. The federal pause on student loan payments may also be in jeopardy. At least 16 million Americans were approved for the program, but relief was put on pause by two separate federal court rulings, including by a judge from Texas who said the program was an unconstitutional use of power. Bidens legal justification for forgiving student debt relied on the HEROES Act, which allows the Department of Education to modify provisions of student loan programs to alleviate financial hardship borrowers might face during national emergencies. The plan, announced in August, would impact 40 million Americans. It would forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt for most borrowers, and up to $20,000 for those who went to college on Pell Grants. Only those earning less than $125,000 per year are eligible. In a November court filing, U.S. Department of Education Undersecretary James Kvaal outlined the Administrations argument, saying that unless the Administration is allowed to take action, there could be a large increase in the amount of federal student loan delinquency and defaults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Administrations decision to end the public health emergency puts the crux of the Education Departments argument at high risk, says Jed Shugerman, a professor who studies executive branch powers at Fordham Law School. It is possible in the wake of an emergency, that one would have a program to deal with the fallout of an emergency, he says. The problem is that the program is not tailored to the emergency. Story continues In order to have the authority to forgive student loans, the Education Department agreed that it would have to show that recipients of the program faced a strong financial burden as a result of COVID-19. While nearly 17 million Americans were unemployed at the height of the pandemic, workers in other industrieslike streaming services or video conferencing businesses such as Zoomthrived. Since borrowers were not required to provide evidence of a financial burden when applying for student loan forgiveness, the Administrations argument is faulty, Shugerman says. The only excuse for not actually having any step to show a causation or correlation from the emergency would be if the emergency was still happening, he adds. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over student loan relief at the end of February. What is the future of student loan forgiveness? Experts tell TIME its increasingly likely the Supreme Court will strike down Bidens loan forgiveness plan in the following weeks. The best path forward would be to create a new plan that could be justified under the Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase access to college and university, says Shugerman. Implementing a student loan forgiveness plan under that statute, while a better fit, would take longer. But experts say Biden could still pass some sort of relief for borrowers by the end of his term if the Administration acts promptly. Student loan payments likely to resume Experts tell TIME that the student loan payment pause could also run out as a result of Biden ending the COVID-19 emergency. Student loan payments have been paused since March 2020. Payments were set to resume 60 days after the Education Department was allowed to implement the student loan forgiveness program, or when litigation around Bidens student loan relief program ends. I dont think it would be out of the question that if the case came down after May, the payment cost pause could extend a little bit longer, Luke Herrine, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Alabama tells TIME. But the Biden Administration would have eliminated its justification for continuing to extend it much beyond what it takes to resolve the legal dispute. Other measures to forgive student loans In the meantime, the administration is already considering structural changes to student loan plans. In early January, the Education Department announced new proposed regulations that could cut monthly payments in half for the 10 million borrowers enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan. Those changes are not yet confirmed, but if the proposal goes into effect, Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native borrowers could see their lifetime payments per dollar borrowed cut by 50%. An earlier initiative announced in April said the Department of Education would conduct a one-time account adjustment that would extend borrowers payment histories to include credit for partial and late payments. Eligible borrowers would automatically see the adjustment on their account. Rodney Wells, stepfather of Tyre Nichols, speaks at a prayer gathering at the site where Nichols was beaten by Memphis police officers, and later died from his injuries, in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 30, 2023. (Gerald Herbert/AP) MEMPHIS, Tenn. Vice President Kamala Harris plans to attend the funeral of Tyre Nichols, who died three days after he was beaten by Memphis police officers just minutes from his home, the White House said Tuesday. Harris was invited to attend the funeral services Wednesday by Nichols mother and stepfather, RowVaughn Wells and Rodney Wells, according to Harriss press secretary, Kirsten Allen. Harris spoke by phone with the Wells family on Tuesday, expressing her condolences and offering her support. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Nichols family last week. Advertisement Harris will be joined by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a senior adviser to the president for public engagement, and Mitch Landrieu, a White House senior advisor and infrastructure implementation coordinator, who is a former mayor of New Orleans, Allen said. Five Black officers have been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in Nichols Jan. 7 beating and subsequent death. Video of the beating, which was released publicly last week, shows that many more people failed to help Nichols, who was also Black, beyond the five officers charged in his death. Advertisement Two more Memphis police officers have been disciplined and three emergency responders fired in connection with Nichols death, officials said Monday. Officer Preston Hemphill, who is white, and another officer whose name wasnt released, have been suspended, police said. Nichols family, the Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump plan to gather Tuesday evening at the historic Mason Temple in Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech the night before he was assassinated to speak about the latest developments in the case. Six of the officers involved were part of the so-called Scorpion unit, which targeted violent criminals in high-crime areas. Other Memphis residents who say they also were brutalized by officers in the unit will also speak at Mason Temple, according to a statement from Crump. Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis said after the videos release that the unit has been disbanded. Its a step in the right direction, but due to the severity of the situation its not enough, Damion Carrick, 44, said as he participated in a protest Monday evening at Shelby Farms Park. You got a man dragged out of his car, beaten senseless, to a pulp and nobody doing nothing about it. Its heartbreaking. Nichols death was the latest in a string of early accounts by police about their use of force that were later shown to have minimized or omitted violent and sometimes deadly encounters. Memphis Police Department officers used a stun gun, a baton and their fists as they pummeled Nichols during the nighttime arrest. Video shows Nichols running away from officers toward his house after he was pulled over on suspicion of reckless driving. The video footage released Friday shows the 29-year-old father calling for his mother and struggling with his injuries as he sits helpless on the pavement. The five officers chatted and milled about for several minutes as Nichols remained on the ground, but other authorities were on the scene. Two Shelby County sheriffs deputies also have been suspended without pay while their conduct is investigated. Advertisement Nichols older brother, Jamal Dupree, told CNNs Don Lemon on Tuesday that he feels guilty because he wasnt there to protect his younger sibling. Im 99% sure that my brother has never gotten into a fight before. And the one time he got into an altercation with other humans, we wasnt there to protect him. My brother was trying to cooperate with them, Dupree, who lives in California, said of the Memphis officers. Dupree said he hasnt watched the police video. I already knew how they treated him because Ive seen it all over the world, Dupree said. Police brutality is nothing new. I already knew they treated my brother like an animal. They treated him like he was nothing. I dont have to watch the video to know that. He said he has seen reports about his brother and thinks other people are learning about who he was as a person. I think people really know my brother did not deserve this, he told CNN. He was not that type of person. Yeah, he was just a good guy around the board. ... We want justice. Advertisement Nichols sister, Keyana Dixon, was among more than 100 friends, family and supporters who gathered for a candlelight vigil Monday night at a skate park in Sacramento, where Nichols grew up, The Sacramento Bee reported. This was his favorite place to skate, she said at the vigil. I just want to thank all of you for your continued support for our family, and making sure his name is never forgotten. A childhood friend, Ryan Wilson, said he met Nichols at a skate park when he was 12 and they became fast friends, sharing their dreams for the future. Nichols had some struggles while young, but he focused on making others happy, Wilson said. I just feel like all he wanted to do was find his place in this world, and he just wanted to be happy, Wilson said. RowVaughn and Rodney Wells have accepted an invitation to attend President Joe Bidens State of the Union address next week at the Capitol. They will attend with Rep. Steven Horsford, a Nevada Democrat and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to Vincent Evans, a spokesperson for the caucus. Nichols funeral is set for Wednesday at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. Sharpton will give the eulogy and Crump will speak immediately after the funeral. Those expected to be in attendance include Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, and Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd. Advertisement The deaths of Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, and Floyd in Minneapolis, at the hands of police sparked protests across the nation about racial injustice. Associated Press journalists Gary Fields in Memphis; Darlene Superville in Washington; and Rebecca Reynolds in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report. Indigenous anti-government protesters shout in front of a line of police during a march against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte Indigenous anti-government protesters shout in front of a line of police during a march against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Lima, Peru, on Jan. 25, 2023. Protesters are seeking immediate elections, Boluarte's resignation, the release of ousted President Pedro Castillo and justice for protesters killed in clashes with police. Credit - Martin MejiaAP/Shutterstock An attempted self-coup by former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo on December 7 led to widespread protests in the country that have left almost 60 dead and hundreds injured. After over seven weeks of protests, demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of Castillos successor, President Dina Boluartewho imposed curfews in some cities and temporarily suspended some civil liberties such as freedom of movement. Last month, lawmakers voted to move elections from 2026 to to 2024, but with protests showing no sign of stopping, Boluarte urged lawmakers to move the elections up further to December of 2023. There isnt one clear reason for the demonstrations. While Castillos arrest might have provided an immediate opportunity for some of his supporters who believe he got a raw deal, experts say the demonstrations are the result of years of political and economic instability. Who is Pedro Castillo? Castillo came to power with the support of Perus disenfranchised, many of whom saw themselves in the former elementary school teacher from the impoverished Cajamarca region, known as a son of the soil for his lack of political ties. He wasnt connected to Lima at alleconomically, socially, or politically, which made him popular amongst the countrys poor, says Moises Arce, a professor of Latin American Studies at Tulane University. Peruvian President Pedro Castillo gives a press conference at the presidential palace in Lima on Oct. 11, 2022. Martin MejiaAP In 2021, Castillo scraped a win in a tight election against hard-right opponent Keiko Fujimori, but his lack of political expertise contributed to a turbulent government and a failure to deliver on many of the promises that got him elected. He would promise reform but never had the votes to make it happen, says Arce. Story continues He appointed five Prime Ministers and over 80 ministers in just over a year and a half, many of whom lacked political experience. He was unable to put together a government in that short period, says Arce. It was simply a government failure. Congress tried twice to impeach him, but both times, the measure failed to get enough votes. A third impeachment vote had been called for December 7ththe day Castillo announced that he would be dissolving Congress and installing an emergency government. But Castillos reign as a dictator was a blink-and-youll-miss-it moment, over just as soon as it began. It took all of a few hours for his political allies to drop him and Congress to finally deliver the impeachment vote it had been threatening for months. As Castillo headed to the Mexican embassy in search of asylum, his security detail turned him in to the police. He remains in prison while prosecutors continue their investigation into criminal charges against him. For many, Castillos actions were reminiscent of those of dictator Alberto Fujimori who staged a self-coup in 1992 and later rewrote the constitution. The memory, still fresh in the minds of Peruvians, allowed people to jump in quickly to ensure Castillo did not follow in his footsteps. Anyone who has followed Peru through the 90s remembers Fujimori, says Cynthia McClintock, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. Why are Peruvians protesting? The protests that launched in December are only one part of an ongoing political crisis. After a commodities boom led to a period of growth in the early 2000s, Peru began to face an economic downturn in 2016. Since then, no president has finished their termin 2020, the country went through three presidents in one week. Boluarte is the countrys sixth president in seven years, and it is unlikely she will make it to the end of her term. Protesters who want President Dina Boluarte to resign face off with police in Lima, Peru, on Jan. 19, 2023. Marco GarroThe New York Times/Redux As the government changed hands constantly, it became difficult for the country to build on programs it began during its growth period. There was total gridlock in Congress between the far-right and the President, says McClintock. Peru has had the highest COVID-19 fatality rate in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, basic services were put under strain, with the country unable to provide things like medical oxygen for patients with the virus. The pandemic revealed the fragility of basic institutions, says Arce. The pandemic also impacted the 2021 elections. Pollsters were unable to poll and campaigns were on hold, says McClintock. No one could vote strategically, she says. It was catastrophic. This, McClintock said, is why many protesters are pushing for another round of elections. A lot of people are saying, we can do better in a new election because 2021 was such a catastrophic election. What happens next? The Peruvian Congress has already approved a measure to move elections up to 2024two years before they were scheduled, but Peruvians are pushing for an election to be held even sooner than that. McClintock says that setting a date for elections in the next few weeks could help quell protests eager for a change in leadership. Some of the protesters are calling on the government to replace the constitution put in place by Fujimori, a decision experts are wary of. Were going to replace a constitution that came out of a dictatorship with another constitution that has basically come out from a lot of violence, says Arce. Prosecutors in New York have convened a grand jury in their investigation into hush money paid to an adult film star who said she'd slept with Donald Trump, three sources familiar with the situation confirmed. The seating of a grand jury, first reported Monday by The New York Times, marks a significant new phase of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's probe into the $130,000 payment to actor Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 campaign. A spokesperson for Bragg declined to comment Monday. Michael Cohen, Trumps former attorney, met with prosecutors in recent weeks and could be asked to appear before the grand jury. Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court in 2018 to making the illegal payment to Daniels for the principal purpose of influencing the 2016 presidential election and said he did so at Trump's behest. Cohen, who was sentenced to three years in prison for that and other crimes, maintained in an MSNBC interview Monday that the payment "was done at the direction of and for the benefit of Donald J. Trump." An attorney for Trump declined to comment Monday night. Trump has denied ever having slept with Daniels, but he acknowledged that he repaid Cohen the $130,000. In 2018, Trump tweeted that the money was "not from the campaign" and that the deal had been a private contract between two parties, known as a non-disclosure agreement, or NDA. The agreement was used to stop the false and extortionist accusations made by her about an affair ... despite already having signed a detailed letter admitting that there was no affair, Trump said on Twitter. Trump's company was sentenced this month on tax fraud charges brought by the district attorney's office. Bragg said at the time that the sentencing closes this important chapter of our ongoing investigation into the former president and his businesses, adding, We now move on to the next chapter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com At first glance, and probably second and third glances, members of the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement task force dont look like how one might imagine police officers are supposed to look, which, given the nature of their work, is by design. When tasked with insinuating yourself into the world of illegal drugs in order to stop its distribution in your area, you want an officer who doesnt set off any alarm bells by their mere presence. The three officers who provided a glimpse into Council Bluffs seedy underbelly, all veterans of the CBPD, requested that they not be identified, and so will be referred to as SWINE 1, SWINE 2, and SWINE 3, in reference to the task force acronym, and not the derogatory term often directed at police pig. In fact, when asked whether the task force acronym was in any way a reference to the word pig, it appeared to have not crossed anyones mind. Its just a coincidence. The three SWINE officers were all dressed in jeans, T-shirts, hoodies normal, everyday clothes that paired well with their scruffy beards. A lot of the reasons we dress the way we do, we look the way we do, we dont wear uniforms is because we interview people a lot, SWINE 1 said. And theres a different attitude when they talk to us dressed like this than when were in a uniform. They can calm down a little bit sometimes. Theres a command presence that you have to carry when you are in a uniform, and were allowed to break that down and kind of just talk to them in a different way. Working drug enforcement in Council Bluffs is very much like trying to find a job in that networking plays an important role in both. Who you know can just as easily score you dope as it can find you a job, and its the job of the SWINE task force to tap into those drug networks and find out where the drugs are coming from. Arresting some guy slinging dope on his corner or out of his house is not going to do much in the grand scheme of drug trafficking. There will always be someone to fill that void. The key to stopping the flow of drugs into or through the city lies further up the food chain, and most likely lives in Mexico. Its all cartel, SWINE 2 said. If you get high enough, if youre buying pounds from people, eventually youre just going to get a number straight to Mexico. Once someone in Mexico receives that call, it starts a whole chain reaction that culminates in two guys, most likely strangers, meeting each other to exchange drugs for cash. And thats what makes it so hard, is that somebody here is calling Mexico, Mexicos calling somebody else, these two guys dont even know each other, SWINE 3 said. So when they meet up, one guys like, I have no clue what that guys name was, he was just some Hispanic dude in his mid-to-late 20s, short brown hair. Even if SWINE or another enforcement agency takes down the people dealing drugs at the local level, its no skin off the cartels nose. They already got their money and the drugs are relatively cheap to make. Theyll just send more shipments across the border, collect their money and carry on. Even when a shipment is stopped at the border, its only one of many, and the cartel chalks it up to the cost of doing business. The SWINE task force uses a multitude of tools to combat the drug trade, from interviews with users or dealers, to placing someone under surveillance for a period of time, SWINE 1 said. Interviews are really probably the bread and butter of all our investigations, SWINE 1 said. Jail interviews, uniform making traffic stops, calling us, well go to the traffic stop sometimes and talk to them right there. Were in houses. Its just constantly talking to people. With surveillance, sometimes a neighbor will contact the police to tell them about suspicious activity at a house down the street people coming and going at all times of the day and night, loud music, yelling. Surveillance is just constantly looking at houses, constantly looking at people, trying to build a pattern of life, SWINE 1 said. Everyone, whether they like to believe it or not, has a pattern of behavior and a pattern to their life. They get up at the same time, they go to the gym at the same time, they go to certain places at the same time. Everyones on a routine and everyone wants to be on a routine, and so we try to figure those (patterns) out in what people are doing, and then that can lead us to how theyre selling drugs, who theyre selling drugs to and then the cases just kind of go from there. Another tool in SWINEs toolbox is interdiction. When someone is pulled over on the interstate, sometimes its because law enforcement was looking for something specific. One day we were looking, my DEA group was out in west Nebraska, we were looking for a certain kind of U-Haul-style truck, and it was supposed to be in a certain area at a certain time, SWINE 1 said. There was three of them. Of course we didnt have a plate number, and they all had similar license plates. We pulled all three of them over for different violations. Two of them had dope in them. Only one of them was what we were looking for, the other one was just a lucky strike. One of the class participants asked if the trucks had actually done anything wrong that would warrant being stopped. You have to have reasons, SWINE 2 said. Who goes the exact speed limit? Dont use your seat belt, dont use your turn signal? After the SWINE officers spoke, three members of the police departments chaplain corps spoke about their duties. Chaplains are there to talk to officers, or, more importantly, to listen. Being a police officer brings with it a lot of stress, said Ken Sewing, who has been a chaplain with the CBPD since 2009. (They) need somebody that they could talk to and know it goes in and doesnt come out, Sewing said. They need that because theyre under a lot of stress every day. I mean, the three (SWINE officers) you just saw, imagine the stress their lives have. But its the same with any uniform. They have everything that you and I have at home, and then they come and get to listen to all of us mouth off to them. Much like a priest, anything an officer says to a chaplain stays with the chaplain, the only exceptions being if the chaplain believes the officer to be a danger to himself or others. Out of the three chaplains who spoke to the class, only Lynn Saathoff had experience as a police officer. He worked in the CBPD records department for 11 years and had daily interactions with many of the officers. During that 11 years here, you get to know the officers and become part of the family, Saathoff said. They reminded me of that when I retired, if you want to come back and support them as much as I could. Saathoff is the only member of the chaplain corps who is not an ordained minister, but that never stopped him from ministering to the men and women of the department, Sewing said. This guy says hes not a minister, Sewing said. Hes been ministering to the officers ever since he came to work in this department, and they love him. And when I said were considering Lynn, to have him being one of our chaplains, we all said he already is. The guys trust him, they know they can, and thats the biggest thing with being a chaplain. Ward Doering was a military police officer in the 1980s, and he applied to join the Omaha Police Department and Nebraska State Troopers, but by the time he heard back about his application, he already had another job. By the time they called me back to come to work, I had a different job, and I would have taken about a 50% cut in pay, and my wife said, nuh-uh, weve got three little kids at home. So life took me in a different direction, he said. Doering worked as a chaplain in Omaha for 12 years before he and his wife moved to Council Bluffs. Hes been a member of the Council Bluffs chaplain corp for four years. Were trained to try and get to know you, the officers, as you are, Sewing said. And that way, we are trained to try and watch you during briefings, and when wed do ride-alongs, and when were just talking with you, to find or to notice when you are not being you, according to who you typically are. If we can pick up that youre carrying a burden, then we have we dont have the solutions; typically, we will not, but we will walk with you wherever it is you need to go to get you that solution. And we will talk to you and try and help you open up, hey, I got a problem, and then were going to see that we do everything we can to get you what you need. 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. A former Chicago police officer has been charged with multiple felonies of perjury and forgery, the citys Office of Inspector General announced Tuesday afternoon. Jeffrey Kriv was a Chicago Police Department officer from Aug. 5, 1996, until earlier this month, according to a statement from the inspector general. Kriv is facing four counts of perjury and five counts of forgery, according to documents filed Tuesday morning in Cook County Circuit Court. Advertisement Both offenses are punishable by probation or up to two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, the inspector general said. Kriv, 56, appeared in court Tuesday and was ordered released from jail on his own recognizance, according to court records. Advertisement According to Assistant States Attorney Thomas Fryska, Kriv was fired Jan. 10, before his retirement set for Jan. 20, due to the charges. Kriv was employed as a CPD officer at the time of the alleged offenses, the inspector general said. The offices investigation revealed that between 2009 and 2022, Kriv successfully disputed multiple parking tickets and moving violations related to his personal vehicles by providing fraudulent documents as evidence or making false statements in person during department of administrative hearings. The truthfulness and credibility of police officers is foundational to the fair administration of justice, and to CPDs effectiveness as a law enforcement agency, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said in a written statement. We are grateful to CPD and to the states attorneys office for their partnership in this investigation. The inspector generals office was initially contacted on Feb. 8, 2022, about a potentially fraudulent parking ticket related to Kriv, Fryska said. The inspector general learned that Kriv had contested a parking ticket on Oct. 13, 2021, to one of his personal vehicles by claiming that he had received a second citation for the same parking violation just 15 minutes earlier, Fryska said. But the copy of the ticket was signed by an Officer D. Stuart with Krivs star number, and was actually a ticket Kriv had written as a CPD officer on a different date to a different vehicle. The inspector generals investigation also revealed that Kriv, starting in 2013, had resolved 44 automated ticket violations by going to court. He would testify that his girlfriend had stolen his vehicle and was driving it on the day and time each ticket was issued, Fryska said. Kriv would also provide the administrative law judge with fraudulent police reports to support his claims, Fryska said. Afternoon Briefing Daily 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 > Specifically, from January 2021 to September 2022, Kriv appeared at four in-person hearings where he disputed four different automated traffic violations issued to his personal BMW, Fryska said. Advertisement On those dates, he would provide the judge with a forged police report, claiming the vehicle had been stolen by his girlfriend, Fryska said. In all four of these incidents, the court retained a copy of the police report, which all appeared to be identical apart from their dates. The total cost of the five tickets that were dismissed on the basis on Krivs false information was $330, Fryska said. But going back through, the total cost of all 44 dismissed tickets based on the forged documents and false testimony about his girlfriend stealing his vehicle was about $3,665. Krivs next court date is Feb. 23, according to court records. Chicago Tribunes Madeline Buckley contributed. pfry@chicagotribune.com Twitter @paigexfry The number of endangered rhinos poached in Namibia reached the highest level on record in 2022, as twice as many animals 87 compared to 45 were killed in 2021, official government data showed on Monday (30 January). Africas rhino population has been decimated over the decades to feed demand for rhino horn, which, despite being made of the same stuff as rhino hair and fingernails, is prized in East Asia as jewelry and fake medicine. The horns are worth tens of thousands of dollars in illegal Asian markets. Rhino numbers in Africa have dropped significantly in recent decades to feed demand for rhino horn especially in China and Vietnam. Poachers killed 61 black and 26 white rhinos mainly in Namibias largest park, Etosha, where 46 rhinos were found dead, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said. We note with serious concern that our flagship park, Etosha National Park, is a poaching hotspot, Mr Muyunda said. International criminal gangs are reported to use sophisticated equipment to track and tranquilize the animals before hacking off the horn, leaving them bleeding to death. Apart from Namibia, also poaching in South Africa and Botswana has led to wildlife teams sawing off the rhino horns in order to keep them alive. For many generations rhino horn has been used in traditional Chinese medicine although there is no proven medical benefit. Poaching has also been fueled by demand in Vietnam, where horns are displayed as a sign of wealth. Globally there just over 26,000 rhinos of all species left At least 28 people, including soldiers and civilians, have been killed in two separate attacks by rebel fighters in northern Burkina Faso, a regional governor and the army said in separate statements. The army said on Monday (30 January) that a combat unit in Falagountou, in the countrys north near its border with Niger, came under attack and that 10 soldiers, two fighters of the volunteer force and a civilian were killed. On the same day, the bodies of 15 men, all civilians, had been found following an attack on Sunday (29 January), authorities in the countrys Cascades region near the border with Ivory Coast said in a separate statement. Armed men had reportedly stopped two transport vehicles carrying eight women and 16 men, the women and one man were freed, the rest of the men were shot dead. The latest killings come as Burkina Faso and its neighbors in Mali and Niger battle armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL who have occupied territory in the countrys arid and mainly rural north, executing hundreds of villagers and displacing nearly 2 million people. The fighters have blockaded towns and villages, worsening a food crisis. With more than a third of Burkina Faso now beyond the control of the government, frustration within the army regarding the handling of the security situation triggered two coups last year and has intensified political instability and strained relations with former colonial power France, which has fought against the armed groups in the Sahel region. The expulsion of the Polisario militias from the African Union is a matter of time and not a principle as an increasing number of African countries realize the risks of admitting a separatist group into a continental organization of sovereign states. The Polisario has to be kicked out of the African Union for this organization to regain neutrality over a territorial dispute fueled by Algeria to undermine its western neighbor, Morocco. Rationale A group of former African prime ministers and foreign ministers met in Tangier where they elaborated ink on paper arguments that would serve the advocacy to eject the Polisario militias and their self-declared republic from the African Union. The arguments build on an earlier declaration they signed last year in Tangier which is part of a diplomatic momentum ushered by the motion sent in 2017 by 28 countries demanding a freeze of Polisarios membership from the African Union. The salient argument is that the Polisario lacks all state attributes as a separatist organization fed and hosted on the Algerian territory. By admitting the Polisario as a fully-fledged state, the African Union has opened a pandoras box that encourages other separatist groups to follow suit. The presence of the Polisario within the African Union is a blatant bias that prejudged the outcome of the UN efforts and the African Union needs to repair its prejudice regarding Morocco by expelling the separatist militias. The African Union has adopted resolution 963 which recognizes the primacy of the UN process as the sole framework for the settlement of the conflict. As long as it includes the Polisario separatist militia as a member, the African Union is in a situation of bias that strips it of any legitimacy to mediate in the conflict. The signatories of the Tangier appeal also argue that the African Union is able, through the conference of the heads of state, to put an end to this prejudice and contribute to conflict resolution in North Africa. If 37 countries vote for a resolution to freeze or suspend the Polisarios membership, the African Union could restore its neutrality and could play a role in favor of settling the conflict. Wind of change The Polisario was introduced as a full member into the predecessor of the African Union, the Organization of African Unity, in 1984 at a cold war context using oil money. Morocco left the organization in reaction while focusing on fostering bilateral ties with different African friendly states. Since then, Algeria used the comfort of not having Moroccos voice to pass resolutions serving the separatist cause going as far as using the most important body in the African organization, the Peace and Security Council, to serve Algiers hegemonic agenda under the cover of supporting Polisarios separatism. But the winds of change have blown on the African Union with the triumphal return of Morocco in 2017. Since then, Rabat managed step by step to correct the bias of the organization and make its voice heard to the disappointment of Algeria and the few remaining countries rallying behind its agenda to unsettle Morocco through the Polisario militias. Moroccos presence within the continental organization served as a bulwark against separatist plots and together with its numerous friends managed to push the African Union to recognize that the Sahara peace process is an exclusive domain of the UN, barring thus the road for Algiers as it seeks to pressure the African Union into a mediation role. Building on a pro-active foreign policy and multi-layered cooperation based on a solidarity-oriented approach and win-win projects, Morocco stands in stark contrast to the cash hand out policy adopted by Algeria and formerly by Gaddafis Libya to buy support in the continent. Not only in African where Moroccos faithful supporters are located, the sands globally are shifting in favor of Moroccos autonomy initiative. The recognition by the US of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara and its support for autonomy as the only political solution to the dispute and the opening by 28 African and Arab states of consulates in the Sahara indicate an inflection point to put an end to attempts to undermine Moroccos territorial integrity. Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) is set to proceed with the complete takeover of Kenyas Mayfair CIB, after obtaining approvals from authorities, in a deal valued at $40 million. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) have just granted their consent for CIB to acquire the remaining 49% of Mayfair CIB, CIB said in a statement. The deal makes Mayfair CIB a fully owned subsidiary of the Egyptian lender. The banking institution last April acquired 51% stake in Mayfair Bank, marking its entry into the Kenyan market. We are pleased and grateful for this vote of confidence from [authorities} as we are firm believers in the prospect of prosperity of the Kenyan economy and look forward to our contribution to the same, said Hussein Abaza, CEO and Managing Director of CIB. Mayfair CIB saw its operating income rise by 64% to KSH 891.45 million ($8.2 million) in 2021. Profits, after tax, stood at KSH 96.1 million compared to a net loss of KSH 279.3 million. Hossam Rageh, Executive Director at Mayfair CIB, believes Kenya offers great opportunities. The Eastern African country has a population of more than 53 million and is home to 39 commercial banks. We are excited to be part of the countrys business life and future. We will grow this bank as we continue to provide a first-class service to all our clients, he said. Tunisian President Kais Saied conducted Monday a slight cabinet reshuffle with the replacement of two ministers in the wake of an unpopular second round of legislatives. A statement from his office announced that Ali Boughdiri replaces minister of Education Fathi Selaouti while Abdelmonam Belati takes over the ministry of Agriculture from Mohamed Ilyes. The office did not provide details why the shakeup took place. It is worth recalling that Saied fired two weeks ago the Minister of Trade. The move came a day after the country held the second round of the legislative elections. The process was boycotted by voters with turnout put at 11.4 per cent by the independent electoral body ISIE. The first round held in December also recorded the lowest ever turnout registered in the history of the country, 11 per cent. The ISIE Saturday said the result of the second round will be released on February 1st while the aggregate results will be made public on March 4. The National Salvation Front alliance, an assortment of civil society movements and political parties, opposed to Saieds political decisions since 25 July 2021 the day the President sacked the Prime Minister, froze the parliament, demanded Monday that Saied steps down after the fiasco of the second round. The alliance headed by Ahmed Nejib Chebbi indicated that the rate of abstention is record high, 90 per cent. It is a great popular disapproval for the July 25 process which started by the freezing of the Parliament, before monopolizing all powers, Chebbi said. Protesters march down the street on Jan. 27, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee, as authorities release police video depicting five Memphis officers beating Tyre Nichols, whose death resulted in murder charges and provoked outrage at the country's latest instance of police brutality. (Gerald Herbert / AP) The video-recorded killing of Tyre Nichols that led to charges against police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, stirred echoes all the way in Chicago, where eight years ago another recorded death similarly sent shock waves across the nation and spurred public demand for police reform. In the case of Laquan McDonald, a teenager fatally shot by a uniformed Chicago police officer in October 2014, release of graphic video provoked public outrage and immediate criminal charges against the officer, Jason Van Dyke, reigniting the embers of resentment in Chicago and calls for accountability against police. Advertisement The McDonald case led to years of reform efforts, including the departmentwide rollout of body-worn cameras and a 2019 federal consent decree mandating reforms in Chicago police training, use of force, data management and other areas. But lawyers who have been involved in the consent decree say slow reform efforts create an environment similar to the one that led to Nichols death in Memphis. Nichols, a 29-year-old African American who worked for FedEx and was the father of a 4-year-old son, was dragged from his car by police officers from Memphis Scorpion street crime unit for alleged reckless driving. Video showed he was held down, kicked, punched and tased. Five officers were charged with murder. Two other Memphis officers were relieved of duty and three fire department workers who responded to the scene were fired, according to the Commercial Appeal newspaper in Memphis. Advertisement People march on State Street in Chicago's Loop on Jan. 30, 2023, to protest the killing of Tyre Nichols. Nichols died after he was beaten on Jan. 7 by police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Officials in Memphis and across the country were fearful that releasing video of Nichols beating death would serve as a flashpoint to civil unrest as McDonalds and George Floyds deaths had been, despite Nichols alleged attackers also being African American. When the Chicago consent decree was being drafted, community groups pushed for inclusion of requirements that would limit police power to engage with people suspected of minor and nonviolent criminal offenses because of the propensity for such interactions to needlessly escalate into violence, said Sheila Bedi, a Northwestern University law professor and an attorney who has been involved in litigation over the decree. The language was ultimately not adopted, she said, though she added that the city could petition the court to modify the consent decree to include such provisions. Without such limits on police, and with the slow pace of complying with the consent decree overall, real reform appears far off, she said. What happened in Memphis could easily happen here, Bedi said. A common thread between both Nichols and McDonalds cases was perception of a cover-up by police to protect their own. In the McDonald case, a spokesman for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 initially provided a statement that described the teen as the aggressor despite police dashcam video evidence that later showed the knife-wielding African American teen backing away as he was shot 16 times by Van Dyke, who is white. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 Community activist James Tiller, left, and protesters carry a coffin toward City Hall on Nov. 28, 2015, to decry the police killing of Laquan McDonald. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) In Memphis, police released a vague statement without any indications of wrongdoing by the officers. Bedi said the kind of brutal violence we saw on our TV screens happens regularly in Chicago. During the summer of 2020, when mass protests erupted in Chicago following the murder of Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Chicago police officers were captured via body cameras using unlawful force against protesters, she said, noting that the use of force was documented in reports from the city itself and the independent monitor reviewing the departments progress in meeting consent decree goals. Advertisement Those officers are still policing our streets, and that says a lot about the culture and intransigence of the Chicago Police Department and policing in general, she said. A Tribune article from last year explained how resistant the city and its police have been to federal intervention on police matters and challenges activists continue to face. Attorney Craig Futterman, who is director of the Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project at the University of Chicago, agreed that a situation like Nichols could happen in Chicago due to the persistence of what he called a toxic, pervasive police culture that turns a blind eye to violence against citizens. What happened to Tyre Nichols was very much about culture dominant police culture and the culture in Chicago has been and continues to be resistant to change, said Futterman, whose project successfully petitioned the court to release McDonalds death video. Some academics have called video particularly the sometimes-shocking images captured by police body cameras a main driver for police reform. Two years ago, criminologists and economists at Georgia State, American and Stockton universities who studied eight years of Chicago police complaint data found that police bodycams had led to a significant decrease in the dismissal of investigations due to insufficient evidence, and an increase in sustained misconduct cases against officers, according to the 43-page report by GSU criminology professor Volkan Topalli and three other researchers. Video can make the difference between a citizen complaint tossed because of a lack of evidence and those sustained because of clear evidence of misconduct. Advertisement Police officers guarding the Trump International Hotel & Tower hold back protesters on May 30, 2020, during a rally and march to remember the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) It can be quite challenging for the investigators to distinguish truth from falsehood when police officers and citizens make contradictory statements. In these cases, the video footages can provide critical objective information about the incident and the credibility of police officers and complainants statements, according to the 2021 report. Video is no doubt a game changer, said Futterman, who added that video evidence can quickly push police to amend false statements that often exonerate officers of wrongdoing. If there was no video, we wouldnt be having this conversation, he said. Would it simply been written off in Memphis as (it was initially) in Minneapolis with George Floyd, or in Chicago like Laquan McDonald? Stretching back to the infamous Rodney King beating by Los Angeles police in 1991, video has altered the law enforcement landscape, not only in solving crimes, but also in confirming the veracity of statements made by officers and community complaints. But Futterman cautioned that video alone wont solve the root problem of violence and mistrust. Videos by themselves dont wholly strip away racism, he said. Videos dont necessarily always tell all the truth, but videos also are a game changer because they do provide real objective evidence of what actually happened. Thats been evidence that in prior decades ... was totally absent. Advertisement Unsurprisingly, topics of law enforcement and police reform have been major talking points in the campaign leading up to next months Chicago mayoral election. Mayor Lori Lightfoots handling of Chicago police reform and the consent decree has sparked criticism from rival candidates who say she has not done enough to implement the court orders programs. Former high-ranking city staffers have also criticized the administrations efforts. Lightfoot first came to public prominence as Mayor Rahm Emanuels hand-picked chair of the Police Accountability Task Force. She later broke with the Emanuel administration, criticizing its handling of crime and reform as not stringent enough and launching her ultimately successful campaign for mayor. Rivals have seized on the lack of progress implementing the consent decree and a series of staff controversies have fueled further questions about Lightfoots leadership on the issue. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, a candidate for mayor, has repeatedly criticized Lightfoot for last years firing of Bob Boik, who directed the Chicago Police Departments constitutional policing and reform office. Boik was fired after sending an email asking for a reversal of a decision to distribute staffers to patrol instead of officer training, a move he said would harm reform efforts. Lightfoot previously said she wouldnt get into the details of a now-fired employee who sends off an email and described the firing as palace intrigue. Bob Boik, executive director of the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform at the Chicago Police Department, talks with reporters at police headquarters on Sept. 8, 2021. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Boiks firing also drew criticism from former Lightfoot administration officials including former acting police Superintendent Charlie Beck, Lightfoots former chief of staff Maurice Classen, and her former deputy mayor for public safety, Susan Lee, who argued it would hurt the departments efforts. Afternoon Briefing Daily 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 > A separate Chicago police leader who worked to implement the departments federal consent decree sent a resignation letter to Lightfoot in August 2021 alleging that CPDs top leadership failed to even feign interest in pursuing reform in a meaningful manner. Lightfoot downplayed that as one persons opinion and said the department continues making progress. Ald. Sophia King, 4th, another mayoral candidate, took the criticism a step further this weekend, linking Lightfoots defense of an officer who was suspended but not fired for lying about associations with the Proud Boys to Boiks firing. Advertisement Fire the Proud Boy, not the officer in charge of the consent decree, King said. Tribune reporter Jake Sheridan contributed. wlee@chicagotribune.com mabuckley@chicagotribune.com gpratt@chicagotribune.com The Renault factory in Algerias Oran has come to a halt after Algerian authorities banned imports of key parts from Spain, a ban highlighting that the Algerian regime is ready to pursue political goals at the expense of the economy. Since Spain ended its double-speak on the Sahara issue by expressing full support to the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan, Algeria retaliated by reducing the amount of gas it exports to the Iberian Peninsula and ordering business to shun importing from Spain. The Oran Renault factory was a collateral in Algerias economic blackmail against Spain which supplied gearboxes. According to El Khabar, the factory can only continue operating by importing these gearboxes from Brazil at a higher cost. The factory shut down in 2020 when Algeria banned imports of key parts used in assembly as Algerias reserves were decreasing due to a sharp drop in gas and oil prices. Renaults ordeal reflects that the Algerian regime has no predictability and that political crises can easily spill over to self-defeating economic blackmail, adding to the countrys unattractiveness to foreign investors. As of late afternoon on Monday, Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 30 were partially covered with snow west of Paxton. Other areas of the main east-west highways had normal driving conditions, according to 511.nebraska.gov. However, highways in some areas of north central Nebraska, the Panhandle and extreme southwest Nebraska were partly to completely covered with snow, slush and ice. The 511 system also shows road closures and detours, and indicates when snow plows are out, said Gary Thayer, district 6 engineer for Nebraska Dept. of Transportation. Its a very good use of technology, he said It can be a guide to help people know whether to change their travel plans, to allow extra time, or to stay home. Were in the middle of winter, and although driving behavior changes, even careful drivers can have incidents, said Captain Tyler Schmidt of Nebraska State Patrol, Troop D. Things become particularly treacherous when afternoon thaws are followed by freezing temperatures night, he said. Drivers at night or in the morning are often caught off guard by surfaces that are glazed over but look normal. With a limit in equipment and manpower, When we have our plows out its for a very specific reason the roads are not dry, Thayer said. Plows typically run from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the department places priority on clearing roads for school buses. Plows typically operate at speeds of 25 to 35 mile per hour on rural highways and other motorists need to use caution around them. That may be the maximum safe speed for motorists, anyway, Thayer said, depending on the conditions. Schmidt cautioned motorists to get stranded vehicles off the roadway, even if that means parking them in the median of the Interstate. He recounted that last Saturday in Buffalo County a vehicle became disabled in the passing lane on I-80. Before it could be moved there was a secondary collision that put one vehicle in the median and another in the road ditch. The last month its been challenging, Thayer said. Our road conditions have been anything but favorable. We ask the traveling public to please slow down and be aware. After a lengthy decision-making process, the City of Auburn recently voted to amend its city code to allow for business license revocations in cases of delinquent taxes. The unanimous vote came down at the Jan. 17 Auburn City Council meeting. Previously, city ordinance only allowed the city council to vote on whether or not to have the district court pursue a license revocation on the citys behalf. This new amendment now allows the city to hold hearings for those who are delinquent on their taxes instead of having to go through the courts. An early draft of the amendment had some residents concerned about possible government overreach. Vague language said to now have been removed from the amendment pointed to possible closure of businesses that constituted a probable danger to public health, safety, or welfare of the Citizens of the City of Auburn. Auburn City Councilman Tyler Adams was responsible for rewriting the ordinance. I wanted to pare this down so that the revocation only addressed the nonpayment of taxes or licensure fees, Adams said at the council meeting. Some of that language was a little problematic to members of the community as well as members on this council. Additional language added to the amendment said business license revocation hearings cannot take place until at least 60 days after an initial revocation notice is sent out. This buffer gives delinquent business owners a chance to remit taxes without having to go to a hearing. The intent of that is basically to show the city has a process by which they inform individuals that are delinquent in their taxes or payment of fees, and they walk through that, Adams said. Bottom line is what we try do is we try to get people to resolve the issue before it comes to us. A final line was also added to the amendment stating that a taxpayer whose business license has been revoked can seek judicial review in accordance with state law. Mayor Ron Anders commended Adams for his work on the amendment. We have been talking about this since October of 2022, Anders said. We have listened to many of you in our community. One of the motivating factors behind the city pursuing this new ordinance was a handful of unnamed local businesses being extremely delinquent on their taxes. The city has emphasized in the past that these businesses were in the minority, just three out of 7,100 businesses in the Auburn area. However, without a city ordinance in place, those three businesses could remain open despite not paying their taxes and potentially tying up the court system. The amended ordinance will help to expedite that process. Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen-Crouch previously told Opelika-Auburn News: The goal is to keep the business open and for the city to receive the taxes that the business is collecting on behalf of the city. Monday afternoon at the Lee County Justice Center Judge Jeff Tickal denied bail for Lamar Vickerstaff Jr. during a bond hearing. Vickerstaff, 50, is accused of murdering his daughter Amore Wiggins, who was known as Opelika Jane Doe during investigation. He is charged with felony murder. Vickerstaff and his wife Ruth were arrested on Jan. 17, in Jacksonville, Fla. Ruth is charged with failure to report a missing child. At a hearing on Friday, Ruths bond was set at $10,000, and her preliminary hearing was set for March 22, according to the Lee County Circuit Clerks office. Opelika Jane Doe was recently identified by police as Amore Wiggins, more than 10 years after her remains were found in a wooded area behind a mobile home off Hurst Street in Opelika in 2012. Detectives believed she was killed in 2010 or 2011, was about 4 years old and was likely malnourished and physically abused before her death. The autopsy revealed Wiggins had fractures to her skull, arms, legs, shoulders and ribs, making a total of 15 individual fractures. Detectives also believe she was blind in her left eye because of a fracture to her eye socket. Opelika Police Detective Sgt. Alfred White, who has been working on this case since 2015, took the stand on Monday during the bond hearing. The fractures she notated had a high indication for child abuse, White said referring to the forensic anthropologist who analyzed Wiggins remains. Forensic scientists and genealogists were also able to determine Wiggins family tree, and White said they found a link in Lee County. Evia Vickerstaff, Lamar Vickerstaffs mother, appeared on the family tree and detectives obtained her DNA. White said the OPD first contacted Evia Vickerstaff then Lamar Vickerstaff then Sherry Wiggins, Amores biological mother who now lives in Baltimore, Md. In a Virginia court in 2009, Vickerstaff and his second wife Ruth were awarded legal and physical custody of three-year-old Amore Wiggins. Sherry Wiggins lost visitation rights and lost contact with her daughter, but continued to pay child support to Vickerstaff since then. In December, White said Opelika detectives traveled to Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., the base Vickerstaff was currently working on, and met with NCIS, who told Vickerstaffs commanding officer that he needed to come to the NCIS building. We attempted to interview him there, White said. He fled from the base. He was located several hours later by NCIS and by Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and was then transported to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Police Department where he was attempted to be interviewed. However, he declined to be interviewed and it was during that time we obtained a secondary DNA swab from Mr. Vickerstaff. White also confirmed that the location where Wiggins remains were found was in close proximity to one of Vickerstaffs childhood friends and what many considered to be his second mother. Detectives discovered Vickerstaff was born and raised in Opelika and graduated from Opelika High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and during his career, he lived in Norfolk, Va., Honolulu, Hawaii and Jacksonville, Fla. After hearing the evidence presented on Monday, Judge Tickal denied bail for Vickerstaff. Based upon the charge here, a felony murder of a child, appears upon the evidence Ive heard is that to have sustained long-term injuries over a period of time, serious injuries, of which theres no record of, and the fact that Mr. Vickerstaff did go AWOL immediately upon being notified of the charges as well as his connections throughout the United States and outside of the United States Im going to deny bail at this time, Tickal said while Vickerstaff shook his head. This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. The day after being crowned, Miss Alabama and Miss Teen Alabama said reality hasnt set in just yet. Saturday night the Miss Alabama USA pageant was held at the Gogue Performing Arts Center in Auburn. Sophie Burzynski, competing as Miss Auburn-Opelika, was crowned Miss Alabama USA, and Kensey Collins, competing as Miss Spanish Fort Teen, was crowned Miss Teen Alabama USA. Burzynski and Collins will go on to compete at Miss USA and Miss Teen USA representing Alabama. The date and location has not been announced at this time. After Burzynski was named Miss Alabama, she said, I was really in complete shock. I didnt know exactly what to say. Collins said for her, It was amazing and crazy all at the same time. I remember when I got Spanish Fort called everything went blurry. I couldnt hear and I remember hugging Ava (LeBlanc) so hard, I was like I probably knocked the breath out of her. LeBlanc competed as Miss Shelby County as was the runner up in the teen division. While the interview portion of the competition was one of Burzynskis favorite parts of the experience, she said shell never forget the support from her family and her Auburn family. I could hear all my friends and my roommate yell, Thats my roommate! she said. Just to be surrounded by love afterwards, just seeing all the people there that came to support me, and then also they rolled Toomers (Corner) afterwards, which is a super fun tradition here at Auburn, that was something that was so cool and special to me. Collins said she also enjoyed the interview portion of the pageant, but was most proud of walking in her heals after having knee surgery last year when all the cartilage in her knee was torn. Burzynski and Collins are looking forward to the next stage as well as a spending a year giving back to the state of Alabama and serving together. While they hadnt met before the pageant, theyre but excited to work together this year and become close friends. I want to do lots of service, especially with kids going to school. I want to teach leadership programs and entrepreneur (programs) throughout the state of Alabama to really inspire young girls and young boys to go after their dreams and to really not be afraid of success, Burzynski said. Collins added she is also planning to do a lot of community service and is open to any opportunity that comes her way. Her other goal is to go to all the elementary schools in Spanish Fort to read to students. Meet the winners Burzynski, 21, is the daughter of Norbert and Paige Burzynski. She grew up in Louisville, Ky., and came to Auburn University to double major in nutrition science and business management. After graduation, she plans to become a pediatric dentist because she was inspired by her grandfather. My grandfather was a dentist, and I always looked up to him. I think for me, a smile is something that really draws people in and its something that is so important to greet everyone with a smile, she said. Currently, Burzynski is a member of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, the official hosts of Auburn University, and is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority where shes served as the director over the philanthropy event Big Man on Campus. She also owns a wedding videography company called Videos By Sophie B. Burzynski said shes the second title holder Auburn has had with the first being Auburn graduate Kelly Hutchinson, who was crowned Miss Alabama in 2020 and made it to the top 5 at the Miss USA pageant. Last years title holder, Katelyn Vinson of Dothan, also attended Auburn University and was in the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority with Burzynski. (Katelyn Vinson) and Kelly Hutchinson, theyre both just such role models to me and great people, Burzynski said. Shes also looking forward to following in their footsteps and being able to go to them for guidance. Collins, 15, is the daughter of Ashley and Joseph Collins. She is a freshman at Spanish Fort High School and has future plans to attend Auburn University after her high school career. She said shed like to study fashion design or interior design. Ive always loved designing things, definitely since I was little, she said. I used to put crazy things in my hair. My mom had to tell me I could dress myself every day of the week, except for Sundays for church. Currently, Collins is involved in numerous clubs at her high school and one she believes is very important is FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). This was Collins second year participating in the Miss Teen Alabama pageant, and she said she wanted to compete again because it was a great experience. It has been amazing, Collins said about being crowned. There hasnt been a Spanish Fort to win yet, and so Im so excited to be the first. She said she was also amazed by all of the support shes received from her friends and family. I couldnt have done any of it without my mom. Shes like my best friend. Shes always there for me and tells me even when Im tired and Im just wanting to give up, because we all have those moments in life, shes always there pushing me forward and helping me achieve my goals, she said. Burzynski advices young girls and boys to be open to opportunities, open to new experiences and to always be kind. Collins added its also important to be yourself. God has a path planned out for you. I know its hard sometimes to walk that path, but its always gonna go in the right direction, Collins said. i don't blame you for posting this when you did but the academy just announced she's keeping her nomination but they're going after those who posted on social media, so... meh Reply Thread Link Booooo Reply Parent Thread Link That's more than I thought they would do tbh Reply Parent Thread Link Not a dislike on you but the academy saying for her to keep her nomination when we all know that if Michelle Yeoh or Viola Davis did that shit, they would have been blackballed for years. White women be white womening and I wish more people realized that. Reply Parent Thread Link going by these comments... clearly not Reply Parent Thread Link actions have consequences. https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/78611891.html im logging back off. sorry yall.actions have consequences. Reply Thread Link This is iconic lmao Reply Parent Thread Link you doomed us 10 years ago lmfaooo Reply Parent Thread Link This is all your fault Reply Parent Thread Link GODDAMNIT SUPERTEX! Reply Parent Thread Link Oh my god Reply Parent Thread Link This is amazing. Going in my "No Fam, It Was I" ONTD Hall of Fame. Reply Parent Thread Link this comment is iconic Reply Parent Thread Link ten years of sleeper agent activity, eh? smh Reply Parent Thread Link Who says Andrea came in at the last minute, she beat all of us! Reply Parent Thread Link DAMN YOU! Reply Parent Thread Link So it's you who unleashed this upon us. Reply Parent Thread Link where's that gift of prophecy meme? Reply Parent Thread Link tucker We knew it first she has star written all over her imo -2013We knew it first Reply Parent Thread Link What if....you're really andrea! Reply Parent Thread Link I dont understand the issue here like they lobbied and campaigned for people to watch and support their movie? ok? And if they did a better job at doing that than other actors and films why is that a travesty? this all reeks of studios getting prissy bc an independent film did a better job promoting and yall fell for it. This shit happens all the time but its suddenly a huge controversy mmmkay Reply Thread Link Just hit the damn tags and read the posts about this. This has been explained ad nauseam Reply Parent Thread Link girl I been reading and I am stumped Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That's exactly what it is lol. These awards have always been a popularity contest and people have used their relationships to campaign, but because she didn't have millions of studio dollars paying for it she's a monster Reply Parent Thread Link how many times am i going to see a variation of this comment between now and march 12 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The Academy is upset because because the social media posts specifically mentioned her competition in the race, which is against the rules/unsportsmanlike, and there were messages targeted at academy members which was also against the rules (and which obviously can't be allowed or they would be overwhelmed by this type of thing). This is why they are going after the social media. It also looks like they threw parties for the academy members that didn't even have screenings, so it seems less about getting people watching the film? I'm not sure why no one is in trouble for this as it is also against the rules as it is tantamount to a bribe. The general public though is upset because we are watching all of Hollywood come out of the woodwork to support a random white woman - they weren't even trying to get the film itself nominated or watched - in a way they have never rallied behind woc, and which likely resulted in a woc being locked out of the nominations. It also came across as really inauthentic because there was a lot of copy&paste social media posting. It doesn't seem like they even watched the movie themselves they just wanted to knock someone else out of the race. People have complained in the past about gross campaigning or the obvious use of connections, and even just the Oscars nominating big stars or the movies they're in to try and get them to show up to the show for ratings. This one was just all over social media and therefore more noticable to outsiders. As for the studios vs. indies - this most likely bumped Danielle's nomination for her performance in Till, another smaller film that has been working hard to get noticed the whole awards season. This isn't exactly David vs. Goliath. Apologies for the wall of text but a lot of people are asking in this post and this is my understanding. Someone can correct me if I missed anything. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I hear what you are saying. I'm been leading into "well she played the game the other way", but the more Im reading about this, you can see it has some problems - this campaign has been manipulation when you are saying please go for the underdog because the big names already have it secured, but give the underdog a chance, while of course its not true. You are breaking the rules when you included names of other performers and email them directly. Do other people do it? 100%. Have they been caught? No. There is a reason why actors, directors go to these screenings, probably to talk about nomination processes with one to one, because they simply can't call people or send emails to the whole branch and say "well give Andrea the first spot" (then you are breaking the rules) Reply Parent Thread Link I dont get it as well. It sounds like fake outrage by media and publicists who are mad that somebody showed that you don't need a lot of money to run succesful campaign. Reply Parent Thread Link I feel like we should've agreed on a scandal name for this Personally I liked 'Risebought' Reply Thread Link I have no idea what this movie is about but lord knows I've heard about it nonstop lol Reply Thread Link Its about an alcoholic woman whose drinking alienated herself from her family particularly her son and even when people tried to help she relapsed. And then she got her act together and her life began to turnaround including an implied reconciliation with her son. Groundbreaking.gif Reply Parent Thread Link thats what gets me all this over a movie with a her?.gif plot. I havent seen it but there is no way her acting is so exceptional as to rise above the formulaic serious actor-bait story. Reply Parent Thread Link White woman going through it wearing no make-up (i saw this somewhere else lol) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscars-not-punishing-andrea-riseborough-best-actress-campaign-1235312816/ She's keeping her nomination. CamillaMendesImshocked.gif bootomatotomato.gif She's keeping her nomination.CamillaMendesImshocked.gifbootomatotomato.gif Reply Thread Link Predicable I was saying last week that Will got bounced for ten years over a personal beef that happened to occur on air while these people including the actress who helped fund these rule breaking antics would get nothing more than a scornful statement. Mary M isnt in the Academy so they cant do anything to her and Allison will lay low until it blows over. Reply Parent Thread Link This pisses me off so much Reply Parent Thread Link Looks like she gets to keep her nomination which is unsurprising but super annoying. Reply Thread Link Mary McCormacks biz in this making me wish we still had Barbara Walters around. Reply Thread Link Watched For Leslie last night and she deserves the nomination Reply Thread Link Thank you for you objective opinion, Mary Reply Parent Thread Link The performance made such an impact on her she forgot the name of the movie lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link Is she that good if it made you forget the correct movie title Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm truly baffled at why these ppl decided to go so hard for Riseborough. Like I get McCormick bc her husband's the director but you've got Winslet out here calling it the best female performance ever. Reply Thread Link Some of the supporters are people she's worked with so I get that but overall the support she got is unbelievable, especially when you look at other better-known actors who've famously have been snubbed and never won. Like where was the support for them lol??!?!?!? Reply Parent Thread Link The intensity of which they're all reacting to the nomination review is also odd. They're treating her like some martyr but I just find all of it so embarrassing. Reply Parent Thread Link like seriously what on earth did amy adams DO if this shit worked lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Has Kate Winslet ever seen a movie? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link People like feeling like theyve been able to find a hidden gem and will usually take the opportunity to champion what they see as a worthy underdog and at least based on the reviews, she gave a pretty impressive performance. Of course theyre going to feel better about signal boosting a performance in a little movie that got overlooked over a performance in a movie thats been widely recognized. Reply Parent Thread Link Winslet and Riseborough are in an Oscar bait movie together next year called Lee. a biopic of WWII photographer Lee Miller with Winslet as Lee and Riseborough as a famous WWII journalist (i literally only know about this movie bc Andy Samberg and Josh O'Connor are going to be in it). so basically Winslet and Riseborough are friends + Lee will be able to get a boost bc a recent Best Actress nominee and two Best Actress winners will be in it (Marion Cotillard is also in the film) + Riseborough has a higher profile and will campaign for Winslet next year too. Edited at 2023-01-31 10:47 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I like the comment made in a previous post where someone said this same actress couldnt scrape up a Golden Globe or a BAFTA from her own native land or a Critics Choice or a SAG and I think the reporting on this has been remiss without considering how glaring it was they did this for an Academy Award nomination but for none of the others. At all. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm surprised anyone here would cap for her as much as they have tbh, is it just because she's a conduit to which they can minimize the actual struggles of WOC to get recognized? Like I don't get supporting her nom and acting like she's a victim when 2 Black women were ACTUALLY not nominated and 1 Asian woman's nom is being overshadowed by all this Reply Thread Link They don't really care about the racial aspect but do like the middle finger to the studio system or just wanna be contrarian. Even though Andrea's scheme almost makes the studio look fair-ish cause that last minute push was fuckery. Reply Parent Thread Link Because theres nothing that she actually did that seems crazy out of bounds of a normal Oscar campaign. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean she did toe the line and did overstep otherwise there wouldn't be an investigation, but when we discuss this whole situation we're not just talking about what is "fair" vis-a-vis the rules of an established institution, we're talking about the actual consequences. In this case it ended up sidelining two WOC candidates. You can talk about Ana and WMW all you want, but we can also talk about Andrea Riseborough, and we should, because if the only thing this astroturfing accomplishes is other white women getting acclaim over deserving WOC, this is not the kind of progress we ought to want or strive for. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link but but but it's the little indie that could!11!!!! david v goliath!!!11!11 they beat the studios are their own game by...being rich enough to pay PR firms to have a bunch of white actresses with clout rally all their friends to vote for her lmfao Edited at 2023-01-31 10:25 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link some of the defenders are our usual trolls (embarrassed for the ones who arent tbh) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's been 22 years since a since a black woman won the Oscar to Best Lead actress, the first and only WOC to ever win it. This could have been an special year with 3/5 non white women nominated. Like what's not clicking?? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Idt it's too deep tbh, it's just some people really are that dumb. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm not caping for her. It just seems like ya'll are acting like she is responsible for this fucked up system, and instead of being mad at the Oscar and thinking they should change the way campaigns work folks here are just mad at her? Like she is the problem and her losing her nomination would fix it. Reply Parent Thread Link If Mary McCormack isn't even a member of the academy then what's the fuss? Reply Thread Link I think in this case it's probably Frances Fisher and her dumb comments about locks. Reply Parent Thread Link From what I can tell Frances Fisher isn't even a member of the compaign so why would that be held against To Leslie. So far the only thing that seems dodge is the Instagram post quoting the reviewer who mentions Andrea's performance in comparison to Cate Blanchett Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah her social media post and the one from the official movies Instagram are probably worth sanctioning but people are acting like Andrea made the post herself or the one on the official Instagram had more than three likes. Reply Parent Thread Link frances fisher gets fewer likes on her posts than i do, so who is she influencing? that's what i don't get here. like obviously it's the number of famous people who campaigned for andrea, including cate in her own accetance speech that's fucking weird to me. but to have frances fisher and some director's wife have a campaign like this actually work is wild to me. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Several posts and comments have told yall what the fuss is over, I highly suggest reading them. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link She didn't even do anything wrong either lol. She could have had an identical get-together and just had people watch the movie at her place instead of at home before having an identical reception, and it would have followed the rules to the letter. She followed the spirit of the rules by asking them to watch it first Reply Parent Thread Expand Link unsurprised this was handled like ass and people are still acting obtuse about it and why others are annoyed but alas Danielle and Viola deserved better and so does Michelle Reply Thread Link "Now, movies like To Leslie are an endangered species...close to extinction. well, no, they're just on streaming. Also, how do we even know the people who she sent her email blast to even saw her movie? I thought most of the people were just like "Oh, okay, she's my friend of my agent's or w/e, let me put her in 1, knowing Michelle/Viola/Danielle are safe." Reply Thread Link I think that and the old white farts got scared and thought the non-whites were getting too much and this nice white lady has worked hard and bootstraps and all that and really the non whites need to work harder nothing should be easy for them you know? Reply Parent Thread Link Streaming itself is not something thats going to be a financially viable format moving forward. Netflix has almost totally saturated the market and the other streaming services keep merging because its not worth it for anyone to subscribe to all of them. Thats not even counting the fact that small indie movies are never going to be considered enough of a customer draw for streaming in the first place so they arent a dependable funding source. Edited at 2023-01-31 10:29 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Seriously. Indie movies do fine in NY & LA and on streaming. This "marvel movies are destroying cinema!!!" Chicken Littling is really a bit much. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, I think it would be pretty depressing if it was no longer possible to see indie movies in theaters outside of NY or LA. For the record, I'm not on board with how the To Leslie team conducted this campaign; I think they broke the rules. But on this one point, they're right that it's getting increasingly difficult to find funding to make smaller films because streaming is not a replacement for theatrical revenue and DVD sales. Streaming cannot save independent film; Disney+ lost $1.5 billion last year, Netflix has learned it can churn out cheap garbage and people will lap it up, and other platforms are consolidating and slashing budgets. It's really dark! Reply Parent Thread Link LOL Jesus what a comment. Obviously commenting from an NYC bubble. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The quality of streaming movies is slowly changing but most movies that are only on streaming are studio rejects and not of the best quality. There's definitely a lack of low to mid size budget movies at the cinema. Reply Parent Thread Link "Also, how do we even know the people who she sent her email blast to even saw her movie?" That has been a problem with the academy and voters for decades now, where people just vote for whoever they know and don't watch shit. Reply Parent Thread Link Time to manifest a win for Michelle Yeoh. Split the white vote. Split the white vote. Split the white vote. Reply Thread Link i'm hoping that the enough of the ppl locked in for cate decide to swing the other way and vote for andrea out of spite that michelle yeoh takes it lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link Me too! Sidenote: Did you see the new TwiceXAllure video? Reply Parent Thread Link This is what Im hoping happens now since they insisted on keeping her nomination lol Reply Parent Thread Link I suppose a win is a win, but I'm saddened this fuckery could overshadow a Michelle Yeoh win. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link As much as I want Michelle Yeoh to win, at the same time I'm mad because if she does her win will be tainted by white people's fuckery. Just like when Moonlight won Reply Parent Thread Expand Link You just KNOW the person in that Vanity Fair article who mentioned Viola is going to vote so hard for Michelle their pencil is going to go through the paper! Reply Parent Thread Link Maybe I'm delusional but Idt this would overshadow Michelle's win. Yes, folks will talk about this fuckery but they'll also gladly ignore it on Oscar night in order to not make the sensitive actors uncomfortable. Andrea will walk the red carpet just fine, give her interviews and act all humble about how surprising her nom was, and people will probably meme the shit out of it. Meanwhile (hopefully) Michelle will look stunning, give a fantastic, heartfelt speech & make history as an Oscar winner. MUNNIFESTING THIS RN. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The Dangers of the Cold: Different Types of Cold-Related Illnesses As workers are exposed to the cold, they can be at risk for cold-related illnesses. Although this past December was warmer than many other Decembers, winter is not over yet. Many states across the country may still encounter cold temperatures throughout the next two months. Employers and employees exposed to cold conditions will need to take extra caution to protect themselves from cold-related illnesses. Here are just a few to know about and prepare for, according to OSHA and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Chilblains Its possible that while in temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and under, a worker may get chilblains. A worker may experience itching, redness or, in some cases, blisters on some areas of their body, most commonly the cheeks, ears, fingers and toes, according to NIOSH. Its important to not scratch the area, but in cases where this is difficult, utilize corticosteroid creams. Any blisters should be clean[ed] and covered. Trench Foot/Immersion Foot If a workers foot is wet and cold for a long period of time, they may be at risk for trench foot. Workers in temperatures as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit can experience this illness, which is also called immersion foot. Keep an eye out for visual symptoms like blisters, discoloration of the skin, bleeding under the skin or swelling as well as a loss of feeling, cramps and tinging pain, NIOSH said. If a worker thinks they have trench foot, they should take everything off their feet and dry them. Extreme cases of trench foot may result in amputation, sepsis or death, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Frostbite If a worker can no longer feel parts of their bodyor feels pain, tinging or stingingand notices discoloration, they may be experiencing frostbite. To stop the illness from getting worse and causing severe damage, like the loss of a body part, the affected area needs to be warmed. Use warm water and body heat, NIOSH explained, and dont use hot water, a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator. Hypothermia A worker experiencing hypothermiawhen the bodys temperature falls lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheitmay notice a variety of symptoms, ranging from shivering and fatigue early on to a lack of shivering, blue skin and decreased breathing later on, according to NIOSH. However, the drop in body temperature has a negative impact on the brain, meaning some people wont be aware of their condition. If you have or notice someone who has these symptoms, call for medical assistance. Once the person is in a warm area, any wet clothing should be taken off prior to dry clothes or other items, like blankets, being applied. To help warm the person up, give them warm drinks (only if theyre conscious, and no alcohol) and utilize options like skin-to-skin contact and electric blankets, NIOSH and OSHA said. Looking to learn about heat-related illnesses? Check out OH&S article. Given that Libya has exhibited all the stability of a puff adder on benzedrine since the West removed its longstanding leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011, it is little wonder that it has found attracting foreign investment into its flashpoint oil and gas sector a tad tricky since then. It is a testament, though, to Libyas hydrocarbons potential that any significant lull in hostilities between the multitude of self-interested factions in the country is sufficient to re-engage the interest of several hardy oil and gas companies. Italys Eni is one such company, with an announcement last week that it is to sign an agreement with Libyas state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) that will see it invest around US$8 billion to produce about 850 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d) from two offshore gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea. The deal as stated by the NOCs chairman, Farhat Bengdara, in a television interview with the local al-Masar station - would involve the renewal of an existing agreement originally struck in 2008. Eni currently produces gas in Libya from its Wafa and Bahr Essalam fields operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas, a joint venture between the Italian company and the NOC. According to Eni, gas from the fields is transported to Italy through the 520 kilometre eight billion cubic metres per year (bcm/y) capacity Green Stream pipeline that crosses the Mediterranean Sea and lands in Gela in Sicily. These gas flows were interrupted at the beginning of the year due to unscheduled maintenance at the Mellitah Complex, according to Eni, but have since been restored to full capacity. According to the NOCs Bengdara, the reduced exports to Italy were a result of Libyas preference at that point to send gas for electricity production instead. It may be, therefore, that Italy is seeking to secure the stability of its gas supplies from Libya through further investment from its key oil and gas companies into the country and, more broadly, into other target suppliers in the region. Like all other European countries, Italy is seeking to offset the loss of Russian gas and oil supplies following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The government in Rome has pledged to eliminate Russian gas by 2025 and, to this end, has announced several new short- and medium-term measures to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline flows from other sources. Related: Texas Oil And Gas Industry Braces For Severe Winter Weather One highly notable success in this context, which may also boost gas flows into Europe more broadly, was the announcement by Eni in conjunction with U.S. hydrocarbons giant, Chevron of a major new gas discovery in the 1,800 square kilometre Nargis offshore area concession. This discovery followed the announcement in December 2022 that the two companies had hit at least 3.5 trillion cubic feet of gas with its Nargis-1 exploration well in the eastern Nile Delta, about 60 kilometres north of the Sinai Peninsula. As analysed in depth by OilPrice.com, Eni said the Nargis-1 well find confirms the validity of its focus on Egypt offshore: [] which [we] will further develop thanks to the recent award of exploration blocks North Rafah, North El Fayrouz, North East El Arish, Tiba and Bellatrix-Seti East. This all follows Enis discovery of the huge Zohr field in the East Mediterranean in 2015. As Libya tries to main gas production of at least 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), Bengdara said back in November that the upcoming US$8 billion deal with Eni would be a key part of Libyas refocusing its efforts on boosting its gas production and tapping some 80 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves. According to previous comments from the NOC chairman, ideas are also in place to install another gas pipeline from the east of Libya to Greece to augment the potential export capacity inherent in the gas pipeline already in place from Libya to Italy. In addition, Bengdara has said there could be another pipeline linked to the Damietta LNG plant in Egypt, with ENI in place as the leader of the SEGAS consortium that owns Damietta LNG. He added that there is also a program of drilling offshore and onshore that will start soon, under the leadership of Eni and BP. We are [also] in talks with TotalEnergies to invest more in Libya and increase production, and other companies of course, he highlighted. These plans for Libyas gas sector were announced in tandem with its plans for the development of its oil sector, with Bengdara stating that Libya wants foreign investment in order to be able to boost its oil production up to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the next three to five years. According to industry figures, Libya - which does not have an OPEC quota - pumped 1.17 million bpd in December, and Bengdara said last week that its oil and condensate production has stabilised now to around 1.255 million bpd. Having said all this, it is apposite to note that the legality of any deals for gas or oil signed by Bengdara or the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli that appointed him could be challenged at any point by the Libyas eastern-based parliament. The core problem in this respect has been the ongoing lack of clarity in the agreement of 18 September 2020 as to how funds from Libyas gas and oil sector would be divided up between the various political factions active there. On that date just over two years ago, a deal was struck between Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the rebel Libyan National Army (LNA), and elements of the United Nations-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in which Haftar made it clear that the resultant lifting of the oil blockade then in place would not last unless a precise framework was agreed about precisely how oil revenues would be divided up between various groups from then on. Such a framework has still not been agreed and the failure to do so has resulted in a series of further embargoes on the oil sector, large and small, since then. The most significant recent example came last April with widespread blockades of various ports and installations. Just prior to this, the Sharara field in the west of the country, which can pump around 300,000 bpd, was also shut down and before this the El Feel oil field, which produces 70,000 bpd, was closed. Overall, during that wave of blockades and shutdowns, Libya was losing around 550,000 bpd of its oil production. At various other points since then, farcical scenes have emerged at the top of the political structure in the country. July that year saw the GNU Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, replace the widely-respected Mustafa Sanalla as chairman of the NOC with Bengdara, who is a long-time associate and friend of Dbeibahs. Sanalla rejected Dbeibahs authority to sack him, and in a fiery television appearance, the former NOC chairman who had received backing from both of Libyas opposing legislative bodies - warned Dbeibah not to touch the NOC or the oil revenues and contracts that it manages. The then-would-be NOC chairman, Bengdara, then held his own news conference at the NOC headquarters building and received the backing of two major NOC affiliate companies - Al Waha Oil, and Arabian Gulf Oil - before Al Waha then deleted its message of support. All of this followed the failed attempt by Fathi Bashagha appointed prime minister of the alternative government in the east of the country three months before to seize power in Tripoli. This occurred amid the ongoing refusal of the Dbeibah - who was appointed through a United Nations-led process in 2021 - to hand over power until such a time as a properly elected government was voted into office by the people of Libya. Nonetheless, there remains huge natural oil and gas resources potential in Libya. Before the removal of Gaddafi, Libya had easily been able to produce around 1.65 million bpd of mostly high-quality light, sweet crude oil and production had been on a rising production trend, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000. Although this output was well below the peak levels of more than 3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, the NOC had plans in place before 2011 to roll out enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to increase crude oil production at maturing oil fields. Given this plan, there appeared scope to increase crude oil production up to the 2.1 million bpd targeted by Libyas minister of gas and oil, Mohamed Aoun, and to hit the informal interim target of 1.6 million bpd by the end of 2023. It is apposite to remember as well at this point that Libya still has around 48 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves the largest in Africa. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: People march on State Street in Chicago's Loop on Jan. 30, 2023, to protest the killing of Tyre Nichols. Nichols died after he was beaten by Memphis police officers on Jan. 7. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Braving below-freezing temperatures, over 100 people gathered Monday night at Federal Plaza in the Loop to protest police killings after a video was released of the traffic stop in which Memphis police brutally beat Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man. Calls for protesters to vote particularly in the upcoming police district council elections and for the Chicago City Council to pass the Peace Book ordinance to reallocate part of the police budget to peace initiatives in the city remained a main focus of the night. Advertisement For the first time, Chicago voters will see police district council elections on their ballots. Representatives in those districts will be responsible for collaborating with department officials on community policing issues. [ Gatherings remain calm in Chicago after release of Memphis police video ] The Loop protest, organized by Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Innocent Demand Justice and SOUL (Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation), came after small groups gathered across the city over the weekend. Mayor Lori Lightfoot had called on protesters to remain peaceful when the video of Nichols beating was released. Advertisement Kobi Guillory, co-chair of the alliance, began by asking protesters to Say his name, prompting the crowd to yell Tyre Nichols repeatedly. Acting as emcee for the protest, Guillory introduced Frank Chapman, educational director and field organizer for the alliance. We see the same thing, year after year, year after year, the same thing, Chapman said. Thats because the system is not changing. Its the same system. And its going to continue to murder us and kill us until we unite and get together and fight. Chapman urged attendees to vote but not only in the mayoral and aldermanic elections. I want you to grit your teeth, do whatever you got to do, but get out there on voting day, he said. And vote. And vote. And I aint talking about the mayor. I aint talking about the aldermen. Im talking about: Vote for the district council ... The solution aint in the White House, he said. Hell no, a protester responded. The solution aint in the Statehouse, Chapman continued. The solution aint in the mayors office. They had their chance of doing it ... and what have they done with it? The solution is us. Ameena Matthews rallies with other activists at Chicago's Federal Plaza on Jan. 30, 2023, to protest the killing of Tyre Nichols. Nichols died after he was beaten by Memphis police officers on Jan. 7. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Organizers invited police district council candidates to speak, including Arewa Karen Winters, who is a candidate for district council in the 15th Police District. No matter how much we think we have achieved the American Dream, we must continually confront systemic and institutional constructs of racism in all forms, said Karen Winters. Advertisement Winters, who said her great-nephew Pierre Loury, 16, was shot and killed by Chicago police, added that police officers must possess certain characteristics like compassion, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, tolerance and truthfulness. They must have the spirit of discernment, respect for human life, common sense and the spirit of stability, she said. In this current climate, it has to be more than a job or career it has to be a way of life. William The Kid Guerrero, a 21-year-old from Pilsen who is running for district council in the 12th Police District, also spoke to protesters about Nichols beating and killing. Wheres the justice? And I dont care that it wasnt in Chicago the same thing happens here in the city of Chicago as well, Guerrero said. Bishop Tavis Grant, acting national executive director of the Chicago-based nonprofit Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, called the beating one of Americas most brutal acts of institutionalized racism on a 140-pound body that bore the spirit of Tyre Nichols. Afternoon Briefing Daily 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 > Cassandra Greer-Lee, widow of former Cook County Jail inmate Nickolas Lee, who died of COVID-19 in April 2020, held a sign with her husbands picture on it. Her activism has been fueled by what she said was the belief that jail officials did not act swiftly enough to curb COVID-19 during the early days of the pandemic. Advertisement Greer-Lee held back tears as she spoke. Im just a little shattered and broken, she said, referring to Tyre Nichols. Because, like I said, Im a mother, and watching that baby cry and scream for his mother I wish I could have helped him. After extending condolences to Nichols family, she also asked attendees to vote in the upcoming election, pointing out what she said was Lightfoots hypocritical $16.4 billion spending plan, which calls for an overall Chicago Police Department budget of $1.94 billion next year. After the speeches, the group of protesters walked down West Adams Street, then turned north onto State Street and finally reached the Atrium Mall at the Thompson Center by way of West Randolph Street. They yelled the names of people of color who have allegedly been killed by police over the last few years, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Manuel Tortuguita Teran and Laquan McDonald. The protest scattered after organizers thanked attendees and made sure everyone knew to leave with a companion and stay warm. adperez@chicagotribune.com Prior to the unwitting boost that Russias ongoing failure in Ukraine has given the U.S., NATO, and Europe, Washingtons intentions regarding Iraq were mixed. On the one hand, the reasons why the U.S. invaded Iraq to secure oil supplies that would lessen its reliance on Saudi Arabia, to control the centre ground in the Middle East, and to counteract Irans growing influence in Iraq and in the region still stood. On the other, though, it had long been clear in Iraq, Afghanistan and indeed Saudi Arabia, among many others, that Islamic countries did not want an ongoing Western Christian presence in their countries. It may be that Qatars move to buy a 30 percent stake in four US$27 billion projects in Iraq that were set to be managed entirely by Frances TotalEnergies are in line with the U.S.s new strategy for Baghdad. The four projects are essential to Iraqs future as a truly independent country. The first of them is the completion of the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP), which remains crucial in enabling Iraq to reach crude oil production targets of 7 million barrels per day (bpd), then 9 million bpd and perhaps even 12 million bpd, as analysed in depth in my last book on the global oil markets. The CSSP in its most basic iteration involves taking and treating seawater from the Persian Gulf and then transporting it via pipelines to oil production facilities to maintain pressure in oil reservoirs to optimise the longevity and output of fields. The long-delayed plan for the CSSP is that it will be used initially to supply around 6 million bpd of water to at least five southern Basra fields and one in Maysan Province, and then built out for use in other fields. Related: Oil Prices Set To Climb On Rumors That The Fed Will Stop Hiking Interest Rates The second of the projects is to collect and refine at a major processing plant the associated (with oil drilling) gas that is currently burned off at the five southern Iraq oilfields of West Qurna 2, Majnoon, Tuba, Luhais, and Artawi. Initial comments from Iraqs Ministry of Oil highlighted that the plant is expected to produce 300 million cubic feet of gas per day (mcf/d) and double that after a second phase of development. Then-Iraqi Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul Jabbar, also stated at the time the TotalEnergies deal was announced that the gas produced from this second project would also help Iraq to cut its gas imports from Iran, with the domestically produced gas being cheaper than the Iranian gas. Successfully capturing associated gas rather than flaring it would also allow Iraq to revive the also long-stalled US$11-billion Nebras petrochemicals project with Royal Dutch Shell. If Nebras went ahead it could be completed within five years and would generate estimated profits of up to US$100 billion for Iraq within its 35-year initial contract period. The third part of TotalEnergies four-pronged US$27 billion deal is aimed at boosting crude oil output from Iraqs Artawi oil field to 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, up from the current circa-85,000 bpd. This project could lead TotalEnergies (and eventually) others to engage in similar crude oil production boosting projects across the country. The French oil and gas giant already has a 22.5 percent stake in the Halfaya oil field in Missan province in the south and an 18 percent stake in the Sarsang exploration block in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in the north. The last of the four projects to be undertaken by the French company will be the construction and operation of a 1,000-megawatt solar energy plant. The most obvious fit for Qatar into this array of projects would be in the gas project, given its expertise in the field and its role as the worlds top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. This is also the role that since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has put it in the spotlight of the major Western powers as a substitute for lost Russian gas supplies. Qatar does not just have abundant volumes of gas, but it also has the ability in its LNG capabilities to move that gas more quickly and to more places than is possible for gas that is transported via pipelines. Currently Qatar has liquefaction capacity of around 77 million tonnes per year (mtpy), although it can and has produced more if required, and has plans to increase that to 126 mtpy by 2027. When the de facto leader of the European Union (EU) bloc, Germany, was wavering over whether to back the intended sanctions on Russian gas gas constitutes around 27 percent of Germanys energy mix and 55 percent of this came from Russia before the invasion of Ukraine Qatar LNG supplies were used to plug a significant part of the short-term gap in supplies. The remainder was plugged by increased take up from Norway, the U.S., and the Netherlands. Crucially here, it was the U.S. that played a key role in brokering this short-term gas fix from Qatar for Germany. As highlighted at the time by OilPrice.com, December 2022 saw two early sales and purchase agreements signed between QatarEnergy and the U.S.s ConocoPhillips to export LNG to Germany for at least 15 years from 2026. These deals will provide Germany with 2 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, sent from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Germanys northern LNG terminal of Brunsbuettel. An accompanying statement from QatarEnergys chief executive officer (also Qatars Energy Minister), Saad al-Kaabi which sounded as though it could have been written by one of the high-level energy policy advisers in the White House ran: [The two sales and repurchase agreements] mark the first ever long-term LNG supply agreements to Germany, with a supply period that extends for at least 15 years, thus contributing to Germanys long-term energy security. The U.S.s ConocoPhilips is involved as one of its subsidiaries will be the entity that purchases the LNG from Qatar that will then be delivered to Brunsbuettel, which is currently still under development. Ever since the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has cleverly sought to turn Russias own weaponization of its energy supplies especially into Europe against it. After all, the logic runs, if Europe depended on gas and oil supplies from Russia to keep the wheels of its industry turning then conversely Russia depended on revenues from those supplies into Europe to keep its financing and economy running smoothly. Consequently, by cutting as many of those revenues off to Russia, over time its economy will be devastated, in a much more directly correlated way and therefore, much more quickly than had been in achieved through similar sanctions on Iran. There is another very interesting element to the U.S.s focus on Qatar as a prime ally in this element of its anti-Russia strategy: Washington has chosen it over and above Saudi Arabia, from which it has asked for, expected, and received no assistance at all in its attempts to punish Russia for its invasion on Ukraine. As analysed in great depth in my last book on the global oil markets, the longstanding agreement made on 14 February 1945 between then-U.S. President, Franklin D Roosevelt, and the then-Saudi King, Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, was this: The U.S. would receive all of the oil supplies it needed for as long as Saudi Arabia had oil in place and, in return for this, the U.S. would guarantee the security both of the ruling House of Saud and, by extension, of Saudi Arabia. This deal ran smoothly until the 1973 Oil Crisis, after which the race was on as far as the U.S. was concerned to made itself independent of the whims of Middle Eastern countries especially Saudi Arabia for its energy needs. After the rise of the U.S. shale gas and oil sectors in the early 2010s especially, and the 2014-2016 Oil Price War instigated by Saudi Arabia to destroy or at least disable those sectors, the U.S. relationship with the Kingdom was finished in spirit. The final nails in the coffin of any residual goodwill left over from the original 1945 Agreement came in the form of Russias crucial support for OPECs oil production cut at the end of 2016, aimed at increasing oil prices to try to restore its members finances after the War. This turned into the OPEC+ grouping, with the plus principally being Russia. Since then, as also analysed in depth in my last book on the global oil markets, Saudi Arabia has moved inexorably away from the U.S. and toward the Russia-China sphere of influence, failing to condone the Russian invasion of Ukraine and not deigning to take a telephone call from U.S. President Joe Biden to play a part in alleviating spiralling energy prices. ADVERTISEMENT By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Demand for battery metals is already growing fast, but its just getting started. Like it or not, clean technologies like EVs and energy storage, and renewable energies like solar and wind, rely on finite natural resources. As demand for mineral-intensive items like lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles heats up along with the global clean energy transition, the production of these resources is going to need to grow along with it. But can it? Many leading experts have worried about whether the world has enough of these non-renewable resources to make the great reset possible without depleting these minerals and driving prices prohibitively high. In short, the worry is no longer peak oil; its now peak lithium. One major problem is that no one knows for sure exactly how much lithium we have. As of 2021, it was estimated that the world had 88 million tonnes of lithium resources. One-quarter of that 22 million tonnes is feasibly extractable. This issue is that this figure is changing all the time as we explore for more lithium and find more advanced ways to extract it. While there has been much hand wringing about running out, some experts think that its far too soon to panic. In fact, the U.S. geological survey says that these kinds of resources are relatively abundant. And as Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist at Oxford University, explained early this year: We keep discovering more lithium, and we get better at mining it. Basically, she argues, worrying over lithium supply is a malthusian fallacy. Those who claim that we are running out arent taking technological advancement into account. If we count the lithium present in seawater, for example, well have more than we could ever need we just need the technology to extract it. And necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention. Related: Texas Oil And Gas Industry Braces For Severe Winter Weather And now, a new study published in scientific journal Joule on Friday unequivocally concluded that the world has enough raw materials, including battery metals minerals, to make the big switch from fossil fuels to renewables. Lithium wont even be the biggest worry. The closest calls will be with rare earth minerals dysprosium and tellurium, the first of which is used in wind energy production and the latter in solar farms. But in both cases proven reserves outstrip predicted demand. Decarbonization is going to be big and messy, but at the same time we can do it, study co-author Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at the tech company Stripe and Berkeley Earth, was quoted by the Associated Press. Im not worried were going to run out of these materials. While the findings from the Joule study are considerable, however, its important to note that they only took into account energy needs, and not other big consumers of rare earth materials such as electric vehicles. Making the calculation for EVs is much more complicated, and the team from this paper has said that thats what they will tackle next. Even if the quantity of rare earth minerals doesnt hold back the green energy transition, however, there are other geopolitical risks associated with the supply chains of these essential resources. For one thing, all of this mining will also release more greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, but these emissions will be so far offset by the reductions achieved in the green energy transition that they are negligible. But there is another concern that proves far more worrying. As elements like lithium become more demanded and therefore more valuable, companies and countries around the world are trying to shore up supply chains and acquire reserves as quickly as possible. And the West is lagging far behind. China currently dominates battery metal supply chains, and has continued to consolidate its already near-monopolistic market power. This could cause major issues in the future, as Beijing is not above using these supply chain strangleholds for political leverage. The West is working hard to make up the difference by investing in lithium development in allied countries but they will have to work a lot harder to make a dent in the stranglehold that China has been cultivating for years. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Baku aims to double gas exports to Europe within five years and BP's exploration wells are crucial to securing new gas volumes. UK oil giant BP has started drilling two new exploration wells to search for gas deep beneath the Caspian Sea. The announcement comes as Azerbaijan imports gas from Iran and Russia to meet both growing domestic demand and existing export contracts. Baku has also pledged to double exports to Europe within five years. One of the wells will reach a depth of 7,000 meters, BP said this month, to tap a gas reservoir believed to lie below the existing Shah Deniz gas field, which currently provides the bulk of Azerbaijan's gas exports. This well, which is expected take around a year to complete, should confirm whether gas in the deep reservoir can be extracted commercially. BP said the second well, which will reach a depth of about 4,500 meters, is targeting a possible reservoir below Azerbaijan's main oil field, the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) field. This drilling project will follow an existing well for part of its depth and so is expected to be completed in just three months. Offshore drilling in deep water is enormously expensive, with each well costing many tens of millions of dollars. The first well is being drilled under the existing production agreement between Baku and the consortium operating the field, which includes BP, Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR, Turkey's state oil company TPAO, Iranian state oil company NICO and Russia's Lukoil. This means both that any gas produced from the deep reservoir belongs to the consortium, and that the consortium can recover the cost of the well from the revenue generated by the sale of gas from the field. The situation with the ACG well is more complex. Like most oil fields, ACG also produces large quantities of gas; some is pumped back into the field to boost oil production and the rest delivered onshore by pipeline. Under the production agreement, oil produced from the field belongs to the ACG consortium which includes BP, SOCAR, TPAO, Exxon Mobil and six other international companies, who together export the oil to global markets. However, the gas which is delivered onshore belongs to SOCAR, and is used to meet Azerbaijan's domestic gas demand. BP confirmed to Eurasianet that the new exploration well into the deep gas reservoir is being funded by the ACG consortium itself ahead of an agreement over who owns the gas, and with no guarantee that it will be able to recover costs. This unusual move suggests both that the consortium is confident that it will locate significant gas reserves, and that it will be able to secure a deal over ownership which suits both Baku and its commercial partners in the consortium. Timely move If commercial volumes of gas are discovered by one or both of the exploration wells, as things stand there will be no difficulty finding markets for the gas. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent imposition of sanctions by the EU, and Moscow's retaliatory decision to restrict gas flows have upended the European gas market. With Azerbaijani gas already flowing to Greece and Bulgaria, in recent months countries across southeastern Europe have been signaling their interest in importing gas from Azerbaijan. In July Brussels and Baku inked a landmark agreement under which Baku would increase gas deliveries to Europe from 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 12 bcm in 2022 and double deliveries to 20 bcm by 2027. In the event, exports to Europe last year totaled only 11.4 bcm, and are expected to reach only 11.6 bcm this year. It's unclear if the shortfall is due to limited production, or limited capacity in the three pipelines which make up the Southern Gas Corridor that carries Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Azerbaijan has faced difficulties meeting both growing domestic demand and export commitments. In late 2021 Azerbaijan signed a three-way swap deal which saw Turkmenistan ship gas to northeastern Iran and Iran ship a corresponding volume from northwestern Iran to Azerbaijan. ADVERTISEMENT It's unclear if the trade is continuing, but Baku has agreed to buy gas from Russia in order to meet an expected shortfall, raising the uncomfortable prospect that Azerbaijan may have been importing Russian gas in order to export more Azerbaijani gas to Europe. From the EU's perspective, this would undermine the point of the Azerbaijan-EU deal, which was to reduce European dependence on Russian gas. What isn't in doubt, though, is that existing reserves at Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas field will be unable to meet Bakus commitments to Brussels by 2027. New volumes will have to be found. Efforts to secure agreements to bring gas from Turkmenistan across the Caspian appear to have stalled. Now the question is, with several years of development work required on the new deeper fields, can Baku deliver the promised gas on time? By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Big Oil had a record year in 2022, earning billions from the imbalance between oil and gas demand and supply, and from the massive uncertainty that geopolitical events and decisions in Europe precipitated. The record profits drove higher dividends and lofty share buyback plans. They are also drawing highly unwanted attention from governments. And this attention might just become more focused this year, just when oil and gas prices are retreating. Commodity prices are down across the board relative to record 2022 levels, but it still looks like its going to be a very strong year, according to Kim Fustier, head of European oil and gas research at HSBC, who spoke to Bloomberg. It could very well be the second best year in history for overall distributions and share buybacks. Indeed, Big Oils five supermajors were expected to report combined earnings of close to $200 billion for 2022, and although oil and gas are down, they are not down sharply enough to prompt the majors to rethink their plans for the year. But governments may do that. Windfall profit taxes are already a thing in the European Union and the UK, and the industry has criticized the move as likely to discourage investment in new production just when such new production is urgently needed. According to Bloomberg columnist Lionel Laurent, the windfall taxes might just be the start. Noting how the U.S. oil industrys decision to repurchase billions worth of shares amid last years oil price surge annoyed the Biden administration, Laurent suggested that European supermajors decision to buy back shares and raise dividends might annoy governments in Europeand lead to more taxes. If this does happen, then the industry will have an even better motive than it does now to argue against more investments in new oil and gas production. And thats likely to put it at even sharper odds with governments. Ultimately, it would also limit the growth potential of oil and gas output at a time when forecasts are multiplying that the world will need fossil fuels for decades to come. Back to the short term, however, this year will likely be very much like last year, despite lower prices. Because forecasts for this year see record oil demand. None other than the International Energy Agency, an outspoken opponent of the oil and gas industry, said earlier this month that Chinas reopening after Covid lockdowns would cause a surge in global oil demand to a record high of 101.7 million barrels daily this year. The IEA also said in the same forecast that oil supply is going to tighten this year as more Western sanctions in Russia come into effect, notably the fuel embargo set to kick in on February 5th. And, like every supply tightening, if this materializes, it would push prices higher, fattening Big Oils profits yet again. And this will, in all likelihood, intensify criticism of the industry. Wood Mackenzie wrote a report earlier this month noting that the different priorities of the oil industry and the governments it operates under will lead to clashes this year. With governments pushing for a transition to less oil and gas, and the industry making billions out of selling these two commodities, a continuation of the already existing conflict is all but inevitable. Activists are also likely to intensify their attacks on Big Oil in light of its record profits. Follow Thiss Mark van Ball told CNBC last week that What we saw happening in 2022 is that the oil majors used the high oil prices and the energy crisis to convince investors that the energy crisis should eclipse the climate crisis and that has caused a setback. Another climate activist from nonprofit Transport and Energy told the news channel, They are profiting from the current increase in oil and gas prices, and they are betting on it. And what you see is actually increased investment in oil and gas. I think given that prices of oil and gas are likely to stay up, its important for us to reflect on the fact that these profits are going to stay high at the same time as many households are struggling with energy prices, Agathe Bounfour also said. In this, governments and activists will be together against Big Oil. But unless someone takes another supermajor to court and forces it to cut oil and gas production, Big Oil will continue focusing on what its shareholders wantand what shareholders want are dividends and buybacks. ADVERTISEMENT There is still an aversion to big capital expenditure increases, period, Jeff Wyll, an analyst with asset manager Neuberger Berman Group, told Bloomberg. The problem the sector got into in the past is doing too many megaprojects at one time. Now its much more focused. With the industry getting much more focused and cautious with spending decisions, chances are it will continue to annoy governments, giving them a convenient scapegoat for the results of their own energy policies. But it will be a rich scapegoat with happy shareholders. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Libyas Oil Ministry has rejected the huge $8-billion deal that the Italian energy giant signed with the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) this weekend, saying that the agreement violated legislation and was not approved by the ministry prior to the signing. Enis chief executive Claudio Descalzi and the CEO of the National Oil Corporation of Libya, Farhat Bengdara, agreed on Saturday on the development of Structures A&E, a strategic project aimed at increasing gas production to supply the Libyan domestic market as well as to ensure export to Europe. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeibah. Under the deal, the combined gas production from the two structures will start in 2026 and reach a plateau of 750 million standard gas cubic feet per day, Eni said in a statement. The overall investment is estimated at $8 billion, with a significant impact on the industry and the associated supply chain, allowing a significant contribution to the Libyan economy, the Italian group said. However, Mohamed Aoun, Libyas Oil and Gas Minister in the Tripoli-based government led by Al-Dbeibah, rejected the deal because, he says, it bypassed his oil ministry and cabinet approval and changed a previous deal signed in 2008. Aoun and his supporter Fathi Bashagha, the rival eastern-based prime minister appointed by Libyas Parliament, have now rejected the deal. According to Aoun, the agreement is illegal and lacks equality between Libya and Italy, the oil minister said in a video recording seen by Libya Herald. Libyas inner political struggle could delay the start of gas flows from the project from Libya to Europe, which has pinned its hopesespecially through Italyon increased gas supply from North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The biggest sovereign wealth fund in the world, Norways $1.3-trillion Government Pension Fund Global, slightly lowered its stakes in the worlds top Western oil firms last year, taking a profit from the rise in oil and oil stocks. The fund is commonly referred to as Norways oil fund and it invests in global equities, fixed-income assets, real estate, and renewables. As of December 31, 2022, the fund held investments in energy companies worth $37.84 billion (377.8 billion Norwegian crowns) excluding cash and derivatives, according to the annual holdings update of Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages the fund. Government Pension Fund Global held stakes in 213 energy firms in 37 countries, representing 3% of all investments. The largest investments in energy by value were in the five Big Oil firmsShell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Chevron, and BP. The fund has a 3.14% in Shell, historically one of the biggest-value holdings of all companies worldwide the fund is invested in. As of December 31, 2022, the stake in Shell was valued at $6.1 billion, while Shells share price has jumped by 25% over the past year. The funds stake in Exxon was worth $5 billion, and Exxons stock has surged by 49.50% in one year. The stake in TotalEnergies was worth $4.44 billion at the end of last year, the Chevron holding was valued at the equivalent of $2.9 billion, and the BP stake at $2.8 billion. The funds total equity investments consist of ownership shares in more than 9,000 companies worldwide. On average the fund owns 1.3% of all listed companies in the world. With the rise in oil and gas prices, Norway is also benefiting. The country expects to receive a record $89.5 billion (884 billion Norwegian crowns) in oil and gas tax revenue for 2022, triple the previous record in 2021, thanks to soaring gas prices last year, the Norwegian Tax Administration said last week. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed an agreement demanding that all Russian oil companies comply with a previous order that disallows any exports of Russian crude oil or crude oil products to any buyer that adheres to the price cap mechanism. It should be noted that Russian companies failing to comply will face no penalties, according to Upstream. Mishustins resolution, signed this week, bans Russian oil producers from signing sales contracts with any buyer engaged in the price cap clause imposed by the G7. The resolution calls on producers to submit a declaration to Russian customs for each cargo sold, attesting to the fact that the price-cap mechanism hasnt been used. Russian customs, then, will review old and new crude oil export contractsand customs reserves the right to stop any cargo that violates Putins decree. Even more convoluted, the decree requires all Russian crude producers to track the progression of the seaborne cargoes from the point of origin to its final destination, which means they will have to obtain and review contracts from third parties every time the crude changes hands along the journey, to make sure the price cap clause isnt included. If a producer discovers that the price cap clause is included in some paper after the crude oil has left the point of origin, it has 30 days to remedy the violation, with five additional days granted to notify customs if they were unable to fix it. Again, there are no stated penalties for failing to comply. Last month, Russia shipped crude oil to India under the price cap mechanism in what was the first sign that the oil-producing giant could acquiesce to the Western criteria. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Saudi Arabia will spend some $270 billion (1 trillion riyals) on low-carbon energy projects by 2030, energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said, adding the Kingdom will also invest in modernizing its grid. We are determined to be the leading exporter of hydrogen, as well as to provide clean hydrogen for local uses in heavy industries to produce green products such as green steel, green aluminum, fertilizers, and others at competitive prices, bin Salman said, speaking at the in-Kingdom Total Value Add Forum and Exhibition, as quoted by Al Arabiya. The ultimate goal for the kingdom, the energy minister said, would be to become an electricity exporter. It is to this end that the government in Riyadh would aim to expand the countrys transmission and distribution network. Despite its status as the worlds largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has signaled it has ambitions in low-carbon energy as well. Under its Vision 2030 program, the kingdom would aim to boost the share of renewable energy in its mix to 50 percent by that year. The other 50 percent is planned to come from natural gas rather than oil, which is what the kingdom uses in massive amounts currently to generate electricity. In wind and solar, Saudi Arabia has perhaps one of the most ambitious capacity-building targets in the world. In 2030, the kingdom should have some 58 GW of wind and solar energy capacity, which would compare with less than 1 GW currently. Yes, its ambitious, [but] its been done in a heartbeat in China, its been done on a significant basis in India, Paddy Padmanathan, the chief executive of Saudi utility ACWA Power, told the FT last year. Money is not in short supply [and] the commitment is there from the procurer. The supply chain, yes its a challenge, but its not insurmountable. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The UKs oil and gas industry should have taken the chance to invest in new projects instead of fighting the windfall tax, the boss of a North Sea oil and gas producer has said. Steve Brown, chief executive of Orcadian Energy, told City A.M. that the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) created a big incentive to invest with the 91 percent tax relief for fossil fuel producers prepared to develop new projects in the North Sea. This includes Orcadians proposed Pilot development in the central North Sea, which is projected to produce up to 79m barrels of oil over its lifetime. But the company is still looking for an investor to back the project despite the investment relief in the windfall tax. My hope was that I would see lots of these companies which have big EPL bills become very keen to get involved in new projects. They would look at our project, see the fantastic environmental performance of the project, and want to jump in. Instead, the industry was very upset. They really focused on trying to push back on the EPL rather than take advantage of the opportunities, Brown said. The windfall tax was introduced last May by then chancellor Rishi Sunak, who unveiled a further 25 percent tax on the profits of oil and gas companies on top of the 40 percent special corporation tax rate they currently pay. This was then hiked under current chancellor Jeremy Hunt to 35 percent, with the duration expanded from three to six years. They really focused on trying to push back on the [Energy Profits Levy] rather than take advantage of the opportunities, said Steve Brown, chief executive of Orcadian Energy. Brown argued this was a step too far, however, because while the hiked windfall tax brings rates nearly in line with Norways, Norwegian oil and gas fields are at an earlier stage of development compared to the UKs continental shelf. Costs are higher in our basin. Most projects are smaller. You need to find ways to really incentivise that tax for investment decisions. People have lost a bit of confidence that the EPL will actually work the way it says it will on the tin, he said. Brown also warned that a future Labour government would likely hurt the sector which wanted to beyond imposing a windfall tax. The centre-left party is seeking to scrap the levy and backdate the windfall tax to an earlier date, with opposition leader Keir Starmer pledging no new oil and gas fields under a Labour government. ADVERTISEMENT Brown considered Labours approach to be a mistake, as he argued new developments were both more environmentally friendly than ongoing sites in the North Sea and essential for supply security. Every politician should be supporting new oil and gas. I dont care if its because they want energy security. I dont care if its because they want jobs. I dont care if its because they want reduced emissions, because new oil and gas can do all three, Brown said. He concluded that without new projects and the newly-hiked windfall tax, the UK would become increasingly reliant on carbon-intensive imports such as liquefied natural gas from overseas, alongside production from the remaining ageing fields on the UKs continental shelf. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Two Omaha police officers were shot and a 38-year-old man was killed during an attempted burglary at a storage facility near 53rd and Center Streets Monday night. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said the two officers responded to a report of a burglary at Dinos Storage, 5328 Center St., about 10:30 p.m. Monday. The officers were let into the building by employees and, at some point, gunfire was exchanged between the officers and Steven Docken. During the altercation, the two officers, Nicholas Lanning and Joshua Moore, suffered gunshot wounds to their lower extremities and Docken was killed, Schmaderer said. One officer was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center by an ambulance and the other officer was taken to the same hospital by another officer in a police cruiser. The police shooting was the first of two within 14 hours. OPD officers responded to a report of an active shooter at a west Omaha Target store and fatally shot the alleged gunman just after noon Tuesday. Nobody else was injured in that shooting. Lanning was shot through his upper leg and later released. Moore suffered a wound near his knee and may need surgery, Schmaderer said. Lanning has been with the department for about eight years, while Moore has been an OPD officer for less than two years. Schmaderer confirmed to The World-Herald that both officers were awake and alert after the shooting. He spoke to both officers and their spouses. Both officers wore body cameras, though one was damaged during the incident. Security video from the storage building will be reviewed as well, the spokesman said. A relative of Docken, reached Tuesday morning by phone, said the family would have no comment about the incident. His mother also declined to comment. According to his Facebook page, Docken attended Benson High School in Omaha. Docken served two stints in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. He was most recently released in December 2021 after spending about two years on a charge of attempted distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He also was in prison from December 2013 to June 2017 after he was found guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and a theft charge. Police recovered a handgun at the scene near Dockens body. The police spokesman said the officers entered the storage facility with the assistance of the propertys management, who told them that a man was breaking into a first-floor storage unit, which contained a gun case and ammunition. Officers attempted to make contact with the man who was still inside an open storage unit. When Docken saw them, he ran down a hallway and was pursued by the officers who gave multiple loud verbal commands to stop running, the spokesman said. The officers caught up to Docken and a physical altercation began, the spokesman said. Gunfire was exchanged resulting in the wounding of the officers and the death of Docken, who was shot multiple times. The Nebraska State Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriffs Office will be involved in the investigation along with an Omaha Police Department team. The officers will be interviewed in the coming days and have been placed on paid administrative leave. World-Herald staff writers Courtney Brummer-Clark and Paul Goodsell contributed to this report. Alex Acevedo, son of former state Rep. Edward Acevedo, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Jan. 30, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) The son of former state Rep. Edward Acevedo was found guilty by a federal jury Monday of tax evasion charges that were an offshoot of the investigation into Commonwealth Edisons alleged attempts to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. After a quick, three-day trial, the jury deliberated only about 45 minutes before finding Alex Acevedo guilty on two counts of willfully filing false tax returns that underreported his lobbying income by about $70,000 in 2016 and 2018, resulting in a total tax loss of about $20,000. Advertisement Seated at the defense table wearing a mask, Acevedo, 37, showed no outward reaction to the verdict. After the jury left, he embraced his wife and cried, while their 7-year-old daughter, whod attended most of the trial, hugged him around the waist. Acevedo faces up to three years in prison on each count when hes sentenced in July. Advertisement His attorney, Ricardo Meza, had no comment after court. Though relatively minor in scope, the indictment against Acevedo, along with separate charges filed against his younger brother and their father, received widespread attention due to the connection to the ComEd probe. Meza repeatedly alleged in court filings that it was clear investigators were after Madigan, not his client. During a proffer meeting between Alex Acevedo and prosecutors in February 2020, at least 75% of the questions asked by the government pertained to Mr. Madigan and his associates, Meza wrote in one motion last year. However, when (Alex) Acevedos truthful responses did not seem to align with what the government sought to hear, the IRS agent pivoted and began asking Mr. Acevedo questions about his 2016 and 2018 tax returns, Meza wrote. But none of that came out during Acevedos trial, where the only real question was whether there was proof that he intentionally left income off his tax returns. According to the charges, Acevedo, a registered nurse who previously made failed election bids for Chicago alderman, failed to report earnings from Apex Strategy LLC, a lobbying and consulting firm formed by his brother, Michael, in 2015, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors alleged Alex Acevedo did most of the work on several of Apex Strategys contracts, including one with the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois trade association and another with a Washington-based consulting firm working with AT&T. But all of Acevedos income was off the books, with no W-2 form issued and no other paperwork reporting it to the IRS, prosecutors alleged. Advertisement Apex was a virtual black box, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Chapman said in his opening statement Thursday. Chapman said that as a lobbyist and son of a longtime state lawmaker, Alex was sophisticated enough to know that he had to report the money but failed to do so out of greed. To work in the world of lobbying in consulting down in Springfield, where youre trying to advance or defeat legislation, you have to be detail oriented, Chapman told the jury in his closing argument Monday. Meza, however, however, said the case was really just about a common man who was doing his best under the circumstances not about politics or greed or his father. Meza said Acevedo was simply waiting for the paperwork from his brother and was under pressure to file his returns on time and made a mistake. Alex should not be in this courtroom, Meza said in his closing argument. He made an error. He made a pretty bad error. He did his own taxes. In rebuttal, Chapman called the idea farcical, noting that all of Acevedos alleged mistakes seemed to help line his pockets. Advertisement Edward Acevedo, 59, pleaded guilty to skirting about $37,000 in taxes by misreporting lobbying income hed received over three years. He was sentenced in March 2022 to six months in prison and was released in December, records show. Michael Acevedo, 36, pleaded guilty last month to failing to file tax returns documenting five years of revenues for Apex Strategy. Hes scheduled to be sentenced on March 15. ComEd agreed in 2020 to pay a record $200 million fine as prosecutors unveiled a criminal complaint charging the company with a yearslong bribery scheme involving jobs, contracts and payments to Madigan allies. Under the terms of a deferred prosecution agreement with the government, the charges against the utility giant will be dropped if the company continues to cooperate. In November 2020, Madigans longtime confidant Michael McClain and three others were charged. Theyre scheduled to go on trial March 6. Meanwhile, last year AT&T Illinois and the phone giants former president, Paul La Schiazza, were charged in a similar scheme to funnel payments to Edward Acevedo in exchange for the speakers help passing legislation important to the company. La Schiazza, 65, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, federal program bribery, and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. Advertisement AT&T Illinois has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office, admitting its role in the scheme and agreeing to pay $23 million and cooperate in the investigation. In exchange, prosecutors will drop criminal charges filed against the company in two years. Afternoon Briefing Daily 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 > Madigan and McClain were both charged in a separate indictment in March 2022 with racketeering conspiracy alleging they participated in a range of corrupt schemes, including the ComEd and AT&T Illinois bribery. The scandal helped end Madigans reign as the nations longest-serving speaker in January 2021. Madigan later resigned from the Illinois House and as Illinois Democratic Party chairman. In April 2017, La Schiazza approved a deal to secretly funnel $2,500 a month to Edward Acevedo through a lobbying company already doing business with AT&T Illinois, according to the statement. The lobbying company was not named in the court filings. At McClains direction, AT&T employees then met with Edward Acevedo to discuss a pretextual reason for the payments: to prepare a report on the political dynamics of the General Assemblys and Chicago City Councils Latino Caucuses, according to the statement of facts. Edward Acevedo never did any real work for AT&T Illinois, however. In fact, according to AT&Ts admissions in court, he balked at first at the payments, saying they were too low. But he agreed to the deal after McClain stepped in and said the amount was sufficient. Advertisement From June 2017 to January 2018, Edward Acevedo was paid a total of $22,500 in monthly installments. According to AT&Ts admission, the former representative did not complete the purported assignment on Latino politics, and no efforts were undertaken by AT&T to ensure work was being done in exchange for the money. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com A Topeka man told a former platoon mate that he killed his Omaha ex-girlfriend after they got into an argument, a Douglas County sheriffs deputy testified Monday. I killed her, Deputy Neal Klein said Aldrick Scott told a former U.S. military comrade while he was in a hotel in Cancun, Mexico, just a day after he allegedly buried Cari Allens body near an abandoned barn in Kansas. Data from Scotts cellphone, his Snapchat location and the OnStar account from his Chevy Equinox as well as video surveillance helped investigators piece together his journey from Topeka to Omaha and back again after fatally shooting 43-year-old Allen in the chest at her northwest Omaha home on Nov. 20. Scott will stand trial on charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and tampering with evidence, a judge ruled Monday. Investigators had first sought a warrant for the arrest of Scott on suspicion of kidnapping before Allens frozen body was found in a shallow grave at an abandoned farm property on Dec. 21. Authorities were able to figure out the location of Allens body because that day they received OnStar data from Scotts SUV, mapping his previous locations. Klein said that on Saturday, Nov. 19, Scott left Topeka about 7:30 p.m., about the same time Allen went to The Good Life Bar near 180th and Pacific Streets with a date she had just had dinner with. Scott had called Allen repeatedly, up to four times within one hour, which prompted Allen to turn off her phone, Klein said. Scott and Allen dated for about one year but had ended the relationship two weeks before, her friend told police. Scott then arrived at The Good Life Bar about 10:15 p.m., but Klein said investigators werent sure if he went inside the business. Scott left after roughly 10 minutes and headed toward Allens house near 168th and Blondo Streets. Klein said he believes Scott entered Allens house through her garage because he knew the code and that Scott waited for Allen to return home at about 11:30 p.m. When investigators went to Allens home the next day, because her ex-husband and son reported her missing, they found a single bullet hole that went through Allens bedroom door, two walls and penetrated her sons bedroom door, Klein said. The holes had been freshly spackled, Klein said. An autopsy determined that Allen was shot once in the chest and the bullet exited out of her back. Scott then wrapped a combat bandage an elastic bandage with a big cotton pad to stem blood loss around Allens wounds and put her body in trash bags, Klein said. Investigators believe Scott used Allens sedan to transport her body from her home to where Scotts SUV was parked in a nearby neighborhood under construction. The trunk liner from Allens car was missing and Scotts SUV trunk showed evidence of apparent traces of blood, Klein said. The vehicle has not yet been tested for DNA. Scott then drove his SUV back to his Topeka home, arriving at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 20. About four hours later, he spent roughly 70 minutes at the abandoned farm property, according to the OnStar data. Scott purchased plane tickets that day to leave the next day from the Kansas City International Airport, flying to Houston and then Cancun, Klein said. Officials found his SUV in an airport parking garage and found a loaded Sig Sauer P320 9 mm semiautomatic handgun in a handgun case in the spare tire compartment. Klein testified that on Nov. 22, despite having just flown to Cancun, Scott bought tickets to Fiji via Los Angeles the following day, so Klein and another detective went to Los Angeles to try to intercept Scott. But Scott never got on that plane, Klein said. Scott eventually turned up in Belize, where he was taken into custody Dec. 6. Authorities confiscated one of Scotts three phones and believe the two others were ditched in Houston and Cancun. On that phone, Scott searched the internet asking whether he could be arrested or whether police could confront him in Belize, Klein said. Scott also Googled his name and Allens name. A man wielding an AR-15 rifle and 13 loaded magazines of ammunition walked into a west Omaha Target store Tuesday and began shooting. Shoppers rushed out emergency exits. Some employees went to hide inside fitting rooms. Many messaged family members, saying they loved them. Others called 911. A group of Omaha police officers who were the first to respond went inside and confronted the gunman. One officer fired at the gunman, killing him. No one else was injured. The police shooting was the second within 14 hours in Omaha this week. The first incident occurred late Monday night, when two Omaha police officers exchanged gunfire with an alleged burglar at Dinos Storage in the Aksarben area, killing a 38-year-old man. Both officers were shot in their legs and will survive. Midday Tuesday, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies swarmed the Target superstore and quickly searched the store for any victims, finding none. In brief comments after the scene was secure, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer thanked his officers and other agencies for their swift actions. This is what you want, he said. When you have an active shooter in your city, you want a massive response like this. Several 911 calls alerted police at 11:59 a.m., saying there was a gunman who was shooting at the superstore, located at 17810 West Center Road. One caller had heard at least six shots. Meg Mandy, 36, was in the grocery section picking out apple juice when she heard thunderous noise. She saw a wooden pallet on the ground and thought something had fallen over. Then she heard the noise again. A Target employee ran by Mandy, and told her, Active shooter, active shooter, hide, run. Others ran toward the back of the store. Mandy assisted a mother who had a baby strapped to her chest in a carrier and two more toddlers. The shoppers left through an emergency exit. A construction worker led them into a metal shipping container in order to provide warmth and protection. Douglas County 911 received 29 calls about the gunman and gunfire. Mandy said she couldnt believe that a shooting occurred at her local grocery store. Its just really surreal, she said. Im just thankful that no one else was hurt. It seems crazy to me that no one else was hurt. Schmaderer said the gunman, who was White, in his 30s and had plenty of ammunition had fired shots, but it was unclear whether he was firing at anybody. His name was not being released Tuesday night pending next of kin notification. Police havent said how many shots the gunman fired, though bullet casings were found inside the store. A statement from OPD said officers gave the gunman numerous verbal commands to drop the rifle before one officer fired their service weapon, killing the gunman. Elianne Robinson, an 18-year-old Target employee, said she heard a voice say, Get on the ground! And then she heard at least one more shot. Later she said she thought that was the moment that police killed the gunman. Authorities did a thorough search of the store at least three times and deemed the situation secure within an hour of the 911 calls. Another shopper, who declined to give her name, was in the toy department when she heard gunshots. I heard three shots, she said. Everyone was in a panic. We all ran out of the store. She said she and about a dozen people employees and other customers ran out the back door. A number of Target employees went to the nearby Sleep Number store to seek refuge after the shooting. One Target employee told a World-Herald reporter that he heard multiple shots. Mike Gergen, general manager of the Voodoo Taco, said an employee got a text from his sister indicating there was an active shooter at Target. Not five seconds after that, a young woman pulled up and ran in here, he said. She was scared to death, upset and shook up. The woman, in her mid-20s, had been in the store to do some banking when she heard the shots. She ran out and fled in her car. Joe Garry, operations manager, said they immediately locked the door and then attempted to comfort her. She seemed more assured once the door was locked. I was just trying to calm her down, Garry said. After all the shootings around the country, Gergen said, it was sobering to learn of one next door. Its getting pretty real when its right by you, he said. OPD said any witnesses should call 402-444-4877 to talk to detectives. Investigators planned to be at Target well into Tuesday night and said once theyre finished, shoppers and employees can retrieve their personal items and vehicles. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said the officers actions saved lives and prevented mass casualties. Omaha police officers are highly trained to respond to and assess life-threatening situations, she said. Their bravery and high level of skill should be commended. At 1 p.m., Kaley Schlueter was among several people waiting to pick up loved ones outside the store when police let them out. Schlueter was calm at the moment, after what had been a terrifying 35 minutes when her sister, Elianne Robinson, was inside the store as a gunman was firing off rounds. Robinson had texted Schlueter at 12:03 p.m. She said, I love you. Theres a shooting in my Target. Im in the fitting room. He shot so much, I dont know if hes killed anyone, Schlueter said. Schlueter and other relatives began racing to the store. Her sister sent a video message via Snapchat at 12:13 p.m. She just was saying, I love you, Im sorry, Schlueter said. Robinson used the video to show where she was. Schlueter could hear gunshots in the background of the video. She feared the worst thing possible was happening, that her sister wanted her family to know she loved them if she did not survive. But Robinson kept messaging. And then, after what seemed like forever, she let her sister know at 12:38 p.m. that she was OK. Im with the cops, she messaged. They got it. Waiting for her to come out, Schlueter said she was out of tears, relieved and happy that her sister and others had survived. If only the shooter was killed, that was as it should be, she said. But its wild that it happened at all, Schlueter said. Kaitlyn Vu, who had been on her way to pick up medicine at Target when she heard about the shooting, talked with a mom of an employee outside the store, then sat in a parking lot nearby and tried to process what was happening. Vu said there should be more mental health check requirements for gun ownership. Its just tragic that this keeps happening, said Vu, a Second Amendment supporter who plans to get a concealed carry permit. You see the two mass shootings in California, and were still not over what happened to those children in Texas ... But theres going to be no legislative process; theres just going to be a lot of thoughts and prayers sent out on social media and then well wait for the next mass shooting. World-Herald staff writers Henry J. Cordes, Jessica Wade, Anna Reed and Chris Machian contributed to this report. A 69-year-old Plattsmouth woman, reported missing on Saturday morning, was found dead in a residential backyard late Sunday afternoon. Plattsmouth Police Department said in a press release that the deceased woman, identified as Patricia Lanam, was found after authorities responded to a residence near the 300 block of North Fifth Street around 5 p.m. At around 9 a.m. Saturday, police began an investigation on a report that Lanam, who was described as having dementia, was missing. Other local agencies also began searching various locations in town. A missing endangered advisory was also issued through the Nebraska State Patrol. Lanam died from medical conditions, along with being outdoors in the extreme cold temperatures during the time of her disappearance, police said. No suspicious activity was involved. Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an employee of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services in connection with a sexual assault of a co-worker. A 33-year-old was arrested Monday at his home in Humboldt, Nebraska, on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and third-degree sexual assault, according to a spokesman for the State Patrol. The investigation began after officials in the Corrections Department received a report of an assault at the state prison in Tecumseh last October, he said. Editor's note: This story is part of 'Broken Defense,' an investigative series from Lee Enterprises. More details about this project can be found at the bottom of this article. Martin Gibson freezes in place at his desk. Its Thursday in December 2021. The sky is dark. Gibson is the last person in the Portland Multnomah Defenders office. More than 200 public defense client files surround Gibson. Stacks flood two filing cabinets, spill onto his desk, dot the floor and perch atop cabinets. At Gibsons left a pile of seven or eight unopened cases wait. An urgent stack of cases stare at Gibson. He needs to call those clients immediately. Its too late. Its already 7:30 p.m., he thinks. He cant move. He cant breathe. I was trying to gasp for air, Gibson remembers. I was trying to do everything that was in front of me, which was insurmountable piles of files. I had so much to do, and I got so overwhelmed that my body just didn't know how to breathe. I was trying to get oxygen, and my body just didnt even know how to do that. Its his first panic attack. I was so afraid, he said, and I never wanted to have one again. So Gibson sent his boss a succinct email saying he couldn't take any new cases. About a month-and-a-half later, he quit without another job lined up. The job was impossible, Gibson said. It wasnt just difficult. It was impossible and unsustainable. Staff shortages and decades of underfunding have created public defense systems crises across the West. Public defenders say theyre unable to serve clients effectively as they grapple with crushing caseloads, few resources, burnout, student debt and low pay. They say wage increases would go a long way because they attract lawyers who could share the massive workload. Experts say states must retain public defenders and recruit more of them to ensure everyone who needs an attorney gets one. Gibson said he had twice as many clients as he could represent. It watered down my representation to the point of ineffectiveness," he said. "I felt the only ethical thing I could do was to quit because I couldnt be part of a system that was doing that. It didnt feel like I was doing my job. It didnt feel like I could do my job." When attorneys feel like they're "pushing paper around rather than really advocating for people," it "drives motivated folks out of the profession, said Jessica Kampfe, Oregons Office of Public Defense Services executive director. Too many cases Lee Enterprises requested public defense workload data from 17 western states. Public defenders in Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming had more cases than outdated national standards recommend. Public defenders in Colorado, Montana and Nevada worked too many hours. The other states dont track that data statewide. A public defender should not represent more than 150 felonies, 400 misdemeanors, 200 juvenile delinquency cases or 25 appeals in a year, according to guidelines from the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (NAC). Those half-century-old standards ignore modern case complexity, said the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, which helped develop them. Jon Mosher, Sixth Amendment Center deputy director, said the standards are "way too high," but useful, and the only national metric to show state agencies and lawmakers the extent to which public defenders are overworked. Nearly 400 Texas attorneys in 2021 had more public defense cases than the standards recommend, according to Texas Indigent Defense Commission data. Some private lawyers are contracted for public defense cases, as in many states, and work cases on top of the public defense work. Two private attorneys who worked among the most cases each defended more than 700 public defense felonies the work of nearly five attorneys. More than 100 Idaho private attorneys and full-time public defenders had more public defense cases than the states maximum, which allows attorneys to take on more work than the national standards, according to Idaho Public Defense Commission data. An additional 65 attorneys worked too many cases, based on the national standards. Some Idaho attorneys said they could manage cases above the maximum. Idaho County contract public defender John Wiltse said working with reasonable prosecutors in his small, rural county helps resolve many cases efficiently. Nez Perce County contract public defender Rick Cuddihy said he can handle heavy caseloads because he has nearly two decades of experience. But in another county, Twin Falls, seven inmates said they barely heard from their overburdened public defenders. Arizonas Pima County had at least 23 attorneys with caseloads above the national guidelines, according to Pima County Public Defense Services data. Statewide data was unavailable because Arizona counties, like in many states, each run their own public defense system. Montanas state public defender office says it needed on average 63 more public defenders to handle cases assigned since 2019 and still meet its workload management limits. Oregon and New Mexico have one third the attorneys they need to provide adequate representation, according to American Bar Association studies from last year. Some Oregon public defender offices temporarily stopped accepting cases last spring because they had too few attorneys. Arizonas Pima County could soon have to do the same, said Dean Brault, Public Defense Services director. At some point, we will have to go attorney to attorney and ask if they can take another case and provide effective representation, Brault said. When the answer to that from everyone is no, were going to be at a crisis where we have to go to the court and say we cant ethically take any more cases. Burning people out Wyoming had its own public defense crisis in 2019 when the Natrona and Campbell county public defender offices could no longer handle misdemeanors. State Public Defender Diane Lozano said high turnover caused constitutionally inappropriate caseloads in Campbell Countys seven-attorney office. "We would lose two to three people at a time, and then the people that remained were having to pick up that extra caseload," she said. "Then we were burning those people out. Wed get fully staffed, and then the people that had stuck around ... would quit. It was just this endless cycle." She remembered Natrona County also lost three or four veteran public defenders around that time. A circuit court held her in contempt for refusing misdemeanor case appointments, but the Wyoming Supreme Court ultimately ruled she had a right to determine her attorneys couldnt handle more cases. An unnamed Campbell County public defense supervisor testified that handling too many cases at once made him ineffective, according to court documents. I dont tell my clients this, but most of the time, especially on misdemeanor cases, Ive never read their police report. Ive never watched their videos from the police. Ive had no time to really investigate their case at all," he said. Public defenders can lose their license if they take on more clients than they can competently represent or recommend a plea before they complete the case investigation, according to the American Bar Associations conduct rules. Cant be effective Defense attorney Vaavia Rudd heads to court in the Texas Panhandle in 2016. She looks down at her files, and a name surprises her. I have no idea who this person is, she thinks. "I dont know anything about this case, but Im about to go into court and tell the judge whether or not Im ready to go to trial." It just scared me to death, Rudd said. I was like, Im going to lose my license. I cannot effectively represent this many people. I cant do it. She stopped taking public defense cases to instead focus on her private practice. She now helps improve public defense through a liaison and advocacy program. Gibson also went into court unprepared before he left Oregon public defense. He often would schedule up to five trials for the same date, prepare one or two, and gamble that the others would resolve with plea deals. Judges encouraged trial-stacking to get through the pandemic-driven backlog, he said. Sometimes the strategy backfired. One trial date, he gambled on the wrong case. The one he didnt prepare went to trial. He told the judge what happened, and the case ended with a last-minute plea deal. Its a system that encourages unethical behavior," Gibson said. "Youre not actually prepared for those cases. No one is. Youre just trying to move those cases along and process these people. Its most certainly not justice. No one feels like its justice. Montana public defenders office leaders told the Legislature last April that trial stacking also happens there. One western Montana public defender said she recently tried to prepare for seven trials scheduled on a single day. Longtime California Defense attorney Bill Abramson worked almost every weekend for five years to build strong defenses for his clients. He ended his Plumas County public defense contract last September to spend less time working another countys higher-paying cases. "My hope and my desire is that Ill no longer have to work seven days a week," he said. "I need a break from it." Pay disparities Money also played a role in Rudds decision to temporarily leave public defense. She once had a $500 public defense case and a $20,000 divorce case scheduled for the same time. The judge refused to reschedule the criminal case. Anybody can do the math on that, Rudd said. It wasnt financially feasible. Montana in April boosted state public defenders entry-level pay from about $31 an hour to $37. Most prosecutors earn more. A Madison County deputy prosecutor position pays $40 an hour, and entry-level prosecutors in Missoula and Bozeman earn $41 and $54 per hour, respectively. Arizonas Pima County Public Defense Services have many job openings, but not enough qualified people apply because the pay is low, Brault said. Weve been struggling to pay our people in-house what theyre worth, Brault said. Carl Macpherson, Oregons Metropolitan Public Defender executive director, said his state-funded offices salaries are "offensive." The prosecutors pay scale starts where our pay scale ends, Macpherson said. You could have a 20-year public defender making less than a brand new attorney thats working at the prosecuting attorney's office. Staff attorneys in his office earn $64,000 to $95,000, while area prosecutors earn $98,000 to $196,000, according to Elisabeth Shepard, Multnomah County District Attorneys Office spokesperson. Gibsons salary was about $70,000 when he left Oregon with about $150,000 in student loan debt that grows by about $1,000 each month. "I dont know how Im supposed to pay off any principle at all when the interest is that high," he said. He hopes to get hired at Californias Sacramento County public defenders office, which offers a starting salary of more than $115,000 and is closer to family. The collapse of an office Savina Haas said her California public defender office was so underfunded that for a while she didnt have an office chair. Staff wandered the Lassen County office looking for any broken chairs. Her pay was about $65,000. She became busier over her three years there, sometimes going days with no sleep. The quality of her representation diminished. There was a time when defendants would ask for me, she said. Eventually they probably hated me because I never visited them anymore. She left at the end of 2020 to work for a private law firm in Monterey County, where she has family. Another Lassen County public defender resigned months after the new year and the position remained vacant until the office collapsed at the end of 2021. Lassen County now contracts with a private firm to provide public defense. Lassen County Chief Administrative Officer Richard Egan said the county tried several times to recruit and just couldnt do it. He conceded the county did not increase the salary range. The private firm contract works better for the county than paying for department staff and an office space, Egan said. We struggle fiscally every year to balance our budget, Egan said. Its a rural county that were in. Our resources are just limited. Attracting talent to the area is a challenge the firm is working on, Egan said. Haas said keeping her would have been simple. In all honesty, all they needed to do was get us the resources that we need, she said. Pay us at least somewhat competitive wages so we can bring people here. Have a full staff. Have the ability to be able to run with a decent budget. We had a good strong public defenders office at one point. They managed to destroy it. About Broken Defense: Across the West, public defense systems face crushing caseloads, historic underfunding, structural problems and severe staffing shortages, imperiling criminal defendants lives and in many cases denying them their constitutional right to counsel. Defendants have lost jobs and homes, been pressured to plead guilty and been denied the benefit of exonerating evidence. People accused in more than 100,000 misdemeanors each year go to jail without ever talking to a lawyer. Lee Enterprises West region Public Service Journalism team and local reporters attended more than a dozen court hearings and interviewed more than 25 defendants, 40 attorneys and 25 experts to reveal public defense in many western states is broken. Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Reporter Emily Hamer may be reached at emily.hamer@lee.net. A Council Bluffs man was sentenced to five years in federal prison last week after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography. Robert Kerber, 32, was indicted in 2021 on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He accepted a plea deal last August and pleaded guilty the first count of receipt. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa, a cybertip was sent in from a social media site to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in May 2020. The tip, which was referred to the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Council Bluffs Police Department, claimed that a user had uploaded an image depicting child pornography. The tip was traced back to Kerber, and police obtained a warrant to search his home, according to the press release. A computer and hard drive found in the home contained multiple images and videos of child pornography, including some involving children under the age of 12. There is no parole in the federal system. After serving his five-year sentence, Kerber will be required to register as a sex offender and will serve another five years of supervised release. During supervised release, he will not be able to own any device capable of connecting to the internet without prior approval. Gov. Jim Pillens school finance and property tax reduction plan would mean more state dollars for every school district in the state enough new dollars for most Omaha metro area districts to reduce their property tax demands by 5% or more. But a World-Herald analysis of the plan to boost state aid to education and special education funding by more than $260 million also raises questions of equity, particularly when it comes to its state aid provisions. The Westside school district, one of the metros wealthiest districts in terms of resident income and property value, would receive enough new state aid dollars under the plan that its per-pupil aid would approach that of OPS a high-poverty district where roughly seven in 10 students qualify for free or reduced price school meals. Westsides gain of $1,500 per student under Pillens plan would raise its total state aid to more than $5,000 per student. OPS, which currently receives just under $5,800 per student from the state, would not receive the $1,500 increase. Millard, Papillion-La Vista, Ralston and Gretna likewise would not receive the additional state aid, despite currently receiving less aid per student than Westside. The reasons for those seemingly contradictory results are complex and largely tied to the large number of Westside students who live outside the districts boundaries and opt in and the big state dollars the district reaps from such student transfers under state law. Pillens plan would further benefit Westside and dozens of other districts across the state that already receive large amounts of option student aid. And that has some suggesting the governors plan could use some tweaking. Wow, thats not good, said State Sen. Justin Wayne, a former OPS school board member. Its crazy that the state aid per pupil (between Westside and OPS) would be about the same when you talk about the different needs. Pillens administration in a statement defended the workings of his plan. The additional aid that would go to districts with option students would provide more property tax relief for residents of those districts, the statement said. The plan also aligns with Governor Pillens vision that funding follow each student an apparent reference to the governors support for providing state dollars for private school choice. Pillen last week rallied in Lincoln with supporters of a bill to offer $25 million worth of tax credits to people donating to private school scholarship funds. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who like Wayne is an Omaha senator who serves on the Legislatures Education Committee, cautioned against anyone reading too much into the aid projections at this point. Lawmakers will surely examine such equity issues as the governors plan moves forward. We are at the beginning of a process, Linehan said. I dont think we can expect to fix every wrinkle its complicated. But I think we can make some improvements. Westside officials declined to comment. A number of districts have also been reluctant to publicly state positions on the governors plan, saying they are still studying it. OPS noted in a statement that many pieces of the governors agenda could impact school funding, including the changes to school aid and special education, school budget lids and changes to the way agricultural land is valued. There are currently many moving parts that, when combined, could have a far greater impact than any single piece of legislation, the statement said. There are still essential questions to be addressed for something as important as this. Pillens school funding plan was generally well-received by the states education community when he rolled it out two weeks ago, mostly because all districts would see additional funding. Nebraskas new Republican governor had campaigned on a pledge to send state school aid dollars to all school districts in the state, including the mostly rural, land-rich districts that now often dont qualify for aid. His solution is to guarantee districts at least $1,500 per student in state aid regardless of their current resources and needs. While not all districts would gain dollars under that $113 million proposal, all districts would come out ahead under his plan to provide $157 million in additional state dollars to pay to educate children with disabilities. The governors office provided a draft of the projected funding each district would receive from the school aid and special education increases. It shows total state funding would increase $23 million for OPS, $9 million for Millard, almost $13 million for Westside, $5 million for Bellevue, and almost $6 million for both Elkhorn and Papillion-La Vista. If those new state dollars offset current property taxes dollar for dollar, it would be enough to reduce school tax levies in most metro districts by 5% or more. In OPS, the reduction would be 6% about $157 for a home valued at $200,000 for tax purposes. But Westside would by far benefit the most. It would receive enough new dollars to reduce its property tax request by more than 20% equal to almost $600 in reduced property taxes on a $200,000 home. Learning why begins with understanding how the states current school aid law functions. First, a school districts needs are determined based on student enrollment and other factors, including the percentage of students in poverty or who are learning English as a second language. Then each districts available local funding is calculated. Schools are held accountable for levying property taxes at a minimum level. Any district needs not covered by that minimum levy are then back-filled with state aid dollars called equalization aid. Most metro school districts currently receive such equalization aid. For them, the $1,500 per student in foundation aid under the governors plan simply offsets equalization aid they currently receive. In effect, every dollar of foundation aid in the front door merely pushes an equalization dollar out the back. Like many rural districts, Westsides property resources and needs are such that it doesnt qualify for equalization aid. Thats why under Pillens plan, it would receive the $1,500 in foundation aid for each of its 6,000 students totaling more than $9 million. But while Westside doesnt receive equalization aid, that doesnt mean it currently lacks state aid dollars. It receives substantial funding under another portion of the state aid law school that pays for students who opt into a district from their home school district under the states public school option enrollment program. Remarkably, more than a third of Westsides students are option students. And the state pays $10,625 for each of them. As a result, Westside today receives more state dollars per student than equalization districts like Millard, Ralston and Papillion-La Vista. Pillens plan would widen that gap by another $1,500 per student. Larry Scherer, a Lincoln attorney who as a legislative staffer helped craft the states school aid formula in the 1990s, said that seeming disparity can be traced to the generous way the state funds option students. For example, today when a student attends school in Papillion-La Vista, Nebraska pays about $2,700 in state aid to help educate that student. But if the same student opts into Westside, the state pays almost four times that figure. Scherer couldnt recall why state policymakers decided to fund option students so generously, but said it was likely to keep districts and their taxpayers from being overly burdened by the students who transfer in. Policymakers also surely never imagined back then that a district one day would receive a third of its students through option enrollment. The current $10,625 figure is based on the average statewide per-pupil cost. That is still less than Westsides per-pupil cost of roughly $15,000 the highest among the urban districts in the metro area. While Westside is a relatively high-income district, last year 38% of its students qualified for free or reduced priced meals. Westside certainly isnt the only district receiving heavy option funding that would benefit under the governors plan. There are others throughout the state. For example, Hemingford, a small district in the Panhandle, receives enough option funding that it receives slightly more state aid per pupil than neighboring Alliance, a district that qualifies for equalization aid. Under the governors plan, Hemingford would receive the additional $1,500 per student. Alliance wouldnt. Wayne said he has long had a problem with how the state funds option students compared to other students. With the governors plan potentially increasing that disparity, the funding bears scrutiny, he said. Why is a kid from North Omaha worth less if he goes to his neighborhood school? he said. Without tweaking option funding, Scherer said senators could also simply decide to offset all or part of the governors $1,500 in foundation aid dollars against option dollars, much the same way theyre offset for equalization districts. In principle, it should come off the top, Scherer said. Such a move would also save money for the state, or enable lawmakers to boost the amount of foundation aid for other non-equalization districts above the $1,500 figure the governor has proposed. Several senators said they expect much work on the details of the governors plan as it moves forward. Overall, I think the governors education package is a good start, said Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, the former chair of the Education Committee. But there are still details that need to be worked out. Its an opportunity to look at how we fund public education and make sure its equitable for every student. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2023 LINCOLN The Nebraska Legislature is considering ways to recruit and retain more educators as the states teacher shortage continues to grow. Three bills aimed at attracting new teachers or retaining existing teachers were the subject of public hearings in the Legislatures Education Committee on Monday afternoon. The bills would, among other things, eliminate teaching certificate fees, create alternative ways to obtain a teaching certificate and establish a grant for educators with at least one year of experience in a Nebraska school. The two lawmakers who introduced the bills, State Sens. Lynne Walz of Fremont and Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha, each marketed their legislation as tools the state can use to fill the vacancies challenging many school districts across Nebraska. There is no future for Nebraska if we do not have teachers to teach the next generation of Nebraskans, Linehan said. Nebraska, like many other states, has struggled with a statewide teacher shortage for years. The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the issue, but as cases have slowed, the problem has only worsened, according to state data. The Nebraska Department of Education recently reported that unfilled teaching jobs across the state increased by nearly 60% over last school year, going from 482 vacancies at the start of the 2021-22 school year to about 768 at the beginning of 2022-23. Legislative Bill 519, introduced by Walz, would eliminate teaching certificate fees, which currently can cost up to $75. It also would increase the maximum loan for students looking to enter the teaching field, establish a loan of up to $8,500 for student teachers and establish a grant for school districts for the purpose of employee retention with a $35 million cap. The bill received universal support during the testimony Monday, with most speakers claiming the changes would reduce the financial burdens that prevent individuals from entering the teaching field. In particular, speakers praised the proposed loan for student teachers. Cheryl Logan, superintendent of Omaha Public Schools, said payments for student teachers are long overdue. Walz said the loans would be completely forgiven once the student completes four years of teaching in Nebraska. Multiple speakers argued that the loans would help incentivize student teaching programs, as the students that participate already have to deal with other expenses like tuition, and have to balance other responsibilities with college classes or often at a second job. Being a student teacher is really more than a full-time job, said Sara Skretta, director of accreditation, placement and licensure for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. LB 603, introduced by Linehan, would create alternative options for individuals to obtain a teaching certificate. The individual must have a bachelors degree, and the organization supplying the teaching certificate must operate in at least five other states, be in operation for at least 10 years and require candidates pass two exams relating to their subject area and general professional teaching knowledge. Melanie Olmstead with American Board, a nonprofit that provides alternative paths for teaching certification in 14 other states, said the organization and at least two others could operate in Nebraska under the bill and help to reduce the states teacher shortage. She said American Board provides a cheaper option for would-be teachers to obtain their certificates, costing a one-time $1,500 payment as opposed to the typical costs associated with higher education. However, Skretta and several others opposed the plan, calling it redundant to the alternative options Nebraska already has in place. Skretta said the criteria specified to obtain a teaching certificate under the bill would qualify the candidate for an alternative option under the states established system. Bringing in out-of-state options would only make things more difficult for existing programs, and would not increase the amount of teaching applicants, Skretta claimed. Tim Royers, a representative of the Nebraska State Education Association, said LB 603 would make it easier for outside established companies to profit off Nebraskas teacher shortage, while discouraging grassroots efforts within the state. Royers said the testing requirement is also the least crucial step in obtaining a teaching certificate, and objected to the bill leaving out any requirement for field work. I dont think it solves any real problems without creating some others, said retired UNL professor Jim Walter. LB 385, also introduced by Linehan, would allocate up to $10 million to establish a $5,000 grant for new Nebraska teachers who sign on to continue teaching for another school year. The grant applies to teachers in their first through third year of full-time employment at a state school, and can be applied for each year, meaning teachers who qualify could receive up to $15,000. The bill is similar to another piece of legislation, LB 1218, that passed into law last year. The bill provided first-year educators up to $5,000 a year for up to five years. It was one of the Education Committees priority bills that session, and was supported by both Linehan and Walz. Linehan said the main difference between the two bills is that LB 1218 required teachers to use the funding toward reducing their student debt, but LB 385 includes no such requirement. She said its important to provide financial incentives to new teachers, as working teachers commonly leave the profession within their first few years, when theyre on the lower end of the pay scale. If you want people to stay, youve got to pay them, Linehan said. LB 385 received widespread support during its public hearing, with most speakers arguing that it would make progress in reducing the states teacher shortage. Nobody spoke against the bill, though two people were neutral. Royers pushed for Linehan to raise the $10 million cap, arguing that the limit would not allow enough people to access the funding. Another speaker criticized the plan for not benefiting experienced teachers. Walz said there was no silver bullet to solve Nebraskas teaching crisis. She said she hopes to work together with Linehan and other lawmakers to advance collaborative bills that work toward solving the issue. Its going to take a pretty significant piece of legislation to help us get results that we need, Walz said. Photos: 2023 Nebraska legislative session A York, Nebraska, man was arrested Monday night on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife. Officers from the York Police Department were called to a home at 84 S. Platte Ave. about 9:45 p.m. to investigate a shooting. They located Stacie Beutler, 46, who had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead, according to a statement from York Police Chief Ed Tjaden. Bart J. Beutler, 47, the victim's husband, was arrested without incident at another York residence about 30 minutes later, Tjaden said. In addition to first-degree murder, he was also arrested on suspicion of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and being a prohibited person in possession of a deadly weapon. Tjaden said there is no indication that anyone else was involved in the incident. York is a city of about 7,800 residents located approximately 50 miles west of Lincoln. U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders bumps elbows with kindergartener Aleyna Contreras at Oakhill Elementary School in Streamwood on May 6, 2021. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) The Illinois State Board of Education announced Tuesday that Tony Sanders, superintendent of Elgin School District U-46, was named the new state superintendent of education. Carmen Ayala the first woman and person of color to hold the position announced in November that she would be retiring as the states top education official in February. Advertisement Before joining U-46 in 2007 as the districts chief communications officer, Sanders served in a similar role for St. Louis Public Schools and worked in communication and government relations for Illinois agencies, including ISBE, according to the agencys announcement. Sanders then held a chief of staff role in U-46 before being appointed to lead the district in 2014. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Ted Sanders, former U.S. deputy secretary of education and superintendent of education in Illinois, Nevada and Ohio. Dr. Tony Sanders is an extraordinary choice for state superintendent of education, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a news release. Dr. Sanders breadth of experience as superintendent of School District U-46 and his entire background have prepared him to take on this role. His focus on innovation, social emotional development and academic excellence make him an extraordinary pick. Advertisement Sanders accomplished a number of things during his tenure at the second-largest school district in Illinois, including the expansion of the dual language program, the launch of full-day kindergarten and the creation of a dual credit program with Elgin Community College, according to a news release from District U-46. In a statement, ISBE board chair Steven Isoye noted Sanders deep understanding of issues rooted in the public school system. Afternoon Briefing Daily 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 > At U-46, he has championed equity, expanded opportunities for students, and brought innovative new programs to the district, Isoye said. We are confident he will build on our record-high graduation rates and college and career readiness to continue leading Illinois schools in a positive direction. At U-46, Sanders pushed for career pathways programs for high school students. The U-46 School Board is sad to see Superintendent Sanders leave, but knows that the children of the state of Illinois will benefit from his leadership at the Illinois State Board of Education, said U-46 Board of Education Board President Sue Kerr in a statement. Sanders supported the effort to reform Illinois school funding and helped pass the Every Student Succeeds Act. Illinois Federation of Teachers union President Dan Montgomery praised Sanders advocacy work. We hope in his new role, he helps to move our state closer to achieving equitable funding and eliminating disparities in districts statewide, Montgomery said in a statement. Sanders will step into the role in late February. He could not be reached for comment. zsyed@chicagotribune.com Advertisement smacaraeg@chicagotribune.com Commitment to Service An Evening Honoring John Penn Thursday, Jan 26 ISU Bone Student Center, Normal After a half-century of service to the community, protecting and empowering unions and mentoring emerging leaders, John Penn is ready to retire. At least, that's what he says. "John's not going anywhere," said lifelong friend and fellow Laborers Local 362 leader Tom Whalen, speaking at the event in Penn's honor . Penn, 74, is stepping down as vice president, Midwest regional manager of Laborers International Union of North America, where he represents thousands of laborers within a 10-state region. He has held the role since 2008 and been involved in local union leadership since the early 1970s. And while his job title may be changing, Penn says he will continue working on veteran and retiree councils as well as lobbying for union members' benefits. BLOOMINGTON A Florida man was sentenced to six years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Monday in a McLean County drug case. David L. Hendricks, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony. The charge involved LSD. Hendricks, of Clearwater, Florida, was arrested on May 13 after officers from the McLean County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop and search of a vehicle in which he was passenger, said Assistant State's Attorney Spencer Chikahisa. Chikahisa said officers discovered a bag inside the vehicle with the LSD and other controlled substances. Hendricks then told officers that the bag was his, Chikahisa said. As part of a plea agreement, five other counts were dismissed in this case. Hendricks was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and 18 months of supervised release. He has already served 144 days prior to the sentencing. 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 PEKIN Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois 16th Congressional District announced his plans to donate physical and digital artifacts from his 12 years in Congress to the Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin. Kinzinger said in a news release that America, now more than ever, needs a transparent understanding of Congress, and the Dirksen Congressional Center has become a leader in its mission to educate the public on the inner workings of the countrys legislative branch. The center is named for Everett McKinley Dirksen, a Pekin native who served in the U.S. House from 1933-1949, the U.S. Senate from 1951-1969, and as Senate Minority Leader from 1959 until his death in September 1969. Growing up in Illinois, I learned at a young age the legacy of Everett Dirksen, Kinzinger said. Its a legacy that helped guide me during my 12 years in Congress to selflessly serve my constituency and always put the interest of my district before my political interests. Unlike many members of his party, Kinzinger has been openly critical of former President Donald Trump, and he was one of 10 Republicans to vote to impeach Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He and former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming were the only two GOP members of the House select committee investigating the insurrection. In October 2021, Kinzinger announced he would not seek reelection after Illinois Democrats remapped him into a district with Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria. Tiffany White, executive director of the Dirksen Congressional Center, said the donation emphasizes the earned trust of generations of public servants who have become partners in the centers mission to educate the public about Congress and its policies. Many Americans are familiar with him now because of his service on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, White said. His complete papers will help tell the story behind the policies he pursued, the agreements and disagreements he had over three presidential administrations and the expertise he brought to debates in subjects from national defense and veterans issues to commerce and energy. Kinzinger served on the McLean County Board in 1998 at the age of 20. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was elected to Congress in 2010. He now serves as a senior political commentator at CNN. Photos: Scenes from historic speaker vote of 118th Congress Thank you, Governor, Illinois legislature and others for enacting an assault weapons ban in Illinois. Its hard to believe some in law enforcement are against this. Some years ago, there was a federal ban but of course that got overturned. The Constitution was written by people who used flintlock rifles and did not have high-capacity magazines. This ban does not infringe on your rights to own firearms, just not assault weapons. Why does anyone need an assault weapon and high-capacity magazines unless members of military, SWAT teams or other law enforcement groups? Have we learned nothing about the power of these weapons? And if you already own this type of weapon, all you have to do is register them they are not being taken from you. Have we learned nothing from Sandy Hook, Majory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, the Las Vegas festival, Boulder, Columbine, Odessa, UNC-Charlotte, Charleston S.C., the Highland Park parade right here in Illinois, plus a multitude of other places? Who can forget Uvalde some students faces so badly decimated DNA was needed to confirm identity. Schools, movie theaters, outdoor events, places of worship and on it goes. One does not think it will happen in my backyard, but it does. It could be your child, best friend, neighbor, colleague or spouse in right place at wrong time. In 2023 there have been 25 to 36 mass shootings, depending on the source and definition: at least three or four killed in one event. At least in Illinois the government is trying to be proactive about banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. If only everyone recognized this and stopped foolish law suits. And now, we need to remember Monterey Park, California. Mary H. Haskell, Bloomington Four persons involved in the syphoning of GHC1,262,496.66 from Best Point Savings and Loans Limited have been sentenced to a total jail term of 20 years. This is after an Accra Circuit Court found them guilty. The four broke down in tears after the sentence, with some relatives also unable to control their tears and reached for the convicts hands before they were escorted out of the courtroom. Silas Adjei, former IT Officer of the Company was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the court presided over by Justice Malike Wornya, a High Court Judge who sat with additional responsibility as a Circuit Court Judge. Kwadwo Kudekor, a Supporting Officer of the Company, was also sentenced to three years imprisonment. Patience Adjei, sister of Silas and a mobile vendor and James Afadzie, a trader, are to serve five years imprisonment each. Silas and Kudekor were charged with conspiracy and stealing. Silas was additionally charged with unauthorised interference with electronic records and money laundering. Patience and Afadzie were held for abetment of crime and dishonestly receiving monies stolen by Silas. Silas is said to have acquired over 18 vehicles and other properties. The prosecution, led by Richard Gyambiby, a Senior State Attorney, said the complainant was Best Point Savings and Loans Limited. The prosecution said Patience was the sister of Silas and Afadzie, the husband of Patience. The State said in January 2014, the Company started operating with a banking software known as Bankers Realm, which was purchased from Kenya. The State said in the course of operations, it was realised that the Companys system had some challenges, so management decided to acquire and migrate to a new system. The prosecution said at the end of the 2015 financial year, the Company started migrating from the Bankers Realm software to a new one known as X100 format. It said having run a successful conversion test in December 2015, another conversion test with an updated database was converted for staff training in January 2016. The prosecution said another database was also converted for user acceptance tests on the new software. It said after all the tests had been completed a final database known as Go Live purposes was also converted on March 18, 2016. The prosecution said during the final conversion, while the data was being validated, some discrepancies between the old and the new software were detected. It said the validation also revealed that there was a transaction amounting to GHc1,262, 496.66. The prosecution told the court that a Kenyan Consultant was employed to help investigate the course of the discrepancies and he found out that the system had been tampered with. That was also corroborated by the software engineers of Global Union System, another company. The prosecution held that the transactions were similar in nature and emanated from four different accounts. It said the different accounts were in the names of Patience and Afadzie, one Asante Seth, aka Precious Havor and Theophilus Aboagye, aka Dennis Amankwa, all friends of Silas, who are at large. The prosecution said investigations showed that Silas had fictitiously and unlawfully credited the accounts with various sums of money and deleted the transactions from the final database for migration onto the new system of the Company. According to the prosecution, it was discovered that the narration of those transactions had been changed into interest accrued and the same had been made to look like the transaction had been done automatically by the system and all its trait details had been deleted. It said Silas had resigned from the Company during the final stages of migration just when the discrepancies were discovered. During investigations, the prosecution said Kudekor had on several occasions checked and performed transactions on the four different accounts with two of the names on the accounts having different pictures. The prosecution told the court that the matter was reported to the Police and on May 3, 2016, Silas was arrested at Pokuase. It said a passport, DVLA documents on 18 vehicles, and a laptop, among others, were retrieved during a search. The prosecution said documents from three vehicles in the name of Silass wife were also found. The prosecution said while in custody, investigations revealed that two Policemen aided Silas to disinvest and cash GHC 195,233.72 he had invested with Ideal Finance. It said on July 26, 2016, Kudekor was also arrested. Source: GNA 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 Ministry of Education has welcomed the Fourth Estates latest investigative piece, School Placement for Sale which uncovered widespread under-dealings in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSPSS). According to The Fourth Estate led by Manasseh Azure Awuni, the CSPSS which is a computerized system used to place students in various secondary schools is not as credible as it is touted to be. Some parents according to the expose, had to pay as much as GHS20,000 to get their wards placed in schools. Others paid, GHS8500. Speaking to this in an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng commended Manasseh Azure and added they intend to invite him to help them in their investigations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has advised parents, guardians, and the general public to be vigilant and avoid paying money to secure school placement. 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 miraculous tale of Precious, a young girl who once had finger deformities, was revisited in the ninth episode of Vodafone Healthline's Spin-Off edition. She was able to get surgery and use her fingers again after that, thanks to Vodafone. Precious could not grip objects or eat with her hands because she was born with a limb abnormality, which worried her family about her ability to thrive in school. Six months after her operation, Precious smiled as she greeted the Vodafone Healthline team, demonstrating the tremendous transformation she has undergone. The operation has restored her ability to hold things and play with her friends, much to her family's delight. Dr. Kwekuma Yalley, a member of the team that visited Precious and her family, underlined the importance of waiting a while before considering another operation for Precious, given her young age. Precious' mother, Cecilia Acheamaa, thanked the Vodafone Healthline team for their assistance, admitting that it had been difficult to watch her daughter struggle with her condition. Precious' family is eager to enrol her in school now that she has recovered. Drs. Aba Folson and Kwekuma Yalley debunked a myth about post-partum belly-flattening during the episode. According to Dr. Yalley, binding the belly after giving birth can momentarily give the appearance of a flat tummy when wearing a fitting dress, but it does not make the tummy flat in the long run. Dr. Folson stated that, while there is no scientific evidence to back the technique, tying the belly regularly can help maintain muscle tone, burn fat, and push the internal organs inward. Consistent core and muscle strengthening exercises, according to the experts, are essential for maintaining a trim midsection after pregnancy. Dr. Salamatu Nantogma, a family medicine expert who spoke about dementia and ageing, was also featured in the episode. She noted that muscle deterioration and cell loss characterise ageing beginning at the age of 35 and can cause several issues, including dementia, immobility, instability, and muscle wasting. Dr. Nantogma emphasised the importance of healthy living, exercise, and healthy habits in avoiding issues such as ageing, loneliness, and sadness. The Vodafone Healthline show aims to provide free medical education to the public through its broadcasts on selected media outlets and social media. The show airs on UTV on Mondays from 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on DGN on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Electricity Company of Ghanas debt to Bui Power Authority has hit a whopping US$ 614 million as at the end of 2022, from the previous US$386 million at the end of 2019. This was revealed when officials of Bui Power appeared before the Public Accounts Committee in its consideration of the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana-Public Boards, Corporations and other Statutory Institutions for the year ended 31st December 2020. Deputy CEO, Finance and Service at the BUI Power Authority, Dr George Tettey told the committee that one of the Authoritys major financial challenges has to do with the collection of receivables from ECG. We have a huge problem with the collection of our receivables. ECGs indebtedness to BUI Power stood at $386 million as at the end of 2019. And, it is now $614 million, he stated. Source: B&FT 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 Couples in China's Sichuan province will be allowed to have as many children as they want, as the country continues to try and get a grip on its declining population. Last year, the population in China fell for the first time in 60 years. For decades, the country had a one-child policy - increased nationally for married couples to three in 2021. As part of the policy change in Sichuan, unmarried individuals will also now be able to raise children. Previously there was a ban on single women registering a birth. In 2016, China scrapped its controversial one-child policy, which was introduced in 1979. Families that broke the rules were fined and, in some cases even lost jobs. In a culture that historically favours boys over girls, the policy also led to forced abortions. But the changes that began in 2016 failed to halt the decline in the birth rate. Deaths outnumbered births for the first time last year in China. Now, there will be no limit on the number of children people can have in Sichuan, a province of 80 million people in the southwest of the country. Chinese President Xi Jinping has made boosting birth rates a priority. The government has offered tax breaks and better maternal healthcare to reverse or slow the falling rates. It comes as China is still battling Covid-related deaths throughout the country. The virus tore through towns and cities after the lifting of zero-Covid restrictions in December. Neighbouring countries, including Japan, are also facing falling birth rates. Japan's prime minister says, as a result, his country is on the brink of not being able to function as a society. 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 Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) taskforce has arrested five managers of shopping malls at Spintex Road in Accra for allegedly evading tax on the electronic Value Added Tax (VAT) system. The companies are China Mall, Sneda Shopping Mall, and Fresh First Limited, which were found not to be issuing the e-VAT while Palace Mall and Shoprite at the Junction Mall were faulted for issuing receipts with duplicate signatures of the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority. The Managers were sent to the Customs office at the headquarters for their statements before they were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police. The initiative is part of an ongoing nationwide VAT invigilation exercise to ensure tax compliance and retrieve taxes due the State. The Commissioner in charge of Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, Mr Edward Appenteng Gyamerah said the GRA had found that some taxpayers were issuing invoices that were not certified by the Commissioner-General as required by law. He said under section 41 of the VAT Act 2013, (Act 870) as amended by Act 1082 and Act 1087, every registered VAT taxpayer was required to issue an electronic VAT invoice with details that are prescribed by the Commissioner General when they provided services or supplied goods. The investigations, he said, found that some taxpayers were involved in the issuance of false tax invoices or sales receipts, while others had failed to integrate the certified invoicing system into the invoicing system of the GRA Commissioner General. Mr Gyamerah stated that the punishment for such infractions as provided under the VAT Act included a fine of not more than one hundred penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not more than six months, or both, in addition to a payment of penalty of an amount of not more than GH50, 000 or three times the amount of tax involved. He said people who flouted the law could also be charged under sections 78 and 82 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915) that focused on failure to comply with a tax law and impeding tax administration, respectively. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Current wave of infections nearing end 08:24, January 31, 2023 By Wang Xiaoyu ( Chinadaily.com.cn A woman receives a booster dose in Chaoyang district of Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua] China's current wave of the COVID-19 epidemic is nearing an end, with rural and remote areas getting through the Spring Festival holiday without spikes in infections and no new virus mutations detected, officials and experts said. Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission, said at a news briefing on Monday that the epidemic is at a low level nationwide and in steady decline. China ended the requirement for mass testing on Dec 8 and downgraded its management of the disease from Class A to Class B on Jan 8. Following the optimization of the antivirus strategy, the epidemic peaked in late December and then declined. The number of severe cases and deaths at hospitals has continued to trend downward, according to a report released recently by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of COVID-19 deaths at hospitals peaked at around 4,270 on Jan 4, and fell consistently to reach less than 900 fatalities on Jan 23. "By late January, the overall epidemic had waned, easing the strain on the nation's medical systems," the report said. No significant rebound occurred during the Spring Festival holiday from Jan 21 to Friday, and no new viral mutation was detected. "This wave of the epidemic is drawing to a conclusion," the report said. Before the weeklong holiday, concerns over the impact of COVID centered on rural areas as millions of migrant workers traveled home. According to the Ministry of Transport, 226 million trips were made during the holiday, a year-on-year increase of 71.2 percent, but lower than the same period in 2019. Mao Dezhi, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' rural cooperative economy bureau, said rural areas saw no major increase in new infections during the holiday thanks to concerted efforts in protecting vulnerable groups and supplying key medical equipment and oral medications to grassroots clinics. Fu Wei, an official with the National Health Commission's department of primary health, said rural clinics and community healthcare centers made nearly 9.9 million visits to people age 65 and older throughout the holiday. About 40,000 infected patients at risk of becoming seriously ill were transferred to higher-level hospitals. "Monitoring data shows that over 94 percent of grassroots clinics have been supplied with sufficient traditional Chinese medicine and pills to reduce fever and coughing pills to last at least one week, and some have stocked up on COVID-19 oral medications," she said. Despite the waning epidemic, officials said rural areas remain the priority for disease control work. With increasing cross-border travel, regular surveillance to access the trajectory of the epidemic as well as virus mutations will also be ramped up. Chen Cao, a researcher at the China CDC said the dominant strains driving the latest wave were BF.7 and BA.5.2, and no other novel coronavirus strains are circulating widely. "During the holiday, we received 1,421 genome sequences submitted by local authorities," he said. "They consisted of 11 types of lineages and no new mutation was identified." Chen added that China will continue regular surveillance of outpatients, emergency room visits, severe COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as inbound travelers, to keep a close watch on viral mutations and take precautions. According to National Immigration Administration data, 2.87 million cross-border trips were made during the holiday, including 1.43 million inbound trips and 1.44 million outbound trips, a 120.5 percent year-on-year increase. The World Health Organization said in a statement on Monday that COVID-19 continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern its highest alert level. However, the pandemic may be approaching a turning point, the statement said. While expanding vaccination programs can limit the disease's threat, the WHO said it is almost certain that the virus will remain "a permanently established pathogen in humans and animals in the foreseeable future." Careful and long-term public health plans should be made to mitigate the disease's devastating consequences on people's lives, it added. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) A Cook County school district official has been charged in the theft of $1.5 million worth of food. Vera Liddell, 66, was being held in the Cook County Jail on a $150,000 bond, WGN-TV reported Monday. Advertisement Liddell worked as food service director for Harvey School District 152. More than 11,000 cases of chicken wings were ordered from the districts food provider and then picked up in a district cargo van, according to court documents reviewed by the television station. Advertisement The food was ordered during the height of the coronavirus pandemic at a time when students were being educated remotely and not allowed to attend class in school buildings. The district continued to provide meals for students that their parents could pick up. Prosecutors say district funds were used to pay for the food, but none of it was taken to the district or provided to students. A routine mid-year audit found the district was $300,000 over its annual food service budget, despite being only halfway through that academic year. The districts business manager discovered signed invoices for massive quantities of chicken wings, an item that was never served to students because they contain bones, prosecutors said. More than 80% of the 1,600 students attending the districts five schools qualify as low-income, according to the television station. The VVIP lounge at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has been closed. In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry - the move is to pave the way for a restructuring of the lounge for efficient travel as well as meet international standards. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana wishes to inform the travelling public, who patronise the VVIP Lounge at the Kotoka International Airport that it will be temporarily closed for two weeks, effective Tuesday, 31 January 2023. The aim of this new directive is to enable restructuring of the lounge for efficient travel and to meet international standards, the statement said. While expressing apologies for any inconvenience the closure might cause, the ministry encourages users of the Lounge to patronise the Commercial Important Person (CIP) Lounge and the Business Lounge at Terminal 3, the statement added. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Economic and Petroleum analyst, Senyo Hosi has expressed his frustration over the failure of the Ministry of Agriculture and other government agencies to collaborate with the private sector in creating food sufficiency. Speaking on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, Senyo Hosi told host, Kwame Sefa Kayi that officials who are responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of the agric sector are rather interested in procurement which is an avenue for them to steal from public coffers. "The thing is not rocket science, it is like seeking to have five children in five years. You need to know that it takes nine months to give birth to a child so you will have to know that you need five years if you have one wife, and you will also need to have five wives if you want to do it in a year. "It is simple, I dont know how to break it down. It is not difficult but you must have love and a heart for what you are doing, he said. It is all part of my frustrations with this country, people are more interested in procurements because it is what they rely on to steal. Because of that, people are not interested in the actual work that will help the country. That is our challenge, he added. According to Senyo Hosi, the failures of the government and the agric ministry include their inability to create an enabling environment for private investors to thrive. You want one million metric tonnes (of rice) and you know that your yield in this country is 3.4 metric tonnes per hectare. But here is the case the government has secured zero lands for the private sector. "You dont even sit with the private sector to plan, meanwhile you dont have funding. So how do you do the work? he questioned. Ghana relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for food items such as rice and poultry. However, the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo under its flagship Planting for Food and Jobs says it has done creditably well in growing the countrys agric sector. But speaking on Kokrokoo on Monday, January 30, 2023, Senyo Hosi described the policy as a complete failure. "How much irrigated fields do we have? Have we invested in our irrigated fields to match our needs as a country? But when you look at the billions we have spent on this Planting for Food and Jobs, which we can't see any particular thing that's sustaining the industry. I think that it's a failed project. It's a totally failed project, he stressed. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to lawyer of Evangelist Patricia Asiedua Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. Theophilus Donkor, had been charged with verbally assaulting police officers who were in the process of arresting Agradaa. Theophilus Donkor's bail comes after he pleaded not guilty to assault on a public officer and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace. He was granted a self-recognisance bail by the court presided over by Rosemond Baah Tosu, Graphiconline.com reports. The two parties were asked to consider resolving their case outside the court. Mr Donkor is, however, to reappear on February 27, 2023. Meanwhile, the lawyer has filed a motion challenging the authority of the police who arrested him. Graphic.com stated that the personnel from the Cantonments Police Station who arrested him did not have the authority to do so because the alleged crime was committed around the Accra Metropolitan Assembly area, a jurisdiction outside the operations of the Cantonments Police Division. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Rockdale County high school student will face criminal charges after attacking her teacher inside a classroom. On Thursday, Jan. 26, an unidentified ninth grader at Heritage High School was caught on camera getting into an argument with her teacher and attacking her. The teacher, Tiwana Turner, had to be carried out on a stretcher after she suffered a broken knee (read here). Students say the girl was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center following the incident. As a juvenile under Georgia criminal law, her name will not be released. Rockdale County School District officials confirm the student has since been suspended from school. School administrators say they are still investigating the attack but say violence against staff will not be tolerated. The statement released by the school reads: "Rockdale County Public Schools is investigating an incident where a student allegedly attacked a teacher during class today. RCPS does not tolerate student violence towards any staff members. "Students who harm other students or staff will be disciplined according to our Student Discipline Code of Conduct and will be appropriately charged by law enforcement. We will adhere to personnel and student privacy laws in this matter." A spokesman from the Rockdale County Sheriffs Office said the agency is "actively investigating this incident. Once there is a decision to charge either party, RCSO will take the proper steps." Due to the severity of Tiwana Turner's injuries, members of the community have raised a fundraiser to support the teacher while she recovers financially. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In Gloria Padikie Tettehs salon located at Teshie Bush Road, clients sit for hours in pursuit of great hairstyles. This is an exercise that requires patience and Gloria is no stranger to that. She conscientiously built Glorias Beauty & Clothes a hairdo and clothing salon dedicated to the art of African hair braiding from absolutely zilch. For years, Gloria worked from her compound. This allowed her to gain more experience and saved every pesewa she made. Three years have passed since Gloria opened the doors of her salon. Within these years, Gloria has been able to amass a good number of customers from both far and near. The salon that she commenced from her small compound now trains other ladies who also look forward to becoming hairdressers in the near future. To Gloria, teaching people the art of braiding is her contribution to curbing unemployment in Ghana. Remarkably, she does not charge the people she teaches any money. She believes her students will have some skills to earn income for themselves once they graduate. According to her, there are many aspiring entrepreneurs in the country but due to lack of funds, these people are not able to hone their skills. In her own words, Gloria said I do not have much but I make sure that many people benefit from the little I have. Using herself as an example, Gloria indicated that she did not have anyone she could borrow money from when starting. She did menial work to raise some money and that is when she enrolled in a hairdressing school (informally). According to her, she used to practice on a mannequin head day and night for several months just to perfect her skills. Telling how she got her first client, Gloria said she made a friend design a flier for her which she distributed to people in her neighbourhood. A friend of mine who operates an internet cafe designed a flier and printer some copies for me. I then distributed them to the people in my vicinity. Thats how I got clients in the beginning. I didnt charge the first five (5) who came, she stated. Gloria continued, After practicing on mannequin heads for a long time, I just wanted to be able to have live people to practice on. I always tried to be as professional about my business as possible, even though I was working in my home. I remember thinking that I really had to look for a commercial space because doing this in my house was not going to work. It was really challenging. I tried to save, to move toward that goal. But at the same time, money was still very, very tight for me. I literally had no savings. I saved the little I made from the work I was doing at home and I was able to acquire a shop to operate commercially. Recounting how difficult it was for her during the beginning, she promised herself to help others to also learn the trade when she is in a better position to do so. Gloria said she always saw herself as being able to make something from nothing. 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 Professor Charles Amoatey, the Director of the Academy of Leadership and Executive Training, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), said with proper sexual and reproductive health awareness, people will have a satisfying and safe sexual life. They will have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so, to improve their well-being, he said. Prof. Amoatey said this at the closing ceremony of a four-day training in Koforidua for political and social actors on the importance of sexual and reproductive health to national development. It was organised by GIMPA, in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, to achieve broad-based improvements in good sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among women and adolescents. This would ensure they contribute more effectively to national development. Participants included members of parliament, traditional and religious leaders, and leaders of educational institutions. Prof. Amoatey said lawmakers could influence and prioritise sexual and reproductive health issues in Parliament, while influential community members engaged women and adolescents on the importance of SRH to development. Lack of access to sexual and reproductive health undermined individual control over decisions concerning education, health, and participation in social and economic life, he noted. We, the collaborating partners, hope to organise similar training for other groups on a quarterly basis across the country to widely spread information on the impact of sexual and reproductive health on national development. Caesar Kaba Kogoziga, the Programmes Coordinator at Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, said: Just as we preach Ghana beyond aid, theres the need to also preach or advocate families and societies beyond aid. He noted that if SRH's needs and rights were not met and individuals were denied the right to make choices about their own bodies and future, it would have negative impacts on their family's welfare, future generations, and the entire nation. Dr Leticia Appiah, the Executive Director of, the National Population Council, and a facilitator led participants through topics including Ghanas population history, development growth and impact, and understanding the global perspective of reproductive health. We are situating reproductive health education and services as part of our economic intervention because if we do not situate it well, and there is a lot of expenditure, then we cannot reap the benefit of our investment, she said. Dr Appiah indicated that family planning and contraception were among the measures put in place to help women look healthy, space their births, and limit unplanned pregnancies. Madam Betty Krosbi Mensah, Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, described the course content as solid and participatory. Gathering people with different points of view and understanding gives us [MPs] a clear direction as to where we are going, where we have fallen short, the benefits of certain programmes that Parliament is implementing, and possibly, how we can finetune some of them to the benefit of the public. Adindaa Awamyelum II, Chief of Kodorogo, Bongo District in the Upper East Region, said education on SRH would help minimise child marriage and teenage pregnancies, and encourage girls to stay in school, finish their education, and contribute to more gender-equal societies. Certificates of participation were presented to participants. The Leadership and Executive Training programmes are designed to enhance skills in leadership, build a solid foundation in management, sharpen technical skills and competencies, and connect participants to a global network of peers. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has been advised to expedite its rate of recovering a $614, 373,274.36 debt owed it by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This is because the money owed the power generator has been indicated to be adversely affecting its ability to operate effectively and deliver on its mandate. The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, gave the advice when the Ministry of Energy and its agencies took their turn before the committee to answer queries raised by the Auditor General for the year 2022. The indebtedness will not go out completely at any point in time, it will continue because every day there is production, sale and repayment by the buyer, so what is more important is the rate at which the debt is being recovered, he stressed. Infractions According to the report, the ECG owed the authority $386 million as at the end of December 31, 2019, which increased to $614, 373,274.36 by the end of 2022. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BPA, Kofi Dzamesi, explained that the authority was not gaining any receivables from the ECG despite trying its best to generate more power for the country. He added that last year, the BPA generated more power than any year in the history of the authority since it was commissioned. We generated about 1,540 gigawatts and our profit margin for last year should be hitting around $70 million, yet we are not getting anything, he lamented. Recommendation The PAC Chairman equally urged the Ministry of Finance to take more steps to ensure that all government agencies settled the debts they owed one another. They should ensure that at least, they settle some of the debt the ECG owes other agencies like Bui and VRA because they buy the power from these two sources, he said. The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also recommended that steps should be taken to ensure the ECG was financially viable as it continued to deal with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Charging in dollars Dr Avedzi also urged agencies in the energy sector as well as other government agencies to refrain from charging their fees in foreign currencies, particularly, the United States dollars. Our currency is Ghana Cedi, ECG will sell the power and collect cedis and they will now go chasing to buy dollars in order to pay, he said. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video With Ghanas dedication to Moving Beyond Aid and expanding its local digital economy, there has been a lot of noteworthy achievements throughout the years. Notable among these include: Ghana recording the highest internet penetration rate (53%), as well as the highest e-Connectivity Index (86.43), in the West African Sub-region, in 2022. Ghanas close to 19 million unique mobile subscribers, equivalent to 67 percent of the population, which is significantly higher than the Sub-Saharan African average of 44 percent. Ghana toping African countries with the fastest internet speed in the latest global ranking as well as its significant investments in rural network coverage through its Rural Telephony Project which has helped increase the communication coverage rate in underserved communities from 83% to 95% by providing affordable ICT infrastructure. Huawei is proud to have contributed to many of these achievements including the governments Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project. Through this project, Huawei deployed 2,000 base stations in rural areas and provided voice and data services to 3.4 million people, 2,000 schools, and 200 rural clinics. All of these achievements have paved way for Ghana to transition towards a flourishing digital economy; with the younger generation being the main driving force behind this progress. However, it is undeniable that the demand for digital-skilled talents in Ghana exceeds its supply. Research suggests that by 2030, 50 percent of all jobs and 75-80 percent of the formal sector jobs in Ghana will require essential digital skills as a prerequisite. This reality hurdles young people from fully fulfilling their potential in the digital era. To bridge this gap, Huawei, as a world-leading ICT company and a long-time partner of the Ghanaian Government, is committed to improving the digital skills capacity of more Ghanaians by introducing the LEAP digital talent program - which promotes the 'Leadership', 'Employability, 'Advancement', and 'Possibilities' of people by equipping them with sufficient digital skills. Under the LEAP program, we are aiming to provide ICT training to a hundred thousand (100,000) people from 2022 to 2024 in Ghana, together with our partners from industry and academia. In addition to providing world-class training lessons and certificates to policymakers, young graduates and ICT professionals while improving the digital literacy skills of the public, Huawei is also dedicated to enhancing the hands-on experience of the programs beneficiaries. It is against this backbone that we established the Ghana ICT Talent Development Centre (GITDeC) in Ghana, to boost the career readiness of the youth interested in joining the ICT industry and equip them with hands-on experience in the real-world environment. The Ghana ICT Talent Development Centre has been set up to offer training in the field of telecommunications equipment installation, standardized quality control, EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) compliance, and the use of digital delivery platforms. All of these courses are designed based on the demands of real-world jobs. There will be full-time qualified instructors and skilled engineers on-site to guide and support the trainees. There is no need to fear the wind when your roots are deep, says an African proverb. At Huawei, we believe that the LEAP program, will widely and deeply spread the roots of digital prosperity in Ghana. This initiative strongly advocates for putting people, especially the youth, at the centre of the spotlight and investing immensely in people with the ultimate goal of realizing the growth of the youth, their communities and societies, as well as their beloved country. With this approach, economic advancement is inevitable. We also see the launch of the Ghana ICT Talent Development Centre as a clarion call for more collaborations. The goals of ICT talent development and adequate digital skills provision cannot be achieved by an individual. It takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes. We must therefore closely collaborate with government, industry, and academia, as well as encourage more domestic and international resources, expertise and partnerships. This will enable us build an ecosystem which is open to everyone and from which all parties can benefit. We firmly believe that, with a strong supply of digital talent and an extensive collaboration among stakeholders, the full bloom of Ghanas digital future would be within reach. Source: Mr. Tommy Liang, CEO, Huawei 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 Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that records available to him shows that Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral was still using his pseudonym, Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. The MP said on the January 27 edition of Metro TVs Good Morning Ghana show that as recently as January 16, 2023; the embattled clergyman had registered an insurance brokerage firm using details of Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. He told show host Randy Abbey that this was the fifteenth company that the clergyman had. Eight of which he used details of Adu Gyamfi for registration and Kusi Boateng for the remaining seven. Ablakwa is concerned why the man of God continues to use both names interchangeably, which occurrence he said bordered on illegality and to some extent criminality. How is it that you have different TINs (Tax Identification Numbers) which you have been using for the past 12 years, taking no steps to draw GRAs (Ghana Revenue Authority) attention and to have that corrected. You have profited from it, as recent as last week, you registered a new insurance company (January 16) as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, still operating. Dunamis Insurance Brokerage, they opened it last week. He has opened 15 companies and Kwabena Adu Gyamfi is in a comfortable lead with 8 companies and then Rev. Kusi Boateng, 7. Different identities, different date of birth, different TIN, different mother, Ablakwa stressed. According to the lawmaker, the clergyman identifies sometimes as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi with the date of birth of 30th December, 1969 and mother as Yaa Gyamfuaa whiles at other times, he is Victor Kusi Boateng with 7th September 1971 date of birth and mother as Agnes Ataa. Source: Ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Managing Editor of The Insight, Kwasi Pratt Jnr says the decision by top hierarchy of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remove the Tamale South Member of Parliament (MP) Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader was a reckless move. According to him, the party could have adopted a better strategy to get him out of the position than the coup embarked on by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and his cohorts. Mr Pratt described Mr Iddrisu as primus inter pares because he is a huge personality in the Northern Region therefore the NDC should have considered the political circumstances that exist prior to taking the decision to remove him as the Minority Leader in Parliament. He believes that the modus operandi adopted has given room for all manner of speculations against the party. Speaking on the Alhaji and Alhaji show on Saturday, January 28 Mr Pratt said Haruna Iddrisu may have all his faults but he is the primus inter pares in the Northern region. I have been to Tamale on many occasions, I went to school in Tamale, I know Tamale fairly well. This is a man who comes to Tamale and he doesnt drive a car, I have seen him riding just an ordinary bicycle moving from place to place holding caucuses in the streets, playing cards with members. I have seen him on a motorbike going to funerals and so on. His popularity is legendary and any time he has been touched there have been repercussions. He is not God, he is not all-knowing, he is not omnipotent, he is not omnipresent, he can be removed but if you want to remove him there are things that you have to do knowing the political circumstances. Were those things done? This is a reckless move, absolutely reckless move. So what have you achieved? You have created conditions for all manner of speculations. Yesterday, I was listening to some of my friends in the NPP discuss this matter, come and see, it is like they have won a bonanza. One of them actually went to the extent of saying John Mahama directed this move because he has a rift with Haruna, he wants to show Haruna some sense. This is not true, John Mahama was not comfortable with this move. Besides Haruna Iddrisu, Muntakla Mubarak and James Kluste Avedzi have also been removed as Minority Chief Whip and Deputy Minority Leader respectively. Their removal has divided the Minority caucus with some petitioning the party against the decision. For instance, Zebilla lawmaker, Cletus Avoka said the Speaker of Parliament has not informed the Minority caucus and the entire House of any changes made to the leadership of the Minority therefore, Haruna Iddrisu and the others removed still remain at post. Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Thursday, January 26, he said For us, there is no reshuffle yet, the Speaker has not communicated to us. Aswase Member of Parliament Muntaka Mubarak who was also affected by the changes asked his party, the NDC to sit up. Muntaka is unhappy with the changes that have been made to the leadership of the Minority by the party. He believes that the decision was made by a few executives although the statement announcing it was signed by the General Secretary Fifi Kwetey. If you cannot write a letter to appoint, how can you write to disappoint? He asked at the press conference. He added We dont want to create enmity among us unnecessarily, we believe that the right process should be followed. He further stated if the right process is followed we will be happy and thank them for the opportunity to serve. We hope that they will help fast-track the hearing of the issues. The decision to change the leadership created division among the minority caucus. National Chairman of NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and the General Secretary Fifi Kwetey will be attending the meeting. So far, forty-eight of the opposition lawmakers have signed a petition to the party executives to reverse the decision. According to them, the decision is unpopular for which they wanted it reversed. Some of the NDC MPs including Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed expressed shock at the decision by the NDC to change the partys leadership in Parliament. The decision was made known on Tuesday, January 24 with the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam Constituency, Cassiel Ato Forson, replacing Tamale South legislator Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader. Ellembelles Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah also replaces James Klutse Avedzi as Deputy Minority Leader. However, the National Chairman of the NDC Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said the decision was taken because the previous leaders were fighting with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin. According to him, he wanted people who can cooperate more with the speaker for the benefit of the NDC since the speaker is a member of the party. My priorities in Parliament is to see our parliamentary caucus working together and also cooperating with the speaker of Parliament Why did we struggle to get an NDC person, elected, as the speaker of Parliament?, Asiedu Nketiah said this in the United Kingdom in a video in possession of DGN Online. He joined former President John Dramani Mahama last Friday January 27, 2023 at Chatham House in London on the topic Africas Strategic Priorities and Global Role. General Mosquito continued that There are certainly some advantages and those advantages can be tapped into when your leadership is cooperating with the speaker. So we cannot have a situation where and other people leadership is cooperating with the speaker and our and NDC leadership have challenges, cooperating, with the speaker. And if you are given a party whose leadership in Parliament is not working together. What would you do? You make the changes or you resign. And Im not about to resign. 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 Though Chicagos mayoral election is still about a month away, the race may already seem over for Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Polling by The Harris Poll shows city residents widely rebuking her, with three-quarters of likely voters agreeing that the city would be better off with a new mayor. But itd be a mistake to write her off. Lightfoot, or almost any of the eight other candidates, could still come out on top. Victory requires a straightforward, though daunting, task. The candidate must persuade voters that she or he is the tough leader our poll respondents say the city needs to meaningfully reduce violence and deal with the other social and economic afflictions that are diminishing the quality of life in Chicago. Advertisement The incumbent hasnt been able to do that yet. But then again, neither has anyone else. Which explains why, along with stock answers such as not knowing enough about the candidates platforms or backgrounds, almost half of registered Chicago voters still havent settled on their pick for mayor in the Feb. 28 election. Its not like our respondents to dither. Our representative panel of Chicagoans has been clear and consistent over the past months often by supermajorities and across all demographic groups on the most critical issues, on the citys trajectory and on the job requirements of the next mayor. That consensus continues in our most recent survey conducted online in mid-December. Advertisement Chicagoans almost uniformly agree on: The issues: Public safety is the electorates top concern, with 95% of voters citing it. At least 9 out of 10 also checked off the local business economy (94%), health care access (94%), local government leadership (91%), and taxes and fees (90%) as issues of importance. Two-thirds, moreover, think that Chicago is worse off when it comes to crime and taxes than other places in the U.S. Mayor Lori Lightfoot mingles Jan. 25, 2023, during a ribbon-cutting event for the new Public Safety Training Center on the West Side. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) The citys trajectory: Few voters have high hopes for postelection Chicago. Less than a third foresee improvement five years from now on most key issues, and more think things will actually get worse than better when it comes to affordable housing, public safety, and taxes and fees. Theres optimism, however, about jobs, with 30% foreseeing better days ahead versus 19% predicting worse. The job requirements: Chicagos next mayor needs to be strong. Almost unanimously (94%), voters agree the city is facing issues that require a firm leader to address. Similarly, 84% agree that Chicagos leader needs to be tougher than mayors in other cities. Those who plan to cast their vote next month are looking for honesty (75%), trustworthiness (73%), integrity (63%) and leadership experience (61%) from mayoral candidates. Charm, likability and endorsements dont really matter. In the 2019 mayoral runoff, when violence and affordable housing, along with city finances and policing, also were top issues, Lightfoot ran as a reformer and outsider and won in a landslide. But today, our polling shows that as the incumbent, Lightfoot runs a real risk of becoming the next Jane Byrne, that rare Chicago mayor voted out of office after only one term. To fully assess voters judgment of Lightfoot, we asked three questions directly or indirectly about her. Asked whether Chicago would be better off with a different mayor, 74% of likely voters agreed. Asked whether Lightfoot deserves to be reelected, 64% said no. And asked if they were satisfied with her performance as mayor, 7% said they were very satisfied, and 14% said they were somewhat satisfied. So far, though, many likely voters dont seem convinced that any of the other candidates has the character, credentials and capability to do the job and fix what needs fixing: In our poll, 47% said they have not yet decided for whom theyre going to vote. Such a large group of on-the-fence voters gives Lightfoot an opening to win. The 21% of voters at least somewhat satisfied with her tenure, in fact, could be enough for her to place among the top two vote-getters on Feb. 28 and go on to the likely runoff election in April. (She finished first among 14 candidates in the 2019 general election with 17.5% of the vote .) Advertisement Apathy is a factor too. Turnout has been slumping in municipal elections, to a record low of 32% of registered voters in 2019. Unless candidates begin to inspire them, its safe to say that at least some of the registered voters who told us they plan to vote in the mayoral election wont do so. Who that helps or hurts isnt certain. The one thing we do know for sure, based on our polls, is that Chicago voters are deeply worried about how their city has sunk and how it seems to be sinking even further. They want a can-do leader who will make Chicago the peaceful and prosperous world-class city it deserves to be. Heres a call to that candidate: Make yourself known now. Will Johnson is the Chicago-based CEO of The Harris Poll, one of the worlds leading public-opinion research firms Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.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. National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has all but endorsed former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu to sail through upcoming party primaries for the Tamale South seat. Asiedu Nketiah said the four-time Member of Parliament (MP) had become so powerful in his constituency that it would even be surprising if he is contested at all when the primaries are held later this year. The outgone Minority Leader, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, he is so powerful in his constituency, he is almost always not contested at all. I have my doubts whether anybody will contest him, Asiedu Nketiah told party faithful during a meeting in London last week. The one-time General Secretary was addressing concerns that the January 23 changes to the partys leadership in Parliament was going to affect some of the replaced leaders at the upcoming primaries. They will not be impacted by the changes, one of the ousted persons, Dr. Avedzi (former deputy Minority Leader) is not going to Parliament again, he explained. On the case of Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak, Asiedu Nketiah said despite recent challenge he was facing, we didnt think that this change will affect his fortune one way or the other and so we felt this is the best time to undertake these changes. He stressed that the advantages of expedition outweighed the concerns that were being raised about the timing. NDC rings changes in parliamentary leadership The NDC, through its General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, wrote to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to announce the replacement of three members: the Minority Leader, the deputy Minority Leader, and the Minority Chief Whip. The NDC picked Ato Forson to replace Haruna Iddrisu as leader of the Minority Caucus. Other changes included Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele, who is the new deputy Minority Chief Whip. While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip. Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First deputy Minority Chief Whip, while Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is also retained as second deputy Minority Chief Whip. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho has tagged Asied Nketiah as a terrible leader who is now worse off as there are no leaders to manage him now. He described the current National Chairman of the NDC as always having been a bad leader and is now displaying his true nature. Asiedu Nketia was a terrible General Secretary but we were able to manage him. His time as General Secretary was peaceful because there were level headed chairmen who always steered affairs of the party to sobriety. But now we have a party leader who has fed his ego, he told Don Kwabena Prah on Happy 98.9 FMs Epa Hoa Daben political talk show. According to Koku Anyidoho, Asiedu Nketiah thinks he is bigger than the party and thinks he can do everything per his will without anyone questioning him. Although the politician says he formed his own opinion about Asiedu Nketiah, he never undermined him and insists I will never want to work with Asiedu Nketia ever again. The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has once again justified the partys decision to reshuffle the Minority leadership in Parliament. The former General Secretary of the NDC at a Press Conference in the United Kingdom said the changes became necessary because the Minority leadership was not working well together. He also claimed that the minority leadership had challenges cooperating with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. The NDC last week reshuffled its leadership in Parliament replacing Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle also replaced Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi as the Deputy Minority Leader while Kwame Governs Agbodza replaced Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak as the Minority Chief Whip. But several NDC MPs have described the leadership changes as undemocratic and deeply worrying after they claimed they were not consulted prior to the change. Over 70 MPs subsequently signed a petition to reject the decision of the party. Source: happyfm 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 General Overseer of the Global Revival Ministries, Rev. Dr. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi has described the immediate past Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan Kyerematen as a man with integrity at a Thanksgiving service in Accra. According to the revered man of God, Alan Kyeremanten's unblemished integrity makes him a rare industry player in a politically tainted system. Addressing thousands of congregants in Accra, Rev Ampiah Kwofi heaped kind words on the former Trade and Industry Minister. "I am struck by the fact that Alan Kyerematen has served under former President J.A Kufuor and H.E President Akufo Addo, he has served under different leadership and yet I havent heard bad thing about him. And if your enemies have nothing against you, then you are a man of integrity" , Rev. Ampiah Kwofi told the stakeholders present. Hon Alan Kyerematen made a name for himself as the longest serving Trade and Industry Minister with over 10 years of experience in the industrial space. He has accounted for such projects like 1D1F and other industrialization based projects. Mr Kyeremanten has declared his intention to contest in the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries slated for the last quarter of 2023. Special guests present at the thanksgiving service are the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi, MP for Ngelehshi Amanfrom Sylvester Tetteh, Former minister for Tourism, Arts and culture Catherine Afeku, prophet salifu Amoako, Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah,the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International and other dignitaries. 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 Research fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana, Dr George Domfe says it is unfortunate to blame Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for Ghanas economic crisis. He said there is no data and nothing to support the claims that the Finance Minister caused Ghanas woes. Dr George Domfe believes Ghanas problems have been in existence for long before the appointment of Mr Ofori-Atta by the Nana Addo-led government. Ghanas problem has been debt to the GDP ratio from former President Kufuor's time to the recent government, he said on NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie' when discussing Ghanas economy. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 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: Turnersuchus hingleyae by Julia d'Oliveira. Credit: Julia d'Oliveira A new study has uncovered a new thalattosuchianan ancient 'sister' of modern-day crocodiles' ancestors. The discovery of Turnersuchus hingleyae follows an impressive unearthing of fossils on the Jurassic Coast, in Dorset, UK, including part of the head, backbone, and limbs.In fact, the find at the Charmouth Mudstone Formation was so successful, Turnersuchus is the only complete enough thalattosuchian of its agedating back to the Early Jurassic, Pliensbachian period, around 185 million years agoto be named to date. In work published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, experts state the discovery of this new predator helps fill a gap in the fossil record and suggests that thalattosuchians, with other crocodyliforms, should have originated around the end of the Triassic periodaround 15 million years further back in time than when Turnersuchus lived. "We should now expect to find more thalattosuchians of the same age as Turnersuchus as well as older," states co-author Dr. Eric Wilberg, Assistant Professor at the Department of Anatomical Sciences, at Stony Brook University. "In fact, during the publication of our paper, another paper was published [in Journal of African Earth Sciences] describing a thalattosuchian skull discovered in the roof of a cave in Morocco from the Hettangian/Sinemurian (the time periods preceding the Pliensbachian where Turnersuchus was found), which corroborates this idea. I expect we will continue to find more older thalattosuchians and their relatives. Our analyses suggest that thalattosuchians likely first appeared in the Triassic and survived the end-Triassic mass extinction." However, no digs have found thalattosuchians in Triassic rocks yet, which means there is a ghost lineage (a period during which we know a group must have existed, but we haven't yet recovered fossil evidence). Until the discovery of Turnersuchus, this ghost lineage extended from the end of the Triassic until the Toarcian, in the Jurassic, "but now we can reduce the ghost lineage by a few million years," the expert team states. Thalattosuchians are referred to colloquially as 'marine crocodiles' or 'sea crocodiles', despite the fact they are not members of Crocodylia, but are more distantly related. Some thalattosuchians became very well adapted to life in the oceans, with short limbs modified into flippers, a shark-like tail fin, salt glands, and potentially the ability to give live birth (rather than lay eggs). Turnersuchus is interesting as much of these recognized thalattosuchian features had yet to fully evolve.It lived in the Jurassic Ocean and preyed on marine wildlife. And, due to its relatively long, slender snout, would have looked similar in appearance to the currently living gharial crocodiles, which are found in all the major river systems of the northern Indian subcontinent. "However," co-author Dr. Pedro Godoy, from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil says, "unlike crocodiles, this approximately 2-meter-long predator lived purely in coastal marine habitats. And though their skulls look superficially similar to modern gharials, they were constructed quite differently". Thalattosuchians had particularly large supratemporal fenestraea region of the skull housing jaw muscles. This suggests that Turnersuchus and other thalattosuchians possessed enlarged jaw muscles that likely enabled fast bites; most of their likely prey were fast-moving fish or cephalopods. It's possible too, just as in modern-day crocodiles, that the supratemporal region of Turnersuchus had a thermoregulatory functionto help buffer brain temperature. Its name 'Turner'suchus 'hingley'ae originates from those who discovered and donated the specimen to the Lyme Regis Museum: Paul Turner and Lizzie Hingley who discovered the fossil in 2017. The ending "suchus," is the Latinized form of "soukhos," Greek for crocodile. The specimen is currently on display at the Lyme Regis Museum in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England. The excavation also involved colleagues from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, who helped to unite the parts. These cliffs and the beach on the South Coast of England site have become synonymous for such finds with the discovery of ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as the best preserved and most complete dinosaur found so far in Britain, Scelidosaurus, to name but a few. More information: Eric W. Wilberg et al, A new early diverging thalattosuchian (Crocodylomorpha) from the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) of Dorset, U.K. and implications for the origin and evolution of the group, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2023). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2022.2161909 Hicham Benani et al, Discovery of the teleosauroid crocodylomorph from the early Jurassic of Chaara cave, Middle Atlas of Morocco, Journal of African Earth Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2022.104804 Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The Biden administration banned the dumping of mining waste near Bristol Bay, Alaska, issuing a decree that thwarts longstanding plans to extract gold, copper and molybdenum because of potential harm to the region's thriving sockeye salmon industry. The Environmental Protection Agency's final determination, announced Tuesday, effectively blocks the mine planned by Pebble Limited Partnership as well as future mining of the same deposit in headwaters of Bristol Bay, home to the world's largest sockeye harvest. "The Bristol Bay watershed is a vital economic driver, providing jobs, sustenance, and significant ecological and cultural value to the region," EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in an emailed release. "With this action, EPA is advancing its commitment to help protect this one-of-a-kind ecosystem, safeguard an essential Alaskan industry and preserve the way of life for more than two dozen Alaska Native villages." Pebble, a subsidiary of publicly traded Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., has been seeking to mine in the area for roughly two decades and could challenge the decision in federal court. Representatives of the company did not respond to emails seeking comment. The ban dovetails with a pledge President Joe Biden made while campaigning for the White House, when he called Bristol Bay "no place for a mine." Bristol Bay supplies roughly half of the world's wild sockeye salmon, generating an estimated $2.2 billion in economic activity each year. A record number of sockeye have returned to Bristol Bay to spawn in recent years, even as other salmon runs have declined. Katherine Carscallen, director of Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay, called EPA's final action "surreal," because it "will finally put an end to the threat of Pebble." "Any mining of that site would do irreperable damage to the watershed," Carscallen said. "This is not just about fighting this mine this year or the last 20 years but making sure we won't be fighting another mine at that site in the future." The proposed Pebble Mine has been a source of contention for years. Under former President Barack Obama, the EPA recommended restrictions that would rule out the project. But the agency later withdrew the controls after a legal challenge. A federal judge last year sent the issue back to the EPA for reconsideration. Critics said the decision conflicts with the Biden administration's commitment to accelerating the deployment of renewable power and electric vehicles that rely on critical minerals. These goals "cannot possibly be realized responsibly if US government authorities continue on this adversarial path with domestic mining projects," the National Mining Association said in an emailed statement. "This end-run of the proper permitting process creates significant regulatory uncertainty for the mining industry during a crisis point for minerals demand." The ban, ordered under the Clean Water Act, represents a victory for conservationists and local residents who lobbied the EPA to definitively kill the mine by wielding broad authority under the statute to veto projects involving the discharge of dredged material. The Bristol Bay move marks only the third time in 30 years the EPA has used the authority. Under the final determination, the EPA is prohibiting certain waters in the Bristol Bay region from being used as disposal sites for waste associated with Pebble Limited Partnership's plan as well as any future proposals targeting the same deposit that would result in the same or greater levels of loss or change to aquatic resources. The EPA "truly listened to the original stewards and first peoples of this land," said Alannah Hurley, executive director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay. "These Clean Water Act protections provide certainty that Pebble cannot be built in Bristol Bay." 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The membrane protein insertase and extractase in budding yeast. Credit: Mashun Onishi Researchers from Osaka University identify a system known as the "GET pathway" as essential for efficient regulation of the numbers of energy-producing mitochondria A process known as mitophagy is responsible for the removal of mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of a cell. This occurs if they are defective, or to regulate their numbers. A protein anchored in the mitochondrial surface, called Atg32, promotes this process when it interacts with another protein, Atg11. Modification of Atg32 by phosphorylationthe attachment of a phosphate groupstabilizes the interaction between Atg32 and Atg11. The process by which this phosphorylation is regulated was unknown, but now a group from Osaka University has shown that a system known as the GET pathway is required for efficient mitophagy. Mitophagy requires phosphorylation of Atg32 and a stable interaction between the Atg32 and Atg11 proteins. Mitophagy is suppressed by the action of a protein complex called the Ppg1Far complex. This acts to reduce Atg32 phosphorylation and interaction with Atg11, and thus suppresses mitophagy. Proteins located in membranes within the cell must be targeted to their appropriate destinations to maintain the functionality of the different cellular compartments. The GET pathway is responsible for inserting membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum, which is a continuous and dynamic membrane system within the cell. When this pathway is disrupted, proteins can become predominantly inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane instead. The GET pathway mediates insertion of the Ppg1-Far complex to the ER. Credit: Mashun Onishi The team first found that cells lacking the GET pathway showed reduced mitophagy. "This phenotype was rescued when cells lacked both the GET pathway and the Ppg1Far complex," explains first author Mashun Onishi, "indicating that the reduction in mitophagy that we observed is related to the activity of the Ppg1Far complex." "We then went on to show that the GET pathway is responsible for tethering the Ppg1Far complex at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane," explains senior author Koji Okamoto, "preventing it from interacting with Atg32 to suppress mitophagy, thus allowing Atg32 activation and consequent interaction with Atg11." In the absence of the GET pathway, however, the Ppg1Far complex is instead targeted to the outer mitochondrial membrane, where it acts to suppress the process of mitophagy. A possible role of Msp1 for removal of the Ppg1-Far complex from mitochondria. Credit: Mashun Onishi A protein called Msp1 acts to remove non-mitochondrial proteins from the mitochondrial membrane that have been located there. The team found that disruption of both GET and Msp1 resulted in more severe defects in mitophagy. This suggests that Msp1 might be responsible for removing incorrectly excessively localized Ppg1Far from the mitochondria and thus maintaining the required levels of mitophagy. Defects in the process of mitophagy can lead to cell death and have been implicated in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. This work greatly increases our understanding of mitophagy and opens avenues for future research with a significant impact on human health. The article, "The GET pathway serves to activate Atg32-mediated mitophagy by ER targeting of the Ppg1-Far complex," was published in Life Science Alliance. More information: Mashun Onishi et al, The GET pathway serves to activate Atg32-mediated mitophagy by ER targeting of the Ppg1-Far complex, Life Science Alliance (2023). DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201640 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: Violin plot of the differences (%) between the mean total bulk density of a JB category (BD db ) according to national soil databases (Taghizadeh-Toosi et al., 2014) and the site-specific total bulk densities measured in the current sampling campaign (BD total ) for the seven JB categories as well as across the whole dataset (total). The white dots signify the mean differences. Credit: Geoderma Regional (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.geodrs.2022.e00560 Soil can store carbon. Therefore, there is also an increasing focus on soil organic carbon content and how to either increase or maintain it. This is because soil can also lose carbon in the form of climate gases from microbial decomposition, in which case soil suddenly contributes to climate change rather than mitigating it. But to maintain or even increase the amount of carbon, farmers need to know the current carbon content of their soil. Soil contains carbon in the form of organic matter. This is material that comes from plants, such as roots or plant residues such as cover crops that have settled in the soil. It can also come from added organic matter such as manure. The organic matter decomposes in the soil and has an impact on the structure and soil's ability to retain water, for example. It is also the organic matter that sustains soil micro-organisms. Fungi and bacteria break down the material and release nutrients to the plants. "The soil simply stores carbon and in doing so can help reduce the amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere. The soil can also lose carbon through microbial decomposition, and thus the soil contributes to climate change rather than mitigating it," says Ph.D. student Laura Sofie Harbo from the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University. She explains that it is therefore important to be able to estimate changes in the amount of carbon in the soil, because any increase in the carbon content of the soil can help compensate for other emissions. "Carbon credits and climate accounting are new concepts that have emerged as climate change becomes more real. Carbon credits is a concept that covers the possibility of being able to buy carbon storage from, for example, a farmer, i.e. where you can buy compensation for your own emissions," explains Laura Sofie Harboe. Rocks make a difference Both climate accounts and schemes such as carbon credits require reliable and accurate estimates of the amount of organic carbon in the soil, and of the changes in the soil carbon pool. "In 1985, the Kvadratnettet was created. It is a nationwide network with a total of 830 measurement points covering about 600 ha of agricultural land. In 1986 and three times since (1997, 2009 and 2019), soil samples have been collected for soil carbon concentration analysis to calculate the amount of carbon per hectare and monitor changes over time in soil carbon content," says Laura Sofie Harbo. In a new study, she has helped to refine and improve these measurements. There are a number of factors that can complicate soil carbon calculations. "First of all, it is important to have an accurate and representative measurement of the carbon content of the soil. This is important because carbon can be very unevenly distributed in the soil, so even a small offset in the measurement can cause uncertainties in the estimates," she explains. Secondly, the new study shows that you need to know the bulk density of the soil as well as the rock content to accurately calculate the carbon content in tons per hectare. This is information that has not previously been used to calculate carbon estimates for Danish farmland, and it makes a big difference. "When we use this new information on soil bulk density and rock content, the estimates for the amount of organic carbon become more precise," explains Laura Sofie Harbo. On average, the researchers found that the carbon content measured with the new method was 5% lower than with the previous method, which did not take into account the rocks in the soil. "Rocks don't contain any organic carbon, so if you don't take them into account, you will always end up overestimating the soil's carbon pool," she says. Trends take time "It's important for farmers to get accurate estimates for their land so that they can adjust their operations to either increase or maintain the carbon they already have, so that they don't contribute to additional climate gas emissions," says Laura Sofie Harbo, who explains that an annual inventory of the carbon pool will not be the way forward, even if the new methodology provides more accurate estimates than before. "It takes time to build up carbon in the soil, which means that the actions we take today won't be measurable tomorrow. In practice, it will be a number of years before the measurements will show a statistically significant trend," she says. The work is published in the journal Geoderma Regional. More information: Laura Sofie Harbo et al, Estimating organic carbon stocks of mineral soils in Denmark: Impact of bulk density and content of rock fragments, Geoderma Regional (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.geodrs.2022.e00560 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: This imaginary perfume bottle illustrates the role pheromones play in Drosophila courtship decisions by featuring the silhouettes of a male chasing a courted female. Naming this fictional eau de pheromone Dew Lover was inspired by the etymological origin of the genus Drosophila, which is based on the modern scientific Latin adaptation of the Greek words drosos (dew) and philos (loving). Vernier et al. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.105882) show that the coupling of the perception and production of some mating pheromones is regulated by the action of a pleiotropic pheromone receptor. Credit: Digital art by Yehuda Ben-Shahar, Washington University in St. Louis It's almost Valentine's Day, and love is in the air. Or in the waxy coating on your skin, if you are a vinegar fly. That's where flies encounter pheromones that play an important role in regulating sexual attraction. Flies use pheromones to ensure that they court and mate with members of the same species. As new fly species split off from a common ancestor, but continue to share the same environment, they need a way to rapidly diversify their pheromones to suppress inter-species mating. When members of two related species stop finding each other attractive, this helps prevent interbreeding. But it's more complicated than "she loves me, she loves me not." Because the perception and production of pheromones are mediated by different tissues and cellular pathways, evolving new mating pheromones requires a coordinated evolution of both the genes responsible for sensing the pheromones as well as the genes that produce them. A new study in iScience led by Yehuda Ben-Shahar at Washington University in St. Louis identifies a link between the genetic instructions for the production and perception of sex pheromones. The research was conducted in collaboration with Jocelyn Millar from the University of California, Riverside. Researchers reported that a single protein called Gr8a is expressed in different organs in male and female flies and appears to play an inhibitory role in mating decision-making. The findings point to one of the ways that flies could put up behavioral barriers to protect against mating with the wrong kind of partner. "Mating pheromones often show rapid evolution," said Ben-Shahar, a professor of biology in Arts & Sciences. "Because pheromonal communication requires a very robust and specific structural recognition of chemicals used as pheromones by the proteins that bind them in sensory neurons (chemoreceptors), it means that major molecular changes in either the receptor or the pheromone would reduce sexual attraction between males and females." Ben-Shahar and his team found that Gr8a was expressed in tissues in fly mouthparts, including the proboscis, as well as in taste neurons in the forelegs of both males and females. They also found Gr8a in cells in the abdomens of males. This was important because it provided Ben-Shahar and his team the first hint that a gene that had been previously identified as a sensory chemoreceptor must also have non-neuronal functions. "Our findings provide a relatively simple molecular explanation for how signal production and perception are tied together in vinegar flies," Ben-Shahar said. "A single pleiotropic protein can function as both a receptor for pheromones in sensory neurons, as well as contribute to their production in the pheromone-producing cells (oenocytes) of males, by way of a less-understood process." In one of the experiments that Ben-Shahar and his team conducted, the scientists took flies that were mutant for the Gr8a receptor and reconstituted them using input from a different vinegar fly species. This experiment showed that introducing Gr8a from another species was enough to change the overall pheromone profile of the animal. The scientists still have not pinpointed exactly how the chemoreceptor affects the way the signal is produced, but they do know that it causes quantitative and qualitative differences in pheromones. And even small changes in pheromones could be enough to keep closely related flies from finding each other attractiveand change their mate choice behaviors. The question of how closely related species evolve and maintain behavioral mating barriers is one that has implications for several different basic and applied biological research fields. "Based on what we have observed, mutations in a single gene could provide a molecular path for a pheromonal communication system to evolve while still maintaining the functional coupling between a pheromone and its receptor," Ben-Shahar said. "Our research uncovers a potential avenue for pheromonal systems to rapidly evolve when new species arise." More information: Cassondra L. Vernier et al, A pleiotropic chemoreceptor facilitates the production and perception of mating pheromones, iScience (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105882 Journal information: iScience Sundays are special for David Pasqual Ruiz. He honors the memory of his father by inviting others to run through the neighborhood where he once walked holding his dads hand as a child. Pilsen for him means family. The murals, the sounds and the tamales all remind him of his community, he said. So when he learned that a local tamal stand was targeted in a the string of armed robberies of street vendors in the last few months, Pasqual Ruiz and other leaders of the Tortugas Run Club decided to organize a run to help the tamal stand owner, Aurelia Alvarez. Advertisement The success of the event inspired the club to keep helping neighborhood tamaleras, women who make and sell tamales. After all, the running club Pasqual Ruiz founded in 2021 is about more than just the sport, he said. In fact, the running comes second; it is family, friends and culture that come first. When more than 200 people, including members of diverse running crews from across the city, showed up on Jan. 22 to buy tamales from Alvarezs stand and other nearby vendors who had also been robbed and assaulted, Pasqual Ruiz was touched. Advertisement It was more than double the number that join the club every Sunday. And thanks to their efforts, the tamaleras who set shop at 21st Street and Damen Avenue sold almost all of their tamales for the day. All it does is take a simple post, but with a very intentional idea, and that alone inspired and gathered so many people to support these ladies, Pasqual Ruiz said. These women are a staple in our community. So if something is important to them, we gotta support and care for one another. The women have been selling tamales at 21st and Damen for several decades. Their fear has grown after reports of a spike in armed robberies of vendors in Little Village and other Southwest Side neighborhoods. Hortensia Jimenez sells tamales as customers line up at 21st Street and Damen Avenue in Chicago, Jan. 27, 2023. Jimenez is among the recent armed robbery victims. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Aurelia Alvarez said her daughter and other women who help sell tamales at her stand were assaulted the morning of Jan. 15 by a group of men, leaving them in shock and concerned for their safety. But tamales are their livelihood and the only way to move on was to keep running the business, Alvarez said. To be honest, we felt joy by having so much support. Thank you, Alvarez said in Spanish. Christopher King, a member of the Tortugas Run Club and a Pilsen resident, had told Pasqual Ruiz about the robbery at Alvarezs stand. He buys tamales from her, so the robbery hit close to home, King said. Tamaleras are essential to the culture of the neighborhood, but they are vulnerable targets for criminals because they are women working with cash, King said. Advertisement Tamales and hot drinks are sold Jan. 27, 2023. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) On Jan. 22, the runners gathered at Bellis, a juice bar at 1850 S. Blue Island Ave. They ran a mile to the vendors to get the tamales, and then ran another mile back to eat their tamales and drink champurrado, a sweet Mexican drink. The tamaleras who were robbed, Pasqual Ruiz said, are someones mom or someones grandmother. He invites others to find ways to help those vendors. The running crew has two more events planned to support the community, including a fundraiser for a scholarship for college students and a community cleanup in Harrison Park. Kaira Peyton, a runner with Gumbofit, a group on the South Side, attended her first run with Tortugas despite the icy sidewalks and cold temperature when she heard about the purpose of the run. Advertisement The vibes of run groups are to promote community and fellowship through fitness and there is something very powerful and positive about people showing up, holding each other accountable, and doing real work that cant be ignored, Peyton said. And it serves as an inspiration and an intensive way to get up and get out in whatever way you can. Tortugas is collaborating with DDLR Scholarship Fund to raise money for undocumented college students by hosting an event following the Shamrock Shuffle on March 26. The DDLR scholarship was created in memory of Dennis De La Rosa, an undocumented student who graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Pasqual Ruiz said Tortugas will continue to promote the Sunday runs, encouraging people to live a healthier lifestyle and also to come together to help each other. larodriguez@chicagotribune.com This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Oil refineries are dumping massive amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the Great Lakes and the nation's rivers with little, if any, oversight from government regulators, according to a new analysis that found some of the worst polluters are in the Chicago area. During 2021 alone, 81 refineries in the United States that treat waste on-site released 1.6 billion pounds of chlorides, sulfates and other dissolved solids harmful to fish and other aquatic life, the nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project determined in its review of federal data. The refineries also collectively discharged 60,000 pounds of selenium, an element that can mutate fish, and 15.7 million pounds of nitrogen, which contributes to water-fouling algae blooms and dead zones in important fisheries such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the refineries are in low-income, predominantly Black and Latino communities that face disproportionate health risks from industrial pollution. Some refinery pollution is legal because federal and state officials have failed to limit it, despite requirements in the 1972 Clean Water Act mandating a review of standards for various chemicals and metals at least every five years based on the latest science and improvements in water treatment technology. "You have refineries that may look like they are complying with the law, but the standards are decades old and really don't require very much," said Eric Schaeffer, the group's executive director and former chief of civil enforcement at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Three Chicago-area refineriesBP Whiting in Indiana, ExxonMobil Joliet and Citgo in Lemonthighlight the consequences of lax regulations and weak enforcement, Schaeffer said Thursday during an online news conference. Even when limits are in place, oil companies often pay minimal fines for violating the law. Some aren't penalized at all. The Joliet refinery, on the Des Plaines River southwest of the city, exceeded its permitted levels of pollution 40 times between 2019 and 2021, federal records show. Neither federal nor state officials have sued ExxonMobil or fined the company for its repeated infractions. Only three other refineries discharged more selenium than BP Whiting, located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan about 8 miles from one of Chicago's water intake cribs. Small doses of the element are healthy, but higher levels can cause hair and nail loss, gastrointestinal distress, dizziness and tremors. Citgo Lemont and ExxonMobil Joliet ranked fifth and ninth for selenium pollution, respectively, the analysis showed. A public beach near the Whiting refinery is a popular spot for surfers drawn by big waves when winter winds whip down Lake Michigan from Canada. Mitch McNeil, chairman of the local chapter of Surfrider, a nonprofit advocacy group, said he and other surfers have suffered eye, ear and urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal illnesses after swimming in dark brown water that smells alternately like metal, sewage, petroleum and a used ashtray. "People always ask us why we keep surfing in dirty water," McNeil said. "Our response is we surf in it but you drink it, so you should be just as concerned as we are." BP routinely faces scrutiny about air pollution from the Whiting refinery. Water pollution hasn't drawn as much attention since the Chicago Tribune reported in 2007 that Indiana regulators were planning to relax limits on the refinery's discharges of ammonia, brain-damaging mercury and suspended solidstiny particles of sewage sludge. The company later backed down and vowed to abide by the terms of its existing permit. Responding to the new analysis of federal data, BP said it will "continue to operate consistent with its permit as part of our commitment to safe, compliant and reliable operations, not just at Whiting refinery but at every facility BP operates around the world." Speaking on behalf of the oil industry in general, the American Petroleum Institute did not directly answer questions about the lack of standards for selenium and other pollutants. "Our industry takes seriously its obligation to protect our nation's waters and adheres to strict local, state and federal requirements to ensure water is properly treated and tested prior to leaving a facility," Will Hupman, the trade group's vice president of downstream policy said in a statement. Schaeffer, the former chief of civil enforcement at the EPA, noted that federal pollution standards for refineries and several other industry sectors haven't been updated since Ronald Reagan was president during the 1980s. Federal judges are taking notice. Calling existing standards out of date is a "charitable understatement," a federal appellate court concluded after the EPA in 2019 updated its 1982 limits on water pollution from coal-fired power plants. Environmental groups asked EPA Administrator Michael Regan in 2021 why the agency had fallen so far behind in meeting its legal obligations under the Clean Water Act. The EPA acknowledged the letter but didn't respond. An EPA spokesman said the agency is aware of the new pollution analysis "and will review and respond accordingly." Most of the top polluting refineries are in California or along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas and Louisiana. Also in the top 10 is a Phillips 66 refinery on the Mississippi River in Wood River, a small, heavily industrialized Illinois city upstream from St. Louis. The Wood River refinery released more fish-harming nickel than any of the other facilities reviewed. It also ranked among the top 10 for discharges of selenium, nitrogen and total dissolved solids. For people who live near refineries, the new report reflects what they see, smell and breatheand ingest when eating locally caught fish. John Beard, a former refinery worker who leads the Port Arthur Community Action Network in Texas, said communities like his rely on the EPA to enforce air and water laws because they can't afford to fight for a cleaner environment. "(Oil companies) don't build these facilities in Beverly Hills, or River Oaks (in Houston) or Madison Avenue," Beard said. "They don't build in communities of affluence that have the ways and means to go about seeking justice and correction." "Many people say we need the jobs and we need all these products (oil companies) produce," Beard added. "That's true. But we don't need the pollution that comes with it, and they can do better." 2023 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Published today in the journal Environmental Research Letters, a new study investigates the transparency and traceability of cocoa supply chains in Cote d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer. The results show that less than 45% of cocoa from Cote d'Ivoire can be traced back to the first buyer. The remaining 55% cannot, either because it is indirectly sourced by traders from intermediaries or exported by traders that disclose no information about their suppliers. In Cote d'Ivoire, cocoa accounts for over one third of the national export revenue. However, this industry drives deforestation due to weak enforcement of land use regulations, among other factors. Cote d'Ivoire has lost 80% of its forest cover in the past 60 years. The study shows that over 20002019 almost half of the deforestation and forest degradation in the country was due to cocoa, replacing each year an area larger than New York City. In response to public pressure, most chocolate companies have made some investment in tracing the origins of their cocoa supplies, committing to zero-deforestation policies. However, the success of these initiatives is very limited. There is often a breakdown of records between the cocoa production and its transportation. This makes it difficult to assess where companies source their cocoa from and what progress they are making toward their zero deforestation pledges. Cecile Renier, lead author of the study, says, "As Easter approaches, the world's largest chocolate consumer, the European Union, is nearing the peak of its chocolate season. It is one of the busiest times of year for the chocolate industry, which increasingly sells its products to consumers as 'ethical' or 'sustainable.' But given the extremely limited tracing in the industry, consumers are not being shown the full picture about where their chocolate comes from, and the serious sustainability issues attached to it." Led by researchers from Earth and Life Institute at UCLouvain, Belgium, the new study shows that high rates of untraced cocoa sourcing can be found along the border with Liberia, where forests are under threat by cocoa expansion from Cote d'Ivoire. In these regions, 80100% of exported cocoa is not traceable to its first buyerlet alone to its origin farm. This falls short of the forthcoming requirements under the EU due-diligence legislation, cloaking the sustainability risks associated with cocoa products. As part of the Trase initiative, the research team utilized publicly available datasets for Cote d'Ivoire's 2019 cocoa exports and land use to link cocoa production and its associated deforestation to specific companies and markets. The study is one of the first to lift the opacity surrounding the cocoa sector in West Africa, showing that it is possible to trace at least some of the cocoa exports, and attribute impacts such as deforestation to specific traders and importing countries. "A lack of transparency and traceability within the industry means that this deforestation is going unchecked and unaccounted for. Even traders who disclose their supplying cooperatives can greatly strengthen their level of transparency: the disclosed data is incomplete, irregular, non-standardized or never updated," says Renier. "Above all, companies must go beyond the traceability of their own supply chains. Much greater means are needed to enforce land use policies and landscape initiatives. Coupled with transparent national traceability systems and robust deforestation monitoring, this would ensure effective forest conservation, and achieve true sustainability in the cocoa supply chain." More information: Cecile Renier et al, Transparency, traceability and deforestation in the Ivorian cocoa supply chain, Environmental Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/acad8e Journal information: Environmental Research Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Over the past 10 years, CRISPR has been transformative for research, enabling gene editing that is fast, simple and precise, experts say. The first paper showing that CRISPR could be used to edit the genes of mammals was published 10 years ago this month. Since then, it has been used in research laboratories across the world and is being tested in treatments for cancer and rare diseases and for making crops that are heartier and more resistant to disease and climate change. CRISPR gene editing is fast, simple and precise, researchers say. "There are many instances that without CRISPR, our life as scientists would be much more difficult," said Beverly Davidson, a neuroscientist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Gene editor Fyodor Urnov compared DNA sequencinga detailed reading of the genometo a powerful telescope. CRISPR, meanwhile, "allows us to fly to these newly discovered galaxies and do something useful once we're there," he said. "It gives us absolutely unprecedented insight into the functioning of every biological system from tiny yeast to the human being." CRISPR has already been used to discover the biological basis of diseases that have then led to treatments, he said. "And that's within 10 years." Here's what to know. What is CRISPR used for? In nature, CRISPR, an acronym for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats," serves as an immune system for bacteria. Scientists have repurposed it to make gene editing more precise and simpler to use. CRISPR has the ability to find a specific spot in a strand of DNA and make a cut, add or swap a genetic "letter" or even a word. Advanced forms of CRISPR allow researchers to rapidly screen diseased versus normal cells, finding targets for gene editing. Scientists used to spend years and "tons of money" breeding mice that had the same genetic changes as people with rare inherited diseases, said Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, a pediatric and fetal surgeon at the University of California San Francisco. "Now you can do it in a matter of weeks." Has CRISPR been used on humans? In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui sparked a global scandal by admitting he had used the gene editing tool to edit embryos and create "CRISPR babies." Most scientists and medical ethicists support the idea of using gene editing to improve the life of someone with a terrible disease. Such changes help address illness while the person is alive. But mainstream scientists and companies are not working on so-called germline editing, though there may be some rogue actors still considering it. "It doesn't even make sense" to do this, said Dr. John Leonard, president and CEO of Intellia Therapeutics, which is developing CRISPR-based treatments for rare diseases and cancer. Virtually all conditions that could benefit from germline editing can be treated or prevented another way, he said. Since 2016, CRISPR has been used in clinical trials to treat patients with blood cancer. More recent research has tested CRISPR gene edits on people with rare diseases caused by single gene mutations. "We're trying to create answers for people who actually have diseases," Leonard said. What is CRISPR-Cas9? In June 2012, biochemists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier published a paper describing how CRISPR works as a bacterial immune system. They revealed that Cas9, short for CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9, acts like a scissors, snipping DNA. The two women earned a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2020 for their findings. "The protein Cas9 to DNA is like the cursor of your mouse that you use to 'click' on a segment of text you want changed," said Urnov, of the University of California, Berkeley. Delivered to the right spot with an RNA, Cas9 cuts both strands of a piece of DNA. When the strands are put together again, a few letters of genetic text are lost. Researchers use that ability get rid of a toxic gene. In people with sickle cell disease, for instance, researchers are using Cas9 to make a genetic snip enabling a patient's body to once again make a substance called fetal hemaglobin. Fetal hemaglobin, typically turned off in the first year of life, reduces the sickling of red blood cells that causes patients' severe pain and organ damage. Using CRISPR to treat sickle cell, Urnov said, is essentially like pulling a spare tire out of a trunk to replace a flat. (c)2023 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Medical innovations typically take 17 years from the time a lightbulb goes off in a scientist's head until the first person benefits. But every once in a while, an idea is so powerful and so profound its effects are felt much faster. That's been the case with CRISPR gene editing, which celebrates a 10th anniversary this month. It has already had a substantial impact on laboratory science, improving precision and speeding research, and it has led to clinical trials for a handful of rare diseases and cancers. Over the next decade, scientists predict, CRISPR will yield multiple approved medical treatments and be used to modify crops, making them more productive and resistant to disease and climate change. "It's a revolution in progress," said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist who founded the Scripps Research Translational Institute, where he serves as director. The rise of CRISPR is "unmatched and unparalleled" in science, added Brad Ringeisen, the executive director of the Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. "It's changed the way we do biology." What is CRISPR? In nature, bacteria use CRISPR systems to identify and disable the genes of attacking viruses. The scientific insight was that this bacterial immune system, an acronym for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats," could be repurposed to edit cells of plants, animals and people. CRISPR has the ability to find a specific spot in a strand of DNA and make a cut, add or swap a genetic "letter" or even a word. "It's truly wondrous," said Fyodor Urnov, a gene editor at the University of California Berkeley's Innovative Genomics Institute. "It has worked in every biological setting that it has been placed into. Imagine somebody who can be a stellar performer in a heavy metal band and a symphony orchestra." In late June 2012, biochemists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier published a paper describing how CRISPR works to edit genes. (The pair earned a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2020 for their finding.) In January 2013, two other groups of researchers from Harvard and MIT showed they could use CRISPR to edit the cells of mammals. Earlier this month, Doudna, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, published a paper in the journal Science, noting the progress CRISPR has brought so far and its continued promise. "CRISPR has come a long way in just 10 years, farther than I could have imagined when our paper was first published," she said in a follow-up email. "Each year we're seeing more clinical trials for CRISPR therapies, and new applications." Gene editing existed before CRISPR, but it wasn't as efficient. CRISPR is easy to use, fast and allows much more precision in the edits than earlier technologies, several experts said. "There are many instances that without CRISPR, our life as scientists would be much more difficult," said Beverly Davidson, a neuroscientist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. CRISPR is adaptable and precise, making many lab activities simpler, she said. Even undergraduates in her lab can be readily trained to get CRISPR to work. CRISPR can still have off-target effectshitting genes that weren't intendedbut the risk is much smaller than with other editing tools. That also explains why the field of gene editing is moving slowly and deliberately, said Dr. John Leonard, president and CEO of Intellia Therapeutics, which is developing CRISPR-based treatments for rare diseases and cancer. Sloppy work could lead to cancers or other problems. "Nobody wants to make a mistake that hurts the potential, because the potential is so extraordinary," Leonard said. Using CRISPR to treat cancer CRISPR has the potential to improve cancer treatment by ramping up the immune system. Since 2016, it's been used in trials of patients with blood cancer, editing their own immune cells outside the body to launch an immune attack on the cancer. This approach, called CAR-T, has been shown effective against several types of blood cancer. Until now, CAR-Ts has to be made for each individual patient, costing money and time the person may not have. Caribou Biosciences is working on an "off-the-shelf" version of the treatment that will be sitting in a freezer for the next patient who needs it, said Rachel Haurwitz, company CEO, president and co-founder with Doudna. This would cut weeks of preparation time and potentially cost. In its first clinical trial, six patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma had no detectable cancer after a single dose of the therapy, Haurwitz said. How CRISPR works against rare diseases More than 6,000 rare inherited diseases are caused by a single genetic "misspelling." For these, CRISPR offers the possibility of snipping the defective gene, ramping up a different one, or subbing out genetic "letters" that are causing problems. The first gene therapy for sickle cell disease, based on a CRISPR snip, is expected to be approved later this year. With other diseases, "it's harder to develop a single scissors to treat all of those mutations," said said Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, a pediatric and fetal surgeon at the University of California San Francisco. Pompe disease, for instance, which weakens heart and skeletal muscles and can be fatal, has 100 different variations, each of which would need a different gene edit to correct, said MacKenzie, who also directs The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF. Researchers must either find a gene edit they can make that will correct many variants, or figure out a way to rapidly develop an edit specific to each person with the disease. In her own work, MacKenzie is developing gene-editing approaches that can be used on a late-second or third trimester fetus, addressing diseases that are easier to treat in utero and would cause harm if the child is allowed to develop further. Editing a fetus would correct a disease, but would not be passed on to any children that child would go on to have. "There are multiple advantages to treating diseases before birth," MacKenzie said. Potential for gene-editing crops The potential for using CRISPR to improve crops is "remarkable," said Ringeisen, and could help secure food for billions of people, even as climate change threatens more floods, droughts and diseases. Gene edited crops are still mostly theoretical, but a few have recently hit the market. Part of that is technological and part is consumer acceptance, said Zachary Lippman, a plant biologist and geneticist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, New York. Plants that are gene edited may not technically be "genetically modified organisms" in the classical sense. GMO was defined to refer to transferring genes from one species to another, like a fish giving a plant a new ability. Gene editing, by contrast, amplifies an ability that was already present in DNA and genes of a plant or a related species, making it more heat- or disease-resistant, faster growing or able to be planted more densely, for instance, Lippman said. These are changes that domestication of wild plants or breeding has already achieved, he said, though it's too early to know if the public will accept them. Lippman's own work focuses on tomatoes. He recently gene edited 10 varieties of tall-growing cherry and grape tomato plants to create dwarf versions that didn't require staking. It took him 18 months to make the three needed edits. Whether companies will invest the time and effort in that kind of work for other crops remains to be seen, Lippman said. A company that makes a drought-tolerant soybean might be able to mark up their prices by 20% but that new soybean still has to compete with a soybean grown without CRISPR. Plus, crops that work well in one environment will likely need different edits to work in another. "A the end of the day, this is not a panacea" that will transform crop production or enable humanity to survive climate change, Lippman said. "This becomes yet another tool in the toolkit of what conventional and modern breeding is already using." Challenges for the next decade The biggest controversy involving CRISPR took place in November 2018, when Chinese scientist He Jiankui was first reported to have used the gene editing tool to edit human embryos. Most scientists and medical ethicists support the idea of using gene editing to improve the life of someone with a terrible disease. But they recoil in horror at the concept of editing the genome of a human embryo, making a change that will be passed down through the generations. "We do not know enough about human biology to make genetic engineering changes on behalf of the unborn," said Leonard of Intellia Therapeutics. Virtually all conditions that could benefit from such editing can be treated or prevented another way. "Nor can the unborn agree to have these procedures done to them." Rogue actors might still be working in this area, trying to make "designer babies," but mainstream science and business are focused on solving pressing medical and social problems, he and others said. Two other major challenges face CRISPR before it can gain widespread acceptance as a medical therapy: reducing its astronomical cost and figuring out how to deliver gene edits to more organs and cells. Delivery "is the bottleneck that if we can break open, we'll be able to realize a much broader potential of gene editing," said Feng Zhang, who helped show CRISPR's usefulness in the cells of mammals. So far, most of CRISPR edits have been in blood, which can be edited outside of the body; in the eye, which is relatively easy to target; or in the liver, where many cells end up as they are cleansed from the body. The fact that even these areas can be reached is testament to other scientific advances and a deeper understanding of the biology of diseases over the last decade, said Zhang of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, a biomedical research center. CRISPR is now delivered to the body inside harmless viruses or tiny balls of fattwo methods that have improved over the last decade. It still remains challenging to deliver large molecules inside such tiny packages. This makes it particularly difficult to treat neurological disorders such as Huntington's Disease, Davidson said. "It's an issue of delivering all of the machinery to the right cells at the right time for the appropriate duration," she said. Cost remains a hurdle for CRISPR and other gene editing approaches. One therapy for adults with hemophilia, approved by the FDA late last year, costs about $3.5 million for a one-time treatment. Three hundred million people across the globe suffer from diseases driven by a single gene, Urnov said, and the vast majority don't live in countries with well-developed healthcare systems. "Do we want a future where each of these treatments is $3 million and then we can immediately calculate where it can be available and for whom?" Leonard said that a one-time treatment leading to a cure "can be incredibly economically efficient." But costs are a secondary concern at the moment, expected to go down as manufacturing and other processes improve and demand increases. "First we've got to start with the innovation and then solve for the access," he said. What else is on the horizon? Researchers hope to one day be able to reliably edit multiple genes at once, enabling CRISPR to tackle more common, complex diseases. George Church, who co-authored one of those papers a decade ago, said he has already managed to make up to 24,000 edits in a single cell and is working up to making 1 million. Church, a Harvard Medical School geneticist who always pushes the edge of what's possible, hopes to restore the woolly mammoth with such multiplex gene editing, as well as help people become resistant to dangerous viruses. Ringeisen would like to be able to turn up or down genes that regulate inflammation, potentially treating diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. In agriculture, he envisions gene-editing plants and microbes to capture carbon and reduce global warming. Zhang said he would like to use gene editing to restore cells to a more youthful and healthier state. The goal, he said, would not be to help people live forever, but to improve their health while they are alive. And Urnov envisions a day when even complex diseases like heart disease can be avoided with gene editing. "I would love a future where we would use CRISPR to prevent disease before it starts," he said. (c)2023 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A sign warns visitors about sneaker waves in Yachats, Oregon. Credit: Tiffany Woods, Oregon Sea Grant On Jan. 16, 2016, beachgoers up and down the Washington, Oregon and northern California coasts were surprised by multiple "sneaker" waves that inundated beaches, caused injuries and swamped a vehicle. Sneaker waves, also known as wave runup events, can be perceived as a mini-tsunami because the waves surge much farther up the beach than anticipated, often catching beachgoers unaware. The rapid and forceful surge from a sneaker wave can sweep beachgoers off their feet, trap them against jetties or rocky shorelines, push logs and other heavy debris into them and pull them into the ocean when the wave rushes back down the beach, all while exposing them to dangerously cold water. The Jan. 16, 2016, events occurred over a five-hour period on beaches from Humboldt Bay, California, to Pacific Beach, Washington. They were likely fueled by a specific type of wave condition generated by far-off storms and paired with just the right conditions closer to shore, a new study by Oregon State University researchers has found. The paper is published in the journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences. The finding is an important step in understanding the causes of sneaker waves and developing a system for predicting such waves, which could improve warning systems and help reduce deaths and injuries, said Tuba Ozkan-Haller, interim dean of OSU's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and a co-author of the study. Across Oregon, Washington and northern California, extreme runup events contribute to about two drowning deaths each year. "There are some things that are predictable about sneaker waveswe know they are more likely to occur in winter months, and that they are likely to occur in parts of the world where the continental shelf is narrow, such as the Pacific Northwest," said Ozkan-Haller, an oceanography professor who studies the physics of ocean waves. The National Weather Service issues sneaker wave warnings based on those elements of predictability, but such warnings could be improved as researchers learn more about how the waves are created, she said. "The more we learn, the closer we get to our ultimate goal, which would be to develop a warning system that is specific, accurate and localized," Ozkan-Haller said. The study's lead author is Chuan Li, who conducted the research as a doctoral student at Oregon State. Li completed his Ph.D. in 2021 and continued doing runup-related studies as a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA. He now works in Hong Kong as a senior engineer at Arup. Additional authors are Robert Holman and Peter Ruggiero of OSU's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences; Gabriel Garcia-Medina of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, who also earned a doctorate at OSU; and Treena Jensen, David Elson and William R. Schneider of the National Weather Service in Portland. "Close collaboration with the scientists and forecasters at the National Weather Service was a key component in helping us home in on the relationship between the offshore wave climate and the potential for sneaker waves," Ozkan-Haller said. The sneaker waves that occurred Jan. 16, 2016, caught researchers' attention in part because there were several events up and down the coast during a short period of time, and because multiple videos of the events were posted on YouTube. Ozkan-Haller, Li and their colleagues used the videos and other available scientific data such as wave height readings and wind speeds to test several theories around what may have caused the series of sneaker waves that day. "The videos showed important general characteristics of the extreme runup events on this dayin particular that they were roughly 5 minutes from beginning to end," said Li. "This information helped us identify their signals from tide gauges and also helped narrow down possible causes." The researchers found a relationship between two types of waves: surface gravity waves, which surfers watch and surf, and which arrive in sets and break on the beach; and underlying longer "infragravity" waves, which are longer waves fed by the energy created by gravity waves. One infragravity wave will run underneath a set of gravity waves. When large storms are brewing near Alaska or the South Pacific, they can create conditions where there is more time between each wave in a set of gravity wavesthe waves are spaced out over a longer period of time, and the wave field looks well-organized. Those conditions also make the underlying infragravity waves longer and stronger. "The longer the wave is, the less likely it is to break," Ozkan-Haller said. "Instead, it sloshes up, like the water would if you're getting into a bathtub." These longer waves also carry more energy, so they can run a lot further up the beach. But not all of these long waves turn into sneaker waves; other conditions, including weather near the shore, also factor in. "If these long waves are forming out in the ocean, but there is also a local storm, the wave field is jumbled, and sneaker waves won't occur," Ozkan-Haller said. "When the wind is calm, the local weather is milda beautiful day on the beachsneaker waves are more likely." Not all coastlines are vulnerable to sneaker waves; the narrow continental shelf and the potential for far offshore winter storms contribute to their occurrence in the Pacific Northwest. More research is needed to understand why certain locations within the region are more prone than others to sneaker waves, according to Ozkan-Haller. Until researchers are able to generate accurate and localized forecasts, Ozkan-Haller suggests a few safety tips for beachgoers: Check the National Weather Service social media outlets for sneaker wave warnings. Before heading down to the beach, spend some time20 minuteswatching the waves from a nearby viewpoint. Count the seconds between each wave breaking on the shore. The more time between waves, the more likely a sneaker wave could occur. If the waves are 20 or more seconds apart and look well-organized, with long, clean lines of swell waves, be especially cautious. Avoid areas where you could be trapped by rushing water, such as jetties or rocky cliffs, and areas where rolling logs could be swept up and into you. Don't turn your back on the ocean, and always have an exit plan that will get you to higher ground in 15 to 30 seconds. "The worst position you can put yourself in is to get trappedpushed up against a dune or rocks or perched on a jetty at the mercy of the down rush or overtopping waves without an exit path," Ozkan-Haller said. "It never hurts to be extra vigilant about watching the ocean and making sure one has an exit plan. One sneaker wave can change the course of life." More information: Chuan Li et al, Observations of extreme wave runup events on the US Pacific Northwest coast, Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.5194/nhess-23-107-2023 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Scanning Electron Microscopy (gray) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (yellow and red) images reveal the calcium and iron elemental distribution in novel pigment mixture consisting of iron (red) oxide to calcium (yellow) hydroxide ratio of 1:10 by mass. Credit: Shinobu Hashimoto of Nagoya Institute of Technology In medieval Europe, before the rise of oil paintings, fresco was a popular religious painting technique. Many artworks across Europe, hundreds of years old, utilize this method and constitute an important part of cultural heritage. Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel ceiling and Fra Angelo's Annunciation in Italy are perhaps two of the most well-known examples of frescoes. But how exactly does the fresco technique work? A fresco is painted on a wet slaked lime plaster wall with natural rock pigments. The plaster, consisting of calcium hydroxide, reacts with water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to form calcium carbonate. It gradually forms a protective coating over the pigments, preserving the painting. In addition, it increases the mechanical strength of the plaster. However, this process takes place over decades, making frescoes a rarely practiced art form. In this regard, a group of researchers from the Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry at the Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan, including Professor Shinobu Hashimoto, Mr. Keitaro Yamaguchi, and Prof. Yuji Iwamoto, rapidly fabricated frescoes through a ceramic cold sintering technique that was "geomimetic", or inspired by the natural rock formation processes taking place in the Earth's crust. The team's work was published in Ceramics International. Prof. Hashimoto explains the idea behind geomimetic ceramics. "This hardening method is named so because it imitates the formation of sedimentary rocks in the crust. It employs a warm press to heat calcium hydroxide powder up to 300 C under the high pressure of several hundred megapascals. These conditions harden the powder, forming the base material for frescoes." The time required to create a fresco has been drastically reduced to the span of a single day thanks to researchers from Japan, who developed a novel technique that mimics the formation of sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust. Credit: Shinobu Hashimoto of Nagoya Institute of Technology The researchers painted on the fabricated bases using red iron oxide pigment powder because of its low environmental impact. Next, they performed supercritical carbon dioxide treatment. Supercritical carbon dioxide is a fluid form of carbon dioxide that forms when it is heated and held at a very high temperature and pressure. The application of supercritical carbon dioxide in their technique helped form calcium carbonate on the painted surface. To ensure that the pigment stayed immobilized on the surface, the researchers subjected the painting to a warm press before the carbon dioxide treatment. The resultant calcium hydroxide layer exhibited superior visible light transmittance and better pigment immobilization. Further, to ensure an even coating and sufficient translucency, the researchers mixed the pigment and calcium hydroxide powders for painting instead of powder coating the fresco. The heavier iron-based pigment particles in the mixture settled and deposited on the base, while the calcium hydroxide remained on top and covered the surface uniformly, ultimately resulting in an even calcium carbonate coating. The researchers found that a 1:10 pigment-to-hydroxide ratio by mass was sufficient to immobilize the pigment particles. Adding more hydroxide made the painting whitish. They analyzed the structural characteristics of the resultant frescoes using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to confirm the calcium and iron element distribution. A research team from Japan have successfully created a fresco in a single day using a novel technique that mimics the formation of sedimentary rocks in the Earth's crust. Their method greatly hastens the completion of a fresco painting, which otherwise takes several decades to form. Credit: Carlo Raso from Openverse. Lastly, the researchers measured pigment color differences among various mixing ratios with a colorimeter. The 1:10 novel mixture ratio showed appreciable color development. In fact, its pigment color was brighter than even the original pure pigment. The researchers suggest that the calcium hydroxide particles dispersed the red iron oxide pigments, reducing their aggregate size. That, in turn, increased the transmitted light intensity. The results highlighted in this work will enable the rapid production of frescoes designed with calcium hydroxide mixed pigments, warm pressing, and supercritical carbon dioxide treatment. This fresco technique can also be used for the production of pigmented pictures on pottery, which could act as a push towards new, energy-efficient, unfired pottery technology. Prof. Hashimoto puts into perspective the enormity of the present work. "Using our technique, a fresco, a historical art painting that takes hundreds of years to form, was successfully created in one day. This finding could facilitate unfired pottery technology for a low-energy society. It is important to pay attention to traditional fields as past technologies can also contribute to the latest advancements." More information: Keitaro Yamaguchi et al, Rapid fabrication of frescoes using a geomimetic ceramic formation process, Ceramics International (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.11.022 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: Graphic depiction of bend-forming of large electrostatically actuated space structures. Credit: Zachary Cordero It is an exciting time for astronomers and cosmologists. Since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have been treated to the most vivid and detailed images of the universe ever taken. Webb's powerful infrared imagers, spectrometers, and coronagraphs will allow for even more in the near future, including everything from surveys of the early universe to direct imaging studies of exoplanets. Moreover, several next-generation telescopes will become operational in the coming years with 30-meter (~98.5 feet) primary mirrors, adaptive optics, spectrometers, and coronagraphs. Even with these impressive instruments, astronomers and cosmologists look forward to an era when even more sophisticated and powerful telescopes are available. For example, Zachary Cordero of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently proposed a telescope with a 100-meter (328-foot) primary mirror that would be autonomously constructed in space and bent into shape by electrostatic actuators. His proposal was one of several concepts selected this year by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program for Phase I development. Corder is the Boeing Career Development Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT and a member of the Aerospace Materials and Structures Lab (AMSL) and Small Satellite Center. His research integrates his expertise in processing science, mechanics, and design to develop novel materials and structures for emerging aerospace applications. His proposal is the result of a collaboration with Prof. Jeffrey Lang (from MIT's Electronics and the Microsystems Technology Laboratories) and a team of three students with the AMSL, including Ph.D. student Harsh Girishbhai Bhundiya. Their proposed telescope addresses a key issue with space telescopes and other large payloads that are packaged for launch and then deployed in orbit. In short, size and surface precision tradeoffs limit the diameter of deployable space telescopes to the 10s of meters. Consider the recently-launched James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most powerful telescope ever sent to space. To fit into its payload fairing (atop an Ariane 5 rocket), the telescope was designed so that it could be folded into a more compact form. This included its primary mirror, secondary mirror, and sunshield, which all unfolded once the space telescope was in orbit. Meanwhile, the primary mirror (the most complex and powerful ever deployed) measures 6.5 meters (21 feet) in diameter. Its successor, the Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR), will have a similar folding assembly and a primary mirror measuring 8 to 15 meters (26.5 to 49 feet) in diameterdepending on the selected design (LUVOIR-A or -B). As Bhundiya explained to Universe Today via email: "Today, most spacecraft antennas are deployed in orbit (e.g., Northrop Grumman's Astromesh antenna) and have been optimized to achieve high performance and gain. However, they have limitations: 1) They are passive deployable systems. I.e. once you deploy them you cannot adaptively change the shape of the antenna. 2) They become difficult to slew as their size increases. 3) They exhibit a tradeoff between diameter and precision. I.e. their precision decreases as their size increases, which is a challenge for achieving astronomy and sensing applications that require both large diameters and high precision (e.g. JWST)." While many in-space construction methods have been proposed to overcome these limitations, detailed analyses of their performance for building precision structures (like large-diameter reflectors) are lacking. For the sake of their proposal, Cordero and his colleagues conducted a quantitative, system-level comparison of materials and processes for in-space manufacturing. Ultimately, they determined that this limitation could be overcome using advanced materials and a novel in-space manufacturing method called bend-forming. Credit: NASA This technique, invented by researchers at the AMSL and described in a recent paper co-authored by Bhundiya and Cordero, relies on a combination of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) deformation processing and hierarchical high-performance materials. As Harsh explained it: "Bend-forming is a process for fabricating 3D wireframe structures from metal wire feedstock. It works by bending a single strand of wire at specific nodes and with specific angles, and adding joints to the nodes to make a stiff structure. So to fabricate a given structure, you convert it into bending instructions which can be implemented on a machine like a CNC wire bender to fabricate it from a single strand of feedstock. The key application of bend-forming is to manufacture the support structure for a large antenna on orbit. The process is well-suited for this application because it is low-power, can fabricate structures with high compaction ratios, and has essentially no size limit." In contrast to other in-space assembly and manufacturing approaches, bend-forming is low-power and is uniquely enabled by the extremely low-temperature environment of space. In addition, this technique enables smart structures that leverage multifunctional materials to achieve new combinations of size, mass, stiffness, and precision. Additionally, the resulting smart structures leverage multifunctional materials to achieve unprecedented combinations of size, mass, stiffness, and precision, breaking the design paradigms that limit conventional truss or tension-aligned space structures. In addition to their native precision, large bend-formed structures can use their electrostatic actuators to contour a reflector surface with sub-millimeter precision. This, said Harsh, will increase the precision of their fabricated antenna in orbit: An arrangement of 3 exoplanets to explore how the atmospheres can look different based on the chemistry present and incoming flux. Credit: Jack H. Madden "The method of active control is called electrostatic actuation and uses forces generated by electrostatic attraction to precisely shape a metallic mesh into a curved shape which acts as the antenna reflector. We do this by applying a voltage between the mesh and a 'command surface' which consists of the bend-formed support structure and deployable electrodes. By adjusting this voltage, we can precisely shape the reflector surface and achieve a high-gain, parabolic antenna." Harsh and his colleagues deduce that this technique will allow for a deployable mirror measuring more than 100 meters (328 ft) in diameter that could achieve a surface precision of 100 m/m and a specific area of more than 10 m2/kg. This capability would surpass existing microwave radiometry technology and could lead to significant improvements in storm forecasts and an improved understanding of atmospheric processes like the hydrologic cycle. This would have significant implications for Earth Observation and exoplanet studies. The team recently demonstrated a 1-meter (3.3 ft) prototype of an electrostatically actuated reflector with a bend-formed support structure at the 2023 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech Conference, which ran from January 23rd to 27th in National Harbor, Maryland. With this Phase I NIAC grant, the team plans to mature the technology with the ultimate aim of creating a microwave radiometry reflector. Looking ahead, the team plans to investigate how bend-forming can be used in geostationary orbit (GEO) to create a microwave radiometry reflector with a 15km (9.3 mi) field of view, a ground resolution of 35km (21.75 mi) and a proposed frequency span of 50 to 56 GHzthe super-high and extremely-high frequent range (SHF/EHF). This will enable the telescope to retrieve temperature profiles from exoplanet atmospheres, a key characteristic allowing astrobiologists to measure habitability. "Our goal with the NIAC now is to work towards implementing our technology of Bend-Forming and electrostatic actuation in space," said Harsh. "We envision fabricating 100-m diameter antennas in geostationary orbit with have bend-formed support structure and electrostatically-actuated reflector surfaces. These antennas will enable a new generation of spacecraft with increased sensing, communication, and power capabilities." 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: Three bighorn ewes. Credit: Regina Abella, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Desert bighorn sheep whose Southern California range is bisected by freeways may one day benefit from Oregon State University modeling designed to show where the animals would be most apt to use overpasses to safely cross the interstates. The research is important because it shows how GPS tracking data and computer simulations can be used to predict animal movementsinformation that's needed for the optimal siting of crucial but expensive habitat connectivity enhancement projects. Findings of the study led by Christina Aiello, a research associate in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, were published in Landscape Ecology. "Our work is already having an impact on conservation and land management decisions," Aiello said. "The study's findings are central to discussions among California officials about enhancing wildlife connectivity across barriers like interstate highways and a proposed Southern California to Las Vegas high-speed rail project. Government agencies and non-governmental organizations have voiced support for the construction of wildlife overcrossings at three key locations identified by our research." A collaboration that also included Clinton Epps, a professor in the Oregon State College of Agricultural Sciences, and OSU graduate student Paige Prentice looked at GPS data from collared animals from nine populations of bighorn in the Mojave Desert. The 20-million-acre desert includes Death Valley and Joshua Tree national parks and the Mojave National Preserve as well as Interstate 15 and I-40. The center divider of I-15 would hold the tracks of the proposed 200-mph train, which would be separated from auto traffic by a 6-foot concrete wall on either side of the rails. Aiello, Epps and Prentice teamed up with scientists from the National Park Service to analyze bighorn movements as a series of step-by-step processes. That type of breakdown allowed the researchers to determine which landscape features the sheep prefer to travel through and which ones they would rather avoid. "The computer models we used are known as step-selection functions because they determine what habitat bighorn select as they make steps from location to location," Aiello said. "There are no pre-freeway GPS data to show how bighorn used to travel, so we're using our models to simulate where bighorn would go if these freeway barriers were to suddenly disappear. Freeways continue to limit where bighorn can travel, even though they have been in place for decades." The scientists ran simulations totaling 8,200 years in the lives of bighorn sheep200 one-year periods apiece for 41 individuals, on landscapes with and without freeways. The results of the simulations sync up well with what genetics data and road kill numbers have suggested regarding movement corridors, the researchers say, and provide a more detailed look at how the sheep would benefit from a manmade-obstacle-free environment. "Barrier removal increased accessible habitat for eight of the nine populations we looked at," Aiello said. "Our results can inform important ongoing land use and restoration questions such as, where should we build a wildlife crossing that bighorn sheep would benefit from and use most? And where should we not disturb land because it would interfere with movements that bighorn currently make to access habitat and interact with one other?" That type of information, she added, is particularly important in desert habitats that continue to see large development proposals related to solar energy, transportation and urban expansion. "There are limited resources in desert ecosystems that make movement and access to diverse habitats especially important to wildlife survival," Aiello said. "Our study provides a glimpse into how bighorn could use this landscape if they were free to move and choose the habitat they preferthis helps us know how much the species might benefit if we improve movement across highways." Neal Darby, Debra Hughson and Nathan Galloway of the National Park Service also took part in the research. More information: Movement models and simulation reveal highway impacts and mitigation opportunities for a metapopulation-distributed species, Landscape Ecology (2023). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Vaitsa Giannoul, a social scientist with European University Cyprus, has looked into the question of which group or groups of people tend to overestimate their own level of intelligence. The study is published in the journal Brain and Behavior. Giannoul begins by noting that intelligence in humans is difficult to assess, pointing out that different forms may exist. She also notes that in addition to the kind of intelligence that is most often identified with the label, there is also something she calls emotional intelligence. And other factors may play a role, as well, such as memory. Thus, she concludes, any assessment of age group self-assessment of a person's IQ level must include such other attributes as well. To conduct a self-estimated intelligence (SEI), assessment, Giannoul, chose to focus on stages of development. Which age group, she wondered, thinks they are smarter than other people, whether they actually are or not? To find out, she enlisted the assistance of two groups of peopleone of those under the age of 65 and the other over 65. The first group comprised "young" people (90 female, 69 male) while the second comprised "older" people (93 female, 59 male). Each of the volunteers took a survey to assess their SEI and learn more about other characteristics regarding their self-image, including memory and emotional maturity. Next, each took several standardized tests designed to measure their IQ. In comparing SEI for each volunteer with their IQ test results, Giannoul discovered that two of the subgroups overestimated their SEI, one of which was surprising. The data showed that young males tended to overestimate their IQ by between 5 and 15 points on average, a finding similar to other studies. More surprising was that older women also tended to overestimate their IQ. Giannoul also found that older women who viewed themselves as more attractive than average were the same women who tended to overestimate their IQ. This, she suggests, may indicate that for older women, SEI might be related to the degree of self-confidence. More information: Vaitsa Giannouli, Are sex differences in selfestimated intelligence an elusive phenomenon? Exploring the role of working memory, creativity, and other psychological correlates in young and older adults, Brain and Behavior (2023). DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2857 Journal information: Brain and Behavior 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Traditional confectionary in Thailand is getting crowded out of the market by major western brands; but a new study suggests local manufacturers can fight back by using their country's local heritage and culture to gain competitive advantage. "Food is an important part of any country's culture, identity and economy," explained Dr. Hiroko Oe, Principal Academic in Marketing at Bournemouth University, who led the study. "However, in recent years we have seen people in Asian countries increasingly drawn to western foods which are overpowering the local markets." "It is not just happening in the confectionary market. Big-budget marketing campaigns by major corporations for breakfast cereals has led to a decline in the traditional Thai breakfast experience." She continued. For this new study, Dr. Oe and her team carried out in depth interviews with consumers and retail managers in Thailand. She then designed survey which was completed by around 400 people, asking about their attitude towards western and local products, and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions. The results have been published in the journal Sustainability. "We found that the iconic appearances of big city stores and restaurants that sell western foods are very well suited to today's Instagram and Tik Tok culture," said Dr. Oe. "This makes them extremely appealing to Thai youngsters who like to share images of their food and stories of their evenings out." By contrast, local products in Thailand are mostly made by small family businesses and sold in more modest settings, such as on street markets, without eye-catching packaging and logos. Despite these challenges, Dr. Oe's study found that youngsters in Thailand do still enjoy local confectionary as well as the western brandsand that local products have strong emotional value to them. "Young Thai's are proud of their traditions and history, and that applies to their traditional foods too," Dr. Oe explained. The research team point out that by listening to the voices of youngsters about what they want, there is a strong opportunity for small, traditional confectionary businesses to gain competitive advantage and fight back against the major players in the market. "They really have to think about what they have and how they can make the most of it," said Dr. Oe. "They don't need to make major changes to their business models but small innovations to combine tradition and modernity can make a difference. We have found that the unique identity and culture of Thailand is often taken for granted by local businesses when they should be using this as their strength." Dr. Oe and the team liken their recommendations to approaches to revive traditional confectionary products in the UK which have been very successful. Nostalgic sweet shops are very common on high streets, alongside the bigger retailers. Likewise, independent tea shops selling cakes and cream teas are very popular with locals and overseas tourists, co-existing with the big coffee shop franchises. The new study found that when people in Thailand decide to purchase a certain product, they are very likely to go ahead with the purchase and not change their mind. And word of mouth is very powerful in the communities too. Local producers can use these findings, and the loyalty to their national culture to build and maintain a loyal following for their products. "As one example of changes traditional sellers can consider, we found that youngsters associate western foods with social settingsgroups of friends sitting and chatting in coffee shops. However, when it comes to local confectionary, they tend to simply purchase and take away. "For cities and towns with character, a cute store selling traditional sweets and cakes is an asset to the community. A space where local residents and tourists can gather and enjoy the same sweets. With such potential, there are many ways to utilize and develop traditional sweets," Dr. Oe concluded. The research team hope to expand their research to cover a wider variety of different markets. In the meantime, they hope that the findings of this study will lead to the development of marketing strategies to ensure the sustainability of traditional confectionery in the Thai sweets market. More information: Hiroko Oe et al, Personal and Emotional Values Embedded in Thai-Consumers' Perceptions: Key Factors for the Sustainability of Traditional Confectionery Businesses, Sustainability (2023). DOI: 10.3390/su15021548 Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has reached a 15-year deal with Commonwealth Edison that the city bills as the strongest municipal utility franchise deal in the country, but some aldermen are worried it would bind Chicagoans with the embattled electricity company for much too long and much too fast. The Lightfoot administration developed two companion agreements that were presented to aldermen on Monday before theyll be submitted for City Council approval, multiple sources said. One is a 15-year franchise agreement for ComEd to continue providing electricity, with an option to extend it for another five years. The city would have the option to municipalize the system if it chooses after the first five years. The other is an energy and equity agreement to advance the citys climate action plan with promised benefits ranging from solar panels for low-income people to more than 1,000 jobs for South and West Side residents. Advertisement [ ComEd seeks four-year, $1.47 billion rate increase to bolster the grid for EVs, electrification and climate change ] The deal represents the first significant breakthrough between Lightfoots administration and the company since the U.S. attorneys office announced in July 2020 that ComEd would be charged with a single count of bribery in a nearly decadelong scheme to funnel money and jobs to loyalists of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, in hopes that he would back the companys legislative agenda in Springfield. Advertisement The company agreed to pay a $200 million fine so federal authorities would drop the charge after three years, but Madigan, ComEd executives and others remain tangled in the probe and face trials in the coming year. Lightfoot and City Council members had explored options for replacing ComEd which most recently signed a franchise deal with the city in 1992 that expired in 2020 but city officials said they dont have fiscally prudent alternatives. A city spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A presentation by Lightfoot officials billed the pair of agreements as the strongest municipal utility franchise deal in the country for its use of shareholder funds from ComEd to support clean energy and jobs training. ComEd spokesperson Shannon Breymaier said: ComEd remains closely engaged with the city of Chicago to arrive at an agreement that will expand on our centurylong partnership to support and spur a reliable and equitable transition to a clean energy future for all of Chicagos communities. But Ald. Matt Martin, 47th, said he doesnt understand why Lightfoot would rush through such a long-term deal when details of the alleged bribery scheme will likely come to light soon after. Madigans trial is set for next year, while ex-CEO Anne Pramaggiore is due to face trial in March. Why would we want to lock ourselves into 20 years when theres something critical that is going to happen next year? Martin asked. Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, concurred, noting his fears that Lightfoot wants to jam this deal through the City Council before the end of the term. He also worried that waiting five years to offer the option to municipalize the electricity system would actually remove the citys leverage for that duration. If we have something in the legislation that blocks us from having that conversation for five years, I dont think thats in the best interest of our taxpayers or Chicagoans across the city, Vasquez said. Advertisement On the overall length of the proposed deal, he added: If you agree to a 15-year agreement, and lets say you have a different council and what could be a different mayor, if they wanted to make any changes, theyd have to wait three terms. The mayor and all 50 ward seats are up for election Feb. 28, with early voting now underway. The second proposed agreement outlines that the ComEd cash going toward a climate action plan would be controlled by a third-party nonprofit board consisting of five people appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council and two selected from ComEd. Current city employees would not be eligible. Martin said that approach would strip City Council members of oversight. If were talking about money that the city needs to execute the citys Climate Action Plan, those are funds that the city should have control over, Martin said. Instead, the decisions would be made by some unelected nonprofit. Why are we getting tens of millions of dollars to a nonprofit that really is not accountable in the ways that folks are demanding right now? That to me is a very, very big red flag. About $90 million of ComEds cash would go toward executing the climate action plan, with another $10 million into training the workforce, sources said. Should the agreement be approved and eventually get extended another five years, an additional $20 million would go toward the fund. In total, $520 million in state and federal grants would go toward hundreds of community benefit projects for the climate action plan, according to the citys presentation. That includes 4,000 solar roofs for low-income residents and one community site, thousands of residents receiving affordable broadband internet using ComEd fiber, a new West Side clean energy training hub with a $3.2 million expansion of a Chicago Public Schools program to train 10,000 residents in transitioning to clean energy, over 1,000 South and West side residents hired in new construction or customer service roles and over 100 energy ambassadors to help assist with bills. Advertisement Lastly, the deal would create a coordination council to streamline operations across all city agencies involved. Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, also raised concerns after a deal that he noted only came about after two years of silence following the explosive bribery allegations. I would say the more I dig into the details of this agreement, the more questionable it is, La Spata wrote in a text. We cant afford to rush this over the next three months. 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 "Never again" is the phrase echoed among NASA leaders recalling the last major tragedy in the space program that occurred 20 years ago this week, when Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas on Feb. 1, 2003, never making its way back home to Florida. But with more spacecraft, more players and farther-flung destinations like the moon and Mars, the potential for another disaster has grown. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who as a member of Congress flew on the space shuttle on the mission immediately before the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, recalled this week how engineers at one of the shuttle's contractors told their managers to call off the launch because of the weather. The cold was ultimately blamed for shrinking an O-ring that led to the explosion. "The management would not listen to the engineers begging them to stop the count, and that went up all the way to the top," Nelson said. The warning signs for Columbia on STS-107 were out there as well. Nelson's mission's shuttle commander, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, told Nelson how he would always inspect the orbiter in space during missions he flew in the time between the two shuttle disasters. "You'd look at the underside or the sides of the orbiter with those delicate silicone tiles, and he said it was like somebody had taken a shotgun and just shredded it," Nelson said. "A warning about what was to come." The two shuttle accidents, particularly, led to changes in how NASA operates, with a safety-first mentality that can seem to slow down progress at times, Nelson said. "The bottom line is this. Speak up. A question, even a simple question is more forgivable than a mistake that can result in a tragedy, and each of us has a responsibility to cultivate a work environment where every member of the NASA family feels empowered to voice doubt. Make your concerns heard. Communicate openly," he said. The times between NASA's three major tragedies have been close to two decades each, and now NASA has gone the longest run without human loss of life in spaceflight. During those runs, though, the American space program featured only one spacecraft managed by the U.S. government. Now NASA has multiple commercial partners with SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner flying astronauts to the International Space Station while also working with its own Orion crew capsule for moon missions in the Artemis program. Later this decade, NASA will rely on SpaceX's Starship as well as potentially a second commercial lunar lander to keep its astronauts safe during trips to the moon's south pole, part of NASA's plans to eventually send humans to Mars. Alex Roland, a retired Duke University history professor and former NASA historian, warns the push to deep-space exploration could become deadly. "Don't send people to Mars or the moonyet," he said, noting human missions are "unnecessary, inefficient and exorbitantly expensive. ... The spacecraft systems redundancies necessary to guarantee human survival of a Mars mission can only be imagined. Sending people to Mars in any foreseeable future is a dangerous, expensive stunt. Leave it to Elon Musk." Even for SpaceX, though, he foresees potential disaster. "I think (Musk) has an uncanny ability to achieve very difficult goals," Roland said. "In my opinion, he is moving faster than NASA ever has. I will be surprised if SpaceX does not experience a fatal accident before it attempts a Mars mission. I find it hard to predict how that will change the calculus." He added, "Musk might change his agenda. The government might increase regulation of non-governmental spaceflight. NASA's fatal accidents did not change NASA's manned programs, but they sure set them back for a while." Commercial efforts closer to home have proven risky as well. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic continue to pursue space tourism flights for short suborbital trips, an endeavor that has seen the Federal Aviation Administration already halt flights for safety concerns for both companies. Blue Origin's New Shepard remains grounded after a booster incident last year sent its capsule blasting away to safety, although that flight did not have humans on board. Down the line, Sierra Space looks to develop its Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft, which could fly for the first time this year, into one that could fly humans as well. The field is growing, with projections of the number of people having flown to spacemore than 600 in 60 years since the first person in space in 1961to more than double in the next decade. "It's a challenge, but it is the responsibility of us as the overseers even though we may have a partner in the public-private sector," Nelson said. "We've got to look over their shoulder." Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said she expects human commercial spaceflight will flourish the same way commercial aviation did. "At some point, the industry will have to learn its lessons on its own," she said noting NASA's close relationship with the FAA to scrutinize commercial spaceflight. "We hope to transfer that knowledge as things go forward, but I think for at least a decade or more to come, we're going to be extremely engaged. ... They're going to have to grow up and have their own regulator someday, and we're going to support that as best we can with all the knowledge of the agency." One part of that effort is NASA's Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program based out of KSC. The program is managed by Michael Ciannilli, who was part of the Columbia recovery team and responsible for the moving Challenger and Columbia exhibit "Forever Remembered" at KSC Visitor Complex that opened in 2015. That means venturing out and talking with not only groups within NASA, but commercial aerospace partners, and even industries outside of aviation that could reap some benefit in the wake of tragedy. The program tackles everything from engineering to management-type discussions. The main thrust of the program is to prevent future accidents. "We're sharing these ways with folks that are on design teams, designing the new systems, those huge new rocketssharing new processes, working on establishing cultures," he said. "We're also working with all of the commercial spaceflight providers that are coming on board, and they're developing their systems and their rockets and procedures and programs. We're working with them intimately now, so it's still way before their first flight." That includes discussions with SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing and others. Ciannilli said thinks the Columbia and Challenger disasters help him bring home that message of safety. "They're just flying a new mission," he said of the two space shuttles. "The mission is to inspire, educate and change things and to positively impact the future for the better." 2023 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The map includes values for the 100 countries with the highest number of active researchers over time and with a population of at least 0.5 million people. Most countries have emigration rates below 40 per 1000 academics. Sudan, Malawi, Zimbabwe, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic have the highest rates. Other notable cases with high scholarly emigration rates include Canada, Peru, Switzerland, Ireland, Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Georgia, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Credit: MPIDR A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany, developed a database on international migration of academics in order to assess emigration patterns and trends for this key group of innovators. Their paper was published in PNAS on Jan. 18. As a rst step, the team produced a database that contains the number of academics who publish papers regularly, and migration ows and migration rates for all countries that include academics who published papers listed on the bibliographic database Scopus. The migration database was obtained by leveraging metadata of more than 36 million journal articles and reviews published from 1996 to 2021. "This migration database is a major resource to advance our understanding of the migration of academics," says MPIDR Researcher Ebru Sanliturk. Data Scientist Maciej Danko adds: "While the underlying data are proprietary, our approach generates anonymized aggregate-level datasets that can be shared for noncommercial purposes and that we are making publicly available for scientic research." MPIDR Researcher Aliakbar Akbaritabar explains how they processed the bibliographic data in order to receive information about the migration patterns of academics: "We used the metadata of the article title, name of the authors and affiliations of almost every article and review published in Scopus since 1996. We followed every single one of the roughly 17 million researchers listed in the bibliographic database through the years and noticed changes in affiliation and, by using that tactic we know how many academics left a given country every year." The researchers' empirical analysis focused on the relationship between emigration and economic development, indicating that academic setting patterns may differ widely from population-level ones. Previous literature has shown that, as low-income countries become richer, overall emigration rates initially rise. At a certain point the increase slows down and the trend reverses, with emigration rates declining. This means that favoring economic development has the counterintuitive effect of initially increasing migration from low- and middle-income countries, rather than decreasing it. Is this pattern also generally valid for migration of scientists? Not really. The researchers found that, when considering academics, the pattern is the opposite: in low- and middle-income countries, emigration rates decrease as the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita increases. Then, starting from around 25,000 US Dollars in GDP, the trend reverses and emigration propensity increases as countries get richer. MPIDR Director Emilio Zagheni adds, "Academics are a crucial group of innovators whose work has relevant economic effects. We showed that their propensity to emigrate does not immediately increase with economic developmentindeed it decreases until a high-income turning point and then increases. This implies that increasing economic development does not necessarily lead to an academic brain drain in low- and middle-income countries." Unveiling these and related patterns, and addressing big scientific questions with societal implications, was possible only because of painstaking work in preparing this new global database of migration of academics. "We are putting the final touches on an even more comprehensive database, the Scholarly Migration Database, which will be released on its own website soon," says software developer Tom Theile. More information: Ebru Sanliturk et al, Global patterns of migration of scholars with economic development, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217937120 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Online climate deniers can monetise their content and become minor celebrities, researchers say. Right-wing ideologues funded by fossil fuels, fame-seeking narcissists and doubt mongers monetising their content are pushing climate disinformation that undermines the fight against global warming, researchers say. Experts interviewed by AFP outlined six key things that motivate people to deny climate change or seek to delay action. Oil money Studies have documented flows of cash from the fossil fuel industry to conservative US think tanks, signalled by researchers as publishers of misleading climate claims. Greenpeace on the site exxonsecrets.org published documents from oil giant ExxonMobil revealing donations it made in the 1990s and 2000s to three such bodies: the Heartland Institute, the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Cato Institute. Exxon has repeatedly denied working against climate science. An analysis of tax documents and donor records by sociologist Robert Brulle of Brown University found that 91 climate-sceptic think tanks and lobby groups received income of $900 million in 2003-2010, largely from conservative foundations. Since the mid-2000s, the funding has largely been channelled through philanthropic groups that conceal their donations. "Fossil fuel companies have a long history of funding climate misinformation promulgated by conservative think tanks," Brulle told AFP. "This misinformation has misled many Americans regarding the risks associated with climate change and has hindered actions to mitigate carbon emissions." Greenpeace has revealed oil firm ExxonMobil donated to climate-sceptic think tanks. Monetising Elsewhere there are individuals "who benefit from the outrage economy online and are exploiting the current business model of social media, which allows them to monetise climate denial and climate disinformation," said Jennie King, head of civic action at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a London-based digital research group. "There is a large element of grift taking place in the online space. By cultivating a brand as these contrarian, intellectual Dark Web pundits, they gain increasing prominence on social media platforms," she said. "That drives traffic to their websites and increases the likelihood of them developing brand relationships, sponsorship and paid talking appearances." Ideology For psychologists, climate disinformation is driven by free-market ideals that make people reject climate reforms. "The number one driver of whether people accept climate science or reject it is their personal ideology," said Stephan Lewandowsky, a psychology professor at Bristol University who researches attitudes to climate change. "People who are committed to unregulated free markets find it impossible to accept the science because the implications of the science are that we have to have regulations or a price on carbon," he told AFP. Some climate policies involve a tax on carbon -- distasteful to free-market devotees. Politics Some of the most widely shared social media posts come from politicians - such as US ex-president Donald Trump's repeated claims on Twitter that snowfall was evidence against global warming. "People who vote conservative are more likely to be climate deniers," said John Cook, a researcher at Monash University in Melbourne and founder of the climate explainer site Skeptical Science. "Not liking the solutions to climate change, they reject that there's a problem in the first place." A November 2022 study in Nature by researchers at City, University of London revealed a rise in ideological polarisation around climate change during the COP26 climate summit in 2021, "driven by growing right-wing activity". Psychology A 2022 article co-authored by Lewandowsky and Matthew Hornsey of the University of Queensland pointed to other psychological aspects of climate claims, such as "motivated reasoning" - people deciding what they believe and then seeking evidence that supports their view - and "solution aversion" against reforms that imply painful sacrifice. "On top of that, people are fearful of climate change," said Lewandowsky. "Jumping into denial in the context of fear is not uncommon. The pandemic is another prime example." Trump has repeatedly suggested that snowfall is evidence against climate change. Fame Some climate contrarians have millions of followers on social media. "I think that malignant narcissism probably is a big driver of the influencers," said Cook. "These kind of mini-celebritieswhat makes them popular, famous, gets followers, gets blog readers, is their denial of the science." Some prolific contrarians are former weather forecasters, such as Anthony Watts, founder of sceptic blog Watts Up With Thator scientists themselves. "I can think of individual instances of academics who had an extremely mediocre career at best and then climate change came along and they said, 'Oh, it's a hoax,' and claimed to have some expertise," said Lewandowsky. "They were flooded with media requests. These guys are motivated by attention." 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: Chimpanzees are among the best studied primates for parasite interactions. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Fleas, tapeworms, Giardia, pinworms: Parasites are all around us. But some animals are more susceptible than others. Take the well-studied chimpanzee, for example: it's known to host over 100 parasites. In contrast, species like the indri, a lemur only found on Madagascar, are only known to host about 10 parasites. Many other primates are so poorly studied that only one parasite has ever been recorded. In a new study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, we examined which traits of both primates and parasites predict the likelihood of their interactions. Using advanced techniques in social network analysis, called the exponential random graph, we were able to simultaneously test the traits of primates and parasites to determine what predisposes primates to infection and what gives some parasites a unique advantage. For primates, larger species that are found in warmer, wetter climates are more likely to host diverse parasites, compared to smaller species living in drier, cooler climates. Further, species in the same branches of the evolutionary tree and those that live in the same geographic region are more likely to share parasites than more distantly related species found on different continents. Viruses, protozoa, and helminth worms are more likely to infect diverse primates than fungi, arthropods, and bacteria. Parasites that are known to infect non-primate mammals are also more likely to infect diverse primates. A photo from a microscope slide showing the blood parasite Plasmodium falciparum. One of the pathogens that causes malaria, P. falciparum also infects 118 other primates. In contrast, there are at least 30 other kinds of Plasmodium that only infect one or a few primates and their disease effects are poorly understood. Credit: Wikimedia Commons These new results were made possible by the great advances being made in infectious disease ecology. Over the last two decades, Dr. Charles Nunn at Duke University's Evolutionary Anthropology and Global Health departments has been working with teams of researchers to compile all published records of primate-parasite interactions. Combing through the literature, almost 600 published sources were obtained to glean which parasites are found in over 200 primates species, with over 2,300 interactions recorded. With the analytical tools in social network science mastered by Duke Sociology professor Dr. James Moody, we were able to systematically test how traits of both hosts and parasites affect the likelihood of their interaction for the first time. While many previous studies used subsets of this database and examined either hosts or parasites in isolation, we were able to make new inferences about the critical links in this unique ecological network. This work builds on a recent study that showed how extinction of primate hosts could lead to the co-extinction of almost 200 parasite species. While at first this might seem like a good thing, in fact it could have negative impacts on biodiversity as a whole. Many parasites don't actually cause disease or death in the hosts, and some may even have beneficial properties. We simply don't know enough about these critical and co-evolved relationships to understand what effects host-parasite coextinctions could have in the long-term. While it might seem strange to worry about parasite extinctions, they are actually an important part of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Understanding how primates and parasites interact reveals new insights into coevolutionary theory, and could also contribute to the conservation of underappreciated species richness. While from a public health perspective, we'd like to see some parasites disappear, like corona and ebola viruses, from an evolutionary stance, the sheer diversity of parasites and their intimate relationships with their hosts make them fascinating and crucial components of biodiversity. More information: James P. Herrera et al, Predicting primateparasite associations using exponentional random graph models, Journal of Animal Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13883 Journal information: Journal of Animal Ecology 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 In a world increasingly dependent on social media, consumers rely on reviews and ratings for everything from restaurants to service providers. And those opinions, published instantly online, can make or break a business. University of Notre Dame economist A. Nilesh Fernando recently examined whether a rating system could impact a far greater issuethe effort to prevent the widespread abuse of South Asian migrants in the Persian Gulf region at the hands of their employers. A study by Fernando, an assistant professor in the Department of Economics, and Niharika Singh, a postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia University, focused on a Sri Lankan governmental review system enacted to combat labor abuses of that country's migrant workers employed in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "As with many international migrants, Sri Lankans leave home to find employment as laborers in construction and as domestic workers and vehicle and machinery operators, hoping to financially support their families and build better lives," Fernando said. "In fact, roughly 17% of the total Sri Lankan work forceapproximately 1.5 million workerswere employed in the Gulf region alone in 2015." Unfortunately, many Gulf region employers routinely withhold pay; seize passports; engage in verbal, physical and sexual abuse; and fail to honor their contracts, leaving migrant workers with few options for legal recourse, Fernando said. Using administrative data on more than 1.5 million Sri Lankan migrant workers, the researchers found that approximately 8 percent of them make a complaint to a consulate to report labor abuseswith 80 percent of those complaints coming from female migrant workersalthough the occurrence of abuse is likely much higher. Countries that supply migrant workers have no power to control labor laws in host countries, and banning migration altogether hurts both the migrants and the economies of their home countries. However, migration in the Gulf corridor is often mediated by recruitment agencies, Fernando noted, and targeting these intermediary agencies for reform has the potential to help solve the problem. "Vulnerable migrants place their trust in intermediaries in return for finding them safe passage and employment opportunities," he said. "As a consequence, these middlemen have enormous power in determining the potential quality of the migrant's job. "But if nobody holds an intermediary accountable in Sri Lanka, and an abusive employer is willing to pay you more money, they may as well send the migrant to an abusive employer. We found that some agencies systematically send migrants to abusive employers; we call them 'underperforming' or 'low-quality' agencies. Those are the ones that you really want to find a way to improve on their practices." In 2010, the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment instituted a rating program to give star ratings to eligible intermediaries to incentivize them toward better placement practices. ("Eligible" intermediaries were those agencies that sent more than 100 migrants to jobs in 2009.) The government announced it would grant intermediaries zero to five stars based on each agency's total recruitment, skill intensity of jobs matched and performance in resolving complaints. In 2012, the star ratings were then announced in a public ceremony and made available in an online database. To assess this "regulation by reputation" strategy, Fernando and Singh examined how eligible Sri Lankan intermediaries responded, beginning with when they first learned they would be reviewed and rated based on their business practices. They discovered that the star-rating policy did make a difference and that intermediaries responded proactively to an incentive that threatened their reputationespecially those agencies that were underperforming. To determine this, Fernando and Singh compared agencies that were eligible to those that were not, by tracking individual migrants and their contracts, local recruiters, foreign employers and, ultimately, whether they sought assistance from a Sri Lankan consulate for an employment-related dispute. What was most surprising, Fernando said, was the timing and the efficacy of the policy. "The period between 2010 and 2012 when the intermediaries were given the chance to get their act together was the most productive," Fernando said. "That was when the agencies, particularly those who were previously underperforming, started complying and taking action to improve what their future rating would bebefore it was revealed how many stars they had garnered. "If you create a reputational incentive for these intermediariesif you give them a carrot, so to speakthen they start caring about where they place migrants. The agencies will choose better employers when they have reason to do so." In a related result, Fernando and Singh found that employers also sought out the higher-rated intermediaries to find workers for them because they deemed them more dependable and trustworthy in finding reliable, consistent help. The researchers did not find evidence, however, that migrants responded to the star ratings, in large part because the ratings were primarily made available on the internet, which, at the time, was accessible to less than 12% of the Sri Lankan population. In fact, only 14 percent of the migrants had ever heard of the rating program. The researchers concluded that work still needs to be done to better market the star ratings to a broader audience. Improving the lives of Sri Lankan migrant workers is not only personally important to Fernando, who is from Sri Lanka, but is also completely aligned with the spirit of Notre Dame, he said. "I can't think of something more consistent with Notre Dame's mission than caring about the dignity of labor. Any human being, no matter where they come fromno matter if they are rich or poor, Black, brown or whitehas an inherent dignity about them that we should respect." "And being able to conduct research that uses credible methods, that is empirically oriented, that uses a ton of data to make simple points, is very much consistent with the idea of valuing human development and human flourishing." More information: Regulation by Reputation? Intermediaries, Labor Abuses, and International Migration. news.nd.edu/assets/501978/migrec_070622.pdf 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: Global color mosaic of Neptune's largest moon, Triton, taken by NASA's Voyager 2 in 1989. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/USGS In a recent study published in the journal Icarus, a team of researchers at the International Research School of Planetary Science (IRSPS) located at the D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy conducted a geological analysis of a region on Neptune's largest moon, Triton, known as Monad Regio to ascertain the geological processes responsible for shaping its surface during its history, and possibly today. These include what are known as endogenic and exogenic processes, which constitute geologic processes occurring internally (endo-) and externally (exo-) on a celestial body. So, what new insights into planetary geologic processes can we learn from this examination of Monad Regio? "Exogenic geological features, such as glaciers, channels, and coastlines, characterize the bodies of the solar system that possess, or possessed, a dense atmosphere," Dr. Davide Sulcanese, who is a Junior Scientist within IRSPS and lead author of the study, recently told Universe Today. "The surface of Earth, Mars and Titan contains a large variety of similar features. Surprisingly, we observed that even in one of the farthest and coldest bodies of the solar system, the icy satellite Triton, the surface can be reshaped by exogenic processes, including deposition and flowing of ice (though in this case we refer to nitrogen ice)." "Such exogenic activity has already been observed on another body of the outer solar system, Pluto, where the high-resolution images acquired by the New Horizons spacecraft in 2015 revealed for the first time the presence of active glaciers and dendritic channels on its surface," Dr. Sulcanese continued. "We showed that also the surface of Triton (at least in Monad Regio) could host several ice flow-related features, like glaciers, moraines, ogives, and subglacial channels, that have probably played a fundamental role in the rejuvenation of its surface." For the study, the researchers created a geomorphological map at a scale of 1:1,000,000 of an extended area of Monad Regio, meaning the measurement of 1 on their map is equivalent to 1 million of the same measurement on Monad Regio. They then used a combination of images from NASA's Voyager 2, a roughness map of the study area, and a digital elevation model to conduct their geological analysis of the area. Their findings indicate that an endogenic phase is potentially followed by an exogenic phase, which could help explain the surface features we see today. "Most of the morphologies we observed on Triton are a consequence of the internal geological activity of the moon, like diapirism, explosive events, faulting, cryovolcanism and consequent flow of cryolava," Dr. Sulcanese recently told Universe Today. "However, we infer that after this first endogenic phase, some of these landforms in Monad Regio have been further modified by deposition and flow of solid and liquid nitrogen, forming features strikingly similar to terrestrial glaciers, morains, ogives, channels, and even coastlines." The study notes that while endogenic processes could be responsible for reshaping the surface early in the moon's evolutionary history, it is the exogenic processes that could be responsible for actively reshaping its surface today. "The almost total absence of craters on Triton denotes that its surface is extremely young, geologically speaking," Dr. Sulcanese recently told Universe Today. "This means that there is some kind of process that modified, or perhaps is still modifying, its surface. While in the south polar region of Triton the reason of such rejuvenation is probably attributable to the active geyser-like plumes (observed by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989), in Monad Regio the cause could be the exogenic processes mentioned above." NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft is still the only spacecraft to have visited Neptune and its largest moon, Triton, meaning the only images we have of Triton are over 30 years old, which Dr. Sulcanese informed Universe Today as being "the challenge of this work." "Still now, the only available information we have about the surface of this satellite derives from these images," Dr. Sulcanese recently told Universe Today. "Many of our findings were made possible thanks to the availability of a digital elevation model (DEM), that we were able to generate here at the International Research School of Planetary Sciences (IRSPS) (University of G. d'Annunzio in Pescara), by applying a technique called photoclinometry. This is to say that, although new space missions are crucial for improving our knowledge of planetary bodies, modern software can help rework old data in a different way and extract new information that was not accessible earlier." While there are currently no missions slated to return to Neptune, NASA's Neptune Odyssey mission was one of the finalists for a NASA Discovery mission, but it was announced in June 2021 that it was not selected, as two missions to Venus, DAVINCI and VERTITAS, were chosen instead. More information: Davide Sulcanese et al, Geological analysis of Monad Regio, Triton: Possible evidence of endogenic and exogenic processes, Icarus (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2022.115368 Journal information: Icarus This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The list of extinct species that genetic engineering company Colossal wants to bring back to life is growing. The latest addition: the dodo. Colossal gave life to real-world visions of Jurassic Park in 2021 with its mission of bringing back the wooly mammoth. In August 2022, the company, which has offices in Boston, Dallas and Austin, Texas, said it also planned to de-extinct the Australian thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. This new project, announced Tuesday, would bring back a species that's historically highlighted as a case of how humans can contribute to the extinction of an animal species. When did the dodo become extinct? The last dodo was killed in 1681, according to Britannica.com. Portuguese sailors discovered the dodo on the island of Mauritius, which is off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, more than five centuries ago. The birds, which were larger than turkeys, were killed for food, the site says. Pigs and other animals brought to the island ate dodo eggs. "The dodo is a prime example of a species that became extinct because wepeoplemade it impossible for them to survive in their native habitat," said Beth Shapiro, lead paleogeneticist and a member of Colossal's scientific advisory board, in the announcement. Shapiro, a professor at the University of California-Santa Cruz, led a group that announced in March 2022 it had sequenced the dodo genome. "I am thrilled to collaborate with Colossal and the people of Mauritius on the de-extinction and eventual re-wilding of the dodo," she said. "I particularly look forward to furthering genetic rescue tools focused on birds and avian conservation." How are scientists trying to bring back extinct species like the wooly mammoth? Colossal's biotech and genetic engineering teams are combining wooly mammoth and elephant DNA to recreate a next-generation mammoth capable of surviving in the Arctic and helping restore that ecosystem. "These embryos will be implanted into healthy female elephant surrogates with our first calves expected in 5 years," accounting for the 22-month gestation period, Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal, told U.S. TODAY. A similar process is being used with the Tasmanian tiger's genome and similar mammal DNA to bring back that predatorexterminated in the early 20th centuryto the island off the southeast tip of Australia. Colossal is creating an Avian Genomics Group to bring back the dodo and, eventually, other extinct bird species "through genetic rescue techniques and its de-extinction toolkit," the company said in its announcement. Colossal also announced $150 million in investments, boosting to $225 million its funding since the company's September 2021 debut. What other benefits might Colossal's research yield? Gene editing and biotech advances used for de-extinction "will inevitably have utility in the human healthcare field," Lamm said. Gene editing technology such as CRISPR is already being used to correct genetic mutations found in diseases. "We'll be building new tools to enable more complex editing protocols which will advance the state of the art when compared to what is available in the healthcare industry," he said. (c)2023 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Scientists have released a new survey of all the matter in the universe, using data taken by the Dark Energy Survey in Chile and the South Pole Telescope. Credit: Andreas Papadopoulos Sometimes to know what the matter is, you have to find it first. When the universe began, matter was flung outward and gradually formed the planets, stars and galaxies that we know and love today. By carefully assembling a map of that matter today, scientists can try to understand the forces that shaped the evolution of the universe. A group of scientists, including several with the University of Chicago and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, have released one of the most precise measurements ever made of how matter is distributed across the universe today. Combining data from two major telescope surveys of the universe, the Dark Energy Survey and the South Pole Telescope, the analysis involved more than 150 researchers and is published as a set of three articles Jan. 31 in Physical Review D. Among other findings, the analysis indicates that matter is not as "clumpy" as we would expect based on our current best model of the universe, which adds to a body of evidence that there may be something missing from our existing standard model of the universe. Cooling and clumps After the Big Bang created all the matter in the universe in a very hot, intense few moments about 13 billion years ago, this matter has been spreading outward, cooling and clumping as it goes. Scientists are very interested in tracing the path of this matter; by seeing where all the matter ended up, they can try to recreate what happened and what forces would have had to have been in play. The first step is collecting enormous amounts of data with telescopes. In this study, scientists combined data from two very different telescope surveys: The Dark Energy Survey, which surveyed the sky over six years from a mountaintop in Chile, and the South Pole Telescope, which looks for the faint traces of radiation that are still traveling across the sky from the first few moments of the universe. Combining two different methods of looking at the sky reduces the chance that the results are thrown off by an error in one of the forms of measurement. "It functions like a cross-check, so it becomes a much more robust measurement than if you just used one or the other," said UChicago astrophysicist Chihway Chang, one of the lead authors of the studies. In both cases, the analysis looked at a phenomenon called "gravitational lensing." As light travels across the universe, it can be slightly bent as it passes objects with lots of gravity, like galaxies. By overlaying maps of the sky from the Dark Energy Survey telescope (at left) and the South Pole Telescope (at right), the team could assemble a map of how the matter is distributedcrucial to understand the forces that shape the universe. Credit: Yuuki Omori This method catches both regular matter and dark matterthe mysterious form of matter that we have only detected due to its effects on regular matterbecause both regular and dark matter exert gravity. By rigorously analyzing these two sets of data, the scientists could infer where all the matter ended up in the universe. It is more precise than previous measurementsthat is, it narrows down the possibilities for where this matter wound upcompared to previous analyses, the authors said. The majority of the results fit perfectly with the currently accepted best theory of the universe. But there are also signs of a crackone that has been suggested in the past by other analyses, too. "It seems like there are slightly less fluctuations in the current universe, than we would predict assuming our standard cosmological model anchored to the early universe," said analysis co-author and University of Hawaii astrophysicist Eric Baxter (UChicago Ph.D.'14). That is, if you make a model incorporating all the currently accepted physical laws, then take the readings from the beginning of the universe and extrapolate it forward through time, the results look slightly different from what we actually measure around us today. Specifically, today's readings find the universe is less "clumpy"clustering in certain areas rather than evenly spread outthan the model would predict. If other studies continue to find the same results, scientists say, it may mean there is something missing from our existing model of the universe, but the results are not yet to the statistical level that scientists consider to be ironclad. That will take further study. However, the analysis is a landmark as it yielded useful information from two very different telescope surveys. This is a much-anticipated strategy for the future of astrophysics, as more large telescopes come online in the next decades, but few had actually been carried out yet. "I think this exercise showed both the challenges and benefits of doing these kinds of analyses," Chang said. "There's a lot of new things you can do when you combine these different angles of looking at the universe." University of Chicago Kavli Associate Fellow Yuuki Omori was also a lead co-author for the papers. More information: Y. Omori et al, Joint analysis of Dark Energy Survey Year 3 data and CMB lensing from SPT and Planck . I. Construction of CMB lensing maps and modeling choices, Physical Review D (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.107.023529 C. Chang et al, Joint analysis of Dark Energy Survey Year 3 data and CMB lensing from SPT and Planck . II. Cross-correlation measurements and cosmological constraints, Physical Review D (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.107.023530 T. M. C. Abbott et al, Joint analysis of Dark Energy Survey Year 3 data and CMB lensing from SPT and Planck . III. Combined cosmological constraints, Physical Review D (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.107.023531 Journal information: Physical Review D 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 artist's concept of a binary pair where a smaller star is feeding material to a neutron star. Perturbations in the neutron star may be sending a constant wash of gravitational waves through space. Credit: Gabriel Perez Diaz, SMM (IAC) The cosmic zoo contains objects so bizarre and extreme that they generate gravitational waves. Scorpius X-1 is part of that strange collection. It's actually a binary pair: a neutron star orbiting with a low-mass stellar companion called V818 Scorpii. The pair provides a prime target for scientists hunting for so-called "continuous" gravitational waves. Those waves should exist, although none have been detectedyet. "Scorpius X-1 is one of the most promising sources for detecting these continuous gravitational waves," said Professor John Whelan from Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Mathematical Sciences. He's the principal investigator of RIT's group in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, part of a group of scientists focused on the direct detection of gravitational waves. LIGO is the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, situated in Washington State and Louisiana. Virgo (in Italy) and KAGRA (in Japan) are also searching for gravitational waves, often in conjunction with LIGO. Hunting for gravitational waves at Scorpius X-1 Whelan's team used data from the third LIGO-Virgo observing run in their search for continuous gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1. "It's fairly close at only 9,000 light years away," said Whelan. "We can see it very brightly in X-rays because the gaseous matter from the companion star is pulled onto the neutron star." Despite its brightness, the team did not detect a continuous wash of gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1. That doesn't mean the waves aren't there. In fact, their data provide important goalposts as they plan more observations of the pair. It helped them improve their search methodology and should eventually result in the detection of these elusive waves. "This search yielded the best constraint so far on the possible strength of gravitational waves emitted from Scorpius X-1," said Jared Wofford, an astrophysical sciences and technology Ph.D. candidate. "For the first time, this search is now sensitive to models of the possible torque balance scenario of the system, which states that the torques of the gravitational wave and accretion of matter onto the neutron star are in balance. In the coming years, we expect better sensitivities from more data taken by Advanced LIGO observing runs probing deeper into the torque balance scenario in hopes to make the first continuous wave detection." An artists conception of a neutron star shows a schematic of its magnetic field and possible jets of material escaping from the poles. In the Scorpius X-1 system, the neutron star is paired with a low-mass star. Material escapes from the smaller star onto the surface of the neutron star. irregularities in the surface of the neutron star may play a role in creating gravitational waves. Credit: Kevin Gill, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) The Scorpius X-1 system Scorpius X-1 is the strongest X-ray source in our sky (after the sun). Astronomers discovered it in 1962 when they sent a sounding rocket with an X-ray detector up to space. Over the years, they figured out that its strong X-ray emissions come from a 1.4-solar mass neutron star that's gobbling up matter streaming from its smaller 0.4-solar-mass companion. The strong gravitational field of the neutron star accelerates the stellar material as it falls onto the star. That superheats the matter and causes it to give off X-rays. While the system is a strong X-ray emitter and is bright in optical light, it's actually classified as a low-mass X-ray binary. The two objects have an 18.9-hour orbital period. It's not clear if they formed together early in their history. Some astronomers suggest they could have come together when a supermassive star and the small companion had a close encounter in a globular cluster environment. The larger companion eventually exploded as a supernova, which created the neutron star. Using gravitational waves to understand the Scorpius X-1 binary pair Most of us are familiar with gravitational waves generated by the mergers of black holes and/or neutron stars. The first detection of those waves happened in 2015. Since then, LIGO and its sister facilities KAGRA and Virgo have detected these "stronger" waves regularly. It's important to remember that those detections record specific collisionsessentially "one-off" events. However, they aren't the only sources of gravitational waves in the universe. Astronomers think that massive objects that spin hundreds of times per secondsuch as neutron starscan produce weaker continuous waves that should be detectable. So, what might cause the waves in a neutron star/companion star binary pair? Look at the outer structure of neutron stars. Scientists describe them as uniformly smooth objects, with strong gravitational and magnetic fields. However, they could have tiny surface irregularities (called "mountains"). These stick out only fractions of a millimeter above the surface of the neutron star's "crust." The mountains are really deformations in that crust. They're created by extreme stresses in the electromagnetic field of the neutron star. It's also possible that these deformities happen as the spin of the object slows down. Or, possibly when its spin suddenly speeds up. However they're formed, they affect the magnetic and gravitational fields of the neutron star. That may be what's causing the gravitational waves. If so, those mountains may be small, but their influence could be big. The challenge now is to measure those waves. Eventually, astronomers will detect a constant "wash" of waves coming from Scorpius X-1. Their data will tell them more about the neutron star itself. It should also give clues to the dynamics of the binary pair as the members orbit with respect to each other. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Popular fireworks should be replaced with cleaner drone and laser light shows to avoid the "highly damaging" impact on wildlife, domestic pets and the broader environment, new Curtin-led research has found. The new research, published in Pacific Conservation Biology, examined the environmental toll of firework displays by reviewing the ecological effects of Diwali festivities in India, Fourth of July celebrations across the United States of America, and other events in New Zealand and parts of Europe. Examples included fireworks in Spanish festivals impacting the breeding success of House Sparrows, July firework displays being implicated in the decline of Brandt's Cormorant colonies in California, and South American sea lions changing their behavior during breeding season as a result of New Year's fireworks in Chile. Lead author Associate Professor Bill Bateman, from Curtin's School of Molecular and Life Sciences, said fireworks remained globally popular despite the overwhelming evidence that they negatively impacted wildlife, domestic animals and the environment. "Fireworks create short-term noise and light disturbances that cause distress in domestic animals that may be managed before or after a firework event, but the impacts to wildlife can be on a much larger scale," Associate Professor Bateman said. "The annual timing of some large-scale firework events coincides with the migratory or reproductive movements of wildlife, and may therefore have adverse long-term population effects on them. Fireworks also produce significant pulses of highly pollutant materials that also contribute significantly to the chemical pollution of soil, water, and air, which has implications for human as well as animal health." Associate Professor Bateman said firework bans at sensitive periods for wildlife migration or mating periods could limit the impact, as well as drone or other light-based shows. "Other than horses, for which there is some evidence that they can be gradually familiarized with flashes of light, there is very little that can be done to address the disturbing impact of noise from fireworks on animals and wildlife," Associate Professor Bateman said. "The future of firework displays may be in the use of safer and greener alternatives such as drones, eco-friendly fireworks or visible-wavelength lasers for light shows. "There is growing evidence that these community events can be managed in a sustainable way and it's clear that out-dated firework displays need to be replaced by cleaner options that are not harmful to wildlife and the environment." The full paper, "Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment," is available online. More information: Philip W. Bateman et al, Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment, Pacific Conservation Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1071/PC22040 To inform voters, the Chicago Tribune politics team posed a series of questions to the candidates running for mayor of Chicago. There are nine candidates running for mayor. See their answers linked below. State Rep. Kam Buckner (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked about funding for public transit agencies, Buckner said: Im the only candidate in this race who has put forward a comprehensive plan to improve non-automobile infrastructure and the CTA Im a lifelong avid CTA rider and a proponent of safe streets, and this issue is incredibly important to me. Read more here. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked about compliance for the Chicago Police Department consent decree, Garcia said: Step one is replacing Superintendent Brown. He is not trusted by his force or the public. We need a leader at the top who buys into the reforms we need to make and committed to building relationships with community stakeholders across the city. Read more here. Activist Ja'Mal Green (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked about reforming or abolishing some city fines or fees, Green said: We will be abolishing the practice of booting cars for nonpayment of violations, ending the red light cameras that keep Chicagoans in poverty via multiplication of fines, and fighting to take back our parking meters from Daleys deal with the devil. Cook Countys personal bankruptcy rate is out of control, and its driven by debt to the City of Chicago. This must end. Read more here. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked about Chicago Public Schools transitioning to a fully elected school board, Johnson said: The future of Chicago schools, and of our entire city, will depend on how well the next mayor leads the transition to a fully elected school board and financial independence for Chicago Public Schools. Chicago needs a mayor who understands and believes in public education, and who will invest in our youth to ensure our citys ability to thrive going forward. Read more here. Ald. Sophia King, 4th (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked of how she would improve transparency in city government, King said: I think that under this administration there has been a culture of silence and secrecy which has undermined not only the faith of residents in their government, but the proper functioning of that government. I would not view the press as opponents. I would instruct those who work in my administration to err on the side of disclosure in any case where third-party privacy or significant legal restrictions do not exist. Read more here. Mayor Lori Lightfoot (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked of dealing with crime, Lightfoot said: The most important responsibility of any mayor is public safety. My goal is to make Chicago the safest big city in the country by creating lasting peace, not just episodic periods of peace in certain neighborhoods. Read more here. Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked of aldermanic privilege, Sawyer said: Many of my constituents believe we are still living in the 1970s in terms of aldermanic privilege. We dont have the kind of authority to do what previous generations of alders did. We have made strides in improving the transparency on zoning matters, though I still believe the local alder has a place in the process. Read more here. Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked of city ethics laws, Vallas said: City government is bedeviled by a transactional approach to ethics reform that all but guarantees the perpetuation of our increasingly toxic history and culture of corruption. What distinguishes Chicago from other cities is not what happens that is illegal, but what happens that is perfectly legal. In the wake of a fresh scandal, Chicagos elected officials too often congratulate themselves for passing ethics reforms that more often than not are a least common denominator reaction to what just occurred. Read more here. Businessman Willie Wilson (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) When asked of how he would deal with crime, Wilson said: Carjacking, robberies, gun violence and other crimes terrorize the city. I lost a 20 year old son to violence -- he was murdered. This is personal for me. Read more here. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The filament visible in chicken samples, as seen under CT scan. Credit: RMIT University A new antimicrobial suture material that glows in medical imaging could be a promising alternative for mesh implants and internal stitches. Surgical site infections are one of the most common medical infections, occurring in 2 to 4% of patients post-surgery. For some procedures, such as vaginal mesh implants to treat prolapse, infection rates can be much higher, leading to a ban on that procedure in 2018 in Australia. Study lead author and Vice Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Shadi Houshyar, said their suture was being developed in partnership with clinicians specifically for this type of procedure. "Our smart surgical sutures can play an important role in preventing infection and monitoring patient recovery and the proof-of-concept material we've developed has several important properties that make it an exciting candidate for this," said Houshyar, from RMIT University's School of Engineering. Lab tests on the surgical filament, published in OpenNano, showed it was easily visible in CT scans when threaded through samples of chicken meat, even after three weeks. It also showed strong antimicrobial properties, killing 99% of highly drug-resistant bacteria after six hours at body temperature. Houshyar said the team was not aware of any commercially available suture products that combined these properties. How they did it The multidisciplinary team led by RMITincluded nano-engineering, biomedical and textile experts working in partnership with a practicing surgeonused the university's cutting-edge textile manufacturing facility to develop their proof-of-concept material. The suture's properties come from the combination of iodine and tiny nanoparticles, called carbon dots, throughout the material. Carbon dots are inherently fluorescent, due to their particular wavelength, but they can also be tuned to various levels of luminosity that easily stand out from surrounding tissue in medical imaging. Attaching iodine to these carbon dots, meanwhile, provides them with their strong antimicrobial properties and greater X-ray visibility. Houshyar said carbon nano dots were safe, cheap and easy to produce in the lab from natural ingredients. Professor Elisa Hill-Yardin, Dr Shadi Houshyar and Professor Justin Yeung inspect a prototype of the iodine-infused filament. Credit: RMIT University "They can be tailored to create biodegradable stitches or a permanent suture, or even to be adhesive on one side only, where required," she said. "This project opens up a lot of practical solutions for surgeons, which has been our aim from the start and the reason we have involved clinicians in the study." Clinical possibilities Consultant colorectal surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, Justin Yeung, was involved in the study. He said it addressed a real challenge faced by surgeons in trying to identify the precise anatomical location of internal meshes on CT scans. "This mesh will enable us to help with improved identification of the causes of symptoms, reduce the incidence of mesh infections and will help with precise preoperative planning, if there is a need to surgically remove this mesh," he said. "It has the potential to improve surgery outcomes and improve quality of life for a huge proportion of women, if used as vaginal mesh for example, by reducing the need for infected mesh removal." "It may also significantly reduce surgery duration and increase surgical accuracy in general through the ability to visualize mesh location accurately on preoperative imaging." A sample of the iodine-infused filament in the lab. Credit: RMIT University Next steps Study co-author from RMIT's School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Professor Elisa Hill-Yardin, said the next steps were pre-clinical trials. "While this research is at an early stage, we believe we are onto something very promising that could help a lot of people and are really keen to speak with industry partners who are interested in working with us to take it further," she said. "We see potential especially in vaginal mesh implants and similar procedures." The research team used Australia's leading university-based textile manufacturing facilities at RMIT's Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion, as well as the Rapid Discovery and Fabrication team's labs to produce the proof-of-concept material. Next, they team plans to produce larger suture samples to use in pre-clinical trials. More information: Shadi Houshyar et al, Smart suture with iodine contrasting nanoparticles for computed tomography, OpenNano (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100120 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: Tokyo Tech Advances in molecular biology have revealed that pep-tRNAsnascent polypeptides inside the ribosome that are covalently attached to transfer RNAare involved in myriad cell functions, including gene expression. All proteins exist as pep-tRNAs at some point, and studying these translation intermediates is vital as they possess properties of both RNA and protein, and can help researchers better understand the specifics of translation. Depending on stimuli and/or stresses, translational regulation is very rapid and spans initiation, elongation, and elongation pausing. Garnering deeper insights into the process of translation therefore requires a suitable method to process pep-tRNAs in large quantities. These nuances have fueled the development of molecular tools to investigate cellular translation. Presently, the two primary approaches being used to survey cellular translation leverage vastly different strategies. The first, ribosome profiling, a powerful deep-sequencing technology, monitors translation by targeting ribosome-protected mRNA fragments produced from RNase digestion. Unfortunately, this approach is inherently unable to capture pep-tRNAs, and is time-consuming, expensive, and data intensive. The alternative relies on proteomics with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and requires using unusual amino acids to label polypeptides. However, such proteomics approaches are time-intensive, and, most importantly, do not capture the translation elongation status of the cell, as pep-tRNAs aren't directly targeted. To navigate around these limitations in "pep-tRNA-ome" technology, a team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), led by Prof. Hideki Taguchi, has developed PETEOS. Their findings have now been published in Nucleic Acids Research. Regarding the main advantages of their work, Prof. Taguchi explains, "This non-labeling methodology is unique in that it specifically enriches and rapidly captures pep-tRNAs while still complementing conventional translatome analyses platforms." PETEOS has four steps. First, RNA is enriched using organic solvent extraction and then isolated on a silica column. Next, the target polypeptides in the isolated pep-tRNAs are separated from their ribonucleotides using a combination of high pH and temperature. Then, the liberated polypeptides are subjected to enzymatic digestion and cleaved. And lastly, these polypeptides are identified using shotgun LC-MS/MS proteomics. "As a proof-of-concept, we were able to identify nearly 800 E. coli proteins that were derived from pep-tRNA using PETEOS. Importantly, these proteins were N-termini-enriched, which underscores that the method really does capture the intermediate pep-tRNA pool during translation," says Prof. Taguchi, speaking of the significance of their new method. The team was also able to show that PETEOS could capture "screenshots" of the nascentomethe pool of nascent pep-tRNAs present at any given timewhen E. coli cells were subjected to heat shock and antibiotic treatments. PETEOS outperformed conventional methods in terms of the capacity to capture acute protein expression under heat stress, and the rearrangement of the nascentome following exposure to different antibiotics. PETEOS does have a few limitations, including a difficulty in analyzing low abundance pep-tRNAs using LC-MS/MS, limited quantitative capacity because of the acidic phenol/chloroform step, no codon-level resolution, and difficulty capturing the C-terminal end of the growing polypeptide. However, some of these issues exist for conventional approaches as well and can be overcome by improving the C-terminal peptide enrichment efficiency of this process. The team believes there is tremendous potential to optimize their protocol moving forward. Prof. Taguchi concludes, "Despite the limitations, we're confident PETEOS has potential as it enables analyses that current translatome methods simply cannot. Most importantly, it can be applied to any organism." With more research in this field, we will deepen our understanding of protein synthesis. More information: Ayako Yamakawa et al, A method to enrich polypeptidyl-tRNAs to capture snapshots of translation in the cell, Nucleic Acids Research (2023). DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1276 Journal information: Nucleic Acids Research This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Ruslan Lytvyn/Shutterstock Thousands of women have voluntarily joined Ukraine's armed forces since 2014, when Russia's occupation of Crimea and territories in eastern Ukraine began. Over the past nine years, the number of women serving in the Ukrainian military has more than doubled, with another wave of women joining after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Women have served in Ukraine's armed forces since the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but were mainly in supporting roles until the beginning of the war in 2014. They started serving in combat roles in 2016 and all military roles were opened to women in 2022. However, many women in non-combat roles, such as medics, are exposed to the same dangers and hardships as their male and female colleagues who fire the weapons. According to Ukraine's deputy minister of defense, Hanna Maliar, by the summer of 2022 more than 50,000 women were employed by the armed forces in some capacity, with approximately 38,000 serving in uniform. Women are now with units on the front lines. Women in the armed forces are being taken as prisoners-of-war by the Russians. Ukrainian medic Yulia Paevska was imprisoned for three months . "The treatment was very hard, very rough The women and I were all exhausted," she told Associated Press. Patriarchal attitudes are changing Ukraine is a country with strong patriarchal traditions, especially in the defense sector. But Ukraine's women soldiers are increasingly being accepted by Ukrainian society and the country's political leadership during this war. One indication of the recognition of women's presence in the military and society's rating of their contributions was when National Defenders' Day was renamed in 2021 as the Day of Men and Women Defenders of Ukraine. And there are other indications. Images of servicewomen are now regularly used by the ministry of defense in its social media posts. Ukraine's women soldiers are also often in the news, talking about their military experiences. There are also approximately 8,000 women officers as of October 2022, and one of Ukraine's deputy defense ministers is a woman. But the presence of women in the Ukrainian armed forces has not been without controversy. Some analysts warn against assuming that the photographs and videos in the news and on social media showing women on the front lines means that they enjoy equality with the men they serve beside. Boots that don't fit Ukraine's women soldiers still have to overcome skepticism from commanders and fellow soldiers about their commitment and abilities, obstacles to promotion and career development, as well as difficulties with practicaland vitally importantmatters such as getting uniforms, body armor and boots that fit. Women are also more exposed to sexual violence. Many Ukrainian female combatants mention in interviews with journalists that they must avoid captivity by any means and that they are ready to die rather than being captured by the Russians. A major research project, Invisible Battalion, began in 2015 and has shed light on the conditions of military service for Ukrainian women. Led by a group of Ukrainian sociologists (including Anna Kvit, one of the authors of this article), it identified legal barriers to women's employment in the defense and security sector, as well as obstacles to their access to military education and training. These regulations had prevented women in the military from occupying a range of technical and leadership positions. Not only have many of these formal obstacles now been removed, but gender advisers and audits have been introduced to encourage a military culture that is more welcoming for women. In families where both parents are serving in the armed forces, parental leave is no longer the exclusive preserve of mothers. Social attitudes towards women soldiers have also improved a great deal over the past few years. For example, the percentage of Ukrainians who agreed that women in the military should be granted equal opportunities with men increased dramatically from 53% in 2018 to 80% in 2022. Looking ahead to post-war Ukrainian society, it is hard to predict whether these more positive public attitudes towards women soldiers will translate into greater acceptance of women in the relatively new role of war veteran. A follow-up study conducted for the Invisible Battalion project in 2017 revealed that women veterans struggled to have their status recognized by both government officials and civilians. This meant difficulties in accessing public services for veterans and in making the transition back to civilian life. Will attitudes roll back? In the aftermath of war there is often social pressure on women to resume more traditional gender roles, namely to focus on motherhood and family. This is precisely what happened to Soviet women who fought in the second world war: they were the first to be demobilized and were even instructed not to talk about what they did in the war in case they might embarrass their husbands. However, just as public attitudes towards women in in the military are changing quickly in Ukraine, so too are the country's laws and government policies. Ukraine's commitment towards addressing women's needs and rights is reflected in the government's strategic documents for the next decade. For example, in 2022 Ukraine adopted the national strategy on equality of women and men, covering the period up to 2030. In 2020 it introduced Ukraine's second national action plan including measures to improve conditions for women's military service and support women veterans. The plan makes a commitment to provide "servicewomen with uniforms, equipment, and body armor that would fit their anthropometric measures", and to provide women veterans and their family members with free legal advice. The common experience of war brings an understanding of the scale and nature of the contributions that Ukraine's women are making to protect and defend their country. This shared understanding, reinforced by everyday encounters with women veterans who are friends, neighbors and family, might mean these women's experiences will be valued in the years to come. 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: Laboratory experiments were conducted in the Georgia Tech Environmental Chamber (GTEC) facility to study oxidation chemistry and secondary organic aerosol formation in multi-precursor systems. Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) consists of extremely small particles generated in the atmosphere from natural and human-made emissions. It is a major constituent of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers) worldwide that is known to affect climate and human health. Nga Lee "Sally" Ng, Love Family Professor in Georgia Tech's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, led a study to investigate the formation and properties of SOA from the nitrate radical oxidation of two common monoterpenes, compounds found in many plants. Monoterpenes represent an important class of biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their oxidation by nitrate radicals is a substantial source of SOA globally. Specifically, her research team examined the monoterpenes -pinene and limonene, which are both emitted in large quantities from trees. In findings published in the journal Nature Communications, Ng's team found that oxidizing mixtures of monoterpenes simultaneously produced different results than observed through oxidizing them separately in laboratory chamber experiments. Given the chemical complexity of VOC reactions and SOA formation, previous experiments have mostly only studied one VOC compound at a time. In this study, Ng's team used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to probe chemistry of multi-VOC reactions from the bulk to molecular level. "Our results highlight that unlike what is currently assumed in atmospheric models, the interaction of products formed from individual VOCs should be accounted for accurately to describe SOA formation and its climate and health impacts," Ng said. Ng explained that one might have expected -pinene and limonene to have the same potential to form SOA when they are oxidized as mixtures simultaneously compared to when they are oxidized separately. But what the researchers found was approximately a 50% percent enhancement in the formation of SOA from -pinene and about a 20% reduction in limonene SOA formation. "In this case, one plus one does not equal two," Ng said. "We do not get a linear reaction in the simultaneous oxidation experiment like we do in the sequential experiment. New products are being made by the interaction of the two monoterpenes." Ng's study examined -pinene and limonene in a nighttime setting when nitrate radical chemistry prominently happens. Nitrate radicals are produced by traffic emissions and ozone. "Aerosol chemistry does not stop at night," Ng said. After sunset, the nitrogen oxide compounds and ozone can react with the emissions from trees to produce organic aerosols. "At night, oxidation still takes place, but nighttime interactions have not been well studied." Ng said she hopes this research will lead to further studies to examine VOCs in the atmosphere and how they interact together. "Studying the interaction of two VOCs is really just the beginning," Ng said. "It's a big step froward, but there's still a long way to go to understand the complexity of the atmosphere, where hundreds of VOCs are emitted and reacting at the same time." More information: Masayuki Takeuchi et al, Non-linear effects of secondary organic aerosol formation and properties in multi-precursor systems, Nature Communications (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35546-1 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Giant drag effect is discovered between a graphene layer and an interfacial superconductor, which can be attributed to a unique interaction between normal electrons and dynamical fluctuations of superconducting phases mediated by static Coulomb fields. Credit: Tao et al. The Coloumb drag is a phenomenon that affects two electronic circuits, whereby a charge current in one circuit induces a responsive current in a neighboring circuit solely through so-called Coloumb interactions. These are electrostatic interactions between electric charges that follow Coulomb's law, the key physics theory describing classical electrodynamics. Typically, this phenomenon was investigated using neighboring circuits made of conducting materials, or electrical conductors. These are essentially materials through which electricity can flow easily. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have recently explored what happens when one circuit is based on a conductor and a neighboring other on a superconductor (i.e., materials that offer no resistance whatsoever to electrical current). Their findings, published in Nature Physics, show that in these instances the drag response is significantly larger than that previously observed in studies using two normal conductors. "Drag experiment between two electrically isolated conductors has been an effective approach to detecting elementary excitations and revealing interlayer phase coherence," Changgan Zeng, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Phys.org. "Replacing one of the conductors with a superconductor may open opportunities for examining superconductivity and fluctuation effects as well as exploring new techniques for manipulating superconductor circuits." The first drag experiments using conductors and superconductors were conducted in the 1990s. The devices used at the time, however, were based on conventional metal-superconductor double films, such as Au/Ti-AlO X. The drag responses observed in these experiments were rather weak and uncontrolled. Moreover, researchers were unable to clarify the microscopic origin of the drag effect they observed. "Thanks to newly emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials, we were able to revisit the problem, since the electronic properties there are highly tunable and an ultra-small interlayer separation is also archivable," said Lin Li, who designed and supervised this work together with Zeng. "Our experimental group at USTC led by Prof. Zeng has long experience in fabricating devices and investigating transport properties of 2D materials. We naturally designed the unique Graphene-LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 heterostructure for studying drag effect in the ultimate 2D limit." The heterostructure that Zeng and his colleagues used in their experiments was fabricated using a lanthanum aluminate (LAO) layer as a natural insulating spacer between the conductor graphene and a 2D electron gas that formed at the interface between LAO and a strontium titanate (STO) layer, which becomes a superconductor at low temperatures. The researchers then tuned multiple parameters of their system, including its temperature, magnetic field and gate voltages. As they did this, they observed a sizable and tunable drag signal in the superconducting transition regime of the LAO/STO interface. "The optimal passive-to-active ratio (PAR) is much higher than the typical drag signal between two normal conductors as well as that between Au/Ti and SC AlO x obtained in the existing studies," Li said. "The giant values and anomalous temperature and carrier dependence of the PAR indicate that a new drag mechanism is hidden behind our observations." Dr. Hong-Yi Xie, a theoretical physicist at the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences who recently moved to the University of Oklahoma, used modern quantum many-body theory to explain the team's observations. More specifically, he developed a theoretical description of what happens when a Coulomb-coupled normal conductor is paired with a superconductor. "Eventually, we revealed that the observed drag phenomenon can be attributed to the dynamic coupling between the quantum fluctuations of the SC phases of a Josephson-junction-array superconductor and the charge densities in the normal conductor, which we termed the Josephson-Colulomb (JC) drag effect," Zeng said. "The unveiled JC drag effect creates a new category in drag physics and manifests the unique role of quantum fluctuations in dominating the interlayer processes." The recent work by this team of researchers shows that the drag response between a normal conductor and a superconductor can be much larger than that between two normal conductors. This finding could have significant implications both for physics research and technology development. The JC drag unveiled by the researchers could prove to be particularly promising for the creation of new electronics. Specifically, it could contribute to the creation of components based on superconductors that could work as current or voltage transformers. "In our next works, we would first like to carry out drags experiments between two 2D superconductors," Zeng added. "Moreover, we are planning to investigate emergent interlayer coupling between broader 2D systems that exhibit various quantum phases by parameter tuning, i.e., 2D topological semimetal/insulator and 2D ferromagnet. We aim to discover novel many-body effects due to strong interlayer coupling between various elementary excitations." More information: Ran Tao et al, JosephsonCoulomb drag effect between graphene and a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 superconductor, Nature Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01902-7 Journal information: Nature Physics 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: Credit: Science@NASA Are wildfires getting worse? Unfortunately, yes. Changes in our climate, along with other factors, have led to wildfires increasing in intensity, severity, size and duration. NASA climate and wildfire expert Liz Hoy explains how and why NASA studies these events from the ground, air, and space to better understand the impacts they have on both a local and global scale. Credit: Science@NASA Provided by NASA 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 In the wake of the beating death of Tyre Nichols earlier this month, some experts have questioned whether police officers are even needed in responding to routine traffic stops. Northeastern Law professor Deborah Ramirez, who chairs the criminal justice task force, argues that, in fact, the police shouldn't be working the traffic beat; that instead, civilians can be trained to enforce traffic laws in what she says is a much-needed change in the way society thinks about policing. "My research is focused on how to prevent, detect and deter these kinds of things from happening in the first place. It's about rethinking public safety," Ramirez says. Since news broke of the incident that saw five Black police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, kick, punch and use a baton to beat a defenseless Nichols, leading to his death, there has been widespread condemnation of the officers actions, renewing calls to address institutional racism in police departments across the country. Some cities, including Philadelphia and Los Angeles, have already taken measures to overhaul traffic policies in an attempt to mitigate a kind of policing that disproportionately affects Black drivers and can lead to avoidable violence and even death. But other cities, such as Eugene, Oregon, have for decades operated using radically different models of policing that include heavy reliance on mobile crisis intervention units to address issues that, in other communities, usually fall on the police. Ramirez holds up Eugene's "crisis assistance helping out on the streets" program, or CAHOOTS, as a potential model for rethinking policing. That's because Ramirez says that structural racism, which describes a reality in which racially marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by the police, is the primary culprit underlying the way policing is conducted today. To root out prejudice, she argues that police departments should look to reduce the size of their armed police. When it comes to traffic policing, Matthew Ross, associate professor of public policy and economics at Northeastern, says that the most common solution offered is more police training. But Ross, who has extensively studied traffic stops conducted by police departments in Connecticut and Rhode Island, argues you can't "train away this problem." The most successful way to reform traffic policing that Ross has seen involves "taking a lot of the discretion out of who we do and don't stop for a motor vehicle violation." "[That involves] making a particular set of standards with which you can or cannot pull someone over, and then once you do pull someone over, you're required to give them a moving violation for the specific reason you pulled them over and no discretion in terms of issuing a warning," Ross says. But Ramirez says the scaling back of the "institution" of the police, and narrowing the scope of police functions, necessarily entails a transfer of responsibility to other stakeholders. She proposes a model in which various community task forces, made up of mental health professionals and trained civilians, would respond to a broad category of situationsfrom monitoring traffic and treating youth unemployment, to addressing substance use disorder and issues homeless individuals might be facing. All of the above-mentioned are currently issues that fall on the police, as first responders, to address. The solution, Ramirez argues, is a new kind of division of laborone that reduces the likelihood of fatal outcomes, such as the one in Memphis earlier this month, during routine incidents. "It means only sending armed police in situations when there is serious crime, felony crime or ongoing crime," Ramirez says. For all other matters, she says deploying a team of trained civilians, with medical and mental health training, as first responders is the best way to avoid the kind of needless escalations of violence that many say has become an all-too-frequent feature of police culture in the U.S. Such a civil public safety force would consist of "community-trained mediators, social workers, emergency medical technicians, traffic monitors and quality-of-life monitors." The team would be deployed across a range of situations, including traffic offenses that do not require armed police officers and monitoring quality of life on the streets. The force could also be deployed in certain 911 calls; research suggests that between 23% to 45% of calls to police are for "minor concerns"noise complaints, behavioral health issues or other non-criminal and non-violent incidents that use up police resources and distract from potentially serious crimes. Ramirez has also publicly advocated for police departments to mandate that their officers carry professional liability insurance. Such a policy would serve to price out officers who are repeatedly involved in claims by raising their premiums. "We have to create a system that allows us to weed out the bad cops so the good ones can thrive," Ramirez says. GRANVILLE A family of five is safe after a fire in their Granville home late Monday evening. Multiple fire departments responded about 8 p.m. to the residence at 1 South St. What started with a call about a mother, child and a dog entrapped ended with them all making it out of the home safely, according to Granville Police Departments Mark Nelson. The mother and child were rescued by ladder and the family dog made it out as well, he said. The father and two other children left the building without assistance. Neighbor Audrey Zellars was on the scene as the flames were being extinguished and said she heard that the fire started in the living room. It started in the living room from what I was informed. It started to go up and there was one child stuck inside, she said. Everyone got out safely and in a timely manner and they are in the process of finishing extinguishing the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Fire departments of both North Granville and Middle Granville responded along with the Granville Fire Department and the West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Company from Vermont. ABSECON The city last week recognized its three Citizens of the Year during a presentation dinner at the Villa Rifici Restaurant. Jim Smith, Ed Vincent and Butch Stewart, three men instrumental in constructing a large 9/11 memorial at Heritage Park, were honored Jan. 24, said Lynn Caterson, a coordinator of the Absecon Republican Club, which sponsors the program. Smith and Vincent recently died. Sandy Smith and Mary Vincent were presented with the awards for their husbands, Caterson said. The Citizen of the Year award highlights residents for their work in the community without holding public office. Each is given a personal award, and their names are featured on a plaque at the entrance of City Hall. A monetary donation also goes to a charity of their choice, in this case the Sept. 11 memorial, Caterson said. The men helped build a memorial visible to motorists passing Heritage Park along Mill Road. It features two 19-foot replica towers made of aluminum, as well as a steel beam recovered from the rubble of the towers after they fell from the New York City skyline during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The city dedicated the memorial in 2016. BRIGANTINE The island will host another meeting on offshore wind development 11 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Community School. This will be the third such meeting city officials have held to inform the public on plans by private companies to build massive wind farms 10 to 15 miles offshore. Our goal throughout this entire process has been to offer a series of community forums where we can share information and help educate the public about the states plans to develop wind farms off the South Jersey coast, Mayor Vince Sera said Tuesday in a statement. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd; state Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic; and Sera will speak, while representatives from Save Long Beach Island and Defend Brigantine have also been invited to speak. Wind company Atlantic Shores also has been invited to participate. The meeting comes as local officials have called for a moratorium on offshore wind work amid a spate of whale deaths over the past two months. On Monday, a dead whale washed ashore on Lido Beach in New York. This was the eighth whale to wash up on New Jersey and New York beaches in 38 days. On Jan. 13, a dead humpback whale washed up on the beach in Brigantine. State and local officials want all offshore wind activities suspended until a cause for the marine mammal deaths is determined. Experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said this month there is no evidence offshore wind work has harmed the whales, and that whale deaths have been on the rise since 2016, before any wind work started. The meeting will feature a formal presentation, with a brief question-and-answer session at the end. Brigantine City Council supports the need for clean energy solutions but has a lot of concerns about the impacts these ocean wind projects may already be having on whales and other marine life, said Sera. Its very important for us to get real scientifically supported facts and proof that these projects will not harm our marine mammals or disrupt the ocean environment before anything can move forward. To try to fast track these projects without getting all the facts would be simply irresponsible. Danish wind company rsted plans to build 98 wind turbines about 15 miles off Brigantines coast. Construction is set to begin next year, with the turbines fully operational by 2025. Atlantic Shores plans to have 111 wind turbines fully operational across 183,353 acres at three different lease sites about 10 to 20 miles off the coast by 2027. The Brigantine Community School is located at 301 E. Evans Blvd. DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick will not face possible censure from the DuPage County Board after he agreed to enforce all state and local laws after a discussion which included talk about the states new assault weapons ban with DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin, according to a joint statement from the three released Monday. Mendrick, a Republican, faced backlash after making a statement earlier this month that he would not enforce the states new assault weapons ban, leading to several Democratic legislators calling on him to retract his statement. Advertisement Conroy, a Democrat, said during last weeks DuPage County Board meeting that she planned to introduce a resolution at the boards next meeting to censure the sheriff for his statement. More than 200 people showed up at the board meeting last week to let their feelings be known - both pro and con - concerning Mendricks comments. Advertisement On Monday, in a joint statement, Conroy, Mendrick and Berlin said they engaged in a meaningful conversation during which they discussed their shared commitment to the safety of DuPage County residents. After clarifying that enforcing the assault weapons ban does not demand that deputies go door to door seeking to remove weapons from those licensed to own them, the statement said that Mendrick is committed to enforcing all state and local laws. The statement said that Conroy is committed to supporting the sheriffs office and will no longer pursue a censure resolution at this time. All parties look forward to positive, productive collaboration on important initiatives that will keep DuPage residents safe and ensure the security of our communities moving forward, the officials said in the statement. Mendrick previously said he believes the new legislation is unconstitutional and said his office wouldnt be checking to ensure that lawful gun owners register their weapons with the state nor arresting nor housing anyone charged solely with not complying with the act. Dozens of sheriffs around Illinois have declared they will not enforce the new assault weapons ban. Advertisement The DuPage County Board, previously a Republican stronghold, is now made up of 10 Democrats and eight Republicans. During the board meeting last week, members spoke out both in favor of and in opposition to a move to censure Mendrick. On Jan. 20, an Effingham County judge temporarily blocked the assault weapons ban from being enforced on more than 850 people and a handful of licensed gun dealers named in a lawsuit filed in the county. The judge set a hearing for Wednesday on the matter. The order only applies to the plaintiffs in the case. That lawsuit was filed by downstate attorney Thomas DeVore, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for attorney general last year, who later filed another lawsuit against the assault weapons ban, in downstate White County, that lists more than 1,000 plaintiffs, including former state senator and GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and some 70 firearms dealers. mejones@chicagotribune.com AVALON Police are looking for two men suspected in a burglary Monday evening. According to police, a home security camera caught video of two men wearing dark clothing, hoods and gloves exiting a vehicle and approaching a house, one police said was occupied at the time. One entered the unlocked front door, while the other remained outside. Less than a minute later, the first man is seen exiting the residence holding two purses, police said. They soon returned, entered again and grabbed keys to a vehicle. They then entered a vehicle in the driveway and stole numerous items, then entered a getaway vehicle and departed the area, reads a news release from police Chief Jeffrey Christopher. Individuals may be armed. The burglary took place at 7:26 p.m. Police did not specify the area of town. The suspects had no contact with the occupants of the home, police said. Police say burglaries and thefts of motor vehicles are on the rise throughout New Jersey in record numbers. Avalon is not exclusive to this type of criminal activity, police said. These are mostly crimes of opportunity in which actors take advantage of unlocked residences and motor vehicles. Christopher urged residents to be alert and aware of their surroundings and to call police immediately if they see or hear anything suspicious. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to keep all doors to residences, garages and vehicles locked even while you are home, the release states. Anyone with additional information can call police at 609-967-3411 or detectives at 609-967-7743. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Police and members of the Atlantic County sheriffs substance abuse task force revived a man living in the woods from a drug overdose Friday, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office said. Hope One members Lindsey Komar and Patrick Reece were with police surveying people living in a wooded area as part of a weeklong effort to count Americas homeless population. When they arrived, they spotted a man who had overdosed, the Sheriffs Office said Tuesday in a news release. Police Detective Matthew Worth and Detective Sgt. Jason Kiamos removed the man from his tarp tent while Komar and Reece provided naloxone, a medication used to revive people who have overdosed on opioids. Detective Dominic Fabrizio then administered the drug before township emergency medical services arrived, the Sheriffs Office said. The man regained consciousness before being taken to a hospital. Sheriff Eric Scheffler said the groups quick response and teamwork helped save the mans life. On behalf of the Atlantic County Sheriffs Office and the Hope Exists Foundation, I would like to commend the Galloway Township officers for their heroic actions in saving the mans life, Scheffler said in a statement. Our community is proud of our law enforcement and grateful for our uniformed officers and emergency services who knowingly put their lives on the line to protect others in the line of duty. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, will serve on two subcommittees of the House Judiciary Committee, he said Tuesday. He will be on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement for the 118th Congress. My focuses this Congress include border reform, holding big tech accountable for censoring conservative speech, and reining in the powers of unelected federal bureaucrats, Van Drew said. Van Drew thanked Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, for making the appointments and entrusting me to do the important work required of these subcommittees. Van Drew to join high-profile House Judiciary Committee U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, in just his third term in Congress, is about to increase his Earlier this month Jordan appointed Van Drew, in just his third term in Congress, to the high-profile House Judiciary Committee. Jordan has said one of the first things the high-profile committee will do is examine President Joe Bidens handling of classified documents and the Justice Departments investigation. Van Drew has said Jordan became a real supporter of his as soon as he changed parties from Democrat to Republican in 2019, after refusing to vote to impeach President Donald Trump. I want America to be number one again, to have our own energy and close the border, Van Drew said. Many of these issues are tangentially related to the work Ill be doing on this committee. PLEASANTVILLE School board and city officials recently recognized the contributions of Doris Graves, a longtime fixture in the city and school district who died Jan. 5. Graves, who was from the city, was 96. No cause of death was given in her obituary, and it was said that her children sang her soul happy as she embarked on her heavenly journey. Pleasantville Public Schools issued a statement honoring Graves that was posted on the board website. It described her radiant smile, her care for the districts children and her singing of the Whitney Houston song Greatest Love of All. We are grateful that she dedicated her heart, soul and passion to our community, the statement read. She was not only an amazing mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt but she was a surrogate mother to many. Ms. Graves mentored and advocated for so many people that she is known as a legend. Ms. Doris Graves will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Graves time on the school board spanned more than a quarter century. She won a seat on the board as a political newcomer in 1987, ousting 12-year incumbent Mignon Coburn, according to Press archives. Her first campaign focused on having parents more involved in the school district, raising test scores and improving the districts image. Later in her career, in 2003, Graves said she wanted to focus on improving the quality of alternative education programs district students attended, while improving school safety. She also served several stints as school board president. City Council held a moment of silence for Graves at its meeting Jan. 18. City Council President Ricky Cistrunk praised Graves as a matriarch for the city, noting her long service on the Board of Education and describing her as a pioneering local Black female business owner. Press archives indicate she ran Doris House of Beauty. We had one of the mothers of our community pass, Cistrunk said. Graves had to navigate the challenges that had confronted the district over the last two decades. The district was placed under the purview of a state monitor in 2007, the same year in which five members of the school board were arrested as part of a federal public-corruption investigation. Board members chafed under the oversight of the monitors, with the district not leaving the monitors control until October 2021. Graves resigned from the board in the summer of 2015 to spend more time with loved ones, following a loss in the family that occurred earlier in the school year. Graves was born in Philadelphia to Carl and Bertha Marsh Price on April 23, 1926, according to her obituary. She is predeceased by her daughter Doris Dottie Graves and survived by a host of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. She was a shining Black queen in this community, Cistrunk said. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP The Atlantic City International Airport and two other local aviation entities will receive $13.3 million in earmarks from the recent federal spending bill, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, said at a press conference Monday at the airport. These are federally directed appropriations, earmarks, Menendez said, which he and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker chose to lobby for, rather than automatic funding. Menendez brought home a total of about $181 million for New Jersey projects statewide, his office said. The funding includes about $3 million to design and plan a cargo taxiway at the airport in order to connect the planned air cargo terminal to existing infrastructure, said South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Stephen Dougherty. The SJTA owns and operates the airport and recently voted to contract with a company to build air cargo facilities. The taxiways total cost is estimated at about $18 million including construction, Dougherty said. The airport is in the middle of one of the busiest air corridors in the country, Dougherty said, and companies that use a cargo hub here will see fewer delays than at larger nearby airports. There is a growing trend in the cargo industry. It is looking to smaller less-congested airports to move cargo more cheaply, quickly and reliably, Dougherty said. That can only mean good news for ACY. The National Aeronautics Research and Technology Park, or NARTP, at the airport will receive about $2 million to contract with companies to develop robotic tools called autonomous vehicles to clear debris from runways, mow grass at airports and more. We have laid the foundation for a new industry in Atlantic City, said Howard Kyle, NARTP president. Kyle said it is the NARTPs first grant for directing research. Its a new emerging area of research, Kyle said. And the 177th fighter wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, based at the airport, will receive more than $8 million to upgrade their facilities with a new high-security gate that meets U.S. Department of Defense standards and a new maintenance hangar that will enable us to properly maintain the F-16 fighter jets known as the Jersey Devils, Menendez said. The new main gate for the 177th will not only provide up-to-date security but also help traffic flow on Tilton Road, said 177th Commander Col. Derek B. Routt. And the new maintenance hangar will replace facilities built a century ago, Routt said. New Jerseys airports serve as critical transportation and logistics hubs that help grow our economy, create good jobs, and connect our state with the world, said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, in a written statement. When the cargo taxiway and terminal open here at the airport large multinational firms and small businesses alike will be able to move goods around the globe faster and more efficiently than ever before, Menendez predicted. It will create hundreds of construction jobs ... and build a 75,000 square-foot terminal that will process nearly 9,000 tons of cargo a month. Bebos upcoming Hansal Mehta film The Buckingham Murders has been inspired in part by the Hollywood stars role Marianne Mare Sheehan in 'Mare of Easttown' Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is entering a new era of her impressive career with a pair of shockingly different movies. She has wrapped a project that was shot in the UK under the working title The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta, reports Variety. The diva essays a detective and mother who investigates a murder in a town in Buckinghamshire. I love Mare of Easttown and when Hansal came to me, I said this is something that Ive really been dying to do. So weve molded a little bit on those lines, she plays a detective cop in that, she told Variety. Its the first time that Ive dabbled in that. I speak fluently in Hindi and I think also in Hindi because thats been what Ive been doing all my life, Kapoor Khan said. When youre thinking in Hindi, but speaking in English, it was actually a difficult task to do because it was the reverse situation for the first time. The project, produced by Ektaa Kapoors Balaji Telefilms and Mahana Film also marks Kareenas debut as a producer. I never really thought that I would be a producer. But when I heard this subject, and the fact that its very different to a regular Hindi movie, its a very different take to things. So I thought that will be really nice and different, Kapoor said. And when Ektaa and Hansal told me that since you love the script so much, why dont you come on board as a creative producer as well, and take some calls as to what you think also and give your name to it - after much thought, I thought that if I love something so much, and this is a character that I wanted to play, I think its fun to do it. Its the first time. I dont know if Ill repeatedly do it. But lets see. Kareena has also wrapped up the Indian adaptation of Japanese author Higashino Keigos bestselling 2005 novel The Devotion of Suspect X by filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh. The actor tags it as dramatically different from the Mehta project and as dark and fun. For me, its very different because obviously youre used to seeing me in all the mainstream movies, which has the song, the dance, the gloss, the glamour. Both these films are shockingly different, Kareena said. Next up for her is Rajesh Krishnans The Crew, alongside Tabu and Kriti Sanon, which commences production in March. The Crew is the film that is going to be gloss and glamour. And its a comedy chick flick heist film. That will be the Hindi masala commercial film as compared to Devotion and Hansals film, Kareena said. Kareena is married to actor Saif Ali Khan and is a mother of two boys. How does she manage to balance her personal life with her career, she said: Its literally like standing on one leg, but Im pretty good at yoga. Im also very lucky to have a husband who works in the same profession. We take turns as to when we have to travel, Kapoor Khan said, adding that they are blessed to have staff who supports them. When I was doing Hansals film, Saif was at home with the kids, and now hes doing a film in Amritsar. And Im at home till March. And then after that, he finishes and stays home, and then I go into The Crew. Its a lot of meticulous planning, but if youre well planned, I think you can achieve it, she said. Its not the quantity of time that you spend with your children, thats what Ive learned, in the five-six years that Ive been a parent, its the quality of time that you give them without distraction, because children want focus from their parents, from their teachers from their friends, thats what they need. IANSvg Bench headed by CJI to examine plea challenging Centres ban on contentious documentary on 2002 Guj riots on Feb 6 The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine on February 6, a plea challenging the Centres ban on the BBC documentary in connection with the 2002 Gujarat Riots. Advocate ML Sharma mentioned the plea for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The top court agreed to hear on February 6. The top court will also hear next Monday, a separate petition filed by journalist N. Ram and advocate Prashant Bhushan on taking down their tweets with links of the documentary. The plea filed by Sharma contended that the BBC Documentary on Gujarat riots recorded and was released for public view, however due to fear of truth the documentary has been banned from viewership in India by any means under rule 16 of IT Act 2021. Sharmas plea sought a direction for quashing of the January 21 order under the IT Act being illegal, malafide and arbitrary, unconstitutional and void ab-initio and ultra vires to the Constitution of India. The documentary titled India: The Modi Question has been banned on social media and online channels, but some students have screened it on campuses of various universities across the country. Waste of apex courts precious time: Rijiju Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday described as a waste of the Supreme Courts precious time the petitions, which challenged the ban on a BBC documentary in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. Rijiju tweeted: This is how they waste the precious time of Honble Supreme Court where thousands of common citizens are waiting and seeking dates for Justice. IANS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Controversial BBC documentary screened in Bengaluru The All-India Students Association (AISA) has screened the controversial BBC documentary in the city for the first time. However, the ruling BJP has put the ball in the polices court saying that it is for them to act. Joint Spokesperson for BJP Prakash S, on Monday said, It is for the police to act, if a banned documentary is screened. BJP insiders stated that it is an age of internet and the party is not really bothered about screening. Reacting to the development, the Karnataka Education department maintained that since the screening did not take place in any of the schools or colleges, no action could be taken. AISA had screened the documentary late on Saturday night at its office on Infantry Road. IANS Centre is making efforts to divert attention from failed policy The Congress on Monday accused the Centre of not accepting the truth and alleged that since May 2020, the Modi governments preferred strategy to deal with the Chinese incursions in Ladakh can be summed up with DDLJ -- Deny, Distract, Lie and Justify. Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh in a statement on Monday said, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars recent remarks attacking the Congress party are simply the latest attempt to divert attention from the Modi governments failed China policy, the most recent revelation being that since May 2020 India has lost access to 26 of 65 patrolling points in Ladakh. He said the fact is that there is no comparison between 1962, when India went to war with China to defend its territory, and 2020 after which India has acquiesced to Chinese aggression with denials followed by disengagements in which India has lost access to thousands of square kilometres of territory. Jairam alleged that EAM Jaishankars implied cheap shot at Rahul Gandhi for meeting the Chinese ambassador in 2017 is ironic to say the least coming from someone who as ambassador to the US during the Obama administration presumably met with leading Republicans. Are opposition leaders not entitled to meet diplomats from countries that are important from a trade, investment and security standpoint? he asked. IANS Sri Lankan police have launched an investigation into alleged telephone threats received by the members of the independent elections commission, an official said on Sunday. Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said court orders to analyse telephone records had been obtained. On 19 January, two members S.B. Divaratne and K.P. Pathirana had lodged complaints over telephonic threats to resign. Later M.M. Mohamed, another member, had received similar threats. Fourth member P.S.M. Charles had reportedly offered her resignation from the membership. The opposition charged that it was the government which was keen to postpone the local election scheduled for March 9. It claimed that resignation of EC members would lead to the postponement of the election. Agencies Top cop Retesh Kumaarr issued stern warning against the Vasuli elements that harass industries, hoteliers & developers After an investigation into extortion cases revealed that local goons are running an extortion network by impersonating Mathadi workers and targeting industries, hoteliers, and developers in the city, the Pune police have resolved to deal with the menace with an iron fist. Pune police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr has constituted a special cell to investigate any illegal activities allegedly involving unauthorised Mathadi organisations. The top cop has given a stern warning to vasooli elements in Mathadi unions and directed a crackdown on extortionist syndicates tormenting industries and businesses. The action was taken after the Pune police received 11 complaints about harassment by unlicensed Mathadi workers. Previously, complaints were limited to industries, but now the syndicates are targeting hoteliers, developers, and local retailers. The modus was revealed during a meeting called by the Pune police chief. Approximately 120 representatives from various business groups, chambers of commerce and agriculture, corporate companies, and IT firms were present. Police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr We had three meetings with industries and business groups, Kumaarr told Pune Mirror, adding, We discovered that some people do not come forward to file a complaint as they are afraid of these goons. Our meetings have given them confidence and made them feel safe. We urge the business community to file complaints against troublemakers masquerading as Mathadi workers and acting under the guise of Mathadi labour unions. Since offices of many companies are located in Talegaon, Chakan, Ranjangaon, and other MIDC areas, the city police are particularly concerned about taking action against extortion crimes involving Mathadi organisations, the top cop added. Sandip Karnik, Joint Commissioner, Pune city, who was also present at the meeting, stated that officials from industries and business groups can meet with senior police officials about any issues created by such elements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authorised Mathadi unions demand stern action Secretary of the Maharashtra Hamal Mathadi Mahamandal Hanumant Bahirat told Pune Mirror, The various political unions are responsible for the present situation. There is a legal process for the Mathadi workers which they should follow. The authorised Mathadi workers have Identity cards, and registration numbers. They also get facilities from the organisation. But in all these cases, we are getting affected, such syndicates are defaming our image. We urge the police officers to take action against the people asking for extra charges or demanding money from businessmen. We also received many complaints, which we have reported to the police. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special cell takes up the task The special cell, led by deputy commissioner of police (crime) Amol Zende, will keep a close vigil on industrial zones and company offices throughout the city to ensure that people feel safe filing complaints. The cell will consist of two senior police inspectors from the anti-extortion unit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crackdown by the Anti-Extortion Cell A squad led by senior police inspector Pratap Mankar and sub-inspector Mohandas Jadhav registered three cases and arrested seven people, including a woman, who were posing as Mathadi workers. A hotel owner, developer, and trader with shops at a mall in Vimannager filed the complaints. The investigation found that all of the accused are locals who are running a syndicate to extort money from the business community. They have now started to target hotel owners as well. All were booked under sections 385, 386 and 387 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said Inspector Pratap Mankar. The losing candidate in the 2022 race for Will County clerk is asking a judge to order a new election in the case, citing mathematic formulas alleging the final count was fraudulent. Republican Gretchen Fritz filed the lawsuit Dec. 28, claiming she believes mistakes and fraud have been committed in the casting and counting of ballots in the Will County clerks race because her opponent, Democratic Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry, received more votes than Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Advertisement Staley Ferry issued the final results of the election Nov. 29 with the final results tallied at 121,833 for Staley Ferry and 108,629 for Fritz, according to the lawsuit. In reviewing the vote totals in other races, Fritz noticed Pritzker received 117,475, which is 4,358 fewer votes than Staley Ferry, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Gretchen Fritz (Gretchen Fritz) Will County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry (Lauren Staley Ferry) It appeared quite unusual that a candidate for Will County Clerk, listed at least eight offices below the office with the most media coverage and largest political spending in the state, would receive more votes than the gubernatorial candidate of her party, according to the lawsuit. Erik Nisbet, Northwestern University associate professor of policy analysis and communication, said when candidates of the same party receive different vote totals it indicates ticket splitting, not voter fraud. Voters split tickets for various reasons, Nisbet said. For example, state races tend to be more partisan than local races, meaning voters had lots of reasons for voting for or against Pritzker but felt differently about the clerks race. Split ticket voting is a sign of a healthy democracy not bad elections, Nisbet said. The fact that a local town clerk got more voters than the governor just means they saw the clerk race as less partisan than the governor race. Fritzs attorney, David Shestokas, said Tuesday the lawsuit highlights a 21st Century approach to manipulating the election process. When asked about the possibility of ticket splitting, Shestokas said the lawsuit includes 40 pages with calculations that account for various variables. The lawsuit also cites an analysis by Walter Daugherity, senior lecturer emeritus in computer science and engineering with Texas A&M University, who determined the vote totals were artificially contrived according to a predetermined plan or algorithm. It also relies on Edward Solomon, who the lawsuit states analyzed the Will County clerk election results and found they are not the result of a free and fair election. Advertisement 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 > A previous analysis by Solomon is part of a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against One America News Network, after Solomon told the network the results in Fulton County, Georgia, for the 2020 presidential election can only have been done by an algorithm. Fritz is asking the court to find the election was the predetermined result of fraudulent and illegal manipulation of the voting processes and not the free and fair expression of the will of the people, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also asks the court to declare the Will County clerks office vacant, order a new election for the clerks office and that the new election be conducted with only paper ballots and be physically hand counted. During the campaign, Fritz cited election security as a concern, saying she would focus on proactively cleaning voter rolls if elected by doing things such as comparing death records to the voter rolls, and she supported showing identification to vote. Staley Ferry said one person on her team was dedicated to removing those who are deceased from the system, and there are checks and balances in place to maintain the voter rolls. She also noted the county board had approved an automated vote-by-mail system costing about $1.9 million, paid for from federal pandemic relief funds, that was used in the June 2022 primary and general election. The case is scheduled in court Thursday before Will County Judge John Anderson, but Assistant States Attorney Scott Pyles will request a 28-day extension to file a response to the complaint, according to court filings. Advertisement Pyles did not respond to calls or email for comment Tuesday. From 249, the seats have been reduced to 118; aspirants write to CM, min to save their future, get assurance In a major setback to students who have completed their Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), the seats in post-graduate courses in government Ayurvedic colleges and hospitals in the state have been reduced. Now, out of 249, only 118 seats will be filled for MD Ayurveda in four government colleges in the state. This decision will be unfair to both qualified and economically disadvantaged students. Prospective doctors have told Pune Mirror that the state government should make an immediate decision about the Ayurveda MD and MS admission procedure, to give justice to the affected students. Without any fault of the students, the admission process to the degree course took six months, and the term for admitted students was pushed back six months. This only happened in Maharashtra. Due to the Covid pandemic, this batch completed the degree in nearly 6 years that otherwise completed in 5 years. According to Dr Rishabh Mandla, The initial list of postgraduate Ayurvedic admissions issued in Maharashtra was annulled the next day. Because, according to information, there would be an increase in these seats in government colleges. We are awaiting the final judgement; if we do not receive admission for MD, our future will be ruined. Dr Pooja Gaikwad said, From BAMS admission in the state in 2016 until current postgraduate admission, all candidates have faced several challenges. Since there is no fault on the part of the students, we have requested the chief minister and the minister of medical education to look into this issue and allot more seats. Dr Sadanand Deshpande, Principal of Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Every year, till December 31, all BAMS students must have finished their internship. According to the rules, after admission to BAMS (UG), every student will be entitled to sit for a written test after three years (6 terms). The admission process for the BAMS batch of 2016 was delayed, which caused the problem. This is under the jurisdiction of the National Commission for Indian System Medicine (NCISM), however, the state government can take the initiative to save students futures. Speaking on the issue, Girish Mahajan, minister of medical education, said, We got several request e-mails and letters regarding this matter. We have taken serious cognizance of the issue, no single student will be deprived of MD admission. Several new courses are being offered at Black Hawk College to help satisfy the demand for certified workers in the emerging cannabis industry. In partnership with Green Flower, a cannabis education and training agency, BHC is offering three fully online cannabis training programs, which result in certification: Advanced Manufacturing Agent, Advanced Dispensary Associate and Advanced Cultivation Technician. Demand for workers is high in Illinois as the cannabis industry continues to expand. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reports 113 marijuana dispensaries in the state as of Jan. 6, 2023, and another 189 are on the way to being fully licensed. Moline is among the communities where a new dispensary is licensed and soon to open. In 2021, Illinois cannabis industry supported roughly 29,000 full-time jobs and brought in $1.78 billion in sales, according to the Leafly 2022 Jobs Report. "That speaks volumes to the growth potential in this industry," said Dr. Richard Bush, associate vice president for economic and workforce development at BHC. "Students who are interested in learning more about cultivation and botany of the plants, transportation and all other aspects of running or managing a dispensary, will truly benefit from the skills and certificates associated with our cannabis program." Daniel Kalef, vice president of higher education at Green Flower, said the U.S. cannabis industry was likely to experience growth similar this year to that which occurred in 2021. "Illinois continues to be really strong; what we've heard from employers in our network I wouldn't be surprised to see sales increase by another 20 to 30 percent (this year)," he said, adding that jobs growth would follow. Kalef categorized the three certification programs at Black Hawk as relatively equal in employment potential, and Bush agreed. "I think it's dependent on the student's interest, where they want to be within the industry," he said. "Across the three certifications, there are some commonalities between them, and there are some significant differences from what I can tell, there's a very high demand across all three, and students can take one certificate or take all three if they want and apply those skills at any dispensary they get hired into." Courses are $900 and last eight weeks. Students may begin at any time. Those who register by Saturday, Feb. 18, will save $50. Marijuana sold in Illinois has to be grown in Illinois, which makes cannabis career pathways even more important in the state, Kalef said, adding that quality and safety are crucial factors too. "These things are very intricate. I always think about how half the people that go into a recreational dispensary are over the age of 50 and are there to solve a problem, not to get high," he said. "They have chronic pain, or inflammation, can't sleep or they're going through cancer treatment, they're not eating the list is pretty expansive." It is important that dispensary workers understand how cannabis works and interacts with the human body's endocannabinoid system, he said, along with having an understanding of quality manufacturing, dosage and THC extraction. "We think of this as a way to make sure that a population that's looking into cannabis are confronted with people who know what they're talking about," Kalef said. "In order to make sure that customers are safe, healthy and happy, and in order to make sure that the industry continues to be seen as legitimate and professional, education and training are vital." Recognizing the stigma around cannabis, despite its legal status, Kalef hopes others understand that Green Flower's programs push education, not advocacy. "We're not out here crusading for the industry, trying to get everybody to believe it's right for everyone," he said. "When there's a very well-trained workforce, we hope the stigma goes away as more of those people are in the industry. When people see that a recognized, respected, accredited U.S. college or university is offering these programs, I think that goes a long way to help with the stigma as well." Green Flower currently offers the three training programs to 16 community colleges, partnering with another 19 universities across the country to offer more in-depth six-month programs, such as cannabis medicine and health care, policy compliance, agriculture and more, Kalef said. Upon completion, graduates will earn a certificate from Black Hawk College and have access to Green Flowers employer network. "Over 150 companies throughout the country look to us for employees," he said, adding that Green Flower also partners with the largest cannabis job site, www.careersincannabis.com. "Usually four to five times a year, we'll do a virtual career fair where a company hosts it, and we invite everyone whose completed the program to be a part of it. It's another great benefit that students get from having access to our employer network, as it grows." For more information, visit the program's website at bhc.cannabisstudiesonline.com. Photos: First day of recreational cannabis sales in Illinois 010220-qct-qca-weed-013a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-036a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-016a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-030a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-021a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-029a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-008a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-037a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-026a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-035a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-003a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-040a.JPG 010220-qct-qca-weed-012a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-014a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-018a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-023aa.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-024a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-025a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-027a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-031a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-032a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-033a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-034a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-042a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-046a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-047a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-048a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-049a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-050a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-051a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-052a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-053a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-054a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-055a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-056a.jpg 010220-qct-qca-weed-057a.jpg Vice-President Christina Caldwell of Del's Metal is denying allegations from nearby business owners that the company is expanding junkyard operations and causing hazardous air qualities. Located in Rock Island along 18th Avenue and 1st Street right off of Illinois Route 92, Del's Metal has come under scrutiny from nearby businesses who are alleging the company is causing poor air quality from toxic fumes from heavy cutting of metal and expanding its junkyard operations to an empty lot at the dead end of 1st Street. Across the street from Del's junkyard, sit businesses such as Unley Marines, Jackson Auto Body & Custom Paint, and Custom Covers, and a few residential houses at a dead end. The area that includes those businesses and houses is zoned as a light industrial district, which does not allow junkyard operations, according to Community and Economic Development Director Miles Brainard. A junkyard license is required from the city and must be within a heavy industrial zoning district. Brainard said Del's Metal did not have a license to operate at that expanded lot. City staff have been aware of the situation since the beginning of January and were documenting what has been unfolding before they proceeded with contacting Del's. A notice from the city was given to Del's regarding the supposed second junkyard. Caldwell denied that Del's Metal is using it as a junkyard. She said it was being used for excess overflow of equipment, such as semitrailers that collect scrap metal. "There's no junkyard going down there whatsoever," Caldwell said. "It's things we use to operate our business and to service our customers." Business owners are concerned with the amount of damage being caused by the trucks driving up and down the road from the junkyard. Owner of Custom Covers, Mark Chronister, noticed within the past month an increase of Del's semitrailers going up and down the street with extra containers for scrap metal. "I'm concerned this road is going to be destroyed in a matter of months because it's not designed for heavy semis," he said. The other concern is Del's Metal is allegedly creating hazardous smoke from the cutting of the scrap metal. Tom Unley, owner of the boat repair shop Unley Marines, says the scrap metal being cut has been creating toxic fumes that have caused sore throats, headaches and eyes to water. When the wind is blowing in the direction of the businesses and metal is being cut, the wind carries the smoke over. Most days it becomes unbearable to the point where the boat repair shop garage doors are being shut, Unley said. "If you're sitting around the campfire and the smoke starts blowing your way, you generally pick up your chair and move to the other side of the campfire," Unley said. "Unfortunately, we aren't in that position here." Unley said he had purchased handheld air-quality readers and would test the air every so often, especially when there was smoke. According to the U.S. Air Quality Index, good air quality needs to be between 0 to 50. Anything between 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and anything above 151 is considered unhealthy for everyone. Second Ward Alderman Randy Hurt, who represents the neighborhood, said the city was taking a closer at the situation and planned to pursue remedies to ensure everyone had clean air and felt safe to work and live around the area. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was last on site in August/September 2022, Caldwell said, and they did not find any problems. Unley and Chronister said that over the past week since a group of them aired their concerns at the Monday, Jan. 23, council meeting, no heavy cutting causing the alleged toxic fumes had taken place. City staff is looking at what entities will need to get involved to look into the alleged bad air quality and how to possibly address it. Photos: Fire at Del's Metal in Rock Island. 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-106 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-109 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-087 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-083 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-113 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-093 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-100 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-062 111220-nws-dels-rockislandfire-073 CAMBRIDGE, Ill. Judge Colby Hathaway on Monday found probable cause to believe Andrew R. Luce, 35, of Kewanee committed a felony in connection with a Jan. 19 shooting incident in a residential area of Kewanee. Luce is charged with Class X felony aggravated discharge of a firearm and Class 4 felony reckless discharge of a firearm following the incident. During Monday's preliminary hearing, Kewanee Police Detective Michael Minx testified that police had been dispatched on a report of shots fired at an occupied garage at 5:15 a.m. Jan. 19, and they found spent shell casings spaced 1 or 2 feet apart at 133 S. East Ave. They also found an iPhone that showed a call from Justin Stanley. A search warrant for the phone indicated it was Luce's phone. During an interview, Luce said the phone had been stolen from him approximately two days earlier. An examination of the phone showed several phone calls to subjects the afternoon of Jan. 18, including Luce's parole officer. The parole officer confirmed Luce had called him to check in from the phone number on the phone at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Walmart video surveillance showed Luce walking in the store with a phone, and GPS data showed someone walking with the phone leaving Luce's residence at 4 a.m., which corroborated a message to Stanley that he was walking on East Prospect Street then south on Vine Street. Luce's parole agent made contact with Luce on Jan. 19 and Luce did not indicate his phone had been stolen, according to Minx. In response to questioning from defense attorney Aaron Dyer, Minx said police had received multiple calls from the area of the garage and the occupants told police the walls started shaking and things started falling off the walls and they realized what was happening. Minx said Luce had said Stanley was responsible for the shooting, but when they interviewed Stanley, he said he had not been involved and he was home the whole time. A pre-trial hearing was set for Feb. 23. Justin K. Stanley, 18, and his father Danny H. Stanley, 38 are also charged with drugs and weapons charges in connection with the shooting incident. Danny Stanley waived his preliminary hearing Monday and a Feb. 23 pre-trial hearing was set; Justin Stanley's case was continued to Feb. 6 for a possible preliminary hearing. A Pennington County judge ruled Monday that a police officer did not violate a 19-year-old murder suspect's rights when the officer detained him. Quincy Bear Robe is charged with the March 2022 murder of Myron Pourier, 19, at the Grand Gateway Hotel. His defense attorney, John Murphy, filed a June 2022 motion arguing that the search and seizure was unconstitutional. The motion states a Rapid City police officer stopped Bear Robe, patted him down, cuffed him and placed him in the back of a police cruiser. It is alleged Bear Robe made an incriminating phone call before he agreed to go downtown, where he was ultimately read his Miranda rights. Murphy asked the court to throw out all evidence and interviews following that moment, which would include the interview Bear Robe gave after having read his Miranda rights. The motion also included evidence about the gun found on his person that matches the caliber of bullet that would wound and then, about two weeks later, kill Pourier. At a hearing in October 2022 to address the motion, RCPD officer Samantha Williams testified that she responded after 4 a.m. on March 19, 2022 to a dispatch from a private security firm reporting the smell of marijuana coming from a vehicle in the Grand Gateway Hotel parking lot. Williams' body-camera footage, which was played at the October hearing, showed her speaking with two minors, and questioning them about the smell and drinking. She testified that one of the security employees said something about a weapon and started running towards the north side of the Grand Gateway Hotel. Her body-camera footage showed the interaction. She got into her patrol vehicle, drove to the north side of the hotel, where a security employee said he believed that gunshots were fired and people were running everywhere. When communicating with dispatch, Williams can be heard on video saying that gunshots were reported, but she did not hear them. She drove towards the Clarion Inn across the street where she saw several people running across North Lacrosse Street, away from the hotel. Williams testified that one particular person in the group caught her eye, Bear Robe, who she did not know at the time. She called out to him to come here and talk to me. She did not know whether any of the people that left the hotel were suspects in regard to a crime. Williams did not know whether any crime had been committed. Williams wasnt even sure that a gun had been fired, Murphy wrote in his complaint. While talking with Bear Robe, she asked him if he had anything in his waistband, he said no. However, after frisking him, she found a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol in his waistband, which he said he was scared to disclose because it wasnt his. When Williams handcuffed Bear Robe she told him it was for her safety and his. Body camera footage captures Williams telling Bear Robe that he isnt under arrest, but she testified at the evidentiary hearing that he was not free to leave the scene. After handcuffing Bear Robe, the discussion between the two continued before dispatch told Williams that someone was at the hotel with a gunshot wound. She put Bear Robe in the back of her vehicle and went back to the hotel, leaving him in the backseat while she went to the hotel room where Pourier was with a gunshot wound to the neck. Bear Robe made a phone call in the back of the patrol car, which Murphy wrote was incriminating. The call was not played in court. After about 2.5 hours, Bear Robe agreed to go downtown for more questioning. After Detective Andrew Randazzo told Bear Robe that they would take his clothes, Bear Robe was given his Miranda rights. Murphy invoked the fruit of the poisonous tree argument, from Segura v. United States, which ruled that evidence obtained from an illegal search or seizure and evidence derived from it, is essentially contaminated and must be excluded. Murphy argued that if Williams hadnt detained Bear Robe, he would not have been frisked for weapons. He argued if Bear Robe hadnt been frisked, the gun wouldnt have been found and Williams wouldnt have questioned him. The arguments goes on to say Bear Robe wouldnt have made incriminating statements that led to her handcuffing him and putting him in her vehicle. If Bear Robe wasnt in the back of her patrol vehicle, he would not have been recorded making incriminating phone calls, Murphy wrote. Further, he argued that if Bear Robe hadn't been in the patrol car, he would have never ended up at the police station to be interrogated. Pennington County Deputy States Attorney Rachel Lindsay made the states case in a 17-page reply to Murphys 16 pages. Lindsay argued that Williams' stopping Bear Robe was completely legal. While in the area, she was told gunshots had been fired and the first thing she saw after that was people running. Officer Williams did not know, based on the information she had at the time, whether this was a minor or very serious event, and was concerned for public safety and for whether a person was injured, she wrote. Lindsay highlighted that Williams testified she saw Bear Robe slow from a run to a walk and change the direction he was headed. She testified that she thought this was suspicious and a possible avoidance tactic, and led her to suspect that this individual may have been involved or knowledgeable about the gunfire at the hotel. His change in pace and direction of travel, seemingly away from the hotel, combined with the potential of gunfire, gave Williams reasonable suspicion to stop Bear Robe, Lindsay argued. The events took place at around 4:00 (a.m.) in the morning on the north side of Rapid City, Lindsay wrote. Taken as a whole, (Bear Robe) was seen running from a potential crime in a high crime area, in the early morning, and then attempted to evade law enforcement. Any reasonable person would believe he had some involvement in the events that took place at the Grand Gateway. Ultimately, Murphys argument wasnt enough to convince Circuit Court Judge Joshua Hendrickson. He ruled Monday in favor of the state. Hendrickson said the detention of Bear Robe wasnt done on a whim. A trial date has not been set for Bear Robe, but Murphy discussed the possibility of late summer or fall 2023. Bear Robe is scheduled to appear in court at 4 p.m. Feb. 27 for a motions hearing. State Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller, R-Rapid City, filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck alleging the Senate violated her First Amendment rights when she was suspended last week and stripped of her voting rights in the current legislative session. Frye-Mueller was removed from her committee assignments on Wednesday and then suspended Thursday following allegations she made inappropriate remarks and harassed a Legislative Research Council staff member over vaccines and breastfeeding. The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Pierre, claims Frye-Mueller's suspension from the Senate violated her First Amendment rights and was done in retaliation. Frye-Mueller is being represented by former state Rep. Steven Haugaard, who ran unsuccessfully for governor against Gov. Kristi Noem in the 2022 Republican primary. The lawsuit alleges Frye-Mueller "engaging in conversation with a Legislative Research Council staff member about both Legislative activity and person(al) conversation" were activities protected by the First Amendment, "namely political speech and free speech." Frye-Mueller and Haugaard allege Schoenbeck's action of bringing her suspension to a vote of the full Senate before a hearing was completed "deprived" Frye-Mueller's "rights or privileges secured by the Constitution" and "restricted" her "expression because of its message, ideas, subject matter, or its content." The lawsuit points out that Frye-Mueller's suspension prior to a hearing prohibits her from carrying out her duties as a duly elected state senator. It says preventing Frye-Mueller from "serving in her official capacity deprives the citizens of South Dakota District 30 from their representation in the South Dakota Senate." The lawsuit seeks for the federal court system to intervene and assume jurisdiction over the suspension. Frye-Mueller requests the court to declare "that banning Frye-Mueller from her Senate duties violates" her First Amendment right to free speech and to order her immediate reinstatement to the Senate. The Senate Select Committee on Discipline and Expulsion met for the first time Monday to discuss the allegations against Frye-Mueller. The committee is expected to finish their meetings by the end of this week and provide a full report to the Senate with recommendations by the end of next week. Detailed report released The Senate also released Monday a partially redacted report from the LRC staff member with more details on Frye-Mueller's conduct. The report included allegations against Frye-Mueller's husband, Mike Mueller, who was reportedly in the LRC staff member's office at the time. The report alleges that Frye-Mueller and Mueller entered the staff member's office to discuss a legislative bill draft. The staffer said earlier in the day, Mueller left her a message with his card to contact him directly about the bill draft. The staff member said this was unusual and that she had "not had a legislator spouse contact me to talk with them directly." The LRC staff member alleges that Mueller made her feel "uncomfortable." "Mr. Mueller has stated to me more than once that he is very protective of his wife, and I do feel that I must be careful of what I say or what I do in his presence, so I don't upset him or Senator Frye-Mueller," the report states. After the discussion on the bill draft, the LRC staff member alleges Frye-Mueller asked about the staff member's baby and whether or not the the staff member vaccinated. When the staff member responded "yes," Frye-Mueller "proceeded to point her finger at me and aggressively say that this will cause him issues." Frye-Mueller allegedly said the baby "could get down syndrome (sic), or autism," as well as allegedly saying that the baby "will die from those vaccines." The report goes on to allege that Frye-Mueller continued to harass the staff member about unfounded and untrue claims that the World Health Organization is using vaccines on people because "we are guinea pigs for big pharma." The report states Frye-Mueller allegedly said the staff member was "taking away God's gift of immunity from" the staff member's baby. The conversation then turned to breastfeeding, the report states, where Frye-Mueller allegedly told the staff member their husband could "suck on my breasts" to get milk to come in. Frye-Mueller allegedly said "a good time for that is at night" and then made "hand gestures to her chest area and motion for her husband to see if he agreed. He (Mueller) smiled and nodded," the report states. The report states the conversation continued on vaccinations, alleging that Frye-Mueller "continued to point her finger at me with tears in her eyes saying repeatedly, 'you can't vaccinate your child anymore.'" The Senate subcommittee investigating the allegations met briefly Monday evening to set a Tuesday closed-door executive session with the staff member and Frye-Mueller. Committee members said a redacted transcript of the Tuesday meeting will be released. Editor's note: This story is part of 'Broken Defense,' an investigative series from Lee Enterprises. More details about this project can be found at the bottom of this article. Montana resident Joseph Jefferson-Dust often found himself staring into space sitting in jail four years ago, fantasizing about the day he might prove his innocence. As he served his sentence partially on probation in 2021, Jefferson-Dust had no idea a memo that could clear his name was sitting in an overwhelmed public defenders office, delaying his exoneration fight for more than a year. He was accused of sexual assault by a 9-year-old girl, prompted by her father, who detested Native Americans. Jefferson-Dust, a 38-year-old member of the Crow Tribe, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, criminal endangerment, and was sentenced in 2017 to probation. Hes since been in and out of jail for probation violations. His accuser recanted three years later at the public defenders office. It changed nothing for more than a year. The appointed public defender was 10 days from retirement with a workload more than 25% beyond the agencys case management standard. The internal memo explaining the recantation went unseen for 13 months. I dont even understand how that can work like that, Jefferson-Dust said of the delays in raising the recantation. Dont people feel an obligation to do the right thing? Jefferson-Dust discovered the girls recantation in December 2021, yet again was jailed twice for probation violations: Two months for an unplanned detour to get gas on the way to work and four months after he and his probation officer failed to connect in person. He visited the probation office to check in on the day he was told, but his probation officer wasnt there, he said. He remained on probation as of early January. Across the West, public defense systems face crushing caseloads, historic underfunding, structural problems, and severe staffing shortages, imperiling criminal defendants lives and in many cases denying them their constitutional right to counsel. Defendants have lost jobs and homes while in jail waiting for attorneys to argue for a lower bail or for their release. Theyve had public defenders who were too busy to investigate their cases and felt pressured by their own attorneys to plead guilty when they said they were innocent, according to more than 15 people accused of crimes. Public defenders have so many cases they struggle to provide effective representation, according to a Lee Enterprises investigation. Some regions have no attorneys at all. Failing public defense systems across the West routinely violate the Sixth Amendment right to effective counsel. "The system is completely broken at this point," said Jared Hawkins of Oregon. "People like me are finding out how badly broken it is (while) sitting in jail with no lawyer." Stephen Hanlon has practiced law for 55 years and leads a national public defense reform effort. The nations public defense systems are "systemically unconstitutional and unethical," he said. Judges and attorneys push defendants through the system as quickly as possible instead of investigating cases and seeking justice, Hanlon says, calling it a "criminal processing system." This is a national disaster and has been for 50 years, Hanlon said. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem somewhat, but the pandemic will be over and this problem will be here regardless. Variety of problems Hundreds in Oregon currently are defenseless as the state faces a public defender shortage. Wyoming didnt have enough public defenders in 2019 to represent people charged with misdemeanors. Arizona attorneys might be unable to keep up with filed cases. Were hitting a crisis point, Arizona public defender Megan Page said of Pima County. My concern is that if we continue to pursue low-level felony cases, we wont be able to have an attorney for everyone. The American Civil Liberties Union has sued Nevada and California for failing to provide attorneys, and Idaho for having so many cases that attorneys can't effectively represent defendants. Montanas public defenders office has historically been underfunded, but the pandemic sparked whats become known as the Great Resignation. Public defenders left the office to double their salaries in the private sector or move laterally in state government for a $13,000 pay hike. A recent analysis by the office shows it needed another 63 attorneys on average since 2019 to handle the caseload assigned to the agency and still meet its workload management limits. A Montana judge in 2021 held the states public defender office in contempt when more than 650 Yellowstone County area defendants were unrepresented during historic turnover and vacancies. The Yellowstone County regional office, which handled Jefferson-Dusts case, had double the cases it could handle when his accuser walked in to recant. At the time, the office had developed a practice that masked the severity of the staff-caseload imbalance. As cases were filed, regional deputy public defender Kris Copenhaver assigned herself incoming cases, then sought delays. A placeholder attorney would be on hand for the defendants initial appearance, but neither that attorney nor Copenhaver would follow the case. Clients were then unrepresented until workloads lightened, and a dedicated public defender could take it. We had no idea how understaffed we were, said Brian Smith, division administrator at the state public defenders office. Calls to Copenhaver seeking comment were not returned. She no longer works at the office. Yellowstone Countys problems left cases in limbo with repeated delays waiting for counsel and let a potentially exonerating recantation fall through the cracks. Montanas public defender office director Brett Schandelson said his agency had a moral obligation to alert Jefferson-Dust that his accuser admitted she lied. "There is no dispute that what happened to (Jefferson-Dust) is unfortunate and should not have happened," Schandelson said. "Unfortunately, the information about the recantation came to OPD at a time when the office was understaffed and overburdened. ... And while we did ensure that information was documented in a memo, its not quite clear what happened with that memo." Stuck in jail Oregons ongoing public defense crisis shows how having no attorney can devastate lives. More than 750 people daily from mid-August through December needed an attorney but couldnt get one, according to the Oregon Judicial Department. About 6 percent of them were in jail. Richard Smith waited more than 40 days for an attorney last summer in the Coos County Jail, accused of burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He lost his job, home and 10 pounds while in jail eating cereal with cockroaches in it. He was released within two weeks once a public defender was appointed. Jared Hawkins, also of Oregon, for more than six months had no attorney for non-violent offenses, including theft, possessing a stolen vehicle, identity theft, computer crimes and meth possession. He lost his job and apartment waiting for a lawyer more than three months in the Douglas County Jail. His wife became homeless when she could no longer afford rent alone. Hawkins also permanently lost feeling in his cheek after a jail dentist botched a tooth removal, slicing him about an inch. Im losing more things every day in my life while Im sitting in here, Hawkins said from jail in August. Hawkins got himself out of jail by filing bail reduction motions on his own. He began rehabilitation from opioid addiction. A day after completing the program in early November, he was arrested in Lane County for a probation violation from last January. He was appointed a public defender for that, but not his other cases, keeping those stuck. Right now Im just kind of in limbo, Hawkins said in early December while incarcerated in the Lane County Jail. I want to get my life back on track. I want to start working again. His public defender was able to take over his ongoing Douglas County cases by mid-December. For the probation violation, he was sentenced Dec. 19 to another two years of probation and 30 days in jail. He was released the next day for time served. Busy attorneys Public defenders are stretched so thin, some barely provide representation a violation of people's right to effective counsel. Nona Wiley, 55, met her public defender for the first time after her court hearing began in Matagorda County, Texas last October. "He's late," she said. "I called him, and he won't even answer the phone," Wiley said. Her lawyer had her felony drug possession case for a month before reading it the day of Wileys court appearance, she said. Wiley sobbed in court, devastated at the possibility of losing time with her grandchildren. Her case was delayed to give her attorney more time to prepare, she said. Theresa Dugas, 63, estimates she spent a total of 30 minutes talking with her Oregon public defender throughout her case last year. She said her public defender arrived about 10 minutes before a court date and told her to sign papers. Dugas had no idea it was a guilty plea agreement for probation. She admitted to drunken driving, but wanted to fight allegations that she also hit her 72-year-old boyfriend with her car. Dugas is her boyfriends caregiver and didnt want to be labeled as an abuser. I would never have plead guilty to that, Dugas said of the domestic violence assault charge. I didn't know what I was signing for. Theyre supposed to be the ones telling me what its for. And she didnt. Im sick Idaho resident Chris Ellison was in the Twin Falls County Jail for most of 2022 pressing his lawyer to fight for his innocence or to get a new public defender. Ellison was arrested Feb. 6 after police found $10 worth of meth and a pipe in his truck. Ellison has maintained the meth possession of which resulted in a felony charge was not his. He said friends had stayed at his house and left bags containing the drugs in his vehicle. Public defenders have an ethical obligation to complete case investigations before recommending a plea, said Hanlon, the national public defense expert. Ellison said his first public defender, Douglas Emery, never questioned the friends, nor talked with witnesses who could have explained the bags werent his. In August before court, Emery and Ellison discussed the prosecutors offer for Ellison to plead guilty and spend four to seven years in prison, Ellison said. I dont want to take a deal and plead to a guilty charge for a crime that I didnt commit, Ellison remembers telling Emery that Friday. And (Emery) was like, Come on man, Im sick. I dont want to spend all weekend preparing for a trial that youre gonna lose. Ellison wouldnt budge. Emery visited him in jail on Sunday, the eve of trial, Ellison said. Prosecutors could charge Ellison as a "persistent violator" and pursue a life sentence because he has prior felony convictions. (Emery) was like, You have until I walk out of this building to take this deal otherwise its going to get really bad for you, Ellison said. He said, I have an email right here from the prosecutor saying theyre going to go for 24 years in prison. So life in prison, if I dont plead guilty. I have three minutes to decide. So I had no choice but to plead guilty to a charge that I didnt even commit. Emery declined to comment on Ellisons claims because of attorney-client confidentiality, but in a written statement explained he handled well in excess of 200 Twin Falls felony cases in the last year. That's 50 cases more than the recommended maximum, according to national standards that experts say are already too high. Emery said he averages 42 to 65 work hours a week. Ellison requested that Emery get kicked off his case, and a judge approved in October. Ellison and his new attorney had planned to withdraw his guilty plea in November, but by December the thought of more prison time changed his mind. He was sentenced Dec. 16 to three to seven years in prison. Not justice Six other men in the Twin Falls County Jail had similar complaints about their public defenders. They said they felt pressured to delay their cases, saw delays in getting discovery documents and couldnt reach their lawyers after dozens of calls. Scott Jaynes said his public defender, Emery, wouldnt order a retest of a powdery residue police said was drugs unless Jaynes paid for it. Emery said theres no constitutional right per se to have evidence retested at the countys expense. The defense must demonstrate a good reason why existing test results are questionable before the county would foot the bill, he said. The six men believe their public defenders were more interested in plea deals than defending them. "They want us to take these deals so they can get us moving through the system already," Victor Salazar, one of the men, said. "Im not going to plead guilty to something that I didn't do. And then because of that, theyre going to punish me more by giving me a life sentence. Thats not justice." Twin Falls County head public defender Ben Andersen declined to comment on the complaints. Twin Falls District Attorney Grant Loebs said his office and the public defenders office struggle with staffing shortages, despite pay increases. Staff attorneys in each office earn the same salaries. "We put ads out, and nobody applies," Loebs said. Structural problems The ACLU of Idaho in 2015 filed a class action lawsuit alleging the states public defense system is unconstitutional and structurally flawed. Defendants each in Bonner, Shoshone, Ada and Payette counties say their public defenders didnt investigate their cases or argue for lower bails and spent a total of 20 or 45 minutes with them. Aadika Singh, ACLU of Idahos legal director, said the states public defense has improved, but "widespread, persistent structural problems" remain. The Idaho Supreme Court is reviewing the class action lawsuit. The ACLU demands that the state develop a concrete plan for a new constitutionally acceptable system. Idaho plans to create a new, state-funded public defense system by October 2024, but the Legislature hasnt detailed what the new model will look like. A recent ACLU filing states the annual $50 million planned so far will not even come close to adequately funding a constitutional public defense system. Rep. Jon Weber, R-Rexburg, said it's difficult to estimate the new system's cost since a model hasn't been chosen, but he welcomes discussion. Over the summer, the ACLU added a fifth person to the lawsuit. The man, Billy Chappell, had to investigate his own case in 2021 because his public defender didn't have time. It took two months for Chappell to talk with his attorney initially, a delay that may have caused exonerating evidence to be lost, the lawsuit says. That attorney is unnamed in the lawsuit. Singh said the ACLUs goal is to show public defenders lack resources. Our case is not about individual public defenders, Singh said. Our case is about an underfunded and overloaded system that makes it impossible for public defenders to do the kind of job theyd want to do for their clients. Theres too many clients. Too little time. Too few resources. About Broken Defense: Across the West, public defense systems face crushing caseloads, historic underfunding, structural problems and severe staffing shortages, imperiling criminal defendants lives and in many cases denying them their constitutional right to counsel. Defendants have lost jobs and homes, been pressured to plead guilty and been denied the benefit of exonerating evidence. People accused in more than 100,000 misdemeanors each year go to jail without ever talking to a lawyer. Lee Enterprises West region Public Service Journalism team and local reporters attended more than a dozen court hearings and interviewed more than 25 defendants, 40 attorneys and 25 experts to reveal public defense in many western states is broken. Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Reporter Emily Hamer may be reached at emily.hamer@lee.net. Chris_Coates Follow Chris_Coates 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 When lawmakers returned to the Virginia Capitol for the 2023 session, Richmond Times-Dispatch journalists were there to report on key legislation as it developed. The extensive coverage spanned multiple platforms, from our "Virginia Politics Insider" newsletter by editor Andrew Cain to our reporters roundtable produced live in the newsroom on Fridays. Dozens of stories, photos, videos and more have been produced so far with much more coming. Such comprehensive coverage is possible because of the financial support from our subscribers. The investment helps provide the resources we need to report the news. But the impact extends far beyond our statehouse reporting. The political team is just one piece of our award-winning newsroom thats full of talented and passionate reporters, editors and visual journalists. There are writers like Bill Lohmann, whose columns showcase unique and interesting Virginians from all walks of life. Theres Sean Sublette, our on-staff meteorologist, whose insightful forecasts and reporting on climate tell the story behind data. Theres multimedia journalist Eva Russo, public safety reporter Lyndon German and counties reporter Thad Green, to name just a few. All are talented and dedicated professionals who take the responsibility and honor of telling our regions stories seriously. If youre a subscriber, thank you. And if youre not, I invite you to join us. Unlimited access to our digital content including videos, podcasts and the popular e-edition starts at $1 for 26 weeks. Learn more at richmond.com/members. Have a story idea or suggestion for our newsroom? Email me at ccoates@timesdispatch.com. Thanks for reading. Chris Coates is executive editor of The Times-Dispatch. PHOTOS: Ice on the James River over the past 70 years Michael C. Hild, the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct Chesterfield County-based Live Well Financial, was handed a 44-month prison sentence on Friday by a federal judge in New York for charges related to a $140 million bond fraud scheme. Hild, 48, was found guilty by a federal jury in April 2021 of five criminal counts in the bond fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams sentenced Hild on five counts: one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, one count of securities fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. The maximum sentence for those charges was 115 years. Hilds legal representation did not respond to requests for comment on this story. Federal prosecutors said Hild fraudulently inflated the value of Live Wells portfolio of complex reverse-mortgage bonds in order to induce various securities dealers and at least one financial institution to loan more money to the fast-growing mortgage lender and servicer. Hild was arrested by federal officials in 2019. According to the indictment, the scheme between September 2015 and May 2019 allowed Live Well to grow its bond portfolio from about 20 bonds with a value of $50 million in 2014 to 50 bonds with a value of $500 million by the end of 2016. In May 2019, Live Well wrote down the value of its portfolio at about $141 million. A U.S. attorney told the court during the April 2021 trial that Hild had been recorded referring to his scheme as a self-generating money machine, and said that Hild was using lenders as an ATM. Hild maintained his innocence throughout the trial. The indictment said the scheme enabled Hild to fund a lavish compensation package for himself, which allowed him to pocket over $25 million and enabled him to take full control of Live Well Financial. Around 10 of Hilds Manchester properties were auctioned off by his wife in 2019 after his arrest. The properties totaled around $4.7 million and ranged from a single family house to a 1930s era building with potential for development for multi-family use. In addition to filing criminal charges against Hild, the federal government also charged Eric Rohr, who served as Live Well Financials chief financial officer from 2008 to late 2018, and Darren Stumberger, the companys former head trader from 2014 to March 2019, for their part in the alleged scheme. They both pleaded guilty to five criminal counts. Live Well Financial abruptly shut down and laid off its 103 employees nearly four months before Hilds arrest in August 2019. Most of those employees worked at the companys corporate offices in the Boulders office complex in Chesterfield. Hild founded the company in 2005. In July 2019, three of the companys creditors sought and were granted approval by a judge in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware a motion to place Live Well into involuntary bankruptcy protection. A new location for Sugar Shack donuts is headed near Brandermill. The new location will be located in Charter Colony at 2425 Colony Crossing Way in Midlothian. A Sugar Shack employee said that the new location is expected to open this week or next week. The first Sugar Shack opened at 1001 N. Lombardy St. in Richmond in 2013 and became popular for its hand-rolled, hand-cut and hand-dipped creations. An expansion of 11 stores followed, with locations in Stafford, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, Mechanicsville, Virginia Beach and elsewhere. Many have closed or changed owners. In Virginia, there will now be three Sugar Shack locations, at 1001 N. Lombardy St. in Richmond, 1931 Huguenot Road in North Chesterfield and the new location at 2425 Colony Crossing Way in Midlothian. Evanston police will receive pay raises of at least 26% over four years under a new union contract that officials said was needed to bring pay for the citys force in line with other area police departments. This was an easy choice for the entire City Council to move forward with, Councilmember Devon Reid said. We understand (Evanston Police Departments pay wasnt) in alignment with our neighbors and our neighbors do not have the same complications we do. Advertisement Police sergeants will receive a 26% gross wage increase, according to a memo from city officials, beginning with a 14% equity increase in the contracts first year and a 4% increase in each of the following three years. Patrol officers will receive a 27% gross wage increase, according to the memo, with an 18% increase in the first year followed by 3% the following three years. The agreement has a longevity salary increase to 6.5% for police sergeants with more than 25 years of service, and 4.5% for patrol officers with more than 15 years of service. Advertisement City Council members used a 2022 Baker Tilly report to compare city staff wages to other suburban Chicago municipalities, Reid said, which raised concerns. Police Chief Schenita Stewart told Pioneer Press the wage increases will put Evanstons pay scale at the high end locally. These increases come despite the 2023 budget designating $508,332 less for salary and benefits than in 2022. The departments 2023 total budget is $66,504 less than last year. With the bargaining agreement, the lowest 2023 salary tier listed for an EPD police sergeant is $121,482 with the highest tier at $146,581. Evanston declined to provide similar information for patrol officers. Stewart said she is excited about a current employees made whole provision giving wage protections to existing Evanston officers. The new language will adjust current staff salaries if a new hire with the same experience is offered a higher wage. Stewart said in the past new officers have occasionally received higher wages than existing EPD officers, which she believes sends a false message devaluing longtime employees. We have had training officers get paid less than the people they were training (because Evanston lacked this provision), Stewart said. Now well match the salary for individuals that have been loyal to the agency instead of (just increasing pay for) officers from other departments that come here and kind of forgetting about the people we have internally who have been dedicated to the department. The department has allegedly faced employee morale challenges in recent years due to inconsistent leadership and the nationwide scrutiny increase toward police officers. Evanston residents say this contributed to the departments limited staffed in recent years. Evanstons police department has had more staff members leave than it could hire in recent years with 2022 being the first year, since at least 2019, to have more new employees than departing. Stewart said she hopes the pay increases will help combat employee retention and morale concerns. The new collective bargaining agreement was unanimously approved by the City Council on Jan. 23 and will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2026. Advertisement Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press. At Abner Clay Park against the backdrop of the setting sun, area residents gathered Monday night, bound by grief, anger, shock and horror. In their hearts and minds was the memory of Tyre Nichols. With eyes sullen and heads bowed, the crowd whispered a prayer for the 29-year-old man, with memories fresh in their minds of Nichols being brutally beaten to death, allegedly at the hands of Memphis police officers. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney recalled the sinking feeling in his stomach Friday when Memphis authorities released harrowing body camera footage of Nichols being hit with fists and batons by five uniformed officers during a Jan. 7 traffic stop just yards from Nichols home. The beating lasted three minutes. Nichols, a FedEx worker, died three days later. Stoney said he went back and forth deciding whether to watch. But I watched, he said. I watched in shock and horror because I could not believe that one human being, this time five plus, could do that to another human being. You could see with your own two eyes that that was not policing. That was violence for the sake of violence. Stoney joined by GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, local law enforcement and city officials came together to condemn the actions of the officers who have since been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other charges. The death of Nichols, who was Black, has resulted in renewed questions about the use of force by law enforcement and calls for criminal justice reform. Five officers, all of whom are Black, were charged last week and face up to 60 years in prison if found guilty of second-degree murder. Two more involved in the arrest were disciplined on Monday, authorities said. The disturbing and shocking video that was released on Friday evening displays incomprehensible violence towards another human being, Youngkin said. We must condemn these heinous acts and its a very important time for us also to stop and invite the Lord to come to this moment. Youngkin asked that Virginians come together in strength and unity as law enforcement officers attempt to repair the damaged trust within their own communities. Richmond interim Police Chief Rick Edwards said he watched the video at police headquarters on Friday and asked his officers to view it as well. He said they should consider what they would do if they witnessed such a horrific scene. Because its their duty to intervene, Edwards said. Its in our policy, its in the law. There is no training. Theres nothing we could teach you to say that thats not right. If you dont know thats not right, you shouldnt be in this job, Edwards said. Edwards and Henrico County Police Chief Eric English agreed that the culture of policing has to change because, every time brutal policing is broadcast to the community at large, the trust in all communities is broken. It takes a long time to build trust with communities because of police culture, because of the history of policing, English said. And we got to do better and we will do better. It is the very same culture that people like Lawrence West say has to change in order for the community to heal properly. West is the CEO and founder of Black Lives Matter RVA. He came to the vigil with a megaphone and a shield he made during the protest in Richmond three years ago in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police. Its hard for me to take them serious, because this feels like just another publicity stunt, West said. And here we go again. If this happens next week, what will they say? West said he hopes that officials acknowledge there is a lack of trust within the community and that they have to do something to fix that. Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, cited the need to dismantle this culture. And governor, I say to you because you are standing in a place that where you can do something with the power of the pen... we must, we must, we must dismantle these systems, she said. Because if we dont, we will continue as America, as citizens, as communities, as leaders to be grieved by what we have seen once again. Here is the timeline of events in the arrest and death of Tyre Nichols and what's followed Jan. 7, 2023 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Virginia will consider allowing parties to use ranked choice voting for presidential primaries but not just yet. Ranked choice voting allows people to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. Generally, under ranked choice voting, if a voters first choice is eliminated, the top vote is transferred to the voters second choice, and so on. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, pulled his bill from the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee Tuesday after he heard feedback from the Department of Elections, which said it had logistical concerns. Deeds said that Department of Elections Commissioner Susan Beals dropped by his office and, when he asked her about his bill, she relayed that the state board of elections did not feel like they could technologically do this right now. That is because Virginia only recently allowed elections for city council and boards of supervisors to be conducted through ranked choice voting. Additionally, Virginia allows localities to use four different types of voting machines, which could complicate things should local registrars around the state coordinate ranked choice voting in a presidential election. Deeds said he felt it was best to pull his bill for now and reintroduce it later, perhaps next year. He is confident the matter will be worked out in the future. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reached out to the Department of Elections to ask what the department would need to adjust in order to accommodate statewide ranked choice voting, but did not receive a response at the time of this publication. Ranked choice voting has long been championed by Del. Sally Hudson, D-Charlottesville, who will face Deeds in a Democratic primary election this summer for the nomination Virginias 11th Senate District, based in Albemarle County and the city of Charlottesville. Ranked choice voting was a part of the platform of her 2019 campaign, and in 2020 the General Assembly passed her bill to allow ranked choice voting for certain local elections. Though not yet law for all elections, ranked choice voting has already been implemented for other races. Gov. Glenn Youngkin won the GOP nomination for governor when the party utilized ranked choice voting in a 2021 convention. But because primary elections which allow for more people to vote are state-run and not party-run, the state has to pass laws allowing for its use in primaries. Hudson called that a legal limbo, but added that collaborating with registrars and the department of elections will help Virginia eventually to ease into allowing ranked choice voting in more races. Arlington County plans to use it during its primary this year, as state law shepherded by Hudson now allows it. Charlottesville is considering using it in November. Theres demand from the parties to use it. Theres demand from the voters to use it. And theres demand from a solid hunk of legislators to use it in Richmond, Hudson said. Advocates say that ranked choice voting allows people to support their favorite candidate as well as their backup options. It truly gives voters a better voting experience. They get a more thorough and complete method of sharing their preferences and what they respond to in a candidate, said UpVote director Liz White. It lets voters truly just go in and say I like this person the best, this person the second best and this person the third best. She added that she believes it benefits candidates as well, because they can garner more support based on their platforms rather than relying on party-line voting. A candidate succeeds by building consensus and building a coalition, White said. Deeds said he hopes to reintroduce the legislation next year, depending on what he hears from election officials. Hudson is eager for more widespread adoption of ranked choice voting, but noted that continued incremental rollout may be beneficial to voters and registrars. How home equity compares in each state How home equity compares in each state #51. Louisiana #50. Illinois #49. Alaska #48. West Virginia #47. North Dakota #46. Iowa #45. Mississippi #44. Maryland #43. Kansas #42. Delaware #41. Oklahoma #40. Virginia #39. Connecticut #38. Wyoming #36. Washington DC #37. Arkansas #35. Ohio #34. Missouri #33. Alabama #32. Kentucky #31. Pennsylvania #30. Minnesota #29. New Jersey #28. Nebraska #27. South Dakota #26. Wisconsin #25. Michigan #24. Indiana #23. New Mexico #22. New York #21. South Carolina #20. Georgia #19. Montana #18. Rhode Island #17. North Carolina #16. Massachusetts #15. Oregon #14. New Hampshire #13. Colorado #12. Nevada #11. Texas #10. Tennessee #9. Maine #8. Hawaii #7. California #6. Washington #5. Utah #4. Florida #3. Arizona #2. Idaho #1. Vermont Local school divisions in Virginia just learned they will receive $201 million less in state aid than they expected including $58 million less for the current K-12 school year that is almost three-quarters done. The Virginia Department of Education has acknowledged the mistake in calculating state basic aid for K-12 school divisions after the General Assembly adopted a two-year budget and Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed it last June. The error failed to reflect a provision to hold localities harmless from the elimination of states portion of the sales tax on groceries as part of a tax cut package pushed by Youngkin and his predecessor, Gov. Ralph Northam. State Superintendent Jillian Balow notified school division superintendents by email on Friday, promising to provide corrected estimates of basic aid for this fiscal year and the next one after the House of Delegates and Senate adopt competing budget revisions on Feb. 9. It was human error on our part, said Charles Pyle, spokesman for the Department of Education. We regret that it was not identified until December. For big school divisions, the shortfalls are sizable for the two fiscal years almost $18 million for Fairfax County, the states largest; $10.8 million for Chesterfield County; $8.1 million for Henrico County; $3.2 million for Richmond; and $2.6 million for Hanover County. But the effects could be disproportionately damaging to small and rural school divisions that rely more on state aid for K-12 schools than urban and suburban divisions, which bear a higher share of the cost because of their ability to pay. Theres a little bit of panic right now, said Bristol School Superintendent Keith Perrigan, who also is an officer at the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and president of the Coalition of Small and Rural Schools in Virginia. Perrigan doesnt blame the state for the mistake, but he wants to be sure that local school divisions are part of discussions on how to fix the error and help localities with school budgets that were based on the wrong numbers. Theres a solution and wed like to be at the table to come up with that solution, rather than just bemoaning the problem, he said. House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, said he was blindsided by the new basic aid numbers on Monday. I didnt know anything about it at all until this afternoon, Knight said. Im not very happy. They did not bother to tell Appropriations that the numbers had changed. We need to have some open communication here, he said. Now its on me, what do we do? Petersburg is an urban member of the coalition because it is small and poor, so it relies more on state aid to pay for schools than bigger divisions do. Preliminary estimates show that Petersburg would get $853,486 less in state aid, including about $246,000 less for this school year, which is already well into its third quarter. Bristol, the division that Perrigan leads in the far southwestern corner of the state, would receive $140,488 less in this fiscal year, which ends on June 30, and $347,000 less in the next one, which begins on July 1. It has a low score on the Local Composite Index, which measures a localitys ability to pay, so it relies more on state funds to meet the Standards of Quality for public education. We have already adopted [budgets based on] what we thought we were going to get from the state and localities, he said. Now, we are rounding second [base] and headed to third, and finding out that the number is going to be different. School divisions also have begun developing their budgets for next school year, while relying on estimates of the state aid they will receive. Pyle, at the Department of Education, said, We know that its going to be inconvenient. He said the mistake, while regrettable, did not affect what the school divisions actually received from the state during the current year. This is not money that school divisions received that theyre going to have to give back, Pyle said. Balow, the state superintendent, said the mistake was made when the department inadvertently failed to recognize the effect of a hold harmless payment made to local school divisions to offset money they receive directly from the states portion of the sales tax on groceries. The General Assembly included the hold-harmless provision when it eliminated the state portion of the grocery tax, effective Jan. 1. The decision reduced sales tax revenues by $107.3 million in this fiscal year and $265.1 million next year. As a result, the calculation tool used by the state inflated estimates of basic aid for localities. Balow provided school division superintendents with new formulas to apply to the revised calculation tool released on Dec. 16, the day after Youngkin proposed his new budget. Were not as concerned about the mistake as how do we find a solution to it? Perrigan said. 29 photos from The Times-Dispatch archives After investigating more than 330,000 cases of potential fraud in payment of unemployment claims, the Virginia Employment Commission has confirmed that it has paid out $1.6 billion to people who used someone elses identity to gain public benefits. Virginia Employment Commissioner Carrie Roth had told legislators in August that potential fraud claims could reach that level, but she said Monday that the beleaguered agency had already paid out that amount in cases of identity theft under then-Gov. Ralph Northam, while blocking $1 billion in additional benefits to people using false identities. The state has worked to separate true and false claims in a flood of requests for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ones we can prosecute, we will prosecute, Roth said in an interview. As for the federal and state dollars already spent, she said, Some of it well be able to recover... a lot of it we wont get back. The VECs struggles remain an urgent concern for state legislators, who have been flooded with calls and emails from frustrated and desperate people seeking unemployment benefits, as well for as employers that pay into the state unemployment trust fund. The VEC faces a backlog of nearly 95,000 appeals in unemployment insurance cases, both by the people who have lost their jobs and employers who say benefits are unwarranted in some cases. The General Assembly has tabled two bills Gov. Glenn Youngkin sought to cut in half the time that claimants and employers have to appeal VEC decisions about eligibility for benefits that affect both. The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted unanimously on Monday to spike legislation at the request of its sponsor, Sen. John Bell, D-Loudoun, that would have cut the time to file an appeal from 30 to 15 days. The House Commerce and Energy Committee did the same thing last week at the request of Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, who had introduced the same bill for the governor. The legislation ran into concerns among some Republican members of the House committee who said the shorter appeals time was unfair given delays in notifying claimants and employers of their right to challenge VEC determinations in their cases. Im very concerned about it from the standpoint of the employers, said Del. Chris Head, R-Botetourt. Thats a quick turnaround. Del. Joe McNamara, R-Roanoke County, also expressed misgivings about the proposal and questioned whether reducing the time for appeal would help the VEC reduce its existing backlog of appeals. Im certainly concerned about shortening that time frame, McNamara said in an interview. Im not sure its solving a problem. The assembly is sending the legislation to the Commission on Unemployment Compensation, a legislative advisory panel, for study as the state continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic on the unemployment system almost three years after the public health crisis began. Were glad to have a study into how we can further expedite the appeals process at the VEC, said Flannery ORourke, an attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Roth, whom Youngkin appointed as commissioner a year ago, has a different perspective on the proposal to shorten the appeals window, but she said she welcomes the study. We firmly believe that this is the right proposal, but we also believe we need to work with everyone to move this forward, she said Monday. When Roth took the job, the VEC was under a legislative and judicial microscope. It had just settled a federal lawsuit brought by advocates that required the state to hire more people to adjudicate disputed claims and answer calls from frustrated Virginians. The previous fall, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission had faulted it in a withering report over the backlog of cases. Those backlogs included more than 246,000 late reports from employers to verify that claimants worked for them and had lost their jobs through no fault of their own, which would entitle the claimants to benefits. That backlog at the front door led to long waits for adjudicating claims and investigating potential fraud, including identity theft. The VEC said it has eliminated the backlog of employer separation reports to zero, reduced the number of claims awaiting adjudication to about 10,000 and cut potential fraud cases to about 5,200. But now the backlog is at the other end of the process, with almost 95,000 in requested appeals awaiting initial action. Roth said the VEC has investigated 98% of potentially fraudulent claims, about 70% o which had already paid. The agency also has waived $226 million in overpayments made to claimants through no fault of their own, but successfully blocked a legislative proposal in this assembly session to revive the waiver program, which expired last year. The problem of identity theft also affects legitimate claimants, who have had to endure delays and technical glitches in proving their identities to collect benefits, said ORourke at the poverty law center. It continues to be a stumbling block. Roth said the VEC has worked hard to identify legitimate claimants from those flagged for potential fraud. We did everything we could do, she said. A major change of heart by Democratic senators has resulted in a proposal for long-shunned paid family and medical leave, which would cover some salary or wages if an employee needs to take time to care for a newborn or a family member. Under Senate Bill 1101 from Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, paid family and medical leave would operate like unemployment insurance, with employers and employees each contributing to cover the cost. It would be available to all employees. The contributions, as in unemployment insurance, would be mandatory. The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee approved the measure by an 11-4 vote as eight Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, who had voted to kill the same measure in 2021, changed their stance. Democrats previous position killed the measure when they controlled both the Senate and the House of Delegates. Now, in spite of their reversal, the measure still likely faces a tough ride in the House although, in the past, a handful of Republican members have said they were sympathetic to the idea of some kind of paid leave benefit. The bill would set up a self-funded program, like unemployment insurance, with a portion of the cost paid by employers and another paid through deductions from employees paychecks something like the cost of a Starbucks $4, the bills sponsor, state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, told the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. The benefit would amount to 80% of an employees average weekly pay, capped at 80% of the average weekly wage across the whole state. The latest annual Department of Labor and Industry figure for the average weekly wage is $1,195. The benefit would be limited to 12 weeks. The lack of a paid leave program forces a cruel choice on employees, Boysko said. Employees are entitled by federal law to take time off to care for newborns or seriously ill family members, but the federal law only authorizes unpaid leave. Many families simply cannot afford to go without pay for that long, Boysko said. Currently, paid leave is available only through private insurance offered as a fringe benefit by a minority of employers, or else by employers who eat the cost of employees leave from their own profits. Advocates for Virginians with low-to-moderate incomes, including the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy along with the AFL-CIO and United Food and Commercial Workers, told the committee they support Boyskos bill. But Nicole Brenner, representing the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, said the statewide business group opposes the measure. She said a measure enacted last year for a voluntary benefit needs time to work. That measure authorizes family leave insurance as an amendment or rider to a group disability income policy. It passed with broad bipartisan support. Senate Bill 1029 would kick off a 30-day response process when companies and co-ops apply for permission to cross railroad tracks. Stanley said it has taken months sometimes to get a response from railroad companies, and this bill would streamline the process. A Times-Dispatch subscription supports local journalism Unlimited access to our digital content including videos, podcasts and the popular e-edition starts at $1 for 26 weeks. The bill is endorsed by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Broadband Cooperatives. Simply put: Virginians, especially in rural and remote communities, need this legislation, said Casey Logan, chair of the broadband group. A couple of senators said they might support the bill in the future, but expressed concern that such a law might be challenged legally by railroad companies. Chuckles and groans filled the room when Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, made several train puns, saying My purpose in rising is not to take the train off the tracks, but to suggest that this train has a ways to travel. While speaking in support of his bill, Stanley said it could help more areas of the state be able to conduct business or participate in telemedicine. He said students will benefit by being able to do their homework in rural areas where broadband access is inconsistent with access in other areas of the state. He also explained that the bill is meant to foster relationships between broadband groups and railroad companies. The Senate voted 36- 3 to pass the bill. Its next step is review by the House of Delegates. In a follow-up statement after the vote, Casey said: Weve still got work to do to pass this legislation and close the digital divide, but legislators sent an irrefutable message across our commonwealth that a commitment to bringing broadband to every Virginian who wants it is bipartisan and it is strong. Together with legislators support, well close the digital divide, leaving no one behind and no community without broadband. States with the most multigenerational households States with the most multigenerational households #10. Utah #9. Arizona #8. Florida #7. New Jersey #6. Maryland #5. Nevada #4. Georgia #3. Texas #2. California #1. Hawaii Cancun captures nearly half of all Mexicos international air travel in 2022 Cancun, Q.R. During 2022, the Cancun International Airport captured nearly half of all international air travelers into the country. Miguel Torruco Marques, head of the Ministry of Tourism, says that last year, over 20.6 million international tourists arrived in Mexico by air. That figure, he reported, is 46.3 percent higher than 2021 and 8.2 percent higher than international air passengers received in 2019. Between January and December of 2022, the main international arrivals were from the United States, Canada and Colombia. The Secretary of Tourism reported that in 2022, Cancun International, Mexico City International (AICM) and Los Cabos received the largest number of international tourists. Between the three airports, more than 15.8 million international air passengers landed. Of those, over 9.4 million did so at Cancun International, 47.7 percent more than the previous year. Just over 4.2 million were recorded arriving at the AICM and 2.1 million at Los Cabos. During 2022, Mexico recorded more than 107 million air passengers between domestic and international flights. Daikin starts construction of two new San Luis Potosi plants for $280 million expansion investment San Luis Potosi, Mexico Japanese company Daikin has begun construction of two of its new production plants in the Millennium Industrial Park in San Luis Potosi. The new buildings will be constructed on 11 hectares which will include an Innovation and Development Center where they will develop air conditioning products. Once complete, the Daikin Campus will increase its staff from its current 1,200 employees to 4,000. Satoru Akama, president and CEO of Goodman Manufacturing (Daikin Industries brand) said the project is a source of pride in terms of sustainability since it will be an example of clean energy, reduction of CO2 emissions and rationing water. In order to consolidate in Mexico, the air conditioning and aerothermal manufacturer has made an investment of $280 million dollars. He said $230 million will be used for the first plant to manufacture residential air conditioning, with which they contemplate an annual production of 2.7 million units. For the second building, they will invest $50 million to produce 4,500 commercial chillers per year. The two new plants will begin operations in April of 2024, by which time Daikin Manufacturing Mexico will have approximately 4,000 employees. Satoru Akama said that they made the decision to invest in the expansion of production in San Luis Potosi, positioning it as the second production center in the Americas after Houston. Daikin has been manufacturing air conditioning units in San Luis Potosi for 12 years. Embassy of Bulgaria issues Cancun travel warning due to large number of denied entries Cancun, Q. R. The Embassy of Bulgaria in Mexico has issued a warning for their countrymen traveling to Cancun. The warning came after more than two dozen Bulgarians were denied entry into the country at Cancun International. We recommend that Bulgarian citizens refrain from traveling! is the title above the Mexico travel section of the Bulgarian Embassy page. Due to frequent cases of Bulgarian citizens not being admitted to the territory of Mexico by the immigration authorities at the airport in Cancun and until the reasons for this are clarified by the Mexican authorities, the embassy advises Bulgarian citizens who are about to travel to Cancun and who could postpone it to consider such a possibility. In the event of detention by the migration authorities, we advise Bulgarian citizens to insist on being contacted by the embassy for assistance, as well as to request a copy of the inadmissibility form, they posted on their website. Late last year, Bulgarian diplomats asked the federal government of Mexico to clarify the many cases of inadmissibility of Bulgarian tourists, most of which, have occurred at Cancun International. According to information obtained, at least 27 Bulgarian tourists have been denied entry into Mexico at the Cancun airport since December of 2022. Government expropriates another five Costa Maya properties for Maya Train use Costa Maya, Q.R. An additional five properties are being expropriated in the south for the Maya Train. The land has been declared public utility and will be used for section 6. The new decree will see more than 114,000 square meters of land corresponding to five privately owned properties put to Maya Train use. The five properties are located in the municipalities of Bacalar and Othon P. Blanco. The decree, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, states that the topographic plans of the properties and the file created for the purpose of this declaration, are available to all those natural or legal persons who prove and justify a legal right or interest. Of the five properties, two are located in the municipality of Bacalar and three in Othon P. Blanco. In December, the government of Mexico expropriated private land in the municipalities of Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Othon P. Blanco and Bacalar after also declaring those of public utility, which will also be used for section 6 of the Maya Train. Robert E. Crimo III signals as he leaves Lake County Court in Waukegan after a hearing on Nov. 1, 2022, Crimo is accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens more in a shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. (Nam Y. Huh/AP) Alleged Highland Park parade shooter Robert E. Crimo III is expected back in Lake County Court on Tuesday for what likely will be a routine hearing. Crimo is due to appear before Judge Victoria Rossetti for a case management conference. At such conferences, judges usually inquire of the prosecutors and defense attorneys to ensure that a case is proceeding without issue. Advertisement In the early stages of a felony case, prosecutors routinely will make recent police reports or other investigative material available to defense attorneys, as part of their obligation in the discovery process. In addition, the judge can respond to pretrial issues that may arise. Tuesdays hearing will be the first for Crimo, 22, since it was reported earlier this month that the defendant reportedly made a prank phone call from the jail on Dec. 31 to a New York Post reporter who had been trying to arrange an interview. Advertisement Crimo reportedly asked the reporter if his refrigerator was running. When the reporter said yes, Crimo said, Well, you better go catch it, before laughing and hanging up, according to authorities. Jail administrators, who tape all calls, said they forwarded a copy of the call to prosecutors. At a court hearing last week for Crimos father, prosecutors acknowledged that police are continuing to investigate the July Fourth parade shooting, at which seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Authorities said Crimo opened fire on the assembled crowd with an assault rifle from the roof of a downtown store. He was taken into custody later that day and is facing seven murder charges among more than 100 felony counts. Crimos father, Robert Crimo Jr., was charged with reckless conduct in connection with his sons case. At the fathers hearing last week, prosecutors said that they were furnishing copies of all information in the sons case to the attorney representing the father. Prosecutors suggested that Crimo Jr.s attorney would need a terabyte-size computer drive to hold it all. Lake County authorities allege it was reckless for the father to vouch for his then-underaged son in 2019 on state forms that allowed the son to purchase guns. Mexico issues arrest warrants against former secretary of public security being tried in US Mexico City, Mexico Mexico has issued two arrest warrants against Genaro Garcia Luna, who is the former Secretary of Federal Public Security. In a statement from the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) the two arrest warrants are for crimes committed in Mexico. The agency said that the charges in Mexico are not related to the trial Garcia Luna is currently facing in the United States. The first arrest warrant is related to the participation of Genaro G, in the case of the illegal introduction of weapons in an operation called Fast and Furious. In this matter, the weapons that the Mexican authorities, at the time, allowed to enter illegally, have caused a large number of deaths and irreparable damage to justice. The second arrest warrant in Mexico against Genaro G corresponds to the CEFERESOS case (privatized federal prisons), in which the participation of said person was essential to generate immense patrimonial damage and a series of criminal responsibilities in this regard, they said in their statement. According to the FGR, there are two other ongoing investigations against Genaro Garcia Luna and the request for a third arrest warrant. In their statement, the Prosecutors Office said that efforts continue before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and American authorities to obtain the extradition of Genaro G. Earlier this month, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the United States should return reclaimed money in the Garcia Luna case to Mexico. He said that Mexico will insist, before U.S. authorities, that any resources recovered from Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Federal Secretary of Public Security, be returned to the country. Tourist suffers fractured leg after falling from Tulum hotel Tulum, Q.R. A young woman who fell from a Tulum hotel balcony was taken to hospital with a leg fracture. The accident happened Monday when, while leaning against a wooden rail, she fell approximately three meters when the rail gave way. Maria N, 30, was taken to hospital after being stabilized by paramedics at the hotel. According to preliminary information, she is believed to have suffered a fracture in her left leg and possible broken toes on her right foot. According to Maria N, she was leaning on a section of the wood rail of her hotel when it broke. The hotel is situated around a cenote. People in the ceonte at the time of her fall came to her rescue. Maria N is a tourist visiting the area from Mexico City. A news release from the county sheriffs office did not identify either person, say if they were adults or minors, or convey any details of what happened except to report that the incident occurred in the 6000 block of Baptist Hollow Road. The location is southeast and across the New River from the town of Pulaski and roughly between the communities of Hiwassee and Snowville. Jami Poff of southwest Roanoke County is a longtime customer of the U.S. Postal Service. She lives in the area of U.S. 221 and Cotton Hill Road. Unlike many of late, shes not complaining about sporadic postal deliveries to her house. Poffs upset about delivery of mail she sent from there. As an example, she cited a card mailed to a friend, Shelby Grisso Munro, in Cave Spring. The two women live less than 4 miles apart. Poff put the card in the mail Dec. 10. Poff knows because that was the date on the postmark when the card arrived at Munros home on Jan. 5. Thats a timespan of 26 days. To be fair, there were four no-delivery Sundays plus two Monday federal holidays in that period, which means we should probably count the delivery times as only 20 days, for 4 miles. Poff could have walked the card over to Grissos house and back to her own home in less than half a day. She was one of many readers from Martinsville to Christiansburg to Glasgow who responded to last Tuesdays column about curtailed deliveries by the Postal Service. Some said theyre receiving mail at their home only two to three days per week, rather than six days as required by law. When I asked the Postal Service about that, spokesman Philip Bogenberger said the agency has roughly 20 unfilled positions in the Roanoke area, and that its trying to hire people at local job fairs. Most post offices are adequately staffed and delivery routes are covered in the Roanoke area, Bogenberger replied by email. We have contingency plans when employees are on leave. Still, staffing challenges can arise, which has resulted in brief periods of sporadic mail delivery on a few routes. Here are some other readers whove experienced mail problems recently. Most, but not all, concern sporadic delivery. Ibby Greer of Virginia Heights: Weve had the same problems for years and years.... it started about 5 years ago. We dont get our mail most days, and if we get it, it comes at night, in a pile. Boxes are delivered on the porch after weve gone to bed, and uh, who knows if they ever reach us? Important First Class mail is so irregular that Ive pretty much stopped using mail. But Im expecting a new credit card in the mail today and theres no mail today. Dave McRoberts, Christiansburg: Same thing with mail happens here, in Christiansburg. No mail when it is on [Informed Delivery] website. Arrives in bunches. Dianne Simmons, southeast Roanoke: For a period of time, I felt like I was only getting mail every other day, but wasnt keeping a record. Then a friend who called the Post Office about a problem she was having was told they were attempting to deliver each route every other day. The week of December 19-24, I only received mail two days. I subsequently discovered that I was missing a distribution check from a 401-K, two credit card bills, and who knows what else. I took care of the bills online, but the financial institution would not do anything about the check until it had been missing for X number of days. I requested an electronic transfer instead of another check, and finally received the funds on January 10. Florence Rea Wright of Martinsville: Weve been going through this in Henry County, Virginia, for about a year, maybe longer. Peter Jennings, Smith Mountain Lake: My problem is, I get other peoples mail at least three, four times a month. And I make it my business to either put it [back] in the mailbox with a note, take it to the post office, or if its a neighbor, I deliver it to them. But I get mail for people in Vinton, Thaxton, Botetourt County, even Roanoke. And, uh, I dont know, I think its this compressed way they sort the mail, whether its in Greensboro or Roanoke, but I think the letters are stuck together. I just wonder how much of my mail I never get, because I know there are people on my mail route who say that, you know, misdelivered mail is junk mail, they just throw it away. Thats a real problem, especially during tax time when youre waiting to get 1099s and stuff. Bill Haynie, Raleigh Court: Ill miss my mail three to four times per week and then get a batch one day. I subscribe to the Informed Delivery service and can see that I am supposed to get mail every day. I, like you, went to the Grandin Road Post Office to see if they could let me know whats going on. Apparently our regular mail carrier is out with an injury and her manager is on leave for some reason so they are definitely short staffed. An additional problem is that there are so many different subs that deliver to our neighborhood that they are not familiar with house addresses and we never get mail until after dark anyway and I know they cant see our house address. Genevieve Henderson, southwest Roanoke County: Weve been having problems on 12 Oclock Knob Road. (The most frequent one, she added, is carriers dont close her post-mounted roadside mailbox when delivering mail). And Ive had problems when I took a Christmas card to the main post office there at Cave Spring, on the 16th of December. It had three checks in the Christmas card as a Christmas present for my nephew and his family. They didnt get it for almost a month. They just recently received it outside of Atlanta, Georiga. But it was not just my card. Another aunt had sent a card through the Cave Spring Post Office, it took a month to get to that nephew. I go back to when [First-Class postage] was three cents, said Henderson, 87. And let me tell you something: Mail service was a lot better then. Boyd Walker, of Glasgow said mail delivery problems dont seem as bad in Rockbridge County as in Roanoke. But he noted that a birthday card hed sent to a friend who lives outside Lexington took five to 10 days to be delivered. (Its about 16 miles from Glasgow to Lexington.) Walker tracked that delivery. It went to Roanoke to Greensboro back down to Sandston, Virginia, back to Lexington and then [to] the rural carrier from the main post office in Lexington. Other readers wondered why Postmaster Louis DeJoy, a North Carolinian hired under ex-president Donald Trump, still holds his job more than two years into after President Joe Bidens inauguration. This fools been appointed, said Wright, the reader from Martinsville. I dont know why [U.S. Sens.] Tim Kaine and Mark Warner cant fire his a. I thought the president had replaced this postmaster, Charles Reynolds of Roanoke said in a voicemail. Isnt he the one who gutted machines and people out of the post office? So if the mail is slow, isnt he responsible? I thought they had moved him out of office. If not, maybe its time. In 2017, DeJoy was one of three deputy finance chairs for the Republican National Committee. The Trump-appointed U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors hired him as U.S. postmaster general in May 2020. The postmaster serves at the boards pleasure, not necessarily the presidents. One of DeJoys first initiatives was a 10-year cost-reduction plan critics predicted would slow the mail in advance of the 2020 presidential election. That was only a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when record numbers of voters were expected to vote by mail. Late in the summer of 2020, DeJoy said the cost reductions would be suspended until after the 2020 election. That October, the Postal Service announced his initiatives would be reversed. Congress later passed a federal law requiring six-day deliveries except under emergencies such as blizzards and hurricanes. Currently, the Board of Governors is dominated 5-4 by Biden appointees. If people need to go, DeJoy ought to be the first, wrote Jeff Wendell of Roanoke. Question is, why is he still there? CHARLOTTESVILLE Antisemitic flyers were distributed throughout Charlottesvilles Barracks Rugby and Venable neighborhoods over the weekend, in what appears to be part of a national public relations stunt by the Goyim Defense League hate group. Congregation Beth Israel, Charlottesvilles only synagogue whose temple is the oldest still standing in the commonwealth, warned its congregants Monday morning to be aware of their own personal safety when in public and at their home. Former Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer, who is Jewish, said his street was in one of the neighborhoods the campaign targeted. He said he found the leaflets scattered on several nearby driveways on Saturday morning as he walked out to fetch the morning newspaper. He said he ran across the street to grab a flyer that had been thrown on his neighbors driveway. She wasnt going to be interested in receiving that. Signer, who served as mayor during the deadly Unite the Right rally-turned-riot when neo-Nazis and neo-Confederates descended on downtown Charlottesville in 2017, said he has heard of such messages showing up in other places in America. We have seen a lot of this kind of thing, he said on Monday. I know whats happening all around the country with this kind of activity. It is obviously upsetting to see it come right here to Charlottesville. The leaflets distributed in Charlottesville were sealed in plastic bags filled with corn kernels in an apparent attempt to keep them from blowing away. Every single aspect of the media is Jewish, they read. 6 Jewish corporations own 96% of the media. Printed below that is a list of major media companies and the names of Jewish employees, regardless of whether they are still employed there or not. The leaflets also have an advertisement for Goyim TV, a video platform owned by the Goyim Defense League and operated by self-proclaimed white supremacist Jon Minadeo II. Minadeo, who uses the pseudonym Handsome Truth, could best be described as an internet troll. A high school dropout, by his own account, Minadeo has an IMDB page online which suggests a brief career in poorly reviewed, low-budget comedies made before he ventured into the publication of conspiracy theories. His website, Goyim TV, is a crude version of YouTube with videos called Joe Biden Wants To Eliminate White People and Jewish Domination of the Slave Trades, among other lies, discredited conspiracies and what can only be described as nonsense. Minadeos best-known work is a banner his group claims it hung last year across a Los Angeles freeway that read, Kanye is right about the Jews. The rapper formerly known as Kanye West had earlier previously engaged in several rants on podcasts and social media attacking Jews. Though Minadeo was previously based in Californias Bay Area, he has since moved to Florida. His organizations mission remains the same. GDLs overarching goal is to cast aspersions on Jews and spread antisemitic myths and conspiracy theories, according to an Anti-Defamation League report. Theyve been doing this in six states and came to Virginia within the past six months, Bruce Hoffman, director of the Center for Jewish Civilization at Georgetown University, said on Monday. There were incidents this fall in Virginia Beach and Lynchburg that were identical to what happened in Charlottesville over the weekend. There were more incidents than that. Newspapers up and down the East Coast on Monday, from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Rochester, New York, were reporting that antisemitic flyers had been discovered in their cities. Antisemitic hate crimes are on the rise nationally, with a total of 2,717 incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism reported to the Anti-Defamation League in 2021, the most recent figures available. Charlottesville has not been immune. Residents have reported antisemitic stickers appearing on street signs and utility poles around the city. On Oct. 25, surveillance cameras captured a young man removing a Welcome Jewish Students banner hanging from the door of the Rohr Chabad House, which is a home away from home for the schools Jewish students and community, according to its website. The suspect was never identified, according to university police. Truman Brody-Boyd, assistant director of development at the Brody Jewish Center at the University of Virginia, said the members at the center have not noticed any antisemitic acts locally since the sign incident. Hearing about the most recent incident was unsettling, he said. To be Jewish in America these days is to experience antisemitism, and [we] can feel a little bit of insecurity, Brody-Boyd said. Of course we do everything we can to support our students and make sure they feel safe and secure at all times. Brody-Boyd said the center will maintain its usual safety measures, which are designed to protect its community from standard safety concerns as well as antisemitic threats. Congregation Beth Israel has encouraged its members to attend the synagogues periodic security trainings, which include Situation Awareness, Run, Hide, Fight, Stop the Bleed and White Supremacist Threat. While its true that Minadeo and his followers have not been responsible for any violence yet, that doesnt mean it isnt the groups ultimate aim, said Georgetowns Hoffman. There hasnt been any violence to date. Theres been obnoxious and outrageous theatrical antics, but no violence, he said. But, the message of this kind of leafleting is to generate hatred and intolerance with a view toward targeting members of our society for their religion or ethnic identity. Virginia Republicans Del. Terry Kilgore and state Sen. Bryce Reeves have introduced bills in the House of Delegates and state Senate, respectively, that would enforce higher criminal penalties for antisemitic hate crimes and require those crimes be entered into a database maintained by the Virginia State Police. On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Reeves bill to the Finance and Appropriations Committee, which will review the proposed legislation later this week. While Virginias elected officials push for legislation in Richmond, Hoffman said Charlottesville should focus on supporting its Jewish community. In the short term, I think communities have to stand together and refuse to allow their neighbors to be intimidated or harassed or be made to feel like theyre unwelcome or dont belong in the community, Hoffman said. In the long term, I think we need digital literacy, teaching the children in schools to be able to research facts and get authoritative information from recognized sources. 1. What is the Hindu Rashtra ? When we utter the words Hindu Rashtra, most people feel the meaning is A Nation belonging to Hindus. For that matter, some even take it as a concept put across to the people by a political party to gain political mileage; however, there is not a semblance of politics in the concept of the Hindu Rashtra. In fact, it is a well-established culture and a system helpful in leading day-to-day life. It is verily a social arrangement which aims for the spiritual evolution of human beings, animals, birds, insects, ants, trees and creepers to the subtlest of creatures. Since God has resolved to set up this arrangement, it can be called a Divine Rule as well. A society that is ready for any sacrifice and is committed to the progress of the Nation, a duty-bound defense system, a legal system that stands by the Truth, a system of governance that is productive, and most important, the rulers who are devoted to Dharma, who are patriots and who strive selflessly day and night for the welfare of society these are going to be the distinctive features of the Hindu Rashtra, and hence, it is going to be an ideal Nation in the world ! There is a Sanskrut adage (The viewer is tied to the scene he has in front of him). Accordingly, because of the pollution caused by the present-day system of governance that is secular, meaning corrupt, selfish, caste-based and unpatriotic, the supreme concept of Hindu Rashtra has been eclipsed. The truth that Ramrajya or Divine Rule is one where Hindu Rashtra has come into existence is being considered a myth. The Hindavi Swarajya, meaning, Hindu Rashtra established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been deliberately pushed into oblivion, and intense efforts are being made to paint it green under the pretext of terming it secular. Deliberate efforts are being made to spread the belief that Hindu Rashtra is religious fanaticism; however, all this is false propaganda. Taking a clue from the Hindu Rashtras of the past, a prosperous Hindu Rashtra that will have a strong spiritual and cultural heritage is going to be established. This period is not distant. In the next 7-8 years, the Hindu Rashtra that will give a glimpse of the Divine Rule will be established. When there are no incidents that give a ray of hope of the Hindu Rashtra, speaking about it will appear to many as an exaggeration. However, Saints who can look into the future have already sensed the bright tomorrow. Making efforts in this direction is our spiritual practice or duty unto Dharma. 2. The need for establishing the Hindu Rashtra These days, it has become a fashion to eulogize a secular Government. One is compelled to say that this praise is due to their wrong notions about Dharma or their intellect getting tainted due to their anti-Dharma (Unrighteous) behaviour. In modern terminology, what we call Rashtrarachana (Organisational structure of the Nation) is called Dharmasansthapana (Instating Dharma) in Sanskrut. Taking all aspects into consideration, Dharmasansthapana of this nature, meaning, establishing the Hindu Rashtra is verily the need of the hour. 2A. From the perspective of difficulties faced by the Nation : Even after thousands of years, people remember the Ramrajya, simply because its foundation was Dharma. As a result, the subjects then were cultured, happy and content. During the reign of Shriram, grief, sorrow, etc. were unheard of this is how Maharshi Valmiki has described Ramrajya in the Yuddhakand of Ramayan. We have a secular Government in India today, and as a result, we find that sorrow, poverty and atrocities are on the rise everywhere. Instability arising out of terrorism, naxalism and crime, conversion of Hindus by other sects, destruction of temples and violence, step-motherly treatment to Hindus by the Government, impotency that Hindus have developed in the form of Sarvadharmasamabhav (Equal regard for all religions) through overindulgence in Gandhian principles and the pollution caused by modern science this is the true state of our India. Since Hindus get no formal education on Dharma, they blindly follow the western culture. The fact is, Hindus themselves are the cause of extensive harm to Hindu Dharma. The Divine language Sanskrut and the Sattva predominant regional languages that have been derived from Sanskrut, are on their death bed, and English is being heaped everywhere with undeserving praise. All this is a consequence of the secular form of Indias Government. It does not have the support of the Sattva predominant Hindu Dharma. Hence, from the perspective of ending the problems faced by the Nation, establishing a form of governance that has Dharma as its foundation, has become the need of the hour. 2B. Establishing the Hindu Rashtra is a necessity not just for the Hindus, but for entire mankind : Establishing the Hindu Rashtra is a necessity not just for Hindus, but for entire mankind. No doubt, Indian citizens are going to benefit from the Hindu Rashtra. Additionally, the fact that it is going to facilitate the spread of Dharma throughout the world, the world will learn about Spirituality and spiritual practice. This will help them in their spiritual evolution. It will generate a Sattva predominant atmosphere in the world and entire mankind will become happy. 2C. From the perspective of world peace : Sanatan Hindu Dharma teaches how to imbibe the highest of values. It is a Dharma in which tolerance is inherent. Therefore, it is benevolent for the world. To continue living on earth, tolerance and not violence is essential. This is why, the existence of Hindu Dharma is essential. Only if Hindu Dharma survives, will everyone survive. There will be peace everywhere in the world and this noble aim will be achieved. 3. Who is the founder of Hindu Rashtra ? 3A. Nation-building is not the work of politicians : First and foremost, it should be clearly understood that it is impossible for the present-day power hungry politicians to contribute to Nation-building; because Nation-building is a scientific process and only Truth can prevail here. While contemplating on this concept, the extent to which we accept flaws such as falsehood and ignorance (knowingly or unknowingly), the structure will be weak and incomplete proportionately. Modern-day politicians have a single agenda to get and retain power. One who does not think of grabbing power, can never be a politician in todays context. There is a vast difference between Nation-building and such type of politics. Nation-building decides the place of the rule, purpose and limitations. 3B. Only Hindus who abide by Dharma can establish the Hindu Rashtra 3B 1. Importance of abiding by Dharma : Nation-building requires an expansive analytical intellect to understand the prevailing circumstances and to work for the welfare of the Nation with foresight. Abiding by Dharma, meaning, performing spiritual practice helps in developing an analytical intellect; hence, devout Hindus should commence abiding by Dharma. 3B 2. Only Hindus who abide by Dharma are true revolutionaries : Attracted towards the spiritual ideals, if a Hindu leads a moral life, meaning, abides by Dharma, he will be a revolutionary in the true sense. Only if leaders and their followers, who are interested in bringing about a revolution, are morally inspired, they will be able to bring about a revolution. In short, if the modern revolutionaries are inspired to lead a life based on Dharma, then and only then, a Dharma-based revolution for the establishment of the Hindu Rashtra will be successful. (Ref.: Sanatans Text Why do we need a Hindu Rashtra ?) Nation-building requires an expansive analytical intellect to work for the welfare of the Nation with foresight ! Credit: CC0 Public Domain It was a good week for physics as a pair of physicists at the University of Luxembourg, Alexandre Tkatchenko and Dmitry V. Fedorov, took a new approach to solving the mystery of dark energythey proposed using quantum scaling to describe characteristics of quantum fields corresponding to electrons and positrons and to generate the Casimir self-interaction energy density of a field. Also, a trio of physicists, Gilly Elor with Johannes Gutenberg University, and Robert McGehee and Aaron Pierce, both from the University of Michigan, developed a new model to explain dark mattercalled Highly Interactive Particle Relics (HighiY), the model suggests that interactions between dark and normal mater are too weak to be detected using current technology. And pair of researchers, Ludovico Lami, with Universitat Ulm and Bartosz Regula, with the University of Tokyo, claimed that prior work suggesting that there might be a second law of entanglement is wrong because entanglement is fundamentally irreversible. In technology news, Jonathan Choi, a professor at Minnesota University Law School, announced that the ChatGPT bot passed a U.S. law school exam. And a trio of researchers at the University of Washington, Zerina Kapetanovic, Miguel Morales and Joshua Smith, designed and built a device that could transmit radio waves with almost no powerwithout violating the laws of physics. Also, a team at Korea's KAIST, Daejeon, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Lab designed and built a versatile robodog capable of running across a sandy beach at 3 meters per secondcalled RaiBo, the quadrupedal robot is based on new technology used to model the forces of a walking robot. And a team at the Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, working with a colleague at Carnegie Mellon University, demonstrated a human-shaped robot that could liquify and escape jail, all using the power of magnets. In other news, a team of researchers from several institutions in Italy and the U.K. discovered an anti-aging gene that is capable of rewinding the age of the heart by 10 years. Also, a pair of researchers at Peking University, Xiaodong Song and Yi Yang, found evidence showing that Earth's inner core rotates more slowly than the surface. And finally, a team at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University found that when chronic stress activates certain neurons, behavioral problems like loss of pleasure and depression tend to result. 2023 Science X Network Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New research is exploring the vital role that bushfire maps play in informing how people respond to fire threats, with input from Huon Valley, Tasmania, residents impacted by the 2019 Riveaux Road bushfire. If you are a resident of the Huon Valley in Tasmania and were affected by bushfire in the last four years (since 2018) and are aged 18 years or over, your experiences can help shape bushfire safety via a research interview in February. The study by Natural Hazards Research Australia and RMIT University is supported by the Tasmania Fire Service and the Huon Valley Council. It will improve the design of maps that show a bushfire's location and potential spread. No experience with bushfire spread prediction maps or maps in general is needed to participate. The research team will ask participants to recall information they received and actions they took during a previous bushfire, along with any role maps played in their response. Participants will also be asked for their perspectives on two pilot maps that have been developed for the study. The research team will be conducting in-person interviews in the Huon Valley from 2028 February and registrations are encouraged now. Online interviews are also possible from 1 February. To participate in either option register at bit.ly/3fnOChN and follow the prompts. Participants can also call or email the research team to express interest: (03) 9925 3267 or philippa.perry@rmit.edu.au. Dr. Erica Kuligowski, Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University, said the input of Huon Valley locals will provide important information. "To improve bushfire maps, we need to know what information people would expect to find on these maps," Dr. Kuligowski explained. "This research will improve bushfire safety by finding out critical information about how TasALERT warning maps are understood, used and importantly, what actions those under bushfire threat would take after seeing these maps. "If you want to have a say in how these maps are designed and communicated in future bushfires, please register for our research. "This research will help bushfire safety, not just in the Huon Valley or Tasmania, but around Australia, as we develop guidance for fire experts so that future bushfire maps can be better understood by the people who need them the most," Dr. Kuligowski said. More information: Predictions in public: understanding the design, communication and dissemination of predictive maps to the public. www.naturalhazards.com.au/rese on-and-dissemination Provided by Natural Hazards Research Australia Disinformation has become one of the greatest social threats to the stability of modern democracies. Credit: CiTIUS Humans and machines will join forces to curb one of today's biggest threats to democracy: fake news, hate speech and misinformation will face a new obstacle in the European consortium 'HYBRIDS': an international initiative funded with over 2.9 million euros by EU's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks, and UKRI's Horizon Europe funding guarantee. The spread of rumours and fake news, hate speech against vulnerable minorities and harassment through social media have become one of the main threats to modern democracies. The parliaments and governments of different nations are becoming aware of the need for a global strategy against disinformation, assuming that the stability of democratic societies also depends on citizens having access to verifiable information, thus being free to construct their own opinions based on objective data whose veracity can be demonstrated. Although there have been significant advances in the automatic detection of misinformation in recent years, it remains an under-studied field, as it is an extremely complex task that requires deep semantic knowledge and different inference and reasoning mechanisms based on natural language. In this context, the European Union (EU) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have just given its support to a new transnational research project whose scientific aim will be to design and develop new automatic tools to counter the threat of misinformation, based on natural language processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Representatives from the different institutions involved in the HYBRIDS project met at CiTIUS to kick-off the project in Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Credit: CiTIUS Throughout the HYBRIDS initiative (Hybrid Intelligence to monitor, promote and analyse transformations in good democracy practices) different Deep Learning techniques will be developed on the basis of an exhaustive analysis of public discourse about crucial global issues, such as health, climate crisis, European scepticism or immigration, which will take into account both traditional media and content published through social networks. 'Hybrid' intelligence From its very initial conception, HYBRIDS has assumed the need for a multidisciplinary research team, capable of transferring the knowledge acquired in the human and social sciences to the technological tools of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. Pablo Gamallo, an expert in computational linguistics heading the project from the leading institution in Spain (CiTIUSResearch Centre on Intelligent Technologies of the University of Santiago de Compostela), states that "the ultimate goal is to generate new neuro-symbolic interpretation systems, something that we know as 'hybrid intelligence". The researcher sums up the essence of the project: "the idea of hybrid intelligence consists of combining the high computational capacities of recent neural algorithms with symbolic representations that model human knowledge, thus paving the way to overcome the shortcomings of current artificial intelligence methods", he explains. However, despite these advantages, very little research has been published to date in the field of hybrid systems; mostly due to the difficulty of finding highly qualified personnel in these disciplines, traditionally as distant as computer engineering, social sciences, or linguistics. The launch of HYBRIDS (a Marie Skodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the Horizon Europe programme and UKRI) will also contribute to the training of such profiles in hybrid methodologies, who will provide their expertise in this and other social studies with a high potential impact on the sustainability of good democratic practices in Europe. Academia and industry hand-in-hand in the face of disinformation HYBRIDS is the result of an international consortium led from Santiago de Compostela (Spain) by the Research Centre on Intelligent Technologies (CiTIUS), and it involves a total of 14 members (8 beneficiaries6 partners) from 7 European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Among the institutions are 6 universities (Queen Mary University of London, Radboud Universiteit, Universidade da Coruna, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Universite Caen Normandie and Universidade de Evora); 3 R&D centres (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Leibniz-Institut fur Sozialwissenschaften); 2 non-profit foundations (Fondazione Openpolis ETS, Fundacion Empresa Universidad Gallega) and 3 private companies (Factoria Software e Multimedia, Industrieanlagen Betriebsgesellschaft MBH and Newtral Media Audiovisual). Following the official start of the project, which began on 1 January 2023, members from the different institutions have met for the first time today in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), along the kick-off meeting of the HYBRIDS initiative. More information: Andres Ruiz Communications Manager citius.press@usc.es Provided by CiTIUS (Singular Research Center on Intelligent Technologies) FLORENCE, S.C. Florence-Darlington Technical College Tuesday announced William Fleming, Jr. was appointed to the colleges area commission which serves as the colleges governing board. I am honored to serve the students, faculty and citizens of the Pee Dee in this capacity, said Fleming. A strong technical college is key to an areas ability to recruit and retain businesses. Florence- Darlington Technical Colleges array of academic programs as well as its affordability is a true asset to this region. Fleming will replace long-time FDTC Area Commissioner Alvin Dewitt, who served for 54 years. On behalf of the Area Commissioners, we are very excited to have Mr. William Fleming join the Florence-Darlington Technical College team as we strive to help the residents of the Pee Dee Region by providing an excellent opportunity to receive a quality education at a very reasonable price, FDTC Area Commission Chairman Paul Seward said. I have known Mr. Fleming for over 20 years and by him agreeing to serve is yet another example of his passion to help the residents of the Pee Dee Region through his time and service. We are also very thankful for the more than 54 years of service Mr. Alvin Dewitt gave to our college as an Area Commissioner whom Mr. Fleming will be replacing with this new appointment, Seward said. Fleming currently serves as President and CEO of Marlboro Pee Dee Electric Cooperative (MPD), one of the largest industrial electric cooperative in the nation. MPD was formed in 2020 through the merger of Marlboro Electric Cooperative and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. I look forward to working alongside other business and education leaders at FDTC, one of the best technical colleges, not just in South Carolina but in the nation, Fleming said. He also serves as President and CEO of Marlboro Development Team (MDT) a South Carolina based real estate developer focused on single tenant build-to-suits, value-add acquisitions, and strategic investments throughout the United States. The organization has successfully delivered more than 13 million square feet across a broad spectrum of development projects including retail, industrial, commercial, and office space. Robert Crimo III, left, appears with his attorneys Gregory Ticsay, assistant public defender for Lake County, center, and Anton Trizna before Judge Victoria Rossetti at the Lake County Courthouse on Jan. 31, 2023, in Waukegan. (Nam Y. Huh / AP) Lake County prosecutors indicated the massive investigation into the July 4 Highland Park parade shooting is still ongoing during a brief courtroom appearance Tuesday for alleged shooter Robert Crimo III. In a case management conference that lasted three minutes, Lake County Assistant States Attorney Ben Dillon said prosecutors had shared an additional 10,000 written pages of reports and other investigative materials, along with dozens of photographs, with Crimos attorneys since the defendants last court appearance on Nov. 1. The prosecutor also said his office was seeking medical records of shooting victims in the case. Advertisement Judge Victoria Rossetti noted for the record that she had received information prosecutors had subpoenaed from a company that sells tactical gear. Prosecutors said they had shared that information with Crimos attorneys from the public defenders office. Rossetti set a May 9 date for the next hearing in the case. Advertisement Crimo, 22, who was wearing a surgical mask, was then escorted out of the courtroom, near where his mother and father, Robert Crimo Jr., were seated. His father is due back in court in mid-February on charges filed in December by prosecutors who allege Crimo Jr. acted recklessly when he vouched for his then-underage son in 2019 on state forms that allowed his son to purchase firearms. Crimo III is charged with more than 100 felony counts, including seven counts of first-degree murder, in the shooting at the Highland Park July 4 parade. Tuesdays hearing was the first since it was reported earlier this month that Crimo had allegedly made a prank phone call to a journalist on Dec. 31. The incident was not mentioned during the hearing. OpIran: Anonymous launched Operation Iran against Teheran due to the ongoing crackdown on dissent after Mahsa Aminis death. Anonymous launched OpIran against Iran due to the ongoing crackdown on dissent after Mahsa Aminis death. The protests began after the death of Mahsa Amini from Saqqez in Kurdistan province after her arrest by Irans morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely. The authorities claimed Amini died of natural causes after suffering heart failure while it was at the police station, but citizens dont believe this is the truth and moved the protests to the streets (September 2022 Iranian protests). Ms Amini was arrested for not wearing her hijab properly.(Reuters: IranWire) Source ABC Australia Last week, network data from the Internet observatory NetBlocks detailed a near-total disruption to internet service in parts of Kurdistan in Iran from the evening of Monday 19 September 2022. During the week, the experts also observed the partial disruption to internet service in Tehran and other parts of the country while the protests were fueling a heated discussion on Instagram and WhatsApp. Then the Iranian government shut down the mobile networks in the country. Confirmed: Real-time network data show a near-total disruption to internet connectivity in #Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan Province in west #Iran; the incident comes amid widening protests over the death of #MahsaAmini after her arrest by morality police pic.twitter.com/wZVHJjgpiR NetBlocks (@netblocks) September 19, 2022 Confirmed: A significant internet outage has been registered in Tehran, #Iran with real time network data showing connectivity at 67% of ordinary levels; the incident comes amid protests over the death of Mahsa Amini and may affect coverage of events on the ground pic.twitter.com/a8fjaaLoYG NetBlocks (@netblocks) September 16, 2022 Anonymous declared war on the Iranian government and launched its #OpIran campaign against the government websites, including the ones belonging to the Iranian Intelligence and police. The group calls for action to launch DDoS attacks on Iranian websites, steal their data and leak them online. Hacktivists also invite Iranian citizens to bypass state censorship by using the Tor browser. Dear Iran, you shut down internet. We'll shut you down. #OpIran #MahsaAmini Anonymous TV (@YourAnonTV) September 21, 2022 Anonymous also hacked the Forensic Research Center, the Iranian Assembly and leaked stolen data online, and also took down the Iran state-affiliated media Fars News Agency. In the case of Russia, as reported by Hackread.com, Anonymous managed to hack over 400 security cameras across the country while sending almost 10 million texts to Russian citizens to raise awareness about the conflict. Anonymous has claimed to have hacked hundreds of security cameras In Iran, in one of the messages members of the collective revealed to have exploited the CVE-2018-9999 vulnerability. 140 CCTV cameras hacked in Iran#Devil_Squad @Devil_squad1 #OpIran We are anonymous pic.twitter.com/IfHD1Fj3Bo D A R K G H O S T (@dark_ghostclan) September 22, 2022 While I was writing this post the news of another tragedy was circulating online. Hadis Najafi, 20 years old who is considered one of the symbols of the protest, was killed by the Iranian security forces last night during the protests in the city of Karaj, near Tehran. She had become one of the girls who symbolized the protests after facing the police, she was without a veil because she was against the mandatory hijab and the discriminatory laws of the Islamic Republic. Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook [adrotate banner=9] [adrotate banner=12] Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs hacking, OpIran) [adrotate banner=5] [adrotate banner=13] Share this: Email Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On Carinata seeds can be crushed to make an oil that is used as a fuel. If you never tire of acquitted conduct talk, here is a podcast episode for you | Main | "Joe Biden Hasnt Kept His Promise to Reduce the Prison Population" January 31, 2023 Sad accounting of 150-year prison term for child-porn possession after 3-year plea deal had been offered The Miami Herald has this extended and sad review of an 150-year state sentence imposed on a person with schizophrenia who possessed child pornography. The case provide an example of the "trial penalty" and all sort of other factors that can contribute to extreme prison terms. The piece is headlined "Extreme injustice: Homeless man with untreated schizophrenia fights 150-year sentence." I recommended the lengthy article in full and here are excerpts: The crime that Jared Stephens committed is not in dispute. The question is whether he should die in prison for it. On a stormy September day in 2016, Stephens a former wrestler at Arizona State University who became homeless after years of untreated schizophrenia walked into a Best Buy in Sweetwater. He snatched a $399.99 laptop, stuffed other merchandise totaling $157.96 into a brown Publix tote bag and tried to walk out without paying. Confronted by employees, he resisted, then pulled his own laptop out of a backpack and did something extraordinarily irrational. Look, I have child pornography! he declared. He was telling the truth. Stephens, then 25, marched in and out of the store with his laptop playing a video of child abuse, tilting his computer screen so it was visible to a surveillance camera, according to an arrest report. He proceeded to lie down between two sets of sliding doors at the stores entrance, perusing illicit images as shoppers flowed by, until police arrived and hauled him to jail. That unhinged act sent Stephens on an odyssey through the criminal justice system, resulting in a sentence that has no parallel in local courts for a similar crime: 150 years in state prison to be followed by a 120-day stint in the Miami-Dade County jail. The sentence handed down by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Veronica Diaz in 2018, with a minimum of public explanation was 147 years longer than the three-year term state prosecutors initially proposed in a plea deal and 129 years longer than the 21-year term the state asked for at sentencing. It was also dozens of times greater than the typical sentence for possession of child pornography.... Stephens ... made outlandish claims in open court at his criminal trial, asserting he could command African armies and shut off electricity to Russia with the power of his mind. He largely refused to talk to his lawyers, much less cooperate in his defense. Court-appointed psychologists diagnosed him with schizophrenia... He had also suffered his own shocking trauma as a child a fact that went unmentioned at his sentencing because he never told his defense lawyers. Fan Li, a private attorney now representing Stephens, said that courts are ill-equipped to handle people experiencing mental illness, leading to widespread unjust prosecutions and sentences.... Stephens presumptive release date is July 4 Independence Day 2166, when he would be 175. He did not produce or distribute the illegal images, which would typically lead to a longer sentence.... Had he gone along with the state and accepted a plea deal when it was originally offered, he could have gotten just three years in prison, as well as treatment in a program for mentally disordered sex offenders. That sentence would have been in line with those given to other, similar offenders, according to court documents submitted by his lawyers. Instead, he chose to fight the case. State prosecutors responded by upping the charges from one count of child porn possession with a maximum of five years in prison to 30 counts, with a maximum of 150 years, based on a forensic analysis that found a cache of illegal images on his computer. Between 2000 and 2017, Miami-Dade judges decided that nearly one-third of defendants who, like Stephens, possessed child porn without producing it or passing it around to others should not be sent to prison, according to data from the Florida Department of Corrections. Those sent to prison received a median term of three years, according to the data, which was submitted in a court filing by Stephens defense team. Only one other local case resulted in such a lengthy sentence: Adonis Losada, a former performer on the longtime Univision show Sabado Gigante, received a 153-year term. The trial for Losada was later ordered redone, resulting in a sentence slashed by two-thirds. January 31, 2023 at 11:20 AM | Permalink Comments Also from the article: a quote from my former colleague, assistant public defender Adam Saper: In a more than 900-page motion to correct Stephens sentence, his lawyers do not claim racial bias affected Diazs decision. Still, Adam Saper, one of the public defenders who represented Stephens at trial, said he thought race played a role. I think what the judge saw was a young, mentally ill Black man in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit with no family and friends, Saper told the Herald in an interview. Lets throw him away because we are so afraid of mental illness that we would rather just bury him in the corner of society until he dies rather than trying to get him some help. Impressed with Saper speaking truth to power! Posted by: Anonymous | Jan 31, 2023 12:11:42 PM This is a case in which one of those 40-year probation terms after incarceration, derided a few posts ago in a drug case, may have been appropriate. Posted by: Jason | Jan 31, 2023 1:53:34 PM Of course we can all agree with "Anonymous" in his anti-Hispanic and sexist criticism of Judge Veronica Diaz, and with his conclusion that there's nothing wrong with repeatedly sexually abusing (and terrorizing) little children so you can take photos of them during their degradation and pain. Still, one might think there's something wrong with people who turn down a sweet deal, particularly when it's absolutely clear that the defendant is ice-cold on the evidence and going to lose big time at trial. As ever with the defense bar, it's always somebody else's fault, particularly with one of their favorite scenarios, child abuse. P.S. Schizophrenia does lots of bad things, but making you think that a four year-old is sexy is not one of them. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 31, 2023 1:57:30 PM Bill, what exactly was "anti-Hispanic and sexist" about what Anonymous said? I did not see any mention of Judge Diaz's race or gender. Is any criticism of a female judge's decision-making inherently "sexist"? Also, how exactly does expressing respect for someone expressing concern about the factors that led to the imposition of a 150-year prison term for downloading child porn constitute a "CONCLUSION that there's nothing wrong with repeatedly sexually abusing (and terrorizing) little children so you can take photos of them during their degradation and pain"? Posted by: Doug B | Jan 31, 2023 2:20:09 PM Doug -- "Is any criticism of a female judge's decision-making inherently "sexist"?" It sure seems to be when a conservative makes it. Welcome to the "sauce for the goose" department. Not my favorite precinct, but if that's how it goes............... As to your second paragraph, "Anonymous" (you might want to ask yourself why so many of these people want to stay hidden) gushes about the True Wonderfulness of an ex-APD who lambastes the system but has not a single word of criticism about how the defendant GOT INTO THE SYSTEM. The answer here is not to bash the female, Hispanic judge. The answer is (1) for the defendant to refrain from loading up on kiddie porn, and (2) if he must load up on it anyway (a real prince, there), to take the sweet deal the prosecutors offered him rather than to try some dishonest fancy dance the jury is certain to reject. When the rejection then happens, he made his own bed. That's the real story about what happened in this case, not Judge Diaz. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 31, 2023 2:38:03 PM Two comments thus far have criticized the defendant for not taking the "sweet deal." As if his poor decision making excuses the judge's decision to sentence him to 150 years in prison. The article makes clear that the defendant is profoundly mentally ill. My experience in the criminal legal system has been that defendants are often deemed "competent" to stand trial, even if they do not truly understand what is happening around them. The uncomfortable truth is that a severely mentally ill man was put on trial while not understanding the process, and then sentenced to die in prison. This is even more shocking when we see that he was in college at one point, and then his life shifted due to mental health. Who amongst us can say that such tragedy will not strike us or a loved one? Who can say that this young man's life should be thrown away? Posted by: Anonymous | Jan 31, 2023 3:24:59 PM Bill, What you said is so over the top and disingenuous I don't even know where to begin. You keep knocking down straw man, after straw man, after straw man. 1) Why is "Anonymous"'s criticism of Judge Diaz anti-Hispanic or sexist? It would be racist and sexist to hold a Latina to any different higher or lower standard as to when criticism is warranted. And whether or not race played any role is this sentence is certainly debatable. But there is no group that is categorically immune to possible cognitive racial bias more than any other group, and it is bigoted and sexist to suggest otherwise. 2)As you are fully aware, no one (other than perhaps the defendant) has argued there is "nothing" wrong with the defendant's conduct here. The question is simply what the sentence should be. 3)The linked article makes clear that the defendant's crime was possession, not production or distribution. So assuming someone "repeatedly sexually abus[ed] (and terroriz[ed]) little children" to "take photos of them during their degradation and pain", which the article implies happened in this case (though for all we know the ASAG's comments are about child SAM in general, and this case consisted of illegal possession of selfies of 17 1/2 year olds), the monster who destroyed these kids lives is not the person at issue here. Instead the concern is that allowing the possession of these images to go undeterred will incentivize more of them to be produced, in addition to the harm created in the victims' minds every time the state has to let them know that yet another person watched their abuse for personal gratification. Which leads to 4) No one is saying it's "somebody else's fault" as to the extent of the harm the defendant did. But a life sentence for marginally adding to the market for more child sex abuse, and marginally adding to the pain and suffering and anguish of victims for acts committed long ago is insane. 5)I'll assume you're correct that there is no correlation between the mental illness of schizophrenia and the mental illness of finding four-year olds sexy (again, assuming that's what these images consisted of). But what of it? It's a mental illness nonetheless, and former long-time commenter Supremacy Clause has even linked studies that claim that viewing CP for some of those mentally ill people reduces the risk that they will go out and harm more children. Obviously Congress and state governments have decided that is still worth it to criminalize possession, with harsh sentences to bat, but that shouldn't dictate that a harsh sentence is the appropriate one in every single case, particularly for a schizophrenic whose a) distortion of reality made him unlikely to fully understand the effects of the trial penalty and b) more generally probably is correlated with a much lower level of self controlwhich means if he also has the mental illness of attraction to little girls, it will be more difficult for him to resist the urge to go to dark corners of the internet and download CSAM. 6) In case there was any doubt about defendant's mental illness causing lack of self control, his horrifying conduct that occurred in the store where he boasted of and showed off his crimes is proof in the pudding. 7) I don't know what the appropriate sentence should be in this case. But one thing I'm sure of is that there are many prosecutors out there who've, exhibiting tunnel vision along the lines of what your wrote here, destroyed people's live far, far, more than the defendant did in this case or is likely to ever do in the future. Not to mention Judge Diaz if the sentence is allowed to stand. Posted by: Poirot | Jan 31, 2023 3:25:58 PM Bill, your response to my question about sexism seems to essentially be: "Other people make misguided and inappropriate claims of sexism, so I will, too." Got it. Posted by: Doug B | Jan 31, 2023 4:17:25 PM Doug -- Actually, you come close to getting it. Dozens and dozens of times, my positions been misstated, mangled, inverted, re-cast and flat-out lied about. I have asked again and again for this to stop. It hasn't and it's now clear it's not going to. Since those are the rules of the game, I get to play by them too. And will. Don't like it? Change the rules and enforce the changes against all comers. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 31, 2023 6:00:05 PM Or, since rule enforcement is notoriously challenging (and time-consuming) in online spaces and speech codes are particularly nettlesome, I can be content to sincerely hope that people of good will generally will make efforts to try to use this comment space responsibly and respectfully. But if you want to use the space to make claims of racism and sexism, I am not going to stop you. And I fully understand your grumpiness if others make this space feel hostile to you or if you perceive a structural bias in my laissez faire approach. Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 31, 2023 6:16:49 PM If anything, this is a mental illness and crime story, not trial penalty. If a completely sane person fights a three year sentence when caught with the goods, he deserves it. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jan 31, 2023 10:05:48 PM Poirot, 1. 1) Why is "Anonymous"'s criticism of Judge Diaz anti-Hispanic or sexist? It would be racist and sexist to hold a Latina to any different higher or lower standard as to when criticism is warranted. And whether or not race played any role is this sentence is certainly debatable. But there is no group that is categorically immune to possible cognitive racial bias more than any other group, and it is bigoted and sexist to suggest otherwise. And there is the problem. Every word is correct. However, that attitude never exists when the warranted criticism is given to KBJ, Hillary, Kamala, etc. Criticizing them is sexist/racist, but calling Clarence Thomas Uncle Tom, Ben Carson Not really black, or a black Republican an Oreo, is AOK. Hell, we just learned that black cops are white supremacists. 3. Im not willing to spend my time discerning much of a difference between making, possessing, or distributing. They are all part of a cycle that ruins kids. 4. Of course you are saying it is someone elses fault. At, least not his fault. If Schizophrenia was not the excuse, another would be found. He was abused as a kid, someone else put the porn on his computer, etc. 5. Why in the world would you bring up a study about watching child porn making freaks less likely to create it? Well, if thats true, give it to them! SMH Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jan 31, 2023 10:31:00 PM Mr. Otis: "... if he must load up on it anyway (a real prince, there), to take the sweet deal the prosecutors offered him rather than to try some dishonest fancy dance the jury is certain to reject." So you believe that 3 years is a reasonable sentence for possession, and an additional 147 years is a reasonable sentence for demanding one's right to a trial? If there's a criminal penalty for exercising a right, it isn't a right. And he wasn't necessarily being dishonest, as he's obviously not in his right mind. "When the rejection then happens, he made his own bed." Again, he's not in his right mind. If you run over a pedestrian because you have a heart attack while driving a car, are you guilty of murder? Is mental illness really any different from a physical illness, morally? Posted by: Keith Lynch | Jan 31, 2023 11:34:52 PM Keith Lynch, You say, obviously. Isnt the threshold that he didnt know what he did was wrong? Thats not obvious at all. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jan 31, 2023 11:55:09 PM TarlsQrr: He was showing off his child porn in a Best Buy, even making sure a security camera had a good view. So obviously he didn't realize that it was incriminating. As a separate issue, it doesn't seem that he was capable of understanding or meaningfully participating in his trial. As such, he should have been found incompetent to stand trial. Like a driver who accidentally kills due to a heart attack, or like a patient in diabetic crisis who is thrown in a drunk tank, he needs treatment, not punishment. Mental illness, like physical illness, can happen to anyone. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Feb 1, 2023 7:51:06 AM Tarls, I am curious about this statement: "If a completely sane person fights a three year sentence when caught with the goods, he deserves it." Are you asserting that a decision by a "completely sane person" to exercise her constitutional right to require prosecutors prove her guilt to a jury BRD, then she "deserves" an additional 147 years in prison? Posted by: Doug B | Feb 1, 2023 8:44:44 AM Many schizophrenics end up with various kinds of criminal charges, where the facts are bizarre and irrational. I have worked on the case of a Schizophrenic 21-year old college student, who burglarized 6 apartments in the same complex where he lived, and stole items of no value to him, including shoes and an ROTC uniform that were far too small for him to wear. He also ran his fingers from the ankle up the thigh of a naked coed sleeping in an apartment, leading to a charge of sexual abuse. We got our client evaluated by a senior psychiatrist who has written a 1,200 page text on Schizophrenia. He told us that our client had the best case for a defense of "Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect" (Kentucky's name for an insanity defense). Our defendant had had a normal childhood, but then had an adult onset of Schizophrenia, such that he never made it thru basic training in the Air Force, which he joined after high school graduation. He spent 2-3 months in an Air Force psych hospital before receiving the gift of a General Discharge (which qualified him for free V. A. medical care for the rest of his life. Between the time he joined the Air Force and the time he was arrested in Lexington, his I.Q. had dropped by 14 points (Two I.Q. tests given 4 years apart were compared). I learned from our expert psychiatrist witness that schizophrenia is the only mental illness that destroys the intellect over time. Other mental illnesses, such as bi-polar disorder, cause the patient to engage in unusual and bizarre behaviors, but they don't destroy his intellect -- his or her I.Q. remains about the same. Schizophrenia also causes cognitive impairment. See, Vol. 8 Frontiers In Psychistry, p. 293 (2017) -- "A Brief Assessment of Intelligence Decline in Schizophrenia As Represented by the Difference Between Current and Premorbid Intellectual Quotient", at nchi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5743746/. Many attorneys and judges are unaware of the effects that schizophrenia has on cognitive functioning and intellect. I wonder whether defense counsel ever requested or the trial court ever held a competency evaluation and hearing for this defendant? There would be two levels of analysis: first, can this defendant legally be held responsible for his criminal conduct, and second, can he rationally work with his lawyers and assist in his own defense? Only psychiatrists could make those determinations. On its face, there appear to be things profoundly wrong with how this case was handled by the Court and by defense counsel (habeas corpus motion, based upon ineffective assistance of counsel?). I suspect we will hear more in the press about this unusual case in the future. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Feb 1, 2023 8:50:28 AM Jim Gormley: I agree regarding most of your post, but disagree about the defense counsel. The attorneys tried everything re competency, etc. At the end of the day, the judge makes a competency determination, and she found him to be competent to proceed, despite his obvious mental illness. Both the judge and the prosecutors moved forward in this case, and defense counsel did everything possible to stop it. Posted by: Anonymous | Feb 1, 2023 11:04:13 AM Keith Lynch, Then why did he choose to show the porn. If he did not know it was wrong, he could have just as easily shown his tax returns or his high score in minesweeper. It would be a huge coincidence that of all the things contained on a computer, it was the porn he brought up. If he chose to bring it up, then he did so because he knew it was wrong. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 11:38:54 AM Douglas, First off, if gender is unknown it is customary to use he. Its good to know that The Ohio State University engages in that woke BS. Another place I can tell my kid not to go. I get it though. The admin and students with too much time on their hands are watching. Big broer, I mean Big sister lives. I believe we all have choices to make in life. First, dont download the child porn. Second, you are using a faulty premise that it is a trial penalty, when it is really a plea gift. Finally, it is your choice to accept the gift, or not. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 11:50:31 AM Douglas, First off, if gender is unknown it is customary to use he. Its good to know that The Ohio State University engages in that woke BS. Another place I can tell my kid not to go. I get it though. The admin and students with too much time on their hands are watching. Big broer, I mean Big sister lives. I believe we all have choices to make in life. First, dont download the child porn. Second, you are using a faulty premise that it is a trial penalty, when it is really a plea gift. Finally, it is your choice to accept the gift, or not. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 11:50:32 AM Tarls is a tough customer . . . . Posted by: federalist | Feb 1, 2023 12:00:17 PM I have a local friend whose very bright and well-educated (he is a graduate of elite private schools and a top 20 University), 30-something year old son moved to Austin, Texas, where his schizophrenia presented in a way that would terrify any parent. He shot and killed his next-door neighbor in the apartment complex where he lived, and also shot and wounded two women he knew not at all in the parking lot. The week before this incident, the son was a patient in a Kentucky psych hospital, but the psychiatrists determined to release him, over the parents' objections and begging. Initially, the son was found by both the state's psychiatrist and the defendant's private psychiatrist to be unfit to stand trial, because he was so psychotic. After 6 month's of medication, he was found competent to assist in his own defense and to stand trial. The parents hired both a diagnostic psychiatrist and a forensic psychiatrist, who agreed with the state's doctor that the young man is paranoid schizophrenic, and was not mentally culpable for his shooting conduct. Texas consented to a plea of "NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY", and the young man is now a patient in a Texas state hospital for the criminally insane, where he will remain for a period of years, where he will remain until he can establish that he is no longer a danger to himself or anyone else in the community. It was the best possible outcome, but remains very sad, all around. His parents spent more than $250,000 on attorneys and expert psychiatrists. Mental illness is a scourge that doesn't fit naatly into criminal law. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Feb 1, 2023 12:31:41 PM Tarls, the last case I worked on closely involving serious complaints of a "trial penalty" involved a woman, Daniela Gozes-Wagner, a single mother and midlevel manager in Houston, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for being part of health-care fraud/money laundering after trial. Her co-conspirators and superiors who developed and directed the fraud were given a "plea gift" of 6-year and 5-year sentences. I was thinking of Daniela as the "completely sane person" you mention. Notably, President Trump apparently did not think she "deserved" 20 years, as he commuted her sentence: https://www.justice.gov/pardon/page/file/1349131/download Indeed, if you look just at Prez Trump's commutation record, you see a disproportionate number of women who had received disproportionately long sentences after exercising their trial rights -- eg, Alice Marie Johnson, Judith Negron, Crystal Munoz, Tynice Nichole Hall were all part of Trump's relatively few (pre-election) commutations. In short, women were 40% of his pre-election commutations, though they make up less than 7% of the total federal prison population. My use of the term "she," in other words, was not about "woke BS," but rather part of my effort to accurately reflect my experience and the data suggesting that a disproportionate number of folks who get slammed at sentencing after exercising their rights to trial are women. That you seemingly were eager to turn a reflection of reality into a culture-war complaint is perhaps a useful reminder of what really drives and influences your thinking. Finally, Tarls, you did not answer my question, so I will ask it again: "Are you asserting that a decision by a 'completely sane person' to exercise her constitutional right to require prosecutors prove her guilt to a jury BRD, then she 'deserves' an additional 147 years in prison?" It is certainly true that "we all have choices to make in life." But I was not asking you about life. I was asking you about your claims about "deserving" a 150-year sentence and specifically whether you think a person "deserves" an additional 147 years in prison for exercising the right to trial. If you do not want to answer that question or think it not a fair question, that's fine. But even if you think all plea offers are "gifts," there is still a fundamental question of what an individual "deserves" -- -and how government power should function --- when someone turns down a "gift" simply by exercising constitutional rights. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 1, 2023 12:57:47 PM Douglas, Mentioning Trump holds no weight with me. Ive never been a supporter, so his record will not change my mind in either direction. In fact, my biggest issue with him as POTUS, other than being a bellend, is in the area of criminal justice. Hell, even if I did like Trump, it wouldnt make a difference. Your nonsense aside, it is customary to refer to non-specific people as he, although Im sure your OSU style guide says otherwise. You are employing the face tattoo trick. You get a face tattoo, someone notices, and you get angry that the person noticed. I dont believe for a minute that you were thinking of plea gifts and the percentage of women. It doesnt matter, but I just dont. I thought my answer could be easily extrapolated with my previous answer, but I guess I was wrong. My apologies. I believe that prosecutors have a right to seek, and judges have a right to give, any punishment consistent with law. If a prosecutor is generous enough to offer a plea gift, thats his discretion. Its then in the defendants hands. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 2:36:55 PM Federalist, Thank you? I think? Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 2:42:05 PM I am not at all angry, Tarls, that you apparently have such a big problem with my use of the pronoun "she" to reference your "completely sane person" who exercises her trial rights (though I suppose I am grateful you did not call me "sexist" for doing so). I merely wanted to explain why I opted to use that pronoun in this context. It also served to make sure you and others were clear that I was not referencing the male defendant in the story from Florida (which was a bit vague in your use of "he" in your comment). Also I trust you know my use of "she" does not come from any "OSU style guide." I am not aware of any such "guide" for OSU faculty, though it seems you think it important that I follow the "Tarls style guide" at the risk of being branded "woke" for failing to do so. Trying to stay on topic, you still have not directly answered my question about what you think a defendant "deserves." You have now prattled on about "woke BS" and the "face tattoo trick," but you still have not spoken directly to what I asked. Saying what judges and prosecutors have a legal "right" to do is obviously not the same as saying that someone "deserves" 147 years of incarceration. That choice of words --- and the reference to (retributuvist?) desert --- is what caught my attention and prompted my initial inquiry which you still have not directly addressed. Maybe it will help, Tarls, if I use your preferred pronouns with a slight rewording of my query: "Tarls, legalities aside, if a sane defendant turns down a plea offer, is it your view he deserves a sentence 147 years longer (or whatever the absolute statutory maximum might be after prosecutors add any additional counts)?" For someone seemingly concerned about "woke" issues, I hope you can understand why I worry about anyone claiming that an individual can "deserve" decades and decades of imprisonment for exercising a constitutional right. Perhaps you did not really mean to use the word "deserves" here, and so that is why I asked you to explain or clarify initially. (And in the future, I will try to use your preferred pronouns in any direct question to you.) Posted by: Doug B | Feb 1, 2023 3:19:12 PM federalist -- TarlsQtr is indeed a tough customer. Formerly worked in a prison, so he knows all their scams. Also a keen analyst, although his son already has him beat real bad. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 3:40:32 PM Its not the Tarls Style Guide. Its the one used in the English speaking world for centuries up until about five minutes ago. I have said what they deserve. Whatever the judge decides to give the person within the parameters of the law. Maybe it will help, Tarls, if I use your preferred pronouns with a slight rewording of my query: "Tarls, legalities aside, if a sane defendant turns down a plea offer, is it your view he deserves a sentence 147 years longer (or whatever the absolute statutory maximum might be after prosecutors add any additional counts)?" Again, not my preferred pronouns. It is how the English speaking world has been writing for centuries. I was not there and do not know the specifics. However, the prosecutor, judge, and jury do know them. If 147 years is the max and that is what the judge decreed, so be it. If the people of the jurisdiction disagree, they have the right to remove the prosecutor, judge, or whoever appointed them. Unlike Joe Bidens latest nomination to the bench, I know what Article II is, what Article V is, and that voting is the ultimate weapon if you feel like injustices are being done. BTW, your snarkiest at the end belies your claim of not being angry at all. You didnt like your face tattoo being noticed. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 4:07:25 PM Doug -- What sentence any given defendant "deserves" is a question so subjective that coming up with an answer that satisfies a consensus, particularly on a pro-defendant blog like this one, is very difficult. For the contingent that believes the whole system is corrupt and over-punitive and needs a "reckoning," you're going to get one sort of answer. For the contingent that believes mental illness is get-out-of-jail card most or all of the time, there will be a different answer. For the contingent that believes kiddie porn is "just looking at pictures," yet a third. And so on. It seems to me that a more productive question is what sentence conforms to the law and (as you might say) respects the jury's verdict (that is, if multiple convictions count as jury findings to the same extent as multiple acquittals). The article makes no assertion that the sentence is illegal or inconsistent with the jury's verdict. One other question is whether the sentence makes sense. I have previously taken the view that no sentence for a term of years over 75 years makes sense, because human lifespans are what they are. Anything beyond that is showboating. It's worth noting that the real dispute underneath most of this is the defense bar's continuing refusal to accept the SCOTUS's 45 year-old holding in Bordenkircher. But I have seen no movement on the Court to overrule that case (correct me if I'm wrong). Given that, Bordenkircher is settled law, like the constitutionality of the DP, and that's that. Finally, let's face facts. This defendant is going to be a ward of the state in one setting or another for the rest of his life. It makes some difference how confining his settings are, sure, but, to be honest, not that much. If it's not prison, it's going to be a secure mental hospital. So all the angst I see here would be better reserved for the child victims of pornographers, at least for those of us who are retrograde enough to consider child victims as something other than human garbage. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 4:07:33 PM Doug, It literally took me two minutes to find the OSU Style Guide. https://www.osu.edu/assets/brand/ohiostate-editorialstyle.pdf Its under nonsexist language.: Do not use he as an all-inclusive pronoun. You are welcome. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 4:13:17 PM Bill, Wouldnt the showboating lengthen the time until a person could be paroled, have good time reduce the sentence, etc.? That would seem reasonable to me. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 4:20:28 PM TarlsQtr -- We should do away with parole, and the Feds did, long ago. But in the end, neither the length of the sentence nor any other safeguard is going to work if the pro-criminal forces get the state legislature and the governor's office and thus are able to work all kinds of scam legislation to lower sentences, or just pardon willy-nilly -- because, after all, child rapists are wonderful and Amerika Stinks. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 4:38:35 PM Doug, Let me be more direct as my point seems to whistle past. Do I believe a sentence of 147 years for child porn possession could be deserved? Yes. Do I believe all such cases should have that sentence? No. Theoretically, if someone could show another downloaded the porn and he/she/they/xi/xy/fe/fi/fo/fum didnt know it, I believe such a sentence would be too harsh. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 4:40:46 PM Tarls, I can't be angry at you because your comments are so amusing. First, on style guides, you cite the OSU COMMUNICATIONS style guide (which says it is following the style guides of the Associated Press and was updated Nov. 5, 2013). If you want to bemoan AP style guides or OSU communications following the AP a decade ago, have at it. But, at the very least, change your silly talking point about language being always "he" gendered "until about five minutes ago." (Note: I expressly said that I am not aware of any guide "for OSU faculty" because I feared you might be silly enough to look for a standard communication guide that every large institution uses in communications.) Your mixture of silliness and fatuousness here, Tarls, truly does make me chuckle --- as does accurately noting that you have preferred pronouns and are quick to whine when those are not being used. On substance, it seems your definition of "deserves" is whatever the law permits a judge to give so that, in Tarls' lingo, every single defendant "deserves" the statutory maximum sentence. Fine, but I am pretty sure that is not how the English speaking world has been using that word for centuries. I will keep in mind that "deserves" = "within the parameters of the law" in the Tarls' vernacular, and I am glad I pressed you to express your meaning given that it is so out of keeping with how most people talk about what punishment a defendant "deserves." And, Bill, I was not in any way asking for a consensus view of "deserves," I was asking for Tarls to explain if he really meant that 147 years of imprisonment was "deserved" for the decision to exercise the constitutional right to trial. He seems to keep saying "yes if that is what the law permits." Do you agree, Bill? Again, I am not seeking a consensus opinion: I am asking you, Bill, for your honest explanation of whether you think 147 years of imprisonment could be "deserved" for the decision to exercise the constitutional right to trial. Do you? Posted by: Doug B | Feb 1, 2023 5:04:41 PM Tarls, you are now conflating the issues, which is exactly why I tried to make my initial question clear with the "she" pronoun that freaked you out as much as a face tattoo. I am NOT trying to inquire about what sentences you think are "deserved" for CP offenses (which is a very hard question for all sorts of reasons). I am trying to ask you whether you think someone could "deserve" decades and decades (and even 147 years) of imprisonment simply for decision to exercise the constitutional right to trial. Your original statement spoke of when "a completely sane person fights a three year sentence" --- which I took to mean putting the government to its proof at trial --- then "he deserves it" [which I took to mean 150 years in prison]. I did not want to talk about the "he" in the press story -- I wanted to talk of other people in all sorts of other cases getting slammed for exercising their right to trial. So that's why I kept asking a question that I means to focus on that issue. Maybe your rage over the fact that I did not use your preferred pronoun got us off-topic, but I am trying to understand your claim about "deservedness" as it relates to the exercise of the constitutional right to trial. I hope that is clear, but maybe there is no way we can get past the pronoun problems. Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 1, 2023 5:14:26 PM Are you really claiming that the values and practices expected of OSU faculty are not exemplified in the provided document? Risible. Note: That faculty are not held to the same standard as students or the communications department, or likely even a higher standard, is equally risible. As far as the English being he gendered, Id love to see how many examples you could come up with of she being used in the manner you do that is not of recent vintage. Just as it was always mankind, fireman, mailman, etc. I apologize for noticing your face tattoo that you got because you wanted me to notice your face tattoo. You and your ilk have butchered the language, claim you havent, then get angry when people notice it. And there is no conflation at all. If I say 147 years over the plea gift could be deserved (dependent on specific facts), then it should be clear it could be deserved in any case. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 5:49:40 PM Three paragraphs highlighting again your rage over the fact that I did not use your preferred pronoun, Tarls, is not evidence that I am "angry" but suggests you are still seething that the AP updated its styles guides many years ago. And its is again funny to hear you complain about folks who "butchered the language" after you have redefined "deserves" to mean "within the parameters of the law." Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 1, 2023 6:04:21 PM Doug -- "I am not seeking a consensus opinion: I am asking you, Bill, for your honest explanation of whether you think 147 years of imprisonment could be "deserved" for the decision to exercise the constitutional right to trial. Do you?" It would be foolish for a thoughtful person to say what sentence was deserved in a particular case without seeing the entire casefile, and I never did so when I was an AUSA. How old were the children? What was being done to them? Was it a bunch of snuff films? Were they being forced to have sex with animals? How severe is the defendant's alleged schizophrenia? What's his prognosis? What's his criminal record? Beyond that, he is not being sentenced for the "exercise the constitutional right to trial." That's just flat-out false. He is being sentenced under the jury's verdict for HIS OWN REPEATED FELONIES. I mean, we should respect the jury's work, right? That's what you've said over and over. But we shouldn't respect it here? Why not? Because the jury came up with a conviction rather than an acquittal? Stop trying to blame everyone else. It's become such a tiresome game. The defendant had two easy choices: (1) refrain from the behavior, which the huge majority of schizophrenics do; or (2) take the sweet deal he was offered. But he gave the finger to both those options, and now I'm supposed to get all worked up about it. The Supreme Court didn't in Bordenkircher, and I'll stand with the Court rather than with Mr. Wonderful here. Finally, in a point you just walk right past, I noted this: This defendant is going to be a ward of the state in one setting or another for the rest of his life. It makes some difference how confining his settings are, sure, but, to be honest, not that much. If it's not prison, it's going to be a secure mental hospital. So all the angst I see here would be better reserved for the child victims of pornographers, at least for those of us who are retrograde enough to consider child victims as something other than human garbage. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 6:18:17 PM Methinks thou doest protest too much. Its fine, Doug. Youve gone woke. Lots of people do it. I just get a kick out of your face tattoo and pointed it out. Its not like it makes you automatically a bad person. I redefined nothing. If a murderer lives in a LWOP state, he deserves LWOP. In many cases, he would morally deserve the DP, but its not within the parameters of the law. I find that concept pretty simple. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 6:22:07 PM Tarls: you suggested something that strikes me as quite foolish and arguably indefensible, namely that a defendant "deserves" a sentence 147 years longer for exercising the constitutional right to trial. I asked a follow up to see if that's really what you meant; you whined that I did not use your preferred pronoun in my follow-up question and persistently avoided discussing the key concepts at the heart of your foolish and arguably indefensible statement (whether extreme punishment is truly "deserved" simply when one "fights" the government's criminal allegation at trial). Its not like it makes you automatically a bad person, but it does make you someone who says foolish and arguably indefensible things and then would rather focus on his preferred pronouns than try to defend or clarify what he said. Bill: I am not trying to blame anyone for anything. Nor am I eager to discuss the fate of sad Mr. Stephens. I am seeking an understanding of Tarls' suggestion that a defendant "deserves" a sentence 147 years longer for exercising the constitutional right to trial. And, I agree that no defendant is being sentenced solely for exercising the constitutional right to trial. But that is why, from my view, it should be quite easy for you and Tarls (or anyone else) to answer my question in a straight-forward way -- namely by stating that nobody "deserves" a sentence 147 years longer for exercising his constitutional right to trial. Are you prepared to state that? Is Tarls? Once we can all get on the same page that nobody "deserves" 100+ years in prison simply for exercising trial rights, we can then have a subsequent discussion of what sentence folks might think is/was "deserved" for Mr. Stephens or Ms. Gozes-Wagner or Ms. Alice Marie Johnson (or the many other "hes" and "shes" who have received long sentences after exercising their trial rights). But, so far, neither you nor Tarls have directly answered the basic question that I had after reading Tarls' initial "deserves" comment -- namely, do you think a defendant "deserves" a sentence 147 years longer for exercising the constitutional right to trial. Can you (or Tarls) provide a direct answer that basic question? Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 1, 2023 8:10:39 PM Doug -- What the defendant deserves depends on his choices. He CHOSE to commit multiple felonies and got indicted for them. He then CHOSE to give the finger to the prosecutor's offer to kiss goodbye to a whole bunch of counts, thinking instead he could pull a fast one on the jury and arduously desiring to do so. But the jury saw through it and returned multiple verdicts of guilty. Since, as you have forcefully and repeatedly reminded us, the jury's work is entitled to respect, the court's sentence should embrace that respect. It did so, and that's why Mr. Wonderful got the sentence he did. As the Supreme Court, through that right wing nut Potter Stewart, reminded us in the case you hate, Bordenkircher, what is "deserved" in this context does not depend solely on offense behavior. The concept of desert is (as the defense bar often loudly insists) a holistic one, embracing many things about the defendant's life and conduct. When desert is understood in that more comprehensive and nuanced way, the defendant made his own bed. In addition, and now for the third time, all the outrage is misplaced regardless because THE DEFENDANT WAS GOING TO BE A WARD OF THE STATE FOR LIFE ANYWAY. It was going to be in the slammer or in a secure mental hospital that (again, according to the wails of the defense bar) is just like the slammer but under a more euphemistic name. For those of (admittedly not in the defense bar) who think that oogling pictures of child sexual abuse isn't so cool, the sentence in this case is even less worth worrying about than what kind of pronouns we ought to use with transgender people. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 9:38:27 PM TarlsQtr -- You have to give Doug credit for consistency. As he has argued at great length, he wants sentencing courts to disregard acquitted conduct. In the present case, we see that he also wants sentencing courts to disregard CONVICTED conduct. Doug is nothing if not a steadfast friend of the defense! Now wonder his blog is so popular. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 9:53:11 PM Doug -- "[T]hat is why, from my view, it should be quite easy for you and Tarls (or anyone else) to answer my question in a straight-forward way -- namely by stating that nobody "deserves" a sentence 147 years longer for exercising his constitutional right to trial. Are you prepared to state that?" I'll go you one better: Nobody deserves a sentence 10 minutes longer SIMPLY for exercising his constitutional right to trial. Indeed, I'll quote the Supreme Court, with which I fully agree (do you?): "To punish a person because he has done what the law plainly allows him to do is a due process violation of the most basic sort, see North Carolina v. Pearce, supra at 397 U. S. 738 (opinion of Black, J.), and for an agent of the State to pursue a course of action whose objective is to penalize a person's reliance on his legal rights is "patently unconstitutional." Chaffin v. Stynchcombe, supra at 412 U. S. 32-33, n. 20. See United States v. Jackson, 390 U. S. 570. But in the "give-and-take" of plea bargaining, there is no such element of punishment or retaliation so long as the accused is free to accept or reject the prosecution's offer." That's from Bordenkircher. Here, the defendant wasn't forced to a trial. He WANTED a trial. Fine. He got it. Then he got a bunch of verdicts that you want to effectively bury, so he can get the sweetheart sentence that, in his arrogance and belligerence, he turned down. But the court did exactly what you've so earnestly endorsed in other contexts -- respected ALL the jury's work. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 1, 2023 10:33:13 PM Doug, If I wanted to discuss statements from you I considered foolish and indefensible, I could start my own blog to go over them. If I wanted to add comments from all those here who think like you, Id have to hire staff. You see? I can play the same game that doesnt move the football at all. Now that we both think the other is foolish I noticed and made a comment regarding your usage of non-traditional pronouns. I also correctly hypothesized that it is a woke OSU thing. It is. I got a chuckle and you got angry. All is good. I apologize for triggering you. I was not a good guest on your blog. Ill attempt to avoid such sensitive topics for you. As far as the above case, again, you foolishly and indefensibly see it backwards. You see three years as the starting point and anything past that as a penalty. I see the 150 years as the starting point (the max for charged behavior) and a huge 147 year break for doing the right thing and admitting guilt. I get it though. Its difficult to escape the echo chamber and think outside the box you and your like minded colleagues find yourselves in. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 10:39:52 PM Bill, I am glad with your last comment you focus on stating your own views on the simple question Tarls' initial "deserves" comment prompted rather than misrepresenting others' views. So we finally got an answer, namely that you think "Nobody deserves a sentence 10 minutes longer SIMPLY for exercising his constitutional right to trial." Great to hear, and this should not have taken so many posts to establish. With that established, now we have the kind of question that federalist has been struggling with in the acquitted conduct setting --- namely how do we make sure prosecutors do not seek and judges do not impose longer sentences on defendants SIMPLY for exercising their constitutional right to trial. I do not have a ready answer here, but I am glad to have finally established that you agree with me that this is an important question (both constitutionally and as a matter of policy). Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 1, 2023 10:43:52 PM Bill, the blog is so popular because its an echo chamber, just like legal academia. They might disagree on the edges, but on the big topics its perfect three part harmony. If you asked 15 of his colleagues about the the topic of this post, the responses would all come back in chorus like they were written by a ChatGPI bot. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 1, 2023 10:51:00 PM Tarls, I do not think you are foolish, but you made what I saw as a foolish statement that suggested "IF" someone turns down a sweet plea deal, then "he deserves" a max sentence of 150 years. I followed up by asking if you were really saying that simply the choice to go to trial was what made 100+ years in prison "deserved." You could have at that point said that what you really meant was that you consider the stat max "deserved" in every case. I find that a peculiar view of what an individual "deserves," but it does provide me with a better understanding of your curious statement. But you had to first whine about your preferred pronoun, and thereafter showed a confusion about the conversation and my question that reinforced the good sense of my pronoun choice. It is especially funny after this conversation that you think this is a sensitive topic for me. I am not the one who started complaining about the failure to use preferred pronouns or concocted fairy tales about why someone else did not use those pronouns. But your sensitivity does not make you automatically a bad person, and I would still eagerly read your blog if you start one. And I would not complain if you don't use my preferred pronouns, as I try to be polite when a visitor. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 1, 2023 11:18:20 PM TarlsQtr: You say, "I have said what they 'deserve.' Whatever the judge decides to give the person within the parameters of the law." Before Lawrence v. Texas (2003), Virginia had a law (18.2.361) making consensual oral sex, even in private with one's spouse, a felony with a sentence of up to five years in prison. So if a married couple committed this "crime" twice a week for 20 years, you think both of them deserve a sentence of more than ten thousand years in prison? Also note that in 1995 Virginia abolished parole, so ten thousand years means ten thousand years. Well, okay, about seven thousand years with time off for good behavior, so they might be released before the next ice age, especially if they agree to donate their organs to the state. You also say, "Then why did he choose to show the porn. If he did not know it was wrong, he could have just as easily shown his tax returns or his high score in minesweeper." I don't follow your reasoning. Neither do I follow his, since he's crazy. But whatever his reason, he presumably didn't know it was wrong or that it could land him in prison. That's basically the "policeman at the elbow" test for insanity, i.e. would he have done it if he knew a cop was watching. Mr. Otis, you say, "This defendant is going to be a ward of the state in one setting or another for the rest of his life .... If it's not prison, it's going to be a secure mental hospital." He should be treated only until he has recovered enough to be safe to release. Note that John Hinckley has been freed of all restrictions. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Feb 2, 2023 1:09:47 AM Doug -- Do you agree with the entire quotation from Bordenkircher I used to answer your question, or are you cherrypicking only the first part and putting the last sentence in the shredder? The reason I ask is that, as you know, the last sentence is the whole deal in answering the tiresome defense claim that the supposed "trial penalty" after failed plea negotiations is unconstitutional. The precise holding of Bordenkircher is that it isn't. Now of course it's possible that Potter Stewart was a right wing freak, but I wouldn't like your chances of selling that to SCOTUS. P.S. That other right wing freak, Justice Stevens, was the deciding vote for the Bordenkircher majority. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 3:11:34 AM TarlsQtr -- One reason the blog is popular is that it's the defense bar's Alternate Universe Supreme Court. They can lose Bordenkirher in the real world but "win" it here. They can lose Watts in the real world but "win" it here. They can lose Glossip in the real world but "win" it here. They can lose the waiver-of-appeal issue in every circuit (starting with losing it to me in the Fourth Circuit) but "win" it here. Hey, look, when you're not doing so hot in court, there's always the Internet! Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 3:21:40 AM Bill, though I have been focused on Tarls' and your notion of what is "deserved," I am happy to discuss constitutional doctrine and the decision in Bordenkircher. 1. The sentence you ask about --- "But in the 'give-and-take' of plea bargaining, there is no such element of punishment or retaliation so long as the accused is free to accept or reject the prosecution's offer" --- as well as the entire Bordenkircher case are focused only on prosecutorial behavior in a case in which the prosecutor had fully informed the defendant that he was to be indicted as a habitual offender if he did not accept the offered deal. That is a key part of the ruling and the court later says: "There is no doubt that the breadth of discretion that our country's legal system vests in prosecuting attorneys carries with it the potential for both individual and institutional abuse. And broad though that discretion may be, there are undoubtedly constitutional limits upon its exercise." This context means that Bordenkircher, as a matter of constitutional law, indicates it is important to explore just how and why prosecutors pursue additional charges after a plea is turned down to ensure prosecutors do not seek longer sentences on defendants SIMPLY for exercising their constitutional right to trial. 2. Bordenkircher speaks not at all to judicial sentencing decisions, and I trust you would worry if a judge gave statutory max sentences to every first offender who went to trial (while, say, giving much, much lower sentences to repeat offenders even absent plea deals). Of course, a single statutory max sentence alone may not reveal unconstitutional behavior, but that returns me again to the real challenges of how we make sure prosecutors do not seek, and judges do not impose, longer sentences on defendants SIMPLY for exercising their constitutional right to trial. 3. And all I just said upon your invitation to engage Bordenkircher's discussion of constitutional law highlights exactly why I was eager to pursue the views of you and Tarls as to whether you think the decision to exercise the right to trial "deserves" extreme punishment. If former prosecutors and others think the decision to exercise the right to trial "deserves" extreme punishment, that suggests there is a heighten risk that current prosecutors and judge may pursue punishment in ways that Bordenkircher suggests is unconstitutional. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 2, 2023 8:48:40 AM And, Bill, on interest in an "Alternate Universe Supreme Court," I recall from some months ago that you were unable or unwilling to name a single criminal constitutional SCOTUS case with a ruling for the defendant in the last 35 years that you think was rightly decided. (And, for the record, I think Bordenkircher and Glossip are right on the merits, and most of Watts has been reversed by Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne.) There have been, of course, hundreds of criminal constitutional SCOTUS rulings limiting federal and state criminal justice powers over the last three+ decade --- with a majority of Justices being GOP appointees throughout this whole period --- and yet it seems you are the one pining for an "Alternate Universe Supreme Court" that never puts limits on state CJ powers. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 2, 2023 9:16:35 AM Doug -- "And, for the record, I think Bordenkircher and Glossip are right on the merits, and most of Watts has been reversed by Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne." Glad to hear, for the first time, that you agree with Bordenkircher and Glossip. But while we're doing the "can-you-name-a-single-case" game, can you name a single case in which SCOTUS has said "most of Watts has been reversed by Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne"? I sure can't. I don't think that's the Court speaking. I think that you wishing. The Court had the opportunity to join your wish quite recently, in the Osby case (where the defense filed a cert petition almost identical to the one in McClinton), but didn't say anything like what you now say. In fact, wasn't cert denied in Osby without dissent? I don't need an Alternative Universe. Unlike our All Seeing Masters in academia, I actually went to court and won, see, e.g., the waiver of appeal argument -- an argument in which you are just as confident and just as assertive as you are in the acquitted conduct argument, and have had exactly the same degree of success in court, namely none. I'll take court, and you can have academic dreamland. (Full disclosure: I also spend some time in academic dreamland, by my pitiable take home pay hardly compares with your chaired professorship). Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 1:43:45 PM Doug -- As to Bordenkircher specifically, your dictum-laden attempt to turn it into a win for the defense doesn't get too far. In fact, it was (1) a huge win for the government, and (2) almost identical in every legally relevant respect to the 150 year sentence here under discussion. In both cases, so it appears from the article you quote, the prosecutor told the defendant that he would either plead to the sweet deal, saving the government the cost and delay of a trial, or face a massive sentence (in Bordenkircher, it was life). In both cases, the defendant told the prosecutor that he was going to trial anyway, and that the prosecutor could f*ck off. In response to the defendant's insistence, the prosecutor followed through on his threat. It was exactly that which the Court approved. If the resulting life sentence was more than Mr. Bordenkircher "deserved," the Court's answer was that, in the plea bargaining context, what you "deserve," Mr. Defendant, is what you in your arrogance and foolishness demand. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 1:55:31 PM Bill, Watts held that a judge could increase the mandatory/legal range of the federal guidelines based on acquitted conduct proven by a preponderance. After Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne, it is clear that is no longer legally allowed for either the top or bottom of a legally binding sentencing range. So that part of Watts have been reversed by the Court's subsequent 5th and 6th Amendment jurisprudence. All that is left of Watts is whether acquitted facts can be used "in-range" in an advisory system. As for this case and Bordenkircher, at least make some efforts to pay attention to the facts detailed in this article (or link to whatever source of different facts you think exist). Here are facts that are unclear or that you seem to have wrong: 1. We do not know if prosecutors here warned the defendant and his counsel that they would go from one count to 30 counts of CP possession. A clear warning of the dire consequences of turning down a plea was essential to the holding in Bordenkircher. 2. We do not know the details of why the defendant turned down the deal or what was said to prosecutors when he did. We do know, according to the reporting, that the defendant suffers from mental illness and that "Stephens ... made outlandish claims in open court at his criminal trial, asserting he could command African armies and shut off electricity to Russia with the power of his mind. He largely refused to talk to his lawyers, much less cooperate in his defense." 3. The prosecutors here, after the trial convictions based on the original count and the added 29 counts, requested a 21-year sentence for Mr. Stephens (not life with parole, which was the Bordenkircher mandatory minimum term based on the KY habitual offender statute). 4. We do not know why, after prosecutors proposed an initial plea to 3 years and then after trial recommended a sentence of 21 years, Judge Diaz decided to provide the absolute maximum sentence allowed for the 30 counts of conviction. You apparently surmise that the judge must have thought it was Stephens' "arrogance and foolishness" to demand that the government prove his guilt at a trial. That almost sounds like an admission that you actually do believe judges should impose longer sentences on defendants SIMPLY for exercising their constitutional right to trial. In other words, Bill, you have the facts of this case wrong, and you are projecting your own visions of reality onto the case, and your vision seem to include a real desire to see defendants punished specifically for having the "arrogance and foolishness" to turn down a plea deal and exercise their constitutional right to trial. Nice work. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 2, 2023 2:36:05 PM Doug, I know what a sensitive topic it is for you because you took such great offense. Hell, you cant stop bringing it up in even other threads. Use woke language all you want. It is just a nice window into what drives some of your pro-criminal beliefs. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 2, 2023 6:11:00 PM Keith Lynch, Im not sure if you want to compare two adults in the privacy of their own home with getting off to pictures of naked kids. At least I wouldnt want to make such a comparison. As far as Jared Stephens, do you believe it is more likely that he pulled child porn up on his computer randomly or because he had some sense that it would get a reaction? If the latter, doesnt that indicate he knew it was wrong? Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 2, 2023 6:16:19 PM Tarls, I took no offense, but I continue to be amused by your affinity for speech codes and preferred pronouns. And I will likely keep bringing it up because it reflect on your mindset and sensitivities. But that does not make you automatically a bad person. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 2, 2023 6:46:15 PM On Feb.1, Tarls stated above: "If a murderer lives in a LWOP state, he deserves LWOP". In other later threads, Tarls opinied that the starting point of sentencing is the (and here I am paraphrasing, but with accuracy) "maximum penalty" allowed by the law. So if the "parameters of the law" allows for a penalty of several years in prison, then the offender is legally and morally deserving of that punishment. Example: Traitors/Insurrectionists of 1/6 are deserving of whatever the maximum that the law allows as punishment (several years, for some offenses). Tarls said so, and so it must be. After all, "Tarls is tough". Therefore, anyone who whines about the 'severity' of the punishments imposed on those miscreants is obviously "soft on crime", or at worst, hypocrites. Posted by: SG | Feb 2, 2023 7:19:59 PM Doug -- "Bill, Watts held that a judge could increase the mandatory/legal range of the federal guidelines based on acquitted conduct proven by a preponderance. After Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne, it is clear that is no longer legally allowed for either the top or bottom of a legally binding sentencing range. So that part of Watts have been reversed by the Court's subsequent 5th and 6th Amendment jurisprudence. All that is left of Watts is whether acquitted facts can be used "in-range" in an advisory system." Let's assume for the moment that I tend to agree with your take on this. The problem is that I'm not the Supreme Court and neither are you. But the Justices are, and 18 months ago (and without dissent I believe) they turned aside the let's-revisit-Watts cert petition in Osby, knowing full well what they had said in Apprendi, et al. Why was that? Maybe that the Court is content to leave Watts as it is? "In other words, Bill, you have the facts of this case wrong, and you are projecting your own visions of reality onto the case, and your vision seem to include a real desire to see defendants punished specifically for having the "arrogance and foolishness" to turn down a plea deal and exercise their constitutional right to trial. Nice work." First, I am indeed projecting my (extensive) experience with how plea bargaining works on the ground, correct. Second, together with the Bordenkircher majority (which you say you support), I want to see defendants perfectly free fatuously to exercise their constitutional right to trial, PROVIDED they're willing to live with the consequences when their concocted, shake-and-jive defense flops with the jury and they get a list of guilty verdicts (we do want to respect verdicts, right?) just as long as the list of felonies they committed (a list the prosecutor offered to whittle down considerably before he got told to go f*ck himself). The sentence for that long list is, you bet, likely to be longer, and perhaps much longer, than the sentence would have been for a shorter list. That's not a constitutional violation, as Bordenkircher indicates. It's just arithmetic. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 8:25:38 PM Doug and TarlsQtr -- Doug writes, "Tarls, I took no offense, but I continue to be amused by your affinity for speech codes and preferred pronouns. And I will likely keep bringing it up because it reflect on your mindset and sensitivities. But that does not make you automatically a bad person." No, but it does make him contingently a bad person. Believe me, I know. He's as bad as they come. Fortunately, his kid is a lot smarter. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 8:28:28 PM Bill, I agree that the current SCOTUS seems content to leave the shrunken Watts as is. The new US Sentencing Commission seemingly is not, nor was the vast majority of the GOP caucus in the last Congress. And I am hoping, with Justice Breyer having moved on, that the Justices will show fidelity to the originalist principles that Justices Scalia and Thomas championed in the Apprendi/Blakely/Alleyne line of cases and will extinguish Watts fully. But I am certainly not counting on it (in part because, as you have suggested in our discussions of how Bruen will be applied, I fear there are that many truly principled originalists on the Court). And I have never suggested it is inherently problematic for a sentence after trial to be longer than with a plea. But 147 years longer? And with the judge imposing 129 year longer than urged by the prosecutors? You know that's not just extreme, it is truly inhumane (given that humans do not live that long). And that you are Tarls are so eager to defend something that is truly inhumane is truly sad. Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 2, 2023 9:25:24 PM SG, I have no problem with the 1/6 vandals getting the max sentence for a proven charge. What makes you believe I would think otherwise? I would also approve of the maximum sentence for those who engaged in and aided the soft coup fraud of Russiagate. I would also approve of the maximum sentence for all of those who misled the American people and impacted an election with the Hunter laptop coverup. Not to mentioned the scores of crimes committed by Hunter and The Big Guy. Just the number of sex trafficking crimes on there is mind boggling. What I do get completely irate over, is the difference in treatment due to ideology. As far as some getting less, I do understand external factors come into play. Crowded dockets, the expense of trials, etc. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 2, 2023 10:50:22 PM TarlsQtr: You say, "I'm not sure if you want to compare two adults in the privacy of their own home with getting off to pictures of naked kids." I don't want to. The law does, or rather did before 2003. I was responding to your "I have said what they 'deserve.' Whatever the judge decides to give the person within the parameters of the law." Are you retracting that claim? "As far as Jared Stephens, do you believe it is more likely that he pulled child porn up on his computer randomly or because he had some sense that it would get a reaction? If the latter, doesn't that indicate he knew it was wrong?" Again, I don't know why he did it. You don't know either. Presumably he wanted to get a positive reaction, so it seems that he thought it was praiseworthy. Or maybe his actions really were random. If 147 additional years are okay, and not at all coercive, because he could have just pleaded guilty, then your being killed by a mugger is okay because you could have just handed over your wallet. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Feb 2, 2023 10:52:46 PM Doug, If your students provide you with work that changes the very definitions of legal terms or abandons all rules of English grammar, do you deduct points? Is that a speech code? And I hope you do keep bringing it up. Im the one on firm ground. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 2, 2023 10:55:23 PM Mr. Otis, you ask, "Was it a bunch of snuff films?" It's never a bunch of snuff films. There is no known example of a snuff film, i.e. a film which depicts a murder which took place just to get it on film. Even if there was, it's not illegal to possess such a film. Police are upset that millions of people have seen the video of their murdering Tamir Rice, a 12 year old boy. Maybe next time they want to kill a child, they'll sodomize him first, so that it will be illegal to have or show the video of their crime. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Feb 2, 2023 11:00:28 PM Doug, In my experience working in prison, they generally remove the bodies after death and the prisoners dont feel too much other than passing gas and crapping themselves upon death. Im not sure how inhumane that is. I, as stated previously, also disagree with any premise that tethers a given sentence to the plea bargain offered. Im not sure you should want that either. If you desire to narrow that gap, it will merely move the plea offers to the right. If I want a guy to get 10 years, I offer a plea at 8 years instead of 3. You feel better about yourself but the clients do more time and your buddies get more billable hours. Maybe thats the plan? Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 2, 2023 11:08:22 PM Doug -- I have said that you sometimes misrepresent my position. You now provide a wonderful example. You write, "But 147 years longer? And with the judge imposing 129 year longer than urged by the prosecutors? You know that's not just extreme, it is truly inhumane (given that humans do not live that long). And that you are Tarls are so eager to defend something that is truly inhumane is truly sad." What I actually said (in my comment yesterday at 4:07:33 pm) was this: "...no sentence for a term of years over 75 years makes sense, because human lifespans are what they are. Anything beyond that is showboating." There is no version of the English language in which criticizing a sentence of more than 75 years amounts to a defense of a sentence of 150 years. But you're just off by a factor of two! (Still, not that bad for a Harvard guy. Maybe you should have tried Stanford). Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 11:23:08 PM Keith Lynch -- In this thread about a sentence for possession of unspecified sorts of kiddie porn, you write, "Mr. Otis, you ask, 'Was it a bunch of snuff films?'" You then answer, "It's never a bunch of snuff films." How would you know that? Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 11:32:17 PM TarlsQtr -- "What I do get completely irate over, is the difference in treatment due to ideology." DING DING DING You gotta love it. For your child rapist, due process and no rush to judgment. For your January 6 defendant, hang 'em high and be quick about it. And then these guys get breathless about what civil libertarians they are. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 2, 2023 11:37:57 PM Bill: you did say "no sentence for a term of years over 75 years makes sense," but I still read --- perhaps misread --- your comments here as a defense of Judge Diaz's decision to impose 150 years. I apologize if I did not understand that you shared my view that this sentence is truly inhumane. I know you get concerned when you think I am misrepresenting your views, so I will put this is the form of a question: Do you agree with me that the 150-year maximum sentence imposed here is inhumane? (If so, perhaps we can work together on an amicus brief in support of efforts to have the 150-year sentence vacated -- possibly on the grounds it is "cruel and unusual punishments" clause.) Tarls: If a student provides work "that changes the very definitions of legal terms or abandons ALL rules of English grammar," that can hurt his scores. But if she just use "she" (or even "they") for a genderless pronoun, she certainly will not lose points, nor will I accuse her of "woke BS." It is telling how you had to badly distort the hypo to try to make a point, Tarls (and that kind of sloppy thinking and expression also can cost even more points). And I am happy to continue this conversation about your preferred pronoun and speech code, Tarls --- or maybe I should call you the Hiroo Onoda of the pronoun wars (he likely thought he was still defending "firm ground" too). That said, there is a new Fifth Circuit Second Amendment ruling that might be more productive to debate. Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 2, 2023 11:45:34 PM Doug -- Thank you for the apology. In a thread this long, it's easy to forget what's been said before. "Inhumane" is not the word I would use, because, for one out of several reasons, he's never going to serve anything like that. To know what the sentence should be, I'd have to know a bunch of things I don't know now. It would be ill-advised to say what sentence was deserved in a particular case without seeing the entire casefile, and I never did so when I was an AUSA. How old were the children? Four vs. seventeen makes a big difference. What was being done to them? Was it a bunch of snuff films? Were they being forced to have sex with animals? How severe is the defendant's alleged schizophrenia? What's his prognosis? What's his criminal record? Does he have a chronic attraction to children? One thing in particular I'd like to see is the court's sentencing memo. Judge Diaz was thinking something, and I don't want to either endorse or condemn it without knowing what it was. I can say that, when I was litigating, I never asked for a 150 year sentence and never defended one on appeal. In federal jurisdiction, where I spent my career, I never heard of a sentence like that for possession (only) of kiddie porn. Then again, I did very few cases CP cases. Mostly it was drugs, firearms and fraud. Posted by: Bill Otis | Feb 3, 2023 1:00:47 AM In my experience, even in the worst cp possession, receipt, or distribution cases, rarely did we have a sentencing over 10 years. We had a few that had multiple state priors that netted them additional time, close to 180-200 months, but that certainly was not the norm. Now production of CP was completely different, but that's not the issue here. Posted by: atomicfrog | Feb 3, 2023 2:51:42 PM Keith Lynch, Whatever the judge decides to give the person within the parameters of the law." Are you retracting that claim? Not at all. I assumed we were talking about laws that were at least constitutional. I wouldnt punish people who smuggled slaves north either, but that is not comparable to this. Again, I don't know why he did it. You don't know either. Presumably he wanted to get a positive reaction, so it seems that he thought it was praiseworthy. Or maybe his actions really were random. Huh? Werent you one of those who was sure the guy was crazy? Suddenly, we cant know? I guess that is why we have judges and my point was made. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 3, 2023 5:46:02 PM Doug, You didnt answer this: Im not sure you should want that either. If you desire to narrow that gap, it will merely move the plea offers to the right. If I want a guy to get 10 years, I offer a plea at 8 years instead of 3. You feel better about yourself but the clients do more time and your buddies get more billable hours. Not being an attorney, Id love to get your opinion. Does that ring true? It sure seems like human nature to me. The hypo was not distorted. Only the severity is different. I believe you know that, but there is a reason academia and the legal profession poll below colon cancer. You happen to be both. One can say a lot about Hiroo Onoda, but he is much better than those who willingly follow the masses into the daily two minutes hate. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 3, 2023 5:57:50 PM As I understand the facts, the sentence here was as cruel, barbaric, and sadistic as any I've seen. Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Feb 3, 2023 6:52:24 PM Michael R. Levine, Perhaps, but I expect the photos on that laptop were 10X more cruel, barbaric, and sadistic. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 3, 2023 7:13:00 PM Tarls, thanks for flagging your comment about your concerns with any efforts that "tethers a given sentence to the plea bargain offered." I think you are 100% right that if we had a strict rule or even a general custom that a prison sentence after trial should be, say, no more than double the prison sentence offered in a (final?) plea offer, then that would impact the prison sentence offered in plea bargains. But, as I see it, that is another virtue, not a vice, that could result efforts to "tether a given sentence to the plea bargain offered." Let's use Elizabeth Holmes as our hypo. I think one might reasonably assert that the "right" sentence for her crimes is in the 10 to 25 year range --- though you might well think she deserves a lot more. In a world without tethering, a prosecutor might offer 5 years to get the case concluded and ensure a conviction, but then argue for 40 thereafter because she took the case to trial. But neither the offered 5 nor the later argued 40 is in the "right" sentence range. But if the prosecutor knows of the "no more than double" rule, he offers 10 and then argues for 20 after trial. Both the plea offer and the post-trial sentences are inside the "right" range that I hypothesized. I have made up convenient numbers, but the fundamental point is valid: tethering post-trial sentences to plea offers should help avoid unduly lenient pleas AND unduly severe post-trial sentences. And I sincerely believe unduly lenient pleas can sometimes be a problem --- see, eg, Jeffrey Epstein --- though I tend to think unduly severe post-trial sentences are a bigger problem. Posted by: Doug B. | Feb 3, 2023 8:51:05 PM Doug, Thats fine for Elizabeth Holmes and some specific cases, but lets use a hypo on the very case above. Because you tethered a sentence to a plea deal, this guy makes out better. But what about the 9 of 10 who accept a plea deal and would rather do 3 instead of 10 years, but the plea window was moved to the right? Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 3, 2023 9:02:39 PM If a defendant wants to do less time, he can and should make an effective case to the prosecutor that he can and should get a sweeter plea deal. That is often when well-heeled defendants can do, but that's harder for the poor folks with an overworked public defenders. In other words, leniency that we see in some pleas is likely to be inequitably distributed. Is their a risk that "tethering" might reduce the prosecutorial leniency across the board? Maybe. But I largely doubt it because prosecutors have very little interest and lack the resources to take many cases to trial. That pressure is always going to lead them to make pretty sweet deals. It might reduce the most extreme outlier lenient sentence for the Epsteins, but that may be a benefit for the system as a whole. And I think we will also see an increase in trials, which would be another benefit for the system as a whole. Ultimately, Alice Marie Johnson getting LIFE and Weldon Angelos getting 55 years and this guy getting 150 years troubles me more than the plea version of folks getting an extra year or two. But maybe it would work out different, and I'd like to see us try. We could always undo a tethering reform if we do not like its echoes. Posted by: Doug B | Feb 3, 2023 9:40:30 PM Its all about perception. If a defendant got 10 years instead 20, it would seem like a sweet deal, even if I might have gotten 3 in the old system. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Feb 4, 2023 1:07:55 PM Mr. Otis: > In this thread about a sentence for possession of unspecified sorts of kiddie porn, you write, > "Mr. Otis, you ask, 'Was it a bunch of snuff films?'" You then answer, "It's never a bunch of > snuff films." > How would you know that? As I already said, I know that because there is no evidence that any snuff films have ever existed anywhere at any time. Check with Google, Wikipedia, and Snopes. Or with whatever databases lawyers have access to. There are videos of murders, but "snuff film" means a film of a murder that was committed for the purpose of filming it. There is no evidence that anyone has ever been guilty of producing such a video. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Feb 5, 2023 4:27:35 PM Post a comment Cup of Coffee with Book Recent headlines seem to suggest that an economic storm may be imminent. Hence, its not surprising that investors are hunkering down to weather a potential recession. If youre looking for an effective way to breeze through this crisis, you can consider adding dividend-paying stocks. Dividends not only represent a tangible return on your investment but also imply that the business behind the stock is performing well enough to dole out cash to its shareholders. And if youve just received your bonus recently, its also a great time to park some of that money in resilient, well-managed dividend stocks. Here are four dividend-paying stocks that I may consider allocating money to if I had S$30,000 to spare. Food Empire Holdings Limited (SGX: F03) Food Empire manufactures instant beverage products as well as frozen convenience and snack foods branded under proprietary brands MacCoffee, Cafe PHO, and Hillway. The groups products are sold in over 50 countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam and it operates eight manufacturing facilities. Food Empire recently released an impressive set of earnings for its fiscal 2022s third quarter (3Q2022) ending 30 September 2022. Revenue jumped 42.1% year on year to US$108.6 million, with broad-based year on year revenue increases across all its regions. Net profit soared more than six-fold from US$3.1 million to US$22.6 million. The quarters net profit included a one-off gain of US$15 million from the disposal of a non-core asset. To be sure, excluding this gain, net profit would still have more than doubled year on year to US$7.6 million. For FY2021, the group paid out a first and final dividend of S$0.0162 along with a special dividend of S$0.0058, taking its total dividend to S$0.022. Food Empires trailing dividend yield stood at 3.1%, and there is a chance that the group will raise its dividend in light of its strong results. Valuetronics Holdings Limited (SGX: BN2) Valuetronics is an electronic manufacturing service (EMS) company that serves the industrial and consumer electronics segments. Story continues The group is headquartered in Hong Kong and has manufacturing facilities in both China and Vietnam. The groups recently released fiscal 2023s first half (1H2023) results painted a mixed picture. Revenue inched up 3.6% year on year to HK$1 billion but gross profit fell by 8.6% year on year to HK$131.2 million. Net profit, however, inched up 2.2% year on year to HK$57.9 million. The good news is that Valuetronics maintained a clean balance sheet as of 30 September 2022 with HK$979.3 million of cash and zero debt. The EMS specialist also generated a healthy free cash flow of HK$112.7 million for 1H2023. Valuetronics paid out an interim dividend of HK$0.04. Coupled with its FY2022 final dividend of HK$0.1, the groups 12-month trailing dividend came in at HK$0.14, giving its shares a trailing dividend yield of 4.3%. The Hour Glass Ltd (SGX: AGS) The Hour Glass Ltd, or THG, is a luxury watch retailer with 50 boutiques located in the Asia-Pacific region. The group sells well-known Swiss watch brands such as Panerai, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. THG reported a sparkling set of results for 1H2023, with revenue increasing by 18% year on year to S$562.7 million. Net profit climbed 35% year on year to S$84.6 million, and the group paid out an interim dividend of S$0.02, unchanged from last year. Together with FY2022s final dividend of S$0.06, THGs trailing 12-month dividend totals S$0.08, giving its shares a trailing dividend yield of 3.8%. With THGs strong market position and demand for Swiss watches remaining firm, the group is likely to report a healthy set of results for FY2023 and is in a good position to maintain or even increase its final dividend. Aztech Global Ltd (SGX: 8AZ) Aztech Global provides one-stop design and manufacturing services to blue-chip customers and technology start-ups. The group has three manufacturing facilities located in China and Malaysia and employs 2,500 employees worldwide. Revenue for the first nine months of 2022 (9M2022) surged by 55.4% year on year to S$606.9 million. Net profit climbed 34.2% year on year to S$63.6 million, and Aztech Global also declared an interim dividend of S$0.03 in line with the good results. Free cash flow for 9M2022 soared nearly 170% year on year from S$39.3 million to S$106 million. Aztech Globals order book stood at S$820.5 million as of 3 November after the group secured additional orders of S$37.2 million after 9M2022. However, the group warned of geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic risks clouding the demand for consumer electronics products. If youre looking to invest in 2023, our latest FREE report can guide you. It shows you how to find dividend stocks in SGX, and a nearly fool-proof way of building your portfolio. Many people love dividend investing, but few truly know how to profit from it consistently. Click the link here to download our new report and discover the secrets! Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclaimer: Royston Yang does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned. The post 4 Singapore Dividends Stocks I Plan to Buy if I Had S$30,000 appeared first on The Smart Investor. Ludovic Michaud witnessed his wife Esther Nakajjigos death during an April 2020 trip to Utahs Arches National Park (Facebook / Esther Nakajjigo) The family of Ugandan philanthropist Esther Nakajjigo, who was decapitated by a traffic gate in front of her husband in Arches National Park in Utah, has been awarded $10.5m. The ruling was issued by a US District Court on Friday, according to KUTV. Relatives of a Ms Nakajjigo initially sought $140m in damages from the US government. The $10.5m decision came after a wrongful death trial in Salt Lake City for the philanthropist who was tragically killed on a camping trip with husband Ludovic Michaud on 13 June 2020, the Associated Press reported. Attorneys for Ms Nakajjigos family argued that the US National Park Service were negligent for not securing a metal traffic control gate that whipped around in high winds and sliced through the cars passenger door, instantly killing her. Ms Nakajjigo was described as an extraordinary warrior for good who was destined to become a future Princess Diana or Oprah Winfrey in pre-trial court documents. She was one in a billion, family attorney Randi McGinn told the court during opening arguments, according to Fox 13. US attorneys dont dispute that park officials were to blame. But they argued that the damages initially sought based on Ms Nakajjigos future earning potential was too high, and that a figure of $3.5m would be appropriate. Ms McGinn asked relatives to leave the courtroom before describing in graphic detail how Mr Michaud realised his wife was dead when he inhaled the copper-tinged smell of blood, and turned to see she was dead, the AP reported. The attorney said Nakajjigo was on a path to becoming a non-profit CEO capable of earning an annual salary of more than $1m. At the age of 17, Nakajjigo was awarded a Woman Achiever Award from the United Nations for fundraising for a childrens hospital and created a popular reality television series aimed at empowering young mothers. She was known in Uganda as the Princess of Hearts for her internationally acclaimed humanitarian works and earned a full scholarship for emerging leaders to study at the Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado, in 2019. Story continues For the government, US assistant attorney Jeffrey Nelson accepted Nakajjigo was an extraordinary person but said it was impossible to determine what her future earnings would have been, per the Associated Press. The claim filed on 22 October argued that her death could have been avoided if the gate had been installed correctly or if it had been locked in place to prevent it from moving in the wind. The lawsuit argued that the unsecured gate in effect turned a metal pipe into a spear that went straight through the side of a car, decapitating and killing Esther Nakajjigo. More follows... SIOUX CITY -- During lunchtime at Liberty Elementary School, fourth graders were peppering Roberto Alvarez-Arreola about classwork and his Super Bowl picks. "If I had the choice between the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles, I'd go Chiefs all the way," he said, diplomatically. "But that's only because my favorite team (the Los Angeles Rams)isn't playing." Even though he has an easy rapport with the elementary kids, Alvarez-Arreola isn't a teacher. Instead, he is a West High School senior who is participating in a Sioux City Career Academy Pathway. Several times a week, Alvarez-Arreola gains hands-on experience through a teaching internship. "I'm there to help teachers out," he explained. "Sometimes, I'm there to answer a question a student has on an assignment. Other times, I'm there just to help with a problem." Originally from Los Angeles, Alvarez-Arreola moved to Sioux City in the ninth grade. Valeria Alcala, on the other hand, grew up in Sioux City. Like Alvarez-Arreola, she is a West High senior participating in Career Academy's educational pathway as a student teacher. However, Alcala actually attended Liberty when she was younger. "Becoming a student teacher at my old elementary school is strange," she said with a laugh. "Many of my former teachers are still teaching class." Alcala's interest in education probably didn't surprise too many people. After all, she keeps herself busy in and out of the classroom. Active in her high school jazz band, marching band and choir, Alcala also participates in the Spanish National Honor Society and serves as the sergeant at arms for West's Student Council. Similar to Alcala, Alvarez-Arreola is also a high achiever. He is already a member of the Army National Guard and wants to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College after basic training. Both Alcala and Alvarez-Arreola said being bilingual has helped them as student teachers. "We're able to bond with students because we speak the same language while experiencing some of the same problems," Alvarez-Arreola said. "There's nothing worse than not understanding a question due to language." This is an issue that Alcala knows first-hand. "When I was in elementary school, there weren't very many Spanish-speaking instructors," she said. "That's why I try to be there for my kids." Another advantage Alcala and Alvarez-Arreola have over more traditional teacher is their youth. "We're less intimidating than adult teachers," Alvarez-Arreola said. "The kids know we're students just like they are." Alvarez-Arreola is considering studying education or psychology in college. Alcala said she'd like to pursue either education or social work. Still, Alcala is amazed at how inquisitive fourth-graders can be. "They seem really interested in everything and willing to ask a lot of questions," she said. "Kids seem a lot more mature than when I was in elementary school." SIOUX FALLS An Elk Point, South Dakota, man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for storing files containing images of child pornography on his cellphone. Hector Paulin-Torres, 33, pleaded guilty in September in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls to one count of possession of child pornography, which was amended from production of child pornography as part of a plea agreement. He must serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence. SIOUX CITY The family of a Le Mars, Iowa, man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Sioux City hospital, alleging staff members gave him a lethal dosage of medication and were not paying attention to a heart monitor showing his heartbeat had been stopped for five minutes. Mary Kay Dreckman and her three children say in the lawsuit that MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center staff members were negligent in the hours leading up to the Sept. 18, 2021, death of 65-year-old Michael Dreckman, who three days earlier had had successful quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery at the hospital. "Mr. Dreckman was given a lethal injection," said Nick Rowley, a Decorah, Iowa, lawyer representing the Dreckmans. "When he flat-lined he was in the ICU (intensive care unit), but no healthcare providers were monitoring him. ... Nobody rushed to the rescue when loud monitors and flashing lights were going off. Mr. Dreckman's wife and kids are the ones who discovered that his heart had stopped." Michaela Feldmann, MercyOne regional communications lead, released the following statement in response to the lawsuit: "Safety of our patients, colleagues and communities is a top priority at MercyOne. We are saddened by the loss of Mr. Dreckman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. As this is an active legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment." According to the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court, Dreckman was sitting up and walking in the ICU two days after his heart surgery. Early the next day, Sept. 18, his heart began to beat rapidly. During a period of three hours and 20 minutes, nurses administered three doses of amiodarone, a medication used to treat certain types of serious irregular heartbeat, and also started Dreckman on an IV drip of the same drug. "Combined, this amounted to a toxic dose of amiodarone," Rowley said. Dreckman was last seen at 8 a.m., sitting up in a reclining chair, the lawsuit said. Ten minutes later, telemetry readings showed his heart rate slowing, and by 8:18 a.m. his heart rate went into long pauses followed by slow intermittent beats. Monitor readings showed Dreckman's heartbeat flat-lined for five minutes without any response from staff. Nurses were alerted to his condition at 8:25 a.m., when Dreckman's wife and a daughter entered his room and found him unresponsive, his monitor flashing and beeping. Medical staff members began life-saving measures, but Dreckman remained in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later. The lawsuit alleges MercyOne and its staff were negligent in giving Dreckman a toxic dose of amiodarone, failing to properly monitor his vital signs and his heart monitor and in the administration of medication to control his heart rate. Dreckman's family is seeking a judgment to compensate them for an unspecified amount of damages. Rowley said another cardiac patient died at MercyOne in 2018 after not being properly monitored. Rowley filed two lawsuits in that case, and both were settled prior to trial. SIOUX CITY Rod Earleywine has been selected as Sioux City Community School Districts next superintendent. Earleywine is currently serving as the interim superintendent. He was previously the superintendent of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District. "I am thankful, I am humbled that they chose me and I honestly believe I am the best person for the job and I believe good things will happen for Sioux City Community School District under my leadership," Earleywine said. The school board deliberated in closed session for two and a half hours before voting on offering Earleywine a contract in open session Thursday. He was chosen by the board in a 6-1 vote, with Perla Alarcon-Flory against. Earleywine said he was out running errands when the deliberation was taking place when he was notified the board was about to vote in open session. He said he watched the voting from his car. "I was very excited and relieved at the same time," Earleywine said. Superintendent candidates speak at community forum Rod Earleywine, interim superintendent, responds to questions from the audience during a community forum with the two candidates for superinte He said the board had a tough decision to make for the students and the community The other candidate for the position was Geovanny Ponce, the assistant superintendent of high schools for the Houston Independent School District. Dan Greenwell said each candidate had different experiences and both would have brought strength to the district, but needed to pick one. He said the board at the end came to a consensus. We decided that Dr. Earleywine was our choice. Were excited to have him. Hes done great things in the last seven months with this district, Greenwell said. Earleywine and the district will now enter into contract negotiations. Pending the negotiations he will start July 1 with a three-year contract. Before resigning in February 2022, Earleywine served as superintendent of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District for 15 years and before that worked for 12 years as Sergeant Bluff-Lutons middle school principal. He was selected as interim superintendent in April 2022 and officially started in July 2022. He holds a doctorate in education administration from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, a specialist degree in educational administration and a bachelors degree in education from Drake University and a masters degree in education administration from the University of Northern Iowa. A few of the changes Earleywine has made as interim superintendent includes rebuilding the culture and climate of the school district, putting in new discipline policies, adding reading back in the middle schools, starting to overhaul the special education program and revamping the English language learners program, Greenwell said. Dr. Earleywine, in our opinion, deserved a chance to continue on and continue to improve and rebuild our district for the next several years, He said. During public interviews on Wednesday, Earleywine said he officially applied for the superintendent position because of his experience so far with the Sioux City Community School District. When he became interim, he didn't intend on applying for the full time position due to turmoil and controversy in the district at the time. What Ive learned over the past seven months is this is a very, very good school district, Earleywine said. We have great staff, we have people that truly care about the students and they want to see our students succeed. A community member asked if Earleywine saw the position as a short-term job or a long-term role. He said there is a misconception that he retired from Sergeant Bluff but, in reality, he resigned because he felt he needed to do something different. I never retired, Im not ready to retire, Earleywine said. Each of the board members took a moment to discuss the decision that was made. All of the board members said both candidates were highly qualified and the board had a very extensive conversation on what the district needed and what the feedback from the community was. Each said it was a difficult decision. Perla Alarcon-Flory said all of the board members spent hours of research to come to a decision and took into account all of the feedback from community members, students, parents and staff. Bernie Scolaro said there was a robust discussion weighing the needs of the district and the board did they best they could in the best interest of the community. The district received 23 applications for the position vacated by Paul Gausman in June 2022 for a job as superintendent of the Lincoln Public Schools. With the help of the recruiting firm hired by the district GR Recruiting the school board narrowed it down to five candidates who they interviewed, eventually narrowing it down to the current two. Ponce and Earleywine participated in public interviews on Wednesday as well as interviews with the school board and special interest groups such as students and teachers. The search began in the fall of 2022 with community surveys, followed by in-person input sessions with district staff, students, and the public. Tourists take part in lantern parade to celebrate Chinese New Year in E China's Anhui Xinhua) 08:28, January 31, 2023 Tourists play with rabbit-shaped lanterns at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) A boy learns to make a rabbit-shaped lantern at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Tourists learn to make rabbit-shaped lanterns at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Tourists take part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) This aerial photo taken on Jan. 30, 2023 shows tourists taking part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) A girl learns to make a rabbit-shaped lantern at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Tourists take part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Tourists take part in a lantern parade at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) A girl learns to make a rabbit-shaped lantern at Hongcun Village in Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 30, 2023. Tourists here learned making rabbit-shaped lanterns and take part in a lantern parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Du Yu) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Wheeler residents Judi and Don Shobe look over a map of proposed routes of the Willowcreek extension during a meeting at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana Monday January 30, 2023. The meeting was hosted by the Porter County Board of Commissioners. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) If any of the folks who attended a Monday evening meeting held by the Porter County Board of Commissioners supported extending Willowcreek Road through Union Township, they didnt come forward. More than 120 people, some clutching signs opposing the roads proposed route through Wheeler, attended the meeting, held at the Porter County Expo Center and led by Bob Thompson, the countys director of development and stormwater. Advertisement After brief opening remarks by Thompson, describing the route selection process and explaining how a previously considered route using Indiana 149 was deemed too expensive because of the cost of bridges over wetlands the cost of the bridges alone was not much less than the cost of the entire project with the route as selected the public got the chance to have their say over the course of the more than two-hour meeting. Residents cited the loss of generational farmland, the lack of communication by county commissioners about the project as its moved forward so far, increased traffic and the development that could come with it, and concerns over a change to their rural way of life, including the possibility of increased crime, though they were offered a glimmer of hope at the end of the meeting that the county could reexamine Indiana 149 or find another route. Advertisement American Structurepoint project development director Eric Wolverton, left, and Bob Thompson, Porter County director of development and storm water, listen to Portage Mayor Sue Lynch during a meeting about the Willowcreek Road Extension at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana Monday January 30, 2023. The meeting was hosted by the Porter County Board of Commissioners. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) Portage Mayor Sue Lynch said she had a meeting with county officials some time ago about the road project but hasnt been contacted about it since then. From then on we have not been part of this process and that disturbs me because we are the first leg of this journey, she said. Willowcreek Road now ends at Portage city limits at County Road 700 North. The city spent $4.5 million on improvements for Willowcreek Road, she said, wanting to know more about what kind of traffic would traverse the road extension and whether it would be primarily cars or trucks. She also said she has a huge problem with taking land by eminent domain. There needs to be a huge, huge benefit to taking somebodys land, she said, garnering applause from the audience before echoing a previous speaker and suggesting future meetings be held at the Wheeler High School auditorium, providing easier access to the residents most impacted by the road proposal. Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center, chats with Jean Hardesty following a meeting about the Willowcreek Road Extension at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana Monday January 30, 2023. The meeting was hosted by the Porter County Board of Commissioners.(Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) Jean Hardesty, who lives with her husband Curt on his familys farm on County Road 650 West, said a report on the preferred route noted it would displace two businesses that have the option of relocating outside of Wheeler and taking tax revenue with them. She asked the representatives of American Structurepoint, the projects contractors, to define a business. I found it rude, disrespectful and insensitive that you dont consider farming a business, she said to applause. We have been a business for 124 years, not that it matters to you. But it matters to us. Advertisement The farm, which will be impacted by the route, cant relocate, she said, also disputing the notion that the road would not affect any houses. What is going to be the valuation of those houses on (Indiana) 130 with an overpass over them, she asked. Im still waiting for someone to say what will be the benefit for the people of Union Township. That roads not going to benefit me. Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, speaks with American Structurepoint Vice President Christopher Murphy, right, during a meeting about the Willowcreek Road extension at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana Monday January 30, 2023. The meeting was hosted by the Porter County Board of Commissioners. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) As far as progress on the preferred route, Thompson said the county is in the middle of putting together a report required by the National Environmental Policy Act, since the roadwork will receive federal funds. Thats due to the Indiana Department of Transportation in October and will be released to the public in January 2024. A public hearing would follow in March of next year, also a federal funding requirement, with federal funding potentially available by that June. A 2016 regional corridor study by the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on 22 routes for extended roads in the region ranked Willowcreek Road third, Thompson said, while a route involving Indiana 149 was 21st. The cost of the necessary 2,000 feet in bridgework to extend Indiana 149 over wetlands would be $26 million, not including the expense of the rest of the road, Thompson said, so commissioners pulled back on that idea in the 1990s. The preferred route as it now stands would be 4.5 miles and cost a little more than $36 million for a two-lane road, which officials have said will have a 45 mph speed limit. Traffic counts also revealed that Indiana 149 was not the best route. Several residents encouraged commissioners to take another look at Indiana 149, despite the increased cost, noting 80% of the funding for the project is federal highway funding, with the remaining 20% coming from county coffers. Advertisement Union Township resident Liz Bennett, who helped oversee an online petition against the road has more than 1,700 signatures, said she and other residents think Indiana 149 makes the most sense, particularly since federal funding is paying for the brunt of the work. Why not look at 149? Bennett said to applause. I think that makes the most sense with a place to start. She went on to say that opening the road up was inevitably going to bring development to Union Township. We dont want it to be Lake County. We want it to be Porter County, she said. Wheeler resident Liz Bennett speaks during a public meeting about the Willowcreek Road Extension at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana Monday January 30, 2023. The meeting was hosted by the Porter County Board of Commissioners. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, tried to appease the crowd, offering better communication going forward and a look at other routes. I know this is extremely difficult for all of you. Nothing is written in stone yet, he said. Well look at 149 and you will be privy to that. You might not like what you read, but you might. The cost might not be a good enough reason. Were going to look real hard. If theres another alternative, we havent discussed it. After the meeting, Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South, noted Indiana 149s low ranking as a route by NIRPC. Advertisement I think the chances of it getting federal funding are very low, she said. We just have to decide whether we want to do this. Even that route, if it were to come to fruition despite the increased cost, faces obstacles. Rich Herr with the Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy, said the conservation group owns more than 100 acres of wetlands where that route would go, with plans to acquire another 40 to 50 acres. If they put that bridge over there, theyre going to wreck that wetland, he said, noting the high rate at which wetlands are disappearing. Were just as passionate about our conservation. We dont want to see a bridge go across there. More information on the project is available at www.willowcreekextension.com. alavalley@chicagotribune.com SIOUX CITY -- OVG360 is searching for a new general manager to oversee day-to-day operations at Sioux City's Tyson Events Center. Rick Hontz, OVG360's senior vice president, confirmed that Tim Savona, who has been the general manager since February 2019, has accepted a position with another company, but will remain in the industry. "He's going to a bigger building almost double the size. So, he's growing in the industry," Hontz said. "You grow in this company and in this industry." Savona told The Journal Monday that he's going to Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, and that his last day will be Feb. 10. Pinnacle Bank Arena is a 15,500-seat multi-purpose arena, which is owned by the City of Lincoln and managed by ASM Global. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve this community. Our team of 20 full-time staff pretty much remains in tact. We will continue to evolve and grow and make sure everyone is serviced," Savona said. Savona said Enzo Carannante, who served as assistant general manager and director of marketing at the Tyson, departed a few weeks ago for a general manager position at The Pavilion At Star Lake, an amphitheater west of Pittsburgh that is owned and operated by Live Nation. Emily Vondrak, who worked under Carannante, has already assumed his position. Also leaving Sioux City is Carannante's wife Meghan, but she is staying with OVG360 and is being promoted from her role as director of corporate partnerships, according to Hontz. Hontz said OVG360 will have a temporary general manager come into the Tyson until the "right person" is found. He said the search could take a month or a couple of months. He said the job has been posted and that quite a few applicants have already applied. "I think it's important to know that because we're such a big company in this industry, we're not going to miss a beat there," Hontz said. "We're going to stay on top of things. We're going to continue to book it. We're going to continue to build on success that we have in the last five years." Last August, in a split decision, the Sioux City Council agreed to extend the city's current agreement with OVG360 for the management and operation of the Tyson and Orpheum Theatre for a duration of five years and, potentially, another five years after that. OVG360, formerly Spectra, took over booking, marketing, staffing and food and beverage service at the Tyson and Orpheum Theatre on Jan. 1, 2018, after the council voted to privatize the Tyson's operations. The 10,000-seat Tyson had been owned and run by the city since it opened in 2003. The Orpheum is independently owned and jointly operated with the city. Last February, Oak View Group announced that it had rebranded its OVG Facilities division and its Spectra acquisition as OVG360. OVG acquired Spectra in November 2021. WAYNE, Neb. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, Wayne State College is hosting an event with a Ugandan man who has dedicated his life to helping orphans in his home country. Mathias Mulumba, who founded the organization Father to the Fatherless with his wife, will give a free talk at the campus' Gardner Hall auditorium, "Tragedy to Triumph: Saving Uganda Orphans and Building Dreams." According to the group, its mission is to "reach out to the street children, orphans, single mothers, and widows of the world through education, nutrition, boarding, and fostering." A release also notes that the Mulumba family is raising funds, purchasing land and overseeing construction plans in Uganda. The event is being promoted by the Wayne State chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business organization. SANTA FE, N.M. Actor Alec Baldwin and a weapons specialist have been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico movie set, according to court documents filed by prosecutors Tuesday. Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed the charging documents naming Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who supervised weapons on the set of the Western "Rust." The filing comes nearly two weeks after she first announced that Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed would be prosecuted for what authorities described as a pattern of criminal disregard for safety. In recent weeks, Carmack-Altwies outlined two sets of involuntary manslaughter charges in the shooting. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed maintain their innocence and vowed to fight the charges. Baldwin's attorney Luke Nikas declined comment Tuesday and referred to his previous statement on the case, in which he called the charges a "terrible miscarriage of justice" that he and his client would fight and win. "Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set," the statement said. "He relied on the professionals with whom he worked." Gutierrez-Reed's attorney said they would release a statement later. Halyna Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza. Prosecutors have said that Baldwin's involvement as a producer and as the person who fired the gun weighed in the decision to file charges. The manslaughter charge against Baldwin includes alternative standards and sanctions. One would apply a charge of manslaughter for reckless disregard of safety "without due caution and circumspection." Hutchins' death led to new safety precautions in the film industry. Carmack-Altwies told The Associated Press in a Jan. 19 interview that the set was "really being run pretty fast and loose" and Baldwin should have known there had been previous misfires on the set and that multiple people had brought up safety concerns. She added that Baldwin was the one who pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will be issued a summons to appear in court. Prosecutors will forgo a grand jury and rely on a judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence to move toward trial. It could take up to 60 days for decision. Involuntary manslaughter can involve a killing that happens while a defendant is doing something lawful but dangerous and is acting negligently or without caution. Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb cited a pattern of "criminal disregard for safety" on the set of "Rust." Prosecutors also said they will release the terms of a signed plea agreement with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on the set. Participants in the unfilmed rehearsal gave conflicting accounts of who handed the gun to Baldwin. Halls agreed to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon, they said. Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said in a statement Monday that prosecutors are "fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins" and "the evidence and the facts speak for themselves." Baldwin, also a co-producer on "Rust," described the killing as a tragic accident. The 64-year-old actor said he was told the gun was safe and he sought to clear his name by suing people involved in handling and supplying the loaded .45-caliber revolver. In his lawsuit, Baldwin said that while working on camera angles with Hutchins, he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled back and released the hammer of the weapon, which discharged. Defense attorney Jason Bowles, who represents Gutierrez-Reed, said the charges are the result of a "flawed investigation" and an "inaccurate understanding of the full facts." Defendants can participate remotely in many initial court proceedings or seek to have their first appearance waived. The decision to charge Baldwin marks a stunning turn of events for an A-list actor whose 40-year career included the early blockbuster "The Hunt for Red October" and a starring role in the sitcom "30 Rock," as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" and a film adaptation of David Mamet's "Glengary Glen Ross." In recent years, he was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on "Saturday Night Live." It was only a week ago that everything looked bullish for the wealthiest man in Asia. Indian tycoon Gautam Adani had just ushered his namesake megacorporation, the Adani Group, through years of vertiginous growth. While other firms were bruised by Indias economic travails during the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, Adani took advantage of his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to gobble up businesses across various sectors and execute major infrastructure and energy projects on the subcontinent. Adanis riches and renown flourished as his empire took on everything from agriculture to shipping; he became a villain in Oceania for his fossil fuel projects, and at home for taking over a major news channel. 2023 was looking sunny, with the $260 billion Adani Group fresh off a stupendous boom in stock value and perched to raise about $2.5 billion through a follow-on offeringor FPOfor its holding company and flagship brand, Adani Enterprises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, the bomb hit hard. Last Tuesday, the Wall Street short-selling firm Hindenburg Research released a 100-page report on Adanis companies, accusing their founder of pulling the largest con in corporate history. Describing a two-year investigation, Hindenburg accused Adani and his executives of having ties to seedy criminal enterprises, sidestepping multiple fraud investigations, using offshore companies to manipulate revenue figures, and severely inflating the stock prices of companies within the Adani conglomerate. The small research firm, known for investigating and exposing sketchy companies, then took a short position on Adani securities traded outside of India. The blast radius was enormous. By Friday, Adani corporations had lost $51 billion in market capitalization, with some of their share values plummeting 20 percent; Indian stock exchanges halted trading of many Adani properties to stanch the damage. The Adani Group released a 413-page response on Sunday that called the Hindenburg report a calculated attack on the entire nation of India and accused the firm of targeted market manipulation and fraud. (Hindenburg countered that very day.) This rhetoric, which went so far as to compare the New York short sellers to murderous British colonizers, helped little: On Monday, Adani stock continued to plunge and the CEO himself shed up to $41 billion of his own net worth. As of now, it seems he was able to dredge up enough cashthanks in large part to a last-minute surge in foreign investmentto successfully close out the Adani Enterprises FPO. Yet that success has come with extensive damage to Adanis reputation, credibility, and market standing. (Theres even a vibrant hashtag on Twitter: #AdaniScam.) He went from being the worlds second-richest businessman to only the 11th-richest. Advertisement Advertisement Why does this matter? Are there any broader implications, not only for Indian politics and business, but the entire global economy? Is calling a short-selling firm Hindenburg a little too on-the-nose? (Yes.) Allow me to explain. Advertisement OK, give me the quick history of this Adani guy. Sure thing. Gautam Adanis fortune and rise to power are entangled with the story of modern Indian politics: The businessman got his start in the late 1980s and early 1990s, right as India began liberalizing its government-dominated economy by encouraging more private enterprise, deregulating industries, and opening up to globalization. As James Crabtree noted in his book The Billionaire Raj, Adani took advantage of this moment to launch a plastics-importing business for which he vertically integrated the supply chain, buying and developing his own trading ports on the coast of his home state of Gujarat. Throughout the 90s, he expanded his empire to include railroads, textiles, and geothermal power. Advertisement Adanis real shot at success came after the turn of the century, when Narendra Modi was elected chief minister of Gujarat. The two established a close relationship; when Modi faced international controversy early on for his alleged role in 2002s fatal Gujarat riots, Adani was one of the few India businessmen to staunchly defend Modi from accusations of fomenting interreligious violence. In fact, Adani went on to launch business alliances and events that relentlessly promoted Modi to the world, facilitating the chief ministers eventual rise to national powerand cementing a friendship that won Adanis companies numerous contracts both with Gujarat and with officials from Modis political party. By 2008, Adani was a billionaire and the largest coal player within the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modi was eventually elected prime minister in 2014 thanks in no small part to Adanis yearslong boosting, and the demagogue returned the favor in flagrant fashion: He flew on Adani-branded jets (the plutocrat had expanded into aviation by then), took the businessman with him on public trips and meetings, and even threw him a government-backed billion-dollar loan to support the construction of a coal mine and related infrastructure network in Australia. As Adanis business and net worth ballooned under Modis reignespecially during the pandemicand the CEO was lavished with government contracts, detractors of the right-wing, business-friendly Modi accused him of engaging in the same sort of crony capitalism hed campaigned on ending. After all, during his initial run for prime minister, Modi had denounced his predecessors (fairly!) for their rampant corruption. Yet the new boss now seemed to resemble the old ones. Advertisement Advertisement Adanis companies became evermore intertwined with Indias welfare, as they became the countrys dominant firms for sectors like shipping, energy, and mining. He was in so deep that many of Indias biggest controversies included links to Adani by sheer proximity, like the sweeping farmers protests in 2020 and 2021, an ongoing plague of information censorship from the press-hostile government, and the stubborn resilience of the countrys fossil fuels. Adani also sent shockwaves through the brittle Indian mediasphere last year after he carried out a hostile takeover of NDTV, a storied television broadcaster formerly viewed as one of the countrys few truly independent journalism institutions. Critics feared that Adanis ownership and influence would gradually turn NDTV into yet another propaganda channel for his pal Modi. Advertisement Advertisement So what is Hindenburg, and how did it cause such a stir? Hindenburg Research was established in 2017 by Nathan Anderson, whod become a name on Wall Street a few years earlier after tipping off the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to fraudulent practices by a billion-dollar hedge fund, with evidence based on research hed conducted. Anderson decided he enjoyed this sort of probing and launched Hindenburg in order to analyze and bet against firms hes determined are sketchyto great success and controversy. Though Hindenburg is tiny, with only about five staffers, it is potent: In 2020, it gained notoriety after calling out the hot electric vehicle startup Nikola for intricate fraud, thus demolishing the companys stock price and setting its founder up for federal investigation and indictment. In a time of rising activist investing, Hindenburg continued its successful track record of investigating and shorting businesses that seemed kinda off, earning plaudits from the financial world. Advertisement So Hindenburgs titular research is pretty legit, huh? Advertisement Absolutely, which is likely why Adani reacted so strongly to the report. And the complaint here that Adanis gargantuan business network is a bit crooked? Indeed. To be clear, such claims arent necessarily new. As far back as 2015, Credit Suisse had raised concerns about Adani Enterprises rapid pace of acquisitions and massive debt buildup. By the 2020s, financial organizations like Dealogic and Creditsights also suspected that Adani was overleveraging his debt as he bought up company after company. And in 2021, investors worried over Adanis sources of backing when the Economic Times reported that three Mauritius-based funds with Adani investments had had their accounts frozen in their native country. Still, he got through it just fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the Hindenburg report has done is to build on this scrutiny of Adanis debt to claim explicit wrongdoing on the magnates part, through interviews with former Adani Group executives, analysis of internal documents, and on-the-ground reporting from various countries. Calling back to the earlier Mauritian scare, Hindenburg Research counts 38 Mauritius shell entities used as tax havens, in tandem with other shell companies in nations like Panama and the United Arab Emirates that route undisclosed funds to Adanis private businesseswhich then appear on the public companies balance sheets. The report also accuses Adani of insufficient accounting oversight, noting that Adani Enterprises and Adani Total Gas are reportedly audited by a firm that has no online presence, a small staff, and a limp track record of any actual audits. Several Adani associates are also accused criminals, including the Amicorp Group, a core part of the Malaysian 1MDB scandal. Overall, Hindenburg draws on such findings to claim that Adani company shares are overvalued by as much as 85 percent. Advertisement Doesnt seem great! It does not! And if Adanis assets are bad, that means a lot of other cash is exposed. Just last month, Gautam Adani himself admitted that Indian banks have a 32 percent share in his companies loans, and that half of the Adani Groups borrowing is done through international bonds. If Adani Enterprises ever went under, that would mean a wipeout of investments and projects parked in several countries, along with a heavy hit to large-scale development within India. Plus, Modi himself would likely face questions about his extensive patronage of his friend, and international investors whod been bullish on Indias overall business climate just months ago might become more pessimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Adanis business has survived this kind of thing, right? For now, yes. Even though some significant trustees withdrew, the FPO has met its target thanks to a splurge of last-minute investments over the past couple days, including nearly $400 million from Abu Dhabis International Holding Company. Still, Adani has not been left unscathed. The goal of the FPO was to diversify his investor base from larger sources corporations in order to attract more retail investors; that didnt really happen. His share prices, company valuations, and personal net worth remain lower than preferred. He faces renewed government investigation, and activist investors are calling on bondholders to stop funding his coal empire, which constitutes about 60 percent of his conglomerates total worth. Plus, Indias multitrillion-dollar stock exchange is no longer one of the worlds top five most valuable, and financiers interested in the country may have a lot more questions about how things are done there. Adani may have held the line this past week. But his ground seems to be shrinking. On Sunday, President Joe Biden directed his megawatt grin toward a worthwhile cause: getting Americans to ditch their gas-powered cars. On my watch, the great American road trip is going to be fully electrified, he tweeted, pushing the up-to-$7,500 federal tax credit Americans can now receive by buying a new electric vehicle. A picture showed him smiling from inside of one of GMCs new all-electric Hummers. On my watch, the great American road trip is going to be fully electrified. And now, through a tax credit, you can get up to $7,500 on a new electric vehicle. pic.twitter.com/n3iZ9etL4A President Biden (@POTUS) January 30, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were a few problems here. For one thing, with an MSRP of around $110,000, that EV is too expensive to qualify for the tax credit. For another, at 4.5 tons, it is hardly an environmental standard-bearer; one recent study found that it is actually worse for climate change than gas-powered sedans. And finally: Imagine getting hit by that thing. The president, like the country he leads, has something backward about overhauling Americas automotive fleet in the face of a changing climate. It isnt just about how our cars work. Its about how big they are. How do we fix that? By being a little more like Norway. Norway is the global leader of electric vehicles, with fully 87 percent of new cars purchased last year at least partially powered by electricity. The countrys embrace of EVs is no accident: Buyers benefit from enticing government incentives, such as an exemption from a standard 25 percent car tax, that have delighted EV carmakers. (Id like to thank the people of Norway again for their incredible support for electric vehicles, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted last month. Norway rocks!!) Advertisement But now the Nordic nation is changing course. This month Norway implemented new taxes on car purchases that scale with vehicle weight. Although the fees are much higher for gas guzzlers, EV buyers must now pay them tooat a rate of NOK 12.50 ($1.26) per kilogram. (The first 500 kilograms are untaxed.) For larger EVs, the added expense can be significant: An Audi e-tron, one of Norways most popular models, now costs around $2,600 more than it did before. Advertisement Slapping new taxes on EVs might seem like a head-scratcher, especially since around 4 in 5 cars on Norwegian roads are still gas-powered. But the countrys new weight-based car fees are a sensible move to address two critical drawbacks of oversize EVs: These models exacerbate climate change, and they endanger everyone else on the street. Other countriesand U.S. statesshould follow Norways lead. Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, all gigantic cars create significant societal problems, regardless of their power source. Heavier vehicles require more energy for propulsion, which helps explain why gas-powered SUVs and trucks have pitiably low fuel efficiency compared with sedans. (The Ford Bronco, for instance, gets 22 mpg on the highway, compared with 39 mpg for the Toyota Camry.) Larger SUVs and trucks also generate additional force during a crash, endangering anyone not inside them. Researchers have linked the ascent of SUVs to the rising number of American pedestrian deaths, which hit a 40-year high in 2021. In the United States, federal officials invited the rise of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickups in 1975, when they created a fuel-efficiency loophole big enough to, well, drive a truck through. Today 4 in 5 new American cars are SUVs or trucks, up from less than 1 in 2 in 2000. With gas prices higher in Europe, continental car buyers have been slower than their U.S. peers to embrace vehicular enormity, but SUV sales there have surged 900 percent in the past 20 years, claiming over 40 percent of the European car market. (Pickups, meanwhile, remain a peculiarly American obsession.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The electrification of cars addresses some, but not all, of the problems posed by the largest modelsbut it also creates new ones. Electric cars do not use gasoline, so the traditionally terrible mpg of SUVs and trucks is no longer an issue. But EVs still require energy to move, and generating it creates emissions. Bigger electric vehicles demand more electricity, which produces significant greenhouse gasespotentially more per mile than gasoline-powered sedans. Another environmental risk makes giant EVs even more of a problem. The size of an EV battery scales with vehicle weight, since heftier cars require more power to move. As a result, the biggest EVs have truly enormous batterieslike the 3,000-pound battery that powers the 9,083-pound Hummer EV. Gigantic batteries consume larger amounts of critical minerals like graphite and lithium that are in short supply worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement If we can redistribute these resourcesinstead of putting them in a Hummer, put them in smaller cars or e-bikesthats preferable, said Jay Turner, a professor of environmental studies at Wellesley College and the author of the book Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future. Supporting his point, a recent study found that SUVs are so inefficient that electrifying them instead of smaller vehicles could actually worsen climate change. Largely because of their batteries, electric vehicles are typically around 30 percent heavier than equivalent gas-powered models. That leads to yet another concern of bigger EVs: the added force they exert during a crash. Already, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety is revising its crash safety tests to account for the unprecedented weight of certain EVs. As National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy warned in a recent address, the tonnage of goliath-like EVs portends danger for any road user not inside oneespecially those walking and biking. Advertisement A recent study found that SUVs are so inefficient that electrifying them instead of smaller vehicles could actually worsen climate change. To sum up: The purchase of each oversize EV makes climate change harder to mitigate, while placing other road users at greater risk. Economists call these societal costs externalities, a kind of market failure that, unaddressed, leads to skewed purchase decisions because buyers see only their own costs, ignoring those borne by everyone else. The economists solution? A tax or fee that forces consumers to consider their choices impacts on others. This is the beauty of weight-based car fees like Norways: They nudge buyers away from the most massive and damaging car models and toward those that are smaller. Norways new fees land especially hard on anyone buying an oversize car that runs on gas, potentially adding tens of thousands of dollars to the purchase price. That makes sense, given large SUVs inefficient use of fossil fuels. But gigantic EVs impose costs toosomething that Norway now acknowledges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France, by contrast, also charges weight-based car fees, but EV buyers dont have to pay them. (In a 2019 policy brief, a research group within the French government recommended removing that exemption.) Pierpaolo Cazzola, the director of the European Transportation Research Center at the University of CaliforniaDavis, said that climate-focused European officials are giving new consideration to weight-based fees for EVs. Its a resource-allocation argument, he said. There is growing awareness that were talking about a limited battery supply chain. But in the United States, the federal government has shown no signs of taxing cars by weight, despite Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs declaring the rising number of traffic deaths a national crisis (which enormous cars make harder to solve) and President Bidens setting a goal that EVs comprise half of all new cars sold in 2030 (which will be harder to reach if massive EVs hog battery resources). Advertisement Given the politics at the national level, its almost impossible to imagine the federal government implementing weight-based vehicle fees, said Turner. Its much easier to see a state doing something like this. The District of Columbia offers a model. The city last year overhauled its car registration fee schedule, charging owners of cars weighing over 6,000 pounds $500 a year, almost seven times more than the cost of registering a modest-sized sedan. Acknowledging the added weight of electric batteries, the District offers EVs a 1,000-pound credit that preserves the incentive to go smaller. Carmakers, which have grown reliant on pricey SUVs and trucks, were less than pleased by D.C.s move. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, an industry group, sent a letter to D.C. councilmembers warning that the citys new policy will capture a growing number of EVs that are expected to come to the market over the next few years and will act as a disincentive to their purchase. Advertisement Advertisement To which D.C. officials might respond, Great! Disincentivizing the purchase of the most societally damaging EVs is exactly what we should want. Moreover, carmakers themselves determine which EVs come to the market; making the biggest models more expensive might force a welcome reevaluation of their product development plans. Even the stiffest weight-based fees still leave buyers with plenty of reasonably sized EV options, including many vehicles that weigh less than 5,000 pounds, like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Alliance for Automotive Innovations letter implied that enormous EVs are inevitable, but that view is not universally held among car executives. The CEO of Citroen, Vincent Cobee, recently said he expects that people will start limiting weight and battery sizes, either through tax, through incentives, through regulation, through naming and shaming. And they would be right to do so. Whether powered by gasoline or electrons, colossal vehicles like the Hummer are a societal malignancy, hindering our ability to address climate change while placing other road users in greater danger. Rather than cheer them on, leaders like Biden should be taxing the hell out of them. Lucas Peilert provided research assistance. The American news media have barely noticed, given their (justly) vast coverage of the war in Ukraine, but other hot spots are also brewing in east Asia. In the last month, Japan has taken a huge step away from its anti-military tradition, doubling its defense budget and asking the U.S. for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, while South Koreas president has talked about building nuclear weapons. These moves have been motivated by a growing belligerence on the part of China and North Korea, but Russias invasion of Ukraine has been the main driving force. Long-standing but furtive hawkish rumblings in Tokyo and Seoul have begun to morph into bold statements and active policy. Advertisement The war in Ukraine is framing all of this, said Daniel Sneider, lecturer in Asia studies at Stanford University, who is currently doing research and reporting in Japan. The idea that the aggressive use of force can still happenand could happen herehas turned peoples heads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effect has galvanized not just elite attention but the popular mood. Japanese TV news, which often pays little attention to the rest of the world, has recently been dwelling for hours on the war in Ukraine. Russias stepped-up naval exercises off Japans coast, along with its continuing dispute over the Kuril Islands in the northern Pacific, have intensified the nervousness. No one thinks Russia is going to invade Japan, but theres a growing sense of threat, Sneider said, the notion of a turning pointthe same phrase that Germany has used since Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukrainethat has allowed the government to do things that they had been moving toward, and to do so more rapidly. Advertisement In December, the Japanese government released an official National Security Strategy, its first such document in a decade. It also doubled its defense budget, from 1 percent of GDP to 2 percent, and asked the U.S. to supply nearly $50 billion worth of cruise missiles with the range to hit targets in China and North Korea (these would be Japans first counter-strike weapons). Japan has also approved an American plan to transform a unit of U.S. Marines in Okinawa into a littoral regiment, capable of mounting offensives along the regions islands and coastlines. Advertisement Together, this amounts to a very big deal. Only in 2014 did Japan reinterpret Article 9 of its constitution, which banned war under whatever circumstances, to allow its military to help defend allies. (The constitution was written in 1947 in the wake of Imperial Japans surrender and the reinvention of the country, under the victorious Allies purview, as a democracy.) Though the militarycalled the Self-Defense Forcesis large, with 250,000 active-duty personnel, it has never fired a shot in anger since 1945. Nor does it export weapons (though it has recently supplied Ukraine with items like mine-detectors). Advertisement Advertisement This new attitude, which began to take hold a few years ago, when Shinzo Abe was prime minister, was motivated by the gradually perceived need to deter, and if necessary counter, an expansive China and North Korea. But the changes accelerated and hardened into policy under his successor, Fumio Kishida, who took office in Oct. 2021, as Putin was mobilizing troops for his invasion. Kishida reemphasized the shift in a White House meeting with President Biden in January of this year. The National Security Strategy, which was signed in December, doesnt even mention China until the eighth page of its 36 pages. The document begins by indicting Russia, whose aggression against Ukraine, it charges, has breached the very foundations of the rules that shape the international order. More specifically, the document states: A similar situation may arise in the future in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in East Asia. The resulting challenges to Japans security are as severe and complex as at any time since the end of World War II, the document continues. So, Japan must improve its abilities to defend itself on its own, while also cementing the U.S.-Japanese alliance as the cornerstone of its securityincluding the extension of Americas nuclear deterrent to protect Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kishida has been able to sell the newly assertive policy to the Japanese public, in part because he is seen as less militaristic than Abe. Despite the countrys reliance on the U.S. nuclear deterrent, the strategy remains adamantly opposed to building a Japanese nuclear arsenala strict prohibition, given Japans history as the only country hit by nuclear bombs in wartime. Kishida was born in Hiroshima, the target of Americas first atomic bomb, and will host the G-7 summit this May in his hometown, where he plans to emphasize nuclear non-proliferation. Advertisement The brake on South Koreas nuclear temptations is not so firm. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office last spring, has not only abandoned his predecessors hopes of detente with the North, but recently mentioned, in a public speech, that he might build a nuclear arsenal to deter an attack by North Koreawhich has enough enriched uranium for at least a dozen atom bombs and the missiles needed to launch them. Advertisement Yoon backpedaled a bit when allies in Washington and elsewhere popped their eyeballs in alarm, but the idea has its advocates. Some analysts at the Sejong Institute, a leading think tank, have formed the ROK Forum for Nuclear Strategy (ROK standing for Republic of Korea), a group of several dozen scientists and strategists who are making the case for a South Korean A-bomb. Advertisement The context of this concern is not only the rising military power of China and North Korea but also growing concerns about whether the United States really would fight to defend South Korea in case of an attack. Fear of abandonment is a familiar theme in Japan and South Korea, said Sneider. The isolationists in the House and the possible return of Trumpwho was set to withdraw all troops from South Korea had he won in 2020are making many in Tokyo and Seoul feel more vulnerable still. Advertisement As with Japan, the war in Ukraine is aggravating South Koreas security situation too. Russia, which is running out of artillery shells, has been buying many of them from North Korea. In return, Russia is sending North Koreas leader, Kim Jong un, plenty of oil. As a result, Kim is feeling unbounded and is acting that way too. Japan and South Korea are both completely dependent on the United States for their security. Japan has no choice but to cuddle up still closer to its Washington protectors. South Korea is doing the same but is also talking more openly about going it alone, if necessaryhence the talk of nukes, still a subject off limits to Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of these newly assertive policies is as yet unclear. Russia, which is now implacably hostile to the United States, is turning up the heat, at least rhetorically. (Its military is too distracted to mount real threats on its Asian border.) Advertisement China, however, is a different matter. One could imagine Chairman Xi Jinping escalating his pressures across the region, but one could also imagine him seeking ways to calm the waters. Senior U.S. and Chinese officials are looking for avenues of engagement in any case. President Biden met with Xi in Bali in November and has talked about a possible summit in the future. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing in February for a meeting with his counterparts. Xi recently appointed a new foreign minister, Qin Gang, the former ambassador to Washington, who at least speaks in a friendlier tone about improving U.S.-China relations. M. Taylor Fravel, director of the security studies program at M.I.T. and a specialist on Chinas military, wrote in an email that Beijings pivot to present a more likeable image to the world is mostly superficial, designed mainly to lower the heat and put wedges between the U.S. and various allies. Advertisement Advertisement However, Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund, who is currently traveling in the region, thinks there might be genuine ambivalence in Chinas actions and behavior. China is surprised by the steps Tokyo is taking in the defense and security realm and isnt quite sure how to respond, she said in an email. Meanwhile, Glaser said, Chinese officials are stressing the very strong trade ties with Japan as a way to strengthen its peace message. Beijings chief Asian diplomat told the chairman of Japans chamber of commerce last week that these ties were a major foundation and bright spot of their relationship. Advertisement It is unlikely that South Korea will start building nukes any time soon, and it is not clear how fully Japan will implement its newly assertive defense policies. The Japanese parliament is divided on whether to pay for the defense budget hike with new taxes. And while U.S. officials are pleased with the new direction, some wish more attention were paid to prosaic basics. For instance, the purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles are welcome, but Japans military lacks the command-control and surveillance systems to guide the missiles to their targets. This would require a joint U.S.-Japan military command, which doesnt exist at the moment. Recent articles in The Economist and War On the Rocks also note that Japan has little to no defenses against a cyberattack, which China, Russia, or North Korea would certainly mount in a war. It also needs to boost the number of all-volunteer troops, though there is no policy as yet to boost pay or offer any other incentives. In the past year, geopolitical dynamics have shifted in eastern Asia as well as in eastern Europe, and the two shifts are affecting each other. But it is too soon to call whats happening a global new cold war, much less the prelude to World War III. There is still time for Washington and Beijing to find some paths of cooperation. The war in Ukraine is far from settled one way or another. It is unclear whether the adoption of stronger military postures in Tokyo and Seoul will deter Beijing and Pyongyangor trigger a spiral of countermoves. The world is, clearly, more tense and dangerous, but it could spin in any number of directions. Over the past few years, corporations facing thousands of lawsuits have increasingly turned to a legal tactic that was literally a joke in The Office: declaring bankruptcy under a different name. As the legal theory goes, it doesnt matter if the company is actually insolvent or in need of debt restructuring, because a quirk in Texas law allows companies to perform a divisional merger in which two new companies are created: one to keep all the productive business assets and one to absorb the litigation liabilities. The latter company then declares bankruptcy and uses the bankruptcy process to delay, reduce, or wholly eliminate the claims against it. This so-called Texas two-step looked to be the future for most mass torts (particularly those involving carcinogens) until Monday, when the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals pumped the brakes in the LTL Management case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LTL Management marked Johnson & Johnsons effort to avoid liability for its talc-based baby powder products. (Disclosure: Ive litigated against J&J subsidiaries but have no financial interest in the talc litigation.) Tens of thousands of people have sued the company, claiming it knew these products contained asbestos that caused women to develop ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. In response to a slew of lawsuits from patients and their survivors across the country, J&J created two new companies. It offloaded all its liabilities into one, called LTL Management, and shifted all its assets into another, called J&J Consumer Inc. The first company, LTL Management, then swiftly declared bankruptcy and obtained an injunction against lawsuits involving J&Js talc products, preventing alleged talc victims from moving forward at all in their cases, much less recovering damages. Meanwhile, the second company, J&J Consumer Inc., just kept on making money. Advertisement If this looks like an obvious shell game, thats because it is. And it gets worse. J&J is headquartered and incorporated in New Jersey. Yet it created these new companies under the laws of Texas, then filed bankruptcy in North Carolina. Why? Forum shopping. North Carolina is in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has a low standard for determining if a bankruptcy was filed in good faith. That gives the Texas two-step a better chance of passing muster. As the 3rd Circuit noted yesterday, it is perhaps not by coincidence then, debtors formed by divisional mergers and bearing substantial asbestos liability seem to prefer filing in the Fourth Circuit, with four such cases being filed in the Western District of North Carolina in the years before LTLs filing. Advertisement Advertisement But thats where everything started going off the rails for J&J. The bankruptcy court for the Western District of North Carolina noticed some rather obvious problems with the filing. For example, the employees of the Debtor are all employees of Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, and the Debtors assets involve no operation of a business in North Carolina. The court concluded that in this case, the Debtor is not just forum shopping; the Debtor is manufacturing forum and creating a venue to file bankruptcy. In our era of rising judicial sophistry and arrogance, Judge J. Craig Whitleys candor and humility is refreshing: Pointing out that J&Js claims mirrored four previous bankruptcy cases filed in his district, he wrote: There is no reason this court should be the only bankruptcy court to have the opportunity to weigh in on these novel legal issues, especially considering that the Texas Two Step tactic is being employed by national corporations and impacts tens of thousands of present and future claimants across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Whitley thus transferred the case to New Jersey, where it should have been filed in the first place. New Jersey was a more receptive venue for J&J, which is one of the states largest businesses. The plaintiffs filed a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy, but the New Jersey bankruptcy court let J&J have its cake and eat it too, allowing LTL Management to rely on a $61 billion funding agreement with J&J to show that it wasnt just pulling off an enormous fraudulent transfer while also allowing LTL Management to pretend it only had $373.1 million in assets for purposes of deciding if the company was in financial distress. The bankruptcy was allowed to proceedincluding, crucially, the automatic stay that prevented lawsuits against J&J from going forward in other venues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs appealed to the 3rd Circuit, and J&J did what a lot of shady companies do when they want an appellate court to adopt a cockamamie legal theory that lets them avoid ever facing a jury trial: hire Neal Katyal. (Plaintiffs hired David Frederick. If youre so inclined, the two-and-a-half-hour oral argument is available here.) And on Monday, the court sided firmly with the plaintiffs. The 3rd Circuits precedential opinion doesnt wholly neutralize the Texas two-step, but it does make it harder for corporations to knock over more structural components in our already shaky civil justice system. Bankruptcy is, by design, one of the more potent tools in the law, a legal black hole with a gravitational pull that automatically halts every lawsuit in the country against a debtor, grants courts the discretionary power to halt other lawsuits that might affect the debtor, and pulls in every debt, contract, and claim ever made against the company, enabling debtors to set their claimants against one another as they fight for timing and priority. In LTL Management, the 3rd Circuit made clear that bankruptcy is not merely an alternative proceeding that corporations can elect if they dislike the results produced by the civil justice system: absent financial distress, there is no reason for Chapter 11 and no valid bankruptcy purpose. Financial distress must not only be apparent, but it must be immediate enough to justify a filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J&J is, of course, not in financial distress. The 3rd Circuit noted: At the time of LTLs filing, J&J had well over $400 billion in equity value with a AAA credit rating and $31 billion just in cash and marketable securities. It distributed over $13 billion to shareholders in each of 2020 and 2021. Moreover, the 3rd Circuit recognized that J&Js estimate of the potential defense costs and liability from its talc productswell over $300 billionwas wildly inflated: J&J had already settled about 6,800 talc-related claims for under $1 billion and obtained dismissals of about 1,300 ovarian cancer and over 250 mesothelioma claims without paying a dime to the plaintiffs. The essence of the 3rd Circuits opinion is that courts need to look seriously at the companys actual situation, rather than eagerly accepting every bit of contradictory hype pushed by the companys lawyers. Advertisement Presumably, J&Js next step is to file for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. (It could file for en banc review with the full 3rd Circuit, but that is likely a lost cause. Because it was a precedential decision, the draft was already circulated among the entire 3rd Circuit and the three-judge panel was nonetheless comfortable with their unanimous opinion.) Certiorari seems a longshot: The Supreme Court already declined an opportunity to review a $2.24 billion talc judgment against J&J in favor of 20 ovarian cancer plaintiffs, theres no split among the circuits yet on the Texas two-step, and the 3rd Circuits opinion is well reasoned and limited to the issue at hand. One final point: this case also provides us with a concrete answer to the question how much does it cost to get the supposed liberal hero Neal Katyal to help a Sedition Caucusfunding corporation like Johnson & Johnson try to slam the courthouse doors on thousands of cancer victims? The answer is $2,465 an hour. Drivers license, prom, ridding the body of vestigial teeth. All rites of passage for American adolescents. So things were right on track when, after a routine dentist visit during my oldest childs senior year of high school, he left the office clutching a referral slip to an oral surgeon. According to the dentist, my sons bottom two wisdom teeth were partially impacted. They were coming in vertically, as teeth should, but had stalled on their journey up through the gums. They would remain stuck there forever, posing a risk of future infection. The upper two wisdom teeth had grown in normally, but would have nothing to bite against if the lower teeth were no longer there. If we went for the removal of the bottom two wisdom teeth, all four would have to be yanked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I trust our family dentist. Hes thorough, listens well, and is conservative in his treatment recommendations. A watchful-waiting kind of guy. In this case, his take on the potential surgery was: Its a little borderline but, yeah, Id say its worth doing. The word borderline left a little space for doubt, though, so I wanted to mull it over. Even minor surgery has risks, and the fact that wisdom tooth extraction seems to be the default made me want to push back a little. Im well aware that our fee-for-service health care system tends to provide lots of medical procedures, including surgeries, that have later turned out to be unnecessary. For part of the 20th century, tonsillectomies were the countrys most-performed operation, with tonsils once seen as portals of infection. Now, how many kids do you know who have had their tonsils out? Turned out it wasnt as helpful for most kids as doctors thought, and it might even carry long-term risks. Advertisement There are other examples. Spinal surgery was once a go-to remedy for stubborn lower back pain. But these operations made things worse as often as they made them better, and even gave rise to a brand-new diagnosis, failed back surgery syndrome, with millions experiencing prolonged suffering. Surgery is now seldom recommended for chronic lower back pain. Cardiac stents were considered helpful for clearing arteries, until a rigorous study showed that in many cases they arent. Advertisement At some point before each and every one of these operations were performed, a doctor looked a patient or family member in the eye and said that surgery was the best way to go, or at least a reasonable option. These doctors believed they were doing the right thing. Standards of care evolve as new evidence supportsor fails to supportuse of a particular treatment. Yet this system does not work perfectly. Sometimes things are done in a certain way simply because they are done that way, regardless of the state of the evidence. In fact, because we are all creatures of habit, its often harder to stop old health care practices than to implement new ones. Advertisement Advertisement I called the number on my sons referral slip and made an appointment for him to see the oral surgeon in a couple of weeks. The receptionist suggested that I also go ahead and book a date for the surgery a few days after the consultation, which I did. In the meantime, I decided to peek at the medical literature to see what kind of evidence there was for the removal of wisdom teeth for preventative purposes. I went first to the highly regarded Cochrane Collaboration, an open-access hub for systematic reviews of health care treatments. Systematic reviews are compilations of findings from studies on a particular treatment, taking into account the quality of each study (for example, results from randomized trials are given more weight than studies that lack a control group). But the review about the impact of wisdom teeth removal, published in May 2020, was based on a measly two prior studies. It concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to tell us whether or not asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth should be removedthe scientific equivalent of the Magic 8-Balls Cannot predict now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next, I typed NHS wisdom teeth into the search bar. The U.K.s National Health System lacks the baked-in profit motive of the U.S. system, and thus tends to provide less unnecessary care (although what is necessary and unnecessary is often far from clear-cut). I learned that the NHS does not generally recommend removal of wisdom teeth unless a patient is experiencing symptoms like severe pain. The NHS policy jibed with an (admittedly old) 2008 statement issued by the American Public Health Association against removal of wisdom teeth for preventive purposes. Clearly, wisdom teeth have never been a hot research topic. But there could be investigations underway right now, so my final stop was the public-access databases NIH Reporter and Clinicaltrials.gov to check for ongoing studies. While I found records for studies comparing approaches to pain relief following wisdom tooth extraction, and others comparing surgical techniques, there were no ongoing research projects that would give insight into whether and when the operation should be performed at all. Advertisement Advertisement Back to my sons teeth. The oral surgeons recommendation was to have all four teeth removed, under general anesthesia. We were given information about risks from the surgery: swelling and pain, infection. Rarely, it could lead to more permanent damage. And of course general anesthesia always carries a teensy-tiny risk of death. (Not mentioned at all was the not-insignificant risk of addiction to opioid painkillers following wisdom tooth extraction in adolescents and young adults.) All in all, though, the chance of serious harm from this surgery appeared to be slim. If I felt certain that it was necessary to avoid future suffering and trouble for my son, I wouldnt think twice. But was it? After weighing the meager information at hand and going back and forth a few times, we made the type of decision we are best at making when neither choice is appealing: We decided to decide later. He could have the operation done over the summer, when, if something went wrong, at least there wouldnt be school to worry about. Soon, my son would be an adult and could decide for himself whether or not to have the surgery (so far, he was unsure, too). And of course, if he developed any symptoms or signs of disease around his wisdom teeth, then the case for surgery would be more clear-cut. Advertisement For the record, no one ever pressured us to do it. Not our dentist. Not the oral surgeon, or his receptionist, who was kind and understanding when we canceled the operation. But our experience left me wanting more data. Should we be pulling out symptom-free wisdom teeth as often as we do in this country? Based on my own look at the evidence, maybe not. But how do you know if your kid is one of the people who would benefit from this procedure? Wisdom teeth are removed from thousands of healthy young mouths every day in this country. This surgery is not risk-free and, for families who lack dental insurance, it is costly. Seems like we should know a little more about it than we do. Carvana's glass tower lights up the night sky near 22nd Street and Interstate 88 in Oak Brook. Skokie officials have just informed the company that it will need to re-start the permitting process to build a new facility in the village following a resolution of their legal trouble with the state of Illinois. Brett Johnson/Pioneer Press, April 25, 2019 Oak Brook (Brett Johnson / Pioneer Press) The Skokie ordinance that would have allowed used-car seller Carvana to build a glass tower near a forest preserve in the suburb has expired and Carvana must reapply and meet stricter conditions, including greater protections against bird deaths due to striking the glass, according to village documents. Skokies Director of Community Development Johanna Nyden wrote to Carvana officials last week saying the company would need to start over in the approval process because more than six months have passed since the village green-lighted a Carvana proposal to locate there. She noted any new building would need to comply with two ordinances the village has passed recently, an updated building code and a measure that requires stronger bird-strike mitigations. The letter was sent last week after Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias reached a settlement with Carvana for violating Illinois law, according to previous reporting. Advertisement The Skokie Village Board originally approved Carvanas plan to build one of its signature vending machine glass towers, in which car buyers can view their car descend to ground level on a lift, last Feb. 7. In the weeks preceding that vote, numerous residents and bird lovers attended Village Board meetings to protest the proposed Carvana brightly-lit glass tower, which some said would unnecessarily kill large numbers of birds. Others worried it would increase traffic, depress property values and flood residents with light at night. The site of the proposed Carvana car tower in Skokie, Ill. (Brian L. Cox / Pioneer Press) A few months later, after then-Secretary of State Jesse Whites office halted Carvana sales in Illinois on May 10 due to what they said were irregularities in transferring vehicle titles, Michael Lorge, Skokies village attorney, sent the company a May 16 letter ordering them to cease any building plans in Skokie. Advertisement The state objected to what it said was Carvanas practice of misusing out-of-state temporary vehicle registration permits and its practice of failing to properly transfer titles for vehicles it sold, according to previous reporting. That left the Skokie-Carvana deal in what Village Manager John Lockerby called a holding pattern until last week. On Jan. 24, Carvana and the state reached a settlement agreement after Carvana admitted to violating state law by failing to transfer car titles in a timely manner, officials said. The following day, Skokies Nyden wrote in her letter to Carvana officials,Since a period longer than six months has lapsed (since Skokie gave approval for Carvana to build a glass tower) with none of this activity undertaken, the site plan approval ordinance has become invalid and will be repealed. A new request for site plan approval will be required at this time and the process to start anew. This time, she noted, Carvana will have to meet the standards outlined in two ordinances passed since then; an updated construction code and an ordinance that adds bird strike mitigation guidelines to the villages building code. According to Skokies website, Skokie will require the bird strike mitigation measures for certain new construction including residential buildings over three stories. The agreement announced Jan. 24 between the secretary of state and Carvana calls for the used-car company to abide by Illinois law going forward, surrender a $250,000 bond and allow inspections by secretary of state police to ensure compliance, according to a news release from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Illinois can suspend or revoke Carvanas license again if the company does not act according to the agreement, or if it violates the law. Talia Soglin contributed to this article. Transparency International warns that Slovakia's slight progress might reverse after expected early elections. Despite the improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index two years in a row, Slovakia is still significantly behind the average of EU member states. (Source: Pixabay) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovakia has slightly improved its position on Transparency International's ranking, Corruption Perceptions Index, though this positive change is more the outcome of stagnation in other countries. Slovakia came in 49th in the latest ranking, which examines the perception of corruption in 180 countries. In 2021, Slovakia ended in 56th place. Transparency International Slovakia points out that the country's score improved by one point, from 52 to 53 points out of 100. The more points a country obtains, the less corruption. The organisation's index is based on the findings of 13 various indices, including the World Bank and several think tanks, which consider the corruption perception among experts and investors. The nonprofit has also noted that the government's ambition of improving Slovakia's position by 20 places has not been fulfilled, but admits at that the country's score is the best since 2012, when it scored 46 points. In addition, the current government improved Slovakia's position in the ranking by 11 places in two years. Slovakia's position in the Corruption Perceptions Index, investment in the Orava region, and the date for early elections is now set. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, January 31 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. CPI ranking: Slovakia's cosmetic improvement The 'step by step against corruption' slogan during an anti-corruption march in Slovakia in 2017. (Source: Sme) Slovakia has slightly improved its position on Transparency International's ranking, the Corruption Perceptions Index, though this positive change is seen more as the outcome of stagnation in other countries. Slovakia came in 49th in the latest ranking, which looks at the perception of corruption in 180 countries. In 2021, Slovakia ended in 56th place. Still, the nonprofit remains on the alert ahead of the expected snap elections. Other stories from The Slovak Spectator website Science: How human biases affect the conservation of animal species and how people walk in the absence of orientational cues: these are just a selection of the many topics that scientists in Slovakia explored during the last quarter of 2022. Podcast: American Jeremy Hill talks to four foreigners, including Rida from Sudan, about dating and finding love in Slovakia, but also about losing it. Investment: A Liechtenstein firm plans a huge investment in northern Slovakia. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you. OPINION FOR TUESDAY Slovaks are obsessed with titles, but they are not the only ones Do Slovaks love putting letters before and after their names? (Source: SME) James Thomson's column looks at the quality of university education in Slovakia and Slovak people's obsession with rank in a clever and light-hearted way. SONG OF THE DAY 'The world gone nuts' Jozef Bil, a Slovak who lives in NYC, creates music in his free time. He has recently released a catchy song that reacts to how much the world has changed, not necessarily for the better, and that what his generation experienced as children is not coming back. More than a decade ago, Bil wrote a fun song about people spending a lot of time on Facebook. video //www.youtube.com/embed/QLqi5vqIEXE In a few lines: Early parliamentary elections will take place in Slovakia on September 30 following a parliamentary vote on Tuesday evening. Ninety-two of 148 MPs present in the debating chamber supported the proposal. Ukraine is criticising the Austrian group Raiffeisen Bank International. The group has not left the Russian market despite Russia's war in Ukraine. The group owns a 78-percent share in Tatra Banka, a Slovak bank. Tatra Banka says that the scandal does not concern them, noting that it does not operate in Russia, Belarus, nor in Ukraine. (SME) Hungary will join Poland and the Czech Republic in protecting Slovakia's airspace until next year, when the US should deliver the country's new but delayed F-16 jets. The Berlin Court of Appeals has sentenced a Vietnamese national, 32, to five years in prison for his involvement in the 2017 abduction of Vietnamese entrepreneur and former communist functionary, Trinh Xuan Thanh. The businessman, who is now imprisoned by the communist regime in Vietnam, was abducted from Germany to Vietnam through the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A Slovak government plane was used in the abduction, but nobody in Slovakia has been brought to justice for assisting in the abduction. The investigation in Slovakia is still open. Prosecutor General Maros Zilinka has questioned Slovakia's involvement in the scandal. Interim Environment Minister Jan Budaj (OLaNO) has presented Slovakia's first climate bill to the public. According to the bill, Slovakia shall become carbon neutral by 2050 and achieve negative greenhouse gas emissions five years later. The bill sets a number of specific and sectoral goals, but no specific measures. There is still a long way to go before the bill is adopted as the legislation has just been sent to the interdepartmental comment procedure. (SME) Gorals want to become an official ethnic minority. They have already submitted their application for recognition to the Justice Ministry. In February, the Vietnamese may officially be recognised as the country's fourteenth ethnic minority. President Zuzana Caputova meets his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Van der Bellen, in Bratislava on January 31, 2023. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Cloudy sky. Snowing in many places, rain or sleet in places at lower altitude. Daily temperature from 3C to 8C, in some places in northern Slovakia from -2C to 2C. Strong wind in the mountains. A number of yellow warnings (wind, ground ice, snowfall, snowdrifts) will be in place in western and central Slovakia on Wednesday. Thank you for reading The Slovak Spectator. P.S. If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. The main attraction in Eugene over the weekend was 5-star athlete Nyckoles harbor, one of the top-ranked uncommitted players left in the 2023 class. Harbor was on an official visit to see the Oregon Ducks, checking out the facilities for both football and track and field, making his way from Autzen Stadium, to Hayward Field, to Matthew Knight Arena to check out a basketball game as well. Weve extensively covered how things went for Harbor over the weekend, and on Monday, he finally released some of the top photos from his visit. With a mix of track and football, its safe to say that he looks pretty good in the green and yellow. Harbor is set to announce his final commitment on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. PT. He has a final list of schools that includes the Ducks, Michigan Wolverines, Maryland Terrapins, South Carolina Gamecocks, and Miami Hurricanes. List Social Media Buzz: Oregon recruits react to big-time visitor weekend in Eugene Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire Newly elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy Many Cincinnati Bengals' fans have heard enough of politicians talking smack about NFL teams their constituents' team is playing. But Congressman Mark Alford, serving as the Representative of the 4th district of Missouri, asked Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval - or "Mayor Jabroni," as he calls him - in essence, to hold his beer. Alford attempted to pile on after Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's nationally televised slam of Pureval by kicking Bengals linebacker Joseph Ossai as he looks to rebound from a heart-wrenching penalty with seconds remaining in the AFC championship, among other insults directed toward Cincinnati and its fans. And despite several fourth-quarter calls - including Mike Hilton's pass interference, Frank Clark's late hit of Joe Burrow that wasn't called, the hold that wasn't called on Mahomes' scramble in the final seconds, the block in the back that wasn't called on Skyy Moore's punt return, the intentional-grounding call and, of course, "the do-over" - that didn't go the Bengals' way, Alford insisted the officials were against the Chiefs the entire game. The video of Alford's general speech in the U.S. House, via Alford's Twitter account: Congratulations to MY Kansas City Chiefs! Thank you @PatrickMahomes, @tkelce, and Joseph Ossai for their efforts last night. #ChiefsKingdom to the Super Bowl! pic.twitter.com/IrwgNKIlib Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) January 30, 2023 "Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my Kansas City Chiefs for their AFC championship and their berth in Super Bowl 57," Alford said. "Like many Missourians, I could not be prouder of the effort put forth on the field yesterday, last night. Despite having an injured Patrick Mahomes, injuries to several key players, incredible amounts of outside noise and the referees against them the entire game, the Chiefs made short work of the Bungles - I mean, Bengals - and sent them off to the offseason. Well, I hope Eli Apple has fun in Cancun. Also, I hope that Mayor Jabroni and the rest of the Cincinnati fanbase learned a valuable lesson last night - it IS called Arrowhead. It is the loudest, toughest place to play in the NFL with the strongest fanbase. A special thank you to Patrick Mahomes, Harrison Butker, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and, of course, Joseph Ossai, for all of their wonderful efforts last night. We couldn't have done it without you. And to the Philadelphia Eagles - we'll see you in Arizona. Go Chiefs! Mr. Speaker, I yield back." Subscribe today: Follow every snap, touchdown and reaction This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mark Alford, Missouri rep, thanks Joseph Ossai after KC win vs Bungles Alabama Crimson Tide fans have been patiently waiting to see who head coach Nick Saban will bring in as his offensive and defensive coordinators for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, that answer will not be coming today. Washington Huskies offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, emerged as a top target for Saban and his staff late last week. Grubb was an offensive coordinator for the first time in 2022 and was a key part of the Huskies 11-2 season. However, after meeting with coach Saban in Tuscaloosa on Monday, Grubb will remain with the Huskies in 2022 and the Tides search will continue. Source: #Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will remain with UW after meeting with Nick Saban about Alabamas OC job Monday in Tuscaloosa. Grubb was a top target at Bama but will stay with the Huskies. Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 31, 2023 Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football and the programs search for both offensive and defensive coordinators. List Alabama lands in top 8 for 2024 4-star WR Bredell Richardson List Alabama to have six former players compete at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02. Story originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/ankara-will-not-approve-sweden-finland-nato-membership-under-current-conditions-turkish-fm-says-1106852219.html Ankara Will Not Approve Sweden, Finland NATO Membership Under Current Conditions, Turkish FM Says Ankara Will Not Approve Sweden, Finland NATO Membership Under Current Conditions, Turkish FM Says The Turkish parliament will not ratify the protocol on the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland under the current conditions 2023-01-31T11:19+0000 2023-01-31T11:19+0000 2023-01-31T11:19+0000 world turkiye sweden nato mevlut cavusoglu /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105455/02/1054550205_0:214:4675:2843_1920x0_80_0_0_dc083c9e324962f66026d1fe4858158a.jpg "Swedish Foreign Minister [Tobias Billstrom] came to visit us. He was in the parliament, met with parties. He heard that all parties are equally declaring that without the fulfillment of the obligations assumed to us, the ratification of the protocol is impossible. Therefore, in the current conditions, it is not necessary to talk about the approval of this document," Tobias Billstrom said at a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart. Ankara may "look positively" at Finland's membership in NATO if Helsinki and the alliance decide on a separate application from Sweden, the minister added.On May 18, 2022, against the backdrop of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership. Their accession protocols have already been ratified by all NATO members except Hungary and Turkey.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sweden should not count on Turkish support for the application to join NATO. Earlier, trilateral talks among Turkey, Sweden and Finland on NATO membership were postponed at Ankara's request. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/swedish-military-set-for-greatest-upgrade-since-1950s-as-nato-bid-hits-the-skids-1106806348.html turkiye sweden Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato membership, turkish parliament, membership of sweden and finland https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/brazil-germany-express-support-for-black-sea-grain-deal-foreign-ministry-1106847508.html Brazil, Germany Express Support for Black Sea Grain Deal Brazil, Germany Express Support for Black Sea Grain Deal Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have expressed support for the Black Sea Grain Initiative and voiced concern about the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine for food and energy security 2023-01-31T07:05+0000 2023-01-31T07:05+0000 2023-01-31T11:11+0000 grain brazil germany istanbul grain deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/07/1106110845_0:169:3043:1880_1920x0_80_0_0_3f0dc9ff8b13b66bbb6b7233d4931068.jpg "They [Lula and Scholz] expressed concern about the global effects of the conflict on food and energy security, especially on the poorest regions of the planet. They converged in support of the full functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. They stressed the need to promote a just and durable peace," the ministry said in a statement released after a meeting of the two leaders in Brasilia. In addition, Lula and Scholz decided to relaunch the strategic partnership between Germany and Brazil, deepening cooperation in solving global problems, especially in promoting peace and security and expanding renewable energy sources, as well as combating climate change and poverty, the statement read. The leaders also noted the importance of deepening trade relations between the countries and expressed their intention to expedite the conclusion of negotiations on a balanced agreement between South American regional trade bloc Mercosur and the European Union. On July 22, 2022, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations struck a deal to provide a humanitarian maritime corridor for ships with food and fertilizer exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The deal, originally scheduled to expire on November 18, has been extended for another 120 days on November 17. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230115/egypt-ready-to-host-global-grain-storage-center-foreign-minister-says-1106333953.html brazil germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International black sea grain initiative, conflict in ukraine for food and energy security https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/britains-royal-navy-faces-sticky-situation-as-superglued-bolts-found-in-reactor-of-trident-nuke-sub-1106864641.html Britains Royal Navy Faces Sticky Situation as Superglued Bolts Found in Reactor of Trident Nuke Sub Britains Royal Navy Faces Sticky Situation as Superglued Bolts Found in Reactor of Trident Nuke Sub Britains nuclear arsenal is the fourth-largest in the world, and the Royal Navy has at least two of its four Vanguard-class Trident-bearing nuclear missile subs on patrol in the North Sea at all times. 2023-01-31T18:09+0000 2023-01-31T18:09+0000 2023-01-31T19:37+0000 military nuclear submarine nuclear-powered submarine ballistic missile nuclear weapons royal navy british royal navy glue repairs babcock international group /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/0b/1106226346_0:156:3001:1844_1920x0_80_0_0_8aca0d48fdf295a03871c1a933e581df.jpg The UKs Ministry of Defense has ordered an urgent probe after it was discovered that bolts holding crucial thermal insulation in place in a reactor chamber aboard the HMS Vanguard had been glued together using superglue after being over-tightened and broken off.The defect was said to have been discovered during a routine inspection. Subsequently, at least six more glued bolts were found, with the discovery reportedly made as engineers were preparing to increase the reactors power to full blast.British defense giant Babcock International was contracted to carry out repairs and refueling aboard the Vanguard at its Devonport, Plymouth dock, with the repairs lasting from 2015 and 2022, and costing over 300 million pounds ($369 million US) above the 150-200 million the Navy initially planned to spend on the upkeep.Its a disgrace. You cant cut corners with nuclear. Standards are standards. Nuclear standards are never compromised, a Navy source told local media, blasting the contractor. But another source insisted that the vessel and its crew were never at any risk from the superglued bolts.The MoD assured that the defect had been promptly reported and fixed, and that Defense Minister Ben Wallace talked to Babcock International CEO David Lockwood to seek assurances about future work.However, Labour shadow defense chief John Healey called on Wallace to do more to bring the contractor to heel.Our nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the very highest maintenance standards should be observed at all times. Delays in overhauling nuclear subs are bad enough, but cutting corners on repairs risks safety and operations, Healey said.The lead ship of the Vanguard fleet went in for repairs after a microscopic leak had been discovered in reactor fuel cladding in 2011 with the government first reporting on the issue in 2014.Repair work on the HMS Vanguard has meant that the three other boats in the fleet, the HMS Vengeance, the HMS Victorious and the HMS Vigilance, have had to stretch the length of their patrols, increasing wear and tear on the vessels.The Royal Navy plans to replace its Vanguard-class subs, built between 1986 and 1998 and in service since the 1990s, with the Dreadnought class, which will also carry Trident missiles, but promises to feature advanced capabilities, including a cutting edge Rolls-Royce propulsion system, and have a smaller crew. Dreadnought-class will also have fewer missile tubes 12 as opposed to 16, and lower overall destructive power. Three of four planned Dreadnoughts are already under construction, and are expected to begin arriving between the late 2020s and early 2030s. The Dreadnought program has an estimated 31 billion price tag, and has faced criticism over construction delays, which have put an additional strain on the existing Vanguard-class boats as their service life extends beyond planned limits.Britains nuclear fleet has captured the attention of the press repeatedly in recent years over a series of problems and scandals, from mass firings of sailors on suspicion of drug use, to allegations of improper lascivious conduct, to electrical fires and collisions with other vessels at sea, plus concerns that Britains NATO allies could deprive the country of key equipment needed to create the vessels deadly cargoes nuclear bombs. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221206/ex-uk-navy-officer-hints-at-risks-in-prolonged-patrol-of-nuclear-submarines-reports-say-1105092844.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220831/christian-sailor-sues-royal-navy-for-religious-discrimination-after-objecting-to-firing-nukes-1100237955.html 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 vanguard, nuclear submarine, nuclear missile submarine, submarine, sub, superglue, glue, royal navy https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/de-gaulles-grandson-urges-france-to-restore-independence-break-with-washington-on-ukraine-quagmire-1106851918.html De Gaulles Grandson Urges France to Restore Independence, Break With Washington on Ukraine Quagmire De Gaulles Grandson Urges France to Restore Independence, Break With Washington on Ukraine Quagmire Paris has marched in lock step with Washington in NATOs proxy conflict with Russia in Ukraine, with President Emmanuel Macron considering sending heavy tanks and not ruling out the delivery of fighter jets to Kiev. 2023-01-31T11:39+0000 2023-01-31T11:39+0000 2023-01-31T14:43+0000 world charles de gaulle france us russia ukraine weapons nuclear war peace /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0b/09/1081102380_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_dd884436c2c87432119c58b0ca5fe35a.jpg Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of revered French statesman Charles de Gaulle, has slammed the Wests dangerous decision to deploy heavy weapons in Ukraine, and has called on Paris to persuade the Americans see reason and broach a lasting peace with Moscow.Within France and in Europe, on the whole, the public is against such escalationWestern politicians are trying to show us that they are in control of the situation, but this is a lie. Because they do not understand either history or consequences, de Gaulle added.Criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for selling himself and the Ukrainian people to the Americans, de Gaulle said the time has come to achieve peace, to bring the Americans to see reason and to come to a lasting and stable peace with Russia. Unfortunately, he said, President Macron and many other European leaders have also been blinded by subservience American interests a tendency fraught with disaster, in de Gaulles view.Pointing to the tensions in relations between Moscow and Paris today, De Gaulle recalled the deep, strong history of Franco-Russian cooperation, including during the joint struggle against Nazism during World War II.Already in 1941, my grandfather, General de Gaulle, expressed the idea of creating the Normandie-Niemen regiment, the French fighter squadron that fought on the Eastern Front alongside the Red Army from 1943 and 1945. This was an example of an alliance between our countries. We honor the memory of the brave French pilots who fought against Germany together with Soviet soldiers, de Gaulle said.Pierre de Gaulle has been dragged through the mud in his home country over his alternative perspective on French-Russian relations and the crisis in Ukraine. He has brushed off these accusations, telling French media last week that if he was a relay from Russia, then Macron and [former German chancellor Angela] Merkel are the servants of the Americans. Me, I only defend the interests of the French.Pierre de Gaulle isnt the only Gaullist figure calling on Paris to take a more independent position in world affairs. Late last week, Le Patriots President Florian Philippot urged France to consider leaving NATO to avoid World War III after pointing to recent comments by NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer boasting that the Western alliance was ready for war with Russia.De Gaulles Foreign PolicyEmerging as the leader of the French resistance during the Second World War, Charles de Gaulle served as the chairman of the provisional government of the French Republic between 1944 and 1946, and as President of France between 1959 and 1969. Throughout his presidency, the centerpiece of French foreign policy was independence for Paris in global affairs. This included the pursuit of an independent French nuclear deterrent, support for cooperation with European countries (but rejection of a supranational European state), and detente with the Soviet Union and China. De Gaulle forced the Americans to remove their nuclear weapons from France, and withdrew French forces from NATO command structures and from SEATO, the Western alliances Southeast Asian equivalent.France under de Gaulle was also an opponent of American dollar hegemony. French Finance Minister Valery Giscard dEstaing dubbed the benefits Washington got from the convertibility of dollars to gold Americas exorbitant privilege, and pulled French gold reserves out of Americas coffers. This move ultimately helped force the Nixon administration to end dollar-gold convertibility in 1971.De Gaulles opposition to US hegemony, NATO, opposition to Israel, support for Quebec liberation, and detente with the Eastern bloc earned him many enemies in Washington, with the CIA allegedly attempting multiple attempts on his life, and watching closely during the May 1968 political crisis which helped culminate in his ouster as president. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230122/macron-says-france-germany-will-cooperate-on-joint-gas-procurement-mechanisms-1106597600.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/nato-throws-nuclear-bait-to-south-korea-1106851182.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220209/scholz-no-merkel-macron-no-de-gaulle-biden-said-to-take-swipes-at-eu-allies-behind-closed-doors-1092874483.html france russia ukraine 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 charles de gaulle, pierre de gaulle, france, us, russia, ukraine, nuclear war, peace agreement, security guarantees, peace deal, peace, emmanuel macron, france, independence https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/dual-containment-of-moscow-beijing-is-mission-impossible-for-washington-taiwan-expert-says-1106864934.html Dual Containment of Moscow, Beijing is Mission: Impossible for Washington, Taiwan Expert Says Dual Containment of Moscow, Beijing is Mission: Impossible for Washington, Taiwan Expert Says Although the US has identified great power competition with Russia and China as its new strategic orientation, Washington has struggled to build even regional alliances against them outside of NATO. Its no coincidence, then, that NATO is seeking to make partners out of US allies in East Asia. 2023-01-31T18:52+0000 2023-01-31T18:52+0000 2023-01-31T18:59+0000 analysis us-china relations taiwan containment /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107958/74/1079587434_1:0:3640:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_0a502bf005ade4e5ed1329e88efed20e.jpg Dr. Chang Ching, military expert on the People's Liberation Army and regional security and senior research fellow of the Taiwan-based Society for Strategic Studies, told Sputnik that while many commentators have accused Washington of having a dual containment strategy against Moscow and Beijing, based on their very strong disagreements, Washington simply doesnt have the global clout to isolate such strong and powerful countries.Even many of the US' traditional allies like the Philippines would have strong reluctances to take coordinated actions against Russia and China. No nation would like to take sides unconditionally nowadays. It all depends on how much Washington can commit to the alliance relationships. There is no free lunch for Americans to take from the dining tables of other countries any more. After all, the general rule of give and take is always valid in international politics, Chang noted.Indeed, this is no small part of why NATO defines China as a systemic challenge rather than using the more hostile word threat.He noted that Seoul had very skillfully declined a request by NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg to make any promise of committing itself to any effort causing negative consequences towards China.Turning to the recently leaked memo by US Gen. Mike Minihan, the head of US Air Force Mobility Command, which called for the US to prepare for war with China over Taiwan as early as 2025, Chang noted that the theater is far from Minihans area of responsibility and his comments dont count for much.A memorandum issued by the military leadership to his subordinate commanders does not actually activate any military planning process, but only a prior notice to remind certain concern, Chang explained. This is exactly the reason why the Pentagon confirmed the existence of this memorandum but clarified that it does not reflect any official position regarding policy.Picking up the crystal ball for a moment himself, Chang noted that even the uppermost echelons of the US defense and national security apparatus dont believe Beijing has any plans to initiate hostile action against Taiwan in the near future.So, I do share the same conclusion with them. The pressure does exist. The tension also needs to be well managed. Yet, the hope of peace always exists. If there is a conflict across the Taiwan Strait, there is no winner, we are all losers then. Beijing knows that, Washington also knows that. Only those people who have a plot or even a conspiracy to drag Beijing down and weaken Washington through a war attrition are expecting a cross-strait conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221027/pentagon-publishes-new-national-defense-strategy-aimed-at-integrated-deterrence-of-china-russia-1102778571.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230110/think-tank-simulation-predicts-taiwan-could-defeat-china-with-us-japan-aid-in-invasion-scenario-1106184632.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/really-silly-actions-us-efforts-to-isolate-chinas-tech-sector-will-backfire-expert-says-1106863446.html 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 us challenges china, us-china relations, us asian nato https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/eu-members-divided-over-ukraines-accelerated-accession-to-bloc-media-reports-1106861557.html EU Members Divided Over Ukraine's Accelerated Accession to Bloc, Media Reports EU Members Divided Over Ukraine's Accelerated Accession to Bloc, Media Reports EU member countries remain divided over the feasibility of speeding up Ukraine's accession to the bloc, which makes its membership unlikely in the near future, reports European news website, citing sources. 2023-01-31T15:40+0000 2023-01-31T15:40+0000 2023-04-12T17:05+0000 world ukraine ukraine crisis european union (eu) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/18/1095012985_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_97401b9b5baba5e048f7d671b7f9f467.jpg The news website, which covers EU news, cited a draft communique of consultations between EU and Ukrainian diplomats, which will take place later this week.Despite the fact that the document praises the "considerable progress" made by Ukraine and says that "the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union" while underscoring the bloc's determination to "support Ukraine's further European integration," not all member states are happy with the phrasing of the communique, website said.The media specified that Poland and the Baltic states had advocated a more positive wording that could suggest Ukraine's accession to the EU may be sped up.Larger member states, however, do not wish for Kiev's early accession to the bloc, according to the report."A large number of large member states will not accept too positive language not in the least because the agreed language is hardly a month old, so no one's ready to reopen a difficult discussion that we've only just concluded," another diplomat from the EU told the news outlet.Several EU diplomats added that "pushback" can be "expected from France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark and Belgium," as cited in the report. They may not accept language that appears to condone "pre-empting the normal steps in the accession process," since the formal assessment of Kiev's progress has not been made yet, they specified.On Monday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told US media that Ukraine hoped to join the EU within the next two years. The newspaper said few in the bloc consider this plan realistic.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an application for Ukraine's accession to the EU on February 28, 2022, four days after Russia launched its special military operation. On June 23, EU heads of state approved candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova. To start accession talks, the countries need to fulfill a number of conditions, including reforms. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220611/norwegian-media-give-five-reasons-ukraine-cant-join-european-union-1096225731.html 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 why will it be difficult for ukraine to enter the eu, when will ukraine become a member of the eu, who does not want ukraine to join the eu, the relationship between the eu and ukraine, what do europeans really think about ukraine, ukrainian prime minister statements, ukraine pro-eu bid, ukraine and accelerated eu membership https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/f-16s-not-needed-in-ukraine-with-us-already-sending-new-capabilities---white-house-1106840422.html F-16s Not Needed in Ukraine With US Already Sending New Capabilities, White House Says F-16s Not Needed in Ukraine With US Already Sending New Capabilities, White House Says The US does not need to provide Ukraine with F-16 jets because it is already providing Kiev with lots of new capabilities announced in the latest aid package, said White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. 2023-01-31T01:32+0000 2023-01-31T01:32+0000 2023-01-31T11:52+0000 americas us military aid ukraine crisis white house john kirby us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/08/1083100657_0:18:3581:2032_1920x0_80_0_0_d6867f0437dc7c78fd77e788c2956f78.png Earlier in the day, President Joe Biden told reporters the United States would not send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. "What I can tell you is that there's a lot of capability that is being sent, and will be sent in the coming weeks and months," Kirby told CNN on Monday. The United States recently announced it will send up to 31 M1A2 Abrams battle tanks, up to 109 Bradley fighting vehicles armed with anti-tank rocket systems, and dozens of other Stryker fighting vehicles. Kiev has long been lobbying Washington to provide F-16 fighter jets to bolster its forces amid Russia's special military operation. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO countries to unlock the supply of long-range missiles and military aircraft to Kiev after Western countries announced their intention to supply Ukraine with main battle tanks. A group of US military officials is quietly lobbying to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which is gathering momentum in the Defense Department as Kiev braces for a planned offensive this spring, Politico reported, citing sources. It may take weeks for the United States to make a decision on such deliveries, the report said, adding that the fighter jets would have to be sourced from the country's own reserves or reexported from other countries. Russia started the special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. In April, Moscow sent a note to NATO member states condemning their military assistance to Kiev amid the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that providing Ukraine with weapons did not contribute to the success of peace negotiations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/biden-reveals-us-will-not-provide-ukraine-with-f-16-fighter-jets-1106837708.html americas white house 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 ukraine crisis, white house, us military aid, f-16 fighter jet https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/former-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-applying-for-us-visa-amid-legal-concerns-reports-say-1106842335.html Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Applying for US Visa Amid Legal Concerns, Reports Say Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Applying for US Visa Amid Legal Concerns, Reports Say Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is seeking a visitor visa for the United States amid accusations of wrongdoing in his native country, media reported, citing a Bolsonaro attorney 2023-01-31T02:43+0000 2023-01-31T02:43+0000 2023-01-31T04:44+0000 americas jair bolsonaro brazil us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/09/1106178022_0:0:2915:1640_1920x0_80_0_0_94324887865d3c6baea815fae2225841.jpg US authorities received an application on Friday from Bolsonaro for a six-month visitor visa, the report said on Monday. Felipe Alexandre, a lawyer representing Bolsonaro, reportedly said that the former president is likely to stay in the US state of Florida. Bolsonaro faces allegations of responsibility for riots in Brasilia earlier this month by supporters of the former president who rejected his defeat by new president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro also faces allegations of wrongdoing during his time as head of state. Bolsonaro has been staying in the US on a visa reserved for diplomats and other top government officials, which expired on the day he left office, although it has a 30-day grace period, the report said. Bolsonaros presence in the US led 41 Democratic lawmakers to sign a letter urging the Biden administration to revoke his visa. Alexandre denied any evidence of Bolsonaro committing a crime related to the Brasilia riots, the report added. americas brazil 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 jair bolsonaro is seeking a visitor visa, responsibility for riots in brasilia https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/former-head-of-us-indo-pacific-command-arrives-in-taiwan-report-1106860185.html Former Head of US Indo-Pacific Command Arrives in Taiwan: Report Former Head of US Indo-Pacific Command Arrives in Taiwan: Report Former head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, retired Adm. Philip Davidson, arrived in Taiwan to discuss security issues with the island's leadership, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. 2023-01-31T14:30+0000 2023-01-31T14:30+0000 2023-01-31T14:31+0000 world taiwan china us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/02/1080352387_0:0:2997:1685_1920x0_80_0_0_1e7d2205733ce3f02833128e9cf26738.jpg Davidson, who claimed in 2021 that China could possibly attack Taiwan before 2027, arrived on the island on Monday as part of the US delegation from the National Bureau of Asian Research, the report said. The delegation will meet with Taiwan's leader, Tsai Ing-wen, local security council officials, the ministries of defense and economy, as well as other government officials, according to the news agency. The situation around Taiwan escalated after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in early August 2022. Beijing condemned Pelosi's trip, which it regarded as a gesture of support for separatism, and launched large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of the island. Despite this fact, several countries, including France, the US and Japan, have since sent their delegations to the island, further increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/whats-new-in-us-latest-rhetoric-on-china-1106852459.html 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 us china relations, tensions over taiwan, us official visits taiwan, us china policy https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/frying-russians-in-butter-major-swedish-daily-under-fire-for-spreading-hate-speech-1106843523.html 'Frying Russians in Butter': Major Swedish Daily Under Fire for Spreading Hate Speech 'Frying Russians in Butter': Major Swedish Daily Under Fire for Spreading Hate Speech The cannibalistic remark by the head of the Swedish Home Guard, Laura Swaan Wrede, has sparked outrage on Twitter. 2023-01-31T06:38+0000 2023-01-31T06:38+0000 2023-01-31T06:44+0000 sweden scandinavia outrage russia russophobia world /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106920/00/1069200009_0:0:1000:563_1920x0_80_0_0_e57f0e255253bb4144f1f3eae2c7f96a.jpg Dagens Nyheter, one of Swedens largest dailies, has found itself in hot water after Twitter branded the cover of its weekend supplement as offensive content".The cover features a picture of Laura Swaan Wrede - the head of the Swedish Home Guard, who was interviewed by the paper - and it is accompanied by a quotation where she recounts that her grandmother used to say: "A Russian stays a Russian even if you fry him in butter."This expression sparked outrage on Twitter, where many said that Swaan Wrede would have faced dismal consequences had the quotation been about some other group than Russians. Some pointed out that roasting humans in a pan amounted to cannibalism."In Toyland, you can be as stupid as you want and still become boss, apparently," one user said."Replace 'Russian' with 'Jew' and see what happens," another one concurred.Others urged the newspaper to replace "Russians" with "Somalis" in the phrase to appreciate the effect fully."Prejudiced from her mother's milk, apparently. When it comes to Russians, it is okay to spew bile," yet another one fumed."The fact that hatred against Russians was widespread even before Ukraine is known. But no boss should say something like that," yet another one said.Others, however, appeared to be in total agreement with Swaan Wrede, praising her for her "competence" and "guts".Russophobia goes back a long way in Sweden, with rulers such as Gustav Vasa - Swedens King between 1523 and 1560 - stirring up anti-Russian sentiments to wage wars against the "inherited nemesis". Over the centuries, Sweden has fought more than 30 wars against Russia, often over control of the Gulf of Finland and surrounding territories. Although both sides gained and lost territory initially, Russia has emerged a clear victor from the Great Northern War (1700 to 1721) onwards, putting an end to Swedens aspirations to supremacy once and for all. The string of military losses left a deep mark on the Swedish psyche and the language, spawning not one but two words for Russophobia: "rysskrack" (fear of Russians) and "rysshat" (hatred of Russians). Both are part of everyday speech and encapsulate Swedes distrust of Russia and fear of the military threat it supposedly poses.In modern-day Sweden, there is a law against "hatred against ethnic groups", which, in practice, is most often used against critics of the countrys immigration policy.Although negative stereotypes and unfounded allegations against Russia and Russians have been used in Swedish politics for various purposes, it is nevertheless remarkable to see such blunt remarks from a chief of the Home Guard, a military reserve force of the Swedish Armed Forces, comprising half its army and constituting the basis of Sweden's territorial defense. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/swedish-military-set-for-greatest-upgrade-since-1950s-as-nato-bid-hits-the-skids-1106806348.html sweden scandinavia russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov 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 Igor Kuznetsov swedish armed forces, historic russophobia, hate speech, dagens nyheter daily, moral outrage https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/guinea-to-develop-simandou-iron-ore-reserves-with-chinese-support--1106849529.html Guinea to Develop Simandou Iron Ore Reserves with Chinese Support Guinea to Develop Simandou Iron Ore Reserves with Chinese Support Guinea's military government has announced that it is going to relaunch the developmnet works at the Simandou mine, one of the largest untapped deposits of high-grade iron ore, following consultations with Chinese investors and officials 2023-01-31T12:04+0000 2023-01-31T12:04+0000 2023-01-31T12:04+0000 africa west africa guinea china iron ore mining mining industry iron metal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0c/0c/1081440553_0:251:3072:1979_1920x0_80_0_0_5e327b12f300a5ac6afc043b08a54f50.jpg Guinea's military government has announced that it is going to relaunch the development works at the Simandou mine, one of the largest untapped deposits of high-grade iron ore, after consultations with Chinese investors and officials, according to media reports. The media has reported, citing the government, that Rio Tinto Group, Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) and China Baowu Steel Group decided to resume infrastructure development at the site from March. The companies are set to complete negotiations on the projects paperwork before 28 February.Earlier this month, a Guinean government delegation reportedly traveled to China to hold a meeting with financing partners and stakeholders in the Simandou project, including the Chinese Export-Import Bank, the Development Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The Simandou mine is in the Simandou mountain range in the southern part of Guinea in the Nzerekore Region. The efforts to develop the site have faced various obstacles over the years, including mining rights and infrastructure disputes, political changes in the West African nation, and subsequent delays in construction. Launching Simandou MineIn March last year, the country's government suspended operations at the site. Progress in the development of the mine stalled because of disagreements over how the project would be financed and what share of revenues the government would get. In July, Anglo-Australian multinational company Rio Tinto, the Guinean government and WCS created a joint venture to start building rail and port infrastructure needed to transport iron ore from the mine in the far south-east of the country to Guineas coast so that it can then be exported.In October, Baowu, Chinas biggest iron and steel producer, signed a deal with WCS, which consists of Singaporean shipowner Winning International Group, Chinese aluminum producer Shandong Weiqiao and Guinean logistics firm United Mining Suppliers, to invest in the northern Blocks 1 and 2 controlled by the consortium. The mining concession is divided into four blocks. The rights to the southern blocks, three and four, of the Simandou mine are held by Rio Tinto, Chalco Iron Ore Holdings and the government.In December, Baowu said it had reached a consensus with all the stakeholders on the development of infrastructure, noting that the investment would depend on government approvals from both China and Guinea. Guinea's government, for its part, called the agreement "an important milestone" that will allow the partners to start the financing of the project, which is estimated to be approximately $15Bln. It underlined that the deal was largely facilitated by the participation of Baowu. The recent announcement comes as China seeks to reduce its dependence on Brazilian and Australian iron ore, and in general diversify its partners-suppliers of natural resources. This kind of global quest has already made China one of the biggest importers of raw materials from Africa. Crude oil, copper, cobalt and iron ore account for a large share of Africas exports to China. It is also a main driver of the Belt and Road initiative, an infrastructure development strategy that involves infrastructure, trade, and investment enhancement aimed at improving connectivity on a transcontinental scale. africa west africa guinea china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Maria Konokhova Maria Konokhova 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 Maria Konokhova guinea, china, simandou mine, iron ore reserves, mining, natural resources https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/imf-economist-trade-restrictions-on-chinese-microchips-could-harm-global-economy-1106840924.html IMF Economist: Trade Restrictions on Chinese Microchips Could Harm Global Economy IMF Economist: Trade Restrictions on Chinese Microchips Could Harm Global Economy Trade restrictions on China's microchip industry could be harmful to the global economy, the International Monetary Fund Chief Economist and Director of the Research Department Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said during a conference. 2023-01-31T03:01+0000 2023-01-31T03:01+0000 2023-01-31T02:54+0000 economy imf international monetary fund global economy microchip /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/07/1101597496_0:131:3073:1859_1920x0_80_0_0_5d73d70284abf76efcfaf19b3ee5e473.jpg "Our analysis suggests that such reshoriing... would be something that potentially could be harmful to the global economy," Gourinchas said on Monday night when asked about impact of Japan and the Netherlands agreeing to adopt certain US export controls on China's chip-making industry. Gournichas added that the IMF is looking at these developments in the semiconductor sector and trying to understand its implications for the global economy. The IMF official reemphasized that their initial analysis suggests that moves by the United States and its allies will not necessarily leads to stronger growth. The United States has reached a deal with Japan and the Netherlands to restrict China's access to their advanced semiconductor chip-making technology, according to media reports. Several key companies in Japan and the Netherlands, as part of the agreement, will implement some US export control measures the United States adopted in October. The new agreement will restrict China's access to semiconductor technology from Dutch firm ASML and Japanese firms Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd., media reported. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that it is unclear if the Netherlands will disclose details about the agreement. In October, the Biden administration expanded controls on the export of US semiconductor technology going to China to restrict Beijing's ability to make certain high-end microchips used in military applications. Beijing took the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO), filing a lawsuit challenging the US export controls. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230122/world-bank-president-forecasts-global-economy-unlikely-to-see-strong-recovery-in-2023-2024-1106594011.html 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 imf, international monetary fund, global economy, microchip https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/lavrov-says-received-certain-message-from-blinken-through-egyptian-foreign-minister-1106855347.html Lavrov Says Received 'Certain Message' From Blinken Through Egyptian Foreign Minister Lavrov Says Received 'Certain Message' From Blinken Through Egyptian Foreign Minister Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that he had received a "certain message" on what Russia should do in Ukraine from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken 2023-01-31T12:44+0000 2023-01-31T12:44+0000 2023-01-31T13:13+0000 world russia us ukraine sergey lavrov /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/19/1106672376_0:51:3072:1779_1920x0_80_0_0_cf24d94e419ba98032f367dbebe85cbe.jpg "Mr. Minister [of Foreign Affairs of Egypt] said that he conveyed a certain message from Secretary Blinken, who was recently on a visit to Cairo. I confirm this. We have always said that Russia is ready to listen to any serious, I emphasize this word, proposals aimed at resolving the current situation in its comprehensive context. In this regard, we have once again heard the message conveyed through Mr. Minister that Russia must stop, Russia must leave and then everything will be fine," Lavrov told a briefing, following his meeting with Shoukry in Moscow. The minister added that there was a second part to Blinken's message that was not conveyed to Russia. "Tony Blinken did not convey the second part of this appeal. But the second part of the appeal and this is the true interest of the United States and the West was outlined by NATO Secretary General [Jens] Stoltenberg when he was in the Republic of Korea. He said in one of his speeches that Russia must lose, Russia must be defeated, and the West cannot allow Ukraine to lose, because then the West will lose, and the whole world will lose, Stoltenberg said. That is, he took the liberty to speak not only on behalf of three dozen members of the North Atlantic Alliance, but also all other countries of the world, Asia, Africa and Latin America," Lavrov concluded.There is a principle agreement to engage Iran in the trilateral discussions among Russia, Turkey and Syria, Sergey Lavrov said.Russia supports Ankara's interest in improving relations with Damascus and will develop work in this regard, the minister said.Moscow is concerned about the situation around Iran, and believes that the attitude of the United States toward the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is similar to the attitude of the West to the Minsk agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday."The actions of the West mean only one thing that they still prefer, just as they did with regard to the Minsk agreements on the Ukrainian settlement, prefer to dismiss the UN Security Council resolutions and prefer to switch to aggressive actions, including using military force, instead of implementing the decisions of the supreme UN body," Lavrov told a briefing, following a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Moscow. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221024/iranian-foreign-ministry-calls-us-position-on-talks-on-revival-of-jcpoa-hypocritical-1102587465.html russia 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 russia should do in ukraine, ukrainian crisis, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov Company in Russia's Far East Launches Mass Production of Drones for Use in Ukraine A company in Russia's far eastern Primorsky Territory has launched the serial production of drones for the Russian army's needs during the military operation in Ukraine, the regional government said on Tuesday. The facility was inspected by Deputy Russian Prime Minister and Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, Minister of Development of the Far East and the Arctic Aleksey Chekunkov and Primorsky Territory Governor Oleg Kozhemyako. The officials visited enterprises of the military-industrial complex in the city of Vladivostok and checked the military equipment. "Those present paid special attention to unmanned aerial vehicles [UAV]. Each drone weighs only 1.5 kilograms [3 pounds]. There is a mechanism for dropping cargo at the enemys deployment site. Currently, the company has manufactured 45 such devices and is preparing to launch mass production, expecting to release about 60-100 more UAVs," the government said in a statement. In addition, the officials had an opportunity to look at a novel aircraft-type drone whose software was developed entirely in Primorsky Territory. Manufacturers are ready to produce up to 30 such units per month, according to the statement. Kozhemyako noted that he will hand over the drones to Russian troops when he goes to the military operation area. Primorsky Territory-based companies started production of military equipment for use in the area of hostilities last year. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/minsk-agreements-were-a-ruse-that-gave-kiev-time-to-rearm-ukraines-ex-president-admits-1106856464.html Minsk Agreements Were a Ruse That Gave Kiev Time to Rearm, Ukraines Ex-President Admits Minsk Agreements Were a Ruse That Gave Kiev Time to Rearm, Ukraines Ex-President Admits The admission confirms suspicions expressed last March by Viktor Yanukovych, the former Ukrainian president ousted in a Washington-backed coup in 2014, that Kiev and its American masters were responsible for the failure of the Minsk Peace Agreements and the escalation of the Donbass crisis into a full-blown Russia-Ukraine conflict. 2023-01-31T13:27+0000 2023-01-31T13:27+0000 2023-01-31T13:27+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine donbass petro poroshenko minsk agreements peace deal sham fraud farce /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102051/86/1020518642_0:0:4617:2598_1920x0_80_0_0_60d7f47901f9027ba469280c8c040f3d.jpg The February 2015 Minsk peace deal was just a sham that gave Ukraines post-Maidan coup authorities time to rearm and create an anti-Russia coalition, former President Petro Poroshenko has admitted.This document gave Ukraine eight years for building up [its] army, for building up [the] economy, and for building up [a] global pro-Ukrainian, anti-Putin coalition, Poroshenko said in a BBC documentary entitled Putin vs. the West.For his part, Munich Security Conference chairman Christoph Heusgen, a one-time security advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, revealed that Poroshenko had worriedly informed Berlin about the sorry state of Ukrainian forces fighting in Donbass after local militias inflicted a major defeat on them in the city of Debaltsevo in the winter of 2015, leaving Ukrainian lines on the brink of total collapse.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not mince words in commenting on Poroshenkos confession. We, at the request of our Egyptian friends, provided them with detailed information on events related to the special military operation in Ukraine, about the long years of sabotage of the Minsk Agreements that preceded the current situation, and which were actively used by the Ukrainian regime and Western countries that nurtured this regime to prepare for a war against Russia, Lavrov said, speaking to reporters alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Moscow on Tuesday.[These preparations] have been openly confessed to by those who signed the Minsk Agreements, former Ukrainian President Poroshenko, the former leaders of France and Germany, Mr. Hollande and Mrs. Merkel, Lavrov said. Now, he added, NATO is directly involved in a hybrid war against Russia in Ukraine.This is the second time Poroshenko openly admitted that the Minsk deal was a sham. In November, the former president told a pair of pranksters posing as the former US ambassador to Russia that he needed these Minsk Accords to get at least four years to form the Ukrainian Armed Forces, build up the Ukrainian economy and train the Ukrainian military together with NATO to create the best armed forces in Eastern Europe.Along with Poroshenko, Angela Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande have also come forward to admit that Minsk was a ploy, not a genuine desire to reach peace in Donbass.Last month, Merkel told reporters that the 2014 Minsk Agreement was an attempt to buy time for Ukraine, and that Kiev used this time to become stronger, as you can see today.Separately, Hollande similarly revealed that even though Russia had honestly met its obligations as a guarantor to the deal, the agreement was never about reaching a lasting peace. Since 2014, Ukraine has strengthened its military posture. Indeed, the Ukrainian army [of 2022] was completely different from that of 2014. It was better trained and equipped. It is the merit of the Minsk Agreements to have given the Ukrainian Army this opportunity, Hollande said.President Putin, who also signed the agreements, expressed surprise at the chancellors candor, saying he did not expect to hear such a thing from her, because he always proceeded from the idea that the German leadership behaves sincerely with us.Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who hosted the peace negotiations in the Belarusian capital in 2015, called Merkels remarks not just disgusting, but abominable, and slammed the former chancellor for acting in a petty, obnoxious way.What Were the Minsk Agreements and Why Did They Fail?The Minsk Peace Agreements were a thirteen-point ceasefire and peace deal signed by Ukraine and guaranteed by Russia, Germany and France designed to allow Kiev to restore its control over the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, in exchange for constitutionally-mandated autonomy. Kiev stalled on the implementation of the agreements political elements, while Donbass forces on the contact line accused the Ukrainian military of shelling and sniper attacks, and the illegal deployment of heavy military equipment in the buffer zone.Late last year, at a meeting with the mothers of Russian servicemen taking part in the military operation in Ukraine, President Putin said Moscow proceeded sincerely from the idea that peace in Donbass could have been achieved through the Minsk deal, but now, with the benefit of hindsight, it has become obvious that this reunification should have happened earlier, in 2014, before NATO had gotten its claws into Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/russias-deputy-foreign-minister-says-us-main-beneficiary-of-ukraine-crisis-1106805536.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221208/the-minsk-agreements-explained-1105193250.html ukraine donbass 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 minsk peace deal, minsk peace agreement, minsk peace, petro poroshenko, vladimir putin, angela merkel, francois hollande, peace agreement, peace, donbass, ukraine, russia A protection plan for Beijing's Central Axis was released last weekend ahead of its application to become a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. The plan, from 2022 to 2035, for the first time specified the heritage zone and buffer zone of the conservation area. According to the plan, the heritage zone covers an area of about 5.9 square kilometers, including 15 heritage sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The buffer zone covers 45.4 square kilometers. A local official with the office for cultural heritage application and protection said that the plan is necessary for Beijing's application for its Central Axis to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The official also remarked that the plan marks a new step in the conservation work. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 kilometers between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. The Beijing municipal government started preparation work for the world cultural heritage application of the Central Axis project in 2011. It was included in the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage in 2012. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/nato-throws-nuclear-bait-to-south-korea-1106851182.html NATO Throws Nuclear Bait to South Korea NATO Throws Nuclear Bait to South Korea NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg started his visit to South Korea and Japan on Sunday, but the "gifts" he brings with him aren't good 2023-01-31T10:51+0000 2023-01-31T10:51+0000 2023-01-31T10:51+0000 world nato jens stoltenberg south korea china /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/10/1106388958_0:144:3131:1905_1920x0_80_0_0_c0f7eaf072a689533533c3097d69a446.jpg He also mentioned that NATO and South Korea can share information with each other in response to doubts caused by North Korea's nuclear and missile program. Besides, Stoltenberg further touted about the importance of nuclear deterrence before his trip, claiming if "China, Russia and North Korea have nuclear weapons, but NATO allies do not - that's a more dangerous world."Obviously, Stoltenberg eyed wider. NATO's existing nuclear sharing mechanism has nothing to do with the security issues on the Korean Peninsula. It has to bring China and Russia along so that its appearance on the Korean Peninsula will not seem that abrupt and will not arouse the South Korea's vigilance. Stoltenberg cited "nuclear threat" from China, Russia, and North Korea to strengthen information sharing with South Korea. His purpose is very clear, that is, to draw South Korea into the cooperation framework of NATO. Nuclear sharing is just an excuse with which NATO's grip can be extended to Northeast Asia in an imposing manner.Although on the highly sensitive issue of nuclear sharing, Stoltenberg reserved some leeway in his public statements, the outside world generally believes that the "information sharing" he proposed will not be the end of NATO's involvement in the Asia-Pacific. Some analyses from South Korea pointed out that NATO's move is intended to echo the US and expand its activity area to the "Indo-Pacific" region to contain China. Although NATO claims that its positioning as a regional defensive alliance has not changed, since last year, it has continued to break traditional defense zones and areas and greatly strengthened military and security ties with Asia-Pacific countries such as Japan and South Korea. Now Stoltenberg is standing on the soil of Northeast Asia, talking about "nuclear deterrence" in such a high-profile manner, which highlights the serious threat NATO poses to this region.The stalemate on the Korean Peninsula and NATO are two remnants of the Cold War in Eurasia, but the former is a victim of the Cold War, while the latter is a beneficiary. After the end of the Cold War, NATO lost the necessity and legitimacy of existence, but it survived by sucking the tense and terrifying atmosphere caused by new crises and conflicts. The reason why NATO has set its sights on the Korean Peninsula is just like hyenas staring at the bleeding wounds of other animals. What it brings to Northeast Asia is the drumbeat of a new cold war.It is very popular in the US and the West to use the Ukraine crisis as a "security textbook" to sell security fears everywhere, and Stoltenberg's trip is no exception. However, what happened on the European continent just shows that once there is a security dilemma, even allies will turn against each other, and this knot will become tighter and tighter. In fact, this has a similar underlying logic to the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The North and the South used to "arm themselves" out of their respective security concerns, which in turn deepened the other side's concerns. What has happened on the peninsula in recent years has already proved that hostility and confrontation can never be the messengers of peace. This is crystal clear. We have noticed that although Stoltenberg always "intentionally or unintentionally" mentioned China when he unilaterally talked about the "threat" from North Korea, the South Korean side seemed to be relatively low-key about it. In Stoltenberg's meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, as well as with the defense and foreign ministers, the South Korean side avoided talking about China as much as possible. This shows that South Korea's security concerns so far are still mainly focused on the peninsula issue, but South Koreans need to take more precautions against the calculative NATO. The accelerated extension of NATO from Europe to Northeast Asia will only make the situation on the peninsula more complicated and difficult to resolve, and the result is by no means what South Korea wants to see.South Korea's national stability and economic development today are inseparable from the long-term relative peace and stability on the peninsula. The Hankyoreh pointed out soberly in a commentary, "NATO's nuclear sharing is not about owning or sharing usage rights to nuclear weapons, but a means of sharing the political burden and operational risks." The "nuclear bait" brought about by NATO is definitely poison rather than a cure for South Korea, which pursues a safe and stable external environment. Today, NATO's intention to get involved in the Asia-Pacific is well known. How to refuse to "drink poison to quench thirst" will test Seoul's political wisdom.This article originally appeared on the Global Times website. https://sputnikglobe.com south korea 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 jens stoltenberg started his visit to south korea and japan, partnership between nato https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/pushilin-on-dprs-liberation-special-operation-will-definitely-end-in-russias-victory-1106841291.html Special Operation Will Definitely End in Russia's Victory, Acting DPR Head Says Special Operation Will Definitely End in Russia's Victory, Acting DPR Head Says Acting head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin told Sputnik that he would not predict when the republic could be liberated, but that Russia's special military operation would definitely end in victory. 2023-01-31T03:56+0000 2023-01-31T03:56+0000 2023-01-31T04:10+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine denis pushilin dpr donetsk people's republic m1a2 abrams russia us us military aid /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/10/1106399959_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_efc6ba1e9dd9a13a7a367f817affb5c4.jpg Earlier, Akhmat special forces regiment commander Apty Alaudinov said the DPR could be completely liberated in the next 30 to 45 days, adding that the Russian Armed Forces were advancing in all directions. The official further indicated that any possible supplies of Western tanks to Ukraine will not decide anything, and that they would instantly become targets during ongoing hostilities.As for the plans announced by the West to supply tanks to Ukraine, there is no doubt that all of them will become a target for the Russian army, like all previous armored vehicles, which, in fact, caused its shortage," Pushilin said.Pushilin's comments come days after the US confirmed it would be shipping out 31 Abrams tanks as part of its latest military aid package, a move which had earlier been shied away from after it was determined Ukrainian forces were ill-equipped to operate the advanced vehicles. Earlier Monday, US President Joe Biden confirmed Washington would not be shipping out F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby later explaining that Kiev was being supplied with sufficient arms at the moment. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230127/russia-will-turn-all-western-weapons-sent-to-ukraine-into-scrap-kim-jong-uns-sister-says-1106767360.html 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 us military aid, donetsk people's republic, denis pushilin, abrams tanks https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/really-silly-actions-us-efforts-to-isolate-chinas-tech-sector-will-backfire-expert-says-1106863446.html Really Silly Actions: US Efforts to Isolate Chinas Tech Sector Will Backfire, Expert Says Really Silly Actions: US Efforts to Isolate Chinas Tech Sector Will Backfire, Expert Says The US has pushed its own businesses and those of its allies to decouple from China as part of Washingtons effort to pursue great power competition with Beijing and Moscow. However, with the global economy more integrated than ever, cutting the worlds second-largest economy out from the rest is essentially impossible. 2023-01-31T17:30+0000 2023-01-31T17:30+0000 2023-01-31T20:06+0000 analysis us-china trade war huawei semiconductors /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106945/96/1069459638_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ec73c141869bdea45809a5e602c34b68.jpg The US has expanded its efforts to isolate Chinas tech sector from advanced technology used by Western firms, especially high-end semiconductors and the microchips theyre used to make. Taiwan and South Korea have faced extensive pressure to limit sales to China, but more recently Washington has pressured Tokyo and Amsterdam, too. Meanwhile, Chinese tech firms have been rushing to adapt.Thomas W. Pauken II, author of "US vs China: From Trade War to Reciprocal Deal," a consultant on Asia-Pacific affairs and a geopolitical commentator, told Sputnik that people become most innovative in a crisis or they have no choice but to be innovative.The author noted that China is well-positioned to innovate as the US pressures other nations to decouple from Chinas economy.Indeed, the White Houses most recent efforts have already produced innovative fruits in Shenzhen.Insider reports quoted in US media have said that Dutch and Japanese officials have agreed after talks with their US counterparts to abide by the US ban on selling the most advanced semiconductor chips to Chinese companies, including Huawei, which the US moved toward a total ban on doing business with late last year. The agreement will block Chinese companies from buying from the Dutch firm ASML, presently the worlds only producer of high-end microchips using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. However, last month, reports in Chinese media indicated Huawei had filed for a patent on EUV lithography, evidently an innovation the Shenzhen-based tech giant had been working on for years.The US effort extends beyond Huawei, however, to Chinas efforts in the fields of AI, quantum, cyber, 5G, and advanced semiconductors - all fields in which Chinese companies have been making great gains and even taken the lead over their American counterparts in some cases.Chris Devonshire-Ellis, Chairman of Dezan Shira & Associates who has a 30-year-old investment and business career in China, Russia and Asia, told Sputnik that the US and China have different capabilities.Devonshire-Ellis predicted that the consequences of this race would be to divide the world, with the loser not wanting to be subject to the whims of the winner.Could China retaliate for the US sanctions and trade bans? Pauken said they dont need to, they just need to anticipate such moves and believe they will be followed through, because the US and Europe will end up punishing themselves more so than the Chinese.Devonshire-Ellis noted that even if China did not retaliate in kind, the US efforts have completely disregarded the World Trade Organizations (WTO) rules regarding fair competition.That said, Pauken noted that if the US-Dutch-Japan ban does go into full effect, it would have a huge impact.The analyst noted that the Japanese have not totally agreed to the US terms because of Japans close trade relationship with China, especially their tech sectors, which are making quite a bit of money.He noted the same is likely true of an agreement with Amsterdam.If the Netherlands actually agree to this on paper, then that would be devastating to their economy. Recently, they changed environmental rules, so they practically destroyed their agriculture because of new environmental rules. So right now, their only real sector is either tourism or the chips industry. So obviously, if they lose a major customer from China, this will have a very deep impact on them. I really don't believe that they have a paper agreement claiming that they actually agreed to what the newspapers are saying. And this is why a lot of times these treaties and agreements are never disclosed to the public, he observed.I just don't see it happening with these countries actually going in ahead, signing some, the US and their country, agreement specifying exactly what they're claiming to the media. And this is very common. This is a very common occurrence. I always find it interesting that the media never ask specifically, can you show us the agreement papers? Can you show us what is exactly in writing? The Western media doesn't do it that often. I would advise them that they should start spending more time looking at the actual documents.Devonshire-Ellis noted that the Dutch response follows the EUs perspective, which is to closely follow what the US says. While Japan has had some more independence from Washington, especially economically, its superiority to China in the field of robotics is undoubtedly connected to its close relationship with the US.Overall, it should be mentioned that many of the component parts that go into semiconductors, including precious metals, rare earths and gasses, and the technologies required, are already in possession of Russia and China and its allies. This is also the case with energy reserves. The West, in time, will need access to these in order to continue a drive towards supremacy. The crunch time isnt now its when the West finds it needs to rely on Russia and China and their allies to continue to manufacture the super semi-conductors they are technically capable of designing.Short-term, the US decision makes sense for Washington. But longer term it could prove to be highly damaging should Russia and China invoke reciprocity and refuse to supply the West with the core ingredients. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/whats-new-in-us-latest-rhetoric-on-china-1106852459.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230109/penny-wise-pound-foolish-us-embargo-driving-china-to-pioneer-own-semiconductor-industry-1106173244.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230128/senior-us-general-predicts-war-with-china-in-2025-urges-airmen-to-prepare-to-come-home-in-body-bags-1106791710.html 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 us-china trade war, semiconductors, chips https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/reports-of-classified-documents-found-on-hunter-bidens-laptop-1106839538.html Reports of Classified Documents Found on Hunter Biden's Laptop Reports of Classified Documents Found on Hunter Biden's Laptop On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including 32 killed in a Pakistan mosque bombing, and Donald Trump insulting... 31.01.2023, Sputnik International 2023-01-31T04:25+0000 2023-01-31T04:25+0000 2023-02-03T08:21+0000 the backstory germany ai brazil donald trump fbi ukraine covid-19 radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/1e/1106839391_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_dff6e51e3626b90d70134bd89e64bf40.png Reports of Classified Documents Found on Hunter Biden's Laptop On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including 32 killed in a Pakistan mosque bombing, and Donald Trump insulting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Wyatt Reed - Digital Media Producer with Sputnik | Germany Brags about Sending 14 Tanks to Ukraine, Who is in Charge of Germany?, and Coded MessagesJim Hoft - Founder of The Gateway Pundit | The MAGA Base, Classified Documents on Hunter Biden's Laptop, and The Gateway Pundit Readers.In the first hour, Lee spoke with Wyatt Reed about Germany's involvement between Russia-Ukraine, Angela Merkel, and Brazilian politics. Wyatt talked about Victoria Nuland's recent statements about the Nord Stream 2 pipeline bombing and government ordered censorship in Brazil. Wyatt discussed the media coverage of the special military operation in Ukraine and the revision of world history. In the second hour, Lee spoke with Jim Hoft about Donald Trump's inability to apologize, GOP led committees, and the FBI protection of Hunter Biden. Jim spoke about the classified documents found on Hunter Biden's laptop and the media propaganda on Hunter Biden's laptop. Jim commented on Donald Trump's recent 2024 election videos and the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. germany brazil ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png germany, ai, brazil, donald trump, fbi, ukraine, covid-19, , radio https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/russian-fm-lavrov-and-egyptian-counterpart-shoukry-hold-joint-press-conference-in-moscow-1106846451.html Russian FM Lavrov and Egyptian Counterpart Shoukry Hold Joint Press Conference in Moscow Russian FM Lavrov and Egyptian Counterpart Shoukry Hold Joint Press Conference in Moscow Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry hold a joint press conference following bilateral talks in Moscow. 2023-01-31T11:20+0000 2023-01-31T11:20+0000 2023-01-31T11:36+0000 sameh shoukry sergey lavrov russia egypt africa north africa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105664/02/1056640232_0:154:3093:1894_1920x0_80_0_0_6bf9f2912c448637fd2829b70c363518.jpg Sputnik brings you a live broadcast as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry hold a joint press conference after talks in Moscow on Tuesday, 31 January.The ministers are expected to have discussed a broad range of issues both local and international.The previous meeting between Lavrov and Shoukry took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2022, when they discussed the implementation of the grain deal. The Egyptian foreign minister has previously visited Russia in October 2021.In July 2022, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations struck a deal to provide a humanitarian maritime corridor for ships with food and fertilizer exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that most of the ships carrying Ukrainian grain did not make it to the world's poorest countries and ended up in Europe.Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More! russia egypt africa north africa 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 Russian FM Lavrov and Egyptian Counterpart Shoukry Hold Joint Press Conference in Moscow Russian FM Lavrov and Egyptian Counterpart Shoukry Hold Joint Press Conference in Moscow 2023-01-31T11:20+0000 true PT37M01S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sameh shoukry, russian foreign minister sergei lavrov https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/supply-of-leopards-to-kiev-spanish-govt-humbly-follows-washingtons--natos-orders-1106850100.html Supply of Leopards to Kiev: Spanish Govt Humbly Follows Washington's & NATO's Orders Supply of Leopards to Kiev: Spanish Govt Humbly Follows Washington's & NATO's Orders In mid-2022, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said she would not send Leopard tanks to Ukraine because they were in "absolutely deplorable condition." 2023-01-31T10:28+0000 2023-01-31T10:28+0000 2023-01-31T10:28+0000 opinion ukraine leopard 2 tank spain analysis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/14/1106533192_0:22:3563:2026_1920x0_80_0_0_bf9ab3ba34fa205212d78cfacd80725e.jpg "If NATO orders to send tanks, the Sanchez government cannot refuse," commented Juan Antonio Aguilar, director of Geoestrategia.es, on the recent announcement by the Spanish Defense Ministry to send Leopard tanks to Kiev. However, he gave three reasons as to why these vehicles would be useless. Juan Antonio Aguilar explained that the poor condition of the tanks was not an excuse to not send them to Kiev. On the contrary, Spain tried to comply with all NATO requests.According to the expert, the Leopard A4 tanks stationed in Zaragoza have not been moved in more than 15 years, and it would take a lot of work and money to get them up and running again. Assessing the current situation, the expert identified three main problems that the Spanish government may face.First of all, he noted, there is the training of the crew, which takes about 22 months, but Spain plans to do it in four to six weeks. It turns out that poorly trained Ukrainian troops will operate a sophisticated weapons system in the most dangerous spot in the world, the expert said.The second problem is logistics. One hour in a combat zone is equivalent to three hours of maintenance on such tanks. Ukrainian soldiers also need highly specialized maintenance teams and training to produce quality mechanics, so the analyst doubts this can happen.Third, the operational environment is another challenge for Kiev. Tanks cannot operate alone. They must coordinate with other types of forces, such as air defenses, artillery, drones, or attack helicopters. In addition, the terrain through which they advance must be occupied by infantry in mechanized formations, he explained, calling such tank deployments a "monstrous operation" if these conditions are not met.At the same time, Aguilar noted that while some Western tanks have advantages over Russian tanks, it also works the other way around. For example, Russian tank crews require three tankers, while Western tanks require four. The Russian T-90 tank has a 125mm main gun, the Leopard has a 120mm one, and the Russian tank also has a range of fire advantage of 4,000 meters to the Leopard's 3,500 meters, the analyst calculated."It also has better mobility, greater autonomy and ability to take cover, a lower profile for anti-tank weapons, and another very important aspect: it is much cheaper to produce," he said.Spanish Leopard 2 A4 VS German Leopard 2 A6Comparing the two types of Leopard tanks, the expert pointed out that the tanks Germany is sending to Ukraine are at least 15 years newer than the Spanish ones, so their technological gap could be very large. The crews of these types of tanks are not interchangeable, which aggravates the problem rather than facilitates combat operations.Therefore, the analyst concluded that sending 150 Leopard tanks to Kiev would not give the Ukrainian army any advantage and would not change the course of Russia's special military operation.Russia has repeatedly warned that supplying arms to the Kiev regime will only increase tensions in Eastern Europe and exacerbate the conflict in Ukraine. However, the United States and its EU allies have launched a sanctions campaign against Moscow to supposedly weaken its economy and prevent Russia from funding its army. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230127/four-reasons-leopard-2s--m1-abrams-will-bite-the-dust-in-ukraine-1106772754.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230126/berlins-decision-to-send-leopard-2s-to-ukraine-historically-wrong-german-mp-says-1106729958.html ukraine spain 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 leopard tanks to ukraine, spanish government had begun refurbishing some leopard 2a4 tanks https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/tanzania-reportedly-warns-foreign-envoys-against-issuing-alarming-statements-1106860433.html Tanzania Reportedly Warns Foreign Envoys Against Issuing 'Alarming Statements' Tanzania Reportedly Warns Foreign Envoys Against Issuing 'Alarming Statements' Foreign diplomatic missions should avoid issuing "alarming statements" concerning security in Tanzania, the country's Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax reportedly said. 2023-01-31T15:02+0000 2023-01-31T15:02+0000 2023-01-31T15:12+0000 africa east africa tanzania kenya us diplomatic missions diplomat foreign minister klm dutch airlines /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/0f/1106334244_0:161:3069:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_52f26f8ef79b1abb5eb7219838887fa2.jpg Foreign diplomatic missions should avoid issuing "alarming statements" concerning security in Tanzania, the country's Foreign Minister Stergomena Tax reportedly said. The statement was made at a meeting in the capital Dodoma, organized specifically to warn the heads of the missions on the matter.The US mission's earlier claim that high-traffic areas frequented by Westerners "continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct attacks" was followed by an alert made by the Dutch airline KLM. The latter warned its customers that there could be possible disruptions to its Kenya and Tanzania flights, attributed to "civil unrest."Responding to KLM's statement, Kenyan Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen deemed it "unfounded, false, insensitive and misleading information that paints Kenya in bad light," noting that the government was "shocked" by the airline's warning.In his turn, Tanzanias Minister for Works and Transport Makame Mbarawa said that KLM's statement "has caused unnecessary fear and panic to the general public and aviation industry at large." africa east africa tanzania kenya Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Petr Baryshnikov Petr Baryshnikov 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 Petr Baryshnikov us tanzania, us warning, klm tanzania, klm kenya, us tanzania terrorism, us tanzania warnng, klm warning, tanzania terror https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/tehran-warns-any-us-military-action-against-iran-will-be-declaration-of-war-1106848520.html Tehran Warns Any US Military Action Against Iran Will Be Declaration of War Tehran Warns Any US Military Action Against Iran Will Be Declaration of War The Iranian Permanent Mission to the UN warned on Tuesday, after the recent drone attack in the province of Isfahan, allegedly carried out by Israel, that Tehran would consider any military action by the US against Iran as a declaration of war 2023-01-31T08:24+0000 2023-01-31T08:24+0000 2023-01-31T08:24+0000 world iran us attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0b/0e/1081163985_0:0:3318:1867_1920x0_80_0_0_f53d164da59ea165e7b2f36ff1fa4a17.jpg "In Iran's perspective, the use of the military option at any level means U.S. entry into the war. For now Iran considers such a possibility to be weak," the mission told US news magazine.Tehran also said that if the US "miscalculates and starts a war," then Washington would be responsible for the consequences of such a conflict "for the region and the world," the news outlet reported. In such a case, Iran will be capable of ensuring its own security and defending the country's interests, the magazine cited the mission as saying. Washington has so far denied any involvement in the recent attack on Iran, the media outlet reported. On Saturday night, an explosion occurred in Isfahan's northern neighborhood, at one of the military enterprises of the Iranian Defense Ministry, media reported. Mini-drones reportedly attacked an ammunition depot. No casualties were registered. The same night, an explosion and a subsequent fire occurred at an industrial oil production plant in the city of Azarshahr in northwestern Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that Israel was behind the drone attack. Similar assumptions were voiced by an Iranian official cited by the Al Jazeera broadcaster. 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 military action by the us against iran, drone attack https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/three-years-on-from-brexit-what-has-changed-in-the-uk-1106849995.html Three Years on From Brexit, What Has Changed in the UK? Three Years on From Brexit, What Has Changed in the UK? Today marks the third anniversary of the Britain's formal departure from the European Union. But how much has the UK changed since leaving the Brussels bloc, and has it yet succeeded in forging its own path? 2023-01-31T15:25+0000 2023-01-31T15:25+0000 2023-01-31T15:25+0000 uk britain great britain brexit boris johnson european union (eu) brussels sputnik explains northern ireland protocol /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/07/07/1097047942_0:0:2869:1614_1920x0_80_0_0_8aaaac0549d456ec1dcdee36aa72c4c9.jpg Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) at the end of January 2020 was the culmination of a fierce political battle that had been waging since before it joined the bloc in 1993.The 2016 referendum, in which 17.3 million Britons voted to leave the increasingly super-state-like bloc, was bitterly contested. Remain campaigners almost immediately claimed dishonesty on the party of the Leave campaign and even nefarious 'Russian meddling'.After pro-Brexit Boris Johnson became prime minister in July 2019, Europhiles within the ruling Conservative Party united with the opposition in a bid to derail the process even as talks on a post-withdrawal agreement entered their final leg.But how much has Britain changed since then? Famous top-hatted Remain protester Steve Bray is still bray-ing outside the Houses of Parliament, and Nigel 'Mr Brexit' Farage is still a major media figure with his own show on GB News a channel set up to appeal to Brexiteers.Conservative MP John Redwood, one of the leading voices for Brexit, wrote last week that there had already been "wins", but "the government needs to do more to exercise the Brexit freedoms we have gained."Redwood argued that the "wild pessimism" of the Remain camp was proven unfounded, pointing to the scores of bilateral commerce deals swiftly struck with non-EU nations by then-trade minister Liz Truss and the continued growth in exports to the rest of the world.Like Johnson, Redwood pointed to the rapid roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in the UK from December 2020, leaving the effort organised centrally by the European Commission in the dust and prompting commission President Ursula von der Leyen to embark on the ill-fated 'vaccine war'. Redwood also pointed to the AUKUS military pact with the US and Australia which saw France jilted out of a submarine deal with Canberra and argued the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing group that also includes Canada and New Zealand had been strengthened. Military TiesThe UK remained a member of military alliance NATO, long considered synonymous with the EU, when it left the bloc. If anything, London has drawn closer to Brussels since the launch of Russia's military operation in Ukraine as the west imposed sanctions on Moscow while eagerly arming Kiev.Ironically, it was Johnson who played a leading role in forging 'European unity' on economic warfare and military aid, far more than Joe 'I'm Irish' Biden who opposed Brexit. BoJo alternately schmoozed EU leaders then turned on the emotional blackmail on his frequent trips to Kiev, claiming to have seen evidence of war crimes.Johnson caused a minor diplomatic spat after leaving office when he revealed that the governments of France, Germany and Italy had initially resisted the sanctions regime for "sound economic reasons". But that has done nothing to dent the cheek-by-jowl relationship between the UK and EU, whose economies are now firmly lashed together and sinking as one.No Cause for Celebration?Mark Garnett, a politics professor at Lancaster University, took a more negative view, claiming that "supporters of Brexit are finding it difficult to identify any reasons for celebration."He dismissed Redwood's arguments about the COVID-19 vaccines roll-out and downplayed the significance of global trade, insisting that "the benefits of these agreements have been minimal."The academic pointed to a new poll that found a majority believed leaving the EU was a mistake but conceded that "there is no great public appetite for re-joining the EU."That left the leaders of the two big parties, the Tories and Labour, with "the task of persuading the people that, at some point in the future, the supposed opportunities opened up by Brexit could still lead to greater national prosperity."Protocols and BordersWhat has certainly not changed is the row over Ireland's place in post-Brexit relations between the UK and EU. The republic of Ireland, still a member of the Brussels bloc, shares a land border with the British exclave in Northern Ireland.While most commerce between the two countries and onwards to the continent goes by sea through the port of Dublin, Brussels claimed it was worried Northern Ireland could become a 'back door' for British goods to enter unregulated. At the same time, Dublin insisted that any customs checks on the country roads that cross the border would be a breach of the 1999 Belfast Agreement that ended three decades of sectarian terrorism. The compromise was the Northern Ireland Protocol tacked onto the UK-EU withdrawal agreement. That kept the 'six counties' within the EU's common market along with the republic, but erected a customs barrier between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain.The result has been an increase in red tape for businesses and an effective ban on the import of certain goods, such as British sausages and potted plants, prompting protests and outbreaks of unrest in unionist communities. Downing Street has mooted invoking article 16 of the protocol to bring in emergency measures in a bid to bring a an adamant Brussels back to the negotiating table.Irish academic Dr Roslyn Fuller, director of the non-profit think tank Solonian Democracy Institute, told Sputnik that after Britain, Ireland had been most affected by Brexit.Fuller believes Brexit appealed to British voters who were "seeking a return to politics that worked for the average person and improved the standard of living." She pointed out that Both Johnson and former Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn both campaigned on platforms of popular power "with great success." But with both Corbyn and Johnson since brought down by media campaigns against them, power has "returned to a rather elitist candidate Rishi Sunak.""I would have loved to see Brexit followed by a renewed national politics in the UK that improved pay for the average worker, regulated foreign investment in finance and real estate and re-nationalized some basic infrastructure around transportation and energy," Fuller said. "However, I also didn't believe that would automatically happen as a result of Brexit. That would require a sustained effort."Sweet OblivionBy contrast, Alistair Jones, associate professor of politics at De Montfort University in the UK, thinks most Britons are "oblivious of this date."Jones argued that little has really changed. He said the UK was now in the same boat as the US, Russia, China, Australia and New Zealand when it came to trading with the EU, by having to prove its goods conform to the bloc's standards.He held up a report by think-tank the Institute for Government which is independent of the government that the British economy had contracted by four per cent more than could solely be blamed on the pandemic. Jones also singled out the British dairy industry, saying it had suffered from attempts to diversify its markets for cheese outside the EU. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230101/life-outside-the-bloc-how-did-brexit-take-place-1105977616.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221123/johnson-admits-sound-economic-reasons-for-wanting-ukraine-to-surrender-1104575858.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230124/prospects-of-brexit-deals-renegotiation-slim---report---1106638764.html britain great britain brussels Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png uk, european union, eu, brexit, boris johnson, anniversary https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/twitter-files-exposes-scam-ilton-68-hoax-rand-report-on-ukraine-german-political-discord-1106839860.html Twitter Files Exposes "Scam-ilton" 68 Hoax; Rand Report on Ukraine; German Political Discord Twitter Files Exposes "Scam-ilton" 68 Hoax; Rand Report on Ukraine; German Political Discord A Twitter files release has revealed that a think tank called "The Alliance for Securing Democracy" operated a scam called "The Hamilton 68 Dashboard" that... 31.01.2023, Sputnik International 2023-01-31T04:26+0000 2023-01-31T04:26+0000 2023-02-03T08:21+0000 the critical hour hamilton 68 germany israel war china iran radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/1f/1106839714_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_60d9db95fa83200b6a01b0c93c033443.png Twitter Files Exposes "Scam-ilton" 68 Hoax; Rand Report on Ukraine; German Political Discord A Twitter files release has revealed that a think tank called "The Alliance for Securing Democracy" operated a scam called "The Hamilton 68 Dashboard" that purported to track Russian online influence operations. John Kiriakou, former CIA Officer and Co-Host of "Political Misfits" on Radio Sputnik, joins us to discuss Russia gate. A Twitter files release has revealed that a think tank called "The Alliance for Securing Democracy" operated a scam called "The Hamilton 68 Dashboard" that purported to track Russian online influence operations.Regis Tremblay, an American citizen living in Crimea, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Russia has accused Ukraine of attacking a hospital. Also, a Rand study argues that a protracted war in Ukraine will hurt US interests and US public opinion is shifting away from US intervention in Ukraine.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss foreign policy. Mini-drones attacked an amunition depot in the Iranian province of Isfahan; the attack was allegedly carried out by Israel. Also, a US Air Force general predicts war with China before 2025.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Germany. Another retired German military expert has come out against the Olaf Scholz government's policy on Ukraine. Also, Ukraine is asking for German submarines and the German foreign minister may be in hot water.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Israel is again attacking its neighbors. Also, the Lebanon port blast is in the news again and the Israeli Prime Minister vows harsher policies against Palestinian civilians.Darryl Jones, attorney and voting rights activist, joins us to discuss domestic policy. The killing of a Black Memphis man has sparked a dialogue on systemic racism in America. Also, Representative Ilhan Omar argues that she is facing prejudicial treatment in Congress because she is a Muslim.Miko Peled, author, and activist, joins us to discuss Israel. Israel's challenge to Al-Aqsa ownership will threaten world peace. Also, a new report challenges that major corporations are complicit in Israel's water apartheid.Caleb Maupin, journalist, and political analyst, joins us to discuss China. The accusations against China for censorship are made by the same people who try to use media treachery as a weapon against the Asian powerhouse. Also, China and Latin America strengthen their ties.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. germany israel china iran 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 hamilton 68, germany, israel, war, china, iran, , radio Staff members work at a workshop of an auto manufacturing enterprise in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 28, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] With long queues outside restaurants, crowded subway cars, and active machines in factories and on building sites, the Chinese economy is shaking off its COVID shadow and has gotten off to a good start in 2023. Robust consumption During the weeklong Spring Festival holiday, which ended last Friday, cinemas, restaurants, and tourist attractions were swamped with people eager to meet their pent-up consumption desires. Cinemas nationwide sold 129 million tickets, generating 6.76 billion yuan (nearly 1 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue in the period, up 11.89 percent year on year. Some 308 million domestic trips were made, with tourism revenues hitting a total of 375.8 billion yuan, up 30 percent. Better-than-expected holiday spending improved confidence in a services consumption recovery, CITIC Securities said in a report, noting that the catering sector is about to see a stable and sustainable rebound and that tourism will strengthen gradually during peak seasons. Expanding consumption has become a policy priority. A State Council meeting on Saturday stressed the need for timely measures to promote an early recovery of consumption as the main economic driving force. Local governments have since January been rolling out favorable policies to improve consumer sentiment. Shanghai, a mega city in east China, on Sunday unveiled an action plan including purchase tax exemptions for new-energy vehicles and vouchers for sectors such as cultural tourism and catering. Hainan, an island province in south China, has actively promoted duty-free shopping, reporting 5.19 billion yuan in sales from Jan. 1 to 28. A consumption rebound is a key theme for 2023, UBS economist Wang Tao said, predicting that full-year nominal retail sales will grow 9 percent year on year. Factories in full swing Post-holiday production is also picking up across the country, with factories in full swing. On Saturday, the first business day after the Spring Festival holiday, construction on 136 key projects broke ground in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. These projects, covering everything from advanced manufacturing to modern services, are expected to have an annual output of over 150 billion yuan and create more than 110,000 jobs. In the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, more than 60 rotary drilling rigs were in simultaneous operation at a construction site for Changan Auto's new factory in January. "With an investment of 6.3 billion yuan, the project will have an annual capacity of 280,000 new energy vehicles," according to project director Wu Kezhi. Chongqing is planning to launch 1,123 major projects this year, with total investment up 18.5 percent from a year earlier. The same vigor can be seen nationwide, as local authorities are making solid efforts to resume production, bringing fresh and sustainable momentum to the economy. Major economic powerhouses -- Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shandong and Sichuan provinces -- have set their 2023 growth targets at above 5 percent. New measures for this year have been unveiled in local government work reports, and they are expected to boost the high-quality growth of China's economy. Brightened outlook The reemerging hustle and bustle across the country has painted an encouraging picture of China's economy after a difficult 2022. Saturday's State Council meeting urged efforts to promote a steady economic rebound for the beginning of the year. The meeting underscored the need to facilitate a speedy resumption of business and production after the holiday. Timely measures will be taken to promote an early recovery, advance opening-up in a steadfast manner, and stabilize and upgrade foreign trade and investment. Global investors and institutions have remained confident in the Chinese economy, and multiple investment banks have upwardly revised their forecasts for China's growth rate in 2023. Liu Linan, head of China macro strategy at Deutsche Bank, has predicted that the Chinese economy will expand about 6 percent this year and that growth will become even more steady in 2024 as China emerges from the impacts of the three-year epidemic. After returning to normalcy, and when financial risks tame and pro-growth reforms take effect, China's resilience will also strengthen in the medium-to-long term, Liu said, expressing optimism about the prospects of Chinese assets. The country's economy has passed its most difficult moment and is expected to achieve an overall recovery and improve this year, with more market vitality unleashed and an accelerated rebound in activity, analysts have said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/ukraines-bid-for-warplanes-appears-to-be-lacking-wings-1106845891.html Ukraine's Bid for Warplanes Appears to Be Lacking Wings Ukraine's Bid for Warplanes Appears to Be Lacking Wings Shortly after the US, the UK, France and Germany signaled readiness to provide Kiev with their main battle tanks, Ukrainian authorities were quick to say that they now need scores of warplanes and long-range missiles from the West 2023-01-31T06:53+0000 2023-01-31T06:53+0000 2023-01-31T06:54+0000 world ukraine us germany france poland emmanuel macron joe biden f-16 fighter jets /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107698/94/1076989455_0:13:1281:733_1920x0_80_0_0_a8d06eee3cea2c65fd30f909f2212763.jpg It seems as though Kievs hopes to get its hands on the US-made fourth-generation F-16 fighter jets from its western allies remain destined to go unfulfilled as some leaders have already ruled out such a possibility and others only pledged that the warplanes' deliveries might be on the cards.US President Joe Biden made it clear on Monday that Washington would not be sending the F-16s to Ukraine in its future military aid packages. His remarks came as he spoke to reporters on the White House South Lawn, moments after he returned from an event in Baltimore, Maryland.Hours after Biden spoke to reporters, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained that the reason for the refusal was that "there's a lot of capability that is being sent, and will be sent in the coming weeks and months" to Ukraine.Biden spoke after French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that by definition, nothing is excluded when it comes to Paris sending combat aircraft to Kiev, something that he said would depend on at least three factors.A UK newspaper previously reported that "the French government could be prepared to offer some of its older generation planes - likely Dassault Mirages - but Paris is aware of the difficulties in training both Ukrainian pilots and the 10 support staff needed for a jet.This came after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed late last week that Berlin will not send its fighter jets to Kiev.The fact that weve only just made a decision [on sending tanks] and already the next debate [fighter jets] is firing up in Germany - that just seems frivolous and undermines peoples trust in government decisions, he added.Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has, meanwhile, told reporters that Warsaw would provide Kiev with its F-16 fighters only with NATO's blessing.Earlier this month, the UK and Germany announced that they would deliver an array of their main battle tanks - the Challenger 2 and the Leopard 2, respectively - to Ukraine. The US, in turn, plans to send its M1 Abrams tanks to Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that Kiev also needs combat aircraft and long-range missiles to tackle Russian troops whose special military operation in Ukraine is under way.Moscow has repeatedly warned that the West's military aid to Ukraine will only prolong the Ukrainian conflict and that NATO countries are playing with fire by providing Kiev with weapons. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that any cargo that contains arms for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian forces. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230124/what-is-the-m1-abrams-main-battle-tank-biden-wants-to-send-to-ukraine-1106666570.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230123/what-is-the-leopard-2-tank-and-why-is-its-possible-delivery-to-kiev-so-explosively-contentious-1106621828.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230126/russia-rolls-out-combat-robot-to-detect-and-destroy-leopard-2-abrams-tanks-sent-to-ukraine-1106724932.html ukraine germany france poland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg russian special military operation in ukraine, deliveries of western made battle tanks to kiev, kiev's request to get combat aircraft and long-range missiles from west https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/us-pressuring-turkey-to-impose-sanctions-against-russia-turkish-economist-says-1106848605.html US Pressuring Turkey to Impose Sanctions Against Russia, Turkish Economist Says US Pressuring Turkey to Impose Sanctions Against Russia, Turkish Economist Says Washington is putting pressure on Ankara to impose sanctions against Russia, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is still pursuing his own, independent policy towards Moscow 2023-01-31T08:13+0000 2023-01-31T08:13+0000 2023-01-31T10:26+0000 world sanctions us turkiye russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105828/16/1058281626_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5fd9271fbf80e6c099c5f601b51d5dd9.jpg "Our economy is based not on planned production, but on unplanned trade. In other words, there is an understanding of an economy based on trade rather than manufacturing. There is no plan anyway. The US is putting pressure on us, demanding an embargo against Russia, but there are no serious sanctions," Soral was quoted as saying by Turkish newspaper. The Turkish economist reportedly added that Erdogan was pursuing his own policy towards Russia, within the framework of which he established warm relations with Moscow. If a serious study of public opinion among the Turkish population is carried out, it will become clear that "anti-American and anti-Western sentiments are at their peak," the economist reportedly said. Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2023, responding to calls for help from the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. Western countries, including Canada, and their allies responded by imposing comprehensive sanctions against Russia. Ankara has not joined Russia sanctions as they could hit, first of all, the Turkish economy, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said last year. turkiye 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 ankara to impose sanctions against russia, independent policy towards moscow https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/west-begins-to-understand-that-us-provocation-lies-at-heart-of-ukrainian-conflict-moscow-1106853573.html West Begins to Understand That US Provocation Lies at Heart of Ukrainian Conflict: Moscow West Begins to Understand That US Provocation Lies at Heart of Ukrainian Conflict: Moscow Western countries are gradually beginning to understand that the Ukraine crisis stems from Washington's provocative policy 2023-01-31T12:13+0000 2023-01-31T12:13+0000 2023-01-31T12:13+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine us ukraine west conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/02/19/1093357769_0:14:3114:1767_1920x0_80_0_0_3586691da92b22ded0a1baab86975dba.jpg "Additional enlightenment, an additional position is manifested here and there that, it turns out, the US provocation is at the heart of the entire Ukraine situation. And it is not us who is getting this insight as we did understand everything a long time ago and have been trying to tell everyone about it for many years. This awareness comes to the West, comes to experts, political scientists and journalists, who, someone more timidly, someone more insistently say that [US] provocativeness is obvious and it has led to such consequences," Zakharova said on the air of Russian online show Solovyev Live. The spokeswoman added that those states that did not intend to comply with the Minsk agreements from the very beginning should be held accountable for that. In 2014, the Minsk Agreements were signed by Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe with mediation of France and Germany to find a political resolution to the military conflict in eastern Ukraine. The deal failed and Minsk II, a revised version, was signed the following year. Moscow repeatedly stated that Kiev was not fulfilling the deal, for example not granting self-government to the Russian-speaking breakaway territories in Donbass. In February 2022, Russia recognized independence of the republics in Donbass and began a military operation in Ukraine responding to calls for help from them. The US and its allies responded by imposing comprehensive sanctions against Russia while also increasing their military support for Ukraine. The breakaway republics of Ukraine were incorporated into Russia last fall after referendums. In December 2022, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German newspaper that the 2014 Minsk agreement was an "attempt to give Ukraine extra time" before a wide-scale military conflict with Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230130/biden-reveals-us-will-not-provide-ukraine-with-f-16-fighter-jets-1106837708.html ukraine west 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 ukraine crisis, washington's provocative policy https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/whats-new-in-us-latest-rhetoric-on-china-1106852459.html Whats New in US Latest Rhetoric on China? Whats New in US Latest Rhetoric on China? Engagement between US and China actually came to a standstill following the August 2022 visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan despite protests by Beijing. 2023-01-31T13:59+0000 2023-01-31T13:59+0000 2023-01-31T13:59+0000 china us tensions taiwan escalation strategy nancy pelosi sputnik explains /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/07/0f/1083388892_0:203:2919:1845_1920x0_80_0_0_cbbd453e25eb1456353dff85d95c7af0.jpg Recent days have seen US officials express fresh unfriendly rhetoric (sometimes stern) toward China, in a sign of escalation of political and economic tensions between the two countries. Lets take a closer look at what exactly they said.US Wins Japan, Netherlands' Support to Hit China's Chip IndustryA US media outlet has cited unnamed sources as saying that Washington has managed to convince Tokyo and Amsterdam to join the United States in expanding a ban on exports of chip-making technology to China.The sources claimed that several key companies in Japan and the Netherlands, as part of the agreement, will implement some US export control measures the White House adopted last fall. The insiders argued that the deal would restrict China's access to semiconductor technology from Dutch firm ASML and Japanese firms Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd. ASML is the worlds only producer of machines that use extreme ultraviolet lithography to make advanced semiconductor chips.White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby for his part told reporters that Dutch and Japanese officials met US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington to discuss the issue.He added that the Biden administration is grateful that they were able to come to DC and to have these talks. Kirby declined to say whether there was a deal on tighter export controls on semiconductor technology.In October 2022, Washington expanded controls on the export of US semiconductor technology going to China to restrict Beijing's ability to make certain high-end microchips that the White House claims are used by Beijing in military applications, allegations that Chinese authorities have repeatedly rejected. Beijing took the matter to the World Trade Organization (WTO), filing a lawsuit challenging the US export controls. US Exports to Huawei HaltedIn a separate development, a UK newspaper reported that Washington had stopped issuing licenses to US companies to export to Huawei, as the US administration is getting closer to imposing a total ban on American technology sale to the Chinese telecom giant.The newspaper claimed that the decision comes as Washington moves towards a total ban on the sale of US technology to the Chinese telecom equipment giant.Washingtons move comes amid stabilization of Huaweis operations in the face of the US clampdown on the company. The firms rotating chair Eric Xu said in December that 2023 would be the first year in which Huawei would return to business as usual. According to the company, its 2022 revenues were flat at $94bn after a significant decline in 2021.Washington's ongoing crackdown on Huawei kicked off back in May 2019, when the US Department of Commerce banned Internet providers from using the company's products and American tech firms from selling technologies to the Chinese telecom titan without obtaining a special license first.The White House argues that the company is collaborating with the Chinese government to allow it to spy on those who use the tech firms equipment, allegations that have been rejected by both Beijing and Huawei. In 2020, the US barred manufacturers from using American technology to produce chips for Huawei, in a move that came amid the Trump administration's efforts to pressure foreign countries not to purchase Huawei's 5G equipment.'Very High' Odds of US War With China?Michael McCaul, the new chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the US House of Representatives, told an American media outlet that the odds of an armed conflict between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan are very high after a US general suggested in a leaked memo that such a conflict would purportedly happen in the next few years.He claimed that if China fails to take control of Taiwan without bloodshed, then they are going to look at a military invasion in my judgment. We have to be prepared for this.The memo McCaul referred to was earlier issued by US Air Force Mobility Command chief General Mike Minihan and is titled February 2023 Orders in Preparation for the Next Fight. The document is addressed to US commanders and officers, outlining an operational game plan for the forces under Minihans command and other members of the US military in the coming months.The White House has not commented on the issue yet, while a Pentagon official said that Minihans comments were not representative of the departments view on China.The US wrapped up formal relations with Taiwan in 1979, as stipulated in the second communique and the US Congress-ratified Taiwan Relations Act that came into effect that year.Since then, the US has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity of neither encouraging Taiwanese independence nor its reconciliation with Beijing. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US continues to provide the island with arms to help Taipei to defend itself in case of any military event. This is vehemently opposed by Beijing, which sees Taiwan as an integral part of China.The situation around Taiwan escalated after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in early August 2022. China condemned the trip, dubbing it a gesture of support for separatism, and launched large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of the island in retaliation.Earlier last year, the White House had to reiterate several times that the US strategic ambiguity policy had not changed following President Joe Bidens apparent hints that there would be a military response from Washington if Beijing attempts to use force against Taiwan.'Most Consequential Geopolitical Challenge'US officials latest statements on China come as Beijing was described as Americas top threat in Washingtons new National Defense Strategy that was unveiled in October 2022.National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the time that the strategy recognizes that the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] presents Americas most consequential geopolitical challenge.On the other hand, the strategy notes that It is possible for the United States and the PRC to coexist peacefully, and share in and contribute to human progress together. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220901/china-chip-restrictions-will-backfire-cause-severe-economic-pain-for-us-itself-observers-say-1100282954.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221203/us-judge-dismisses-indictment-against-huawei-cfo-meng-1104989881.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230110/think-tank-simulation-predicts-taiwan-could-defeat-china-with-us-japan-aid-in-invasion-scenario-1106184632.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg us-china relations, us crackdown on huawei, escalation of tensions between beijing and washington, us-chinese tensions over taiwan, a us general's prediction of washington's war with beijing, nancy pelosi's visit to taiwan https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/who-carried-out-the-drone-strikes-in-iran-1106837267.html Who Carried Out the Drone Strikes in Iran? Who Carried Out the Drone Strikes in Iran? On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas, Melik Abdul and Manila Chan discussed several international and domestic topics, including the drone... 31.01.2023, Sputnik International 2023-01-31T04:22+0000 2023-01-31T04:22+0000 2023-02-03T08:22+0000 fault lines ukraine iran twitter memphis tyre nichols radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/1e/1106837121_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_08ce1a831c5dead1276c066000bcca80.png Who carried out the drone strikes in Iran? On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas, Melik Abdul and Manila Chan discussed several international and domestic topics, including the drone strikes that were carried out in Iran over the weekend. Guests:Mohamed Marandi - Professor of Orientalism at the University of TehranAngie Wong - Political Pundit and National Media Spokesperson for Veterans for America FirstShane Harris - President of the People's Association of Justice AdvocatesScott Ritter - Military AnalystIn the first hour, Fault Lines was joined by professor Mohamed Marandi to discuss the drone strikes on a munitions factory in the Iranian city of Isfahan over the weekend. In the first half of the second hour, Angie Wong joined the show to discuss the latest Twitter Files and the Hamilton 68 project that claims to track Russian and Chinese influence on social media.In the second half of the second hour, Fault Lines was joined by Shane Harris to discuss the latest from the city of Memphis, following the release of the video showing five police officers killing Tyre Nichols. In the last hour of the show, Fault Lines spoke to Scott Ritter about the latest from the Russian Special Military Operation and his analysis regarding the delivery of German and US-made tanks to Ukraine. We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. ukraine iran memphis Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png ukraine, iran, twitter, memphis, tyre nichols, , radio February is Career & Technical Education Month in Culpeper County Public Schools and across America. CTE Month is a public awareness campaign celebrating the value of technical education and achievements of programs teaching practical work skills around the U.S. In Culpeper County, an entire public high school dedicated to career and technical education opened for the 2021-22 academic year. CCPS CTE programs will highlight and celebrate its programs in February, according to a release from division spokesperson Laura Hoover. National FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Week will be Feb. 13-17 and National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Week Feb. 19-26 at both high schools. The Marine Corps JROTC will take a trip to the Marine Corps Museum and ESquared classes will visit the PATH Foundation. At Culpeper County High, Devils Depot school store will have giveaways, and Eastern View High School will host a ribbon cutting celebration for the opening of its school store, Storm Seller. Such school-based enterprises are a key component of career and technical education, Hoover said. EVHS FFA will host a Valentines bouquet flower-arranging class 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 9 at CTEC. The Blaze Kitchen at CTEC will host a Valentines cooking class 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the school. On the menu will be: plated caprese salad, crab (or sausage) stuffed shrimp, heart-shaped risotto with fresh asparagus, red velvet cupcake garnished with a chocolate-covered strawberry and red rose lemonade. Reserve a space for either at 540/423-6504. Donations appreciated. Winona Pritts, business development coordinator with the Culpeper County Dept. of Economic Development, is helping to promote CTE Month. She worked with CPPS CTE Director Randi Richards-Lutz on a recent news release to get the word out about all the local opportunities. Theres a clear link between career and technical education for young people and a communitys economic growth. Available for students as early as secondary school, Culpepers CTE classes continue to grow and evolve based on student interest, according to the release from Pritts. During its January meeting, the Culpeper County School Board approved the resolution recognizing CTE Month, in part, stating, Career and Technical Education provides youth with a pathway to postsecondary education and workplace readiness and is the foundation of a strong, well-educated work force which fosters productivity in business and industry. Agriculture, Virginias largest industry, continues to be one of the most in demand programs locally, the release stated. CCPS offers 10 related courses for high school students as well as greenhouses and an agri-science technology course is offered to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Many students participating in these classes attend Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, leading schools in agricultural science degree programs. Culpeper Technical Education Center offers 13 hands-on programs in a state-of-the-art facility powered by solar. Classrooms were built for collaboration, with tactile instruction and authentic workplace experiences. A passionate staff and partnerships with Culpeper businesses and Germanna Community College make the programs offered at CTEC unlike anything available elsewhere, the release from economic development dept. stated. Local companies engage students through classroom visits, field trips, internships, and apprenticeships. Working with the public is an important skill CTE students have learned through school-based enterprises, like in the school stores. Culinary, automotive, and cosmetology enterprises allow students to work with the public by booking clients, practicing customer service skills, and keeping track of inventory, the release stated. These soft skills not only assist in students employability, but future job performance and professionalism, according to the release. Follow CTE Month events on Twitter on @CTE4CCPS and #28DaysofCTE. An Alexander County Schools employee is charged with assaulting a student. Statesville resident Teresa Ellison Campbell, 63, is charged with misdemeanor counts of child abuse and assault on a child younger than 12, according to a release from the Alexander County Sheriffs Office. Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell said Campbell is accused of slapping a student. The assault occurred Thursday and was reported to authorities on Friday, according to statements from the sheriffs office and school system. Campbell was fired from the school system, according to a statement on the school systems website. She was listed in the school system staff directory as a teacher assistant at Ellendale Elementary Schools Exceptional Children program. Her name was removed from the staff directory some time Monday afternoon. Alexander County Schools Public Information Officer Denita Dowell-Reavis declined to confirm Campbells job with the school, only referring to her as a classified employee. She said that category includes teacher assistants. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and Iredell County community leaders hope that plans to address addiction issues throughout the county can save both lives and dollars. Leaders from all around the county met at the N.C. Cooperative Extension on Monday with North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein to discuss how they are attacking the opioid crisis, as well as plans on how they will use the funds secured in a settlement that the attorney general negotiated. Whether striving for prevention from an early age or dealing with the issue once adults find themselves suffering from addiction, they hope funds received from a national opioid settlement can play a role in saving lives and money going forward for the county. Stein was a lead negotiator in a $26 billion opioid agreement with the nations three major pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen and Johnson & Johnson in 2021. For Iredell County, that translates to $13,629,253 over an 18-year period; in 2022, that payment was $523,542. Those funds go toward addressing the opioid crisis, which the county is doing in the form of youth substance misuse prevention, which Norma Rife said can lead to between an $8 to $36 return on investment by targeting younger people before they develop addictions. You cant put a dollar value on the losses American families have suffered due to the addiction and overdose crisis. A life lost to overdose is not acceptable, Rife said. She is the director of public health development in Iredell County. On a more positive note, we are really excited to have the opportunity to use some of these opioid settlement funding dollars for youth prevention programming. As they strive to prevent, they also spoke on the need to address issues as they occur as well. The addiction to opioids can begin with a prescribed medication, before becoming an addiction and leading to illegal activity. Whether addressing physical or mental health, the need was readily apparent to the elected leaders, health care providers, law enforcement and criminal justice representatives there. If we can people overcome their addiction, we can dramatically reduce crime, Stein said during the question and answers portion of the opioid resource event. Making sure we can do everything we can to get health care can actually reduce the criminal justice expenses we all incur. Leaders like Bert Connolly, both the head of the Iredell County Detention Center and a county commissioner, spoke about how he sees the effects at the county jail as people. People that get on this track weve got plenty of mechanisms out here to help these people. But it comes to a point where we have to ask, how much can we help these people? Connolly said. These people also need to grow up, get up in the morning, put their shoes on, go to work, get a job and be productive citizens. We cant continue the course we are on. We see it each and every day. Weve got to face this thing with several prongs hitting it at the same time, and that includes law enforcement. Capt. Richard Adams with the detention center said part of the issue with finding help for inmates after they leave is that many treatment facilities dont want to deal with those facing pending criminal charges. The community could get stronger in recognizing that people who do have problems, theyre going to have criminal charges associated as well. We have to combat everything, Adams said. Adams said the detention center will use funds distributed to it to have a liaison from Daymark Recovery Services and a part-time position for peer support. Blair Richey, director of the countys emergency medical services, said the funds they received will allow them to expand many of the services they already offer, as well as increased training. Whichever one of the prongs end up involved, Rife and others spoke to the need to make sure departments and organizations were filling in gaps and not overlapping services for the public. Whether it be emergency medical services providing naloxone to an overdosing victim, addiction support groups working with individuals, or law enforcement dealing with the secondary and tertiary effects of addiction, the hope is the combined effort can drive addiction rates down. You have different agencies with different roles, and serve different individuals. Some of us do touch the same individuals, but you have specialties, entities with special services, and special programs, Rife said. Most of us know where to send an individual for what they need in order to help that person have their optimal life. There were 35 deaths in Iredell County attributed to overdoses from opioids in 2021, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Tourists from China are welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City, the Philippines, Jan. 24, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese tourists have shown a strong enthusiasm for traveling abroad during this year's Spring Festival break, following China's quarantine-free cross-border travel since Jan 8 after nearly three years, with Southeast Asia being the big winner during the holiday. The weeklong Spring Festival served as the first long holiday after the government optimized COVID-19 control measures. The most popular overseas destinations for Chinese tourists include Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Manila in the Philippines and Bali in Indonesia, according to Trip.com, China's largest online travel agency. During Spring Festival, the volume of outbound travel orders surged 640 percent year-on-year. The number of orders for overseas hotels and international flights booked by Chinese mainland tourists both increased by more than four times the figure from the last Spring Festival, Trip.com found. "The outbound travel market is expected to see a more apparent boom during the May Day holiday with the gradual increase of international flights and improved travel convenience. This year's travel market is set to see a remarkable recovery," said Shen Jiani, a senior researcher at Trip.com. Meanwhile, starting Feb 6, China will resume outbound group tours to 20 selected countries, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Those countries are Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina. After announcing the notice in late January, the number of searches for overseas group tours surged on various online travel platforms. The search for group tours to Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Cambodia was the highest on Trip.com. "With the notice, we have rapidly launched hundreds of overseas group tour products, including private small group tours, semi-self-service group tours and joining local group tours in various destinations," said Jiang Wen, CEO of group tours at Trip.com. The Tourism Council of Thailand said the announcement is good news for the local tourism market of Thailand and the change is faster than expected. The trend also fits with the early marketing plans of travel agencies. Budget carrier Thai AirAsia said between late January and March, it will gradually resume direct flights that connect Thailand with eight Chinese cities across the country. The airline is preparing its pilots and cabin crew for the return of Chinese tourists, its largest customer group previously. Currently, Thai Lion Flying Charter is operating chartered flights between Bangkok and Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. In February, the carrier plans to launch flights that connect Bangkok with Nanjing, Jiangsu province and Zhengzhou, Henan province. In addition, Tongcheng Travel, a Suzhou-based online travel agency, found that during Spring Festival, the most popular outbound routes include flights from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Guangzhou to Bangkok; Shanghai to Bangkok; and Xiamen, Fujian province, to Bangkok. Visa inquiries have also increased, with the most inquiries for travel to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. During Spring Festival, the most popular outbound hotels booked by Chinese mainland travelers include hotels in Macao, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand, and Dubai, according to Tongcheng Travel. "The domestic outbound tourism market will enter a recovery cycle, and the recovery pace of different destinations varies. Chinese tourists will first consider destinations that are more open and friendly. Cities with warm weather in Southeast Asia and South Asia have become preferred choices for Chinese tourists during the winter season," said Cheng Chaogong, a senior researcher with the research institute of Tongcheng Travel. Tuniu Corp, a Nanjing-based online travel agency, has also seen growing volumes in international flights and hotel room bookings. Hong Kong, Macao, Maldives, Phuket of Thailand, and Bali of Indonesia were among the most popular destinations on the platform. Sherwin Ferguson likes national parks. The 63-year-old saw a herd of 300 bison on a recent trip to Yellowstone and a moose on a river bank at Grand Teton. And Fergusons property outside Eatonville, Mountain Lodge Farm, looks at Mount Rainier. They have goats and sheep, and they name the cheeses they sell at their dairy after places in the national park. The clean air, trees, animals, and the peace and quiet are part of the draw, she said. Ferguson is worried how plans for a new major airport in Western Washington could impact that. Certainly jet fuel and sound and pollution and all of that is absolutely going to affect a national park, she said. As Seattle-Tacoma International Airport approaches capacity, the state is looking at sites for a new airport in Western Washington to handle the growing population. Two of the three greenfield sites on the short list are close to the park. A spokesperson for Mount Rainier National Park declined The News Tribunes request for an interview with someone from the park about what impact a new commercial airport in the shadow of Mount Rainier might have on the park and its visitors in the decades to come. But a letter Mount Rainier National Park superintendent Greg Dudgeon sent to the commission charged with recommending a location for the new airport outlined concerns the National Park Service has with the plan. Increased aviation near the park may adversely impact wilderness values, viewsheds, scenic values, air quality, park soundscapes and the opportunity for visitors to experience natural sounds and solitude in an unimpaired condition, Dudgeon wrote. Noise and air pollution may occur at considerable distances from an airport, impacting park values and resources. Airport lighting and other aspects of airport operations may be visible at park viewpoints, impacting viewsheds and night sky resources. He sent the letter, dated Dec. 15, to the chair of the state Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, Warren Hendrickson. Asked if the commission has had discussions with park leaders, Hendrickson mentioned the letter and shared a copy with The News Tribune. The News Tribune also has pending records requests for any communication between the commission, its staff and the park. Airport development, related public infrastructure, and traffic may impact park visitation and travel patterns from the highly populated Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia corridor via SR-7 or SR-161, the superintendents letter said. We are also concerned about impacts to wildlife, threatened and endangered species and their habitats, water resources, and wilderness values in our connected watersheds and landscapes. The commission has narrowed potential greenfield sites down to three: one south of Graham, one east of Roy, and another near Olympia. The commission is supposed to make a final recommendation to the Legislature by mid-June. State lawmakers will make a final decision, though some have said in recent weeks that they might ask the commission to restart the search process. Dudgeons letter noted that the park is 17 miles and 23 miles from the proposed Pierce County sites, and 40 miles from the one in Thurston County. It is unclear whether these issues have been considered before determining the sites to evaluate further for airport development, Dudgeon wrote. We request that you conduct robust environmental reviews that include evaluating and mitigating the specific concerns outlined here, and that the National Park Service be included as a stakeholder during these reviews. Theyre going to go somewhere else Ferguson worries that the development necessary for a new airport would turn the area into another SeaTac. Its going to become ugly urban sprawl, she said. They are basically thinking of desecrating the highway, this scenic highway to Mount Rainier. That is essentially where theyre looking. Its not clear what a new airport would mean for traffic to the park. Just because they build an airport closer to the park doesnt mean the park would be able to accommodate what might come its way, she said. Jeremy Foust, 45, has had a goat farm for 13 years, Left Foot Farm, that offers Airbnb rentals near Eatonville. Visitors stay, enjoy the goats and play in the national park. He said he thinks people visit the area to get away from an urban setting. With planes overhead and the freeway noise he expects would come with an airport, he said: Who the heck wants to experience that? Theyre going to go somewhere else. Its already tough to run a business in the gateway communities near the Nisqually entrance to the park, he said, in places such as Elbe, Ashford and Eatonville. Its very difficult, he said. Just historically there hasnt been a lot of year-round business. Asked if he thinks having an airport closer to the park would mean more visitors, he said hes not convinced. SeaTac isnt that far from the park, he argued, and he said he could see the infrastructure that comes with an airport making the drive to the park more difficult. I dont think building in a green space near the national park is the best way forward, he said. The park would have to reevaluate its budget and its thought process for how theyre going to deal with visitors, lack of or more so, either one, if an airport is nearby, this close. He said he expects those conversations are happening. The park and the federal government move at a very slow pace, he said, but the park plans for everything. Foust acknowledged that the commission has a tough job to do in finding a site for a major airport. We have to plan ahead, I get that, he said. I dont know what the solution is. 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: Visualization of the similarity matrix P of the experimented data sets using Matlab spy function, where the rows and columns are sorted by the manual cluster labels. Blue dots show the 1s in the matrix and white dots show the 0s. Due to limited resolution, the figures shows a uniform subsample 10% data points. Credit: Statistics and Computing (2022). DOI: 10.1007/s11222-022-10186-z A new AI algorithm developed by researchers at the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence is aimed at visualizing datasets as clearly as possible. The project demonstrated that the solution chosen independently by the algorithm was often very close to that most commonly favored by humans. The human brain has an astounding ability to observe traits even from extremely large quantities of visual information. This ability is used, for example, in the study of large data masses whose content must be compacted into a form understandable to human intelligence. This problem of dimensional reduction is central to visual analytics. At the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI), researchers affiliated with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki tested the functionality of the most well-known methods of visual analytics, finding that none worked when the amount of data grew significantly. For example, the t-SNE, LargeViz and UMAP methods were no longer able to distinguish extremely strong signals of observational groupings in the data when the number of observations was in the hundreds of thousands. The research is published in the journal Statistics and Computing. Higgs boson data inspired creation of new algorithm The dataset for experiments related to the discovery of the Higgs boson contains more than 11 million feature vectors, for instance. "The visualizations drawn from them resembled a tangle of yarn, revealing none of the notable characteristics of particle behavior included in the data," says Professor of Statistics and Probability Jukka Corander from the University of Helsinki. "This finding provided the impetus to develop a new method that utilizes graphical acceleration similarly to modern AI methods for neural network computing." The AI algorithm designed by the researchers is aimed at visualization, so that data clusters and other macroscopic features, easily observed by and understandable to humans, are as distinct as possible. In the project, several volunteers tested the technique. It turned out that the solution independently chosen by the algorithm was often very close to the solution most typically favored by humans; in this situation, human intelligence clearly distinguishes, according to personal notions, between clusters of data composed of similar observations. When applying the technique to the Higgs boson data, their most important physical characteristics were clearly highlighted. "This is a veritable quantum leap in the field of visual analytics. Besides being several orders of magnitude faster than previous methods, our technique also is much more reliable in connection with challenging applications," says Corander. Under the direction of Corander's group, a separate interface was also designed for utilizing the technique as efficiently as possible in genomics applications. This way, users can even analyze their datasets interactively by uploading files directly into the web browser. Employing global bacterial and SARS-CoV-2 datasets, this further study illustrated how the new tool can be used to quickly examine as many as millions of genomes and identify relevant characteristics. The study was a collaboration between Professor Sami Kaski, Director of FCAI, and Jukka Corander's group. Professor Zhirong Yang from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology served as the project lead. Professor Yang has a doctoral degree from Aalto University, and has subsequently worked as a researcher at both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki in Professor Corander's group. More information: Zhirong Yang et al, Stochastic cluster embedding, Statistics and Computing (2022). DOI: 10.1007/s11222-022-10186-z 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: HTeam / Shutterstock Sharing platforms have become a regular part of our lives for travel and daily needs, especially for young people. In 2018, Airbnb reported that the majority of its users were millennials. And with the ongoing cost of living crisis, more people may turn to these platforms as ways to save on their travel, or to make extra money by sharing their property. Companies such as Airbnb and Turo (a car-sharing platform) are often more affordable and flexible than traditional hotels or car hire services. But using them can also expose you to liability risks if something goes awry. It might be tempting to assume that you are given the same rights as a consumer, but this is not the case. When you hire a car through a traditional rental company, you enter a contract as a consumer and are protected under the UK's Consumer Rights Act 2015. This guarantees you receive a safe and fit-for-purpose product or service, and certain rights to refunds. But on sharing platforms, you are directly contracting with another consumer to provide and consume goods and services between yourselves. The sharing company simply provides an online platform to facilitate your contract. Its obligations to you are limited to providing that servicemaking its website available and processing your data (according to its privacy policy and GDPR rules). Your rights and obligations on these platforms are therefore not covered by consumer protection regulations. Neither party is covered by the Consumer Rights Act, which only applies to business-to-consumer contracts. This means that if you suffer an injury while using someone else's property or driving their car, the platform company is not legally obliged to compensate you. Your contract is with the other user (who is renting you their home or car), and it is they who have the legal obligation to compensate you for your injury or loss. Likewise, if you list your property on a sharing platform, you expose yourself to personal liability towards anyone who is injured while using your property. The same goes for damage to property. As a guest you are personally liable for damage you cause to your host's property, and as a host you can only claim against your guests for damage they cause, not the sharing platform. Taking risks Large platforms such as Airbnb do offer dispute resolution centers, which coordinate such claims. This can reduce the stress and hassle of having to go through court yourself. But even so, the chances of getting full recovery for your loss is uncertain, particularly if the loss is large. It is also unlikely that standard insurance can help. Most personal insurance policies do not permit you to use insured property for commercial purposes, and will invalidate your policy if you are caught doing so without permission from your insurer. The same goes for assuming that you are insured for using another person's property. For vehicles, it is illegal in the UK to drive without the driver having third-party insurance. Most likely the other party will not have commercial vehicle insurance in place to cover your driving, so you run the risk of driving illegally. Turo requires that hosts maintain a valid insurance policy over the vehicle at all times in accordance with UK law. Guest drivers are not required to carry their own insuranceinstead, they choose one of Turo's protection plans. These plans cover vehicle damage and third-party liability claims, with policies from a company that is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Turo told The Conversation. Most major platforms will mandate third-party liability insurance. But pay attention to the excess amount, which may be much higher than your personal vehicle insurance, and can have an additional fee for processing claims. For homes, you may be breaching either a term of your mortgage or your lease if you sublet on Airbnb. In the recent UK case of Bermondsey Exchange Freeholders Ltd v Ninos Koumetto, a court ruled that the tenant Airbnb host had breached the terms of his lease by subletting it. Many platforms offer some sort of protection through their platforms, such as Airbnb's AirCover for hosts and guests. But these are not the same as insurance policies, and don't always cover everything. Airbnb's host damage protection only covers those losses not covered by another party, such as your home insurer or the liable guest. This means contacting your insurer and potentially causing it to invalidate your insurance policy if you have been sharing without the insurer's consent. In a statement, Turo told The Conversation: "Turo has made trust and safety the bedrock of our platform and our protections have consistently worked as designed." Airbnb chose not to comment for publication. Protecting yourself Currently, sharing platforms are largely unaddressed by law and there is little regulators can do about their practices. But if you understand the risks you are taking, you can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises. 1. Be familiar with your policies If your insurance specifically disallows commercial activities, get in touch with your insurer to clarify, or switch to another insurer with sharing-friendly policies. This is particularly important if you regularly use sharing platforms, as you risk both personal liability towards your guest and losing your cover for your property. 2. Think about purchasing additional insurance Look for a policy that covers you specifically for these activities. This will protect you if you are injured and the other party cannot compensate you. If you cause damage to someone else's property, you can rely on insurance instead of being personally liable. 3. Read the terms and conditions While trawling through pages of legal jargon might be unappealing, it is important to know where you stand with these companies. This could be as quick as reading through the FAQs on their websites, or looking out for disclaimer and waiver clauses before you click "accept". Platforms such as Airbnb offer region-specific advice on the laws and regulations for using their services. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Imagine being in a boat miles from shore when the engine fails, or getting lost in a remote spot while hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Having a beacon or transmitter that sends a distress signal via satellite could mean the difference between life and death. The same satellites that send compelling images when massive hurricanes approach land or huge icebergs break off in Antarctica also play a crucial role in helping to find and rescue people from potentially life-threatening situations like these. Activating a device that sends an emergency signal can mean the difference between a search that takes a few hours or a search that could take days, if it's successful at all. Last year, satellite technology helped rescue 397 people throughout the nation and surrounding waterways, according to information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. That's 67 more than last year, but below the record high of 421 U.S. rescues in 2019. How do satellites help rescue people? When a lost hiker or a sinking boater turns on an emergency distress beacon, it sends a signal that can be detected by the global Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking system. The program "truly takes the 'search' out of search and rescue," stated Steve Volz, assistant administrator for NOAA's Satellite and Information Service. Distress signals beamed from aircraft, boats and handheld personal locator beacons are detected by a network of U.S. and international spacecraft and used to send rescuers. Since its beginnings in 1982, the network has supported more than 50,000 rescues worldwide. When a satellite picks up a distress signal, it's related to NOAA's Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland, then dispatched to coordination centers staffed by the Air Force for land rescues or the Coast Guard for water rescues. Water rescues occur most often Of the 397 rescues in the nation last year, 275 were water-related, while 42 were from downed aircraft. Personal locator beacons were used in 80 land rescues. The 106 rescues in Florida were the most of any state. Fifty-six were in Alaska and 20 in Utah. The rescues included: A group of 17 hikers who were lifted to safety after being stranded on a backcountry hike in Sandthrax Canyon, Utah, thanks to a personal beacon. Seven rescued in November near Bethel, Alaska, after the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center got the coordinates of a commercial plane forced to land on a frozen lake when its engine failed. A man who grabbed his life raft and activated a beacon in August when his boat capsized and sank off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He was lifted to safety by a Coast Guard helicopter. How to buy a beacon that connects to satellites Emergency transmitters and beacons, whichunlike your mobile phonedon't rely on cellular networks, range in price and are sold online and at outdoor stores. Registering a beacon with NOAA is required by law and it may help rescuers to find you faster. It also allows responding agencies to check and eliminate false alarms, without sending a rescue squad unnecessarily. Since its investigation into the sinking of the El Faro shipping vessel in 2017, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended at least four times that the Coast Guard require emergency beacons for crew members on ocean-going vessels. The "lifesaving promise of PLBs (personal locator beacons) cannot be overstated," board chair Jennifer Homendy said last fall. She also stated: "We cannotmust notwait any longer. I'm urging all mariners and their employers not to wait; you can improve safety today." In December, Apple introduced a feature in its iPhone 14 and 14 Pro that allows users to signal a satellite in an emergency. The feature is available to users as a free service for two years. NASA used similar newly developed technology to track the Artemis I Orion Capsule when it splashed down into the Pacific Ocean in December. The agency stated the technology also will be essential for future moon missions by astronauts. In coordination with other systems, it could provide distress location services for missions on the lunar service and provide internet-like capabilities for humans stationed on the moon. 2023 USA Today. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain There are significant privacy concerns surrounding the use of smart phones with camera-based assistive technology. The primary concern being that visually impaired users relying on such technology for facial recognition and object identification purposes may be exposing themselves and others to compromise through liberal software permissions on their device or should their device, connections, or the software be breached in some way by third parties. Writing in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, Hyung Nam Kim of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S., discusses user perspectives and the state of digital privacy issues in this realm. He has carried out a small-scale survey of users with visual impairments who use this technology and associated software. The survey revealed that very few users had much knowledge of the privacy policies and potential risks of using assistive technology and were generally unaware of the potential issues that might arise with privacy and security breaches of personal information. Kim has developed the research to help form a conceptual framework that could be used to help researchers and professionals in this field to provide better support and education for those with visual impairment relying on this technology in their everyday lives, whether at work, in public, or even in the home. Given that a significant proportion of people with visual impairments in the U.S. are just as likely as fully sighted people to use and engage with social media sites such as Facebook, there is a pressing need to improve and enhance their privacy awareness given the additional layer of risk they must face in using extra software to interact and engage online and so remain independent. More information: Hyung Nam Kim, Digital privacy of smartphone camera-based assistive technology for users with visual disabilities, International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (2022). DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2022.10051733 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The Supreme Court is stepping into a messy political fight next month over the meaning of a 26-word law that big tech firms describe as a linchpin of the modern internet but that critics say has led to the promotion of terrorism. A closely watched dispute between YouTube-owner Google and the family of an American killed in an Islamic State group attack in Paris in 2015 will put the court in the middle of a conflict about when internet companies may be successfully sued for content on their sites. It could also, as Facebook-owner Meta put it, turn the internet into a "disorganized collection of haphazardly assembled information." Potentially at stake, the companies say, is the ability to get relevant results when searching Google for a local pizza shop or a video on how to perform CPR. The case, Gonzalez v. Google, centers on a law known as Section 230 that drew intense criticism from former President Donald Trump over accusations that social media companies throttled conservative views. Many Democrats agree, for different reasons, that the law needs an update. Why Google is at the Supreme Court The Supreme Court will hear arguments Feb. 21 in a case about whether internet platforms may be liable for targeted recommendations, such as when YouTube suggests a follow-up video. The family of an American killed in a terrorist attack says YouTube, through its algorithms, recommended videos that aided extremists. Google and other internet platforms say recommending content is a "central building block" of the internet and that recommendations aren't endorsements. If platforms are liable for suggestions, they say, it could change what gets recommended on many different platforms. What's Gonzalez v. Google about? Nohemi Gonzalez was a 23-year-old American studying in Paris when members of the Islamic State group fired into a crowd at a bistro, killing her. She was one of 130 people killed in a coordinated attack across the city. Gonzalez's relatives sued Google alleging the company aided the Islamic State group by promoting its videos on YouTube. Section 230, enacted when Americans were dialing into the internet, is widely interpreted as shielding Google from liability for hosting the videos. What's at issue is whether recommending the videos to users, through the company's algorithms, is also shielded. It's one of several major lawsuits percolating around internet regulation. The justices will hear a related case next month about whether social media companies may be sued under the Anti-Terrorism Act for "aiding and abetting" the Islamic State group. Separately, the court delayed a decision on whether to grant review of laws in Texas and Florida that make it harder for social media companies to moderate content. In those cases, the Supreme Court asked the Biden administration to offer the government's view before deciding whether to hear them later this year or next. How Google could win Section 230 says that an internet company can't be treated as a publisher of content posted on its platform by a user. Google, and many lower courts, read that as also protecting the "dissemination" of content online. Recommendations like those offered by YouTube, big tech firms say, are part of that dissemination. "Recommendation algorithms are what make it possible to find the needles in humanity's largest haystack," Google told the Supreme Court. "The line between just providing access to content and actively promoting that content is a lot slipperier than initially appears," said Christopher Yoo, a University of Pennsylvania law professor. If the court rules against Google broadly, he said, "it may sweep in every finding tool we have on the internet today." How Gonzalez could win Others say that lower courts have read too much protection for internet platforms into the words of the law. In a brief that doesn't take a side in the case, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and other GOP lawmakers question how much Section 230 shields the companies from liability at all. Conservatives see the case as part a bigger fight against what they view as biased content moderation. "The whole goal was to prevent things like sex trafficking and proliferation of child pornography," said Sarah Parshall Perry, senior legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. "What it has become...is a shield for the moderation of content in keeping with the particular political perspectives of the major tech companies." Others oppose Google's interpretation for different reasons. Common Sense Media, a child advocacy group, pointed to another practice by Big Tech it believes shouldn't be shielded from liability: The collection of personal data. "What gets recommended is based on the data collection," said Jolina Cuaresma, the group's senior counsel of privacy and tech policy. "Adolescents are really at an unfair disadvantage here, because their brains are structurally different than ours." A decision is expected this year. (c) 2023 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain In just the past month there have been nearly 50,000 job cuts across the technology sector. Large and small tech companies went on a hiring spree in over the past several years due to a demand for their products, software and services surged with millions of people working remotely. However, even with all of the layoffs announced in recent weeks, most tech companies are still vastly larger than they were three years ago. Here's a look at some of the companies that have announced layoffs so far. August 2022 Snap: The parent company of social media platform Snapchat said that it was letting go of 20% of its staff. Snap's staff has grown to more than 5,600 employees in recent years and the company said at the time that even after laying off more than 1,000 people, its staff would be larger than it was a year earlier. Robinhood: The company, whose app helped bring a new generation of investors to the market, announced that it would reduce headcount by about 23%, or approximately 780 people. An earlier round of layoffs last year cut 9% of its workforce. November 2022 Twitter: About half of the social media platform's staff of 7,500 was let go after it was acquired by the billionaire CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk. Lyft: The ride-hailing service said it was cutting 13% of its workforce, almost 700 employees. Meta: The parent company of Facebook laid off 11,000 people, about 13% of its workforce. January 2023 Amazon: The e-commerce company said it must cut about 18,000 positions. That's just a fraction of its 1.5 million-strong global workforce. Salesforce: The company lays off 10% of its workforce, about 8,000 employees. Coinbase: The cryptocurrency trading platform cuts approximately 20% of its workforce, or about 950 jobs, in a second round of layoffs in less than a year. Microsoft: The software company said it will cut about 10,000 jobs, almost 5% of its workforce. Google: The search engine giant becomes the most recent in the industry to say it must adjust, saying 12,000 workers, or about 6% of its workforce, would be let go. Spotify: The music streaming service is cutting 6% of its global workforce. It did not give a specific number of job losses. Spotify reported in its latest annual report that it had about 6,600 employees, which implies that 400 jobs are being axed. SAP: Germany-based SAP, Europe's biggest software company, said it it cutting up to 3,000 jobs worldwide, or about 2.5% of its workforce, after a shop drop in profits. PayPal: The digital payments company says it will trim about 7% of its total workforce, or about 2,000 full-time workers, as it contends with a challenging environment. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You are here: Business People visit the Countries & Regions Exhibition Area at the China National Convention Center during the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] China's services trade value grew 12.9 percent year on year in 2022, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed on Monday. The total trade value stood at 5.98 trillion yuan (about 884.29 billion U.S. dollars), according to the data. Exports of services expanded 12.1 percent year on year to around 2.85 trillion yuan in the period, while imported services totaled 3.13 trillion yuan, up 13.5 percent from a year ago, resulting in a deficit of 275.71 billion yuan. Trade in knowledge-intensive services raked in 2.51 trillion yuan in 2022, up 7.8 percent year on year. Exports of Knowledge-intensive services increased by 12.2 percent to reach 1.42 trillion yuan, led by categories such as intellectual property royalties and computing and information services. Travel services continued recovery momentum in the period, as trade in this sector advanced 8.4 percent from the previous year to about 855.98 billion yuan, data showed. 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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 A disturbance Monday in the Grand Island Senior High cafeteria, as filmed by an onlooker, shows around a dozen students involved. One cell phone video taken during the altercation shows about a dozen students throwing punches at one another in the cafeteria. Adults can be seen trying to manage the situation as other students look on, some yelling. The incident allegedly started after an apple was thrown by one student at another. As far as I know, it was handled with regular protocol, said Grand Island Public Schools Communications Director Mitch Roush. It wasnt (a situation where) the school was in danger, he added. There were students that needed to be separated. (Student Resource Officers) were heavily involved. The Grand Island Independent reached out to Grand Island Police Department for comment and to find out if additional officers were sent to GISH for support during and after the skirmish. Officers on duty were unable to provide any information. Roush said the schools administration is already assessing consequences for the students involved. Communication concerning the lunchtime cafeteria incident was sent to families, according to GIPS. The Independent's attempts to obtain that communication wasn't immediately successful. ALDA A 7-month-old boy, the youngest of the three children kidnapped over the weekend, spent more than two hours outside on a deck near Alda early Sunday morning before he was rescued by the homeowner. Two suspects in a car theft and kidnapping left the baby outside the home of Chuck and Susanne Sorahan, who live north of Alda at 36835 S. Alda Road. Video at the house showed the infant was placed on the deck at 3:12 a.m. Chuck Sorahan was awakened by an electronic alert asking people to look for the child. After looking around the house, he found the baby on the deck at 5:25 a.m. Because of the cold, Sorahan feared the worst. The infant's eyes were closed and his hands were up to his chest. Dressed in a sleeper, he wasn't wearing a hat or gloves. The Sorahans took the baby inside. When the car seat hit the floor, the baby started crying. "It was the best cry I've ever heard," he said. They then put the baby near their fireplace. In no time, several law enforcement officers and firefighters arrived. They had been patrolling the neighborhood, looking for the boy. The Sorahans were glad the baby was left on the south side of the house, which sheltered him from the wind. On the other side of the house, the news might not have been good. In addition, the placement of the baby would have made it difficult for law enforcement to spot him. Searchers were focusing spotlights on homes as they drove through the area. The baby's survival was a miracle, Susanne said. He must have been blessed to survive all that time outside, she said. He had stopped shivering, which was not a good sign, she said. You could tell from his appearance that the boy is well cared for by his parents, Susanne said. The baby and his siblings, who are 5 and 1, were taken from a running vehicle on the 1400 block of North Wheeler Street at about 3 a.m. Sunday. The kids were inside a 2012 Chevy Traverse, which was running. The two men accused of stealing the Traverse and kidnapping the children are Tate Wolfe, 18, of Kearney and Jozef McAllister, 17, of Hastings. Monday morning in Hall County Court, they were each charged with three counts of kidnapping, three counts of child abuse, theft of property worth more than $5,000, theft by receiving stolen property and operation of a vehicle to avoid arrest. McAllister was also charged with obstructing a peace officer. Bond was set at $1 million, 10% of which is necessary to obtain release. A preliminary hearing was set for 3 p.m. Feb. 28. The parents of the children were not guilty of any negligent behavior, says the Grand Island Police Department. "The parents loaded the children in the running vehicle due to the cold, and engaged in very brief conversation with neighbors, at which time the suspects took opportunity to steal the running vehicle," says a Monday news release from GIPD. Video evidence corroborated the parents were not negligent. They "didn't do anything that parents don't do. They started the car so it was warm. They loaded their kids in," Capt. Jim Duering said. The neighbors flagged them over for a short conversation and that's when the suspects struck, he said. The North Wheeler residence is not the family's address. Duering believes the couple was picking the kids up after getting off work. "There was no alcohol use. They weren't over there partying," he said. Duering has seen online comments criticizing the parents. He feels they are being "revictimized." "They didn't do anything wrong. They've already had it hard enough" without people second-guessing them, he said. The parents quickly called 911. Less than two minutes later, a Grand Island police officer spotted the Traverse, which had been reported stolen. "All of this happened in a very short period of time," Duering said. Not aware that kids were inside, the officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle stop was unsuccessful, and the officer terminated the pursuit. Officers then became aware the Traverse might be in Buffalo County. That news came to light through "an investigative tactic," Duering said. "I'll just say that it was a good piece of investigative follow-up that led to that." The Traverse was located in rural Buffalo County. The two suspects were taken into custody by the Buffalo County Sheriff's Department, but the missing children were not inside the stolen vehicle. At 4:52 a.m., Grand Island police officers found the 5-year-old and 1-year-old in a vehicle stolen from Kearney. The kids are believed to have been placed there by the suspects. The infant, though, was not in the car. As part of the countywide search, the Hall County Sheriff's Department asked the Wood River and Alda fire departments to help look for the infant. The alert asked people to check their property for the baby. "We're very thankful for their attentiveness and for the technology that gives us the ability to put that out there," Duering said. The kids have all been treated and released, and reunited with their parents. It was "the best outcome that we could hope for, in really a horrible set of circumstances," Duering said. There were moments during the night that "that could have gotten much much worse," Duering said, referring to the children's exposure to the cold. Temperatures at the time were hovering around zero at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport. In addition to the agencies mentioned above, the Nebraska State Patrol assisted with the search. A GIPD news release says the successful outcome was the result of "interagency communication, great police work and the assistance of the public." "The safety of our community, and the most vulnerable of them our children was the foremost consideration throughout this case," GIPD says. The granddaughter of Bob and Loveda Proctor of Aurora has not given up hope that they're still alive. Even though they've been missing for almost three weeks, Laci Fleming believes they're still out there somewhere. "Of course," she said Tuesday. The Proctors, who are 89 and 92, have been missing since Jan. 11. Under a best-case scenario, the Proctors might be holed up in a farmer's outbuilding. "We're hoping maybe that's the case, or that they're still driving around. We just have no idea," Fleming said. She hopes people keep looking. "Just keep your eyes open everywhere," she said. In an update earlier this week, Fleming wrote, "The Aurora Police Department is working tirelessly around the clock. We can feel their hearts aching as they constantly have Bob and Veda on their minds. The Civil Air Patrol continuously offers their support and has strategically searched and assisted. Several friends and family members continue search efforts as well as assisting with helping spread the word far and wide. "There are undoubtedly others working hard to get us answers as well. We deeply appreciate the help weve received as well as all the prayers and well wishes," Fleming continued. "Please never give up on this search, we WILL find Bob and Loveda Proctor." Fleming has been in contact with television crime reporter Nancy Grace. The Nebraska woman emailed Grace. "And I sent her an updated statement as well," she said. Grace devoted a podcast to the subject and has been sharing news on Twitter. Asked to describe her grandparents, Fleming said: "My grandma is a very strong, kind-hearted person. She has some strong, heavy faith and she's always been there for all of us and always been the voice of reason. My grandpa has always been there for all of us as well, and he's a very proud veteran. He's worked hard his entire life. He came from nothing and has really built up his career and life through everything that he's done. They're both really great people." Timeline for Bob and Loveda Proctor At 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, Bob and Loveda Proctor left their home. They proceeded to Aurora Co-op to fill up with gas in their blue 2007 Chrysler Pacifica at 4:19 p.m. and then left for Grand Island. Bob felt like hell so he had Veda take him to the Grand Island VA Medical Center, arriving there at 4:55 p.m. As Bob walked up to the VA hospital with the assistance of his walker, he was approached by a doctor who offered immediate care. Bob complained of pain, dizziness, weakness and that everything felt dry. Doctor reports Bob appears very weak, is pale/grayish in color and is slow to respond to questions. After assessment, determining Bob required emergency attention, they called 911. The VA Medical Center closes at 5 p.m., so they decided to transfer Bob to the CHI Health St. Francis Emergency Room. At 5:35 pm, Bob was transferred via ambulance and Veda was instructed to follow in her blue 2007 Chrysler Pacifica. Keep in mind, Veda has glaucoma and has a hard time seeing at night. Unfortunately, Veda wasnt able to follow/keep up with the ambulance for unknown reasons and gets lost. She ends up going the opposite direction and seeking help on Vine Street. Thankfully a good Samaritan gives Veda directions to St. Francis ER. Upon Vedas arrival at St. Francis ER around 6:15 p.m., Bob complains of a cough and nonproductive dry (as stated by St. Francis ER). St. Francis says Bobs diagnosis is an acute cough and notes no weakness but that Bob is adamant about going home. They then discharged Bob and allow him and Veda to leave at 8:04 p.m. St. Francis states that they are aware that Veda has problems driving at night and got lost on her way to St. Francis from the VA Medical Center. Veda attempts to drive the couple home in the dark and heads west on Faidley Avenue from St. Francis. Video footage shows Veda turns south on Webb Road around 8:15 p.m. They aimlessly drive around searching for Aurora. They reportedly arrive at a home in Giltner and ask for directions, specifically to Aurora, between 10 and 10:30 p.m. Please note it should take around 30 minutes to get from Grand Island to Giltner. Video footage shows Bob and Veda arriving at a stop sign in Giltner at W 6 Road and South H Road. Veda turns south onto South H Road and arrives back at the stop sign around 10 minutes later. Fleming and her husband drove south on that road and discovered that at almost exactly five minutes, driving at Vedas pace around 35-40 mph, the pavement ends and the road turns to gravel in all directions. This tells us that Veda knew not to take gravel at this time, according to Fleming. After Veda and Bob return to the stop sign after 10 minutes, they turn east on W 6 Road at 10:25 p.m. Its been reported that they stopped at another home outside of Giltner on W 6 Road. There is no video evidence to support this, but Fleming believes this happened. There have been no sightings since then. A resident collects medicine at a fever clinic in Kaifu District of Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 20, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Some cities are experimenting with innovative uses for old COVID-19 testing booths, turning them into makeshift fever clinics, pharmacies and even employment advice centers for job seekers from out of town. The changes follow China's decision to drop mass testing requirements last month, which was part of a sweeping effort to fine-tune the country's epidemic control policies in light of the decreasing virulence of Omicron subvariants. The ubiquitous testing booths used to be staffed by a couple of nucleic acid sample collectors and ensured free-of-charge COVID-19 testing within walking distance for most urban households. As China has downgraded the management of COVID-19 and reduced testing requirements for everyday scenarios such as using public transport, the booths have begun to appear for sale online. The prices vary, from a modest few hundred yuan (about $50) to tens of thousands of yuan. In Suzhou, a major destination for migrant workers in Jiangsu province, the city has repurposed some of the facilities near the central train station as "service stations", which offer employment consultations and legal aid for labor disputes, local media reported on Friday. In the wake of the weeklong Spring Festival break, which ended on Friday, tens of millions of migrants are returning to cities for work. Remodeling testing booths for other purposes is nothing new. Just ahead of Chinese New Year, the Suzhou government temporarily turned them into stores catering to residents buying goods for the holiday. Last month, the booths were also used as makeshift consultation rooms and pharmacies to handle a sudden surge of fever patients. The testing booths-turned medical outposts dotting residential communities helped ease the strains on local hospitals so that doctors could focus more on patients in critical condition. In Jinan in Shandong province, neighborhood official Lyu Qiang came up with an idea in mid-December to convert the local testing booth into a mini fever clinic. He reported his idea to his superiors and received a green light to proceed. In the end, 10 such booths in his neighborhood were re-engineered to serve the purpose. Each booth was fitted with computers, radiators, printers and blood pressure monitors, and staffed by a primary-care doctor and a pharmacist. Lyu worked with the local government to ensure that they had fever-reducing drugs and other medications commonly used for seasonal flu that were in tight supply at the time. According to Lyu, the booths played a significant role in reducing pressure on hospitals during the peak in COVID-19 infections ahead of the Spring Festival holiday. "They were each receiving about 80 patients a day at the time," he said. Lyu said that though there are few visitors now, they've decided to keep the booth in case of future waves of COVID-19. "I have no idea what we will do with these booths in the future, but I definitely wish they do not have to be used to fight pandemics like COVID-19," he said. Thursday evening, Doane University's IT staff removed biology professor and volunteer firefighter Brad Elder from the email lists, then sent out a secret announcement to those on campus that Elder was coming home. Three months ago, while helping battle a wildfire in southwestern Lancaster County, Elder was caught in the flames, badly burning 20% of his lower body, the back of both legs and his left hand. He's been at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital since being released from the CHI St. Elizabeth burn unit. Students gathered Thursday night to make signs for Elder and maintenance staff spray-painted his name on snow shovels to wave. Then Friday morning, Crete residents and Doane students and faculty lined the streets to welcome Elder home. At about 10:30 a.m. Friday, Elder arrived at the edge of Crete to see firetrucks lined up and fellow firefighters waiting for him. They put him in the passenger seat of the first firetruck for the last part of his journey. "I was doing my best not to cry through the whole thing," Elder said. "This amazing outpouring of support from the community, it's been overwhelming." The procession wound through downtown Crete before turning to go through the Doane campus. "I expected to see one, maybe two firetrucks," said Patty Lavelle, Doane's manager of event services. "I think they brought all five or six and the police joined in their cruisers with the sirens on, people were cheering it was just a very exciting atmosphere." When Elder finally reached his house, down the hill from Doane, he found more than 50 people waiting outside. "I don't know that anyone thinks they're worth that kind of effort," he said, beginning to cry. "That's my crew and they kept me alive, I wouldn't be here without them. It's just overwhelming to come back and see them all out there, all there waiting for me." Elder said he looks forward to returning to Doane this semester. "I had to fight to get a class on the schedule," he said. "I begged and fought until they gave me one my senior research students." For now, his future as a firefighter remains unclear. Elder said the skin grafts make it difficult to fight fire safely, since they can't detect temperature or thermoregulate with sweat. "At some point, you kind of have to stop running into burning buildings," the 54-year-old said. "I'd planned to stop around turning 60, but now it'll just be six years earlier." Doane is hosting a benefit event for Elder on Feb. 4. "It's been amazing to see the college and the community coming together to support one of our own," Lavelle said. "He's a friend, he's a colleague and he means a lot to the community. Everyone's been really worried about him and I think we're all glad to contribute in any way we can." Top Journal Star photos for January 2023 Specifically citing wide disparities within the criminal and juvenile justice system, Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha on Friday urged the Legislature's Executive Board to support a bill that would require an examination of the potential racial impact of proposed legislation. His bill (LB54) would direct the legislative research office to prepare racial impact statements for bills introduced in the Legislature. McKinney said his purpose is to "evaluate potential disparities and unforeseen policy ramifications" while attempting to assure that "systemic racism remains subdued." "Legislation that has negative effects on the minority population perpetuates systemic harm," the senator said. Blacks and Hispanics are incarcerated at a much higher rate than white Nebraskans, McKinney said, and many of them "have zip codes in my (North Omaha) district." Nine states, including neighboring Iowa, already have implemented similar racial disparity mechanisms, he said. An array of civil liberty and human rights organizations testified in support of McKinney's proposal. Jasmine Harris, director of public policy and advocacy at RISE in Omaha, said "a disproportionate number of people of color are incarcerated," largely because "over-policing" in their neighborhoods results in more contact, which in turn has "a devastating impact on families." A number of other organizations, including Open Sky Policy Institute, Voices for Children in Nebraska, ACLU Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed, added their support. There was no opposition testimony, although the board received some written statements expressing opposition. The board, chaired by Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, adjourned without taking action in order to allow senators to participate in afternoon committee hearings that had just gotten underway. Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2023 SXSW EDU 2023 SXSW EDU Highlights: Education Design, Poetry and Nature as Teaching Tools, and 'Real Talk' with National Teachers of the Year More Featured Sessions and First Keynote Unveiled Plus Schedule Highlights of Note for K12 Educators SXSW EDU has revealed more featured sessions and announced a keynote session featuring accomplished sibling duo Doreen Gehry Nelson and Frank Gehry. In a keynote titled Design-Based Learning Unwrapped: Build Our Future, Nelson and Gehry will celebrate the culmination of their lifes work, and share their perspectives on the roles that creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration must play in education, particularly through the implementation of the Design-Based Learning methodology, SXSW EDU said. The Doreen Nelson Method of Design-Based Learning, applied in K12 classrooms around the world since 1969, features 6 Steps of Backwards Thinking and everything is rooted in the spatial domain, or learning by doing. Nelson is professor emerita of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, School of Education and Integrative Studies; adjunct professor at the Cal Poly College of Environmental Design; and was formerly a professor at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. In 2019, she was named Founding Director of Design-Based Learning by the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies Center X for the UCLA Design-Based Learning Project. An award-winning educator for five decades, Nelson started her career teaching in public schools, where she taught all grades over 15 years. She began developing her Design-Based Learning methodology (formerly called City Building Education) in the late 1960s to ignite creativity, promote high-level transfer of learning, and foster cross-curricular critical thinking skills among K12 students using the spatial domain, according to her bio. Named one of 30 top innovators in education by The New York Times in 1991, Nelson is the recipient of both the American Institute of Architectures prestigious Lifetime Honorary Membership (the highest honor for a non-architect) and the California State Universitys statewide, 2006 Wang Award for Excellence in Education. Frank Gehry holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California (1954), and he studied City Planning at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Since then, Gehrys architectural career has produced public and private buildings in America, Europe, and Asia and earned him several of the most prestigious awards in the architectural field, including the Pritzker Prize. Notable Gehry projects include Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles; Eight Spruce Street Residential Tower in New York City; Opus Residential Tower in Hong Kong; Foundation Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris, France; the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in Washington D.C; the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Childrens Institute Inc. in Watts, California, a new center for the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) in Inglewood, California, and the Grand Avenue Project in Los Angeles. Projects under construction include Facebook campuses in Menlo Park, California, and Redmond, Washington; the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and a new headquarters for Warner Brothers in Burbank, California. Featured Sessions Part Two Unveiled Additional SXSW EDU featured sessions announced recently include: Building Sustainable Early Childhood Education (March 8): Since COVID-19 thrust the availability of quality childcare into the spotlight as necessary to the economy, a newfound public interest is emerging in improving current systems and building sustainable early childhood education across the country. Panelists will discuss how to translate that chatter into action: Wonderschool CEO Chris Bennett; EdSurge Senior Reporter Emily Tate Sullivan; National Association for the Education of Young Children CEO Michelle Kang; and Home Grown Executive Director Natalie Renew. Finding Identity Through Poetry, Art, & Nature (March 7): Remember the sky that you were born under, / know each of the star's stories. So begins the poem Remember, which implores the listener to know their origins, their communion with all things. Poetry, art, and place have the power to transcend generations, and reinforce one's sense of self and connection with others. Join the original author, an award-winning artist, and an educator in conversation as they discuss adapting this poem into a picture book, the connections between poetry and art, and their power to impact readers of any age. Speakers include U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and Caldecott medalist Michaela Goade, both authors with Random House Childrens Books. Real Talk with Two National Teachers of the Year (March 7): Two National Teachers of the Year will lead an insightful conversation about how schools and districts can support educator agency, diversity in materials and student-centered learning. Kurt Russell (2022 honoree) and Rodney Robinson (2019 honoree) both veteran educators have taught students in suburban, city and juvenile detention schools and will discuss why representation matters, how to diversify the profession, and how to create a pipeline for a strong future workforce. Other Schedule Highlights for K12 Leaders Leadership Prep: Educators Need Differentiation Too (March 6): Educators are leveraging new scientific research on how brains learn to meet students where they are and to design learning thats relevant and engaging. But when it comes to educator training and development, content for teachers is the same across the board no matter the teachers experience, strengths, or needs. This session will focus on rethinking how we invest in developing educators. Bridging Offline Students Connectivity Barriers (March 7): With an estimated 15 million U.S. students living with unstable internet access or no access at all, the 2030 estimated completion date of a federal broadband-for-all plan is not fast enough. This presentation will address low-barrier options for students to access carefully curated resources of digital content on their devices without an internet connection. MARION The University of Illinois Extension program is looking for adults who enjoy spending time outdoors and have a passion for giving back for their Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer training. Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling said the course will teach adults about nature and how to be good stewards. It will include classroom and in-the-field training. Illinois Extension will host a hybrid training in early 2023 for the next cohort of Master Naturalists. The training consists of science-based educational opportunities offered through self-paced assignments, in-person activities and discussions. Becoming an Illinois Master Naturalist starts with the 60-hour training class. After completing the class, a minimum of 30 hours of volunteering is required. Part of the training will be introducing the class to places to volunteer. Regional experts will teach classes on ecology, invasive species, aquatic life, forestry, geology, herpetology, entomology and much more. The program includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and activities. A strong internet connection is highly recommended. This years class will have a lot of field trip days to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. A lot of volunteer opportunities exist at the refuge, Rohling said. Training sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Thursday from April 13 through June 8. The group will meet at the Williamson County Extension office at 1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60, Marion, IL 62959, with field trips to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Rohling said they hope to move to CONWR visitor center when it opens. The orientation session will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13. The Illinois Master Naturalist training has been offered in other counties, according to Rohling. It was offered in conjunction with Giant City State Park, Cypress Creek and Rend Lake. Southern Illinois has a rich and diverse landscape that allows for many volunteer opportunities, Rohling said. Volunteers can work with state parks and refuges to assist with natural areas restoration and education, or collect data as a citizen scientist. She added that some of areas Master Naturalists do a lot of youth programs. Trail Blasts which are trash cleanups are popular. In Ripple Hollow, they have collected 3,200 pounds of trash. Recently, Rohling said a bunch of volunteers have been interested in pollinators. They volunteer with organizations that track pollinators. The fee for the spring course is $250, which includes nine weeks of online materials and live sessions. Download an application packet at go.illinois.edu/2023SpringMN. The deadline to apply is March 31. To learn more about becoming a Master Naturalist, contact Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling at (618) 687-1727 or kimrohli@illinois.edu. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Kim Rohling. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs. Joseph A. Cervantez, Jackson County States Attorney, announced Tuesday that three defendants were found guilty on Jan. 30, following a jury trial in Jackson County. Demarcus Jones, 28, and Charleton J. Patterson, 29, of Carbondale, were found guilty of multiple gun related offenses including aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Also, Simeon C. Patterson, 29, of Carbondale, was found guilty of reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. The jury found the defendants guilty on a total of 13 felony counts. In a two week-long jury trial with all three defendants, Cervantez presented evidence that Saturday, April 30, 2022, at around 1:27 a.m. Carbondale police responded to the city parking lot near Tres Hombres in the 100 block of N. Washington St., for a reported shooting. Police say they found a large crowd of people in the parking lot and learned that multiple individuals had fired shots. Detectives identified Demarcus Jones and Charleton J. Patterson as two of the shooters. On May 1, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office stopped a vehicle in the 300 block of E. Walnut St. Jones and Patterson were inside. Jackson County deputies and Carbondale police arrested Jones after he ran from the vehicle. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle and were eventually connected to the shooting from the night before. Simeon Patterson was eventually implicated as well and arrested May 10, 2022. Cervantez led the prosecution of Demarcus Jones, Charelton Patterson and Simeon Patterson, and after securing the guilty verdict Jan. 30, Cervantez explained that a sentencing hearing will be set for each of the three defendants. Cervantez emphasized that the quick response of law enforcement to the scene of this incident and their tireless follow-up investigation shows the dedication that law enforcement has in keeping our community safe. In Jackson County, those who put our community in harms way will be held accountable, he said. The investigation was led by the Carbondale Police Department and assisted by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, among others. CARBONDALE Community members can soon receive free income tax preparation services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, thanks to a group of specially trained students. Beta Alpha Psi, a College of Business and Analytics honors accounting student organization, is again sponsoring the popular free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in 2023 for low- and moderate-income community members. We are honored to continue the tradition of providing tax services to SIU students and our community members, said Loralei Glueck, a senior accounting major from Tremont, Illinois, who is vice president of Beta Alpha Psi. We look forward to serving everyone as we prepare individual tax returns. Glueck and Jaiden Sanders, a senior accounting major from Vienna, Illinois, are the 2023 VITA program coordinators. Program kicks off Feb. 25 The program begins Feb. 25 and continues each Saturday through March 25 (except for March 18 when there will be no services due to spring break). Students will offer the free tax preparation services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the computer lab on the lower level of Rehn Hall, 1025 Lincoln Drive. In addition, there will be a special session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11 specifically to provide tax preparation for SIU students. Students are very prepared SIU student volunteers have offered the free tax preparation for nearly a quarter of a century, and they train extensively in order to provide professional services, according to Benna Williams, the School of Accountancy program coordinator, associate lecturer, CPA and former tax practitioner who serves as the Beta Alpha Psi adviser. Glueck and Sanders participated in advanced training to prepare for their leadership roles in the VITA program. They are at the helm of a team comprising about two dozen accounting students. Each of the tax preparers is an IRS-certified volunteer who has completed mandatory ethics and tax examination courses. All are donating their time and energy to prepare tax returns at no cost for community members and students who meet the qualifications. Williams noted that the students save community members hundreds of dollars and do such a good job, that many people return year after year to gratefully take advantage of the program. Glueck or Sanders will review returns and assist with questions as will Williams and other SIU faculty members. Im excited for another year of VITA and offering our service to the community, Sanders said. As always, we have a great group of students who are stepping up this year to volunteer their time. This hands-on experience is an excellent way for SIU students to generously use and enhance their skills and knowledge. Who qualifies? The free tax preparation services are available to any U.S. citizen, whether single or married, as long as their income does not exceed $58,000, and they take the standard federal deduction. The SIU VITA volunteers will prepare tax returns that involve: Wages/salaries. Interest income. Dividends received. State tax refunds. Unemployment benefits. IRA distributions. Pension income. Social Security benefits. Simple capital gains or losses. Self-employment income. Gambling winnings. Education credits. Earned income credit. Child tax credit. Limited itemized deductions. The VITA students can only file domestic returns. However, SIU international students and faculty may submit their information to www.getyourrefund.org/Franklin, another VITA site with international certifications, to get their returns completed for free, Williams noted. The services at SIU are also unavailable for people whose returns involve: Schedule C with losses. Complicated capital gains and losses (Schedule D). Nondeductible IRA (Form 8606). Minors investment income (Form 8615). Determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding (Form SS-8). Premium tax credits (Parts 4 and 5 of Form 8962). Foreign returns. What to bring In order to take advantage of the free tax preparation, community members should bring all of the necessary documents. That includes legal identification, such as a drivers license, passport or state ID, along with Social Security cards and birth dates (for spouse and dependents as well, if applicable). In addition, bring all necessary tax documents, including all official wage, earning, interest and dividend statements and copies of the previous years state and federal tax returns, if available. Those claiming child care credits will need to bring the day care providers tax identification number (either Social Security number or business employer identification number) and amount paid for child care. Participants should also bring Letter 6419, which provides information about any Advance Child Tax Credit payments they may have received, if applicable. Failure to provide all of the necessary information could result in the VITA students being unable to complete and file the return on-site and/or the payment of any income tax refund being delayed or hindered, Williams said. In addition, bring a blank check or other proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit if you anticipate receiving a tax refund. Fast service, filing included The VITA services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who arrive late in the morning or at exceptionally busy times may be asked to return later or the following week if necessary to allow sufficient time for the tax preparation. Free e-filing is included with the tax preparation. Note that when married couples are filing a joint return, both must be present to sign the required forms. For more information, email vita@business.siu.edu or call 618-453-1407. A 34-year-old Gray Court man is serving a probation term for having a stolen pistol. James Arthur Prophet II, of 107 Adriann Ave., pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen pistol during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended to 18 months of probation. She also ordered Prophet to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps and complete substance abuse counseling. She gave Prophet credit for having already served 20 days in jail. In other recent guilty pleas: Lashanda Denise Sims, 37, of 105 Cool Street Road, Norway, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of cocaine. Goodstein sentenced her to prison for one year, suspended to one year of probation. She also ordered Sims to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps, complete substance abuse counseling, undergo random drug/alcohol testing and attend either Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous twice weekly. Aaron Wesley Smoak, 23, of 1663 Bennett Circle, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods valued at $10,000 or more. Goodstein sentenced him to prison for seven years, suspended to probation for three years. She also ordered Smoak to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps, complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Goodstein stipulated as part of Smoaks probation term, hes required to remain a minimum of six months at Turning Point rehabilitation. She noted that if Smoak fails to complete his minimum rehabilitation stay, hell be in violation of his probation. Deoreon TyRek Steward, 19, of 1814 Middleton St., Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Goodstein sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed three years, suspended to two years of probation. She also ordered Steward to complete substance abuse counseling, undergo random drug/alcohol testing and forfeit his weapon. Huey J. Williams Jr., 42, of 1207 Cannon Bridge Road, Cordova, pleaded guilty to first-offense distribution of methamphetamine. Goodstein sentenced him to 10 years in prison, suspended to five years of probation. She also ordered Williams to enroll with the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department or Job Corps, complete substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Scott Lamont Williams, 27, of 328 Threson St., Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and second-degree domestic violence. Goodstein sentenced him to seven years in prison, suspended to two years of probation. She gave Williams credit for having already served one day in jail. She also ordered Williams to undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Christopher Eugene Wilson, 29, of 512 Longleaf Road, Summerville, pleaded guilty to first-offense third-degree burglary and grand larceny valued more than $2,000 but less than $10,000. Circuit Judge Heath Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, provided that after he served 295 days, the remainder of his term would be suspended to three years of probation. Taylor gave him credit for having already served 295 days in jail. David Hill, 23, of 277 Anderson St., Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of a scheduled drug. Taylor sentenced him to jail for 90 days and gave him credit for having already served 27 days there. A 33-year-old St. Matthews man admitted his guilt in an Aug. 22, 2022 incident involving the theft of a catalytic converter on Wingate Street in Orangeburg. Brandon Lee Hanna, of 170 Wild Rose Road, pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy, breaking into a motor vehicle and two counts of transporting or possessing stolen nonferrous metals. During a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse, Circuit Judge Heath Taylor sentenced him to five years in prison. After he serves 18 months, the remainder of his term will be suspended to five years of probation. He also ordered Hanna to pay restitution and complete substance abuse counseling. Taylor gave Hanna credit for having already served 10 months in jail. Prosecutors dismissed Hannas following charges: malicious injury to personal property valued $2,000 or less and possession of implements capable of being used in a crime. Charges remain pending against Hannas two co-defendants, both from Orangeburg: Tracy Burke Hughes, 58, of Willington Drive and David Ryan Jones, 36, of 133 Odell Drive. In other recent guilty pleas: Marshall Bernard Felder, 32, of 143 Cold Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights. Taylor sentenced him to two days in jail and gave him credit for having already served that time there. Prosecutors dismissed Felders charges of reckless driving and first-offense uninsured motor vehicle fee violation. Kareem Jomon Fludd, 23, of 122 Scenic Drive, St. Matthews, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol. Taylor sentenced him to pay a $100 fine within 60 days or report to jail for 90 days. Shari Danielle Frazier, 38, of 124 Harbison Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to forgery, no dollar amount given. Taylor sentenced her to one day in jail and gave her credit for having already served that time there. Calvin Goff, 64, of 206 Bonanza Road, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to shoplifting with enhancement. Taylor sentenced him to five years in prison, provided that after he serves 116 days, the remainder of his term will be suspended to two years of probation. He gave Goff credit for having already served 116 days in jail. As part of Goffs probation requirement, Taylor ordered him to complete at least six months at an inpatient drug treatment facility. Prosecutors dismissed Goffs two counts of shoplifting valued at $2,000 or less. Brandi Lea Gonzales, 36, of 4428 Birch Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of a controlled substance. Taylor sentenced her to 65 days in jail and gave her credit for having already served that time there. Cheryl Lashea Graham, 42, of 1439 River Front Road, Charleston, pleaded guilty to financial transaction card theft and neglect of a vulnerable adult. Taylor sentenced her to five years in prison, provided that after she serves one year, the remainder of her term will be suspended to five years of probation. He gave Graham credit for having already served 182 days in jail. Prosecutors dismissed Grahams two charges of financial transaction card fraud valued $500 or more during a six-month period. Treyvion Shaleek High, 24, of 1001 Toney Bay Road, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug. Taylor sentenced him to pay a $100 fine or spend 10 days in jail. Tymara Marie Irick, 25, of 217 Casa Court, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person. Taylor sentenced her under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed one year, suspended to two days in jail. He gave Irick credit for having already served two days in jail. Charles Quincy Jackson, 41, of 68 Peterkin Street, Denmark, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree domestic violence. Taylor sentenced him to prison for three years, provided that after he served four days, the remainder of his term would be suspended to two years of probation. He gave Jackson credit for having already served four days in jail. Leroy Antwan Jenkins, 41, of 244 Sanibel Drive, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights. Taylor sentenced him to two years in prison, provided that after he served one day, the remainder of his term would be suspended to two years of probation. He gave Jenkins credit for having already served one day in jail. Prosecutors dismissed Jenkins charges of first-offense driving under suspension and first-offense possession with intent to distribute a schedule drug. Nick Taiste, 21, of Hugine Suites Building K, S.C. State University, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and battery. Taylor sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed three years, suspended to 30 months of probation. He gave Taiste credit for having already served two days in jail. WALTERBORO -- "I did him so bad." That's what a South Carolina investigator on Monday testified that Alex Murdaugh had uttered between sobs during a recorded interview three days after Murdaugh's wife and son were killed. But to others inside and outside the courtroom, it sounded like Murdaugh said, "They did him so bad," on the audio from a police interview that was played at the disgraced attorney's double murder trial after he was asked about a picture of his son's body. Court ended Monday before the defense could cross-examine the agent. Earlier in the day, defense attorneys continued to question the way state authorities collected and analyzed evidence in the shooting deaths of Murdaugh's wife and son. Murdaugh, 54, is standing trial on two counts of murder in the shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County home and hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. His wife, Maggie, 52, was shot several times with a rifle; their son Paul, 22, was shot twice with a shotgun near kennels on the property. Murdaugh faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. In the interview played Monday, Murdaugh spoke to the state agent at his brother's house for about an hour three days after the killings. Murdaugh's lawyer was close by. Prosecutors paused the video several times to give State Law Enforcement Division Senior Special Agent Jeff Croft a chance to emphasize some of Murdaugh's comments. At one point, Murdaugh said his wife was home hours before the killings when he and his son returned from riding around the property. Later in the interview, Murdaugh could be heard saying "It's just so bad," before the unclear comment that Croft said sounded like Murdaugh was implying he had killed his son. After mentioning a small disagreement he had with his wife over visiting her family, Murdaugh broke into sobs during the 2021 interview. "She was a wonderful girl and a wonderful wife. And she was a great mother," Murdaugh said. Monday started with cross-examination of another state agent who testified at length about evidence collected from the Murdaugh home and property. Similarly to the previous days of testimony, officers and crime scene technicians presented evidence to the jury that investigators will likely later explain in more detail. Prosecutors described their case as a puzzle in last week's opening statement. While cross-examining witnesses, though, defense attorneys have asked questions suggesting the metaphorical puzzle pieces either aren't clear or prosecutors aren't putting them all on the table. State Law Enforcement Division Special Agent Melinda Worley testified Friday about photographs of the bodies, shotgun pellets and DNA swabs from the scene as well as clothes and fingernail clippings from the autopsies. In Monday's cross-examination, defense attorney Dick Harpootlian honed in on several items, including identifying footprints, one of Worley's specialties. She told him one of the footprints in blood near where Murdaugh's son was shot came from a deputy. "Is that the preservation of the scene that your standards require?" Harpootlian asked. "Not exactly, no," Worley responded. Harpootlian also had Worley come off the stand and work on a rough diagram of the angles of the shots fired at Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, pointing out a significant disparity between the directions the shots at each victim came from. Worley said that can happen when a shooter is moving. "One explanation would be movement. One explanation would be two shooters," Harpootlian said. Alex Murdaugh continued to rock and dab his eyes during more graphic testimony, including when Harpootlian showed a photo of his wife's body to ask Worley if there could have been a shoeprint on his wife's calf that was not formally documented as the scene was examined. Worley said she couldn't be certain. Croft was one of the chief agents investigating the double killings and also testified about guns, ammunition, and fired casings gathered from the Murdaugh home after the killings, showing at least four different shotguns and rifles to the jury and testifying that the Murdaughs kept the weapons loaded in their gun room. In his interview, Murdaugh told Croft that his son was unfocused and would stay with family and friends across the state, leaving his possessions behind instead of bringing them home. "He did that with clothes, he did that with guns he did that with my boats," Murdaugh said. Prosecutors in their opening statement said the guns that killed Paul and Maggie Murdaugh have not been found, but markings on casings found around the home that may have been used for target practice matched casings found at the scene. Alex Murdaugh also faces about 100 charges related to accusations of money laundering, stealing millions from clients and the family law firm, tax evasion and trying to get a man to fatally shoot him so his surviving son could collect a $10 million life insurance policy. He was being held in jail without bail on those counts before he was charged with murder. Since the killings, Murdaugh's life has seen a stunningly fast downfall. His family dominated the legal system in tiny neighboring Hampton County for generations, both as prosecutors and private attorneys known for getting life-changing settlements for accidents and negligence cases. China will stop accrediting foreign diplomas and degrees obtained via online courses starting from the spring semester this year as major overseas study destinations have opened their borders, according to the Ministry of Education's Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange. Since 2020, the center has accredited the qualifications earned by Chinese students who were supposed to study in-person but were forced to study partly or fully online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The accreditation is important for the students to find jobs in China. However, as the pandemic situation in major overseas study destinations and China changes, the center will stop the temporary measures from the new spring semester (fall semester in the Southern Hemisphere), the center said in a notice on Saturday. The center stressed that it has never recognized purely online teaching programs. It encourages students to return to their universities as soon as possible given the differences in teaching schedules of universities in different countries. Students still unable to return to their universities in the new semester due to force majeure need to have written proof and submit it to the center when they want to get their qualifications accredited, it said. Students who have chosen to study online for the new semester and are not allowed to change it by the universities can still have their diplomas recognized, the center said in a further notice issued on Sunday. If the universities only offer online courses in the new semester, the students should contact them and return to their campus for study in the next semester, the notice said. Students having difficulties getting visas and booking flights can take online courses temporarily while the procedures are finished, the notice said. Those who are in their final semester of study need to confirm with their universities whether they can return to their campus, and if not, the students need to prepare written evidentiary documentation to have their qualifications recognized by the center. Students who are studying in Ukraine and cannot return to the country in the new semester can attend courses online, and students who study in Russia and are also impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and cannot return to their universities can also have their qualifications recognized, the notice added. Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said while allowing students who cannot travel to overseas universities to have their qualifications recognized shows concern and care for the students, stopping the temporary measure safeguards educational equality. "To seek profit, some foreign institutions have offered distance learning programs with low quality, and recognizing this kind of diploma only hurts students who studied hard overseas to get their diploma," he said. While the barriers posed by COVID-19 for Chinese students studying overseas have been removed, there is no reason for them to continue studying online, he said. With the number of Chinese students studying overseas increasing over the years, the appeal of overseas degrees in the domestic job market is declining, so a strict accreditation system is required to weed out students who just obtained a foreign diploma but learned little, he added. Special elections are set in the Orangeburg County towns of Branchville and Norway on March 28. The elections will be held to fill the unexpired term of former Norway Mayor Tracie Clemons and the unexpired term of Branchville Town Councilman Charles Dukes. Clemons resigned from her position at the end of the Norway Town Council meeting on Dec. 5. Her term would have expired in November 2023, when the next regular election is scheduled. Dukes also resigned from his position on the Branchville Town Council. His four-year term would have also expired in November of 2023. The next regular election in both municipalities is scheduled for Nov. 7. Filing for both seats ended Monday, Jan. 30. Lynn P. Garrick was the only person to file for Clemson's former seat. Wendy Myles was the lone filer for Dukes' seat. The special election is set for 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the Norway Senior Center, located at 105 St. John Ave. in Norway, according to Orangeburg County Voter Registration and Election Office Director Aurora Smalls. Smalls said the special election in Branchville is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 28 at the Branchville Commuity Center at 7647 Freedom Road in Branchville. She said only registered voters residing within each town's limits are eligible to vote. Votes cast in each election will be certified at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Orangeburg County Voter Registration and Election Office, 1475 Amelia St. in Orangeburg. Get TheTandD.com for $1 for 26 weeks Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com Get the first 26 weeks for just $1 at https://go.thetandd.com/nov5 COLUMBIA The South Carolina House of Representatives passed in second reading H. 3614, which would prohibit a public utility from taking action against an employee who reported wrongdoing. The Rate Payer Protection Act was sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun, and Rep. Roger Kirby, D-Florence. It now heads to the Senate. Todays vote is an important step in holding public utilities accountable to the ratepayers, Ott said. This bill does two things: protects public utility employees when they do the right thing by reporting wrongdoing and protects the ratepayer from public utilities engaging in that wrongdoing. Im glad the House moved quickly on this bill and Im hopeful our colleagues in the Senate will do the same. Weve seen public utilities be untruthful before, Kirby said. This bill will make it much harder for them to hide the truth from the public and retaliate against employees who have the courage to speak up. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle came together to make this legislation a priority and Im confident that it will be signed into law soon. The House passed in second reading H. 3614 with overwhelming support on Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 114-0. COLUMBIA -- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and PalmettoPride announce a comprehensive joint study on the efficacy of state litter statutes and enforcement practices and procedures. The multistate study is the first of its kind in the country and can serve as a benchmark to measure litter control enforcement efforts across the country. The two states engaged with Carson Consulting to review existing state litter laws and interview key stakeholders to evaluate the strength of the states current litter enforcement tools and systems. Carson Consulting conducted a mixed-methods study examining five years of data from 2016-20 and conducted interviews with representatives of law enforcement and judicial officers to gain on-the-ground insight. A primary focus of the research included examining Pennsylvania and South Carolina statutes regarding penalties and reviewing the attitudes, behaviors, and influences that emerge by comparing case disposition with interviews. Four key takeaways from the study reveal that enforcement is considered necessary to stopping littering and illegal dumping but that activity is low; officers or judges do not favor high fines; there is a high rate of guilty convictions; and community service requirements are considered effective in sentencing. Enforcing litter laws is crucial to changing behaviors that create litter, said Sarah Lyles, executive director of PalmettoPride, but those laws need to be enforceable from ticketing to adjudication. This study helps to support and identify what is most effective from a law enforcement and judicial perspective. The Litter Law Studies in each state are part of larger initiatives dealing with litter prevention. The goal of Pennsylvanias Litter Action Plan is to prevent littering through the development and implementation of a research-based plan of recommended actions that can be used statewide to change littering behavior over time. PalmettoPride, South Carolinas anti- litter organization, will release a litter study in 2023. Pennsylvanias Litter Action Plan of 2021 called for litter law enhancements, including but not limed to the following action items: evaluate and update littering and illegal dumping fines, mandate litter pick-up, and link community service to litter clean-ups. This research, which details the efficacy of the states thirteen litter and illegal dumping laws, is the first step in this process, said Shannon Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Litter is not a problem unique to any area, state or county. Population density, individual attitudes, and infrastructure are just some factors that impact how well we deal with the amount of waste produced. This study provides insight into a much bigger conversation about how we address solid waste, Lyles said. Globally, we are playing catch up with a decades-old system. Carson Consulting is a global consulting company specializing in litter, illegal dumping, and waste management issues. Dr. Carson and the team conducts research on these issues to determine the effectiveness and efficacy of related programs and provides a unique blend of analytical and operational expertise in addressing littering behavior and identifying innovative solutions. Carson Consulting is working with several other states on similar litter studies, providing hope for change for Reiter and Lyles, who are both state leaders for Keep America Beautiful. Systematic change takes time. Understanding the scope of the problem and the efficacy of existing tools in the toolbox are critical. As more and more states turn their attention to addressing litter and illegal dumping, our hope is that lessons learned in Pennsylvania, can not only add value, but also move those discussions forward, Reiter said. The study was funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. PalmettoPride is working towards a litter-free South Carolina. It is a legislative initiative to fight litter and help beautify South Carolina by engaging citizens to take action in their communities through education, enforcement, awareness and pickup. This story was originally published in the Jan. 31 edition of the Star-Tribune. As a service to our print-only readers, we are republishing it. Susie McMurry, a Casper philanthropist and volunteer known for her decades of generous giving, died Saturday. She was 76. McMurry died at Wyoming Medical Center after a lifelong battle with diabetes, according to an obituary posted to Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home in Casper. Her family confirmed that she had passed Saturday morning. A Casper native, McMurrys legacy of giving can be seen in countless Wyoming organizations and buildings that were supported through her contributions. She and her husband, Mick, started the McMurry Foundation, which awarded nearly $50 million in its first 15 years of operation alone. They assisted groups such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, the University of Wyoming, Caspers YMCA and Wyoming Medical Center, among many others. Mickey was in charge of making the money, and certainly he had input on what philanthropic endeavors they should support, said Cary Brus, a director of Jonah Bank who has worked closely with the family for decades. But Susie was in charge of directing the philanthropic efforts, to a larger degree. Looking back on the couples legacy, he said, its hard to put into words how many communities theyve touched. Blessing others McMurry was raised in Elk Mountain and Hanna before returning to the Oil City to attend Casper College. She graduated with an education degree from the University of Wyoming and taught for a time in Casper. In 1973, she married Mick, who later developed Jonah Field in southwest Wyoming. That success made them two of the wealthiest people in the state. They used that wealth to help numerous organizations and countless Wyomingites. Susie courageously always thought of others first, her obituary states. She gave from her heart and was a living legacy of joy, kindness, love, and faith. Her life was about blessing others. Around the time of her wedding to Mick, McMurry befriended Barbara Cubin, who went on to serve as Wyomings sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009. That friendship which also included former state superintendent Judy Catchpole predated the success of Jonah Field, but the money didnt change our relationship one single bit, Cubin said. We were still common people at heart. Catchpole added, Susie is the best friend anyone could have. Even after decades of friendship, McMurrys devotion to children was a point of amazement for Catchpole. McMurry was instrumental in the creation of the Child Development Center of Natrona County. She was just a leader in getting those things to happen for children in Casper, Catchpole said. It was so fun to watch her. Making a difference Without McMurry and the familys philanthropic efforts, Casper would be a different place, she said. The McMurrys touched nearly every corner of the university with their philanthropy, said UW spokesperson Chad Baldwin. The High Altitude Performance Center, a gym located at the universitys Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium, for example, is endowed in their names. And theyve made contributions to UWs marching band, college of business, college of education, college of health sciences and the library. In addition to her philanthropy, McMurry volunteered much of her time to the causes she believed in, Cubin said. She donated not only her money, but her life. Jamie Purcell, executive director of the Wyoming Food for Thought Project, recalled meeting McMurry while working for the Boys & Girls Club. The philanthropist supported Wyoming Food for Thought Project when it was a fledgling organization aiming to tackle food insecurity in the Casper area. She would make sure to say hello to all of us, Purcell said. She knew us as people and friendly faces, and it meant so much to me coming up through the ranks of [community] development and nonprofits to have someone as influential as Susie McMurry know my name and say hello to me. McMurry saw the value in Wyoming Food for Thought and community groups when others did not, and she had faith in those working to better Casper, Purcell said and, unlike some philanthropic organizations that ask for detailed accounting down to the penny, truly invested in what they supported, she said. They got to know you. You developed a relationship and then they would give you a gift for your mission. It was very trust-based, she said. Susie very much believed in investing in the community in so many different ways. Its just highly impactful to have someone so influential, but also so kind, trust that our mission was going to be doing what we said it was, Purcell said. To have their backing meant just so much to us. McMurry continued her philanthropic work after Micks death in 2015. After Mickey died, Susie stepped up in a way that surprised all of us, Brus, the former McMurry employee, said. She was every bit his equal in many respects, he added, and sometimes his superior. Kindness and faith But those close to McMurry spoke about more than her kindness and generosity. They also recalled her devotion to her Catholic faith, and her sense of humor. She had a rapier wit, Brus said. And I think that, coupled with her wonderful [judgement] of people around her for good traits and bad it was a blast just to be in the same room with her and hear her sense of humor on full display. Cubin, her lifelong friend, said the pair found ways to laugh through it all. They amassed plenty of inside jokes over the decades, she said. The sort that you wouldnt put in the newspaper. McMurry had a great giggle, Catchpole added. We loved to have fun and giggle and do things together with our families, she said. McMurry is survived by her daughters, Trudi (Tyler) Holthouse and Jillian McMurry, sister San Koeneke, and grandchildren Lou McMurry, Tayla Davis, Tillie Holthouse, Ellie Holthouse, Evie, Lily, Max, and Drew Kaschmitter. She was preceded in death by Mick McMurry, her parents Robert and Tillie and her sisters Trudy Wilson and Pat Quigly. Her family has asked memorial contributions be made to the Child Development Center of Natrona County or the McMurry Foundation. A Rosary is planned for 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Casper. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, also at St. Patricks. CHEYENNE Wyoming voters could very well see greater restrictions around crossover voting in coming elections after a committee advanced two bills on Monday that would narrow the time frame when people could jump from one party to another. House Bill 207, sponsored by Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, would put in place a 14-day blackout period before primary elections, during which time voters would not be able to change their party affiliation from one major party to another. They also would not be able to make that change at the polls on the day of the primary election or when requesting an absentee ballot, although those particular restrictions dont apply if the voter is changing affiliation between minor parties or if theyre unaffiliated. Crossover voting has been a topic thats come before the Legislature several times since the 2014 elections, Zwonitzer said. The practice came to the forefront in particular during the last election cycle as some Democrats crossed over to the Republican Party to vote for Wyomings former Rep. Liz Cheney, who ultimately lost her race to Rep. Harriet Hageman. The drumbeat gets louder, the cry gets louder about, We got to do something. And I think this last primary election season 94% of the state voted in the Republican primary. Certainly an issue there, Zwonitzer said before the committee. What Im attempting to do is a very small step to say weve done something, because weve kind of had this all or nothing approach now for the past decade. Zwonitzers bill passed in a 5-3 vote. Reps. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette, and Pepper Ottman, R-Riverton, voted no. Rep. Cody Wylie, R-Rocks Springs, was excused. The other proposed legislation, House Bill 103, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, is more restrictive. The blackout period for changing party affiliation would be 45 days before the primary election, and 14 days before the general election. Moving into this session, once again, it was an overwhelming drive by my constituents to say, Hey, we need to address, we need to talk about this once again, Haroldson said. While both Zwonitzers and Haroldsons bills impose greater restrictions, neither are as stringent as some of the options that initially came before the House Corporations Committee Monday afternoon. Haroldsons bill, as it was originally written, would have barred voters from changing their party affiliation after the first day of the candidate filing period. In other words, voters wouldnt have been able to see what their options were before deciding which party ticket they wanted to vote on. Help me understand how thats good for the voters if they dont even know whos running for office, committee chairman Rep. Jared Olsen, R-Cheyenne, asked Haroldson, who explained that this was the cutoff date that his constituents have overwhelmingly been asking for. But the committee ended up adopting an amendment to the bill brought forward Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, to change that deadline, barring voters from changing party affiliation within 45 days prior to a primary election instead. The bill, with Harshmans amendment, ended up passing in a 7-1 vote. Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, voted no. Wylie was excused. Another bill sponsored by Rep. Cyrus Western, R-Big Horn, would have done the same thing as Haroldsons bill prior to it being amended. The committee didnt end up voting on Westerns House Bill 141 since it was the same as House Bill 103. Secretary of State Chuck Gray favored House Bills 141 and 103, telling the committee that he believes crossover voting has undermined the sanctity of Wyomings primary process in the past several election cycles. He also specifically said he supported the stricter cutoff date for party affiliation changes. I prefer the start of the filing period as the deadline, because I think your party affiliation membership really transcends who the candidates are, Gray said. But Gail Symons, owner of the nonpartisan blog Civics307, warned of the unintended consequences of restricting party affiliation changes to this degree. Be careful of what you ask for, Symons said. You shut down party affiliation changes in the cycle, and I guarantee you that you just kill whats left of the Democratic Party, because everybody who cares about who gets elected to any office is going to change to Republican and stay there. Mary Lankford, a lobbyist for the County Clerks Association of Wyoming, said clerks would be able to administer the processes in either of the bills, but that House Bill 103 in particular would require pretty heavy voter education for the public so that they arent caught short. PHOTOS: Casper voters head to the polls Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes Casper votes In the latest attempt to give Wyoming clearer hate crimes protections, a new bill would establish penalties for acts of violence and vandalism motivated by prejudice toward another persons race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Hate crimes, also called bias crimes, refer to crimes committed against people or groups for having specific characteristics. Someone who deliberately damages a mosque out of animus for Muslim people, for example, would fit that definition. But Wyoming state statute doesnt directly address those kinds of crimes at least, not as explicitly as federal law does. Groups of lawmakers and activists in Wyoming have been trying for years to change that, without success. So House Bill 280 sponsored by Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne is giving it another shot. New penalties The bill would amend Wyoming statute 6-9-102, which holds that no person shall be denied the right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness or the necessities of life the above protected classes. Violating the law is currently a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $750. House Bill 280 would add specific penalties for bias-motivated acts of violence and vandalism on top of that. Causing bodily harm to another person because of their race, color, sex, creed or national origin would be considered a misdemeanor, the bill says. Defacing, injuring or destroying the property of another person for the above reasons would also be a misdemeanor, so long as the damage amounted to less than $1,000. Both would come with punishments of up to six months in jail and a fine of $750 max. More severe hate crimes would face harsher punishment. Anyone who inflicts, or attempts to inflict, serious bodily injury on the basis of someone elses race, color, sex, creed or national origin could face up to 10 years in prison. (Serious bodily injury refers to bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or which causes miscarriage, severe disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.) Bias-motivated acts vandalism that cause more than $1,000 in property damage would likewise face up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. Those penalties are the same as current punishments for bodily injury and vandalism, Zwonitzer said. The district attorney or the county attorney would just be able to charge them under the hate crime statute are the regular property damage or assault battery statutes, he said. If passed into law, the amendments would take effect immediately. Long odds House Bill 280 takes after a bill drafted by a committee of lawmakers in 2021. The Joint Judiciary Committee spent that year considering potential hate crimes legislation for Wyoming, but ultimately voted not to sponsor any for the 2022 session. Zwonitzer doesnt expect things to go differently this time. Its probably not leaving the Speakers desk, he said. While lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Wyoming have supported the idea of hate crimes law, hard-line conservatives tend to oppose it. And with the statehouse leaning farther right this year, the odds of House Bill 280 gaining traction are slim, Zwonitzer said. Thats partly why the bill doesnt bother with expanding protected classes. While there have been attempts to add sexual orientation, gender identity and religion into Wyomings anti-discrimination statute in the past, more and more lawmakers seem ideologically opposed to the idea of protected classes in general. Anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws are meant to protect everyone equally, but some view the phrase protected classes as implying the law will favor people with certain characteristics over others. Zwonitzer said another bill hes sponsoring, which addresses assault against health care workers, caught criticism during a Friday committee meeting for trying to make nurses a protected class. House Bill 280 comes as more and more Wyoming communities have taken an interest in adopting, or expanding, their own local hate crimes and non-discrimination laws. Last year, Cheyenne and Casper both passed hate crimes ordinances. (Caspers also banned discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation.) Towns like Gillette and Riverton have both expressed interest in following suit, said Sara Burlingame, executive director of Wyoming Equality. Bruce Moats has been accused of never having met a document that shouldnt be public or a meeting that shouldnt be open. Largely I plead guilty to that, though not totally, the grayed, wiry 66-year-old Cheyenne attorney said. Moats mindset and bias toward transparency was born partly from his upbringing, he said. Growing up in a massive family, with 10 kids, decision-making was a collective effort. Functioning as a family wouldnt have worked, he said, unless all of us [knew] whats going on. That just makes such simple sense to me, Moats said, I find it astounding I have to argue about it sometimes. Moats thought back on his life and career as the chatter of dozens of journalists permeated a fast-filling ballroom at the Little America hotel in Cheyenne. The babbling scribes, photographers and publishers were assembled for the Wyoming Press Associations final salute to the late Jim Angell, a longtime AP Bureau chief and WPA executive director who advocated alongside Moats for decades for open Wyoming government. Now Moats, too, is leaving. After 40 or so WPA conventions, its probably my last, he said. The longtime legal counsel for Wyomings fourth estate is forthcoming about why hes stepping away. His 13-year-old granddaughter, Lily Alicia Gomez Moats, has battled aplastic anemia a potentially life-threatening condition that has channeled her grandpas fight away from his profession. Its just this constant pressure thats changed me, Moats said of Lilys anemia. I just dont have the gumption to fight not in a fisticuff way but just standing strong and saying, You cant do this. I just dont have it. But fight, Moats did. The journalist-turned-attorney is retiring from a four-decades-long battle for the publics right to know. Its a safe bet to say he knows the Wyoming Public Records Act better than anybody. Hes repeatedly brought newspapers disputes all the way to the Wyoming Supreme Court, where he amassed nine victories to only three losses. And Moats has provided a voice, calling for transparency, for generations of Wyoming journalists who are being shut out or stonewalled. When I was a reporter, I always sided with openness, but didnt really have anybody to say it, Moats said. You cant quote yourself. So I became that [voice for others]. Newspaper reporter A job offer from the then-publisher of the Lovell Chronicle, Pat Schmidt, introduced Moats, a native of Montana, to Wyoming. Faced with a small editorial staff, Moats pretty much wrote the whole paper. But the duo had to get creative in their effort to chronicle life in Big Horn County while staying true to journalistic ethics and standards, Schmidt said. Right off the bat I got crazy and I decided to run for school board, Schmidt said. Bruce and I, we worked out a deal where he would cover the school board meetings and I wouldnt edit his stories. In Schmidts estimation, Moats was a stud reporter. He got a tip and broke the news when charges were being filed against John Story, the town doctor, in a case that ultimately revealed the family physician sexually assaulted legions of Lovell women. All of our friends Bruces friends, my friends were behind the doctor, Schmidt recalled. But he reported on it and kept on it and did a great job. Story spent 16 years in prison. Next stop was Sheridan. It was the late 1980s, and Moats was hired as a reporter but rose to become the editor of the Sheridan Press. Around this time, hed doubled down on his love of the profession, marrying a fellow journalist, a photographer named Cecilia Ontiveroz. We got married in the Sheridan Press, Moats said. Milton Chilcott was the publisher and he agreed to it. He got the champagne for us, too. Protecting speech The pivot away from hands-on journalism came in Moats early 30s. Moving to Laramie for a communications job at the University of Wyoming, he had his sights set on law school. All along his interest was in standing up for the First Amendment, an inkling he had early on in life. Free speech is really about free thought, Moats said. They want to control your speech because they want to control your thinking. They want to control how much information you have to control your thinking and control your thoughts. And thats something thats always rubbed against my brain. I dont want somebody trying to control me. Moats could have chased down the big bucks. He graduated at the top of his class at UW, Schmidt said. Instead, he opted for civil rights and media law. It happened organically. Newspaper people just kind of knew me, Moats said. So they started calling me. Eventually, for a $2,500 annual retainer, Moats became the official attorney for the Wyoming Press Association. Under the arrangement hed take any reporters phone calls via the hotline (really just his office or cell phone) and give advice. Although hed bill media outlets and WPA for additional work, like letter writing or court appearances, there was an unavoidable opportunity cost to channeling his lawyering toward journalism a profession rolling in ink, but not so much dough. Ive given away a lot to the press and the association on non-hotline issues, but its a labor of love, Moats said. And Ive been able to make a sufficient living for my family. Until 2015, Moats was also a lobbyist for WPA. It was a role he played for 15 years or so, and it had him guarding against state laws that inhibit the free flow of information. He wasnt always successful, like when the Wyoming Legislature exempted itself from the Wyoming Public Records Act. Moats was following the legislation (nearly two decades later he immediately remembered the bill number) when he caught word of an impromptu, secretive House committee hearing that was being held to advance the measure. A Capitol employee who shall remain unnamed tipped me off that they were going to meet in the basement of the Capitol underneath the attorney generals office, Moats said. It was a room that was unfinished, with pipes all over. Jim Angell and I were sitting in that room when they filed in. Thats one of my cherished memories, the looks on their faces. Although it was his job, it wasnt easy to go in a room of 20 people and admonish them for meeting like that. Confrontations of that nature, being the skunk at the picnic, didnt always come painlessly for Moats. He recalled another time, in Big Horn County, where public officials were meeting secretly and he pulled the same move showing up anyway. Then they were going to go into executive session and I said, No, I dont think you can do that, Moats recalled. It wasnt easy for me to do, I just knew I had to do it. The Big Horn County officials adjourned rather than conduct their business in front of Moats. First Amendment successes Over the decades, Moats scored plenty of victories for the publics right to know. After moving on to become publisher of the Thermopolis Independent Record, Schmidt recalled enlisting the help of his former reporter in a case where the Hot Springs County sheriff and county attorney decided they no longer had to reveal who was being held in jail. We took them on and persevered with a little bit of financial help from the Press Association, Schmidt said. It was all Bruce. Boy did he do a job on it. The county attorney got voted out in the next election, he said, and public officials were leery of taking on the Thermopolis Independent Record for years to come. In 2019 and 2020, Moats sued the University of Wyoming, and won, on behalf of WyoFile, the Casper Star-Tribune and Cheyennes Wyoming Tribune Eagle when trustees refused to share records related to the sudden dismissal of President Laurie Nichols. The case set a precedent by challenging an often-used, overly broad interpretation of personnel-file exemptions to public records laws. That was Moats role: The go-to source for Wyoming journalists up against a wall. WyoFile reporter Angus M. Thuermer Jr., a longtime editor for the Jackson Hole News and, later, News&Guide, guesses he made roughly quarterly calls to Moats when in a bind. At the Casper Star Tribune, former editor Dan Neal also leaned into the WPAs legal counsel time and again. We talked to Bruce a lot, more than youd think would be necessary, Neal said. Bruce was always there to give you the language you needed to make it clear whether it was to a city official, or a state official that the law required them to make information available to the public. Moats other role was as an educator, Neal said. Along with Jim Angell, he gave seminars around the state, teaching public officials about the Wyoming Public Records Act, public meetings laws and the publics right to access information. Nowadays, the whole institution is on the backslide. Wyoming newspapers have trimmed down for years, a dynamic that hastened during the pandemic. Angell died last summer. Moats is retiring. Wyoming journalism is lacking much of the infrastructure it relied on for years to stand up for itself. When bills that may infringe on the press First Amendment rights are moving through the statehouse, theres been no one there to push back. Shared truth born from grinding journalism, like reporters sitting in city council meetings, has suffered, Moats estimates. Thats scary to me, he said. Now its more the government dispensing the information, putting it up on their website, their Facebook pages. Thats what we have to rely on. Experience tells me thats not a good thing. Going home Moats is migrating back to Montana, drawn toward siblings who still live in the vicinity of the family ranch where he will live. His Cheyenne office is emptied and the plan is to sell his Wyoming house. Hell again be a regular consumer of his hometown paper, the Mineral Independent, and maybe even a contributing reporter. Just for fun, Moats said. I enjoyed being a reporter. First, however, theres some unfinished business in Wyoming. Theres a couple pending cases hes litigating, both journalism related. One is a challenge of ordinances that Mills and Bar Nunn passed, exempting themselves from having to publish public notices in the newspaper of record. The other is a dispute Moats entered into on behalf of the Newcastle News Letter Journal, challenging the secret ballot Weston County commissioners used to find a replacement for former Rep. Hans Hunt, R-Newcastle. Through discovery, Moats learned that the county commissioners had been communicating via a group text thread in alleged violation of Wyoming Public Meetings Act regulations. He even found evidence that they were voting via text message. They voted on some payment authorizations, Moats said. Most of them were pretty small [amounts], but still At least one group of Weston County residents, he said, are upset at the secret voting. That sentiment has been a common thread Moats has observed throughout his career. People care about open government, they do, Moats said. Time and time again, people have said to me, Were happy for what youre doing. Keep doing it. Its important. Telecoms provider Flow will increase prices next month. In a notice to its customers on Wednesday, Flow said the 3.5-per cent increase in its Internet and cable packages will come into effect on May 1. Another notice was sent to customers with multiple cable boxes via e-mail on Wednesday. Your childs education should be a family priority, according to Kimarie Richardson-Thomas, who has taught for 23 years in the public school system. Richardson-Thomas is the Academic Dean at Goodwood Secondary School, and teaches English Language, English Literature, and CAPE Communication Studies. NATIONAL Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said the Government has no intention of calling a state of emergency in response to the escalation of crime, especially murders in Trinidad and Tobago. And he also put to rest calls for him to devise a crime plan, saying it is not his job. Medicinal plant brews up sweet life for locals Xinhua) 08:38, January 31, 2023 Li Chunyan produces the special "vine tea" in Qing'an Village of Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, July 9, 2022. (Xinhua) CHANGSHA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Displaying a tea caddy in front of the smartphone, Li Chunyan enthusiastically introduced the special "vine tea" grown in the Wuling Mountains, to promote sales online. Vine tea, or Ampelopsis grossedentata, is a medicinal plant, and locals call it "meicha." "We Tujia people affectionately refer to it as 'Tujia divine tea' since it has both edible and medicinal properties," said Li, a local of Qing'an Village in Zhangjiajie, a renowned tourist city in central China's Hunan Province. "In addition to lucid water and lush mountains, Zhangjiajie is also known for its unique agricultural goods, like this snow-white vine tea in my hand...," Li introduced to the audience. Over 10 years ago, Li and her husband both quit their jobs in more developed coastal areas to start a new business in their hometown. In 2015, the couple started to develop a vine tea base. "We sowed 12 mu (about 0.8 hectares) the first year, and to our surprise, we earned over 100,000 yuan (about 14,800 U.S. dollars)," said Li. Later, they established a company and encouraged other villagers to plant such tea together, gradually increasing the scope of their operation each year. Li said that the sales of her company topped 20 million yuan in 2022, and more than 300 households in Qing'an Village now grow vine tea. "I buy fresh leaves directly from the villagers, so they do not have to worry about sales. When it's the leaf-picking season, everyone can help pick leaves and make some extra cash without leaving their homes," Li said. "I used to plant corn and peanuts, and can barely make ends meet. With the growth of the vine tea industry in the village, I can now earn money not only by picking tea leaves but also by planting them," said Hu Guoying, a Qing'an villager. "Now, I have some savings, and my family recently moved into a new house," said Hu. "Vine tea is now the dominant industry in Yongding District (where the village is located), playing a vital role in consolidating and expanding poverty alleviation achievements and in promoting rural revitalization," said Tian Liping, the secretary-general of the Zhangjiajie vine tea association. According to Wang Xuejun, head of Yongding District, the district has become a major producing base of vine tea. Its vine tea industry now hires over 90,000 people and has an annual turnover of 2.2 billion yuan. "We will continue to accelerate scientific and technological innovation, build brands and expand the market to pursue high-quality development of the vine tea industry," said Wang. Li Chunyan introduces the special "vine tea" grown in the Wuling Mountains online to promote sales at a warehouse in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 20, 2022. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Government needs to promote discussion and engage the public more on initiatives that have major implications for the people and society of Trinidad and Tobago. One example is the current push towards a cashless society in a world touted as one of financial inclusion. This initiative is being led by the Trinidad and Tobago International Financial Centre (TTIFC), which heads the Governments digitalisation initiatives in the financial services sector, and Visa, one of the worlds biggest names in digital payments. The Motet is bringing its funk, soul and jazz-influenced sound to the opening night of the three-day Tucson Gem & Jam Festival, taking the audience on what founder Dave Watts called a psychedelic and cathartic journey through different musical concepts. Watts, who founded the group in Denver, Colorado, in 1998, shared what the audience should expect when the band takes the late-night headlining stage on Friday, Feb. 3. A later set the band goes on at 10:45 p.m. and a venue like Gem & Jam is always appropriate for us to do our instrumental exploratory side of our sound, Watts said. Watts and his versatile electronic dance music group are making a return visit to the festival, which Watts said is always a pleasurable experience for them. The band is touring on its just released album All Day, their first instrumental record since 2009. Its really satisfying for us to be able to put out an album that really features the band, he said. Watts handles the drums for The Motet with Joey Porter on the keys, Garrett Sayers on bass, Drew Sayers on saxophone and Ryan Jalbert on guitar. After vocalist Lyle Divinsky and trumpet player Parris Fleming left the band during the pandemic, Watts decided to focus the group more on its instruments. Creating sounds that are different is what the group strives towards, and their traversing music between funk, soul, jazz and rock does just that. Watts prefers his music to have a more alternative arrangement, making the next beat unpredictable. Weve gotten into more sort of synthesizer music, he said, explaining that the groups new focused style would have been prevalent in the groove and funk-oriented 1980s or 90s. Watts said his bandmates have embraced the new direction and it feels really good. Besides a stimulating and elating audiovisual dance fest, Gem & Jam presents more than just a euphonious experience for guests. Theres a certain spiritual side, Watts said, adding that the festivals audience really likes to lose themselves and the band tends to cater to that. Well explore whatever vortex in the area happens at that time, he said. The Motet is on a lineup that includes LSDREAM, which also is focused on the psychedelic side of music, and the jam band The String Cheese Incident. Whenever we are back in town together it feels like a family affair, Watts said of being on the lineup with The String Cheese Incident, which also is based in Colorado. The bands share 20 years of history, he said. Were excited to get down somewhere different like Tucson, Watts said. Pima County sheriff's deputies working off-duty at a north-side store heard gunshots behind the store Saturday and found a 15-year-old who had been fatally shot, police said Monday. The teen, Carlos Cadena, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, the Tucson Police Department said in a news release, also giving the following account: Homicide detectives learned that a group of adults and juveniles got into a physical fight behind the store, a Walmart in the 400 block of East Wetmore Road, and gunshots were fired. Several witnesses to the shooting left the area before police arrived. "Detectives are actively working to determine a motive and to identify a suspect as details are extremely limited at this time," police said. Detectives are asking anyone with information or who was at the scene to call 88-CRIME; callers may remain anonymous. Tucson has seen five homicides in 2023, one more than in 2022 at this time, police said. Winter is always a busy time in Tucson. People who live in cold weather climates flock to Tucson like sandhill cranes; students return to class. Its a great time to open a restaurant, with the rest of our glorious spring to capitalize on sunny weather. At least 20 local restaurants have either opened or expanded this winter. Heres the rundown! Barbata The restaurateur behind Reillys Craft Pizza and its basement bar, Tough Luck Club, is duplicating the concept in more upscale digs. Bata, a fine dining restaurant named after the Japanese art of cooking over open flame, was one of the buzziest restaurants of 2022. Barbata is its basement bar, designed with European flair. For more information, check out their website. Blondies Ice Cream Dana Rengel makes ice cream at Decibel Coffee Works in the MSA Annex and in a cute lil trailer around town under the name Blondie's Ice Cream. Harder to find are typical flavors youre more likely to try sweet potato pie, orange creamsicle and vegan snickerdoodle than chocolate or strawberry. Location: While you can always find ice cream at Decibel Coffee Works, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, follow Blondies Instagram for up-to-date locations of the trailer. For more information, check out their Instagram or our article. Blue Front The newest addition to Patricia Schwabes roster of chic downtown eateries is Blue Front, an upscale American restaurant inspired by her visits to the United States from Mexico as a child. For more information, check out their website or our article. Che Cafe Empanadas Argentinas If you want to visit Buenos Aires, but youre on a budget, this lovingly curated cafe on the south side is the quickest way to feel like youre in Argentina. The cafes menu focuses on Argentine-style empanadas baked with wheat dough. For more information, check out their website or our article. Chef Brians Comfort Kitchen The Instagram aficionado @tucsonwingexpert declared Chef Brians wings a 9.1/10. Though the celebrity chefs menu is centered around elevated chicken and waffles, Chef Brian also offers a limited selection of vegan and gluten-free options at this Fourth Avenue eatery. For more information, check out their website. Minibar Spaghetti Club was the MSA Annexs sensation of the summer but as new vendors Savior and Warm Shape moved into their space after Spaghetti Clubs off-season lease ended, Minibar arrived. The stylish, small bar is run by the same folks behind Spaghetti Club, and, like its predecessor, will delight with fun pop-ups and other special events. For more information, check out their Instagram. Okashi Ice Cream & Confections Each week, Dean Blair posts two eclectic menus on his Instagram page: a traditional and a vegan option, featuring pastries you cant find anywhere else, like caneles, and always a pint of ice cream. He applies Japanese techniques and Asian flavors like Filipino ube and Japanese kinako to both his ice cream and pastries. Location: Okashi is currently based out of owner Dean Blair's home in Blenman-Elm, but keep an eye out for his upcoming commissary. For more information, check out their website, Instagram or our article. Puro Ice This Mexican-Italian ice shop downtown was inspired by the owners experiences with nieve de garrafa in Guadalajara, Mexico. Its also a new brick and mortar from Tanna Cole, the force behind the beloved Mexican snack shack Tannas Botannas. For more information, check out their Instagram or our article. Snake & Barrel Batch made a splash downtown with its quaint combination of whiskey and doughnuts. Now theyve opened a basement bar with an expanded cocktail menu and a speakeasy-adjacent vibe. For more information, check out their website. Unitea Looking for mochi doughnuts and bubble waffles? This cute boba tea shop in midtown offers all kinds of goodies and is the second location for Ethan Pham, who got his start in Michigan. For more information, check out their Instagram or our article. Uptown Burger You might be familiar with Daniel Scordato from his work at the long-standing Italian restaurant Vivace. Hes looking to reproduce his success in the Foothills with a refined casual burger restaurant. For more information, check out their website. Wooden Tooth Records This vinyl record shop opened a second location on Congress Street, in the former location of the Red Room venue. The shop is outfitted with a bar featuring limited beer selections, for now, to enjoy while you browse. For more information, check out their Instagram or website. New locations Blacktop Grill This grill slinging Sonoran-style pub fare recently branched out from their flagship location in Marana to a second spot downtown. The Blacktop Grill will be supplying revelers with their loaded nachos and hot dogs at the Dillinger Brewing Company location at 402 E. Ninth St. For more information, check out their website. This grill slinging Sonoran-style pub fare recently branched out from their flagship location in Marana to a second spot downtown. The Blacktop Grill will be supplying revelers with their loaded nachos and hot dogs at the Dillinger Brewing Company location at 402 E. Ninth St. For more information, check out their website. Borderlands Brewing Company Their sights on a second location, Borderlands Brewing Company settled into new digs in the Sam Hughes neighborhood at 2500 E. Sixth St. They brought along the talents of Chef Maria Mazon, of Fourth Avenues Boca Tacos, to design a limited bar fare menu to accompany their beer selection and refreshing assortment of cocktails. For more information, check out their website. Their sights on a second location, Borderlands Brewing Company settled into new digs in the Sam Hughes neighborhood at 2500 E. Sixth St. They brought along the talents of Chef Maria Mazon, of Fourth Avenues Boca Tacos, to design a limited bar fare menu to accompany their beer selection and refreshing assortment of cocktails. For more information, check out their website. FireTruck Pizza Company FireTruck Brewing Company has expanded into the pizza market. This local chain of brewpubs just opened a pizza restaurant at 800 N. Kolb Road, of course, with their typical selection of beers on tap. For more information, check out their Facebook. FireTruck Brewing Company has expanded into the pizza market. This local chain of brewpubs just opened a pizza restaurant at 800 N. Kolb Road, of course, with their typical selection of beers on tap. For more information, check out their Facebook. Tuk Tuk Thai This cult-classic Thai street food restaurant just opened its third location, this time in the Foothills at 6878 E. Sunrise Dr. For more information, check out their website. Expansions Bistro at the J If youve ever enjoyed the Shabbat dinners that the Tucson Jewish Community Center caters, youve enjoyed the work of Chef Asher Amar. Now the JCC, 3800 E. River Road, is collaborating with Chef Asher to host kosher pop-up dinners every third Thursday of the month, through April. For more information, check out their website. If youve ever enjoyed the Shabbat dinners that the Tucson Jewish Community Center caters, youve enjoyed the work of Chef Asher Amar. Now the JCC, 3800 E. River Road, is collaborating with Chef Asher to host kosher pop-up dinners every third Thursday of the month, through April. For more information, check out their website. 5 Points dinner service Barrio Viejos brunch darling has now opened for limited dinner service! The announcements have mostly been informal over social media, but theyre open for dinner with their natural wine selection Thursday-Saturday at 756 S. Stone Ave. For more information, check out their website. Barrio Viejos brunch darling has now opened for limited dinner service! The announcements have mostly been informal over social media, but theyre open for dinner with their natural wine selection Thursday-Saturday at 756 S. Stone Ave. For more information, check out their website. Ensenada Street Food breakfast This women-run food truck-cum-restaurant at 1602 S. Park Ave., known for their Baja-style tacos, now offers breakfast! They offer breakfast burritos, pancakes, and more, including an entire vegan menu. For more information, check out their Instagram. This women-run food truck-cum-restaurant at 1602 S. Park Ave., known for their Baja-style tacos, now offers breakfast! They offer breakfast burritos, pancakes, and more, including an entire vegan menu. For more information, check out their Instagram. Family Joint Pizzeria breakfast Our food writers favorite pizza in Tucson is now partnering with Cals Bake Shop to launch Breakfast & Bread. The weekend special (check their Instagram to see what locations theyre running Breakfast & Bread and when) features a special menu of breakfast enchiladas, sandwiches on Cals conchas, and French toast, as well as a selection of Cals pastries. Coming soon PHOENIX Secretary of State Adrian Fontes wants an investigation of failed GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake after she published signatures of some people from voter registration records. In a letter late Monday to Attorney General Kris Mayes, Fontes cites a Jan. 23 Twitter post where Lake claims a bombshell discovery, saying 40,000 ballots were illegally counted. As evidence, she embedded an image of signatures from 16 ballot envelopes and what she said were the signatures of the same people from their voter registration records. Do you think these Arizona ballot signatures match??? the posting says. Fontes said while state law allows for public inspection of voter registration records for election-related purposes, it says those containing a signature shall not be accessible or reproduced by any person other than the voter. There are other exceptions in the statute, ranging from government officials in the scope of official duties and verifying signatures on petitions and candidate filings, to news reporters and those with a court order. But Fontes said what Lake did falls outside of all that. The protections afforded by this subsection prohibit posting any information derived from voter registration forms or precinct registers to the internet, he told Mayes, a newly elected Democrat, as is he. And under no circumstance may a person other than the voter or a statutorily authorized person reproduce a voters signature. The law also says violations are a Class 6 felony, which carry a presumptive penalty of a year in state prison, Fontes said. Therefore, the Secretary of States Office is referring this matter to you for further investigation and possible prosecution, both for violating the law cited and any other applicable state laws, Fontes wrote. Tim La Sota, an attorney for Lake, told Capitol Media Services the complaint is another attempt to weaponize the justice system with a phony allegation against a Republican. Adrian Fontes selectively quotes the statute in an attempt to distort the law and smear Kari Lake in the process, he said, saying Mayes should announce she will have no part in this shameful, disgusting effort. La Sota also pointed out that the documents came out of the state Senate investigation of the 2020 election when the Senate subpoenaed ballot envelopes and voting records. Part of that inquiry, he said, was looking at acceptance of clearly mismatched signatures on early ballots by Maricopa County. Kari Lake has an absolute right under the First Amendment to republish the information presented to the Senate, La Sota said. Lake has continued to insist, both at public events and in court filings, that the outcome of the November election was affected by intentional actions and Election Day mistakes. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson refused last month to overturn the official returns, which showed Lake losing to Democrat Katie Hobbs by 17,117 votes. Thompson said Lake provided no evidence she should have been declared the winner. Her theories about what went wrong, and why, were not backed by facts, the judge said. Lake still contends issues with ballot printers and tabulators at some Maricopa County vote centers were part of a scheme to depress the votes of Republicans, who tend to vote on Election Day rather than cast early ballots. Yet the final election results showed some GOP contenders not only won but did so by wide margins. The state Court of Appeals is set to review her claims on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Lake also has had a series of overflow rallies, including one Sunday at a Scottsdale resort where she showed some ballot signatures on screen, took a cell phone call from former President Donald Trump that she played for the audience, called Hobbs a squatter in the governors office and said of the new governor, dont get too comfortable, sweetie. All Colorado River Basin states but California are proposing new cuts of nearly 2 million acre-feet of water use annually in an effort to prop up the declining river and its reservoirs. The proposal faces opposition from California, which controls the largest share of the rivers water among the seven basin states. Because of that, its fate is highly uncertain. The bureau will ultimately decide how much river water use is cut, although federal courts could overturn that decision in the event of litigation. The six states including Arizona released their proposal Monday, which calls for saving 3.368 million acre-feet a year. About 40% of that represents savings the states already agreed to accomplish under two past agreements. One was a 2007 set of operating guidelines for the rivers reservoirs. The other was a 2019 drought contingency plan. The proposal would reduce Arizonas share of total Colorado River supplies by about 55%, from its 2.8 million acre-foot allocation. How much the reduction would fall upon the 336-mile-long Central Arizona Project canal serving drinking water to Tucson and Phoenix isnt spelled out. This comes after months of fruitless efforts among all seven basin states to reach a consensus proposal efforts carried out in countless meetings as recent as Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday, Chairman J.B. Hamby of the Colorado River Board of California released a statement saying California-based water agencies will submit their own proposed modeling effort involving water use reductions based on what is practical, voluntary and achievable through 2026 in a way that works within the existing body of laws, compacts, decrees and agreements known collectively as the Law of the River. At this time, the modeling proposal submitted by the six other basin states is inconsistent with the Law of the River and does not form a seven-state consensus approach, he said. Some cuts tied to lake levels Like past measures, the six-state proposal ties some water cuts to levels at Lake Mead, with cuts increasing as the reservoir declines. The new proposal also speeds up the timing of cuts, having some kick in at higher elevations of the lakes water level than before. Most savings would be felt across the board, at Lake Mead levels from as high as 1,090 feet to as low as 1,000 feet. Mead stood at 1,046 feet Tuesday morning. Those savings would result partially from the federal government accounting for, for the first time, how much water is lost to evaporation and other forces, and splitting the losses among the Lower River Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada, plus Mexico. The bureau, which is under the Interior Department, will consider this proposal as it prepares a draft supplementary environmental impact statement for the river by April and makes a final decision and releases a final impact statement by August. The proposal advocates keeping Lake Mead at least at 1,000 feet high and Lake Powell at least at 3,500 feet. Those elevations are 50 feet and 10 feet, respectively, above the levels below which Hoover and Glen Canyon dams cant generate electricity -- 950 and 3,490 feet respectively. At dead pool levels of 895 feet at Mead and 3,370 feet at Powell, the reservoirs couldnt release any of the water stored in the reservoirs, thereby shutting off supplies to Arizona and Southern California cities and huge farming operations in Yuma and the Southern California desert. Lake Powell and Lake Mead cannot be further diminished without unacceptable impacts to the Colorado River system ... any preferred alternative must be sufficiently certain that system storage is maintained without reliance on remote or speculative action by third parties, the proposal said. Excellent proposal or not enough The new savings would total 1.993 million acre-feet a year. Thats just below the low end of the 2 million to 4 million acre-feet of new reductions Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton testified last June in Congress that she wants from the states. Still, John Fleck, a University of New Mexico-based water researcher, said, I think this is an excellent proposal; it goes a long way toward dealing with the near term crisis. These are big cuts. The fact that you have broad support across much of the basin is a big step forward, said Fleck. But without California, the biggest and most populous state, on board, you face the risk of litigation. The Upper River Basin states are Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Comments by David Wegner, a retired Reclamation engineer, and Kyle Roerink, a Nevada environmentalist, were less favorable. The six states have circled the wagons. Theyve given Interior a path in respect to an alternative theyd like to see considered, said Wegner, a National Academy of Sciences board member. What they dont give, in my estimation, is what Interior wanted: a plan to reduce use by (up to) 4 million acre-feet. Now the ball is in Interiors court. Theyll ask, Is this enough to move forward for us? Or do we need more concrete actions to be taken today to reduce demand and put more water in the reservoirs? I think they are going to come back and say its not enough, Wegner said. The proposal leaves uncertainty about what happens next, said Kyle Roerink, of the Nevada- and Utah-based Great Basin Water Network. This is the bare minimum. This does not put us in the clear for the long run. This is a set of proposals from the very people who have helped contribute to the systems crash over the years. Its like the doctor convicted of malpractice saying Ive got the cure, Roerink said. But Colorado State University water researcher Brad Udall said hes pleased that a proposal was even made, because I didnt expect them to have a proposal. Udall said hed like to see a proposal with bigger savings, however, achieved at higher lake levels than called for by the six states. People still want to run the system as close to the edge as they can, Udall said. I think you need to do those cutbacks sooner rather than later. Sharing evaporation losses The biggest disagreement likely to occur between the other states and California involves the proposals allocation of most new cuts to evaporation and other losses and sticking California with by far the largest share. The Southern Nevada Water Authority estimates the river sheds about 1.5 million acre-feet a year to evaporation and other system losses such as seepage in irrigation canals in the Lower Basin. The proposal would require California to forfeit 810,000 acre-feet a year of that more than Arizona and Mexico combined. California officials say evaporation losses should be divided among states by priority of use. That would slash or end all deliveries to CAP. California has a far higher legal priority to river water than does CAP. CAP serves water to the Tucson and Phoenix areas, including all of Tucsons drinking water. The overarching issue is that the other basin states are trying to suggest the river be operated outside of the bounds of the Law of the River and the priority system that is within the Law of the River, said Bart Fisher, a Colorado River Board of California member. There are a lot of people who have painted a target on California because were the biggest user of water. Arizona officials say Californias proposed cuts are unfair because the priorities to river water were devised more than five decades ago, long before the climate crisis slashed river flows dramatically. JERUSALEM U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank on Tuesday with no visible signs of progress toward halting one of the deadliest outbreaks of Israeli-Palestinian violence in years. The anemic outcome highlighted what appears to be the limited influence the Biden administration has over Israels new government, which is dominated by hard-line nationalists who oppose concessions toward the Palestinians. It also reflected a yearslong process that has turned the U.S. into little more than a conflict manager drawing Palestinian accusations that Washington is a dishonest broker with a bias toward Israel. Blinken arrived in the region at a particularly tense time ending a month in which 35 Palestinians and seven Israelis were killed. The bloodshed overshadowed what was meant to be a mission to establish working relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his new far-right government. Instead, Blinken spent much of his time trying to defuse tensions. Speaking to reporters before returning to the U.S., Blinken said both sides voiced their readiness to restore calm and he instructed two senior officials to remain in the region. He also reiterated the long-term U.S. goal of working toward a two-state solution that would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel under a final peace settlement. Restoring calm is our immediate task. But over the longer term, we have to do more than just lower tensions, he said. It was a familiar message expressed by a string of U.S. administrations but, based on the bitter experiences of his predecessors, one that is unlikely to bear fruit. Blinken gave no details on what steps he has in mind to promote his short-term goals or his long-term vision. In the short run, Blinken must contend with Israels most right-wing government ever a collection of religious and ultra-nationalist politicians who oppose concessions to the Palestinians and rule out Palestinian independence. On the eve of Blinkens arrival, Netanyahus Cabinet approved a series of punitive steps against the Palestinians in response to a pair of shootings in east Jerusalem last weekend. These include plans to step up West Bank settlement construction, demolitions of the homes of attackers families as well as dozens of Palestinian homes put up without building permits. Palestinians say such permits are almost impossible to get. Blinken said the U.S. would oppose anything that undermines hopes of a two-state solution, including settlement construction built on occupied lands sought by the Palestinians. Some 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in 1967 and claimed by the Palestinians. But he gave no indication on how the U.S. might respond if Israel presses ahead with such moves, and reiterated longstanding lines about the U.S. commitment to Israels security and shared values between the countries. Yara Hawari, a senior analyst at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank, said Palestinian expectations for Blinkens visit were low to begin with, and that Blinken delivered a worn message coddling Israel. Its a textbook visit, she said. The U.S. is not an honest broker in this situation, so I dont understand how it could bring anything to the table that would actually lead us toward achieving Palestinian fundamental rights. In a sign of what could lie ahead if the U.S. pushes the new government, Israeli Cabinet Minister Orit Strock, a member of a religious ultra-nationalist party, lashed out at Blinkens call for a commitment to human rights and rule of law. The comments were widely seen as criticism of the governments plans to overhaul Israels judicial system and weaken its Supreme Court. Critics in Israel say the plan will severely damage Israels democratic system of checks and balances. Blinken needed to respect Israeli sovereignty. Were not the 51st or 52nd state of the U.S., Strock said. Blinken played down the criticism, saying he would focus on Israels policies, not individual personalities. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, said the blame for failed peacemaking lies with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who at 87 is seen as weak, corrupt and increasingly authoritarian after nearly 20 years in office. I think this administration understands there is no one really to work with on the Palestinian side, he said. They have other issues to deal with. The mutual lack of trust is just one of the many reasons for repeated U.S. failures in the region since the historic interim Oslo accords 30 years ago. Over the decades, the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations all tried their hands at Mideast peace plans with little to show. Preoccupied with the war in Ukraine and the U.S. rivalry with China, the Biden administration appears to have little desire or bandwidth to wade into a mission doomed to fail. One of downtowns newest office buildings has added another tenant. Legacy Bank and Trust, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has reached an agreement to lease space in the 222 North Detroit Avenue building that opened last year. Legacy will occupy roughly 11,142 square feet for corporate offices on the third floor and establish a 3,000-square-foot, full-service branch on the ground level. We couldnt be more excited to announce this move as it highlights our commitment to serve the Tulsa market, Brett Magers, Legacy Bank and Trust president, said in a statement. We looked at several locations in the area to locate our Tulsa headquarters, but none compared to this location. This is the premier Class A office building in Tulsa. The bank will join a list of current and future 222 North Detroit tenants that include Crowe & Dunlevy, Helmerich & Payne and Fixins Soul Kitchen. The building originally was designed as the corporate headquarters of WPX Energy, but the company was dissolved when it was purchased by Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy. Legacy expanded into the Tulsa market in February 2022 with a loan production office, which ultimately was converted into a full-service branch in the Post Rock Plaza located at 8211 E. Regal Place. The bank will continue to operate in that location while mapping out plans to build another venue in south Tulsa. Legacy is a $1.3 billion community bank founded in 1907 and acquired in 2003 by Ozarks Heritage Financial Group. It has made its mark in Tulsa with loans totaling more than $100 million and deposits nearing $60 million. We have been extremely pleased with the growth we have experienced in Tulsa in such a short period of time, Jeremy Loftin, Legacy chief operating officer, said in a statement. September 2022 video: Time-lapse of downtown Tulsa 222 North Detroit building Medicare Advantage plans for seniors dodged a major financial bullet Monday as government officials gave them a reprieve for returning hundreds of millions of dollars or more in government overpayments some dating back a decade or more. The health insurance industry had long feared the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would demand repayment of billions of dollars in overcharges the popular health plans received as far back as 2011. But in a surprise action, CMS announced it would require next to nothing from insurers for any excess payments they received from 2011 through 2017. CMS will not impose major penalties until audits for payment years 2018 and beyond are conducted, which have yet to be started. While the decision could cost Medicare plans billions of dollars in the future, it will take years before any penalty comes due. And health plans will be allowed to pocket hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges and possibly much more for audits before 2018. Exactly how much is not clear because audits as far back as 2011 have yet to be completed. In late 2018, CMS officials said the agency would collect an estimated $650 million in overpayments from 90 Medicare Advantage audits conducted for 2011 through 2013, the most recent ones available. Some analysts calculated overpayments to plans of at least twice that much for the three-year period. CMS is now conducting audits for 2014 and 2015. The estimate for the 2011-13 audits was based on an extrapolation of overpayments found in a sampling of patients at each health plan. In these reviews, auditors examine medical records to confirm whether patients had the diseases for which the government reimbursed health plans to treat. Through the years, those audits and others conducted by government watchdogs have found that health plans often cannot document that they deserved extra payments for patients they said were sicker than average. The decision to take earlier audit findings off the table means that CMS has spent tens of millions of dollars conducting audits as far back as 2011 much more than the government will be able to recoup. In 2018, CMS said it pays $54 million annually to conduct 30 of the audits. Without extrapolation for years 2011-17, CMS wont come near to recouping that much. CMS Deputy Administrator Dara Corrigan called the final rule a commonsense approach to oversight. Corrigan said she did not know how much money would go uncollected from years prior to 2018. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said the rule takes long overdue steps to move in the direction of accountability. Going forward, this is good news. We should all be happy that they are doing that [extrapolation], said former CMS official Ted Doolittle. But he added: I do wish they were pushing back further [and extrapolating earlier years]. That would seem to be fair game, he said. David Lipschutz, an attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy, said he was still evaluating the rule, but noted: It is our hope that CMS would use everything within their discretion to recoup overpayments made to Medicare Advantage plans. He said that it is unclear if they are using all of their authority. Mark Miller, who used to work at the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a congressional advisory board, said extrapolating errors found in medical coding have always been a part of government auditing. It strikes me as ridiculous to run a sample and find an error rate and then only collect the sample error rate as opposed to what it presents to the entire population or pool of claims, he said. Last week, KHN released details of the 90 audits from 2011-2013, which were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The audits found about $12 million in net overpayments for the care of 18,090 patients sampled for the three-year period. In all, 71 of the 90 audits uncovered net overpayments, which topped $1,000 per patient on average in 23 audits. CMS paid the remaining plans too little on average, anywhere from $8 to $773 per patient, the records showed. Since 2010, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services has threatened to crack down on billing abuses in the popular health plans, which now cover more than 30 million Americans. Medicare Advantage, a fast-growing alternative to original Medicare, is run primarily by major insurance companies including Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Centene, and CVS/Aetna. But the industry has succeeded in opposing extrapolation of overpayments, even though the audit tool is widely used to recover overcharges in other parts of the Medicare program. That has happened despite dozens of audits, investigations, and whistleblower lawsuits alleging that Medicare Advantage overcharges cost taxpayers billions of dollars a year. Corrigan said Monday that CMS expected to collect $479 million from overpayments in 2018, the first year of extrapolation. Over the next decade, it could recoup $4.7 billion, she said. Medicare Advantage plans also face potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in clawbacks from a set of unrelated audits conducted by the Health and Human Services inspector general. The audits include an April 2021 review alleging that a Humana Medicare Advantage plan in Florida had overcharged the government by nearly $200 million in 2015. Carolyn Kapustij, the Office of the Inspector Generals senior adviser for managed care, said the agency has conducted 17 such audits that found widespread payment errors on average 69% for some medical diagnoses. In these cases, the health plans did not have the necessary support [for these conditions] in the medical records, which has caused overpayments. Although the MA organizations usually disagreed with us, they almost always had little disagreement with our finding that their diagnoses were not supported, she said. While CMS has taken years to conduct the Medicare Advantage audits, it also has faced criticism for permitting lengthy appeals that can drag on for years. These delays have drawn sharp criticism from the Government Accountability Office, the watchdog arm of Congress. Leslie Gordon, an acting director of the GAO health team, said that until CMS speeds up the process, it will fail to recover improper payments of hundreds of millions of dollars annually. KHN senior correspondent Phil Galewitz contributed to this report. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. USE OUR CONTENT This story can be republished for free (details). OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas new attorney general has dismissed a lawsuit against a Florida company state officials said was to blame for the misuse of pandemic relief funds earmarked for education needs. Gentner Drummond said his office will now focus on holding accountable any Oklahoma officials who had a role in allowing pandemic relief funds to be misspent. Former Attorney General John OConnor in August sued a company the Stitt administration hired to administer an education program that federal officials said was mismanaged and allowed public funds to be misspent on noneducational expenses. After a thorough review of this matter, I have concluded that the lawsuit is almost wholly without merit, Drummond said in a Tuesday news release. It is clear that a number of state actors and other individuals are ultimately responsible for millions in misspent federal relief dollars. Drummond had previously expressed skepticism about the lawsuit, and said he would dismiss it if he felt like it was filed for political purposes. Gov. Kevin Stitts office opposed Drummonds decision. The governors office strongly disagrees with the decision to dismiss the states legitimate effort to recover federal taxpayer dollars from a bad out-of-state vendor, said Stitt spokeswoman Kate Vesper. In the breach of contract lawsuit that was filed but never served, the state alleged Kleo Inc., the parent company of ClassWallet, was to blame for an unflattering audit of federal pandemic relief funds under Stitts control. The audit was critical of how the Stitt administration spent $31 million to provide pandemic relief for students educational needs. ClassWallet administered the governors Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet program that provided low-income families with $1,500 grants to purchase educational materials for their children ahead of the 2020-21 school year. The state may have to repay the federal government nearly $653,000 that auditors said families spent on noneducational items such as televisions, home appliances and Christmas trees. Auditors also recommended a full review of an additional $5.4 million in Bridge the Gap spending to determine if there were other noneducational purchases. If more funds were misspent, the federal government could claw that money back from state coffers. Federal auditors also recommended a review of the governors Stay in School program, saying they were unable to verify the eligibility of some of the participants. The Stitt administration also lacked adequate documentation for how some of the Governors Emergency Education Relief Funds were spent, according to the audit. While Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have blamed ClassWallet for the misspent funds, auditors noted Walters declined to use security features that would have limited where families could spend the grant money. Prior to being named Stitts education secretary and long before he was elected state superintendent, Walters was involved in selecting ClassWallet as the states vendor through a no-bid contract. The company said it was grateful Drummond dismissed the lawsuit. A spokesman for Walters did not respond to a request for comment. In response to the federal audits findings, the Stitt administration said it was taking corrective action. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd is reviewing the GEER spending as part of an annual audit of all expended federal funds. Video: Gentner Drummond, other state executives take oath of office Jan. 9 Gallery: Highlights from bills filed for Oklahoma's 2023 legislative session Minimum age to carry firearms Second Amendment protection Changing the state question process School choice proposal Senate Bill 943 by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee Slate of bills from Senate Education Committee chair Senate Bill 656 by Sen. David Bullard Putting abortion to a vote Race Massacre reparations Addressing problems at the polls Transgender health care Clarifying Oklahoma's abortion ban Prohibiting sex ed Psilocybin research Defining criminal lewdness Continued work on medical marijuana oversight House Bill 2012 by Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now ATOKA Newly elected State Superintendent Ryan Walters may be off the campaign trail, but he has only just begun explaining some of his most controversial ideas to public school educators. Right off the bat Monday morning, Walters told Atoka-area superintendents and teachers that he made the 100-mile drive to speak to them directly and also hear their concerns directly. School choice and merit-based pay incentives for the highest-rated teachers were top of mind for Walters. Im going to continue to have conversations with teachers and parents all across the state to develop the path of how we get to the vision of school choice for all, Walters told the Tulsa World about his purpose for coming to Atoka. Walters also wanted to clear the air by saying he does not believe Oklahoma needs to stop receiving all federal funding for its public schools. Rather, he believes that the state should begin pushing back on some of the strings attached including specific standardized test mandates and that includes initiating lawsuits, if necessary. In this rural, southeastern corner of Oklahoma, superintendents told Walters, school choice exists largely between public schools and has been a longstanding option for parents before state lawmakers ever decided to formalize and mandate the practice. We feel like that is something we have done for years and years and years, said Atoka Public Schools Superintendent Jay McAdams. Most of us here have kids from all over. Do you feel like thats more of an issue in rural Oklahoma or in urban areas? Walters said the size and scale of districts impacts their ability to address the issues that they face. Walters said he would be open to pushing for Tulsa Public Schools to be broken up into smaller schools because of academic results there he says are dismal and parents who complain they are locked in because they cant afford private school tuition and suburban schools bursting at the seams. School report cards are getting ready to come out. Tulsa has done so poor that if you took Tulsa Public Schools out of what were doing, were in the top half nationally. If you take Tulsa and OKC out, were in the top 15, Walters said. McAdams interjected with his original point: Why are we bringing their problems to us? Walters praised Stringtown Superintendent Tony Potts for offering the most simplified explanation he said he had heard to date of one of the most common concerns for public education-minded Oklahomans that taxpayer-funded private school tuition and homeschool costs would undercut funding for the public school system. Potts grabbed a pen and jotted down two circles on a piece of paper. This is all the public school kids in a pie. This is all the private school kids in their pie. Unless you put more money in here (the public school pie) and all of these kids (from the private school chart) move into here (public school pie), Stringtown Public Schools loses money, Potts said. The line in the sand for me is if you didnt lose any kids, you shouldnt lose any dollars. I agree with you fundamentally, Walters told him. I also believe that the only way we truly ensure every kid has a quality education is to say I want all options on the table and I want funding to follow that kid. Tushka Superintendent Matt Simpson told Walters this: We are not losing kids. Parents and kids think we are the best choice. Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall, R-Atoka, attended alongside the dozen or so school district leaders. While he has supported other school choice measures that have been adopted, such as the Opportunity Scholarship Fund and year-round public school transfers, McCall has stood firmly against bills that would direct taxpayer dollars to vouchers or education savings accounts for private school and homeschooling. McCall told Walters another measure to more closely keep funds with students who move between public schools was accepted by district leaders throughout southeastern Oklahoma even though it makes it more difficult for them to manage budget fluctuations year in and year out. If you want to tackle issues in the urban schools, weve got to find a way to do that without harming these schools that are doing their best, McCall said, before adding: Here, we do not have an economic base we do not have the ad valorem base that the urban centers do. Its great that kids have a choice to go to Atoka, Stringtown, Tushka, Caney from K-12. There isnt a person in this room that doesnt want every single child in Oklahoma to have an outstanding education, but its more about the how than it is about the what. Pay incentives for teachers Walters explained to some Atoka-area teachers that he has been working with Texas, Iowa and Tennessee on an incentive pay plan that would reward a select few highly rated teachers in each school with up to $10,000 on top of their salaries. His FY24 budget pitch to the Oklahoma Legislature includes a request for $150 million to begin with. I hear about discipline issues that werent present years ago, I hear about lack of respect for the profession, but theres also the pay showing how much are you appreciating and respecting what teachers do, he told teachers. Walters himself took notes with pen and pad as teachers voiced questions and concerns about how such an incentive pay system would work. Among them were the validity of the states current standardized tests to measure the quality and effectiveness of teachers and the subjectivity of principal and assistant principal evaluations. The most important thing is how much did they grow, Walters said, referring to students. One teacher suggested more pay incentives for experienced teachers to train and mentor other teachers and even for spending part of their day in school leadership or school administration duties. Walters, a former McAlester Public Schools teacher himself, praised the idea as he jotted down notes. Everything we do in the education system financially incentivizes you to go into administration, he said. But the number one important thing for parents is high-quality teachers. When Ali Saga visited a clinic in Jakarta four decades ago, he watched as patients and health workers scrambled to get away from him. "The doctor suddenly shouted at the patients, 'stand back! this person is a leper!" the 57-year-old said, recalling one of the most devastating moments after his diagnosis in the 1970s. "They also roughly used a syringe to test my skin and I cried. My skin might not feel anything but my soul was hurt," the former leprosy patient added, choking back tears. Now he is using his pain to help other residents of a village on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital live a normal life after leprosy with hand-crafted prosthetic limbs. After Brazil and India, Indonesia has the world's third-highest cases of leprosy -- a contagious bacterial disease transmitted by prolonged close contact with untreated cases. Ahead of World Leprosy Day on Sunday, the health ministry said the country still has over 15,000 active cases, with more than 11,000 new cases recorded last year. The ancient disease, which causes disabilities and loss of feeling in reddish skin patches, is now diagnosed with a skin biopsy and easily treated with multidrug therapy. But Saga and other residents of Sitanala village -- where hundreds of former leprosy patients have relocated to find solace -- have been treated as outcasts for years and dubbed a "leper colony" by local media. They are heavily stigmatised by pervasive perceptions around leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, with some Indonesians believing the affliction is a curse sent by God that can be passed on by brief contact. But in a small, dusty workshop surrounded by fake body parts hung on white walls, Saga is chipping away at that social cold shoulder, sculpting artificial limbs that have been improving residents' lives since 2005. One of the neighbours to receive Saga's creations is 70-year-old tailor Cun San, who had a leg amputated in his teens and lost another in 2007. "I once thought I would never be able to walk again... but now I am so grateful I can walk normally," said San. 'No longer in pain' Nearly 500 people who had leprosy now live in Sitanala because it was located behind a hospital that for decades served as the rehabilitation centre for patients across Indonesia. The hospital made headlines in 1989 when Britain's late Princess Diana visited and was photographed shaking hands with a leprosy patient, challenging the stigma against the marginalised group. Today, many in the village cannot find formal jobs because of their disabilities, and instead have taken on roles as street sweepers or rickshaw drivers. Jamingun, a 60-year-old driver, lost his leg when he was a teenager. For years he wore a fake bamboo stump because he could not afford a prosthetic limb. "It was painful and I still had to use a walking stick to steady myself when I walked," said Jamingun, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. But his life changed after receiving a prosthetic leg for free that Saga had made through a charity. "It feels so different because now I actually have a sole, it feels like a real foot," he told AFP. "And I'm no longer in pain when I walk." 'Vicious cycle' Saga finds it difficult to talk about his past, preferring to focus on his part in helping others build their future. A limb can cost as much as 10 million rupiah ($667) but he gives away prosthetic legs for free, or accepts lower sums, for those who can't afford the price. He says he has now made more than 5,000 prosthetic legs for people across Indonesia. Experts say efforts to eliminate leprosy are hampered by a focus on finding and treating cases instead of erasing prejudices that prevent patients from seeking help. "If we don't deal with the stigma, the transmission won't stop and the disability will keep happening," said Asken Sinaga, executive director of NLR Indonesia, a nonprofit focusing on leprosy. "This is a vicious cycle." Indonesia wants to eliminate leprosy by next year, a daunting task after the Covid-19 pandemic directed health resources elsewhere. Those who have recovered from the disease say they just want to be treated the same as everyone else. "I hope people will stop judging us," San said. "I hope things will get better and people will help us instead." When Ali Saga visited a clinic in Jakarta four decades ago, he watched as patients and health workers scrambled to get away from him. "The doctor suddenly shouted at the patients, 'stand back! this person is a leper!" the 57-year-old said, recalling one of the most devastating moments after his diagnosis in the 1970s. "They also roughly used a syringe to test my skin and I cried. My skin might not feel anything but my soul was hurt," the former leprosy patient added, choking back tears. Now he is using his pain to help other residents of a village on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital live a normal life after leprosy with hand-crafted prosthetic limbs. After Brazil and India, Indonesia has the world's third-highest cases of leprosy -- a contagious bacterial disease transmitted by prolonged close contact with untreated cases. Ahead of World Leprosy Day on Sunday, the health ministry said the country still has over 15,000 active cases, with more than 11,000 new cases recorded last year. The ancient disease, which causes disabilities and loss of feeling in reddish skin patches, is now diagnosed with a skin biopsy and easily treated with multidrug therapy. But Saga and other residents of Sitanala village -- where hundreds of former leprosy patients have relocated to find solace -- have been treated as outcasts for years and dubbed a "leper colony" by local media. They are heavily stigmatised by pervasive perceptions around leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, with some Indonesians believing the affliction is a curse sent by God that can be passed on by brief contact. But in a small, dusty workshop surrounded by fake body parts hung on white walls, Saga is chipping away at that social cold shoulder, sculpting artificial limbs that have been improving residents' lives since 2005. One of the neighbours to receive Saga's creations is 70-year-old tailor Cun San, who had a leg amputated in his teens and lost another in 2007. "I once thought I would never be able to walk again... but now I am so grateful I can walk normally," said San. 'No longer in pain' Nearly 500 people who had leprosy now live in Sitanala because it was located behind a hospital that for decades served as the rehabilitation centre for patients across Indonesia. The hospital made headlines in 1989 when Britain's late Princess Diana visited and was photographed shaking hands with a leprosy patient, challenging the stigma against the marginalised group. Today, many in the village cannot find formal jobs because of their disabilities, and instead have taken on roles as street sweepers or rickshaw drivers. Jamingun, a 60-year-old driver, lost his leg when he was a teenager. For years he wore a fake bamboo stump because he could not afford a prosthetic limb. "It was painful and I still had to use a walking stick to steady myself when I walked," said Jamingun, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. But his life changed after receiving a prosthetic leg for free that Saga had made through a charity. "It feels so different because now I actually have a sole, it feels like a real foot," he told AFP. "And I'm no longer in pain when I walk." 'Vicious cycle' Saga finds it difficult to talk about his past, preferring to focus on his part in helping others build their future. A limb can cost as much as 10 million rupiah ($667) but he gives away prosthetic legs for free, or accepts lower sums, for those who can't afford the price. He says he has now made more than 5,000 prosthetic legs for people across Indonesia. Experts say efforts to eliminate leprosy are hampered by a focus on finding and treating cases instead of erasing prejudices that prevent patients from seeking help. "If we don't deal with the stigma, the transmission won't stop and the disability will keep happening," said Asken Sinaga, executive director of NLR Indonesia, a nonprofit focusing on leprosy. "This is a vicious cycle." Indonesia wants to eliminate leprosy by next year, a daunting task after the Covid-19 pandemic directed health resources elsewhere. Those who have recovered from the disease say they just want to be treated the same as everyone else. "I hope people will stop judging us," San said. "I hope things will get better and people will help us instead." Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested a man suspected of stealing a large amount of gold jewelry equal to over 100 taels of gold worth US$190,000 from a local gold shop on Sunday. The alleged thief, Pham Van Nu, 37, hailing from Dong Thap Province, was detained while hiding in Binh Duong Province, which borders the city, local police reported on Tuesday. Earlier on Sunday morning, M.T.P.D., the owner of the Kim Thinh gold shop in District 12, reported to local police that a thief had stolen gold jewelry equivalent to 113 taels of gold (a tael = 1.33 ounces) valued at VND4.5 billion ($192,000) from her shop. The district police coordinated with their colleagues from the city level to immediately launch an investigation into the case. This photo shows some of the gold items recovered from Pham Van Nu, who allegedly committed a theft at Kim Thinh gold shop in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, January 29, 2023. Photo: Supplied After examining the scene and watching the relevant cameras, investigators determined that the thief climbed up the utility pole next to the shop and entered through the balcony on the first floor of the facility on the early morning of that same day. He then went down to the ground floor to steal the gold and escaped at 3:20 am by taking the same route through which he entered. A search for the suspect was deployed and a joint police force of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province detained Nu at 8:00 pm on Monday while he was hiding in the province. Nu admitted to the theft and police officers recovered the gold items he had stolen from the shop. The man confessed he committed another theft of gold in Binh Duongs Thuan An City in November 2021, when he broke in a gold shop on Phan Dinh Giot Street and stole a lot of gold jewelry, which he sold later for about VND780 million ($33,300). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested a man suspected of stealing a large amount of gold jewelry equal to over 100 taels of gold worth US$190,000 from a local gold shop on Sunday. The alleged thief, Pham Van Nu, 37, hailing from Dong Thap Province, was detained while hiding in Binh Duong Province, which borders the city, local police reported on Tuesday. Earlier on Sunday morning, M.T.P.D., the owner of the Kim Thinh gold shop in District 12, reported to local police that a thief had stolen gold jewelry equivalent to 113 taels of gold (a tael = 1.33 ounces) valued at VND4.5 billion ($192,000) from her shop. The district police coordinated with their colleagues from the city level to immediately launch an investigation into the case. This photo shows some of the gold items recovered from Pham Van Nu, who allegedly committed a theft at Kim Thinh gold shop in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, January 29, 2023. Photo: Supplied After examining the scene and watching the relevant cameras, investigators determined that the thief climbed up the utility pole next to the shop and entered through the balcony on the first floor of the facility on the early morning of that same day. He then went down to the ground floor to steal the gold and escaped at 3:20 am by taking the same route through which he entered. A search for the suspect was deployed and a joint police force of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province detained Nu at 8:00 pm on Monday while he was hiding in the province. Nu admitted to the theft and police officers recovered the gold items he had stolen from the shop. The man confessed he committed another theft of gold in Binh Duongs Thuan An City in November 2021, when he broke in a gold shop on Phan Dinh Giot Street and stole a lot of gold jewelry, which he sold later for about VND780 million ($33,300). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam have initiated the construction of a VND1.5 trillion (US$64 million) bridge to boost connectivity and create conditions for local socio-economic development. The Dong Nai Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board on Tuesday morning organized the groundbreaking of Thong Nhat Bridge and two roads leading to the bridge. Thong Nhat Bridge is part of a project to build the central route of Bien Hoa City, which is the capital of the southern province. This is one of Dong Nais key projects, carrying a price tag of VND1.5 trillion. The route project has a total length of 5.4 kilometers, connecting Thong Nhat and Hiep Hoa Wards in Bien Hoa City, which are separated by the Dong Nai River. Thong Nhat Bridge and the roads leading to it are the most important categories of this project. The groundbreaking of Thong Nhat Bridge is organized in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, January 31, 2023. Photo: B.A. / Tuoi Tre The bridge will be 45-95 meters wide and have six to 10 lanes upon completion. The construction of Thong Nhat Bridge is expected to last for 900 days. The project to build the central route of Bien Hoa City will open up a new urban development space when completed, said Cao Tien Dung, chairman of the Dong Nai Peoples Committee. The route is aimed at boosting connectivity at the eastern gateway of Bien Hoa City, creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development, contributing to the improvement of urban space, and gradually completing the traffic development plan of the city. Chairman Dung requested relevant units to complete necessary procedures to ensure the quality and progress of the project. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam have initiated the construction of a VND1.5 trillion (US$64 million) bridge to boost connectivity and create conditions for local socio-economic development. The Dong Nai Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board on Tuesday morning organized the groundbreaking of Thong Nhat Bridge and two roads leading to the bridge. Thong Nhat Bridge is part of a project to build the central route of Bien Hoa City, which is the capital of the southern province. This is one of Dong Nais key projects, carrying a price tag of VND1.5 trillion. The route project has a total length of 5.4 kilometers, connecting Thong Nhat and Hiep Hoa Wards in Bien Hoa City, which are separated by the Dong Nai River. Thong Nhat Bridge and the roads leading to it are the most important categories of this project. The groundbreaking of Thong Nhat Bridge is organized in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, January 31, 2023. Photo: B.A. / Tuoi Tre The bridge will be 45-95 meters wide and have six to 10 lanes upon completion. The construction of Thong Nhat Bridge is expected to last for 900 days. The project to build the central route of Bien Hoa City will open up a new urban development space when completed, said Cao Tien Dung, chairman of the Dong Nai Peoples Committee. The route is aimed at boosting connectivity at the eastern gateway of Bien Hoa City, creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development, contributing to the improvement of urban space, and gradually completing the traffic development plan of the city. Chairman Dung requested relevant units to complete necessary procedures to ensure the quality and progress of the project. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! US actor Cindy Williams, best known for Laverne & Shirley, has died, aged 75. She died in Los Angeles on Wednesday after a brief illness, her children said in a statement. The passing of our kind, hilarious mother, Cindy Williams, has brought us insurmountable sadness that could never truly be expressed, Zak and Emily Hudson said. Knowing and loving her has been our joy and privilege. She was one of a kind, beautiful, generous and possessed a brilliant sense of humor and a glittering spirit that everyone loved. Williams (pictured right) played Shirley Feeney on 8 seasons of Laverne & Shirley, alongside gifted co-star Penny Marshall (who also died at 75) from 1976 to 1983. Laverne & Shirley became the most-watched American television program by its third season; in total, it received six Golden Globe nominations and one Emmy nomination. They first debuted as a comedy double in Happy Days before their own spin-off as two 1950s roommates working on the assembly line at Milwaukees Shotz Brewery. Williams originally rejected the idea of starring in a spin-off but was talked into it, with now-Disney CEO Michael Eisner only showing her screen test to ABC executives, and not others. Williams would leave the sitcom early in its eighth season after becoming pregnant, but had also been feuding with Marshall, reconciling years later. By the 1980s they both voiced the animated Laverne & Shirley in the Army for 13 episodes. When you can find those characters with attitudes who are in sync, they are funny and charming to watch. You see aspects of yourself in the characters attitudes, Williams once said. Usually in sitcoms, the characters you play are close to you. They are beats within yourself that you really play well. Williams had a long list of other credits including Room 222, CHiPs, Cannon, Police Story, Love American Style, Hawaii Five-O, Insight, Nanny & the Professor, Petrocelli, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Touched by an Angel, 8 Simple Rules, Law & Order: SVU, The Odd Couple, Sam and Cat and more. Films included Travels With My Aunt, American Graffiti, The Conversation, The First Nudie Musical. She also auditioned for Star Wars but lost the part of Princess Leia to Carrie Fisher. Source: LA Times Screenworks and Netflix have named the three trainees who will commence their screen industry apprenticeships as part of Screenworks 2023 Regional Crew Development Program. Willow Inman from Alstonville (NSW), Ami Gray from Grafton (NSW) and Enya Flett from Townsville (QLD) will participate in paid on-the-job placements and training at TAFE NSW Lismore for Certificate III in Screen & Media. Screenworks CEO, Ken Crouch, said, It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the four trainees develop their skills and kickstart their careers this past year. Theyve taken the opportunities and created long-lasting relationships with practitioners that will stand them in good stead for the future. We are thrilled to extend the program to North Queensland this year with the support of Screen Queensland, and the team are looking forward to seeing how far Ami, Enya and WIllow can take their traineeships in 2023. Ami Grey from Grafton in NSW said, My passion for the screen industry is driven by its commitment to storytelling and the reactions it fosters. I am beyond thrilled to have this rare opportunity to acquire valuable experience within it Enya Flett, said, I am so grateful that whilst residing in a regional area, I am fortunate enough to have the same opportunity to work in the industry, thanks to Screenworks, Netflix and Screen Queensland Willow Inman added, The opportunity to be a part of this program is an absolute dream. Im eager to learn every aspect there is about film, to have all these new experiences and meet so many new people through this traineeship. Que MInh Luu, Netflix Director Content ANZ, said: Congratulations to Ami, Enya and Willow; you will all get a fantastic introduction to the industry from Screenworks as the 2023 Regional Crew Development Program trainees. Were privileged that Netflix can play a part at the beginning of what we hope will be long and fulfilling careers in the screen sector. Screenworks is also looking for Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Australia interested in taking on trainees for work placements in 2023. Placements can be based in Northern NSW, South East Queensland, North Queensland or beyond. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest. The Regional Crew Development Program is being delivered by Screenworks in partnership with Netflix with the support of the NSW Government, Screen Queensland and TAFE NSW. Orange Press release Paris, 31 January 2023 Evolution of the Orange groups Executive Committee The Orange group announces the appointment of Jean-Francois Fallacher as CEO of Orange France from April 3. He will replace Fabienne Dulac, who after eight years at the helm of Orange France, has chosen to take on new challenges within the Group. Fabienne Dulac will remain on the Executive Committee and will contribute to the deployment of the upcoming strategic plan. Jean-Francois Fallacher is currently CEO of Orange Spain. He will be replaced by Ludovic Pech, the current Chief Financial Officer of Orange Middle East & Africa. Jean-Francois Fallacher will remain a member of Orange Spain's Board of Directors. Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, commented: I would like to thank Fabienne Dulac for her commitment over eight years as head of Orange France. Through her action, she has strengthened the network leadership and customer excellence of Orange in France. During this time, Orange played an essential role in the success of the deployment of Fiber in France. Thanks to her work and that of her teams, France can today boast of having the most extensive Fiber network in Europe. We will continue to work together in the coming months. I am delighted to now welcome Jean-Francois Fallacher as the new head of Orange France. I know I can count on his very solid international experience and on his operational expertise to continue to develop Orange's leadership in France in the service of our customers." For more information on Fabienne Dulac's career, cli c k here . Photos are available he r e . For more information on the career of Jean-Francois Fallacher, cli c k here . About Orange Orange is one of the worlds leading telecommunications operators with sales of 42.5 billion euros in 2021 and 136,500 employees worldwide at 30 September 2022, including 75,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 286 million customers worldwide at 30 September 2022, including 240 million mobile customers and 24 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business Services. In December 2019, the Group presented its "Engage 2025" strategic plan, which, guided by social and environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model. While accelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the heart of its innovation model, the Group will be an attractive and responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions. Story continues Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN). For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com , www.orange-business.com and the Orange News app or to follow us on Twitter: @orangegrouppr. Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited. Press contacts: Tom Wright; tom.wright@orange.com ; +33 6 78 91 35 11 Sylvain Bruno; sylvain.bruno@orange.com ; +33 6 86 17 88 89 Attachment England centre Guy Porter Credit: Alamy England have been forced into another change to their squad ahead of their Six Nations opener against Scotland, as Dan Kelly suffered an injury. The Leicester Tigers centre pulls out of the build-up to the match at Twickenham on Saturday with a thigh problem in a cruel blow to the 21-year-old back. Kelly has been replaced in the squad by club team-mate Guy Porter, who is familiar with the England squad after featuring for the Red Rose side last year. Porter replaces injured Kelly The Rugby Football Union stated that Porter joined up with the squad who are training at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park. England head coach Steve Borthwick has a selection dilemma in his midfield against Scotland, with Henry Slade and Elliot Daly also having been ruled out. Borthwick could opt to start Owen Farrell at inside centre with Marcus Smith at 10 or name his captain in the main playmaking jersey with others outside. Other options available to England include Ollie Lawrence, Manu Tuilagi and now Porter, with this disruption in personnel far from ideal before Saturday. After facing Scotland at Twickenham in their Six Nations opener, England will then take on Italy on home soil before a weeks break in the Championship. Jonny Gray links up with Scotland Meanwhile, Scotland have added second-row Jonny Gray to their squad ahead of their Six Nations opener against England in a boost to their forward stocks. The Exeter lock did not attend the training camp in Edinburgh last week because of what the Scottish Rugby Union described as an ongoing medical issue. Edinburgh lock Jamie Hodgson was brought in on a temporary basis but Gray has now been included after starting and scoring for the Chiefs last weekend. After missing the training week in Edinburgh, Gray has rejoined the squad in Spain, read a brief SRU statement on Monday. Jamie Hodgson has remained with his club. READ MORE: Opinion: Who Steve Borthwick should pick for Englands Six Nations opener against Scotland The article Six Nations: Dan Kelly ruled out as England call in Guy Porter while Scotland bring Jonny Gray into squad appeared first on Planetrugby.com. A unique, century-old collaboration between humans and dolphins in Brazil, which has seen the two species team up to fish together, may be under threat of disappearing, according to a new study. The research, published following 15 years of study on Monday in the journal PNAS, has documented this rare example of collaboration between the two top predator species that has been beneficial to both parties for nearly 150 years and called for new conservation strategies to protect the practice. We knew that the fishers were observing the dolphins behavior to determine when to cast their nets, but we didnt know if the dolphins were actively coordinating their behaviour with the fishers, study co-author Mauricio Cantor from the Oregon State University in the US said in a statement. Scientists used drones and underwater imaging to observe the behaviours of fishers and dolphins with unprecedented detail. They found that both humans and dolphins could catch more fish by working in synchrony. Dolphins herd schools of mullet towards the coast which increase the availability of these fishes within the reach of the net-casting fishers, the study found. The cooperation also benefits the dolphins, scientists say, adding that the animals that engaged in cooperative fishing in the area have an over 10 per cent increase in survival rates. When dolphins approach the fishers nets closely and cue fishers in, they dive for longer and modify their active foraging echolocation to match the time it takes for nets to sink and close over mullets but only when fishers respond to their foraging cues appropriately, scientists wrote in the study. This shows that this is a mutually beneficial interaction between the humans and the dolphins, Dr Cantor said. Fishing in synchrony brings mutual benefits for dolphins and people in Brazil, research shows https://t.co/jM2N5KwYQg Oregon State University Research Office (@ResearchOSU) January 30, 2023 While it is common to see synchronized movements of flocks of birds and schools of fish collaborative behaviour that can be key to the survival of the animals involved such behaviour in predators on top of the food chain such the Lahilles bottlenose dolphins and the traditional net-casting fishers in Brazil is much rarer, researchers say. Story continues This team-up has been widely documented in the city of Laguna on Brazils southern coast, where the cultural tradition has been followed for over 140 years and has also been passed down through generations of fishers and dolphins. The collaboration is also specific to this population of dolphins, scientists say, adding that it is not a genetic trait in the animals. Such synchrony between species has been documented in a handful of locations elsewhere in the world, and is also in decline or has disappeared completely in most places, researchers say. Due to its rarity, the cultural practice between the fishers and dolphins in Brazil is being considered for a cultural heritage designation, Dr Cantor said. From the fishers perspective, this practice is part of the culture of the community in all kinds of ways. They acquire skills passed down from other fishers and knowledge is spread through social learning. They also feel connected to this place and have a sense of belonging to the community, he explained. Scientists also ran a predictive model which suggests the practice could be threatened if populations of mullet the type of fish both dolphins and people are seeking continue to decline, or if future generations of fishers lose interest in learning the art of this unique fishing practice. The practice is unlikely to continue if either the dolphins or the fishers no longer benefit from it, Damien Farine, another author of the study from the University of Zurich in Switzerland said. Scientists say there may already be early signs of decline in the practice. If we take steps to document and conserve the knowledge and the culture of the practice, we can indirectly and positively impact the biological aspects, as well, Dr Farine said. Since most interactions between species documented across the world are mainly competitive than mutually beneficial, researchers say the new research can lead to a better understanding of the conditions such interspecies cooperation can evolve. They believe the findings are of growing importance in a rapidly changing world to also unravel under what conditions such cooperation might go extinct, or flip from a cooperative to a competitive interaction. Scientists call for urgent conservation action to ensure the future of this practice in Brazil where both the dolphins and the fishers are reliant on a strong and healthy fish population for the cooperative relationship to succeed. In recent years, they say, the region has seen reduced availability of fish as well as reduced interest among the fishers in learning the tradition. They say conservation strategies like understanding the main reasons for the local fish decline, reducing the use of illegal nets, as well as incentives to encourage the traditional practice may go a long way. We dont know what is going to happen in the future, but our best guess, using our best data and best models, is that if things keep going the way they are right now, there will be a time when the interaction will no longer be of interest by at least one of the predators, Fabio Daura-Jorge, study author from Brazils Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, said. This phenomenon of mutually-beneficial interaction between wildlife and humans is getting more and more rare and seems to be at global risk. The cultural value and the biological diversity are important, and its important to preserve it, Dr Cantor added. A new therapy to treat late-stage cancer in dogs can not only extend the lives of canines but also preserve good quality of life, according to a new study that may also lead to improved treatments for some cancers that affect humans. The research, published recently in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, used technology that modified unspecialised stem cells in dogs to treat the cancer-stricken canines. Scientists, including those from the National University of Singapore (NUS), modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) that are capable of seeking out cancerous tumours. The modified cells, according to researchers, carry a potent kill-switch molecules called cytosine deaminase that produces a high, localised concentration of a cancer killing drug (5-fluorouracil) in the tumour environment and subsequently induces immunity against cancer. To repurpose stem cells for cancer treatment, it is usual to use viruses to introduce therapeutic genes into the cells. We have however, designed a non-viral gene delivery platform that introduces a high payload of therapeutic genes into the stem cells, to effectively destroy the out-of-control growing cancer cells, study co-author Too Heng-Phon from NUS said. With this therapy that has been proven safe and demonstrated promising clinical benefits in animal patients, we hope to develop effective treatment options to help human patients with cancer as well, which can improve their health without compromising their quality of life, Dr Heng-Phon said. The technology was first tested on canine patients in 2018, and later delivered to 65 dogs, as well as two cats, with cancer conditions like perianal adenoma, lung metastasis, and sarcoma. Veterinary patients in the study first received the treatment via direct tumour-site injections or through blood stream, followed by the ingestion of oral pills containing a drug commonly used to treat fungal infection (5-flucytosine), over a few days. Story continues #Stemcells modified to carry novel #cancer therapy extend lives of terminally ill #dogs. Therapy differs from other cell and #genetherapies that use viruses to introduce genes into cells. Instead, modification involves using chemical carrier. https://t.co/SZYaUIEgy7 #caninecancer Greg Slabodkin (@Slabodkin) January 30, 2023 The cycle was repeated for two more weeks after about seven days before the first course of treatment was completed. Researchers then monitored the condition of the animals and repeated the course where necessary. They say 56 showed signs of positive response among those that received the treatment over a duration ranging from three to eight weeks. About 14 of these animals, scientists say, showed full recovery from the treatment. Two animals remained cancer free at least 30 months post treatment, according to the scientists, who added that 46 of the veterinary patients overall showed good quality of life over two to 32 months, with the treatment. There were no significant side effects observed during the study likely due to the localised presence of the therapeutic cells which remain within the tumour environment, researchers say. Beyond results that have shown to benefit our companion animals, it is our hope to extend the therapy to human patients in the future and improve healthcare outcomes for those who have cancer especially when they have no treatment options left, Ho Yoon Khei, another author of the study, said. In further studies, scientists hope to review the therapys safety and efficacy for veterinary medicine and discuss plans for clinical trials on human patients in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. Watch: Police seize e-scooter from woman taking young child to school Police have seized an electric scooter from a woman who was taking a young child to school. Gloucestershire Police said it had taken the e-scooter from a woman in Stroud after a complaint from a member of the public. The force posted a video of the woman using the e-scooter to transport the four-year-old child in an area close to a school. The woman had been transporting the child using the e-scooter "on a daily basis", police said. The force said "concerns were raised" when it was alerted. In a tweet, alongside a video of the woman using the scooter, Gloucestershire Police Specialist Ops, which is responsible for roads policing, said: "Concerns were raised regarding a female using an e-scooter to transport a young child on a daily basis." Police seized an e-scooter from a woman in Stroud. (Gloucestershire Police Specialist Ops) It said officers attended and "observed four-year-old being transported in this way and vehicle seized". The force added: "Thanks to the public for making us aware." In the clip, the woman is seen travelling on the scooter behind the child, who is standing at the front as it goes down a hill. Read more: Drink driver crashes Maserati in city centre right in front of police car In 2020, Gloucestershire Police warned that its officers would seize e-scooters. It said: "Gloucestershire Constabulary has warned that officers will seize electric powered vehicles being used illegally on pavements and cycle paths. "It comes after a growing number have been spotted being used around Gloucester with many users unaware that they are committing offences, including young children." Chief Inspector Al Barby said: While these may seem like fun and environmentally-friendly ways of getting around, these vehicles can be dangerous to other road users as well as to the riders themselves. Any vehicle using the roads must be legally registered. Anyone caught using them on pavements or cycle paths face the possibility of it being seized, having points on their licence and being fined. Story continues Are e-scooters legal in the UK? E-scooters cannot be used legally on roads, cycle lanes or pavements. Because they do not have a specific law, they are recognised as "powered transporters", which means they fall under the same regulations as motor vehicles. Electric scooters that are available as part of a government-backed trial in London. (Getty Images) But e-scooters are illegal on roads because they don't have visible rear red lights, number plates or signalling ability. The only e-scooters than can be used on public roads are those that are hired as part of government-backed trials. E-scooters may be used on private land with the permission of the land owner. How fast do e-scooters go? In trials, such as in London, the speed limit of e-scooters is capped at 12.5mph, and they will automatically reduce speed to 8mph in "go-slow" areas. However, most e-scooters on the market can reach speeds of up to 25mph. How much do e-scooters cost? Cheaper models can cost about 150, with mid-range e-scooters costing anything from 450 to 700. The most expensive e-scooters can cost up to 5,000. Prince Andrew's accuser has been urged to speak out credit:Bang Showbiz Virginia Giuffre has been encouraged not to "remain silent". The 39 year old agreed a huge settlement with Prince Andrew - who she claimed she was forced to have sex with by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell when she was just 17 - last year, with the agreement including a clause that banned her from speaking about the case for a year. And with the confidentiality agreement due to expire some time next month, attorney Lisa Bloom, who represented some of the victims of late billionaire paedophile Epstein, has urged her to speak out. Lisa told Times Radio: "[Virginia is] a tremendous advocate for women, not only victims of Jeffrey Epstein, but victims in general. I dont expect her to remain silent. I expect her to continue to use her voice to speak out. And I hope that she does." While Andrew is said to be considering a legal attempt to overturn the settlement, Lisa believes it is unlikely he will be able to do anything, arguing the case is "over and done with" because it didn't go to trial, despite the disgraced Duke of York - who has denied any wrongdoing - being represented by "highly competent attorneys". She said: Its never going to be resurrected. Its never going to come back because of the decision that he made as a grown man to settle the case. Lisa's comments came shortly after Alan Dershowitz encouraged Andrew to challenge the agreement after Virginia dropped an eight-year legal battle against him in November, admitting she "may have made a mistake" in identifying him as a man who abused her as a teenager. The lawyer said: I have never understood why he accepted the settlement. There were many, many good defences he could have raised. Ive thought right from the beginning, as soon as the deal was done, it was a mistake to do it. He should pursue every legal remedy and the media should investigate thoroughly all of the allegations because this is just the tip of the iceberg." Andrew is said to feel Virginia's u-turn in her allegations against Alan have damaged her credibility. This photo taken on Sept. 20, 2022 shows the Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), in Djibouti city, capital of Djibouti. [Photo/Xinhua] The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiated by China seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth. The BRI comprises a Silk Road Economic Belt a trans-continental passage that links China with Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe by land and a 21st century Maritime Silk Road, a sea route connecting China's coastal regions with Southeast and South Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and Eastern Africa, all the way to Europe. The initiative defines five major priorities: policy coordination; infrastructure connectivity; unimpeded trade; financial integration; and connecting people. The BRI has been associated with a very large programme of investments in infrastructure development for ports, roads, railways and airports, as well as power plants and telecommunications networks. Since 2019, Chinese state-led BRI lending volumes have been in decline. The BRI now places increasing emphasis on "high-quality investment", including through greater use of project finance, risk mitigation tools, and green finance. The name was formulated by China's President Xi Jinping, who drew inspiration from the concept of the Silk Road established during the Han Dynasty 2,000 years ago an ancient network of trade routes that connected China to the Mediterranean via Eurasia for centuries. The ancient Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes originating from China, connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Ancient Chinese poems had indicated that, numerous emissaries and traders took to the Road, and ships set sail, bringing about a boom in travel and trade over land and across the seas, and providing a strong impetus to regional development and exchanges and cooperation among different nations and civilizations along the routes. The world today is undergoing great development and profound transformation and changes, which calls for new growth drivers for the global economy, more inclusive and balanced development and ways and means to bridge the yawning gap between the rich and the poor. In line with the prevailing trend of economic globalization and in response to the call of the times for reforming the global governance system and the strong aspiration of the world's people for a better life, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in 2013, later known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This is an initiative for open and inclusive economic cooperation that follows the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. It is based on and centered around economic cooperation, underpinned by people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and aims to increase connectivity among countries along the routes through deepened practical and win-win cooperation to achieve common development. The five major priorities are as stated below: Foremost, policy connectivity: states that, any cooperation project under the BRI will be carried out on the basis of consultation on an equal footing, with no political strings attached. It will not be imposed from a "position of strength." Rather China seeks to align the initiative with other countries' development strategies and regional and international development agendas so that the parties involved can draw upon each other's strengths to achieve complementarity. In fact, the BRI has been effectively aligned with policy initiatives like the Middle Corridor initiative of Turkey, the Bright Road initiative of Kazakhstan, the Eurasian Economic Union of Russia and the Development Road initiative of Mongolia to produce greater synergy and a multiplying effect. In addition, infrastructure connectivity: China is working with relevant countries to accelerate implementation of major infrastructure projects such as railways, roads and ports, with many more connectivity projects in the pipeline. It is the goal of China to create better conditions and more opportunities for trade and investment cooperation and economic development of all countries. The Infrastructure connectivity saves transportation time and cost, unleashes trade and investment potential, and lends impetus to global economic recovery from the pandemic. Unimpeded trade is a focus of efforts in advancing the BRI, and a strong driving force for sustained growth of the world economy. Furthermore, trade connectivity: China is working with other BRI participating countries to promote trade and investment facilitation, improve business environment and build FTAs in firm support of the multilateral trade regime and the building of an open world economy. Moreover, financial connectivity: China has engaged in diverse forms of financial cooperation with BRI partner countries and organizations, and is willing and ready to provide them with financial support for economic development to the best of its ability. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund, for instance, have already made good contributions to economic growth in relevant countries. Last but not the least, people-to-people connectivity: Guided by the Silk Road spirit, China and other BRI participating countries have carried out extensive cooperation in science, education, culture, health and people-to-people exchanges with firm commitment to enhancing exchanges, dialogue and mutual learning among different civilizations. Having received positive response and broad support from the international community, the BRI is being translated from a blueprint into reality and has grown to be the broadest and largest platform for international cooperation in the world, generating huge opportunities and dividends to countries around the world. The cumulative trade between China and its BRI partners has exceeded $9.2 trillion, and Chinese businesses direct investment in countries along the routes exceeded $130 billion. A World Bank report estimated that when fully implemented, the BRI could help nearly 40 million people in relevant countries get out of poverty. Despite the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 that has ravaged the world for the past three years, the Belt and Road cooperation has not come to a halt. Instead, it has pressed ahead against the headwind, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, China and its BRI partners have worked together to put up an international firewall of cooperation against the virus. China has held over 100 meetings with relevant countries to share experience in pandemic response, provided more than 280 billion masks, 3.4 billion protective suits and 4 billion testing kits to the world, and helped many countries build testing labs. China has also conducted extensive vaccine cooperation with many countries, and had by mid-June, 2021 donated and exported more than 400 million doses of finished and bulk vaccines to more than 90 countries, most of which were BRI partners. In spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic, trade and investment cooperation under the BRI has made remarkable achievements, making the Belt and Road a promising model of recovery for restoring economic and social activity and a model of growth for unlocking development potential. The China-Europe freight trains playing a more prominent role as an artery for trade, the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor picking up speed and the cross-border e-commerce boosting the circulation of supplies of anti-pandemic materials and daily necessities. Platforms like China International Import Expo (CIIE) and China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) are also playing an increasingly important role in facilitating trade connectivity and technological cooperation among countries. In 2020, Chinese investors made non-financial direct investment of $18.61 billion in 58 Belt and Road countries, despite a 35% year-on-year decline in global outward direct investment, and their accumulated investment in overseas economic and trade cooperation zones reached $44.85 billion, creating 373,000 local jobs. Going forward, China had indicated that it will continue to work with all other parties to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in line with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and the philosophy of open, green and clean development to make it high-standard, sustainable and beneficial to the people. The Belt and Road is a road to prosperity. China and other participating countries will continue to promote all-round infrastructure connectivity and enhance the free flow of goods, capital, technology and personnel to deliver more tangible benefits to the people and enable more developing countries to participate in and gain from the Belt and Road cooperation. The Belt and Road is a road for green development. China is advocating for a green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable way of life and work, and call for increased cooperation in green infrastructure, green energy and green finance and deepened implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to bring about harmonious coexistence between man and nature and sustainable development of human society. The Belt and Road is a road for health. China will continue to work with its BRI partners to help and support underdeveloped countries and regions in fighting and preventing epidemics, promote exchanges and cooperation in public health R&D, scale up cooperation in virus origin tracing and vaccine R&D and production, and further improve global public health governance, so as to build a robust global community of health for all. The BRI was proposed by China and belongs to the whole world. It is open to all countries, and its achievements will be shared by all. China had welcomed and supported the United States of America's participation in the Belt and Road cooperation. The two countries were highly complementary in economic structures and comparative strengths. The cooperation on the Belt and Road will serve not only the interests of the U.S. and China, but also the interests of all participants in the initiative. The BRI would provide broad opportunities for U.S. businesses, open up a new horizon for China-U.S. cooperation, and place the two countries in a better position to help partner countries strengthen infrastructure building, advance industrialization process and improve people's living standard. China has embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. China is actively building a new paradigm of development with domestic cycle being the mainstay and domestic and international cycles reinforcing each other. This will provide stronger impetus and greater space for the Belt and Road cooperation. China will continue to work with relevant countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and help them meet their needs in pandemic response and economic recovery so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind and create a brighter future for all countries. The author is Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Development, Ministry of Defence of Ghana. The University of North Georgia's (UNG) career fairs are back this spring and open to all students and alumni. Hosted every semester at both the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses by Career Services, these fairs aim to include employers who are hiring from a wide array of majors. "Career fairs are a great way to learn about local and sometimes national employers. They are specifically looking for what they call 'early-career' talent, or college students who are getting ready to graduate," Lisa A. Walker, assistant director of Career Services, said. "We often hear students who have attended their first career fair say how good it was to have attended and they learned about so many unexpected things." On Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the all-majors career fair will focus on students and alumni interested in full-time career entry-level positions and internship opportunities. It will be held in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Another all-majors fair will take place March 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center at the Gainesville Campus. HA NOI Viet Nam lured US$1.69 billion worth of foreign investment in the first month of 2023, down 19.8 per cent year-on-year, according to the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. One bright spot in January was that 153 new foreign-invested projects, valued at $1.2 billion, were granted licenses, up 48.5 per cent in number and 3.1 times in value, which was a signal to confirm the confidence of foreign investors in the investment environment of Viet Nam, the FIA said. During the month, capital added in operating projects by foreign investors saw a yearly decline of 76 per cent to $306.3 million while their capital contributions and share purchases also declined 61 per cent year-on-year to over $174 million. At the same time, disbursed capital also witnessed a decline of 16.3 per cent to an estimated $1.35 billion in the first month, the FIA said, adding that the processing and manufacturing industry saw $1.05 billion worth of foreign investment disbursed, making up 77.6 per cent of the total. Since January saw two long holidays - New Year and Lunar New Year, the decrease recorded in registered foreign investment capital, or even disbursement, had not yet reflected the general trend of foreign investment capital flows to Viet Nam in 2023, according to the agency. Projects related to wholesale, retail, and repair of automobiles and motorised vehicles accounted for the lions share of the total registered sum, at 54.1 per cent or $651.9 million. They were followed by those in the processing and manufacturing industry, which together registered $351.2 million in capital or equivalent to 29.1 per cent and those in other sectors at $202 million or 16.8 per cent. Also in January, 28 foreign countries and territories invested in Viet Nam. Singapore was the largest with $767.6 million, followed by China with $198.2 million. Meanwhile, Vietnamese investors poured $126.7 million into their projects overseas, increasing by 3.4 times against the same month in 2022. Among three countries and territories receiving investment from Viet Nam, South Korea was the leading country with $125.1 million, accounting for 98.7 per cent of total investment capital; followed by Thailand ($1.5 million or 1.2 per cent); and Laos ($140,000 or 0.1 per cent). Foreign investment bonanza Viet Nam is expected to attract a lot of FDI this year due to its impressive economic performance in 2022, improved business climate and the advantages brought by the free trade agreements it has signed, experts said. o Van Su, deputy director of the Department of Foreign Investment, said Viet Nam is likely to attract $36-38 billion worth of FDI in 2023. South Korea, Japan and Taiwan (China) are expected to be among the main sources of investment as they continue to pump money into Southeast Asia. Economist Le ang Doanh said the country needs to further speed up administrative reforms, improve its investment environment and ensure policy stability. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said priority would be given to projects that use new and green technologies and have high added value. Though there are admittedly still problems related to human resource quality, Viet Nam remains an appealing destination for foreign investors due to its supportive policies, he added. A recent survey done by the Ministry of Planning and Investment found 76 per cent of enterprises saying they were satisfied with the Governments support policies. They were most satisfied with the VAT waiver and reduction policies, and those to stabilise gasoline prices, improve the work permit issuance process and customs clearance procedures, and support import- export and workers livelihoods. To continue to attract foreign investment, Dung said it is vital for Viet Nam to develop innovation and financial centres at the regional and international levels. It is also important to stabilise the economy and improve infrastructure and the quality of human resources, he added. Last year FDI was worth nearly $22.4 billion, according to the General Statistics Office. Of the more than 100 nations and territories investing last year, Singapore topped with $6.46 billion, followed by South Korea ($4.88 billion) and Japan ($4.78 billion). They invested in 54 provinces and cities of which HCM City attracted the most: $3.94 billion. Binh Duong was second with $3.14 billion and Quang Ninh was third with $2.37 billion. VNS Quy Duong HA NOI The ginger cake of the Khmer ethnic group in Soc Trang Province is a beloved traditional treat that is often offered to ancestors on important anniversaries such as the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. According to legend, the cake is also a symbol of faithfulness between husband and wife. It was said that there had been a girl named Nai Chrao Cho Pho who waited for her husband (who joined the army) from year to year with hopelessness. During these times, she made ginger cakes and brought them to a rock and sat there eating cakes, waiting for her husband until she turned to become a rock, elderly Khmer Son Phuoc Dung recalled. He said the cake had always been present at the groups traditional festivals, such as Dolta, Chol Chnam Thmay, Tet and wedding anniversaries, according to the groups traditional customs. Locals thought that ginger turns out many branches, so the presence of the cake would help their families and offspring to become wealthy and thriving. At wedding parties, the cake is considered a symbol of faithfulness between husband and wife, Dung said. Making the cake is simple. It needs makers with skills in each process. They have to choose the right sticky rice, which has a milky colour, and wash it carefully before it is ground. The maker then mixes the grounded dough with chicken eggs and a certain quantity of wine yeast and kneads it until it no longer sticks to their hands. Then it is cooked in oil, Dung said, noting that the final stage is to cover the roasted cake with molasses before drying it under sunlight. The perfect cake is crispy mixed with buttery fat and fragrant flavour from chicken eggs and light sweetness molasses, Dung said. He said at important festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay or the traditional Tet holiday, the Khmer people used a bamboo stick to pin the ginger cakes and stick it around a wooden round pillar decorated with colourful paper patterns and placed it at the most important place of a festival. Dung said the Khmer people brought their ginger cakes as their special dish to join a big meal tray, with different specialities such as com lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) and others, made by 13 other ethnic groups to welcome Lunar New Year held recently at the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Ha Nois ong Mo site of Son Tay Town. Maker Tang Thi Lan, in Soc Trangs Hung Hoi Village who has been making the cake for many years, said she and her villagers are trying their best to preserve this traditional occupation by training young people, particularly young girls, to make the cake to improve their monthly income and more important is to further tie sentiment between family members. VNS Dabaco is aiming for $1 billion in revenue and $24.24 million in after-tax profit for 2023. This is despite earning VND2.93 trillion ($124.82 million) last quarter, a decrease in revenue of 4.3 per cent on-year. Gross profit saw a decline of almost 60 per cent on-year to VND150 billion ($6.4 million) for the same period. It is the first quarter that the group has reported losses since 2017. Revenue for the whole of 2022 reached VND12.26 trillion ($522.3 million), up 13.5 per cent on-year, however, after-tax profit fell by 82 per cent to VND150 billion ($6.4 million). These results equal 54 per cent of initial revenue targets and 16 per cent of initial profit targets. The revenue target for 2023 is considered ambitious for the group due to the ongoing crises in the domestic and global economies, leading to increases in material, production, and logistical costs, and their impact on animal feed production In addition, complications from diseases, especially African swine fever (ASF), are also a factor affecting companies working within the livestock industry. Furthermore, the company failed to deliver its ASF vaccine as expected in late 2022 and is presently still in the final stages of completion of the vaccine before its official launch. Grobest supports local shrimp farmers to access top-quality, high-yield shrimp larvae Grobest Vietnam Co., Ltd. has entered a cooperation with leading domestic shrimp larvae hatcheries to diversify the supply of high-quality, high-yield larvae for shrimp farmers. The combination of Grobest's 40 years of expertise in shrimp nutrition with the hatcheries hands-on manufacturing experience will help optimise shrimp larvae production while securing a high-quality source. The shrimp larvae hatcheries in question include: Thong Thuan, Truong Thinh, Nam My, Le Xuan Bay, Tran Hau Dien, and Shrimpvet. Bel Ga holds grand opening for Tay Ninh high-tech hatchery Bel Ga JSC (Belgium), De Heus Group (the Netherlands), and Hung Nhon Group (Vietnam) held the opening ceremony of Bel Ga Tay Ninh High-Tech Poultry Hatchery on April 17 at Thanh Thanh Cong Industrial Park in Tay Ninh province, as part of their supply chain of clean, sustainable, and export-oriented agricultural products. Livestock groups satisfied despite drop in recent profits While supply chain disruptions exacerbated by rising input material prices have brought down revenue and profit from standout heights in 2020, many of the biggest livestock companies in Vietnam are looking at first-half year results with a sense of satisfaction. Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (right) and a member of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Board and EEC Minister for Integration and Macroeconomics, Sergei Glazyev (Photo source: antaranews) Jakarta - Indonesias Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan has called for the promotion of economic cooperation between his country and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), saying he expects the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two sides to be completed soon. At his recent meeting with a member of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Board and EEC Minister for Integration and Macroeconomics Sergei Glazyev, Hasan said that the launch of negotiations on the Indonesia-EAEU free trade agreement last December is a historic moment to bolster bilateral relations to a higher level. During their meeting, Hasan and Glazyev also talked about the Indonesia-EEC Joint Working Group (JWG). The Indonesian minister said that the two parties have entered into a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) to establish the JWG as a discussion forum on trade and investment technical cooperation. Indonesia welcomes various initiatives to optimise the potential of bilateral economic relations, he said, adding that it is very important for both parties to complete negotiations as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Glazyev said that although the bilateral trade has been quite good, there are still opportunities to improve it. FTA agreements and discussions on technical cooperation under the MoC are expected to encourage two-way trade and investment flows, he added. From January to November 2022, the total trade between Indonesia and the EAEU reached 4 billion USD, up 32.75% year on year. Indonesia stepping up its funding priorities Vietnam and Indonesia are intensifying their digital and investment ties, with both sides set to venture into new activities together. The donation funded by the Japanese government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) includes supplies such as soap and hand-sanitiser, and medical equipment such as temperature screening, contactless thermometers and disinfection sprayers. The donation funded by the Japanese government and IOM for Quang Tri province include essential hygiene supplies such as soap and hand-sanitizer, and medical equipment such as temperature screening thermographic, contactless thermometers and disinfection sprayers The consul-general of Japan to Danang, Yakabe Yoshinori, welcomed the recent deliveries, highlighting Japans ongoing support for Vietams safe resumption of international travel. The Japan government supports the IOMs ongoing efforts to assist frontline workers working at entry points by equipping frontline workers with necessary skills for COVID prevention and control and providing personal protective equipment and other essential supplies, said consul-general Yakabe said. As part of the $1.6 million support of the Japanese government, IOM has supported the Vietnamese governments safe resumption of international travel by enhancing public health capacity at Points of Entry (POE) of six land-border crossings throughout Vietnam and five international airports (Noi Bai, Danang, Cam Ranh, Tan Son Nhat, and Phu Quoc airports). It is estimated that 400 frontline officials, 50 government officials and 3000 citizens have benefited directly from this project. The equipment supported by the government of Japan is a practical contribution to strengthen Vietnams border capacity post-COVID, said IOM chief of mission Park Mihyung. The pandemic brought into focus the vital role that migration play in our societies, and the need for more effective mechanisms that both protects and empowers migrants as important members of our communities. As Vietnam has successfully reopened the borders, our challenge is to continue supporting safe movements of people, especially those who travel overseas to work, ensuring that they are provided with accurate information, empowered to make informed decisions, and protect themselves from the risks when working overseas, Park added. Earlier this year, IOM also introduced health handbooks for Vietnamese migrant workers living in Japan and the Republic of Korea, which provide basic information, advice, and guidance for health needs of migrant workers. IOM is working closely with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to ensure that migrants have access to essential health services and leave no one behind, especially in the 'new normal' phase in Vietnam. Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi The southeast region is preparing necessary conditions in infrastructure, administrative procedures and human resources to welcome a new wave of foreign direct investment (FDI), as investors have flocked to the region right from the beginning of this year. The region, comprising Ho Chi Minh City and five provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ba RiaVung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Tay Ninh, has been attractive to investors. HCM City and Binh Duong were the leading localities in FDI attraction in 2022 with 3.94 billion USD and 3.14 billion USD, respectively. Right at the beginning of 2023, Binh Duong welcomed many large firms coming to explore the local investment opportunities, including Sembcorp and CapitaLand from Singapore, Nebraska from the US, and Tokyu from Japan. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)s Foreign Investment Department, the southeast region will continue to be the major FDI magnet of the country in 2023. This year, the country may lure about 36-38 billion USD in FDI. In order to attract investors, over the recent years, the region has focused on developing the infrastructure system to strengthen regional connectivity. A 76.3-km Belt Road No.3 crossing four localities of HCM City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An will be launched in the second quarter of this year, contributing to motivating the regions development. Meanwhile, regional localities have broadened the national highway and expressway systems to boost their growth. Commenting on the growth prospect of the region, Japanese Consul General in HCM City Watanabe Nobuhiro said that once the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway and Belt Roads No.3 and No.4 are put into operations, the connections among regional localities will be fostered, making the region even more attractive. Alongside, the localities have also expanded their industrial parks (IPs) to make more spaces for investors. HCM City is working on a 668-hectare Pham Van Hai IP, while Binh Duong is turning the 1,000-hectare Vietnam-Singapore IP (VSIP) to a green IP and investing on a 1,000-hectare Cay Truong IP as well as Rach Bap IP. At the same time, Dong Nai is finalising procedures to set up eight other IPs, which are expected to provide more than 7,000 hectares of industrial land for investors. Ba Ria-Vung Tau is also working on a plan to set up eight more IPs with a total area of over 8,000 hectares from now to 2030. Furthermore, the localities have concentrated on improving their investment environment, with the promotion of single-window mechanism at IPs, aiming to make all procedures involving businesses faster, smoother and easier. In terms of human resources, the localities have formed a linkage among the State, businesses and training facilities to ensure human resources training match businesses demands, and create a start-up ecosystem. With the careful preparations of necessary conditions, experts predicted that the region will continue to take the leading role in FDI attraction. FDI inflows to Vietnam reach almost $1.7 billion in January According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), Vietnam lured $1.69 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) as of January 20 this year, a year-on-year decrease of 19.8 per cent. Vietnam is seeing more and more early-stage investors newly established, expanded to Vietnam market or raised new Vietnam-focused funds from 2021 to 2022. Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is the hottest destination for investors pursuing a longer-term vision, according to a survey by Bain.Investors are confident in Vietnams long-term prospects, despite the current economic downturn and lack of funding. According to DealstreetAsia, Vietnam has recorded 11 early stage venture capital funds focused on the market, with seven maiden funds and four others Vietnam focused funds including AVV, Do Ventures, Nextrans, ThinkZone, Touchstone Partners, VinaCapital Ventures. In terms of total AUM, there was $371 million raised and $200 million target needed to be raise in 2023 and 2024. Since 2021, there have been more deals conducted by these Vietnam-focused funds, proving themselves as one of the most crucial support systems for early-stage entrepreneurs in the country. In contrast, the number of later-stage funds is still moderate, almost all of them are regional or global funds. Although the dry powder became the highest ever, due to the economic headwinds, venture capital has become more cautious when investing in startups. Deal activity drops by half from 165 deals in 2021 to 85 deals in 2022. Meanwhile, deal value drops by one-third from $1.44 billion in 2021 to $855 million in 2022, reflecting a slow-down in investment, according to Nextrans. While early-stage activity remains robust, total investment value dropped significantly in 2022 due to the absence of late-stage funding, highlighting the need to see more scalable businesses. The report also points out that e-commerce remains the top to attract investment in 2022, which accounts for 31 per cent of the total funding amount, followed by fintech (26 per cent), then logistics and transportation (15 per cent). Edtech and medtech and healthcare came next with 6 per cent and 5 per cent of total capital invested respectively. Foodtech, Proptech, Foodtech, and SaaS deals make up a total 8 per cent. Other industries deals account for the remaining 9 per cent, which mainly come from startups in the Media, Blockchain or the Travel industry. After the peak of 2021, the investment amount and the number of deals done in 2022 decreased significantly due to the caution of investors in investment. Investors are more selective regarding the investment stages and due diligence in startups. In terms of stages, most of the capital flows into early-stage startups, while later-stage investments are relatively few. Investors are now looking critically into the company's profitability and feasibility to exit for their investments. Vietnam has tools to latch onto startup movement International venture capitalists are still optimistic on Vietnams startup scene amidst global headwinds. Vinnie Lauria, managing partner at Golden Gate Ventures, discussed with VIRs Van Huong the future trends for venture capital funds and how the government could support startups. Promoting potential in fit-for-purpose startup scene Vietnam is expected to be on fire with emerging startups and innovative technologies as 2023 unfolds. Herston Elton Powers, managing partner of 1982 Ventures, discussed with VIRs Luu Huong on how to build an appropriate setting for the tech ecosystem, and several trends that are more likely to catch on this year. A logo is seen at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. [Photo/cfp.cn] Recently, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) denounced the United States for its abusive series of appeals against the global trade watchdog's panel rulings over its import tariffs and flawed labeling of goods' origins. As such, they urged the country to fulfill its obligations as a WTO member and stop its unilateral and protectionist moves, according to reports. By blocking the appointment of new judges since 2019 and preventing the appeals process from functioning, the United States has effectively paralyzed the World Trade Organization as a governing body by using its right of appeal to block any rulings against it, meaning that "appeals cannot be processed, and related rulings cannot move forward." While the United States calls for reform of the WTO, its real motivation, in keeping with the actions pushed forward by the Trump administration, is protectionism. It no longer believes in fair and free trade. Rather, it seeks to aggressively shore up its advantages by willfully undermining the global trading order in the name of "America First." Starting with the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, Matthew Pottinger, the U.S. devised a blueprint that linked its trade with its so-called national security. Despite having promoted free trade and open markets for decades and having promoted this ideology in the name of spreading American "values," the U.S. has come to the conclusion that such arrangements are no longer in fact in the national interest to sustain. In other words, as once confidently assumed, free trade did not remake the world in America's image but "empowered" rival countries, instead of transforming them. The U.S. then came to believe these undermined the unilateralist hegemony that it once deemed to be inevitable. This led to the Trump era level of logic that free trade "ripped off" the United States and established a new consensus of protectionism focusing on "bringing jobs back" to America. While this was seen as largely populist rhetoric directed toward Trump's supporters, the circumstances of its emergence also had a clear geopolitical element too. Thus, in line with Trump's rhetoric, the United States changed its foreign policy strategy, which much to the surprise of many was doubled down on by Biden, seeking to dismantle globalization in the name of "America First," pursuing protectionism with the goal to politicize, strategize, and weaponize trade. The U.S. wants to be able to gain control of key global supply chains, such as high-end chips, semiconductors, renewable energy goods, and energy, etc., seeking to re-establish them in America, forcing the dependency of allies upon them while excluding competitors from the market. The United States is using a number of perverted means to achieve these goals. They typically involve baselessly branding things a "national security threat," such as how it has treated certain Chinese companies, or by weaponizing "human rights" rhetoric to smear companies or products so as to try and exclude them from the market on legal grounds, such as what is done to Chinese cotton, polysilicon, and solar panels. While Washington primarily uses geopolitical conflict to force "decoupling" between its allies and target countries, it also uses a variety of other coercive means to enforce its will on third parties, including sanctions, tariffs, and large-scale subsidies, the latter two of which have caused serious harm to Europe. Despite the World Trade Organization is in theory an arbiter of the rule-based system it once created, America's attempts to hobble the organization are deliberately designed to place it beyond accountability and to gain an unfair advantage. That is why other countries cannot challenge it. According to reports, 127 WTO members have attempted on 61 occasions to start the selection process for filling vacancies in the Appellate Body. Nevertheless, the United States has blocked the proposed decision. This has rendered international law on trade toothless and is a clear representation of how the U.S. is breaking the free trade system for its own geopolitical gain. This is the world we now live in, one plagued with growing uncertainty and insecurity in the name of U.S.-led geopolitical conflict and protectionism. The countries of the world must work together to preserve rule-based free trade order and protect it from those who seek to destroy it, which ultimately means engaging with China and resisting coercion to follow U.S. unilateralism. Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the Dec. 23 robbery and slaying of Stanley Wilcox, whose body was dumped under a bridge near Baylor University. Authorities arrested Alijah Benson, 19, of Dallas, on Friday and charged him with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and tampering with physical evidence in the case. He remained Monday in McLennan County Jail with bond set at $550,000. Detectives with Waco Police Department's special crimes unit concluded that other suspects in the case arrived near the 300 block of West Kiest Boulevard in Dallas around 2:30 a.m. Dec. 22 and received a handgun from Benson, WPD spokesperson Cierra Shipley said in a statement. Those receiving the gun intended to use it in a planned robbery of Wilcox, according to the statement. "In exchange for lending the firearm, Benson was to receive financial gain after the robbery was completed," Shipley's statement says. "The handgun was returned to Benson, after the murder of Wilcox." The body of Wilcox, 59, was discovered Jan. 6 under a bridge in the 1100 block of South Ninth Street. Police arrested James Keylan Willis and Brandon Xavier Stephens, both 19, on murder and tampering with evidence charges in the case. Police said the young men shared a home with Wilcox and both took part in the fatal shooting at their house in the 800 block of Garrett Lane, then hid the body under a bridge on Waco Creek. Police also arrested Heavyn Hamilton, 17, on charges that she failed to report the crime. EOAC Waco is leaving downtown for a former cafeteria building it bought at 1800 North Valley Mills Drive, a location officials said would afford the agencys staff and clients more parking and less congestion. EOAC, or Economic Opportunities Advancement Corp., now leases space in a historic edifice at Fifth Street and Franklin Avenue, only blocks from restaurants and tourist attractions. The buildings owner last year put it up for sale, and EOAC began searching for a spot away from downtowns bustle. The search ended at the former Underwoods Cafeteria building on North Valley Mills, once famous for its barbecue and fried chicken before it closed in 2001 and became a bank building. LoopNet, an online real estate site, shows the building was constructed in 1988 and has 13,000 square feet and 150 surface parking spaces. EOAC Executive Director Dorothy Marstaller said the agency began to seriously pursue an alternative when a local real estate agent began offering tours of the building, with would-be buyers and developers in tow. EOAC employs about 300 people around Waco and Central Texas. Marstaller estimated that 50 permanently occupy office space. Other staffers have access to the headquarters when necessary. EOAC runs programs to assist low-income households with utility bills, rent payments and weatherization projects to make homes more efficient. The agency also operates the EOAC Waco Charter School and Head Start programs. Marstaller said nearly 840 youngsters are enrolled in the Head Start program, and about 170 children attend the charter school. She estimated that at least 4,000 people avail themselves of EOAC-related services annually. EOAC was chartered by the State of Texas in 1966 to implement and carry out provisions of the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The area EOAC oversees work in nine counties: McLennan, Bosque, Freestone, Limestone, Hill, Falls, Johnson, Ellis and Navarro. Parking has always been an issue for clients and employees, said Marstaller. After many years, we finally have our own building. Its just one story, which is also good for our clients, providing easy access. She said interior remodeling will make our building really nice. The building EOAC leaves was the longtime home of Wacos Western Union telegraph office. Originally called the Fidelity Building, it was built for the Texas Fidelity and Bonding Co. circa 1910. It originally cost $40,000 and was modern in every particular, the Waco Morning News reported in 1915. It was known in postwar years as the Jordan Building for its owner, Harry Jordan, a former state representative and local attorney affiliated with Texas Fidelity, who also founded the Waco Kiwanis Club in 1921. Jordan and his wife sold the building, then appraised at $58,500 market value, in 1963 to Wm. Harvey Life Insurance Co for $35,000, according to Tribune-Herald archives. The space became the Insurance Building, housing insurance and professional offices, including the draft board. EOAC arrived in the early 1990s. As of October, McLennan County Appraisal District valued the property at $471,680 for tax purposes. Local developer Bill Wetterman controls the property. Wetterman has had a hand in several downtown projects, including developing Behrens Lofts at 219 S. Fourth St. and in 2019 re-purchasing the building to convert leased units into owner-occupied condos. He refurbished the building next door for occupancy by Fabled Bookshop. Wetterman started work several years ago on a shipping container development at 319 South Fourth St. called the Containery. The development faltered until it was bought by San Diego-based Rad Lab, which is at work on an $11.6 million mixed-use development called Herringbone. We are still marketing the property, said real estate agent Gregg Glime of the EOAC building. The market seems to be changing daily right now, and I think a lot of speculative developers are really cautious moving forward. We have dealt with that on this property, he said via email. I still have some active prospects and working hard on getting it sold. Schools and other institutions are closed Tuesday amid a winter storm warning and predictions that light rain and freezing temperatures will combine for treacherous roads throughout the Waco region. The National Weather Service on Monday predicted that a strong arctic cold front moving through the Great Plains will bring freezing rain and sleet from Tennessee to Texas. A quarter-inch of frozen rain could accumulate in Central Texas, bringing with it downed trees and power outages along with dangerous travel conditions, the NWS said. Since the surface is below freezing, any [precipitation] is going to freeze basically on contact, Hunter Reeves, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Fort Worth office, said. Whether that impacts travel or not depends on where youre driving. Most school districts in the McLennan County area, including Waco Independent School District and Midway ISD, are closed Tuesday, as are Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College. Most McLennan County and the city of Waco offices will also close along with local libraries and museums. Jake Smith, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportations Waco District, said crews have been pretreating interstates and highways with a brine solution to prevent ice from building up, and more workers will be prepared to pour a mixture of sand and magnesium chloride on problem areas. City of Waco workers were also sending out trucks to sand roads as the weather worsened Monday. However, the best thing Central Texas drivers can do is stay of the roads entirely, Smith said. If you have to drive, drive to the conditions and give yourself enough time to get to your destination, Smith said. Tuesday will bring the worst conditions, according to Reeves. The NWS forecast for Waco calls for a high of 31 degrees with an 80% chance of precipitation, possibly including less than a half inch of sleet. Ice layers of of 0.1 to 0.2 inches could accumulate. Reeves said the freezing rain will be patchy, making it difficult to anticipate where the ice will be. He said drivers should expect slick spots on bridges, overpasses and other elevated surfaces. Those develop pretty easily because you have the cold air both on top and beneath the road surface, he said. A high chance of freezing rain and sleet continues Tuesday night and early Wednesday, with a low of 29 and winds of 10 to 15 mph. The agencys winter storm advisory is set to expire 6 a.m. Wednesday but might be extended based on conditions. Reeves said as of Mondays forecast, he expects conditions to improve in Central and North Texas after noon Wednesday. Meanwhile, Oncor Electric warned of possible impacts of ice on its electric distribution system. Ice accumulation may pose the greatest possible impact to electric delivery service, the company said in an online announcement. These accumulations can weigh down tree limbs, causing them to significantly sag or break onto power lines, and create dangerous road conditions. To report an outage, Oncor customers can text OUT to 66267, use the MyOncor app, or visit stormcenter.oncor.com. They can also call 888-313-4747. The Salvation Army opened its 300 Webster Ave. location Monday in Waco as a cold weather shelter, and will keep it open as long as the temperature stays below 40 degrees. The city of Waco opened a warming center at Dewey Community Center, located at 925 N. Ninth St., at 6 p.m. Monday. The center will remain open at least through through 11 a.m. Wednesday. Pets are allowed at the center as long as they are confined to crates. Elizabeth Thomas, emergency management coordinator for Waco and McLennan County, said the center will have blankets, cots, snacks and bottled water on hand. The last time the city opened a cold weather shelter was last month, when the Sul Ross Community Center housed 18 overnight guests Dec. 22, 13 guests on the 23 and 15 guests on Dec. 25. LINCOLN The Nebraska Veterans Council is sponsoring a Veterans Legislative Day for veterans to discuss proposed legislation with Gov. Jim Pillen and several state senators. The council is a coalition of recognized veterans service organizations which are banded together to serve as the Voice of the Nebraska Veterans. The free event begins with registration at 8 a.m. followed by the official opening at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 in the Warner Chamber. All veterans and family members are encouraged to participate. Following the governors presentation, there will be a briefing by members of the Nebraska Veterans Council regarding this years legislative priorities and several state senators will speak on veterans legislation. The organizations that make up the council are representatives from the following organizations: The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, CVSOAN and the Marine Corps League. Representatives come from all parts of Nebraska. Contact the Nebraska Veterans Council Secretary, Dave Salak, at 402-464-6338 for additional information. WATERLOO A Waterloo woman has been found guilty of lesser charges for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend in the leg in 2021. Aaliyah Renee Wright, 25, had been charged with willful injury causing serious injury, a felony, Following trial last week, jurors returned Friday with a verdict finding her guilty of simple assault, a misdemeanor. She was also found guilty of misdemeanor domestic assault causing bodily injury. Assistant County Attorney Alisha Stach said Wright deliberately stabbed Quentin Bradley in the leg after he disappeared for two days and then returned home Dec. 12, 2021. The knife pierced the skin, fatty tissue and even muscle and left him with lasting nerve damage, according to testimony. Bradley then went to the hospital, and Wright ordered McDonalds Door Dash, Stach said. Defense attorney Nichole Watt said the stabbing was an accident, and that Bradley was injured during a struggle over the knife. As for the other aspects of the altercation Watt said Wright was acting in self-defense hitting him back when he hit her. Sentencing will be at a later date. Photos: Missing children in Iowa Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Fatima Conteh Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo CEDAR FALLS The Honors Cottage and Alumni House have been offline for several months at the University of Northern Iowa and are not being used for anything. But no concrete plans exist outlining what might be in store for the two century-old buildings, according to Pete Moris, director of university relations. Its been a little more than a year since UNI officials proposed the houses be demolished, primarily to be good financial stewards of state resources. They said an estimated $1.6 million in deferred maintenance needed to be completed on the buildings at the time. The Board of Regents later tabled the request after Regent David Barker, who now happens to be the chair of the property and facilities committee, questioned whether all of those repairs were absolutely necessary and asked the university to take a step back to look at its campus needs. A basic breakdown of the maintenance, provided last year to The Courier, lists the expenses as being for windows ($57,414), utilities ($56,958), site work ($25,979), roofs ($36,333), plumbing ($151,718), interiors ($268,006), HVAC ($251,608), building envelope ($322,140), electrical ($172,046), elevator ($165,747) and controls ($102,546). There hasnt been any dialogue among senior leadership with regards to those two specific facilities, Moris said. He also acknowledged the houses have limited functional space and dont offer as much flexibility as other facilities on campus. No timeframe exists for when a decision may be made as the universitys needs are continually being evaluated, he added. Conversations that had been ongoing with an outside individual about possible preservation efforts are no longer happening, according to Moris. The focus had been the Honors Cottage, the former home of the late UNI president Homer Seerley and his family. Barker could not be reached for comment, but Josh Lehman, a spokesman for the board, said he was not aware of any recent conversations between the regents or any upcoming business that pertains to the structures. Since the request to raze, the university has moved a call center and the Honors and Scholars programs, their previous uses, out of the Alumni House along West 23rd Street and Honors Cottage along College Street, respectively. The sign noting Honors Cottage has been removed from out in front of the home, too. In November, Michael Zwanziger, the universitys assistant vice president and facilities management director, gave a brief update to the regents on the campus master plan, saying, among other things, how one of its goals guiding future projects is to right-size campus, or in other words: Assess underutilized and obsolete space while continuing to improve overall space utilization. He noted academic positioning and enrollment as being some of the drivers, as well as the charge of the institution being to meet the states workforce needs. But the only mention of the Honors Cottage or Alumni House came indirectly when describing a recent success, the honors program moving from an inaccessible location that had a high amount of deferred maintenance to Bartlett Hall, one of the universitys renovated century buildings, because of what it offers in terms of accessibility, space and potential to expand. Meanwhile, the university has begun the final fundraising push for its $250 million Our Tomorrow campaign with a focus on carefully chosen capital projects that renew and elevate campus facilities that are central to our future. But neither home was among the selected facilities. The buildings are the only ones on campus that are considered offline and not serving any type of use for classrooms, offices or residency, according to Moris. Campbell Hall is the lone comparable structure with its singular purpose right now being as a quarantine and isolation unit. The university has invested heavily in preserving and utilizing other century-old buildings, like the Innovative Teaching and Technology Center. But right now, it is also working to address a backlog of deferred maintenance needs across its campus. Zwanziger and facilities reports have not indicated that the Honors Cottage and Alumni House are part of the future plans, unlike numerous other projects that were included in a five-year major maintenance capital request to address the backlog. The lack of a significant update on the Honors Cottage and Alumni House was met with maybe no news is good news by Susan Card, a resident and board member with the nonprofit Preservation Iowa, which brought awareness to the Honors Cottage last year as one of the most endangered properties in the state. Former state representative Dave Williams, who once was the chairman of the citys Historic Preservation Commission, suggests that progress may be made with some alumni passion. Others, however, are not feeling as optimistic. I suspect well drive by them one day and theyll just be all gone, said Rosemary Beach, a former historical society director and resident who tried multiple times last year to drum up support in front of the City Council for finding a way to save Seerleys former home. Photos: Wartburg wrestling vs. Augsburg, Jan. 26 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 7 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 2 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 9 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 1 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 8 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 12 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 11 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 13 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 5 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 10 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 6 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 4 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 3 During the Windows on Waterloo event, Smith will be providing insights and updates on how his first year in the district is going and initiatives he is excited about for the future. Community members may join the presentation by contacting Paige Price, the foundations program manager, at paige.price@wloocommunityfoundation.org. CEDAR FALLS Representatives of the four properties at the corners of the Main and Sixth Street intersection got what they wanted. They didnt wish to see the traffic signal there replaced with a roundabout. The City Council convened for a special meeting Monday to reconsider that proposition as part of the larger $30 million plan to reconstruct the thoroughfare and ended up rejecting the possibility. On a voice vote, the only councilor seemingly to disagree with keeping the traffic signal after nearly an hour-long session was Daryl Kruse. Other councilors said those property representatives who spoke played a role in their decision. A traffic-signal directed intersection will allow (our) accessibility, flow, lot size and sign location to remain at its current peak convenience, said Lexie Heath, business development officer at Farmers State Bank. It was the second time in the last year a roundabout had been considered, but the conversation ended the same way with not enough support. The latest conversation came as part of a referral by Kruse, with councilors Dustin Ganfield, Dave Sires and Gil Schultz backing the reintroduction of the discussion on the item. The entire project last month came at a price that was 40% over what had been estimated. It includes replacing signals with roundabouts at 12th and 18th streets as well as Seerley Boulevard. Construction is slated to begin this spring. The council received input from Heath as well as Susan Whitson, chief executive officer at First Bank, and Kelly Stern, director of the Cedar Falls Public Library, the leaders of the other organizations with buildings at that intersection. I can see both sides, and Ive thought about it a lot, said Councilor Simon Harding. Believe or not, to me, I just dont think its worth changing. Harding made the motion to continue with what had been previously approved. He also read aloud a letter from an unnamed Caseys representative about why the convenience store preferred a traffic signal over the roundabout. Kruse previously contended he talked with a company executive who preferred the roundabout. On Monday, the council considered a roundabout with three or four legs the exits/entrances to the circular lane. The section of Sixth Street to the east, between Main and State streets, would have been closed to Main Street traffic if the governing body had elected to go with three legs. I see the three-legged roundabout as having the reduced construction cost, which then would help offset the redesign cost, said Kruse. The councilor also suggested the right-of-way acquisition and other one-time costs are worth it because of the more optimal function of a roundabout. He noted that the road design includes ongoing savings. One reason is traffic signal maintenance being eliminated. I think its a good investment, he added. Neither bank representative supported the proposition of being unable to turn left out of their properties as result of the roundabout design. First Bank had further concerns about accessing its property if Sixth Street was closed because of the three-legged roundabout, while the library objected to the likely loss of three to five parking spots. But Kruse provided other arguments in support of his proposition like that Iowa Northern Railway Companys plans to remove the railroad train tracks through town may lead to more parking spaces. Prior to voting, Aaron Moniza, an engineer with project designer Foth Engineering, provided information he said had been shared in previous sessions. He explained how a signalized intersection will have a smaller footprint than a roundabout and minimal impacts to right of way, but also highlighted the benefits of a roundabout. It would allow for better traffic flow as well as other benefits, like less exhaust being emitted by idling cars. At this point, though, a redesign could impact the timeline and increase the cost because the project already had been awarded. Bob Manning, resident and executive officer of the Cedar Valley Home Builders Association, was slightly critical of how the council went about its decision on the roundabout. This appears to be a waste of taxpayer money, said Manning. And thats why Im disappointed in the council in bringing this up as The Courier referred to it in the 11th hour. I think this is the 11th-and-a-half hour, folks, and thats not responsible governing. Photos: Missing children in Iowa Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Fatima Conteh Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo GILBERTVILLE The 2023 federal omnibus appropriations bill will benefit multiple community projects in Northeast Iowa, including much-needed emergency centers in Black Hawk and Buchanan counties. In Black Hawk County, $500,000 was set aside for the Gilbertville Emergency Services building. According to Curt Bovy, chief of Gilbertville Fire and Rescue, construction is expected to begin in the fall. The building, which Bovy expects to come in at around $2.8 million, will be large enough to house police, fire and emergency medical services. The city will hold a referendum March 7 to ask voters to approve issuing $1.25 million in general obligation bonds to allow the project to go forward. The bonds would be repaid with property tax proceeds. The $500,000 is a big step towards moving forward with this project and getting this project started, Bovy said. Its been in the works for a number of years but, obviously with COVID and everything else, the price of the building has gone up. So this is a big step towards possibly making this happen as long as the referendum vote comes through on March 7. Meanwhile, Buchanan County received $208,000 for its new Emergency Operations Center in Independence. Recognizing a need for more space, the countys emergency management agency purchased the former Rydell auto dealership building since its space in the courthouse can only seat 10 people comfortably. We saw a need for a new emergency operations center, said Chris Hare, Buchanan County emergency operations assistant. So when we were doing the planning for the building inside the service area, the front 42 feet of that, we thought that would make a great emergency operations center. The first part of the remodeling process, moving Public Health into the old showroom, is complete and officials are using the paint room for the sheriffs office. However, there was still work that needed to be done. Upon learning that U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, was accepting applications for community project funding Buchanan County jumped at the opportunity to apply. A proposal was written up by Hare, who met with Hinsons office. The project was funded when Congress approved the appropriations bill. Hinsons agreed with everything were doing. She put it in and finally it was a long time but it finally passed, Hare said. And its a good thing it is a good thing for our community, our county, anyway. According to Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Wulfekuhle, the measure has benefits for not only Buchanan County but much of Northeast Iowa. The agency is now in a position to assist with over a dozen counties it is partnered with. And the good part about that, too, to make a side note, is we work really strongly within our district, and our district is a pretty good sized 14-county district, Wulfekuhl said. So that means we could be the backup for somebody contiguous to us if they were having problems. Photos: Wartburg wrestling vs. Augsburg, Jan. 26 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 7 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 2 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 9 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 1 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 8 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 12 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 11 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 13 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 5 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 10 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 6 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 4 WR Wartburg vs. Augsburg 3 Flash Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday discussed with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the ongoing escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. Al-Sisi stressed the importance of immediate action at the political and security levels to calm the situation and limit any unilateral measures taken by the two parties. The Egyptian president also reiterated "Egypt's fixed stand to reach a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international references, and in a way that solves this pivotal regional issue and opens prospects for peace, stability, cooperation, and construction." Blinken, who is on a three-day trip to the Middle East, said Washington is "counting on vigorous coordination with Egypt to restore stability, achieve calm, and contain the situation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides." They also exchanged views over several regional and international issues of common concern, according to the statement. Blinken is scheduled to leave for Israel later Monday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before traveling to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas amid escalating tensions between the two sides. CEDAR FALLS A close-knit assisted living/memory care facility expects to open a second location in the fall. Oak Park Estates is constructing a 10,000-square-foot building for 16 future residents at 3202 Greenhill Circle, immediately to the west of its current home on the eastern side of town, and on an acre it purchased from nearby First Security State Bank. Weve been full, and people have been on a waiting list, said founder/owner Luke Moore. When under stress, people are looking to move fast and theyre ready to act. Theres not many other places our size, and we feel weve become good with those struggling with their memory. His business also is building the new facility with expectations it will help Oak Park Estates stay competitive in the job market by offering better wages and more benefits as well as more and flexible hours. One significant development coming as part of the plans will be the hiring of an activities director. Shell keep the residents engaged and active with things like exercise, crafting, and baking, said Moore. Its great for their minds and reduces the decline. Nobody ever wants to stay still. Moore anticipates shovels being in the ground in April for the $3 million project after its first home opened in July 2020, when no thoughts were on his mind about a possible expansion down the road. The layout will be completely identical to the current facility, with single occupancy rooms and common spaces like the family, dining, and living rooms as well as an outdoor patio a favorite spot for residents during the warmer months. Everybody is in and out, and we have grill outs, Moore said. Everybody likes a good hot dog or burger in the summertime. Rooms have individualized lighting and temperature controls and the facility features chaplain services, a hair salon, a professional chef, and visits from University of Northern Iowa students, among other perks of living there. Moore also noted that communication is key. We know whats going on with our residents all the time and their extended family, and all their likes and dislikes, he said. Everybody is in the loop and our size allows us to do that. Between the two buildings, he expects about 42 employees to run the operation. That includes caregivers and nurses as well as a director, manager, and activities director. The activities make their world go round, Director Michelle Rasbeck pointed out. She also expressed her pride in what theyve built the last couple years and the environment created for those struggling with memory loss. Home is the best place until its just not working anymore, she said. Its really hard to move, and small changes lead to confusion, but theyll be coming to a small atmosphere where were in tune with them and their struggles. Someone is always here and its not someone random. Its not always as easy to transition to a bigger building, and were established now at this point. She said theyve had a few residents stay put there since the facility opened but one of them transitioned back into an independent living situation. I feel very fortunate. Everyone is kind and good here, said Dee Lynch, one of those longtime residents. All of my needs are met and I feel very safe. I dont know how there could be any other better place to live. I like the food and its a nice place for people like me. PHOTOS: Courier Athlete of the Week Grace Knutson in action GBBall CF vs. WW 5 GBBall CF vs. WW 7 GBBall CF vs. WW 3 GBB Cedar Falls vs. Ankeny 3 GBBall Cedar Falls vs. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 3 GBball Cedar Falls vs. Cedar Rapids Washington 2 GBball Cedar Falls vs. Cedar Rapids Washington 8 Cedar Falls Tigers Girls Basketball takedown Dubuque Senior GBBall West vs. CF 4 CF GBball 3 CF Conf 5 Cedar Falls vs Johnston girls state basketball GBBall Cedar Falls vs. Iowa City High 6 JERUSALEM U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel and the Palestinians on Monday to ease tensions following a spike in violence that has put the region on edge. The bloodshed has alarmed the Biden administration as it attempts to find common ground with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new right-wing government. Yet aside from appeals for de-escalation and restraint, Blinken did not publicly offer specific ideas for calming the situation and it was not immediately clear from his meeting with Netanyahu that the administration would propose any. Blinken will meet Tuesday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Were urging all sides now to take urgent steps to restore calm, to de-escalate, Blinken said after meeting Netanyahu. We want to make sure that theres an environment in which we can, I hope at some point, create conditions where we can start to restore a sense of security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, which of course is sorely lacking. Blinken arrived during one of the deadliest periods of fighting in years in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem. An Israeli military raid Thursday killed 10 Palestinians in the flashpoint West Bank town of Jenin, while a Palestinian gunmen killed seven people outside a synagogue in an east Jerusalem settlement on Friday. The next morning, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded two Israelis elsewhere in east Jerusalem. Netanyahu made no reference to the recent flare-up in violence in brief comments after the meeting, instead speaking of the dangers to Israel posed by Iran and his hope for expanding the so-called Abraham Accords normalization agreements with several Arab countries. Expanding the circle of peace; working to close, finally, the file of the Arab-Israeli conflict, I think would also help us achieve a workable solution with our Palestinian neighbors, Netanyahu said in his only mention of the Palestinians. Blinken was more forthright, saying the U.S. supports the expansion of the Abraham Accords but that they cannot be a substitute for a two-state solution that resolves the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These efforts are not a substitute for progress between Israelis and Palestinians, but as we advance Israels integration we can do so in ways that improves the daily lives of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, he said, adding that the best way to do that would be through a two-state resolution creating an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Netanyahu's government is dominated by far-right politicians who oppose Palestinian independence. Following the weekend shootings, his government approved a series of punitive moves against the Palestinians, including plans to strengthen West Bank settlements. The U.S., like most of the international community, considers Israeli settlements on lands claimed by the Palestinians for their state as obstacles to peace. "Anything that moves us away from that vision is, in our judgment, detrimental to Israels long-term security and its long-term identity as a Jewish and democratic state, Blinken said. Israel's options may be limited. Both shooters are believed to have acted individually and were not part of organized militant groups, and punitive steps against the broader population could risk triggering even more violence. Just before meeting Netanyahu, Blinken said he arrived in Israel from Egypt at a pivotal moment and condemned Palestinian attacks that have targeted Israeli citizens. But he also called for restraint in response, saying that all civilian casualties are deplorable. To take an innocent life in an act of terrorism is always a heinous crime but to target people outside their place of worship is especially shocking, he said, referring to the Friday night shooting, which occurred on the Jewish sabbath. We condemn all those who celebrate these and any other acts of terrorism that take civilian lives no matter who the victim is or what they believe," he said. "Calls for vengeance against more innocent victims are not the answer. And acts of retaliatory violence against civilians are never justified. On Monday, shortly before Blinken's arrival in Israel, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man in the flashpoint city of Hebron, bringing the toll of Palestinians killed in January to 35. The violence comes after months of Israeli arrest raids in the West Bank, which were launched after a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the spring of 2022 that killed 19 people. But it has spiked this month during the first weeks of Netanyahu's new far-right government, which has promised to take a tough stance against the Palestinians and ramp up settlement construction. Blinkens trip follows visits to Israel by President Joe Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan and CIA Director Willian Burns. Blinken's meeting was the highest-level U.S. engagement with Netanyahu since he retook power last month. The visit, which was planned before the flare-up, was already expected to be fraught with tension over differences between the Biden administration and Netanyahus government, which is made up of settlement supporters. Israeli Army Radio reported late Sunday that the government was also set to approve a rogue outpost deep inside the West Bank, and speed up approval for other such small settlements. Israel also arrested 42 Palestinians, some relatives of the Jerusalem attacker, in its investigation into the attack. And the firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he has ordered authorities to demolish illegally built Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem in response to the attack. After the Jenin raid, the Palestinians said they would cancel security coordination with Israel. Photos: Scenes from the Israel-Palestinian conflict Briefing on analysis of US military and biological activity documents by Chief of NBC Protection Troops Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en We have previously informed about the works on enhancing the pathogenic characteristics of COVID-19 causative agent, carried out at Boston University with funds of the U.S. state budget, as well as the possible involvement of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the emergence of the new coronavirus. The key role in the implementation of the abovementioned projects belongs to EcoHealth Alliance intermediary organisation. The available documents of the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) confirm that since 2015, professionals of the abovementioned company have been studying the diversity in the population of bats, searching for new coronavirus strains, and mechanisms of its transmission from animals to humans. Over 2.5 thousand specimen have been researched. The project on zoonotic virus research in South-East Asia contain the following recommendations for the employees of EcoHealth Alliance: If any of the experiments proposed for Aim 1 result in a virus with a phenotype of enhanced pathogenicity and/or transmissibility, enhanced growth by more than 10 fold when compared to wild type strains , the recipient must immediately stop the work and notify the NIAID Program Officer, Grants Management Specialist, and appropriate institutional biosafety committee The high degree of readiness of the U.S. mRNA vaccine manufacturers for a pandemic of the new coronavirus infection raises questions. One gets the impression that pharmaceutical companies had produced the vaccine preparations in advance, being unable to rapidly introduce them into the market due to specific characteristics of the virus that embodied in low efficiency of vaccination and numerous side effects. It is to be reminded that on 18 October 2019, two months before the first official reports about the emergence of the new coronavirus infection in China, the John Hopkins University, supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, conducted Event 201 exercise in New York. This exercise simulated the epidemic of a previously unknown coronavirus that, according to the scenario, was transmitted from bats to humans via pigs, the intermediate host. Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic precisely according to this scenario raises questions about its premeditated nature, involvement of the USA in this incident, as well as real objectives of the U.S. biological programmes aimed at enhancing the characteristics of dangerous pathogens. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en We have repeatedly noted that the United States conduct the studies that are most controversial in terms of the international law outside the national territory. The examples are the experiments related to HIV infection that have been carried out by U.S. specialists in Ukraine since 2019. It should be emphasized that the target groups include not only high-risk infection patients (convicted or drug addicts), but also representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The premises of Pharmbiotest Medical Centre in Rubezhnoye were explored during the special military operation in the liberated territory of the Lugansk Peoples Republic. It was a venue for clinical trials to test the medicinal products that caused serious side effects: they include medications for treating leukaemia, mental disorders, neurological diseases, epilepsy, and other dangerous illnesses. In early 2023, residents of Lisichansk found a large landfill of biomaterial residues that belong to Pharmbiotest. The clinical samples and patients clinical records with their personal data were buried instead of being cremated or eliminated in appropriate manner, prescribed by the rules. This means that the evidence were being eliminated in extreme hurry. The Russian Defence Ministry has received data on numerous facts of Ukrainian military personnel taking psychostimulants and narcotics (tramadol, methadone, amphetamines). The facts about smuggling morphine into war zones have been revealed. It is to be reminded that in accordance with Ukrainian laws, illegal circulation and transportation of the abovementioned products is to be punished by deprivation of liberty ranging from eight to 12 years. Russia considers the actions committed by the officials who carried out the research on Ukrainian personnel, whose blood contained high concentrations of antibiotics, narcotics, antibodies to the causative agents of infectious diseases, require appropriate legal assessment. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en During the special military operation, Russian personnel acquired over 20,000 documents, reference and analytical materials, as well as surveyed witnesses and participants of the U.S. biological programmes. The abovementioned materials confirm that the Pentagon aimed at creating elements of a biological weapon, and testing it on the population of Ukraine and other countries along the perimeter of the Russian borders. The Russian Defence Ministry has already mentioned the names of the participants of the military and biological programmes, including those of the U.S. Democratic Party representatives, employees of the U.S. military department, and the Pentagons contracting organisations. The DTRA reports have led us to the new information about key persons involved in the so-called Ukrainian projects who have been staying in the shadow until now. Among of them are: Karen Saylors, CEO at Labyrinth Global Health and ex-director of Metabiotas programmes in Central Africa. Since 2016, Saylors has worked in Ukraine as leading advisor at the UP-10 project, dedicated to studying ways of spreading of African swine fever. Colleen B. Jonsson, an employee of the University of Tennessee, Director of the Institute for the Study of Host-Pathogen Systems. She observed the UP-8 project, dedicated to studying the capabilities of the Crimean-Congo fevers causative agent in Ukraine. Jonsson managed the selection of biological samples from Ukrainian personnel, provided the cooperation between the contract specifiers in the USA and the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Lewis Von Thaer, President and CEO of Battelle company, a major contractor of the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Energy. Since 2003, the company has been responsible for organising research projects in Ukraine related to zoonotic infections. Other persons involved in the Ukrainian projects are presented on the slide. The acquired materials will be submitted to the Investigative Committee for measures to bring those guilty to justice. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en The active action of the Russian Defence Ministry has resulted in halting the military biological programmes in Ukraine. In this regard, the Pentagon is actively relocating the studies, that have not been completed within the Ukrainian projects, to Central Asia and Eastern Europe countries. At the same time, the cooperation with African and Asia-Pacific countries Kenya, Singapore, and Thailand is being actively enhanced. Under the pressure from the international community, Washington changes its approaches to organising its military biological activity, transferring the functions of the customer to purely civilian departments: the Department of Health, Department of Energy, and the Agency for International Development. This will allow the U.S. authorities to avoid criticism at international venues, and deflect a blow from the Department of Defense and DTRA. Within curtailing the military biological activities in Ukraine, the United States actively use the material base of chemical and pharmacological enterprises of Poland and Baltic countries, where the equipment from the Ukrainian territory was sent to. The funding, imposed by the collective West, makes the post-Soviet countries conceal the true nature of these works. The European Union is actively promoting the initiative to deploy a network of centres of excellence in the field of nuclear, biological and chemical protection, that provides for placing EU-funded biolaboratories in the territories of the former Soviet Union. The prospective partners are highly recommended not to advertise this initiative due to its extreme sensitivity for the Russian Federation At the same time, it is stressed that the Central Asian countries are already taking benefit from technical cooperation with the European Union In 2022, the USA, Canada, and EU countries initiated programmes to employ and relocate the Ukrainian professionals, who had been involved in military biological works before, to Western countries. It is primarily due to the concerns that the Russian law enforcement can receive additional testimonies to the illegal activities carried out in violation of international obligations. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en It is to be emphasised that the strategy of military and biological expansion is not fundamentally new, and it was founded by the United States back in the period of the Korean conflict. Since the 1950s, biological laboratories were established in Africa, Central and South America, as well as South-East Asia, with the priority role of the U.S. Navy. Their main objective was to sample causative agents of highly dangerous infections, and determine the level of morbidity among local population. The areas, where these laboratories located, witnessed a deterioration in the epidemic situation regarding highly dangerous infections, as well as now. New diseases, uncharacteristic for these regions, emerged. One of the examples is the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in 1977 in Cairo, where the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit Three was located. This disease had previously been recorded only south of the Sahara, but then it suddenly emerged in Egypt, simultaneously infecting 18,000 people. Further analysis of the samples taken from the population showed that the total number of infected people was around 2,000,000. A whole array of proofs reveal the artificial nature of this outbreak and the involvement of the U.S. laboratory. First, several months before the epidemic started, its staff had been vaccinated against Rift Valley Fever, although there had been no records of an outbreak of this infection in that region, whilst in the endemic regions of Africa, it proceeded as a light influenza-like illness that caused no human deaths. Second, the causative agent suddenly acquired high pathogenicity for humans during the epidemic in Egypt. The disease caused haemorrhage, severe eye and nervous system lesion. The virus became highly pathogenic and almost could be compared with smallpox, Marburg and Lassa fevers in this regard. It is extremely difficult to define the sudden change in pathogenicity of the virus by its natural evolution. The analysis of initial focus shape is of particular interest. The form of this epidemiological focus reminds an aerosol cloud trace that can emerge in case of intentional dispersion of a biomaterial or its accidental release into the environment. Despite the available evidential base about the artificial nature of the outbreak, the U.S. leadership has done everything to conceal the involvement of the laboratory in this incident. Only in 2019, it was decided to relocate it to the U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, to continue the research on highly dangerous pathogens, including coronaviruses. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en In conclusion, I would like to note that the disclosure of the content of the Pentagons military biological programmes in Ukraine by the Russian Federation has gained a wide public response. Mass demonstrations against the activities of the U.S.-funded laboratories were held in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Non-governmental organisations of the Eurasian Economic Union adopted a resolution against the Pentagon-funded biolaboratories. Various investigations were initiated in the United States itself. The U.S. law enforcement has paid attention to the topics related to bribing employees of social networks and mass media while broadcasting the cause of the new coronavirus infection, as well as manipulating the public opinion about the U.S. vaccines against COVID-19 commissioned by biotechnological and pharmaceutical corporations. It is to be reminded that lobbying the interests of large pharmaceutical companies by the U.S. government is a common practice. Back in 2010, the operation of a U.S. Navy Medical Biological Centre in Jakarta was ceased due to a conflict of interests and various violations. The Americans performed their works outside the agreed research programme, carried out unauthorised sampling, and refused to inform the Indonesian government on the purposes of their works and the results achieved. These biomaterials turned out to be used to the benefit of the Gilead company, affiliated with the Pentagon, that tested their preparations in Ukraine and Georgia (including, but not limited to). The Indonesian example was followed by Malaysia: the government of that country decided to establish special control over the activities of the U.S.-funded biolaboratory. Therefore, the concerns of the international community, related to the activities of the Pentagon-funded biolaboratories, is gradually increasing. The issues, raised by the Russian Federation at the international venues the Nineth Review Conference of BTWC Member States, and the UN Security Council have revealed the reluctance of the USA to conduct a substantive dialogue. Russia considers it extremely important that the disclosure of the facts that reveal the illegal military and biological activities have caused various countries to consider possible consequences of their biosafety cooperation with the USA, and take a fresh look at the necessity and rationale of this kind of cooperation. The Russian Defence Ministry will continue its work in this direction and report on it. Read full text Documents @mod_russia_en WtR Weather Alert .Warming temperatures this weekend will bring renewed snowmelt and streamflow rises, especially for snow covered terrain below about 7000 feet. Creeks that brought impacts this past week are likely to be problematic again and potentially reach higher levels, especially by late Sunday. ...FLOOD WATCH FOR SNOWMELT IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by snowmelt is possible. * WHERE...Portions of California and western Nevada, including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties and Surprise Valley California. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams will be running high and fast. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Minor mainstem flooding along the Susan River, Forks of the Carson River, and the East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir cannot be ruled out. Anyone participating in outdoor recreation this weekend should use caution as water will be running high, fast, and potentially out of banks for some creeks and streams. The water will be extremely cold as well, quickly causing shock. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. && Flash The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic still constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO's highest alert level. The announcement came amid the recent increase of weekly reported deaths worldwide. After its quarterly assessment meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, the WHO's International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee announced on Monday that COVID-19 continues to constitute a PHEIC, which has been concurred by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. COVID-19 remains a dangerous infectious disease with the capacity to cause substantial damage to health systems, the committee said in a statement, while acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic may be approaching an inflection point. Although infection or vaccination may lead to higher levels of population immunity globally and limit the impact of morbidity and mortality, "there is little doubt that this virus will remain a permanently established pathogen in humans and animals for the foreseeable future," the committee said. It then called for long-term public health action that will prioritize the mitigation of COVID-19 impact on morbidity and mortality. Meanwhile, the committee recommends that countries should achieve 100 percent vaccination coverage of high-priority groups, improve reporting of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data to the WHO, and ensure long-term availability of medical countermeasures, such as COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Vineyard Wind LLC, a joint venture between AVANGRID, Inc. and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), announced that it has signed a partnership with Shoreline Offshore, a joint venture between the Quinn Family, a longtime member of the fisher community in New Bedford and SEA.O.G Offshore, to build out a berthing and fueling area for Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs). Under the terms of the agreement, Vineyard Wind will provide $750k in funding through its Industry Accelerator Fund, which is co-managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), to support the acquisition of two floating barges to meet the berthing needs of Vineyard Wind and future developers. The barges will be located on the northern side of Popes Island, are expected to be fully protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, and help developers work during both the construction and operations and maintenance phases of the different projects. In addition to the barges, Shoreline Offshore will upgrade its existing facilities, including the addition of fuel tanks and other infrastructure needed to serve New Bedfords multiple maritime industries. Shoreline Offshore is currently working on final designs and permitting for the fuel terminal and expects it to be installed and operational by April 2023. Once installed, the floats will be able to berth up to six CTVs and meet the specifications of the offshore wind industry, with access to a fueling station, potable water, ramp, and full security. This project is also expected to increase fueling capacity in the New Bedford Harbor, which is currently limited to one terminal. Were proud to partner with the Quinn family on a unique project that meets the evolving needs of both commercial fishing and offshore wind, said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. By expanding the capability of this site, we not only secure a great location for our vessels, we also are improving facilities that can serve other fishing vessels and increase fueling capacity of the harbor a win-win for both of New Bedfords vitally important industries. This project provides the capacity for the offshore wind industry to efficiently utilize the New Bedford Harbor while also ensuring New Bedfords commercial fishing industry can continue operating within the New Bedford Harbor with little to no interruptions, said Charles Quinn, President of Quinn Fisheries, who has been working within New Bedfords commercial fishing industry for more than 35 years. By expanding space through increased berthing spaces and increased fueling capacity, were supplying two key components that both industries need, so that both can flourish. The New Bedford Ocean Cluster is committed to ensuring local businesses are included in the development of the offshore wind industry in New Bedford, said Jennifer Downing, Executive Director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster. News of this project is particularly exciting because were seeing a longstanding family business in New Bedford entering a new market and contributing to the growth of offshore wind, but also a project that will demonstrate the economic benefits of commercial collaboration between two port industries. The investment from the Vineyard Wind Accelerator Program in the Shoreline Offshore facility represents yet another great example of the advancement of the offshore wind supply chain in the Commonwealth, said Jennifer Daloisio, CEO of MassCEC. This project will leverage additional MassCEC funding recently announced for the expansion and improvement of port facilities to serve offshore wind. Vineyard Wind LLC is developing the Vineyard Wind 1 project, an 800 MW wind farm to be installed 15 miles off the coast of Marthas Vineyard. It is poised to be the first commercial scale offshore wind project in the United States. The project is expected generate electricity for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It will feature 62 of GE renewable Energy's 13 MW Haliade-X turbines. Power will come ashore via and offshore substation and export cables making landfall at Covell's Beach for integration into national grid using an onshore substation. The wind farm is expected to begin delivering clean energy to Massachusetts in 2023. For more information on offshore wind farms worldwide, click here . Board and Management Restructure Sydney, Jan 31, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - BetMakers Technology Group Limited ( ASX:BET ) ( TPBTF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that Mr Matt Davey has been appointed as President and Executive Chairman as part of a Company restructure. Mr Davey is a former Board member of BetMakers and a highly respected global wagering and gaming business leader with a proven track record. His appointment is a key part of the Company's decision to restructure its Board and Management. The changes are intended to accelerate the delivery of business optimisation and growth, and ultimately to maximise shareholder value. The changes, effective immediately, are as follows: - Matt Davey has been appointed to the Board as President and Executive Chairman; - Nick Chan, formerly Non-Executive Chairman, remains on the Board as a Non-Executive Director; - Todd Buckingham, formerly CEO, has been appointed to a new role of Chief Growth Officer, with a dedicated global project remit, as part of Todd's refocus, he has also stepped down from the Board; and - Jake Henson, formerly COO, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Background to the restructure BetMakers has experienced exponential growth in the past three years. The business is well positioned and widely recognised as a global leader in the B2B racing and wagering market. The Company's strategy for the past three years has been focused on growth and has created a range of global opportunities that are viewed as highly lucrative. The exponential growth and the geographically diverse nature of this expansion has required the Company to invest in processes and systems as required of a leading global technology business. This includes cyber-security, ISO certification, regulatory and compliance frameworks. Whilst transitory in nature, the implementation has consumed valuable management resources and added materially to the cost base. The three revenue divisions of BetMakers are at different stages of business cycles. As such, the Company's management changes are designed to allow the Company to maximise and increase profits on its mature and developed businesses by addressing operational efficiencies and creating more scalable processes, while at the same time allowing a more agile team to focus on capitalising on the international opportunities that are emerging. The Global Betting Services division, which is the Company's platforms and trading division, is in strong growth mode and, with the recently delivered BetR contract and technology platform, represents a significant business opportunity that is ready to scale globally. The Global Racing Network division is relatively embryonic, but the potential is underpinned by a strong platform in the Monmouth/New Jersey fixed odds initiative, Caymanas Park, and the recently launched Global Tote Hub. Looking Ahead The Board and Executive management team of BetMakers have taken action to realign management responsibilities and reporting lines to address the factors noted above. The intended purpose of these changes, collectively, is to enable the optimisation of the full potential of the business in an accelerated time frame. It is designed to align the skill base of our key executives to the areas that will deliver maximum shareholder value for the Company. Commenting on the changes, Nick Chan said: "The Board, working with management, have concluded that this restructure creates absolute clarity and focus to deliver on our growth plans for shareholders. I welcome Matt Davey back to the Board and thank him for taking on the role of President and Executive Chairman. "In practical terms, these changes are designed to affect a strategic reset of the business, with a clear shift from growth to optimisation plus execution. "This will entail an increased focus on operational disciplines, specifically a return to positive cashflows, cost efficiency, and optimal capital management. The changes will also allow the team to execute on growth opportunities, particularly international fixed odds and the Global Tote International Pools. "Todd Buckingham has been a fantastic CEO as founder of the Company. I thank Todd for his leadership and ability to scale and grow the business from a start-up to a global operation with more than 500 employees, and the way he has positioned the business for the intended success in the coming year. His transition to a new dedicated role as Chief Growth Officer will add focus on the delivery of the Company's international pportunities, including fixed odds in the US and other markets, and the Global Tote Hub globally. We are experiencing increasing interest from wagering and racing organisations all over the world and this role will allow Todd to dedicate his time to executing on these opportunities. "Finally, we are delighted to announce the promotion of Jake Henson to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Jake is a highly regarded wagering industry professional who has been fundamental in the success of our core Global Betting Services business division of Platforms and Managed Trading Services. Jake's unrelenting focus on operational excellence will drive revenue growth and profitability across the whole organisation. "These changes support our urgency to deliver on the next phase of profitable growth for the business. It aligns the three business units of BetMakers with clear leadership and a pathway to execute." Commenting on his appointment to the Board, Matt Davey said: "Over the last 25 years as an executive in the industry, and through my investment company Tekkorp Capital LLC, I have had the opportunity to explore many gaming and wagering opportunities across the world. It remains clear to me that there is no better business or investment opportunity on the international stage than what the BetMakers business currently has on a global scale. "I am delighted, after discussions with management and Board members, to be re-investing my energy and time to delivering on these opportunities. I am taking on the role of President and Executive Chairman to work closely at a Board and management level with the intention to get results for all shareholders. I have confidence in the team, I have a strong belief in the market opportunities, and I will begin with an urgency in our approach to deliver results." Commenting on the Board and Management changes, Todd Buckingham said: "I am especially proud to have been the founding CEO of BetMakers as we have built the Company from a start up to the respected expansive Global company it is today. "The decision to transition from CEO to a focused delivery role on our international opportunities and growth initiatives came after an internal review to best position the Company for accelerated growth and how best I could assist in capitalising on these opportunities. "I have no doubt that we have assembled some of the best and most forward-thinking racing, wagering, and technology executives in the world. "I would like to congratulate Jake Henson on becoming the new CEO, which is a well-earned and deserved appointment given his long history, and commitment to the Company. I am excited to be working with him over the years ahead. "I am also thankful for the past and ongoing support of the Board and look forward to the next exciting phase for BetMakers under this aligned and focused team." About Betmakers Technology Group Ltd Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX:BET) (OTCMKTS:TPBTF) is an ASX-listed holding company and a global provider of online wagering products and services to both wholesale and retail markets through its various wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company operates a retail wagering business, offering consumers wagering, fantasy tournament and content products and services. Flash Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday at a regular press briefing that the U.S. side cannot demand communication and cooperation from China while keeping interfering in China's internal affairs and hurting China's interests. Mao's comment came after the U.S. State Department Spokesperson repeatedly mentioned Secretary Blinken's upcoming visit to China, saying that his team will discuss with China how to "responsibly manage competition and step up cooperation on transnational challenges," and also raised concerns on issues related to Taiwan, fentanyl, Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula. Mao said that in growing relations with the United States, China follows the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, adding that China remains committed to defending its own sovereignty, security and development interests at the same time. "China does not shy away or flinch from competition, but we are against defining the entire China-U.S. relations with competition alone and using competition as an excuse to contain and suppress others," she said. Mao said China is ready to have both bilateral and multilateral communication and cooperation with the U.S. side on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, but the United States cannot demand communication and cooperation from China while keeping interfering in China's internal affairs and hurting China's interests. Mao also pointed out that Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests, and it is the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations and the number one red line that must not be crossed between China and the U.S. side. "At no time should the United States ever seek to cross that red line," she said. Noting China is the first country in the world to have officially scheduled fentanyl-related substances as a class, Mao said that China has taken an active part in international counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation under the framework of the UN conventions on drug control, adding that however, China's counternarcotics capacity has been seriously hampered by U.S. sanctions on relevant Chinese institutions. "We are firmly against those sanctions and urge the United States to reflect on its inadequate counternarcotics efforts instead of deflecting the blame," Mao said. She also mentioned that China is committed to seeking a political settlement and bringing parties to the table on Ukraine and the Korean nuclear issue, and goes against any rhetoric or action that could fuel the tensions and make matters worse. "We hope the United States will work with China and let China-U.S. interactions be defined by dialogue and win-win cooperation, not confrontation and zero-sum competition, and deliver on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state to bring bilateral relations back to the track of healthy and stable growth," Mao added. Quarterly Activities Report Perth, Jan 31, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - On 2 August BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) announced that, following its shareholders meeting on 21 June 2022 at which shareholders voted unanimously to approve to make an investment in hydrogen technology company Clean Hydrogen Technologies Corporation ("Clean Hydrogen Technologies" or "Vendor"), BPH and its investee Advent Energy Ltd ("Advent") have now settled for the acquisition of a 10% interest in Clean Hydrogen Technologies for $1,000,000 USD (8% BPH and 2 % Advent). As announced previously BPH and Advent had a further first right of refusal ("ROFR") to invest in Clean Hydrogen Technologies to a maximum of a further US$1,000,000 for a further 10%, on or before 31 December 2022. The ROFR conditions have now been amended such that it exists when (i) the Vendor does not seek a Series A investment in its equity securities comprising a minimum investment of US$3,000,000 by 30 April 2023, where such investment values the Vendor in excess of US$20,000,000 (such investment, a "Qualified Financing"), and (ii) the Vendor determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that it requires at least a further US$1,000,000 investment for continued development and operations. Subject to the above, should the Purchaser exercise the ROFR, it must do so within 1 month of the Vendors request for the Additional Funding. The consideration payable is an aggregate of US$1,000,000, comprising of $US800,000 by BPH and US$200,000 by Advent ("Additional Cash Consideration") subsequent to which BPH shall hold a total 16% interest in Clean Carbon and Advent shall hold a total 4% interest in Clean Carbon (based on the assumption that Clean Carbon has not issued any additional Clean Carbon Shares prior to the Right being exercised). Capital On 11 October 2022 BPH announced that it had received binding commitments to raise approximately $1.196 million (before costs) ("Placement"). The Placement will comprise the issue of 66,494,825 new fully paid ordinary shares ("Placement Shares") in the Company at an issue price of $0.018 per share. Placement participants will receive one (1) free attaching option for every one (1) New Share subscribed for under the Placement, exercisable at $0.03 each with an expiry date of 30 September 2024 ("Attaching Options"). The intended use of funds is: - $0.65 million - Further Investment in Clean Hydrogen Technology - $0.35 million - Funding for exploration and development of oil and gas investments - $0.10 million - For working capital including costs of the offer Everblu Capital Limited (Everblu) acted as the Lead Manager for the Placement and were paid a cash fee of 6% on funds raised by Everblu under the Placement and 1 Broker Option per 3 Placement Shares issued exercisable at $0.03 per share, expiring 30 September 2024. The Company also undertook a loyalty option issue of one (1) option for every eight (8) shares held to all shareholders registered on a record date of 2 December 2022 ("Loyalty Options") with an current offer closing date of 9 February 2023 and a subscription price of $0.004 per Loyalty Option. The Loyalty Options, which have the same exercise price and expiry date as the Attaching Options, will raise a maximum $431,532 from the issue of 107,883,088 Loyalty Options. The intended use of funds is: - $0.297 million - Funding for exploration and development of oil and gas investments - $0.135 million - For working capital including costs of the offer The Loyalty Options will provide the Company with a potential source of additional capital if the Loyalty Options are exercised in the future (being approximately $3,236,493 where all Loyalty Options entitlements are taken up). 400,000 unlisted share options with an exercise price of $0.20 per share expired on 30 November 2022. Significant activities by the Company's investees' during the December 2022 quarter were as follows: Advent Energy Pty Ltd ("Advent") PEP 11 Permit Advent Energy Limited's (BPH 36.1% direct interest) 100% subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Ltd has applied to the Federal Court pursuant to section 5 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) and section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) to review the decision of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority (Joint Authority), constituted under section 56 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth) (Act), to refuse to vary and suspend the conditions of Exploration Permit for Petroleum No.11 (PEP 11 Permit), pursuant to section 264(2) of the Act, and to refuse to extend the term of the PEP 11 Permit, pursuant to section 265 of the Act. Asset Energy Pty Ltd is a 100 % owned subsidiary of Advent Energy Ltd and has lodged the appeal as Operator for and on behalf of the PEP11 Joint Venture Partners, Bounty Oil and Gas NL ( ASX:BUY ) and Asset Energy Pty Ltd. PEP11 interests are: Advent Energy 85 % Bounty Oil and Gas 15% In light of media coverage regarding former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's use of ministerial powers to block the PEP-11 gas exploration licence, the Company previously announced it was undertaking a full review of its options, including potential for legal channels, as part of its strategy to protect shareholder value. In June 2022, Asset Energy Pty Ltd (wholly-owned subsidiary of BPH's investee Advent Energy Ltd) commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia alleging that the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was biased and failed to afford procedural fairness in his decision not to grant an extension of term and a suspension and variation of the minimum work requirements under PEP11. Asset Energy has now lodged an amended originating application for judicial review claiming in particular: 1. In making the Decision, the Former Prime Minister breached the requirements of procedural fairness in that he predetermined the Application and the purported decision was infected by actual bias. 2. Further or in the alternative, there was a reasonable apprehension of bias, in the form of predetermination, on the part of the Former Prime Minister, such that there was a denial of procedural fairness. 3. Further or in the alternative, in making the Decision, the applicant was denied procedural fairness because the Former Prime Minister, before determining the merits of the Application, failed to take into account the submissions made by the applicant dated 22 January 2022. 4. Further or in the alternative, in making the Decision, the applicant was denied procedural fairness because the applicant was not provided the opportunity to respond to issues raised by NOPTA in relation to the applicant's financial capacity. 5. Further or in the alternative, the Decision is void and of no effect because the Former Prime Minister was not validly appointed as the responsible Commonwealth Minister of the Joint Authority to administer the Department. Following revelations that Scott Morrison took responsibility in a number of portfolios including Resources, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sought advice as to whether Mr Morrison's appointments and decisions (which includes the PEP-11 decision) were beyond power. Taranaki Basin On 14 December 2022 BPH advised that, subsequent to its ASX announcement of 4 April 2022, its 36.1% associate Advent's 100% subsidiary Aotearoa Offshore Limited ("AOL" or "Farminee") has given notice to OMV New Zealand Limited ("OMV" or "Farminor"), under clause 4.3.6 of the Farm Out Agreement ("Agreement") executed on 24 December 2021, that it was terminating the Agreement. Clause 4.3.6 of the Agreement states that if Condition Precedent 4 is not satisfied within 6 months (or such other date that the Farminor or Farminee may agree in writing) of submission of the application to the New Zealand Minister ("Minister") responsible for the administration of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 ("Act") for the Minister's approval ("Application"), either party may terminate the Agreement by notice to the other party. The recently disclosed potential acquisition of the OMV oil and gas business by US financial investor Carlyle also introduced a material uncertainty into the planning process necessitating a review by Advent of the Agreement. On 21 December 2022 the Company advised that OMV had returned US$1.621 million (approximately A$2,423,000) to AOL in accordance with the termination of the Agreement. The US$1.621 million represents the Earning Costs 1 ("Earning Costs") based on Agreement clause 5.1 paid by the Farminee to the Farminor in early 2022. As a consequence of the termination of the Agreement the Advent group repaid BPH before 31 December 2022: - the A$2,257,345 loan from BPH to pay for the Earning Costs - the A$800,000 BPH loaned the Advent group to fund Year 1 exploration costs - accrued interest on these loans of A$146,152 Cortical Dynamics Limited ("Cortical") Investee Cortical Dynamics Limited is an Australian based medical device neurotechnology company that is developing BARM(TM), an industry leading EEG (electrical activity) brain function monitor. BARM(TM) is being developed to better detect the effect of anaesthetic agents on brain activity under a general operation, aiding anaesthetists in keeping patients optimally anaesthetised. The Australian manufactured and designed, electroencephalographically based (EEG-based), BARM(TM) system is configured to efficiently image and display complex information related to the clinically relevant state of the brain. When commercialized the BARM(TM) system will be offered on a stand-alone basis or integrated into leading brand operating room monitors as "plug and play" option. Cortical continues the FDA 510K filing process for BARM(TM) in the USA assisted by Washington based technical advisors MCRA. The Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") is the federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services which regulates the sale of medical device products (including diagnostic tests) in the U.S. and monitors the safety of all regulated medical products. FDA approval is a necessary precursor for sales of BARM(TM) to commence in the USA. *To view the full quarterly report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/95DVE155 About BPH Energy Limited BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes. The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license. BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise. BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). Significant Assays at new Horse Well Fault Prospect Melbourne, Jan 31, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cohiba Minerals Limited ( ASX:CHK ) ( CHKMF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to provide an update to the market in relation to significant assays results from drilling at the Horse Well Fault Prospect (Figure 1*). Cohiba's CEO, Andrew Graham says, "The Horse Well Prospect has delivered two key exploration target zones; the central eastern area where the Bluebush Fault has been traced in multiple holes and the central northern area where the Horse Well Fault has been identified. Persistent low-level copper, gold and silver mineralisation in drill hole HWDD08, which is only the second hole drilled in the region since 1982, has confirmed that the Horse Well Fault Prospect is an IOCG target area worthy of thorough investigation. A thorough review of the Western Mining's HWD1 hole drilled in 1982, coupled to the Company's own technical assessment of the geophysics and geology led us to prioritise this area as a standalone IOCG target." HWDD08 was completed to 1509.9m on 12 October 2022. The hole was designed to follow up on low level but persistent copper mineralisation encountered in Gawler Range Volcanics (GRV) in the historic WMC (Western Mining Corporation) hole, HWD1, drilled in June 1982. The follow-up drilling substantially improved the knowledge of this location, intersecting basement rocks of diorites and gneiss' which are dissected by the large scale ENE-WSW striking Horse Well Fault, and into a down-faulted block of Wallaroo Group sediments, which underlie the Gawler Range Volcanics the original HWD1 hole ended in. The Horse Well Fault has caused brecciation and is associated with mineralisation radiating away from the fault into all rock units. The gneiss units in the hanging wall of the fault have fractured brittlely making them ideal hosts for mineralisation, which is demonstrated by the significant intersections outlined in this announcement. Cohiba is targeting IOCG (Iron Ore Copper Gold) and associated mineralisation styles at its Horse Well Project. Minor intervals of IOCG style mineralisation have been intersected in hole HWDD05 at the Bluebush Fault prospect, which is another highly prospective target area. The broad elevated geochemistry is highly encouraging and consistent with substantial mineralisation in the area, opening up the potential of the greenfields Horse Well prospect for further exploration. Potential mineralisation could occur along the Horse Well Fault, along inferred faults parallel to this, or in structures intersecting or oblique to the Horse Well Fault. The analytical results for drill hole HWDD08 were completed by ALS Laboratories and have been assessed by the Company and its technical consultants. The assay results have been weighted based on the sample length and all reported intervals are continuous sample lengths. The results are summarised below: o 111.6m @ 0.27% Cu & 0.05ppm Au & 0.35ppm Ag from 1043.2-1154.8m INCLUDING o 0.8m @ 1.17% Cu & 0.34ppm Au & 0.83ppm Ag from 1068.2-1069m o 0.65m @ 2.52% Cu & 0.4ppm Au & 1.51ppm Ag from 1107.35-1108m o 1m @ 2.03% Cu & 0.21ppm Au & 1.51ppm Ag from 1122-1123m o 1m @ 2.07% Cu & 0.23ppm Au & 1.88ppm Ag from 1135-1136m *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/2607O882 About Cohiba Minerals Limited Cohiba Minerals Limited (ASX:CHK) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the primary focus of investing in the resource sector through direct tenement acquisition, joint ventures, farm in arrangements and new project generation. The shares of the company trade under the ticker symbol CHK. The Company recently acquired 100% of the shares in Charge Lithium Pty Ltd, which holds exploration licences in Western Australia. Quarterly Update Sydney, Jan 31, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Haodex Limited ( NSX:HAO ) is pleased to update the market on its activities for the quarter ended 31 December 2023. Updates on BulkBuyworld BulkBuyworld is a wholesale and retail e-commerce marketplace that allows users and businesses to participate in group buying deals. BulkBuyworld enables merchants to set up an online store similar to the operation of Amazon and sell products from Chinese factories directly to USA customers and businesses. On the Bulkbuyworld marketplace, Haodex generates revenue from sales commissions, membership fees and product listing fees. Haodex has developed different entry levels for the channel partner to facilitate the channel partner programme, adding upwards of 60 strategic partners this quarter, with more than 200 channel partners. The programme has wide coverage in six provinces in China and Sydney, Australia. Haodex has channel partners in the following geographic areas: Sichuan, Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Hainan province. Haodex assists the strategic channel partner to develop premium merchants, which have export facilities and capability to increase the popularity and facilitate the development of manufacturers and merchants for the platform. The new C2C and B2B functions of the English version of Bulkbuyworld platform are now complete. Merchants on the platform now have the option to easily sell in bulk with wholesale pricing structures simply displayed on their listing. Customers can access both retail and wholesale listings of the platform through the simple app design. This development is pushing Bulkbuyworld closer towards a one-stop-shop app, and will attract merchants and manufacturers to the platform. For the quarter ending 31 December 2022, Bulkbuy received revenue of $2.78 million Chinese Yuan (AUD$619k). Haodex is working with the world's premium payment platform Zai Haodex has partnered with Zai, a stable, scalable and sophisticated platform to provide Haodex payment solutions that simplify complex payment flows. Zai is Worldpay's global partner, allowing Zai to accept cards globally as well as enable 3D Secure 2.0, real-time fraud detection, and digital wallets, Apple Pay(R) and Google Pay(R) to customers. Zai has Bank-grade security and processing volumes and global compliance reach to facilitate overseas expansions. Haodex can collect payments via several payment methods and disburse funds or pay bills via various ways. Zai provides secure payment solutions that deal entirely with multiple currency payments considering the platform customers from the US market and merchants from China. Zai also provides a complete business dashboard for Haodex to have a business overview, user information and payment management, which will assist Haodex in having a comprehensive strategic review. Centralised Procurement in China Haodex is building a centralised procurement centre in China mainly for quality control, assessing all export products coming from local manufacturers. The quality control system maintains the level of product quality, removing and returning the products which haven't reached the standard and back to the manufacturers. Quarterly Cashflow The Company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.97 million. Quarterly operating cash inflows for the period were $206k. During the December 2022 quarter, the aggregated amount of payments made to related parties and their associates totalled $56k for the director's fees. *To view the full quarterly report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/F0IW604J About Haodex Limited Haodex Limited (NSX:HAO) is an Australian company focused on forward thinking online platforms and global projects. Haodex owns 78% of and operates 2 omnichannel marketplaces, being MonkeyKing Australia (www.monkeykingaustralia.com) and BulkBuy (www.bulkbuyworld.com), and owns 100% of a short term Chinese accommodation hosting business, Franks Haus (www.frankshaus.com). MonkeyKing is an online e-commerce platform which sources Australian products from Australian suppliers to distribute to consumers in Asia, mainly China. BulkBuy is a wholesale e-commerce marketplace which allows users to participate in group buying deals. BulkBuy enables merchants to set up an online store and sell products directly to customers at wholesale prices by allowing several customers to participate in group buying deals (crowd-ordering). Franks Haus is an online platform for leasing private properties, mainly for short term accommodation, in China. The platform will attract tourists NEW YORK (AP) Manhattan prosecutors investigating Donald Trump have convened a new grand jury to hear evidence in a years-old probe into payments made to keep the porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with the former president, according to multiple news reports. The news outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported that witnesses started testifying before the grand jury on Monday, signaling an escalation in what Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has alluded to as the next chapter in his offices Trump investigation. A spokesperson for Braggs office declined comment. In a post to his Truth Social platform, Trump blasted Bragg as the Radical Left Manhattan D.A. and said the new grand jury was a continuation of the Greatest Witch Hunt of all time. Grand juries have been convened before in New York to explore the possibility of criminal charges against Trump, but to date none have issued an indictment. The Manhattan grand jury would be the latest legal threat to Trump as he ramps up his presidential campaign. A special grand jury in Atlanta has investigated whether Trump and his allies committed any crimes while trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. Last month, the House Jan. 6 committee voted to make a criminal referral to the Justice Department for Trumps role in sparking the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The FBI is also investigating Trumps storage of classified documents. The hush-money investigation in New York involves payments of $130,000 to Daniels and $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal to buy their silence in the run-up to Trumps 2016 election victory. Trump has denied having affairs with either woman. Trumps former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, made the payment to Daniels through his own company and said he then was reimbursed by Trump. McDougals payment was made through the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer, which then squelched her story in a journalistically dubious practice known as catch-and-kill to help Trump become president. The New York Times reported that the National Enquirers former publisher, David Pecker, was spotted entering the building where the grand jury was meeting on Monday. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges that he violated campaign finance law by arranging the payouts. He served about a year in prison before being released to home confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal prosecutors said Trump was aware of the payouts, but they declined to charge him with any crime. Cohen previously told The Associated Press he recently met with Manhattan prosecutors for 2 hours. The Trump Organization was convicted last month of tax fraud and fined $1.6 million as punishment for an unrelated scheme in which top executives dodged personal income taxes on lavish job perks. Now with the trial having ended, we are now moving on to the next chapter, Bragg told The Associated Press in an interview after the tax fraud trial. The Trump Organization in a statement suggested that Bragg, a Democrat, was trying to undermine Trumps fledgling 2024 presidential campaign. Reviving the investigation years after federal prosecutors had decided not to bring a case is simply reprehensible and vindictive, the company said. Braggs predecessor as district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., also examined the hush money payments before shifting the probes focus to the Trump Organizations tax and business practices. SANTA FE A proposal moving through the Senate would prohibit former legislators and appointees working under the governor from returning immediately to the Roundhouse as paid lobbyists. Supporters said it would stop a revolving door that erodes public trust. The measure narrowly survived its first committee hearing, advancing past the Senate Rules Committee on a 6-4 vote. The measure sponsored by Sen. Harold Pope Jr., D-Albuquerque was initially aimed only at keeping legislators from lobbying their ex-colleagues for two years after the end of their term. An amendment expanded the scope to include some members of the executive branch. The legislative prohibition, Pope said, would ensure lawmakers arent compromised by the promise of a lucrative job after they step down. The two-year ban would also prevent ex-lawmakers from selling their contacts and relationships to the highest bidder, he said. It seriously threatens the integrity of the legislative process, Pope told his colleagues. His legislation was sharply expanded Monday by an amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque. The change supported by Pope adds employees who serve at will under the governor to the two-year lobbying ban. My amendment really addresses the perception of corruption youre talking about, Moores said. The debate didnt fall precisely along party lines either in the final vote or over whether to expand the scope to include some executive branch employees. Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, supported the amendment but opposed the bill overall. He asked whether theres any real harm if a former legislator is paid to advocate for a good cause, such as charitable group. I know theres this perception that somehow lobbyists are bad, he said. But there is a place for them. They do a lot of good. He also said it would be easy get around the bill. An ex-legislator could take a job as the executive director of an advocacy group and contended theyre not being paid to lobby. Its just not enforceable, he said. At least 20 former legislators and state officials are among the hundreds of people registered to lobby this session, though many of them served several years ago. Among the more recent additions to the lobbying corps is former Rep. Kelly Fajardo, a Republican who didnt seek reelection last year. One of her clients is an advocacy group pushing to open New Mexicos primary elections to independents, a measure she also supported as a legislator. Proposals to restrict lobbying by former legislators have repeatedly failed at the Roundhouse over the last decade. Whether the expansion Monday to cover some executive branch employees will help or hurt the bills prospects is unclear. Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque, voted in favor of the final bill but opposed the amended scope. You need a second bill for this, he said of the expansion to include governors employees. Popes measure, Senate Bill 34, now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, potentially its last before the full Senate. It would also have to go through the House to reach Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams desk. State law already outlines some restrictions on executive branch employees who lobby. They cannot represent a client before their former employer for one year after leaving state employment. SANTA FE A proposal to tap New Mexicos revenue windfall to bolster health care services in rural parts of the state where residents frequently have to drive long distances to find a hospital or health care facility if they can even find one is on the move at the Roundhouse. The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee voted 7-1 on Monday to approve the measure, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has touted as a priority during this years 60-day legislative session. Expanding rural health care delivery not only benefits New Mexicans in rural communities, Lujan Grisham said in a Monday statement. It benefits every single New Mexican by increasing provider access statewide. The legislation could free up funding for projects like a proposed new inpatient behavioral health facility in Curry County, as Clovis Mayor Mike Morris said funding concerns loom as a potential stumbling block for the project that would serve residents in a five-county region. There is no inpatient facility in the area, so (currently) its a drive, sometimes as far as El Paso, said Morris, who traveled to Santa Fe to speak with lawmakers Monday about the facility that he said could also benefit service members at Cannon Air Force Base and their family members. If we dont lift up New Mexicans who need some help how will we ever have a strong workforce? Morris also said in an interview. The legislation, Senate Bill 7, is similar to a previous measure that stalled during last years session. It would appropriate $200 million in state funds to help defer the costs related to building new health care clinics or hospitals in rural parts of the state and expanding services for existing health care facilities. Under the definition of the bill, only hospitals in counties with fewer than 100,000 people could qualify for the money, which would be issued in the form of grants by the state Human Services Department. That means at least five New Mexico counties would be ineligible Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval and San Juan counties that, combined, make up nearly two-thirds of the states population. Troy Clark, the president and CEO of the New Mexico Hospital Association, said after Mondays hearing the funding would not be available directly for hospital land acquisition and construction costs, but could be used to offset the costs of staffing and other operational expenses while a new facility is ramping up. He also said bill backers are hopeful there would be demand to use the funding to expand behavioral health and maternal care services in particular. But he acknowledged labor shortages could make it difficult for some hospitals to expand, despite recent state efforts to bolster the states medical provider pipeline. I really think thats the issue that will determine how widely this is tapped, Clark told the Journal. Meanwhile, Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice, the only senator who voted against the bill during Mondays hearing, questioned bill backers about whether funding distributed under the bill could be used for abortion services. But Kari Armijo, the interim acting secretary of the Human Services Department, sought to dispel the concern, saying, Thats not the intention of the bill. New Mexico has long struggled to recruit health professionals to clinics and hospitals in rural parts of the state. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, some rural hospitals also saw financial losses due to elective surgeries and other procedures being put on hold in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. At least five New Mexico counties currently did not have a hospital located within their boundaries as of 2019, according to a state rural health care plan, while several other largely rural counties had hospitals that offer only limited services. Christina Campos, administrator of the Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa, said its not unusual for some New Mexico residents to have to drive more than an hour to reach the nearest hospital. She said the proposed funding infusion would support rural start-up hospitals while they get their finances in order. All New Mexicans deserve access to quality hospital and emergency services regardless of where we choose to live, urban or rural communities, Campos added. This is one important step toward achieving that goal. The bill now advances to the Senate Finance Committee its last assigned panel before reaching the full Senate. SANTA FE A push to increase the minimum age to buy certain firearms from 18 to 21 cleared its first Senate hurdle Monday, after a heated committee hearing in which backers cited recent mass shootings and opponents raised concerns about law-abiding gun owners being prosecuted. The bill, Senate Bill 116, is one of several gun-related bills that have been filed during this years 60-day legislative session by Democratic lawmakers. Specifically, the measure would make it a misdemeanor offense in New Mexico for individuals under age 21 to purchase or possess AR-15-style rifles and other similar automatic and semiautomatic weapons though it would provide some exceptions, including shooting at a firing range and attending a gun safety class. The bills sponsor, Sen. Carrie Hamblen, D-Las Cruces, said New Mexico already prohibits individuals under age 21 from purchasing semi-automatic handguns, describing it as a discrepancy in state statute. Ultimately, this is not a bill to remove guns from people, said Hamblen, who described the bills intent as instead setting parameters on gun ownership. But critics werent convinced. Tiffany Rivera, a lobbyist for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, said firearms play an essential role in many rural New Mexicans lives, adding many residents currently carry firearms to defend themselves and their animals. A representative with the National Rifle Association also spoke against the bill, saying New Mexicos gun violence rate increased after state lawmakers approved a 2019 bill expanding background check requirements for firearm purchases, You are making criminals out of law-abiding citizens, added Sen. David Gallegos, R-Eunice. Youre not stopping the gun violence. However, the bill was ultimately approved by the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee on a party-line 6-3 vote, with Democrats voting in favor and Republicans in opposition. Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, predicted the bill would be upheld as constitutional if challenged. I think this hits a really good, reasonable spot balancing individual liberties and public safety, Maestas said. New Mexicos firearm fatality rate is among the nations highest and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called on lawmakers to pass additional gun safety measures during this years session. A total of 562 state residents died in 2021 due to firearm-related injuries up significantly from 481 firearm-related deaths in 2020, according to state Department of Health data. Of that amount, more than half or 319 cases were classified as suicides and 243 were classified as homicides. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) Six Western states that rely on water from the Colorado River have agreed on a model to dramatically cut water use in the basin, months after the federal government called for action and an initial deadline passed. California with the largest allocation of water from the river is the lone holdout. Officials said the state would release its own plan. The Colorado River and its tributaries pass through seven states and into Mexico, serving 40 million people and a $5 billion-a-year agricultural industry. Some of the largest cities in the country, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas, two Mexican states, Native American tribes and others depend on the river thats been severely stressed by drought, demand and overuse. States missed a mid-August deadline to heed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamations call to propose ways to conserve 2 million to 4 million acre feet of water. They regrouped to reach consensus by the end of January to fold into a larger proposal Reclamation has in the works. Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming sent a letter Monday to Reclamation, which operates the major dams in the river system, to outline an alternative that builds on existing guidelines, deepens water cuts and factors in water thats lost through evaporation and transportation. Those states propose raising the levels where water reductions would be triggered at Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which are barometers of the rivers health. The model creates more of a protective buffer for both reservoirs the largest built in the U.S. It also seeks to fix water accounting and ensure that any water the Lower Basin states intentionally stored in Lake Mead is available for future use. The modeling would result in about 2 million acre-feet of cuts in the Lower Basin, with smaller reductions in the Upper Basin. Mexico and California are factored into the equations, but neither signed on to Mondays letter. John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, said all states have been negotiating in good faith. I dont view not having unanimity at one step in that process to be a failure, he said late Monday. I think all seven states are still committed to working together. California released a proposal last October to cut 400,000 acre feet. An acre foot is enough water to supply two to three U.S. households for a year. JB Hamby, chair of the Colorado River Board of California, said California will submit a model for water reductions in the basin that is practical, based on voluntary action, and aligns with law governing the river and the hierarchy of water rights. California remains focused on practical solutions that can be implemented now to protect volumes of water in storage without driving conflict and litigation, he said in a statement Monday. Nothing will happen immediately with the consensus reached among the six states. However, not reaching a consensus carried the risk of having the federal government alone determine how to eventually impose cuts. By not signing on, California doesnt avoid that risk. The debates over how to cut water use by roughly one-third have been contentious. The Upper Basin states of Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah have said the Lower Basin states Arizona, California and Nevada must do the heavy lifting. That conversation in the Lower Basin has centered on whats legal and whats fair. The six states that signed Mondays proposal acknowledged ideas they put forth could be excluded from final plans to operate the rivers major dams. Negotiations are ongoing, they noted, adding that what they proposed does not override existing rights states and others have to the Colorado River. Theres a lot of steps, commitments that need to be made at the federal, state and local levels, said Entsminger of Nevada. Mondays proposal included accounting for the water lost to evaporation and leaky infrastructure as the river flows through the regions dams and waterways. Federal officials estimate more than 10% of the rivers flow evaporates, leaks or spills, yet Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico have never accounted for that water loss. The six states argued that Lower Basin states should share those losses essentially subtracting those amounts from their allocations once the elevation at Lake Mead sinks below 1,145 feet (349 meters). The reservoir was well below that Monday. Reclamation will consider the six states agreement as part of a larger proposal to revise how it operates Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams behemoth power producers on the Colorado River. The reservoirs behind the dams Lake Powell and Lake Mead have reached historic lows amid a more than two-decade-long drought and climate change. Reclamation plans to put out a draft of that proposal by early March, with a goal of finalizing it by mid-August when the agency typically announces the amount of water available for the following year. Reclamation has said it will do whats needed to ensure the dams can continue producing hydropower and deliver water. Those annual August announcements have led to mandatory cuts for the past two years for Arizona, Nevada and Mexico in the rivers Lower Basin. California has so far been spared from cuts because it has some of the oldest and most secure water rights, particularly in the Imperial Valley where much of the countrys winter vegetables are grown, along with the Yuma, Arizona, region. Without Californias participation, the six states proposal can only go so far to meet the hydrological realities of the river. Water managers in the Lower Basin say the scale of conservation Reclamation is seeking cannot be met without California, tribes and farmers who draw directly from the Colorado River. Also unclear is how much Mexico eventually will contribute to the savings. In the best water years, Mexico receives its full allocation of 1.5 million acre feet under a treaty reached with the U.S. in 1944. ___ Naishadham reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment With peak oil and gas production lurking on the horizon, New Mexico could face up to a $36 billion accumulated budget deficit by the mid-2030s, making tax and revenue-management reforms urgent, according to a new report by PFM Group Consulting. The Pennsylvania-based financial consultant released its latest analysis about New Mexicos over-dependence on oil and gas revenue Monday morning, following a previous study it published in 2020 about the issue. The new report warned of a potential budget catastrophe over the next 15 years unless lawmakers take aggressive action to diversify the states economy and broaden the tax base. With nearly $3.6 billion in new money projected for the fiscal year that starts in July, todays revenue windfall from oil and gas provides a unique opportunity to prepare for an inevitable decline in fossil fuel production in coming years, said PFM Director Ryan McNeely. But lawmakers need to seize the moment. New Mexico policymakers have been riding the oil and gas revenue roller-coaster for decades, and this year are experiencing the highest up-slope, and subsequent excess revenue, in state history, McNeely said an a statement. Our report is not warning of doom and gloom, but rather urging policymakers to strike while the iron is hot and to prepare for the downturn while excess state revenue and federal opportunity allows for decisive and impactful action toward revenue diversification. PFM scrutinized tax and revenue data from the Legislative Finance Committee to compare LFC projections on future income with industry expectations about oil and gas production over the next 15 years. It concluded that long-term LFC calculations on revenue flow may significantly overestimate realistic assumptions, potentially creating a $26 billion to $36 billion accumulated budget deficit by the mid-2030s if current tax structure and revenue-management strategies are left unchecked, McNeely told reporters in an online presentation Monday morning. Thats because the LFCs long-term analysis relies heavily on currently elevated oil prices and unprecedented growth in production, rather than calculations based on historical trends of boom and bust and future headwinds facing the industry. Todays boom reflects once-in-a-generation circumstances including the pandemic and the war in Ukraine which have distorted global supply and demand and kept fuel prices at sustained highs. But those unique conditions will disappear as the market recovers, and when the next industry bust comes, it could mark the start of a permanent decline in oil and gas production as the world moves away from fossil fuels, McNeely said. Predicting when that happens is difficult. There is no crystal ball, McNeely said. But at some point, oil and gas revenue will decline permanently, and that could begin sooner than folks project with little time for the state to respond. If New Mexico focused solely on tax reform to make up for lost revenue, it would need to raise gross receipts income 60%, or double personal income taxes, according to PFM. Rather, the report recommends comprehensive reforms to both broaden the tax base and better target incentives to stimulate key industries and diversify the economy. Lawmakers are already considering many mitigation measures, such as channeling more general fund revenue into new and existing permanent accounts, including the severance tax permanent fund and the early childhood trust fund that was created in 2021, said LFC Chief Economist Ismael Torres. Those mechanisms can build up state reserves and turn todays surplus money into future money, Torres told the Journal. Shoring up the permanent funds will help offset oil and gas revenue losses in the future. But getting bipartisan legislative backing could be challenging, depending on what measures are pursued. In fact, even generating a sense of urgency may be difficult, since some legislators reject the premise of peak oil. Republican Rep. Larry Scott, a longtime oilman from Hobbs, said modern drilling technologies have opened up a virtually inexhaustible supply of oil and gas in southeast New Mexico that could continue to generate abundant state revenue if state and federal regulations dont cripple the industry. I have nothing against diversification its an admirable goal but given the economic conditions in this state, there is simply no substitute for the petroleum business, Scott told the Journal. There is no diversification effort I see now or on the horizon to supplant oil and gas money coming into state coffers. Its foolish to think its even possible. New Mexico State University economics professor emeritus Jim Peach said such disagreements have blocked economic reform in the past and may well do so again. Im not optimistic that the Legislature will respond very well to this report, because theyve been told this story time and time again, Peach told the Journal. The idea that this oil boom will go on for a long time is just false. Many legislators know that, but it doesnt translate into the kind of fiscal reforms we need to do. More from Kevin Robinson-Avila PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) Pakistani authorities scrambled on Tuesday to determine how a suicide bomber was able to carry out one of the countrys deadliest militant attacks in years, unleashing an explosion in a crowded mosque inside a highly secured police compound in the city of Peshawar. The death toll from the blast climbed to 100. Monday mornings bombing, which left at least 225 wounded, raised alarm among officials over a major security breach at a time when the Pakistani Taliban, the main anti-government militant group, has stepped up attacks, particularly targeting the police and the military. In a televised speech to parliament Tuesday, Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif accused the Pakistani Taliban, known by the acronym TTP, of carrying out the attack, saying they were operating from neighboring Afghan territory and demanding the Afghan Taliban take action against them. A TTP commander earlier claimed responsibility, but a spokesman for the group later distanced the TTP from the carnage, saying it was not its policy to attack mosques. More than 300 worshippers were praying in the Sunni mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest, officials said. The blast blew off part of the roof, and what was left caved in, injuring many more, according to Zafar Khan, a police officer. Rescuers worked through the night and into Tuesday morning, removing mounds of debris to reach worshippers still trapped under the rubble. The death toll rose as more bodies were found and several of the critically injured died, said Mohammad Asim, a government hospital spokesman in Peshawar. Most of the victims were police officers, he said. Counter-terrorism police are investigating how the bomber was able to reach the mosque, which is inside a walled-off police headquarters compound called Police Lines. The compound is located in a heavily security district of Peshawar that includes other government buildings. Yes, it was a security lapse, said Ghulam Ali, the provincial governor in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital. Akhtar Ali Shah, a former regional interior secretary once based in Peshawar, said it was not a spur of the moment attack. It was the handiwork of a well-organized group, he told The Associated Press. He said those behind the attack must have had inside help to gain access to the compound and probably entered it several times for reconnaissance or even to plant explosives ahead of time. Its not a security lapse, its a security breach, he said. From all entry points, there are multiple layers of security you have to cross with ID checks. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson condemned the attack in Peshawar. Terrorism is indefensible, and to target worshippers is unconscionable. The United States stands ready to provide support to Pakistan in its efforts to recover and rebuild, she said. Speaking to parliament, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said investigators suspect that the bomber was helped by someone from the families of government employees who live on the compound near the mosque. He said 97 of the 100 dead were members of the police and 27 police officers remain in critical condition. The militarys media wing declined an Associated Press interview request for the chief of army staff. Asim Munir, who took office in November, has yet to do any media appearances. Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Terrorist Attack on Pakistan Mosque Kamran Bangash, a provincial secretary-general with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, blamed the instability on the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The government has failed to improve the economy and law and order situation, and it should resign to pave the way for snap parliamentary elections, he said. The partys leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, denounced the attack. The bombing comes as Pakistan is contending with political and economic crises from a disputed election and from unprecedented floods last summer that killed 1,739 people, destroyed more than 2 million homes, and at one point submerged as much as a third of the country. Sharif visited a hospital in Peshawar after the bombing and vowed stern action against those behind the attack. On Tuesday he dismissed criticism of his government and called for unity. My message to all political forces is one of unity against anti-Pakistan elements. We can fight our political fights later, he tweeted. Shortly after the explosion, a Pakistan Taliban commander Sarbakaf Mohmand claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Twitter. But hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani said it was not the groups policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places and that those taking part in such acts could face punitive action under TTPs policy. His statement did not address why a TTP commander had claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistan, which is mostly Sunni Muslim, has seen a surge in militant attacks since November, when the Pakistani Taliban ended a cease-fire with government forces. The Pakistani Taliban are the dominant militant group in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Peshawar has been the scene of frequent attacks. In 2014, a Pakistani Taliban faction attacked an army-run school in Peshawar and killed 154, mostly schoolchildren. But the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, a regional affiliate of the Islamic State group and a rival of the Taliban, has also been behind deadly attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Overall, violence has increased since the Afghan Taliban seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops pulled out of the country after 20 years of war. The TTP is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban. It has waged an insurgency in Pakistan in the past 15 years, seeking stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of its members in government custody and a reduction in the Pakistani military presence in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province it has long used as its base. Earlier this month, the Pakistani Taliban claimed one of its members shot and killed two intelligence officers, including the director of the counterterrorism wing of the Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency. Security officials said Monday the gunman was killed in a shootout near the Afghan border. The Taliban-run Afghan Foreign Ministry said it was saddened to learn that numerous people lost their lives in Peshawar and condemned attacks on worshippers as contrary to the teachings of Islam. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a visit to the Middle East, tweeted his condolences, saying the bombing in Peshawar was a horrific attack. Terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible, he said. ___ Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Riazat Butt in Islamabad contributed to this report. Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday held phone talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. During the talks, Qin said President Xi Jinping's recent presence at the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and his state visit to Saudi Arabia have scored complete success, making it a new milestone in the history of China-Saudi Arabia, China-GCC and China-Arab relations, adding that China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the outcomes of the summits and promote their relations to new levels. China highly appreciates Saudi Arabia's consistent and firm support on issues concerning China's core interests and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to uphold non-interference in internal affairs and other basic norms of international relations, Qin noted. He said the two sides should further expand cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, investment, finance and high-tech, increase communication and coordination, make every effort to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, continuously strengthen the China-GCC strategic partnership and build a China-GCC free trade zone as soon as possible. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Saudi Arabia in regional and international affairs, jointly promote regional peace and stability, and better safeguard the common interests of the vast developing countries, Qin said. Faisal said Saudi Arabia regards its relations with China as an important cornerstone of its foreign relations and is willing to work with China to implement the outcomes of the summits, take joint actions, deepen cooperation in various fields, promote further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries. Saudi Arabia fully adheres to the one-China principle and firmly opposes the politicization of human rights issues, Faisal said, noting that his country is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China and jointly uphold the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) Pope Francis demanded Tuesday that foreign powers stop plundering Africas natural resources for the poison of their own greed as he arrived in Congo to a raucous welcome by Congolese grateful he was focusing the worlds attention on their forgotten plight. Tens of thousands of people lined the main road into the capital, Kinshasa, to welcome Francis after he landed at the airport, some standing three or four deep, with children in school uniforms taking the front row. The pope is 86 years old but he came anyway. It is a sacrifice and the Congolese people will not forget it, said Sultan Ntambwe, a bank agent in his 30s, as he waited for Francis arrival in a scene reminiscent of some of Francis earlier trips to similarly heavily Catholic countries. Francis plunged headfirst into his agenda upon arrival, denouncing the centuries-long exploitation of Africa by colonial powers, todays multinational extraction industries and the neighboring countries interfering in Congos affairs that has led to a surge in fighting in the east. Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo! Hands off Africa! Francis said to applause in his opening speech to Congolese government authorities and the diplomatic corps in the garden of Kinshasas national palace. Calling Congos vast mineral and natural wealth a diamond of creation, Francis demanded that foreign interests stop carving up the country for their own interests and acknowledge their role in the economic enslavement of the Congolese people. Stop choking Africa: It is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered, said historys first Latin American pope, who has long railed at how wealthy countries have exploited the resources of poorer ones for their own profit. The six-day trip, which also includes a stop in South Sudan, was originally scheduled for July, but was postponed because of Francis knee problems, which were still so serious on Tuesday that he couldnt stand to greet journalists in the plane heading to Kinshasa and forced him to use a wheelchair on the ground. It was also supposed to have included a stop in Goma, in eastern Congo, but the surrounding North Kivu region has been plagued by intense fighting between government troops and the M23 rebel group, as well as attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State group. The fighting has displaced some 5.7 million people, a fifth of them last year alone, according to the World Food Program. Instead of travelling there, Francis will meet with a delegation of people from the east who will travel to Kinshasa for a private encounter at the Vatican embassy on Wednesday. The plan calls for them to participate in a ceremony jointly committing to forgive their assailants. Sylvie Mvita, a student in economics in Kinshasa, said the popes arrival would focus the worlds attention and television cameras on Congo and the fighting in the east to show how its suffering has been forgotten by the rest of the world. This will allow the world to discover the atrocities of which our brothers in the east of the country are victims. And maybe for once, the little humanity that remains in some people will cause an awakening and the international community will not only be interested in what is happening in Ukraine but also in what is happening in this country, she said. President Felix Tshisekedi voiced a similar line in his speech to the pope, accusing the international community of forgetting about Congo and of its complicit inaction and silence about the atrocities occurring in the east. In addition to armed groups, foreign powers eager for the minerals in our subsoil commit cruel atrocities with the direct and cowardly support of our neighbor Rwanda, making security the first and greatest challenge for the government, he said. Rwanda has been accused of and has repeatedly denied backing the M23 rebels operating in Congo. Francis tough words at the start set the tone for the trip, in which the pontiff is aiming to bring a message of peace, a warning to the international community to not look the other way and a recognition that Africa is the future of the Catholic Church. The continent is one of the only places on Earth where the Catholic flock is growing, both in terms of practicing faithful and fresh vocations to the priesthood and religious life. And Congo stands out as the African country with most Catholics hands down: Half of its 105 million people are Catholic, the country counts more than 6,000 priests, 10,000 nuns and more than 4,000 seminarians 3.6% of the global total of young men studying for the priesthood. That makes Francis trip, his fifth to the African continent in his 10-year pontificate, all the more important as the Jesuit pope seeks to reshape the church as a field hospital for wounded souls, where all are welcome, poor people have a special pride of place and rivals are urged to make peace. Aid groups had hoped Francis six-day visit would shine a spotlight on the forgotten conflicts of Congo and South Sudan and their soaring humanitarian costs, and rekindle international attention amid donor fatigue that has set in due to new aid priorities in Ukraine. Francis answered their call, pointing the finger at the role colonial powers such as Belgium played in the exploitation of Congo until the country, which is 80 times the size of Belgium, gained its independence in 1960, and neighboring countries are playing today. Francis didnt identify Belgium or any neighboring country by name, but he spared no word of condemnation, quoting Tshisekedi as saying there was a forgotten genocide under way. The poison of greed has smeared its diamonds with blood, Francis said. May the world acknowledge the catastrophic things that were done over the centuries to the detriment of the local peoples, and not forget this country and this continent. We cannot grow accustomed to the bloodshed that has marked this country for decades, causing millions of deaths that remain mostly unknown elsewhere, he said. At the same time, he urged Congolese authorities to work for the common good and not tribal, ethnic or personal interests; and put an end to child labor and invest in education so that the most precious diamonds of Congo can shine brightly. Congolese faithful were flocking to Kinshasa for Francis main event, a Mass on Wednesday at Ndolo airport that is expected to draw as many as 2 million people in one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Congo and one of Francis biggest Masses ever. Banners emblazoned with the popes image carried messages including Pope Francis, the city of Kinshasa welcomes you with joy. Some women wore colorful dresses and skirts made of pagne, a wax print fabric featuring images of Francis, the Virgin Mary or the Vatican keys, in a celebratory sign of welcome. Jean-Louis Mopina, 47, said he walked about 45 minutes to Kinshasas airport before the popes arrival on Tuesday. He has come like a pilgrim sent by God, Mopina said. His blessing will give us peace in our hearts. ___ Christina Malkia in Kinshasa, and Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed told authorities Alec Baldwin had failed to attend required firearms training during the filming of Rust, so she had requested an hourlong firearms training with the movie star, according to court records filed Tuesday. Gutierrez-Reed felt this training was very important for Baldwin but told deputies the requested training was cut short to about a half-hour due to the actor being distracted on his phone and speaking with family. The instance is one of several prosecutors point to in alleging that Baldwin, as producer and actor on the movie Rust, allowed a climate of recklessness on set before he fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, with a Colt .45 prop gun at a movie set outside Santa Fe. For her part, prosecutors allege Gutierrez-Reed the films armorer was responsible for Hutchins death as she did not follow numerous safety protocols, including by leaving ammunition unattended, allowing live rounds onto the set and not insisting on proper training for Baldwin. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were each charged Tuesday in 1st Judicial District Court with involuntary manslaughter in the Oct. 21, 2021, death of Hutchins during a rehearsal on the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set. The shooting also left director Joel Souza injured with a bullet in his shoulder. Jason Bowles, an attorney for Gutierrez-Reed, said the probable cause statement filed against his client shows that the prosecution has completely misunderstood the facts and has reached the wrong conclusions. Hannah pleaded to provide more firearms training, Bowles said. She was denied and brushed aside. Hannah asked to be able to perform her armorer duties more for safety reasons. She was told by production to focus on props. He said she also asked to use a plastic gun for the ill-fated rehearsal but Assistant Director Dave Halls insisted on a real gun, and that she asked to be called back into the church set if Baldwin was going to use the gun, which Halls didnt do. We will fight these charges and expect that a jury will find Hannah not guilty, Bowles said. Luke Nikas, Baldwins attorney, previously called the charges a terrible miscarriage of justice. Nikas said Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win. The filings came less than two weeks after 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced the pair would be charged in the high-profile incident that made international headlines and led to several lawsuits as well as a hefty fine for lack of safety from the New Mexico Environment Department. Halls has pleaded guilty to negligent use of a deadly weapon and faces a suspended sentence and six months of probation. Gutierrez-Reed told deputies she loaded the gun from a box, later found to contain both dummy rounds and live ammunition, and handed it to Halls who declared the firearm cold before he handed it to Baldwin. The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office, which investigated the shooting, never determined how live rounds got onto the movie set arguably one of the most important pieces of the case. Testing of live rounds found scattered around the set showed the smokeless powder inside them did not match live rounds seized from the films weapons supplier Seth Kenney, who had initially told deputies he may have accidentally provided live rounds to Gutierrez-Reed. In response to questions on the matter, Santa Fe Sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said as of this writing the sheriffs office has no comment as the case is currently in the purview of the Santa Fe District Attorney. The 1st Judicial District Attorneys Office did not respond to questions. Reckless environment Prosecutors allege Baldwin was responsible for Hutchins death by not addressing prior accidental gun discharges, hiring inexperienced crew like Gutierrez-Reed, failing to hold sufficient safety meetings and personally mishandling the firearm that killed Hutchins. Baldwin was given only minimal training even after Gutierrez-Reed requested more training for him, according to a statement of probable cause filed in 1st Judicial District Court. According to court records, Baldwin was distracted and talking on his cellphone to his family during the training. Furthermore, the rehearsal did not require the gun to be fired, according to court records. Despite Baldwins assertion that he did not pull the trigger, FBI analysis found the gun would not fire any other way, including when a mallet was used to strike the hammer. Regardless, It was also determined by consultation with expert armorers that in a rehearsal, a plastic gun or replica gun should be used, according to the court records. Prosecutors also allege that Baldwin failed to demand at least two safety checks by Gutierrez-Reed before shooting Hutchins, which is standard safety protocol. Finally, Baldwin directly pointed a firearm at Hutchins and Souza. Whether guided by (Hutchins) directions or not, Baldwin knew the first rule of gun safety is never point a gun at someone you dont intend on shooting, according to court records. Had Baldwin performed the required safety checks with the armorer (Gutierrez-Reed) this tragedy would not have occurred. Prosecutors allege Baldwin should have known better after he has touted himself as an expert in firearms in filmmaking and having been in at least 40 movies or TV shows that involved him in scenes with guns. As producer, Baldwin also allowed the hiring of inexperienced crew such as Gutierrez-Reed and prop master Sarah Zackary, both of whom had no certifiable firearms training, according to court records. There were also two negligent discharges on set in the days leading up to the fatal shooting one by Zachary and prosecutors allege Baldwin failed to act to address this reckless situation or have Gutierrez-Reed do so. Baldwin also did not address the lack of daily safety meetings and, according to court records, only three or four had been done by the 13th day of filming. As armorer, investigators found Gutierrez-Reed knew of many of these shortcomings and did not address them or insist changes being made, according to court records. She also did not follow safety protocols herself, leaving ammunition unattended on a cart and handing loaded guns to regular crew members one of which led to a negligent discharge. Gutierrez-Reed, according to court records, also did not stay on set with firearms and failed to correct Baldwin from having his finger on the trigger and pointing it at people, shown in rehearsal video. Her absence from the set allowed the reckless behavior to happen and continue, resulting in the fatal shooting, according to court records, adding that her allowing live ammunition onto the set put everyone on the Rust set in danger. On a frigid Tuesday morning, before the sun rose above the Sandia Mountains, Rebel Donuts owner Margot Cravens and general manager Amanda Kist were already hard at work. After a fire on Saturday forced the stores Wyoming location to close, the company decided to sell doughnuts from their logo-emblazoned van in the stores parking lot. These will be full dozens, bakers choice, (and) credit card only, the company posted Monday on Facebook. Beginning at 7 a.m., boxes filled with assortments of colorful doughnuts were unloaded onto a small folding table as customers drove up to get their sugar fix. Customers, some who had initially tried to enter the damaged property, expressed their sympathies for the local shops situation as they lined up for their boxes or waited in their warm idling cars. In less than an hour, the van was down to their last handful of boxes. By 8:15 a.m., the company announced on Facebook that they had sold out. Albuquerque, you are amazing, the company said in their post, thanking everyone who came out to buy a box. They will be back in the parking lot tomorrow, they said, with more doughnuts and vegan options as well. Their location on the West Side is also open from Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. SANTA FE New Mexico already has a state song, a state cookie, a state bird, a state flower and even a state question. What the state does not have, however, is an official state smell, though that would change under legislation advancing at the Roundhouse enshrining the scent of green chile roasting in the fall as the states official aroma. The mouth-watering proposal, Senate Bill 188, cleared its first Senate committee via a 5-0 vote on Tuesday, after fifth-grade students at Monte Vista Elementary School in Las Cruces served as expert witnesses for the bill participating in the hearing via an online platform from their classroom. Is there anyone in the room who does not know what chile roasting smells like? one of the students while introducing the bill at the request of Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces, a retired teacher whos sponsoring the legislation. Soules said the classrooms involvement came about after he and another state senator visited the school last fall. He said the students involvement has included writing letters to legislators, researching and practicing public speaking. Theyre going to be telling their grandkids about how they were part of making this happen, Soules told the Journal. During Tuesdays committee hearing, the students faced questions from members of the Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee. Sen. Bill ONeill, D-Albuquerque, asked them whether any other states have an official aroma, while Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, questioned whether the smell of dairies or oil drilling operations should also be included in New Mexicos state aroma. But one of the students pointed out in response the smell of roasting chile can be found around New Mexico, while the other smells are more regional aromas. In addition, while some might question the practical importance of the legislation, Soules said hes been in contact with state Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte about the bill and said it could be used to bolster New Mexicos green chile marketing efforts. Meanwhile, a legislative analysis of the bill pointed out the proposal could give New Mexico a leg up in its running chile superiority battle with neighboring Colorado. The new state aroma could help draw visitors away from Colorado, which, for some reason, thinks it has green chile comparable to that of New Mexico, the analysis cheekily claimed. Sen. Joshua Sanchez, R-Bosque, a small business owner who grew up in a farming family, suggested the smell of freshly-cut alfalfa should be added to the bill, but stopped short of trying to amend the bill. Fresh-cut alfalfa and green chile you cant get them anywhere else in the world, he said. You know youre in New Mexico. ABC Celebrity The new Catwoman depicter explains how make-up can be a powerful tool to help her get into character for her movies and dishes on what she likes about her look in 'The Batman'. Jan 31, 2023 AceShowbiz - Zoe Kravitz says make-up is "powerful." The "Big Little Lies" actress explains her costumes and cosmetics play a big part in helping her get into character and she's fascinated by the way her appearance can even make her "walk and talk differently." "They have a big impact on the way I feel. Often, when I'm playing a character, I see that it really comes together when I find out what she'll be wearing and I try out the clothes, with hair and make-up," she said when asked if make-up and costume help her at work. "At that point I no longer look like me, and it's very interesting to see what happens... You start to walk and talk differently. That's what's so powerful about make-up. You put on lipstick, and all of a sudden you start swinging your hips differently. It proves that we - human beings - are greatly affected by how we look. It's amazing to see the extent to which we're influenced by our appearance." Zoe was particularly happy with the beauty look she sported as Catwoman in "The Batman" because she thinks it perfectly encapsulated the "rough and messy" side to the character, as well as being "sublime and modern." She told Numero magazine, "I like my make-up in 'The Batman', which was designed by make-up artist Pat McGrath. She's incredible, and I feel very lucky that she came on set to design these looks for me and the other actors. She created something sublime and modern, but also rough and messy that symbolises the different facets of the personality of Selina Kyle, alias Catwoman, who I was playing." The 34-year-old actress is the face of Black Opium Le Parfum and she's proud to be associated with such a "sexy, mischievous scent." She said, "It's a really great fragrance because it's complex, mixing soft vanilla notes, which for a lot of people are very feminine, with more woody scents that are deep and rich like a shot of coffee." "They're not masculine exactly, but they help create an ensemble that's both sumptuous and subtle. It's a very Yves Saint Laurent perfume because the brand is strongly focused on creating a balance between women's different facets. It's a very sexy, mischievous scent. And I must say I adore the ad campaigns, which are both fun and beautiful. They're all about adventure, nightlife and independence." You can share this post! Cover Images/Faye's Vision Celebrity The 30-year-old pop star, who shares his 13-month-old daughter with wife Priyanka Chopra, is given the prestigious honor of a spot on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles along with his brothers Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas as The Jonas Brothers. Jan 31, 2023 AceShowbiz - Nick Jonas "cannot wait to embarrass" his daughter with his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. The 30-year-old pop star, who is married to Priyanka Chopra and has 13-month-old Malti with her, was given the prestigious honor of a spot on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles along with his brothers Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas as The Jonas Brothers. Nick joked that he wants to show his daughter up in front of her friends with the star when she is a teenager as the little one appeared in public for the first time ever. He said, "To my beautiful wife, you are the calm in the crazy, the rock in the storm and I love being married to you. It is the greatest gift. And I love being a parent with you, so Malti Marie, 'Hi, babe.' I can't wait to come back here with you in 15 years and embarrass you in front of your friends." The former Disney Channel star was joined by his brothers at the prestigious event, who he has sold more than five million albums with since their days appearing on "Camp Rock" and "Hannah Montana" in the late 2000s, and Kevin went on to explain that the honour was "testament" to the support of their fans. He said, "This is a testament to the love and support of our fans, our family, and our friends who have been with us every step of the way. Thank you to everyone who has shown up, and even flown in, for this moment. We are so grateful to everyone who has made this possible, from our label to our management, to the media, and of course, most importantly, our fans." He added, "You have been the driving force behind everything we do, we couldn't have done this without you. So, thank you," the 35-year-old continued, before adding, "Oh, and to Joe and Nick, couldn't have been here without you! This is pretty awesome." You can share this post! Cover Images/BauerGriffin Celebrity The model, who previously announced that she wanted to be single forever, posts on her Instagram account that she will be giving sexual services to anyone who can get her the coveted Super Bowl tickets. Jan 31, 2023 AceShowbiz - Amber Rose seemingly is desperate for some coveted Super Bowl tickets. The model made headlines after she posted on her Instagram account that she'd be giving sexual services in exchange for the tickets. "Yo, who's a** I gotta eat to get tickets to the Super Bowl?" the 39-year-old star said in a post on Monday, January 30. She added in the caption, "B***h I'll have a busy eatin' contest for them tickets #FlyEaglesFly." The eyebrow-raising post quickly earned responses from Internet users with some potential suitors coming forward. Among them was Diplo, who simply left a hands up emoji in the comments section. Amber caught wind of his comment and replied, "Lmaoooo Diplo!!!!" Also hoping to spend some time with Amber was Russell Simmons. The 65-year-old Def Jam Recordings co-founder commented, "i got tickets." "Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino also expressed his interest in the offer as he wrote, "I'm sure I can find some." Prior to this, Amber shocked fans after she announced that she wanted to be single for the rest of her life. Sharing her thought on men in general, she said on "Sofia With an F" podcast, "It's worse than ever. They're pretty disgusting out here. They're f**king gross. Like, I wanna be single for the rest of my life." She explained, "I don't want to share my house or my life with anyone. I don't want anyone around my kids. I don't want to have sex It's so gross. I don't want it." Amber went on to claim that she's okay with the idea of being a lesbian, but she claimed that she's content "being by myself." The mom of two added, "I'm very happy to not be in my bed with anyone." Amber previously dated Alexander "AE" Edwards who is now dating Cher. The former couple, who was together for three years, called it quits in August 2021 with Amber accusing AE of cheating on her with at least 12 different people. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The Duchess of Cambridge, who shares four children with Princess William, notes that those raising children 'need the very best information' in order to ensure the best for the next generation. Jan 31, 2023 AceShowbiz - Catherine, Princess of Wales says it is "essential" that we "understand" the early years of a child's life. The 41-year-old royal, who shares Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Prince Louis with Prince William, has launched her "Shaping Us" campaign for her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. In an address in London on Monday, January 30, the Duchess of Cambridge noted that those raising children "need the very best information" in order to ensure the best for the next generation. She said, "The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become." "This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults. Those involved in raising children today need the very best information and support in helping to achieve this mission and this campaign aims to help do that too," she added. Catherine went on to give a "huge and heartfelt thank you" to everyone in attendance at the BAFTA event and expressed her gratitude for the "personal support" she had received before insisting that we can all make a "huge difference" for generations to come. She said, "I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to so many of you in this room, for your ongoing work in this area. Thank you for the years of dedication and your unfailing determination to advocate for and improve the lives of the youngest members of our society. And thank you also to many of you in this room this evening, for your personal support to me in helping me develop my thinking and work on this issue over the years As you all know, by building a supportive, nurturing world around children and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to generations to come." She concluded, "As you all know, by building a supportive, nurturing world around children and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to generations to come. Because fundamentally healthy, happy children shape a healthy, happy future." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The chatter about Latto's panties starts after a Twitter account mocked the 'B***h From Da Souf' femcee for donning the cheetah-print panties with two different outfits. Jan 31, 2023 AceShowbiz - Latto (Mulatto) had a hilarious way to further respond to an Internet troll, who called her out for wearing the same panties on two different occasions. On Monday evening, January 30, the "Bad Energy" raptress shared that she auctioned off her cheetah-print panties. "I'm gonna wear a pair today and sell em tomorrow," the raptress wrote on Instagram Stories alongside a picture of several panties in the same pattern. She went on to joke in another post, "Auction live on eBay since I can't wear them twice Link in bio." On her eBay page, the "Muwop" raptress titled the item "Latto's cheetah print panties" and the bidding began at 99 cents. The bids were climbing rapidly as it reached more than $95K with more than 80 bids entering. The listing, however, has since been deleted. Fans found the whole thing hilarious with someone writing in an Instagram comment, "I laugh in ridiculousness." Someone praised Latto, "If turning a negative to a positive was a person." "When you turn a joke into a profit now the same ones laughing ain't got s**t to do but hate," one person added. Latto herself also chimed in after her eBay page was reposted on The Shade Room, saying, "Prolly smell like a Frappuccino." The chatter about Latto's panties started after a Twitter account mocked the raptress for donning the panties with two different outfits. The person wrote in the caption, "Can't afford new panties?" The tweet didn't go unnoticed by Latto, who sarcastically responded, "Oh no, it's the panty police." After catching wind of the "B***h From Da Souf" femcee's tweet, Internet users did think it was too much. "The internet be soooo weird, people need to get a life fr. Didn't realize you had to throw away y'a panties after wearing them just once," one person opined. One other noted it was normal to wear the same panties more than once. "Normal people wear the same underwear more than once. It's a washer and dryer TF!" the person said. "So y'all don't have washing machines," one other said. You can share this post! Chinese, Dutch FMs talk over phone Xinhua) 08:39, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday talked over phone with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra. During the conversation, Qin said China looks forward to working with the Netherlands to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen exchanges at all levels and push for new progress in China-Netherlands relations. The defining feature of the China-Netherlands relationship is that it is open and practical, Qin said, adding that China is speeding up its efforts to promote high-quality development and high-level opening-up, which will bring greater opportunities to China-Netherlands cooperation. China, Qin said, stands ready to work with the Netherlands to strengthen cooperation in multilateral areas, support the 28th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in achieving positive outcomes, maintain stability of the international industry chain and supply chain, and promote an open and orderly international trade environment rather than a fragmented and chaotic one. For his part, Hoekstra said the Netherlands stands ready to strengthen interactions with China at all levels, deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, arms control, non-proliferation and climate change, and push forward their open and practical comprehensive cooperative partnership, adding that the Dutch side will continue to handle economic and trade affairs with China in a responsible manner. During their talks, the Dutch side invited China to attend the UN 2023 Water Conference co-hosted by it, and the Chinese side said it will send high-level delegates to the event. The two sides also exchanged views on the Japanese government's decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. Both sides agreed that such an action concerns human health and the marine environment, on which they agreed to maintain communication. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue, during which Qin reiterated that China will work with relevant parties to promote peace talks. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Flash The death toll from the suicide blast that ripped through a mosque on Monday afternoon in Pakistan's northwest provincial capital of Peshawar rose to 44, an official told Xinhua. Muhammad Asim, spokesperson for the Lady Reading Hospital, said the death toll rose after some of the wounded succumbed to their injuries and some more bodies were recovered from the debris of the mosque that collapsed following the blast. The spokesperson added that at least 157 injured people are still under treatment, out of whom 12 to 15 are in critical condition at the hospital, fearing that the death toll might further rise. The deceased included three police officers and other police personnel, civilians, a prayer leader and a woman who was residing in a house near the mosque. At least three of the victims have not been identified yet. Muhammad Ijaz Khan, capital city police officer of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, told Xinhua that around 300 people were praying in the mosque of the Police Lines area of the city when the blast happened, killing and wounding the people including the police officers. He said the powerful blast damaged a portion of the mosque building, which caved in and trapped many worshippers. The Police Lines is located in Peshawar's most sensitive area of cantonment where a large number of law enforcement agencies, including Frontier Corps, the counter-terrorism department of KP police, are situated, according to local reports. Official sources from the Peshawar police said that the target of the suicide bomber was the police personnel, adding that the bomber managed to sneak into the highly sensitive area before blowing himself up in the mosque. Following the explosion, the provincial health department declared an emergency in district Peshawar and asked all medical personnel to remain on duty. Security forces condoned off the area and launched a full-fledged investigation into the incident. Rahim Khan, a 35-year-old local resident, said he was inside the mosque when he suddenly heard a loud bang followed by cries and screams of the wounded. "For a moment I could not believe my eyes. I saw people covered in blood lying everywhere while screaming for help. This is the most horrible incident of my life ... I am still in a state of shock," Khan told Xinhua. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, saying the entire nation was standing united against the menace of terrorism. "Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan," he said, adding that a comprehensive strategy will be adopted to counter the deteriorating law and order situation in KP and the federal government will help provinces increasing their anti-terrorism capacity. No group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing yet. In an advisory issued dated January 27, 2023, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), has sought fresh online applications from the publishers seeking empanelment with CBC in the month of February 2023 for new publications. CBC will be opening the window for filing application for fresh empanelment by new and old publications on its website (www.davp.nic.in) from February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023. As per Clause 6.3.1. of the Print Media Advisory Policy, 2020, Fresh applications for empanelment may be made twice a year, that is, once during February, and the other during August, on the empanelment module on CBCs website. CBC further stated that the publishers who had applied online or had submitted physical files for empanelment in the months of August 2021, February 2022 and August 2022, their applications were under process. Credit Fair, a consumer lending fin-tech start-up, has appointed Vikas Agarwal as its Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer (CBO). In this new role, he will lead Supply of Capital initiatives including partnersihps with Co-lending and Independent Financial Adivosrs (IFAs). In addition, he will also lead the strategic alliances (fintech) and merchant relationship developments to accelerate the business growth for Credit Fair. Vikas will be closely working with Aditya Damani, Founder and CEO, Credit Fair. Before joining Credit Fair, Vikas founded a SME focused NBFC, SSA Finserv in 2019 and served as MD & CEO. He also founded Shree Krishna Corporate Advisors LLP in 2010, where he advised over 300 SMEs on raising debt worth over Rs. 500 crs. A chartered accountant from ICAI, Agarwal started his career in 2009 with Ernst & Young (EY), India. Vikas brings to the table over a decade of experience in the financial services sector especially in business development, debt raise, project finance, working capital finance and advisory to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). Welcoming Vikas, Aditya Damani, Founder and CEO, Credit Fair said, Vikas is joining us at an exciting phase of our journey, as we are witnessing a huge demand uptick for credit both at the business and consumer levels. With a proven combination of strategic thinking and strong execution capacity, he will help Credit Fair continue to deliver value to its customers and all the key stakeholders. He will be responsible for driving operational excellence of the company, thus helping in achieving our mission of enabling Fair Finance for Every Indian! Commenting on his appointment, Vikas Agarwal, Cofounder and CBO, Credit Fair said, I am excited to join Credit Fair and look forward to playing my role in effectively scaling up our credit delivery ecosystem across the country. I believe that the company is making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and small businesses by providing fair and accessible credit. I look forward to working with the team to introduce new-age innovations in financing and capture emerging opportunities such as green financing. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has delineated the procedure for public service broadcasting by the private satellite channels. As per Para 35 of the Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite Television Channels in India, 2022, a broadcaster having permission for uplinking a channel and its downlinking in India is required to undertake public service broadcasting for a minimum period of 30 minutes a day on themes of national and social importance. This has been mandated since airwaves/ frequencies are public property and need to be used in the best interest of te society. However, foreign TV channels only downlinked in India are exempted from following this mandate. After undertaking a series of consultations with the broadcasters and their Associations, MIB has now further refined these guidelines. TV channels are required to report public service broadcasting in the manner prescribed as per these guidelines with effect from March 1, 2023. Content In an advisory issued, the Ministry has stated that the list of themes of national importance and of social relevance given under Clause 35 of the Policy Guidelines are indicative and may be expanded to include similar subjects such as water conservation, disaster management, etc. Broadcasters can modulate their content and the relevant content embedded in the programmes may be accounted for public service broadcasting. The Ministry has further stated that such content can be shared between the broadcasters and could be repeat telecast on one or several channels. A common e-platform can also be developed as a repository of relevant videos or textual content from various sources for the purpose of public service broadcasting, which may be assessed and used by TV channels. Accounting of timing The Advisory further states that the public service content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch, but can be spread over smaller time slots. However, the time for which the public service broadcasting content is telecast in between commercial breaks shall not be accounted for the 12-minute limit for commercial breaks. The time for public service content shall be account cumulatively on a monthly basis, that is, 15 hours per month. The Minister further stated that the time for transmission of the relevant content shall be flexible except that any content transmitted from midnight to 6 am shall not be accounted for under public service broadcasting. As per Kantars ITOPS 2022 study, which completes 27 years of tracking the MSME market in India and covering MSMEs across 48 cities of India, the pandemic had hit the MSME businesses hard, but the segment has bounced back and is currently extremely positive about the business and Indian economy despite worry of tough global economic scenario. The pandemic has proven the resilience of the MSMEs and more MSMEs are also looking to invest in their business than in the past as they feel that economy will continue do well and somehow be insulated from probable global slowdown. This is evident from the fact that the MSMEs that are defined as wave-riders (Businesses that invest in-line with the economic growth of the country in order to stay competitive in the market)) has increased too. Similarly, these businesses are quite confident about their industry doing well. While only 1 out of 10 businesses were extremely confident about this in 2021, we have seen that more than 3/4 th of the businesses are hopeful of a strong growth in their industry now. Looking at the current scenario, it is important to mention that the current vision of MSMEs are not myopic one. More than half of the businesses are confident about increasing their revenue and executing their business plan for next 5 years. It is worthy to mention that there is a very keen interest on investing in technology and going digital is growing. Kantar has noticed that they have started investing heavily on these areas post pandemic and currently, there are very few MSMEs in India that are not exploring digital technology for their business. This is because of the demonstrable benefit that digital and technology has brought forth during the last couple of years. Discussing the latest findings from Kantar ITOPS study, Indranil Dutta, Vice President, Insights Division, Kantar feels that, while MSMEs have bounced back from COVID, it is important for them to continue with this positive mindset. It will only prevail if positivity gets translated into higher revenue and profitability. Given MSMEs are the lifeline of Indian business economy with contribution of 99.8% to all businesses in India and contributing to almost a third of the total GDP of the country, significant responsibility lies with government to help them grow. As the budget for FY 2023-24 is just round the corner, I am quite hopeful that Indian government shall continue to instill confidence in such businesses by providing attractive schemes and roadmap to flourish. Sky today announces 12 new unscripted original commissions coming to Sky Documentaries, Sky Crime, Sky Nature and Sky Arts in 2023. On Sky Documentaries, brand new feature doc Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse (w/t) will piece together the events of Mark Zuckerbergs life along with the creation of Facebook and Meta, combining rarely seen archive footage and exclusive interviews to take us up close and personal to one of the most powerful figures of the 21st century. Daley (w/t) is a definitive account of the life and career of athlete Daley Thompson and tracks his eight gold medals and four world records as he became the first athlete ever to hold wins in the Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European competitions simultaneously. Crime-lovers can tune in to Dublin Narcos, from the team behind BAFTA Award-winning Liverpool Narcos, tracking the rise in violence, addiction and organised crime in Dublin from the 1980s to present day. The Wicklow Mountains west of Dublin are the backdrop for Gone: Irelands Vanishing Triangle (w/t), exploring the mystery of six women who went missing without trace in the darkly wooded hills between 1993 and 1998. New docu-series Who Killed Lin and Megan Russell? (w/t) explores one of the most shocking multiple murders of the 90s as Michael Stone, after serving 25 years in prison, prepares a last appeal against his murder conviction. Meanwhile, a complex ecological crime story is unpicked in The Great Rhino Robbery (w/t), exploring how the rhino horn came to be more valuable than gold. One-off feature documentary Forced Out (w/t) asks why being gay in the Armed Forces remained illegal until as late as 2000, telling the story of the countless men and women dishonourably discharged because of their sexuality. On Sky Nature Steve Backshall returns with his next series Whale with Steve Backshall which will take viewers on a journey across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans to uncover the worlds most popular yet endangered whales and dolphins. Watch a teaser clip here As in many other developed countries, government, not industry, compensates families in the event of vaccine injury. Thus GSKs apparent lack of concern for the vaccines adverse effects is notable and perhaps not surprising. In the final assessment, the report states that [t]he benefit/risk profile of Infanrix hexa continues to be favourable, despite GSKs acknowledgement that the vaccine causes side effects including anaemia haemolytic autoimmune,thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, haemolytic anemia, cyanosis, injection site nodule, abcess and injection site abscess, Kawasakis disease, important neurological events (including encephalitis and encephalopathy), Henoch-Schonlein purpura, petechiae, purpura, haematochezia, allergic reactions (including anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions), and death (see page 9). Presiding Judge Nicola Di Leo considered another piece of damning evidence: a 1271-page confidential GlaxoSmithKline report (now available on the Internet ). This industry document provided ample evidence of adverse events from the vaccine, including five known cases of autism resulting from the vaccines administration during its clinical trials (see table at page 626, excerpt below). Based on expert medical testimony, the court concluded that the child more likely than not suffered autism and brain damage because of the neurotoxic mercury, aluminum and his particular susceptibility from a genetic mutation. The Court also noted that Infanrix Hexa contained thimerosal, now banned in Italy because of its neurotoxicity, in concentrations greatly exceeding the maximum recommended levels for infants weighing only a few kilograms. Like the U.S., Italy has a national vaccine injury compensation program to give some financial support to those people who are injured by compulsory and recommended vaccinations. The Italian infant plaintiff received three doses of GlaxoSmithKlines Infanrix Hexa, a hexavalent vaccine administered in the first year of life. These doses occurred from March to October 2006. The vaccine is to protect children from polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis and Haemophilus influenza type B. In addition to these antigens, however, the vaccine then contained thimerosal, the mercury-containing preservative, aluminum, an adjuvant, as well as other toxic ingredients. The child regressed into autism shortly after receiving the three doses. When the parents presented their claim for compensation first to the Ministry of Health, as they were required to do, the Ministry rejected it. Therefore, the family sued the Ministry in a court of general jurisdiction, an option which does not exist in the same form in the U.S. On September 23, 2014, an Italian court in Milan award compensation to a boy for vaccine-induced autism. (See the Italian document here.) A childhood vaccine against six childhood diseases caused the boys permanent autism and brain damage. While the Italian press has devoted considerable attention to this decision and its public health implications, the U.S. press has been silent. The Milan decision is sober, informed and well-reasoned. The Ministry of Health has stated that it has appealed the Courts decision, but that appeal will likely take several years, and its outcome is uncertain. Rimini: 2012 Two years earlier, on May 23, 2012, Judge Lucio Ardigo of an Italian court in Rimini presided over a similar judgment, finding that a different vaccine, the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine (MMR), had caused a childs autism. (See: Italian MMR Remini decision 2012) As in the Milan case, the Ministry of Healths compensation program had denied compensation to the family, yet after a presentation of medical evidence, a court granted compensation. There, too, the Italian press covered the story; the U.S. press did not. In that case, a 15-month old boy received his MMR vaccine on March 26, 2004. He then immediately developed bowel and eating problems and received an autism diagnosis with cognitive delay within a year. The court found that the boy had been damaged by irreversible complications due to vaccination (with trivalent MMR). The decision flew in the face of the conventional mainstream medical wisdom that an MMR-autism link has been debunked. *** Both these Italian court decisions break new ground in the roiling debate over vaccines and autism. These courts, like all courts, are intended to function as impartial, unbiased decision makers. The courts decisions are striking because they not only find a vaccine-autism causal link, but they also overrule the decisions of Italys Ministry of Health. And taken together, the court decisions found that both the MMR and a hexavalent thimerosal- and aluminum-containing vaccine can trigger autism. These court decisions flatly contradict the decisions from the so-called U.S. vaccine court, the Court of Federal Claims Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. There, from 2007 to 2010, in the Omnibus Autism Proceeding, three decision makers, called Special Masters, found that vaccines did not cause autism in any of the six test cases, and one Special Master even went so far as to compare the theory of vaccine-induced autism to Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland. The Italian court decisions contrast starkly with these U.S. cases based on similar claims. How do we reconcile the difference between the U.S. and Italian decisions in similar cases? Whats different about Italy? Well, there may be many differences, but a critical one is that in the U.S., if someone loses in the government vaccine injury compensation program, she cannot sue the government in civil court; she can sue only the manufacturer. In the U.S., her family would have to shoulder legal fees in a David and Goliath mismatch, pitting a global pharmaceutical behemoth against a family likely already suffering financially from serious health costs. Furthermore, since 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court has foreclosed potential cases and class action lawsuits to contest unreasonably dangerous vaccine designs, such as the use of thimerosal as a preservative or the simultaneous administration of multiple live viruses, such as the MMR. Since the Supreme Courts 2011 Bruesewitz v. Wyeth decision, no court in the U.S. can entertain vaccine design defect claims, the most likely legal actions to aggregate plaintiffs in similar circumstances against large, pharmaceutical defendants. Unlike American victims of vaccine injury, the Italian plaintiffs didnt have to sue GSK; they sued the Ministry of Health. In both the Milan and Rimini decisions, the plaintiffs won compensation based on findings that vaccines caused autism. One might say that these cases achieved nothing more than a small payout for injured children. But arguably the families, lawyers and medical experts behind these cases achieved far more. They took the issue of vaccine-induced autism to impartial courts, and they got clear a clear judicial answer based on the evidence: vaccines cause autism. Are court decisions science? Of course not. There is a desperate need for more science on autism and the role that vaccines play, flimsy industry, medical and government retorts to the contrary notwithstanding. But in the current absence of the necessary science on vaccines and autism, decisions of impartial judicial tribunals, based on extensive evidence and testimony, may be some of the best sources of information and insight we have. Mary S. Holland is a Research Scholar at the NYU School of Law and chairs the advisory board of the non-profit organization Health Choice. Woke speech is the language of hate, because woke is a hate movement. Everything about woke comes from a place of hate. You needn't dig down to the deep core of woke to find hate, because the hate is up front and center in woke. People who are truly marginalized aren't on television, or in Congress. People who are truly marginalized are ignored by the larger society; they aren't in the spotlight. People who are marginalized don't complain about their plight because they can't. Nobody pays attention to them or what they say or do. They don't live in royal palaces, host television shows, receive awards at televised events, publish magazines, or have any title such as "the Honorable" in their name. They don't have 100k followers, aren't on TV competing on Ru Paul's Drag Race, don't have book deals, aren't in college, and they aren't writing for blogs on their phones made by slaves. The marginalized people who made our phones and their components have no voice. When they tried to have a voice by leaping to their deaths out the phone factory windows... the woke defenders of the marginalized watched nets being put up to catch the jumpers and went right back to tweeting about their own oppression, proving once again, they care little for real plights experienced by real people... and that real marginalized people have no voice. The irony of the voiceless being slaves in a phone factory is lost on the woke. The woke don't beg the unwoke to stop marginalizing the marginalized. Instead, they demand that others engage in linguistic gymnastics. They engage in ad hominem attacks on assumed oppressors. Name calling, screaming, and tantrums to demonstrate how much they are using their privilege as helpful allies. They hurl insults rather than try to convince or sway the people they are attacking to see their point of view. They allow no room for misunderstanding or ignorance of their numerous and ever-changing linguistic rules. A truly marginalized person would try to reason with their oppressors should they ever be given the opportunity to have a voice. The truly marginalized will use that voice to calmly explain how they have been oppressed, and how it could end; they almost never just start screaming... unless it is an appropriate situation like directing anger over murdered relatives at a war criminal during the sentencing phase of a trial. The truly oppressed rarely have opportunity to stand in public holding a sign stating their grievances, and never have opportunity to do so on the internet. People who mutilate themselves and are angered by the fact that self-mutilation is off-putting to people who don't mutilate themselves arent marginalized, no matter how angry they get. Self-marginalization isn't marginalization from the white, cis, heteronormative patriarchy, it's self-destructive behavior. That's it. (Nothing to see here, just attention seeking.) The woke think that an employer who might be leery of hiring someone with blue hair and piercings who screams on social media about how oppressed they are is a bigot. When in fact people who dye their hair blue and pierce or cut off everything they can cut off or pierce and then scream on the internet about their oppression are in fact a narcissistic whack jobs. The smart prospective employer knows that hiring people who insist that they never make mistakes, is a mistake. And in their own estimation, the woke never make mistakes. Just last week I was engaged in a high dollar cash transaction with a woke young person wearing a button informing me of it's preferred pronouns. Her/she rang up the merchandise incorrectly. I tried to warn her/she of the sizable impending error in my favor, and I was rebuffed in the most hostile manner imaginable. I walked away with an undeserved discount, and her/she doesn't seem to work there anymore. Apparently, it was better for her to lose the job than risk mansplaination of her mistake. Any kindness, true generosity, or attempt toward understanding directed at the woke by the unwoke is instantly rebuffed as criticism, bigotry and harassment. Any concession given the woke by the unwoke is only used as evidence of bigotry and used to justify harassment and punishment for imagined transgressions. The woke aren't fighting for a better world, or anything in it. The woke are fighting because they want to fight. Woke is a contagious version of societal narcissistic personality disorder. The absence of empathy supplemented by manipulation and other toxic behaviors resulting in abuse of others. To be woke is the action of engaging in a histrionic harangue, with no satisfactory outcome available other than continue the harangue. The woke use a figurative microscope to seek out new ways to feel oppressed. The woke lie in the gutter and scream incoherently that they occupy moral high ground. The woke are smug, self righteous, arrogant, exclusionary, and intolerant of others feelings or experiences. The woke are mean bullies. Woke was/is trendy, and trendy is temporary. Woke is being enshrined into culture and law, which are more permanent. Poodle skirts were trendy at one point too... wisely, we did not enshrine them into law. But woke isn't an article of clothing, or a haircut. It isn't a dance, song, catchphrase, or piercing. Woke is the intentional infliction of damage onto others. Woke is "justified" abuse. Woke is the act of doxing, swatting, complaining, and swarming in the hope of inflicting pain or even death on someone who dare disagree. Woke treats inclusion the same way political pawns treat power inside the D.C. Beltway... like a finite resource, to be guarded jealously. Thus, segregation has become the new inclusion. Woke is spiteful, its language is designed to taunt while it destroys reason and courtesy. Woke language is designed to make people feel bad about themselves and everyone around them. Words like "cisgendered", "white___", "mansplain", "transphobe" and "hetronormative" are designed to insult, malign and other. Any attempt at discussion or debate regarding any of the woke principles is met with ridicule and hostility, ad hominem attacks, and the inevitable tantrums. Woke feeds off a bounty of negative thoughts and emotions. The woke never seem happy because they never are happy. They want to be miserable. They desperately want you (or anyone) to say anything that they can construe and spin into something they can perceive as an insult or transgression. Forgiveness is not a part of the woke ritual. Forgiveness requires understanding, nuance, introspection and privacy; woke demands punitive public spectacle, with negative "likes" acting as digital lashings with degrading comments and humiliation dished out endlessly. Especially if an attempt at apology has been made by the transgressor. Woke offers no comfort for its adherents. There is no peace to be found at the end of woke, no prosperity. Woke won't be paying a dividend, and it won't form very good networks of connectivity for advancement in life. Woke is petty, obtuse, and insufferable. Woke can't take care of itself, much less anyone else. Woke is about making excuses for, and enabling poor life choices. When a young black man is killed by five black police officers for not complying with their commands the woke demonstrate in the name of combating white supremacy. There is some serious excuse making going on. The woke need to settle legal issues right now, this very second. The woke don't want to wait for the judge. By refusing to comply with police orders, the woke force police to be the only arbiters of justice, defendants shot by police because they refused to follow orders never get the opportunity to present their case in court. I have watched hundreds of hours of police dash and body cam footage of thousands of police shootings, including some where the ultimate actions of the officers were questionable. In no instance did the police officer ever instigate a shooting without some kind of provocation from the defendant. In each and every case, no matter how unarmed and studious the suspect, that person refused a lawful order, usually "please step out of the car" (Pennsylvania v Mimms 1977, you MUST exit the vehicle when instructed to do so by a police officer). In most shootings there are multiple times that the suspect could have avoided being shot, simply by following instructions and allowing the process to take place. If the police pull you over because you are black, and for no other reason, you should want to have your case heard by the judge... you should be eager for that. But woke won't afford the black community that dignity because going into schools and teaching children what to do and how to behave in a police encounter is "racist". I honestly don't see how teaching any driver about Pennsylvania v. Mimms and how that ruling might affect them in a traffic stop is racist... but that's just me. What started as the "Summer of Love" in the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco has come full circle to become an anti-liberty, pro-war, anti-life, genetically modified, sexually charged, money printing festival of debauchery. The "me" generation has new pronouns, and you had better get them right. Because woke is the world's newest Haight movement. Pohto credit: JMacPherson (cropped) CC BY 2.0 license Donald Trump was a great, if imperfect, president. By the third year of his presidency, the country was flourishing. The economy was roaring, jobs were up, incomes were up, gas prices were down, and America and Americans were doing fairly well. But then a funny thing happened on the way to the election. The swamp struck back via Covid and the George Floyd protests. Neither of those was of Trumps making, but Democrats used both to steal the election. The Democrats didnt create Covid or put Floyd in the morgue, but they used the lockdowns and the riots to sufficiently upend American life so that they could steal the election under the cover of chaos. Those were tests, and Donald Trump failed. With Covid, he allowed the country to be misled by a snake oil salesman and, with the Floyd protests, he didnt send in the troops. Its easy to understand, of course, why he failed. Anthony Fauci had played a role in Americas various health crises for decades and was an internationally respected doctor. As the media was hyping the idea that the virus could wipe out mankind, Fauci was a voice of calm, reassuring the country that, with distance, masks, and lockdowns, we would persevere. At the same time, when Trump raised questions about anything that diverged from the Big Pharma/media narrative or suggested we should remember the economic costs of lockdowns, the media, medical people, and scientists attacked, lampooned, and vilified him unmercifully. Given the fusillade facing him, its not a surprise that Trump couldnt recognize the lies the American people were being served. Image: Donald Trump by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. On the George Floyd-inspired Antifa/BLM riots, Trump failed, and thats on him, although again, one can see why he acted the way he did. As one article explains, Section 252 of the Insurrection Act permits deployment (of military troops) in order to enforce the laws of the United States or to suppress rebellion whenever unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce federal law in that state by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. Thus, Trump could have used the military to stop the violence that cities were unwilling or unable to stop. Trump knew this, saying in early June 2020, If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them. The Democrats pilloried him, with Pelosi stating: But there is no reason for the U.S. military to be called out for this. Trump chose not to act, likely because he knew Democrats would brand him a tyrant or dictator if he did, despite the fact that FDR, Kennedy, LBJ, and Bush 41 all used troops for far smaller riots. His forbearance was irrelevant because Democrats attacked him anyway for thinking about troops. That Donald Trump failed at leading the country through those two disasters is, sadly, understandable. Given the savagery and breadth of the relentless attacks on him, it would have taken someone just short of Zeus to have succeeded. The result of that failure was that Democrats stole the election, and Trump lost the White House. Fast forward two years. In November, Trump announced he was running, and he said many of the right things, starting with In order to make America great and glorious again. I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States. Possibly the best line of the night was, But just as I promised in 2016, I am your voice. I am your voice. The Washington establishment wants to silence us, but we will not let them do that. That all sounds great, but the question is: Has Trump learned the hard lesson that the swamp is the Terminator, it will not stop, it cannot be negotiated with, the swamp knows no parties or limits, and it must be crushed? Otherwise, it will kill him, kill his supporters and kill the Republic of the United States. Recent events seem to suggest that he has not learned. First, he endorsed Dr. Oz over a rock-solid MAGA candidate in Pennsylvania. Oz was anything but MAGA and went on to lose to a literally brain-damaged Democrat. Trump made other MAGA endorsements, but Pennsylvanias was for one of the most important swing states in the nation, and he blew it. Next, in December, he endorsed the decidedly not MAGA Kevin McCarthy for Speaker even though there were several MAGA candidates in the running. In 2021, McCarthy stated, I dont think anybody is questioning the legitimacy of the presidential election. Thats true, except for virtually every single MAGA voter in America and 70% of the larger GOP as well. Then, earlier this month, Trump threw his most ardent supporters, the pro-life movement, under the bus, stating, It was the abortion issue, poorly handled by many Republicansthat lost large numbers of Voters. He continued, Also, the people that pushed so hard, for decades, against abortion, got their wish from the U.S. Supreme Court, & just plain disappeared, not to be seen again. That was completely unnecessary and wrong, to boot. Then, quixotically, he invited the biggest dolt in Congress, Senator Lindsey Graham, who actually proposed a nationwide abortion ban less than two months before the election, to be with him at his first campaign event! Most Republicans despise the warmonger and big-spending Graham, behind only McConnell and perhaps Collins, Murray, and Romney. Then, finally, despite six years of failure, Trump supported the grifter Ronna McDaniel to lead the Republican Party over the incomparable super lawyer and MAGA candidate Harmeet Dhillon. If there was ever anyone in the Republican Party who shouldve been ousted and replaced by a dyed-in-the-wool grassroots MAGA candidate, it was McDaniel. McDaniel was recently revealed to have spent over $2 million from the RNC treasury on luxury travel and private jets, $300,000 on flowers, $75,000 on beauty and spa treatments, and $1,280 on LBGTQ+ filings! She did all of this while undermining MAGA candidates in the midterms. McDaniel is the antithesis of the grassroots MAGA voter. She is the polar opposite of the farmers, plumbers, police, truckers, and steel workers who put Trump into office in the first place and the ones who recognized the coup. Theyre the 50,000 people who filled stadiums and were in the trenches with him. But McDaniel and the establishment loathe them. If Trump circa 2024 hasnt figured out that success lies with the grassroots MAGA voters who put him in the White House rather than with the establishment grifters who lead the party todaywith his helpthen Im not sure what the motivation is to support him is. 2024 is too important a moment in American history to let serial failures like the establishment McFailures (McConnell, McCarthy, and McDaniel) lead the way. This election may well be the last opportunity for Americans to rescue the nation from a Democrat party that has turned our cities into dystopian wastelands, turned 40% of American children into gender-confused lab rats, and seeks to balkanize the nation based on race, sex and anything else the swamps denizens can think of. The swamps goal is power, and it knows no party. McDaniel & Co. is its GOP arm, and if Trump doesnt recognize that, then the baggage that comes with supporting him isnt worth the fight because, with those charlatans leading the way, come January 20, 2025, there will be another Democrat being sworn in. Follow Vince on Twitter at @ImperfectUSA. Enemies of Freedom wish to see our prosperous nation willingly give up our success to become a failed state. Think about the enormity and monstrous nature of that goal they set for themselves. All they had at first were the obvious imperfections of our country to work with, and our enemy commenced from there. Have you considered the impact of the plan by the destroyers to change our language and its influence on all of us? Within this strategy is another plan to change the emotional impact of words we never contemplated or would not have given a passing glance. To be successful, destroyers must control the meaning of words. The destroyers had to take a functioning country with the world's largest middle class and tank it. Not only that, but to tank it with the acquiescence of a significant portion of the population and make it appear noble. Where do you start? First, you become a metaphorical geologist and, in that way, uncover our stress points. But instead of rock, you look at fissures like inequities, racial disparities, the continuing breakdown of families, and how to take on the economic and political power structures. Introduce fear, such as claiming the end of the world is at hand through climate change. Then, institutionalize the process so that challenging "change" identifies you as one of the dangerous ones standing in the way of "progress." Remember former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel? He is widely credited for saying, "Never let a crisis go to waste." He associated with Clinton, Ayers, and other members of those New Left radicals who are primarily responsible for where we are today. That period began while George H. Bush was still in office, and their power and influence still grows to this day. That cabal built an organization of reflexive haters of America. Bill Ayers is one of those central figures of the New Woke generation. Read some of his quotes that validate his hatred of America and its institutions: Kill all the rich people. Break up their cars and apartments. Bring the revolution home, kill your parents; that's where it's really at "I get up every morning and think...today I'm going to end capitalism." "The fact is that in my prep school, I went to a boarding school; 39 young men graduated from that prep school. Five years later, a quarter of us was in SDS, in Students for Democratic Society. Not because we were particularly chosen or because we were, as I say, we were lucky. Still, we were mainly lucky to grow up at a time when this black freedom movement was really defining the moral character of what it meant to be a citizen and a person." "I get up every morning and think today; I'm going to make a difference. Today I'm going to end capitalism. Today I'm going to make a revolution. I go to bed every night disappointed, but I'm back to work tomorrow, and that's the only way you can do it." Ayers was not the founder of the anti-capitalism, anti-American movement, but he worked to perfect it and to convince many adherents who soon would become key players in our country. To save America, you have to destroy it first, they believed. Who were some of those people? Barack Obama Hillary and Bill Clinton Bernardine Dohrn Jane Fonda Rahm Emanuel Jeremiah Wright Think about the phrase." Speech is Violence." What is notable about this hyperlink is its source, Psychology Today. "Hateful speech," according to Feldman Barrett, is so stressful that it should be prohibited because, as she reports, chronic stress can shrink your telomeres." According to the article, speech is so dangerous that it claims, "Faculty and administrators across the country are telling students they will suffer irreparable harm if they engage with ideas they find abhorrent, or even interact in a civil manner with the people who hold those ideas." If this were an isolated statement, we wouldn't be too concerned. But this kind of thought is established dogma in thousands of schools across the nation, from elementary to university. This is not simply another tool of the Destroyers. Changing our history, how we speak, our country's iconology and our culture redefines who we are. And, once it's gone, how do you bring it back? It's the same with removing historical figures like Jefferson and other important figures from history that form our past. Who rewrites history? Nazis Communists Intellectuals Politicians The list goes on. What empowers some to determine what's true and what's not? "reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.." wrote George Orwell in 1984. Who should tell you how to live your life, even with whom you can associate? Have we become so spoon-fed that what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears is no longer valid? When we no longer believe what we witness and instead favor what we are told, we are no longer real Americans. You have passed the Destroyers Litmus test, for when you see the truth right in front of your eyes, yet deny it. If one plus one no longer equals two, you have become one of 'them.' How did the destoyers gain so much power over us? The University of Pennsylvania received $54 million from China, and China gave over $1 billion to other U.S. universities. Why do you think they make such donations? It is for influence, access to technology, and the power to circumvent U.S. laws and even money laundering. Much of it is, indeed, all about the Benjamins. Bill Ayers and his ilk understood what it would take to bring America to its knees. Changing our language, getting rid of our iconology (think America's Flag and Pledge of Allegiance), and changing history to take away our natural pride, tenacity, and very intellectual being is required to get to their end game. We must fight back with force against those with a generation or two head start on the rest of us. If someone comes into your house to kidnap your baby, no amount of your righteous indignation will suffice in defense. We must commit to total war against those intruders who hold such blackness in their hearts. Such is another litmus test we will need to pass to survive. God Bless America! Allan J. FeiferPatriot, Author, Businessman, and Thinker. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com Graphic credit: Robert Couse-Baker CC BY 2.0 license There are many explanations for Trump's spectacular success in the 2016 election and during the first 30 months of his presidency. There are as many explanations for his descent into more spectacular failures. Using Occam's Razor "plurality should not be posited without necessity" my view is that Trump has two traits that account for both: Trump is amazingly stubborn and breathtakingly naive. Entering and winning the 2016 election required both traits. Occasionally, not knowing the odds against success is an asset. That occasion has passed. Over time, naivete results in failure. Trump's failures continue piling up. 1. COVID. For 30 months as president, Trump successfully implemented standard conservative policies, which were successful, as all of us knew they would be. Even liberals know that conservative policies work. They just have a counterproductive agenda. COVID provided a novel challenge requiring adaptation. Trump fell for the Fauci-Birx agenda. Two weeks to slow the curve became a forever nightmare on Trump's watch. As disagreements mounted, Trump left Fauci and Birx in place. They continued to spread the "shut down" mantra. Trump started a runaway train and didn't stop it. Most performers and politicians know the risks of overexposure. Trump did not. He appeared virtually every night on camera with his enemies while facing a hostile press corps. He gave his enemies ample opportunities to successfully make him look foolish. Two governors took a different path. Kemp in Georgia and, to a greater degree, DeSantis in Florida did not shut down. They took criticism, but, unlike Trump, they rose above it. Today, Trump is a critic of both men as he stubbornly defends his failure. There are lessons here. Some people, in this case Kemp and DeSantis, can deal with novel problems. They can also overcome a hostile press. Trump's record poses two problems. One is that he could make a similar mistake again. The greater problem is that a real crisis could arise that demands drastic action. If DeSantis said we have a major problem, everyone, including liberals, would believe him. But Trump would be the little boy who cried wolf. 2. Elections. When asked if the 2020 votes were fairly counted, my response is "I don't know, and neither do you." The numerous anomalies make the answer unknowable. What we do know is that the often illegal changes in the election laws in several states mean that the election was neither free nor fair. For example, the mass mailing of ballots invites votes from people who either are dead or have moved away. The bigger problem is that mass mailing denies everyone a secret ballot. A ballot-harvester who knows you have a ballot could be an employer, a union leader, or a gangbanger. Trump used these anomalies to naively insist that he be installed as president and that Kari Lake be installed as governor of Arizona too little, too late. That talk more than anything else will cost Trump the 2024 election, by costing him independent voters, who view these demands as attempts to override the Constitution The time to fight voting problems was before the election. For example, Florida's increased population meant redistricting. DeSantis vetoed two weak legislative efforts. He finally forced his own new set of districts on the Legislature, which resulted in four additional GOP congressmen. Had DeSantis not taken action, the current GOP House majority would be one vote. DeSantis acts when his actions produce results. Trump rages, with acts that are too little and too late. 3. Endorsements. Trump made many endorsements in 2022. Many of his people won, but in the marquee races that determined a Senate majority, almost all of Trump's picks spectacularly failed. In Pennsylvania, Oz lost to a zombie. In Georgia, Walker lost to a slum landlord, while all the other Republicans running for statewide office won. In Ohio, J.D. Vance won but by significantly fewer votes than the rest of the GOP slate. We all know about the losses in Nevada, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Trump based his endorsements on people loyal to him and on being well known in areas other than politics. Trump's endorsements had a negative effect in spite of their prior notoriety. Within a GOP primary, Trump's blessing carries weight. In the general election, it is counterproductive. For Trump, and the rest of us, to pretend otherwise is naive. 4. Support. Trump believes he can win in 2024 in spite of losing important support he had in 2020. Evangelical Christians are now withdrawing support from him. Most of his financial supporters oppose him. Trump had some media support from the Rupert Murdoch empire, which includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the N.Y. Post. Murdoch now says he and his publishing empire would support a Democrat over Trump. Trump still thinks he can win. I hope the rest of us have outgrown believing in fairy tales. My admiration for Trump's accomplishments is on record. In one article, I swept away all the standard criticism. Unlike Rupert Murdoch, I will vote for Trump if he is the Republican nominee. But my vote won't make up for all the losses. It's true that some polls have Trump beating Biden. We would be naive to believe that the Dems will run Biden in 2024. They'll find a better candidate. It's time we acknowledge Trump's contributions and then cut him loose. A loss in 2024 will undo all the good that the first 30 months of Trump's presidency bequeathed us. That doesn't need to happen. We can win just not with Trump. Image: Ninian Reid via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). The other day, I noticed a moving display that read, Rise Above Racial Injustice. Only it wasnt moving in the emotional sense; it was traveling down the road. While sitting in my car at a red light in Chapel Hill, NC, a large public transit bus passed by fully decorated with woke messaging. Next to the Rise Above Racial Injustice slogan were illustrated portraits of two residents, each wearing large medical masks, surrounded by the phrases, my self worth negates racist remarks and rise above hate. As part of an Art + Transit program, the town of Chapel Hill commissioned full vinyl wraps for three public passenger buses. Artists applied for the opportunity to display their social justice artwork. Winners included the Racial Injustice design, a Cant Stop Pride design with a raised fist (probably not the best slogan for a vehicle that stops repeatedly), and a LatinX Pride bus festooned with cartoon hearts and various gendered Spanish terms like mama and papa. Even the interiors didnt escape activist art. The bus ceilings are wrapped as well: one program participant explained, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, so why not a bus? Chapel Hills public transportation bureaucrats ignored their towns own policies. Public transit advertising rules state that Chapel Hill Transit does not intend to create a public forum for public discourse or expressive activity, and maintain[s] an image of neutrality on political matters and other noncommercial issues that are the subject of public debate or concern. Just like the fiery but mostly peaceful protests of 2020 in the midst of COVID lockdowns, rules dont apply when it comes to select and exaggerated social injustices. After taking in the imposingly woke city buses, I wondered if public school buses are next. How soon will Who doesnt love a yellow school bus? become, Who doesnt love a non-binary gender neutral racial tolerance and educational liberation bus? Chapel Hill schools are primed for this hypothetical to become reality. In 2021, the Chapel Hill School District hired a new Superintendent, Nyah Hamlett, Ed.D. (The previous superintendent resigned following revelations that she hired an educational equity consultant company without school board approval.) The new hire came from Loudoun County, Virginia, a district infamous for woke controversies, including a female raped in the girls bathroom by a boy wearing a skirt. During Hamletts tenure as Chief of Staff for Loudoun County Schools, the district developed an Action Plan to Combat Systemic Racism including a Student Equity Ambassador program that would later be challenged in a lawsuit as viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause. Dr. Hamlett immediately emphasized equity following her move to Chapel Hill. Its really about modeling equity in the work that we do, and having it embedded in everything that we do. Equity is something that has to support, and be the foundation of, our work, she stated. With significant support and involvement from Hamlett, Chapel Hill Schools released its Think (and Act) Differently 2027 Strategic Plan with five core values: Engagement, Social Justice Action, Collective Efficacy, Wellness, Joy. Clearly the strategic plan encourages a childs call to activism over academic achievements, and the children must show joy in this vision. To push partisan activism on kids, Hamlett receives a $226,000 per year government salary. Not unlike the Student Equity Ambassador program of Loudoun County, Hamlett started an Equity and Empathy Ambassador Program in Chapel Hill composed of 39 high schoolers from the district. To Hamletts delight, her personal ambassadors of wokism successfully lobbied the district to eliminate class rankings. The deputized social-justice warriors have their sights set on rendering homework useless, calling for grades based on completion rather than accuracy. Without grades, there can be no inequities. Unfortunately, recent controversy has disrupted Hamletts march toward a more equitable but less academic future here in North Carolina. An anonymous tip led a local newspaper, the News & Observer, to investigate whether Hamlett plagiarized portions of her education doctorate dissertation. The article included interviews with three plagiarism experts, reporting: The multiple examples of duplicate wording and incorrectly cited sources suggest intentional plagiarism, two experts told The N&O, although a third expert viewed it more as a case of sloppy work. The credible questions of plagiarism against the school superintendent could not stand. In an open letter that deserves to be read in Gretas How dare you! voice, a self-described multiracial group came together because of concern that [the] superintendent was undergoing this kind of attack. According to the authors, investigations of plagiarism are racist and a clear violation of public transit slogans. The letter quoted one teacher asking, If she wasnt a Black woman, would they be asking these same questions about her dissertation? Asserting, Its not typical that we scrutinize the academic work our leaders completed as students, (Hamletts dissertation was published only five years ago) the authors insisted, Black educators in our town report exaggerated levels of scrutiny and suspicion regarding their academic backgrounds and their work. The N&O journalist, Dan Kane, was also reprimanded in the letter. Instead of working with an anonymous informer to dredge up plagiarism charges against Dr. Hamlett, the authors thought Kane should apply his investigative energy and resources to reporting on Dr. Hamlett's outstanding performance as superintendent. Is this journalist not willing to ride Chapel Hills Rise Above Racial Injustice bus? Hamlett published her own statement on the matter prior to the news article, which Mr. Kane cited. She stood by her dissertation while inferring that the questions of plagiarism were an unnecessary and frivolous distraction. I do not know why this topic may be represented in a local news article, she wrote in boldface type. In a radio interview, she admitted plagiarism was a serious charge, but again asserted the allegations were mere distractions: I had to address something that was not specific to our schools. Plagiarism is specific to Chapel Hill Schools. School board policy describes plagiarism and copying as a violation of academic integrity. At one point the radio host (a former public high school English teacher) bravely told the Superintendent, To be a little bit blunt some of those passages I would have made a high school student rewrite if Id seen that and that much content had been not changed in any way without a citation. Chapel Hill transportation governance can be ignored for select social and political messaging. Questions of plagiarism by a Chapel Hill official should be disregarded if the accused represents a certain racial class or activist ideology. According to the social justice mindset, whether or not the Chapel Hill School Superintendent is guilty of plagiarism -- accidental or otherwise -- is not the issue: that she is even questioned is an act of racial injustice. This sets a dangerous precedent already manifesting at a federal level. U.S. representative Sheila Jackson Lee proposed legislation that would punish anyone who published material advancing white supremacy, white supremacist ideology. directed against any non-White person or group if that material was read by someone who perpetrated a white supremacy inspired hate crime. Several hundred people signed the open letter claiming racism drove the allegations and articles questioning Superintendent Hamlett. Under Jackson Lees bill, would the news article be seen as an act of white supremacist ideology? In being blunt with Hamlett, will the radio host be charged with advancing white supremacy? At the school board meeting following the published plagiarism allegations, numerous members of the community spoke in support of Hamlett. One speaker read a statement written by a Chapel Hill parent: This attack is so classically Chapel Hill. Its heartbreaking and unsurprising in the same breath. Understandably, the tipster wished to remain anonymous. Investigating unethical behavior in a progressive town has reputational risk. If you dare ask legitimate questions of a woke government official, expect to be run over by a social injustice bus. Image: Nancy Andersen In the words of Karl Marx, the theorist of communism, history reveals itself the first as tragedy, then as farce. Another 19th century philosopher Hegel said that The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. It seems that today we are witnessing another confirmation of these profound thoughts. What is happening in Ukraine is not an isolated event that arose either by misunderstanding or as a result of one man's ill will. It would be wrong to assume that Russia's attack on Ukraine was due to an unfortunate miscalculation by the Russian president. On the contrary, all current events are a logical step in the centuries-long history of the Russian state, which has always been aimed at imperial expansion and the conquest of foreign lands. The conquest of Siberia, Central Asia, countless wars with Turkey, with Sweden, with Lithuania, with Austria, with Persia, with Napoleonic France, with Finland, with Afghanistan its only a small list of the Russian wars of aggression. Russia has never been interested in developing its own country and improving the lives of its people, but only in expanding its territory at the expense of its neighbors. Putin's power is not a legacy of past traditions, but an inseparable continuation of centuries of the Russian expansion, one inseparable chain of colonialism from the time of Ivan the Terrible, to Alexander the First, to Stalin, to Brezhnev and now Putin. The vast majority of Russians (about 70%) support the war in Ukraine and are not concerned about any moral constraints in this regard. According to the old wisdom that every nation deserves the government it has, it is not Putin who usurped power in the country and sends the Russian men to war, but he is exactly what meets the traditions and aspirations of the Russian people, exactly the government that the population of this miserable country wants and deserves. What if we try to break Hegel's cynical observation about history and assess the war in Ukraine through the prism of relatively recent events? Recall 1938, when Hitler first annexed Austria to Germany and then invaded the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia on October 1 of that year under the pretext of protecting the German population from oppression. Not only did Austria not resist, it gladly joined Germany. Czechoslovakia at the time was the 7th world economy with advanced industry and agriculture a tidbit for Hitler. But it, did not resist and did not go to war with Germany over its territory. Moreover, neighboring Poland too under the pretext of protection of the Polish population decided to snatch a piece of Czechoslovak territory and occupied Zaolzie. How did other countries react? The United Kingdom and France tried to avoid confrontation with Germany at all costs and decided to appease Hitler, hoping that the territories he took would curb his appetite and he would go no further. The government of Neville Chamberlain tried to persuade Czechoslovak President Benes not to resist and to give Germany everything it wanted. Benes resisted at first and even declared a mobilization. However, on September 28 in Munich, U.K., France and Italy surrendered Czechoslovakia without her consent and signed an agreement with Germany. Chamberlain returned to London extremely pleased and proudly waved a piece of paper with Hitler's signature, I have brought you peace! What happened next? Less than a year later, Hitler invaded Poland and it was the beginning of World War II in Europe. However, it wasnt just European countries that hid their heads in the sand like ostriches and hoped that the weather would carry them through, an isolationist mood was also strong in the USA. America was busy with getting out of the Great Depression and did not want to get involved in the overseas wars, believing that its none of our business. Yet, it had become impossible to isolate from the rest of the world and Pearl Harbor woke America from her sweet slumber. And what would have happened if France and U.K. had resisted and supported Czechoslovakia, if not with troops, but at least politically and economically, and Czechoslovakia itself had resisted with arms? Historians are nearly unanimous in this regard there would have been no World War, there would have been no loss of tens of millions of lives and the world today would be a very different world. Appeasement of an aggressor is a sure path to doom. Now let's go back to our days and compare them with those of 85 years ago. As a KGB agent, Putin studied the history of World War II and learned well the lesson of the past: the West has no will to resist and will go to any lengths to avoid confrontation with an aggressor. This is exactly what has unfolded in the last 20 years as Putin has waged small wars of invasion: with Chechnya (1999-2009), with Georgia (2008), with Ukraine (2014), and in Syria (2015). The countries of the free world reacted anemically to Russian aggression, limiting themselves to diplomatic protests and imposing symbolic sanctions on Russia. Like Hitler in 1938, Putin realized that he had a free hand and could continue his expansion in Ukraine. Ukraine is an obvious tidbit for the aggressor: it has well-developed agriculture, heavy industry and rich deposits of minerals, especially a lot of lithium, a valuable metal for modern industry. But then the unexpected happened. Ukraine offered fierce resistance and the Russian blitzkrieg failed. The U.S., U.K., France, and other countries initially behaved just as they had 85 years earlier they were willing to accept the de facto defeat of Ukraine and the expansion of the modern Russian empire. However, the grandiose failures of the Russian army and the unexpected successes of the Ukrainian army forced Western governments to reconsider their positions. Ukraine received economic and military aid, first in small bits, then in more powerful streams, and Russia was subjected to sanctions unprecedented in history. And not only Western powers, but even China also refused to support Russian aggression. However, it seems that not everyone has learned the lessons of the past. While in England Churchill's legacy is strong and thus the United Kingdom is now doing everything possible to help Ukraine, in France, in Germany and especially in the United States the voices of opposition are increasingly heard: this is not our business, we need negotiations with Russia to end the war as soon as possible, give Putin what he wants, and the war is over. Even Trump recently stated that he would end this war in a couple of days. How would he end it? Very simply: He would end aid to Ukraine and force onto it peace on Putin's terms, hoping, like Chamberlain, that after that there would be peace for a long time to come. Never before in history has coercing peace led to peace. It's about time we realized that! If we let Putin get even a small fraction of what he wants, it will just take a little time and he or his successor will move again with war, and not only to seize more territory in Ukraine, but also in Poland, Germany, and then all over Europe. To concede to Putin now is not to prevent the war from spreading to other countries. It is a guaranteed step toward the next wars of conquest. This has always been the case; it is in a Russian tradition. Russia is incapable in sustaining a stable productive life; it can exist only in a state of permanent war. As the wise Churchill once said: The baby must be strangled in its cradle. Ukraine, for all its problems and shortcomings, today is an outpost of the free world. Its victory will be a victory over aggressive Russia, which is cancer on the body of humanity. This tumor cannot be persuaded, it must be starved economically or destroyed physically. Defeating Russia, no matter how much it costs, is the only way to prevent a hot WW3, and without military and economic aid from the West and especially from the United States, this is impossible. We have to understand that by helping Ukraine, we are helping ourselves and our children. In recent history we have already seen tragedies more than once, should we repeat past mistakes and turn history into a farce? Only I am afraid that it will not be funny at all. Jacob Fradens website: www.fraden.com This year, California was hit by not one, but nine "atmospheric rivers" that drenched the state, flooded communities, and filled reservoirs. The storm fronts are called "rivers" because they concentrate their punch over long, narrow areas. Despite the property damage, the parade of storms was a welcome respite after years of drought. However, California officials are saying the massive storms have not solved the drought problem. Water customers may be asked to continue conservation efforts. Agricultural users can expect only 30 percent of regular water deliveries. These drought provisions will continue despite the following: Tens of trillions of gallons of freshwater that dropped upon the state from the storms; A snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that is double the size of an average year; Many reservoirs, especially in the state's northern part, now have over 100 percent capacity; Rains so intense that they could have filled a reservoir the size of the massive Hetch Hetchy water system that supplies San Francisco once every 24 hours; and Water districts reporting underground storage replenished by billions of gallons of water. All these factors should point to surpluses. The long drought should be over. Each atmospheric river provided its share to make California wet again. But there is nothing like a good crisis to keep things liberal, especially in eco-friendly California. The good news is that the rains dumped tens of trillions of gallons upon the parched land. The bad news is that most of the water ended up in the Pacific Ocean. California is in a state of a manufactured crisis. The state is known to have seven-year drought cycles. "The science" proves that the present drought was predictable based on past data. It is not the result of global warming or climate change. For decades, state officials capitalized on this knowledge to build a sophisticated water system to supply residents and agriculture in times of need. Thus, the present crisis should not be happening. However, it is occurring because man-made efforts to harness nature's solutions have suddenly shrunk. The key to solving the problem of finding enough water in dry California is building essential infrastructure. A growing population and dwindling water storage make for high water bills and shortages. Since the seventies, the state government has slowed down building major water projects. Environmentalists oppose dams, canals, and tunnels that would get the water where it is needed. Projects that even remotely endanger wildlife can be canceled or suffer death by environmental impact studies. The water system is getting old. Instead of expanding storage, ideologically shortsighted officials are issuing conservation mandates. They are paying farmers to keep over half a million acres fallow to save water that is not in the right place. Overregulation of groundwater pumping also contributes to the shortage. Building dams is not as trendy as green energy projects with zero-carbon footprints. The effects of such policies cause two big problems. The first is that the failure to arrange water storage flushes precious water into the ocean, despite the drought. It also helps cause flooding when "atmospheric rivers" visit the Golden State. Because of the expansion of housing into new areas, efforts must be made to keep these areas safe with new water projects. The recent rains caused immense property damage due to a lack of foresight from water management officials. A second effect is a dramatic rise in water prices. The law of supply and demand has made scarce water very expensive. In some places, spot water prices have quadrupled over the past three years. Some water districts have even resorted to costly processes like desalination and wastewater reclamation to compensate for shortcomings. Yet another strange twist to the California water "crisis" is that voters have approved water bonds with large margins. Consumers and voters want to solve the problem. However, of the $27 billion approved for water storage and flood control since 2000, only a small percentage makes it to the drawing table, much less the construction company's job list. A Wall Street Journal editorial reports that most funds are repurposed to pet environmental projects. Of the seven water projects now approved by the state, none of them has started. Most are expected to be completed by the end of the decade if they survive legal challenges. The first step to solving a crisis is the desire to solve it. Eco-ideologues who oppose human domination over nature don't want to solve this problem. They will use the crisis to pressure society to embrace their Green New Deal world without water. Image: National Archives. Kevin McCarthy's bid to win the speaker's gavel should have been a cakewalk with the GOP having a majority in the House. But a few Republican House members used their votes as a tool for negotiation with McCarthy. The de facto leader of the rebel movement was Florida rep. Matt Gaetz. Last December, Gaetz said, "I'm not voting for Kevin McCarthy for speaker because I think he's just a shill of the establishment. ... We need someone like Jim Jordan as the speaker of the House." If you want to drain the swamp, you cannot put the biggest alligator in charge. I'm not voting for Kevin McCarthy. I'm not voting for him tomorrow. I'm not voting for him on the floor. I resent the extent to which he utilizes the lobbyists and special interests to dictate how political decisions, policy decisions are made. Gaetz also made his case against McCarthy on the House floor. YouTube screen grab. During the second round of voting, Gaetz nominated Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio for speaker, and during the seventh ballot, Gaetz nominated President Donald Trump. Gaetz vowed to resign from the House of Representatives if "Democrats join up to elect a moderate Republican." Gaetz claimed that McCarthy was threatening and pressuring incoming freshmen. Kevin McCarthy (Establishment-CA) is now reduced to threatening and pressuring incoming freshmen House members to vote for him. We have the votes to force a change. @RepAndyBiggsAZ makes the case brilliantly here:https://t.co/qpgS2ljzay Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 18, 2022 In the 14th round, it was Gaetz's "present" vote that prevented McCarthy from winning, forcing a 15th round. Gaetz's antics in the 14th ballot led to a rare display on the House floor, when McCarthy walked up the steps seemingly to confront the Florida lawmaker. Gaetz seemed to tell off McCarthy while animatedly pointing his finger at McCarthy. McCarthy walked away in dismay, but suddenly turned back around and approached him again, perhaps irked by something had Gaetz said. Georgia rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed that Gaetz and others were using their power of the vote to get plum panel assignments. South Carolina rep. Nancy Mace (R) called Gaetz a "fraud" for fundraising off his efforts to block McCarthy from becoming speaker. But Gaetz, who was obviously enjoying the spotlight, insisted that his actions were based on principle. He voted "present" in the 15th, but with five other holdouts voting "present," the threshold for a majority dropped, and McCarthy was finally able to win a majority. When Gaetz was asked what prompted him to change his strategy, which allowed McCarthy to become speaker, the Florida congressman claimed that he had "run out" of additional concessions to ask of leadership. There was nothing wrong with this display. House members are not supposed to function as robots who blindly vote as ordered. The pressure probably worked. McCarthy has agreed on some valuable concessions. McCarthy promised to change the House rules to make it easier to oust a sitting speaker. McCarthy also pledged to include members of Congress outside the top leadership having more say over how bills are proposed, amended, and passed. McCarthy has promised to restrict spending and not to raise the debt ceiling. The issue of congressional term limits and border security have been frequent topics of conversation among the Republican holdouts. These "rebel" Republicans caused McCarthy to achieve the dubious distinction of needing the most voting rounds in the last 164 years to become a speaker. Some claimed that Gaetz's hostility towards McCarthy emanated from not receiving adequate political support when he was the subject of a sex-trafficking investigation, which was dropped last year. So how has McCarthy been doing so far? Very promising. McCarthy recently removed Democrat hoaxers Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee. Next McCarthy also plans to remove Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee. However, a group of House Republicans has already opposed the move. I attempted to make a case that the GOP must learn to be fighters and give as good as they get. The Democrats no longer regard them as political opponents but as domestic terrorists, insurrectionists, bigots of all varieties, and traitors. There is no need for the GOP to return back the rulebook of fairness have long been discarded by the Democrats now that they are in a position of advantage. Monica Showalter in her excellent piece made the case that McCarthy needs to go after these RINOs who vote against the public interest before their numbers multiply. She rightly pointed out that he has a slim ten-vote majority, and experts are predicting that he's in for a tough slog. Well, who would have thought that the leader of the rebels, Matt Gaetz, who almost blocked McCarthy's bid for speaker, alleging that McCarthy was unprincipled and corrupt, would also join the group that wants Omar to remain on Foreign Affairs Committee? During an appearance on Newsmax, Gaetz said he is open to listening to McCarthy's case against Omar. Yet he insists he is undecided whether or not he would vote to remove her. "I am undecided, as of tonight, as to whether or not I would vote to remove Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee," says @RepMattGaetz. pic.twitter.com/qqdT8i8owm NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) January 31, 2023 The Democrats have voted unanimously to retain all their party members of their committee assignments. McCarthy can afford only four GOP defections in order to successfully garner the votes needed to keep Omar from holding committee seats. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has said he will be out of D.C. for "several weeks" due to injuries sustained from falling off a ladder. McCarthy abandoned the practice of voting by proxy once he became speaker. If Gaetz joins House Republican reps. Ken Buck (Colo.), Victoria Spartz (Ind.), David Joyce (Ohio), and Nancy Mace (South Carolina), all of whom plan to vote against evicting Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it will bring the total to six, including the one on sick leave. Why does Omar not deserve to be on the Foreign Affairs Committee? Omar is a known anti-Semite who also supports the notorious anti-Israeli BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. Omar also trivialized the 9-11 terror attacks by claiming that "some people did something and that all of us were starting to lose access to our civil liberties." Omar was also accused of illegal ballot-harvesting, The choice in this matter is plain as a pikestaff: Omar must go. Yet Gaetz claims to be undecided. Does he really think Omar deserves a place? During his Newsmax appearance, Gaetz seems to suggest that Omar is better than Swalwell and Schiff because she didn't peddle as many hoaxes. That is like claiming that arsenic poisoning is better than cyanide poisoning. Perhaps this is another ploy to torment McCarthy and grab a few headlines before he falls in line and votes to evict Omar from her committees. When anyone has doubts about an issue that is obvious, the inference is that the individual is either vacuous or nefarious. These are qualities you do not want in any congressman, especially since Gaetz claims to be a man of principles. It also makes Gaetz seem like a hypocrite, for violating the very principles he opposed McCarthy. Draining the swamp is impossible with Ilhan Omar on a committee. Rep. Matt Gaetz had been making the rounds on the D side today talking to members. He told Rep. Omar the anti-Kevin group got all they wanted but still werent voting for him yet, per source familiar Photo cred to Getty/Win McNamee pic.twitter.com/KOV3FVLlXv Nicholas Wu (@nicholaswu12) January 6, 2023 I hope Gaetz will abandon these theatrics and focus on the MAGA agenda. The stakes are simply too high for frivolities! Most journalists have been pushing an agenda for a long time instead of reporting objectively or based on facts. This includes news and opinion journalists. Now, we see a Washington Post article saying that the media can regain the trust of the people even if they intentionally are not objective. But if the media are pushing ideas on social policies and political activity, they are propagandists, not journalists. They are seeking to indoctrinate instead of educate their readers. Newsrooms that move beyond objectivity can build trust What's needed for each are clear and consistent policies regarding social media and political activity. By Leonard Downie Jr. The media, government bureaucrats, and other Democrats pedaled lies about Russian collusion for years to destroy Trump. That was not subjective reporting. Those were intentional lies. In 2020, the media, government bureaucrats, and other Democrats buried the truth about Biden family corruption by falsely calling it Russian disinformation. Those were intentional lies, not subjective reporting. Democrats have challenged elections for years. Yet, the media did not call them far-left, extremist, election deniers who were seeking to destroy our country and who should not be allowed to hold office. The name-calling was reserved for Republicans, especially Trump. That was subjective and biased reporting meant to mislead the American people. The media went along when Biden falsely called voter integrity laws Jim Crow laws. The lies were meant to gin up racial hate and division. No matter how much the CDC and Fauci got wrong, the media pretended that everything they did was based on science and set out to silence anyone who disagreed with them. People who didnt take an experimental vaccine that did not prevent the virus were said to want people to die and were fired. That was supported by subjective and biased reporting. How many children were permanently harmed due to government edicts that were not based on science yet were supported by a very compliant media? In 2009, President Obama went around the country intentionally lying about Obamacare. The complicit media supported Obamacare even though they had no idea what was in the law. Pelosi wouldnt even let her minions in the House see the bill before they voted on it, so how would a truthful media support it? The Obama administration used the complicit media to spread lies to get the dangerous deal done with terrorists in Iran who continue to pledge death to America. No matter how many false predictions the UN, Biden, Kerry, Gore, and others make about natural resources causing an existential threat of climate change, the media just repeats the false predictions and calls it settled science. People who tell the truth that the climate has always changed cyclically and naturally are falsely called climate change deniers to shut them up. These false predictions are greatly harming the poor and middle class, but the subjective and biased media clearly don't care. The media claims they care about laws and corruption, but they campaign for corrupt, career criminals like the Bidens and the Clintons. The media claims that no one is above the law and the Justice Department is now an independent agency that doesnt care about political affiliation. That is the biggest lie of all. The media is properly attacking Santos for his fictional biography, but they have never cared about Bidens fictional biography that seems to change every day. Journalists who believe it is their job to push a political agenda instead of reporting objectively and factually is a much dangerous threat to our survival as a great country than anyone who challenges elections. Graphic credit: Nick Youngson, CC BY-SA 3.0 license. Those of us of a certain age remember well the Cuban missile crisis. I was a student at Toaz Jr. High on Long Island, a fortress of a school built in 1939 from WPA funding. I remember vividly the assembly in the auditorium when we were told the Russians were putting nuclear missiles in Cuba that could reach major East Coast cities in minutes. Being a mere 30 miles from New York, a possible target, we were terrified at the prospect of a nuclear holocaust capable of wiping us out. We had air raid drills where we were told to shelter under our desks, as if that would provide any protection (put your head between your legs...you know the rest). We were escorted into the bowels of the building, where there was a concrete tunnel we could use for an air raid shelter, complete with barrels of survival supplies with the nuclear symbol stenciled on them. Some of our neighbors even built their own fallout shelters in their basements. This was a lot for a 13-year-old's mind to process. What is going on now with Ukraine is a lot for a 73-year-old's mind to process. Yes, Putin was out of line invading Ukraine. But no, this is not the sword for us to fall on. Zelensky is a petty tyrant, and Putin is a world-class tyrant but this is not our war, and the actions by Congress to throw gasoline on this dumpster fire threaten to make the Cuban missile crisis pale in comparison. I once had respect for Tom Cotton, but he has fallen off his pedestal first with his vote for the $1.7-trillion omnibus spending bill, and now with his endless war rhetoric in support of Ukraine. And Senator Wicker? He should be socially castrated for his comments about using nukes as first-strike weapons. Is he out of his cotton-pickin' mind? Now the talk is of retaking Crimea. Note to Congress: Crimea and a warm-water Black Sea port have been a strategic priority of Russia since Peter the Great established the first Russian navy. What are the odds Putin's going to give it up without a fight including throwing a few nukes around? Russia in the 1960s was a nuclear power and a definite threat to us, but Russia today has thousands of nukes and is capable of total world destruction at the push of a button. Why are we poking this bear? In the classic movie A Man for All Seasons, Thomas More says to Richard Rich, who has perjured himself to convict More of treason, "Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world. ... But for Wales? But for Ukraine? Image via Public Domain Pictures. It's hard to find a sweeter and more appropriate verdict than one that was handed down from Philadelphia of all places, in the wanton federal prosecution of pro-life activist Mark Houck. If you haven't heard, here is the news from the Washington Examiner: A jury has reportedly acquitted Pennsylvania pro-life activist who was accused of allegedly pushing a Planned Parenthood escort during a clash outside an abortion clinic, Life News reported. Mark Houck, 48, faced charges that he violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to use force with the intent to injure, intimidate and interfere with anyone because that person produces reproductive health care. He pleaded not guilty. The charge stems from an Oct. 13, 2021 incident in which the Biden Administration alleged Houck assaulted and "forcefully shoved" Bruce Love, a 72-year-old volunteer at a Philadelphia Planned Parenthood. The circumstances of this prosecution, which I wrote about here, were outrageous -- full FBI SWAT team to make the arrest and cart off Houck, holding him for six hours, case itself deemed so garbagey even the Pennsylvania state proscutors threw the whole thing out years ago, and charges entirely scurrilous, given that the shoving incident came about when the so-called clinic escort came over to a pro-life prayer table located more than 100 feet from a clinic entrance, blocking no one, and began threatening Houck's 12-year old son, who moved behind the table out of fear. The clinic itself had admitted it had spoken to the escort about interfering with others and the guy ignored them. Houck shoved the menace away and the rest became the basis for the prosecution. The jury was unanimous, taking a mere hour to throw this crap case out, and the judge, Gerald J. Pappert of the U.S. Eastern District of Pennsylvania, gave the stinkeye to the entire prosecutory circus: Even U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert noted the holes in the DOJs case when he asked the federal prosecutor whether the governments interpretation of the FACE Act in this case seemed to be stretched a little thin. The whole prosecution was utter garbage, with many pro-life advocates noting that the act was done to intimidate. Who's doing the intimidating? Joe Biden's White House, of course, which would be the same Joe Biden who hails himself as a "devout Catholic." The same Joe Biden on whose watch churches and crisis pregnancy centers are being firebombed and vandalized with no consequences to the thugs. His hypocrisy is pretty big in this one, given the damage done with a vindictive prosecution so flawed even a Philly jury wouldn't go along. They must have thought they had it in the bag, and they didn't. Meanwhile, President Devout Catholic, as if to take the public's mind off this outrageous abuse of government power on his watch, was last seen claiming the pope was on his side in his federal funding for abortions. A bishop called bee ess on that one. Here's the headline from Steven Ertelt at LifeNews: Well done all around. Let's see more of this as some kind of balance to the insane abuses of power around the pro-life and abortion issue. Image: LBJ Library photo, by Jay Godwin // public domain As if the cost alone weren't enough to make the millions of illegal migrants brought in by Joe Biden's open borders unpopular here, the ingratitude and entitlement mentality of these illegals now seals the deal. According to National Review: More than 50 migrants camped outside the Watson Hotel in Manhattan in protest on Sunday night as the city sought to move the single male migrants to a new shelter at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to make space for migrant families. The new shelter holds as many as 1,000 single adult men and provides the same services the migrants had been receiving, city officials told the New York Post. The shelter is the fifth Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center to open in the city since last year. As for their demands, well, they let us know in this Twitter image below: Just passing by the Watson Hotel this morning where migrants are refusing to leave to be relocated to a city shelter. The sidewalk in front looks like a tent city https://t.co/mibn2qtpWb pic.twitter.com/6KTohbABcV Evan Siegfried (@evansiegfried) January 30, 2023 The translation is "Permanent Housing" followed by "Cancel Rent." Getty Images has an excellent collection of similar images worth a look here. The New York Post noticed a funny resemblance in the migrants' demands and left-wing NGO sloganeerings. Dont blame the migrants, blame the lefty activists filling them with nonsense There's no arguing with that. But there's more to it than just leftists putting ideas into empty migrant heads. News reports say that many of the migrants refusing to move are Venezuelan, denizens of the country that was turned into a socialist dump by the late unlamented Hugo Chavez who really had a thing against private property, or paying at all for anything. The sign featured above has a small Colombian flag and that country has significant cultural crossover with Venezuela, as well as its own newly elected Chavista president, the loathesome leftist ex-guerrilla, friend, and imitator of Chavez, Gustavo Petro. Odds are good that these migrants demanding as beggars to be choosers of what kind of "free" housing they expect to get were infused with that entitlement mentality from the day they were born, because entitlement to housing was pretty much all they ever heard about the topic from their socialist leaders in that free press-deprived hellhole. Let's look at the tape: In 2012, Venezuelanalysis, a Chavista press organ, ran this headline about Chavez's intentions: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has made a commitment that every Venezuelan family must have a dignified home by 2019 whatever it costs. Money, see, is no object. Sound like New York City, which has made similar promises to migrants, in its self-proclaimed obligation to shelter every illegal entrant at taxpayer expense? More than 42,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since last spring and we continue to surpass our moral obligations as we provide asylum seekers with shelter, food, health care, education, and a host of other services, City Hall spokesperson Fabien Levy said in a statement. Sort of. No wonder the migrants put two and two together and now call for free "permanent housing." It gets worse. Over in Venezuela, the locals have been infused with a "right" to housing from the Chavista government and its shills for many years. Here are a couple of whoppers from the pro-Chavez, Chavismo-aligned press to give you the flavor: In Venezuela, the Right to Housing is Made Possible by the Revolution -Orinoco Tribune, 2019 The right to housing for working families is fully protected, in stark contrast to a past in which people were thrown out onto the street by capital with the complicity of the State. -Resumen LatinoAmerica and the Third World, 2021 As for Chavez himself, it gets worse still. Here's what Hugo encouraged in his quest to turn Venezuela into a socialist "sea of happiness" as he once put it: Chavez tackles housing crisis by urging poor to squat wealthy parts of Caracas -The Guardian, 2011 Wearing red T-shirts from Hugo Chavez socialist party, and encouraged by the Venezuelan strongman himself, organized squatters seized 20 unused private properties in a suburb of Caracas in an attempt to keep angry slum dwellers from turning against him as the middle class is already doing. The fundamental goal of socialism is to satisfy human needs the needs of all, equally, without privilege, Chavez, who sent 1,600 troops to seize 47 private farms, told Venezuelans during one of his mandated national television broadcasts. -San Francisco Examiner, 2011 ..and not just once, either: Caracas Journal; The Squatters Have Their Day, Shaking Venezuela -New York Times, 1999 Might that call to squat from the authority in charge have influenced these Venezuelan migrants to squat at a Manhattan hotel? It certainly would be something they would be familiar with. Here's a famous "fruit" of Chavez's famous call to squat: The tallest slum in the world: Venezuelan skyscraper made famous by TV thriller Homeland has 45 floors, a helipad and large balconies with wonderful mountain views... but is home to squatters -Daily Mail, 2014 Predictably, Chavez blamed capitalism as justification for residents squatting on private property, and naturally, he refused to prosecute the squatters. The Venezuelan government itself, which bills itself as Bolivarian socialist, features this pull-quote on its housing page from Hugo himself. Via Google Translate: "The housing problem has no solution in capitalism, here we are going to solve it with socialism, and more socialism, live by living, for that the Great Housing Mission Venezuela was born." Chavez, 2011. So logically, the migrants' call for free housing is not just the words of activists in their mouths, but a call to socialism, the socialist paradise that somehow didn't happen in Venezuela. And yes, Hugo did build "free" government housing, or tried to, flinging it around like confetti. Here's how that worked out, by one of Venezuela's greatest bloggers, Daniel, of Venezuela News & Views: Image: By permission from Daniel In 2007, Daniel wrote: Because the fact of the matter is that the pent up demand for housing access, no matter how humble this one might be, is reaching dramatic proportions. And the government does not realize that no state controlled society has never been able to solve the problem. The only societies that have come close to solve it are those which are able to provide decent jobs at decent wages, something impossible in Venezuela today as the private sector is slowly squeezed to death. And even then, such societies report squatters taking over old abandoned buildings all the time. Even if these buildings are a heath hazard, such is the desperation. Venezuela does not escape this phenomena and in fact amplifies it greatly. Traveling through Venezuela since 2004 shows a stupendous increase of "invasiones". An "invasion" is a group of people that get together and invade some large track of land and build shacks. The idea is to force the state to either expropriate the legal owner of the land to give it to the squatters, or to force the state to give them houses somewhere else to dislodge the land. The strategy is of course well worked out: the lands are ALWAYS close to major roads, and thus quite visible, quite the eyesores. Until 2004 some opposition governor still in office like Salas Feo or Lapi were able to stem such squats, but now that they have been replaced by "people loving" governors the situation has become catastrophic as these governors have no authority to stop such squatting organized from within chavismo itself. Below I am posting a montage I did of such an invasion in Carabobo, close from the very chavista town of Moron. Which tells us a lot about what the ungrateful migrants demanding free permanent housing in New York have been steeped in. The government tells them free housing is a right, and tells them to seize that free housing as a matter of right, and the whole thing goes to hell in a handbasket. That's what they heard for years growing up-- on television, on the radio, in the schools, in the streets, and that's what destroyed their country. Now, with this migrant-staged uprising, they are taking that learned lesson into the U.S. as a matter of 'right' and claiming the right to "permanent" housing on top of it. Image: Daniel of Venezuela, by permission A higher percentage of eligible voters regularly show up to the polls in Mexico, Brazil, and Slovakia than in the world's pre-eminent and oldest democracy. The two parties that, in reality, constitute a uniparty duopoly bend over backward to cater to their respective pet voting blocs (racial minorities for Democrats and Evangelicals for Republicans, for instance). But those demographics pale in comparison to the volume of non-voters. The 2020 presidential election was a banner year for participatory democracy. It turned out a record number of voters (most of them presumably legal, eligible ones), amounting to 62% of the electorate. That's the best it gets participation-wise in the US. The 2022 midterms produced about a 47% turnout. George Carlin, whom I revere, did a whole hilarious bit in which he blamed the slovenly public for producing terrible politicians, citing the ignorant American population as the reason electoral politics is pointless. Some percentage of the non-voting population is certainly apathetic or disinterested in politics. And they deserve a share of the blame for the sorry state of affairs, for sure. Yes, some contingent of the population will always be checked out of participatory politics because they simply can't be bothered to engage in civic pursuits. But a minimum of 38% on the best of years of the entire eligible voting public each election cycle? Are they all useless, ignorant slobs who don't appreciate the precious, hard earned right to self-government? Or is there something more intrinsic to the U.S. political system that dissuades them? The majority of non-voters are independents who do not identify with either party. Most have no higher than a high school education and also make less than $40K/year. In other words, they're people don't belong to the permanent D.C. political class and don't see their interests represented there. Less than 30% of Americans approve of the American two-party system. Lots of non-voters, like one interviewed by NPR, don't feel like voting matters at all: "I feel like my voice doesn't matter[.] People who suck still are in office, so it doesn't make a difference." Can the political system be reformed to counteract this widespread perception that participation is pointless? Here are potential remedies to the real or imagined disincentives for non-voters to participate in the Great American Experiment: Break the two-party duopoly. The American Conservative published a thorough article on how to accomplish this. Term limits. The McCarthy refuseniks actually pushed for a vote on this issue as a precondition to elect the new House speaker. Spotlight the corruption. Require politicians to wear an insignia on their $1,000 suits for every corporation that has funneled money into their campaign, directly or indirectly, like NASCAR drivers. Voters should know whether they're supporting a human being or a mindless corporate robot. Transparency. Declassify all the documents currently hidden from the public that do not have a legitimate national security justification to remain classified, as determined by some truly independent panel empowered to make such judgment calls. By the government's own admission, up to 90% of these documents would not adversely affect national security if they were released. Their status as classified does not serve "national security"; it keeps the Deep State's dirty secrets hidden from those of us who pay for their dirty deeds to be performed in our name. JFK expressed the essence of this wild notion, and he was rewarded with a bullet in the head. Of course, reform might a pipe dream. The swamp is so deep at this point that the only true remedy may be to drain it all and start over. Ben Bartee is an independent Bangkok-based American journalist with opposable thumbs. Follow his stuff via Armageddon Prose and/or Substack, Patreon, Gab, and Twitter. Bitcoin public address: bc1qvq4hgnx3eu09e0m2kk5uanxnm8ljfmpefwhawv. Image: Tom Arthur via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Late last night, Miranda Devine wrote an essay thats ostensibly about a poll showing that Americans think that Biden was wrong to brush off the news about his squirreling classified documents as nothing. In fact, most Americans, including Democrats, think what happened is something. But buried in Devines article was well-grounded speculation more interesting than poll results: She believes theres inferential evidence that Hunter Biden was openly selling national security information to foreign governments and corporations. Devine opens her article, Majority of voters, including Democrats, believe Bidens mishandling of classified documents is a scandal, by discussing a Rasmussen poll asking voters whether they believe that the way in which Biden handled classified documents is a scandal. As you may recall, Bidens only take on the increasing number of classified document finds was that theres no there there and that theres nothing there. Au contraire said the voters that Rasmussen polled. Those poll results show that 72% of voters, including 55% of Democrat voters, think that Bidens conduct constitutes a scandal. Indeed, 48% believe that its a major scandal. Hunter Biden turns out to be part of what voters consider so scandalous. Of those polled, 60% believe that Hunter used classified documents in his business deals. Image: Hunter Biden. YouTube screen grab. So, did he? Its entirely possible that Hunter did indeed borrow information from Daddy to get money from foreign businesses. Devine has already speculated, based on her intimate knowledge of Hunters laptop, that one of Hunters emails is so unlike his usual stylepolished, comprehensive, and informed versus semi-literate and with minimal informationthat its probable he copied it right off a classified briefing. What I can throw into the mix is that the language from that particular email, when run through Grammarlys plagiarism checker, does not return any other document on the internet, suggesting that Hunter was copying a document that never saw the light of day. It turns out, though, that you dont just need to speculate about Hunters sudden high-level research and linguistic skills to be suspicious. Hunter was openly offering foreign oligarchs information that he promised was unavailable elsewhere. Writes Devine: The classified files Hur is investigating cover Bidens vice presidential years, when Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden were actively monetizing the family name overseas. Some documents reportedly date back to the presidents time in the Senate. [snip] For instance, documents on the laptop from 2011 show that Hunter offered to sell intelligence on Russian oligarchs to the US aluminum firm Alcoa Inc. for $55,000. In internal discussions over Hunters proposal, a senior executive at Alcoa suggested the information was valuable because it would not otherwise be on Government Affairs teams radar. As I previously reported, Hunter offered to provide Alcoa with statistical analysis of political and corporate risks, elite networks associated with Oleg Deripaska (OD), Russian CEO of Basic Element company and United company RUSAL. Alcoa had just signed a metal supply agreement with RUSAL. Hunter promised to provide a list of elites of similar rank in Russia, map of ODs [Deripaskas] networks based on frequency of interaction with selected elites and countries. Devine has even more information about pricy offers Hunter was making to Russian oligarchs, promising to give them raw data from an elite mapping procedure. As Devine says, How Hunter, 52, a raging drug addict with a voracious appetite for cash during much of his fathers vice presidency, got access to classified information is a matter of national concern. Its not necessarily beneficial if Biden gets impeached because that allows Democrats to put their chosen 2024 candidate in the White House, first as Kamalas Veep and then, when shes driven out, as President. There is a real incumbent advantage. With the media rhapsodizing about the chosen one, theres a strong likelihood that a credulous public, with help from a gamed election, will keep that Democrat in the White House. Better a lame duck Biden than an ascendent Michelle or Gavin Newsom. Ultimately, though, assuming a clean 2024 election, it would be a wonderful thing if Biden and his son Hunter were definitively proven (at an honestly conducted trial, of course) to have engaged in criminal conduct and were then sent for a long stay in one of the less nice federal prisons. Alinskys Rules for Radicals apply to all radicals, including those who take the radical position that patriotic constitutional conservativism is a good thing. Conservatives need to enshrine his sixth rule: Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. Thats the wonderful move the descendants of T.C. Williams made when the University of Richmond deleted his existence. The University of Richmond is a private liberal arts college in Richmond, Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy. It was founded as a Baptist institution in 1830 and officially became a college in 1843. During the Civil War, its entire student body enlisted in the Confederate Army, while its buildings were a hospital for wounded Confederate troops. The college fell on hard times after the Civil War and was saved thanks only to a $5,000 donation ($93,332 in 2023 dollars) in 1866 from James Thomas. Thomass papers are at the Duke University Library, which describes him as one of the largest of antebellum tobacco manufacturers. If he wasnt a slave owner, Ill eat mywell, I dont have a hat, but Id eat it if I did. [UPDATE: I don't have to eat my hat.] No schools or buildings, however, carry his name. And then theres the law school. It was founded in 1870 but got its real boost in 1890 when T.C. Williams, a trustee, passed away, and his family donated $25,000 ($803,999 in 2022 dollars) to start an endowment for the law school. That endowment was so important that, by 1920, the University of Richmond renamed the law school. Up until last year, it was The T.C. Williams School of Law. What changed in 2022 was the lefts crusade to wipe out the stain of American racism by renaming everything that carried the name of someone associated with racism or slavery in any way. (Im still waiting for Democrats to rename everything associated with Woodrow Wilson, who segregated the federal government.) So it was that The T.C. Williams School of Law will henceforth be called the University of Richmond School of Law. Image: The entrance to the University of Richmond School of Law by Snapper Tams. CC BY-SA 4.0. However, the college kept T.C. Williamss money, leading to the beautiful and brilliant thing T.C. Williams descendants have done: Acting via their attorney, Robert C. Smith (also a descendant), theyve demanded that the University return the money, including compounded interest, for a total of $51,000,000. Smiths letter is seven pages long, but Ive distilled the high points: The Board has insulted the honor of my family. [snip] I can tell you the difference between T.C. Williams and the cancel culture mob. T.C. Williams believed that all men were made in the image of God, and his mission was to love and serve others. [snip] Obviously, the Board is interested in illustrating how virtuous it is to its very left leaning and out of touch political contingency. But how virtuous is it for the University to accept the services and largess of the Williams family for 150 years and then disparage the name of their benefactor? If suddenly his name is not good enough for the University, then isnt the proper ethical and indeed virtuous action to return the benefactors money with interest? At a 6% compounded interest over 132 years, T.C. Williamss gift to the law school alone is now valued at over $51 million. [snip] Against all odds, T.C. Williams amassed a great fortune. [snip] And what did he do with his wealth? He hired thousands of workers, [and] many were blacks and women. Productive work and industry is the only thing that lifts people out of poverty. Along the way, Smith also explains how idiotic it is to pretend that slavery was confined to America when one of the miracles of America is that an institution that has spanned human existence is no longer present. He also castigates the Board members for their ahistoric ignorance and arrogance in believing that they could have created a better society from humankinds inception, making all other people throughout time moral midgets. Smith isnt just blowing smoke. Hes talking total war, including investigating the morally superior academics (seemingly including both board members and faculty) who have defamed his family: Satan worshippers, Marxists, people supporting mutilating childrens bodies, anti-free speech absolutists, and vaccine totalitarians. In closing, Smith demands not only the return of the $51 million that the campus turned its back on when it defamed and rejected T.C. Williams but also the other substantial gifts my family made to the University and the return of this money as well. And thats how you do it: Make them live up to their own rules. Indeed, considering that the Confederacy-supporting college survived the post-Civil War era only because of a gift from a tobacco planter (which means a 99.999% certainty that he was a slave owner), there are only two honorable actions left to it: Either close the University down entirely and distribute all remaining cash and property to the descendants of those Blacks who worked, voluntarily or not, for T. C. Williams and James Thomas, or oust every employee and student who is not a descendant of slaves and sharecroppers in favor of those who are. Downsizing the federal bureaucracy is an urgent priority, and an easy first step is in sight thanks to the larcenous behavior of federal bureaucrats who have nominated themselves for swift termination. Jordan Boyd reports at The Federalist: The bureaucrats committed fraud to get the extra money. It was disturbingly easy: Thanks to rushed and lax standards, whereby claimants only needed to self-certify they met eligibility requirements when they filed for [pandemic unemployment assistance] benefits, more than $8.8 million in taxpayer funds were funneled to 638 DHS employees unlawfully. FEMAs state workforce agencies also paid out $1.2 million in lost wages assistance to 935 DHS workers who were fully employed. At least 366 of those ineligible DHS officials were actually paid overtime during the period they were approved, receiving up to hundreds of dollars per week on top of normal unemployment benefits. We must thank Iowas Senator Joni Ernst for publicizing this grift. She noted a 2022 report from the DHSs Inspector General and has urged prosecution, recovery of the stolen money, and firing in a letter to Michael Horowitz, chair of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. I know that this will shock you, but this is not the only (or maybe even the largest) Covid relief fraud by federal employees. Already, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), an oversight committee within the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, determined that tens of thousands of federal employees applied for and received Small Business Administration loans even though their status as government-employed disqualified them from taking the handout. Ernst, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, noted in her letter that the PRACs investigation into loans is ongoing and could yield even more deception and taxpayer money wasted by government workers. And its not just federal bureaucrats who have been grifting. Hundreds of state and local government staff in Georgia, Indiana, and Louisiana also defrauded taxpayers. Hundreds in just three states translates to thousands nationwide. A bureaucracy staffed by crooks... why am I not surprised? Photo credit: Jericho CC BY 3.0 license The city of Dundee on the Firth of Tay, on the east coast of Scotland, was a major whaling port in the 19th century. But few locals had actually seen a whale. That changed in late 1883 when a humpback whale began to frequent the coast, often swimming up and down the River Tay in search of food. The attraction to the river was the young herrings with which the firth was abound at that time. For several weeks, starting from early November, the humpback was seen in this vicinity entertaining inhabitants with its gymnastic performances and enticing whalers whose fleet was laid up in the harbor for the winter. After a few days, the whalers decided to catch this potential profit that had presented itself on their doorstep. A postcard of the Tay Whale. Photo: David McGreevy/Flickr For six weeks, the whalers tried in vain to conquer the beast that had earned the nickname Monster. Several times the whalers gave chase, but each time the humpback managed to escape. The local newspaper, the Dundee Courier, gave a blow-by-blow account of these attemptsThis monster still continues to keep several members of our whaling fleet on the alert, wrote the newspaper on 12 December 1883. Finally, on 31 December 1883, the quarry was struck by several harpoons. The mighty beast, though injured and heavily bleeding, showed great strength and endurance by towing two six-oared rowing boats and two steamboats up and down the estuary. A great excitement ensued when news broke out of the successful harpooning and a large number of people began to line up the coast and the estuary in order to view the ensuring battle. Others piled up on whatever boat was available and began following the chase. By evening the whale had headed out to open sea, dragging along the attached flotillaits captors firmly holding on to the lines with hopes of landing the monster. After an all-night struggle, the lines were reluctantly parted, and the whalers returned home tired and empty handed, but convinced that mortal injury had been done. A week later, the whales carcass was found floating 6 miles off the shore. Some fishermen from Gourdon towed the whale to Stonehaven and dragged it onto the beach. John Struthers, an anatomist at the University of Aberdeen, who never missed an opportunity to dissect whales, quickly arrived at the site. Struthers measured that the whale was 40 feet in length from the snout to the tail, and about 23 feet in girth at its widest part. The Tay Whale, from John Strutherss Memoir on the Anatomy of the Humpback Whale, Megaptera Longimana. Struthers wanted to have the whale for himself, but for that to happen, he would have to outbid everyone else at the open auction. An intense competition of bids ensued between Professor Struthers and John Woods, an entrepreneur from Dundee and an oil merchant, better known as "Greasy Johnny". In the end, it was Woods who made the final bid, buying the 16-ton cetacean for 226. However, it was arranged that Struthers would eventually take possession of the whales skeleton for anatomical purposes once Woods was done. Woods had the whale removed to Dundee, where he expected to put the monster on display. Several thousand spectators gathered at the dock at the dead of night to watch its arrival. The massive carcass was hauled to Woodss scrap yard in a bogie pulled by twenty horses. The effort crushed two heavy-duty lories and almost turned the whale carcass into a spectacular funeral pyre when a naptha flare, used to light up the area, was knocked over and set some loose oil on fire. These mishaps delayed progress, and the half-mile journey took 26 hours to complete. Woods immediately placed the whale carcass on public display and charged visitors a shilling for a view. On the first Sunday alone, 12,000 people came to view the exhibit, and over the next fortnight, some 50,000 people had seen the whale. The exhibit also inspired a poem by William McGonagall, a poet with a regrettable reputation for outrageous compositions. The Famous Tay Whale is no different. Two of the versus run: And my opinion is that God sent the whale in time of need, No matter what other people may think or what is their creed; I know fishermen in general are often very poor, And God in His goodness sent it drive poverty from their door. So Mr John Wood has bought it for two hundred and twenty-six pound, And has brought it to Dundee all safe and all sound; Which measures 40 feet in length from the snout to the tail, So I advise the people far and near to see it without fail. By late January, the whale had been dead for nearly four weeks, and even in the cool Scottish winter, the carcass had decomposed to such an extent that there wasnt anything recognizable left except its tail. The smell itself was beginning to keep visitors away. The Tay Whale, from John Strutherss Memoir on the Anatomy of the Humpback Whale, Megaptera Longimana. Realizing that there was no more money left in the spectacle, Woods invited Struthers to perform a dissection on the famous specimen. Struthers, who was no alien to stinking carcasses, arrived with two of his assistants to discover that Woods had made the dissection public and was charging people for a view. Surrounded by a crowd and a band playing in the background, Struthers opened the animal and found the viscera to be completely decomposed and turned into a pulp. When Struthers tried to reach out for the heart, his hands went through. Struthers salvaged parts of the vertebrae, sternum, ribs and hyoid for detailed examination and then at Wood's request,the remains were embalmed, a wooden backbone and frame introduced, and the whale stuffed and stitched back to its original form. The partially-taxidermied whale then went on a road trip through Edinburgh, Liverpool, London and Manchester, where it was displayed to awestruck audiences, before returning to Dundee in August, seven months after the whale was killed. Struthers was invited back to complete the removal of the skull and the remaining bones. Struthers eventually wrote seven anatomy articles over the next decade on the whale, and ultimately published a complete monograph on it in 1889, entitled Memoir on the Anatomy of the Humpback Whale, Megaptera Longimana. The whale's skeleton is now on display at the McManus Galleries in Dundee. Skeleton of the Tay Whale at the McManus Galleries in Dundee. Photo: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam References: # The Tale of a Whale, McGonagall Online # Williams, M. J. Professor Struthers and the Tay Whale, Scottish Medical Journal # John Struthers, Memoir on the anatomy of the humpback whale, Megaptera Longimana, Archive.org Google Chrome will continue to get better in 2023. According to a report by 9to5google, the popular browser app will get a refreshed look this year, making its design more user-friendly. The update is still in the works, but we can quickly look at what Google wants to roll out in the coming months. It was first in November that some sources reported Google is working on an interface update for Chrome. The changes first appeared on Chrome Canary and then found their way to the latest Chromium builds. Of course, the option to see the interface refresh is disabled by default, but you can activate it by a flag (chrome://flags/#chrome-refresh-2023). Google Chrome gets a new look in 2023 The updates to the Google Chrome interface are not that prominent but give a modern look to the browser. After enabling the update, youll notice that the background tabs have a slight blue tint. Additionally, there is a more distinct separation between the tabs and the omnibar. The second visible change is the bookmarks interface with rounded text boxes and buttons. The current shape of these boxes is rectangular. Advertisement Yet, there are all things we know about Googles refresh package for Chrome in 2023. Unsurprisingly, calling the update a refresh means the company is not planning for a major makeover on Chrome. However, Google might add a few other things, like dynamic theming that chooses the browsers theme color according to the main color of the wallpaper. This is the same thing weve already seen in Material You Dynamic Colors on Android. The famous tipster Leopeva64 also alluded to a new design for toggle buttons that might be included in Chromes 2023 refresh package. Despite massive efforts from rivals like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome is currently the most popular browser in the market. Likewise, it will continue its reign in 2023. The only downside with the app is its high CPU usage, which might cause issues for users with older devices, but we hope Google finds a solution for it. OnePlus is distributing updates to its older phones, and the latest to get a new update are the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. However, the company just advised its users not to download this latest update. Winkey W from the OnePlus software team just told OnePlus 9 users not to download OxygenOS 13 F.19. A lot OnePlus 9 users got this news rather late, as OnePlus staff were off during the Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, this means that several users were able to download the update. The company promptly addressed the community through a forum post. The post currently has 5.6k views, so, hopefully, more people will see this message. So, whats wrong with OxygenOS 13 F.19? Theres no use in sugar-coating it; this situation is pretty bad. Those unfortunate enough to install the update will find their devices pretty much bricked. After installing the update, some users found that their devices wont boot at all. It was so bad that the company immediately pulled the update and started working on fixing the issue. In the meantime, if you installed the update only to have your device soft-bricked, the best thing to do is to take your phone to a OnePlus care center. The company will be able to recover the device with no data loss. Were not sure if youre able to send the company if you dont have access to a care center. You can try contacting the company. Advertisement In other OnePlus news: We may know the name of the OnePlus foldable phones OnePlus has been gearing up to make its foray into the foldable phone market. While we dont know much about these phones, their potential names have just been leaked. It appears that these phones will be called the OnePlus V Fold and the OnePlus V Flip. Were not sure what kind of specs to expect from these phones, but more details will come on before we get an official announcement. Samsung has published its final earnings report for Q4 2022 and FY (financial year) 2022. As suggested by its earnings guidance earlier this month, the company suffered a massive profit decline last year, particularly in the final quarter. Its operating profit in the year-ending quarter hit an eight-year low. According to Samsungs press release, the company generated KRW 70.46 trillion (approx. USD 57.16 billion) in consolidated sales revenue in the final quarter of 2022. While that is a healthy figure comparable with the past years, the Korean firms profits werent up to the mark. Rising manufacturing costs and component prices meant it only made KRW 4.31 trillion (approx. USD 3.5 billion) in operating profits between October and December last year. That marks a 69% decline from the KRW 13.87 trillion it made during the same period in 2021. It is Samsungs lowest Q4 earnings in the past eight years. The Korean behemoths operating profits for the full year of 2022 were also lower than in 2021. It made KRW 43.38 trillion (approx. USD 35.19 billion) last year, down 16% from KRW 51.63 trillion in the year before. Advertisement However, a global price increase meant that the annual revenue reached an all-time high of KRW 302.23 trillion (approx. USD 245.18 billion) in 2022. The previous historic high was KRW 279.6 trillion in 2021. Samsungs profit decline despite a healthy revenue increase tells you that the company significantly reduced its profit margin last year. Weak demand for memory chips affected Samsung badly in Q4 2022 Samsung is the worlds largest vendor of smartphones and memory chips. But, the company makes more money from the latter business. Well, it did until Q4 2022. The Korean behemoth only took home KRW 0.27 trillion (approx. USD 218 million) from the entire semiconductor businesses in the year-ending quarter. Thats due to the weak demand for memory chips induced by the global economic headwinds that have made consumers spend cautiously. The entire tech industry has been hit hard by this global economic downturn. Unfortunately, Samsung isnt expecting things to improve anytime soon. The company has already estimated its semiconductor profits to be halved in 2023, which doesnt sound good for its business. It plans to secure profitability this year by optimizing operations and managing costs. Advertisement The firm will also focus on the market for premium products, such as high-end QLED TVs, which usually have higher profit margins. Foldable smartphones should be another area of focus for Samsung. It will launch the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in the second half of the year. The Galaxy S23 series flagships will arrive tomorrow. In March, the CEO of TikTok will appear before the US House of Representatives. The social media giant hopes that this testimony will clear the air regarding the issues they are currently facing. TikTok has been going through some tough times with the US government, hence prompting this testimony. It is no news that in recent times, TikTok has faced a series of governmental bans from the US government on state and federal levels. The ByteDance-owned social media firm has kicked against these bans by the government. On its part, the US government claims that TikTok is a threat to national security, hence warranting the bans. TikToks CEO is set to face the US House of Representatives panel in March The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, has agreed to testify before a panel in the US a few weeks from today. This is coming given the current ban the US is putting on TikTok in various parts of the country. Already, all government-issued smartphones are facing a ban which prevents them from accessing TikTok in the United States. Various states in the country have also moved to ban the social media app on official government devices as well. This ban is a result of security concerns and the effect the content of these apps has on young ones. TikTok has refuted all allegations labelled against it by the United States government. Advertisement The US government claims that TikToks parent company, ByteDance, provides the data of US citizens to the Chinese government. Mr Shou Zi Chews testimony in March will aim at proving these accusations false. The panel will thoroughly question Mr Shou Zi Chew during his testimony to find out more about the activities of TikTok in the US. The outcome of Mr Chews testimony in March will determine the future of TikTok in the US. Possibly, with a few regulations on the kind of content displayed, TikTok might recover from the ban. In a few weeks, the fate of the popular social media companys business in the US will be decided. (ANSA) - ROME, JAN 30 - Ireland is to go ahead with health warnings on wine bottles similar to those on cigarette packets, Irish diplomatic sources told ANSA Monday. Italy has said it will make common cause with France and Spain in trying to block the labels, which warn of links to cancer and harm for the liver due to excessive consumption. After the tacit approval of the European Commission, Dublin is set to move ahead with the warnings on beer, wine and spirits despite the opposition of Italy and the other major wine producers, the sources said. "We do not yet have precise dates, but the government is working on it and we will go ahead," they said. They noted that Irish legislation on the issue dates back to 2018. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, JAN 31 - Pope Francis said on a plane flying over the Sahara desert taking him an a trip to the DRC and South Sudan Tuesday that people should spare a thought for the migrants who didn't make it across the desert in their quest for a better life. The Pope, on his way to the Democratic Republic of Congo, flying over the Sahara desert, asked journalists to think and pray in silence for "all those people who, seeking a bit of well-being and freedom, did not make it". He also asked them to pray for all those who, trying to reach the Mediterranean, ended up in "lagers (brutal detention camps) and suffer there. "We pray for all those people", said the Argentine pontiff. (ANSA). MADRID - Spain's sea rescue services on Tuesday rescued 171 people sighted onboard three makeshift vessels off the Canary Islands, according to a tweet. The first two boats, with 117 people onboard, were in the area of the island of Fuerteventura. The third, carrying 54 people, was instead closer to Gran Canaria. Kasabians Sergio Pizzorno has said the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series is a beautiful thing as it was confirmed the group is among the star-studded line-up. Wet Leg, Underworld and Courteeners have also been announced for the music and comedy event, which will be held at Londons Royal Albert Hall in March. Since 2000, the event has helped raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and this years series will mark Kasabians fifth performance at the event. Pizzorno told the PA news agency: Its a beautiful thing because obviously the charity is so close to our hearts, as patrons, weve been part of this. Sergio Pizzorno told PA the charity concert was a beautiful thing (PA) (I think it was) 15 years ago maybe, the first one, and its (now) the fifth so on that level, raising awareness and raising as much money as you can is a beautiful thing. I cant be thankful enough to be part of it. The group are ambassadors of the show, having played the first in 2007, before returning in 2009, 2013 and 2018. Pizzorno teased that there would be some little special surprise during this years show as well as the bands classic futuristic, cyber-rock-electronic sound. Thats a given, he told PA. And then theres a few little things that weve got, that were trying to pull together, which, hopefully they will but you know were going to try our best. Just let it be known the beauty that we will bring and then if there is any little special surprise happens then beautiful. He added that the charity was special to the group due to its large teenage following, saying that for some to have such a brutal diagnosis at a young age hits home. Its just that age being a teenager, that is a time growing up where we sort of formed the band, its such a beautiful time in your life and to have something so drastic happen to kids that are just trying to figure their lives out at that point, he said. Thats a lot of our fan base and so it just hits home, its just that thing of young kids in the crowd, just having the best time of their lives. The idea that gets taken away, its just brutal and horrendous. Last August, the group claimed their sixth UK number one album with The Alchemists Euphoria, their first offering since the departure of former frontman Tom Meighan. Meighan left Kasabian in 2020 after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner Vikki Ager, with his bandmates branding his behaviour as totally unacceptable. Pizzorno has fronted the band ever since the departure of Tom Meighan in 2020 (PA) Reflecting on the achievement of the latest album with himself as frontman, Pizzorno said: It was amazing. If Im being honest, like totally honest, it was a relief. We sort of put our heart and soul into it and we were on a great streak, weve had five consecutive number ones. You sort of go Itll be nice to have another, you dont want to break the streak. Ive got to say, out of all of this, (its) the one thats meant the most to all of us, because there was a time where we didnt think that we were ever going to be releasing another record so to do it and then for it to be number one was absolutely incredible. The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, who helped launch the concert series and is also a patron of the charity, said: The generosity of the people who work in the music and comedy industries never ceases to amaze me. In this, our 21st year, after two years of artists having no shows at all, at a time where the only certain paydays are from live performances, artists are willing to give up their earnings from a London show. It shows us that miracles are everywhere, but if you cough or sneeze youd miss them! Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall is taking place between March 20 to 25. Tickets go on sale at 9.30am on Friday, February 3. Ministers have been urged to accept that Brexit has added to the UKs economic woes, after the IMF warned the country will be plunged into recession this year. Labour MP Stella Creasy accused the Government of walking away from questions about how Brexit has impacted the UKs economic outlook. Treasury minister James Cartlidge faced scrutiny from MPs following the IMFs prediction that the UK economy will contract by 0.6% in 2023 against the 0.3% growth it pencilled in last October. In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF upped its growth outlook for the global economy, but cautioned that Britain looks set to suffer more than most from soaring inflation and higher interest rates. In the Commons, Walthamstow MP Ms Creasy said: The minister seems to be walking away from the question about what role Brexit has played in this economic outlook and I can understand why, because over half of his own constituents think it was a mistake. These benefits of Brexit seem to be like a toddlers imaginary friend. Ministers keep talking about them, but only they can see them. She added: The Prime Ministers spokesman today told us that we are now seeing significant benefits from Brexit, so will the minister set the record straight? Can he explain to the small businesses in our constituencies who used to be able to export with ease to the European Union, a single market, where they now face a better deal than they did before? Treasury minister Mr Cartlidge stressed the importance of Solvency II reforms and said that alcohol duty reform planned later this year was only possible because of Brexit. Treasury minister James Cartlidge faced scrutiny from MPs following the IMFs forecast (James Manning/PA) He added: I think the most important by far was when we were faced with the greatest challenge outside of wartime in this country, in the pandemic, this country was able to move fast with an amazing vaccine programme because of its independence, which reduced deaths and freed up our economy, and allowed us to reopen and get growing again. Other opposition MPs also called on the Government to acknowledge the impact of Brexit on the economy. SNP MP Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) told MPs about a cafe near Parliament which had a notice in its window reading breakfast only today sorry, we are badly understaffed. He added: That seems to chime with the findings of UK in a Changing Europe that there is a 300,000 shortfall of workers as a result of Brexit and the end of freedom of movement. It seems that Brexit really does mean breakfast after all. So will the Government not admit that it is Brexit that has taken the UK economy out of the frying pan and into the fire? Mr Cartlidge said the Government was proud to have almost the lowest unemployment for the best part of 50 years. He added: Of course that does present challenges when you have a tight labour market, that is why we think the best way forward is to ensure we have the apprenticeships, the skills, the training to ensure that we can deliver the workforce to meet our growth ambitions. Labours Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) also claimed that the minister failed to mention the former prime minister (Liz Truss) and her chancellor crashed the economy on top of the uncertainties of the previous years, following the failure to get a decent deal after Brexit, which has hit our economy with a 4% hit on output. Elsewhere in the debate, DUP MP Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) said the Northern Ireland Protocol was continuing to create added uncertainty for traders there. She said: Investment to drive growth is now being stalled as we await a new agreement. Does the Government recognise the need to urgently restore the integrity of the United Kingdoms internal market to assist economic growth in Northern Ireland and does he commit to doing that? Mr Cartlidge stressed that work is happening across departments in terms of the protocol. Senior Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned against being too snowflakey over bullying allegations as he defended Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab. Rishi Sunak has refused to suspend Mr Raab despite the number of allegations to his bullying inquiry reportedly swelling significantly and being added to by a former top civil servant. The Prime Minister has been under increased pressure after he sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Tory chairman following a furore over his tax affairs. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have urged Mr Sunak to suspend Mr Raab while he is under investigation by senior lawyer Adam Tolley KC. Reports suggest that former Foreign Office permanent secretary Lord Simon McDonald has given evidence to Mr Tolley as a witness. The two other permanent secretaries who worked with Mr Raab while he held Cabinet positions have now also been interviewed, according to The Guardian. The newspaper has also reported that at least 24 civil servants, and perhaps more than 30, are involved in formal complaints. Mr Raab denies allegations of bullying. Mr Rees-Mogg said it is completely sensible for Mr Raab to remain as Mr Sunaks deputy, and Justice Secretary, while under investigation. The former Brexit opportunities minister and Commons leader told Sky News: I think weve got to be slightly careful about the bullying allegations. We mustnt be too snowflakey about it. People need to be able to say this job has not been done well enough and needs to be done better. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab (PA) Its a very difficult line to judge. Its not a straightforward issue in most cases. Its how did somebody react, what did somebody say, is it reasonable to demand from senior and well-paid professionals a level of good service? And then you have to judge whether that line has been overstepped. Mr Rees-Mogg backed then-PM Boris Johnson for keeping Priti Patel on as home secretary despite her being found to have broken the ministerial code over bullying allegations. Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union representing senior civil servants, said: Even by Rees-Moggs standards this is outrageous. A former leader of the House trivialising bullying that we know has ruined lives and careers. Not only should he be ashamed of himself but his leader and party should distance themselves from this. Labours shadow Cabinet Office minister Florence Eshalomi added: It speaks volumes that Jacob Rees-Mogg is seeking to belittle the serious claims of bullying and intimidation that have been made against the Deputy Prime Minister. He should be ashamed of himself. If Rishi Sunak was serious about his zero-tolerance approach, he would distance himself and his party from Jacob Rees-Moggs remarks. Last week, No 10 insisted the number of formal allegations against Mr Raab remained at eight but could not rule out each complaint including multiple accusers. Speaking during a Cabinet awayday at his Chequers grace-and-favour retreat, Mr Sunak said he will await the outcome of Mr Tolleys investigation before taking any action. I appointed an independent investigator to have a look at that matter. Ill wait for that independent investigator to complete that investigation and report back to me, he said. Last week, Mr Raab insisted he is always mindful of the way I behave. Im confident I behaved professionally throughout, and of course the Government takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, he told the BBC. Angela Rayner claims the PM is too weak to do anything about Mr Raab (PA) The investigation centres on when Mr Raab was foreign secretary, Brexit secretary and during his first stint as justice secretary. Last year, Lord McDonald alleged Mr Raab was so demeaning and abrasive to junior colleagues that many were scared to enter his office. Colleagues did not complain to me formally, it was kind of their professional pride to cope, but many were scared to go into his office, the crossbench peer told Times Radio. His sort-of defence was that he treated everybody in the building in the same way. He was as abrasive and controlling with junior ministers and senior officials as he was with his private secretaries. Mr Sunak has pledged to take whatever steps are necessary to restore the integrity back into politics. But Downing Street would not be drawn on whether the Prime Minister was told of informal concerns about Mr Raabs behaviour when he made him his deputy. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said Mr Sunak had the requisite information needed to make the appointment and had acted swiftly by appointing Mr Tolley to investigate once formal complaints were made. Britains train services will be hit by strike action on two days this week. Train driver members of Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out on Wednesday and Friday in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. Here is a breakdown of each operators plan for strike days: Avanti West Coast is among the operators running no services on strike days (Luciana Guerra/PA) Avanti West Coast No trains will operate. c2c Services will be unaffected. Caledonian Sleeper Services will be unaffected. Chiltern Railways No trains will operate. CrossCountry Planned industrial action by the ASLEF & RMT Unions, which is affecting drivers only, on 1 & 3 Feb means there will be no CrossCountry services in operation on these dates. Please seek alternative modes of transport. Visit our Disruption page for info https://t.co/Pkb9MtHcXS pic.twitter.com/Ttog9NDXEC CrossCountry trains (@CrossCountryUK) January 25, 2023 No trains will operate. East Midlands Railway No trains will operate. Elizabeth line Services will be unaffected. Gatwick Express No trains will operate. Services to Gatwick Airport will be hit (Gareth Fuller/PA) Grand Central Services will be unaffected. Great Northern No trains will operate. Great Western Railway Many Great Western Railway trains are cancelled (Andrew Matthews/PA) An extremely limited service will operate, and only between 7.30am and 7.30pm. The only routes served by trains will be: Between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads; between Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff; between Reading and Basingstoke, Oxford and Redhill; between Swindon and Westbury; between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth and Paignton; between Plymouth and Gunnislake; and between Penzance and St Ives. Greater Anglia A very limited service will operate with one train per hour in each direction between London Liverpool Street and each of Norwich, Colchester, Cambridge and Southend Victoria. Services will start from 8am and finish earlier than usual. No other routes will be served by trains. Heathrow Express No trains will operate. Hull Trains Services will be unaffected. London North Eastern Railway An extremely limited timetable will operate. It will run just five trains in each direction between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh, with a handful of other services. London Northwestern Railway No trains will operate. Some operators will be running very limited services (Victoria Jones/PA) London Overground Services will be unaffected. Lumo Services will be unaffected. Merseyrail Services will be unaffected. Northern No trains will operate. ScotRail Services will be unaffected. South Western Railway The operator intends to run a full service on the mainland but there will be no trains on the Isle of Wight. Southeastern No trains will operate. Southeastern will not run any trains on strike days (Gareth Fuller/PA) Southern No trains will operate. Stansted Express One train per hour will run in each direction between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Thameslink No trains will operate. TransPennine Express No trains will operate. Transport for Wales Services will be unaffected. West Midlands Railway No trains will operate. The latest grim forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees Britain fare worse than every other major economy as it appears to be suffering a bigger blow from the cost-of-living crisis. Here we look at what is behind the IMFs pessimism for the UK economy and how worried we should be. Why is the UK performing worse than other countries? The IMF believes the UK will suffer a 0.6% contraction over 2023, predicting that it will be the only one of the major economies tracked in its report to suffer a recession. It had a stab at explaining why it believes the UK is the outlier, suggesting it is down to three main factors. Firstly, the UKs reliance on natural gas, which has seen prices skyrocket since Russias invasion of Ukraine. This has pushed up inflation, which hit 11.1% last October and is still above 10%. Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey (Leon Neal/PA) The IMF also believes that Britains employment levels have also not recovered to those seen before the pre-pandemic struck, which has left the UK with staff shortages and a high level of so-called inactivity, in turn impacting upon overall productivity and output. Lastly, it reckons that the UK has had to raise interest rates at a faster pace than other countries, because of the sky-high inflation, and that this is putting further pressure on the economy. With a number of UK borrowers still on variable rate mortgages, albeit far less than in the past, this has hit their pockets hard and will further constrain consumer spending. Advanced economies will grow at 1.2% in 2023, a sharp decline from 2.7% in 2022, before rising to 1.4% in 2024. About 90% of advanced economies are projected to see a decline in growth this year. https://t.co/4ifKc9pKeL #WEO pic.twitter.com/9HwYfVkvhf IMF (@IMFNews) January 31, 2023 Has Brexit played a part in all this? Labour certainly believes the UKs exit from the EU has impacted our economy. While it is unclear how much Brexit has affected gross domestic product (GDP) directly, there are many reports and anecdotal evidence from companies suggesting the shrinking workforce is largely down to the EU withdrawal. How about last years disastrous mini-budget? It has been widely acknowledged that last Septembers ill-fated mini-budget under former Prime Minister Liz Truss and the market turmoil that followed have left the UK facing higher mortgage rates than would otherwise be the case dubbed by many as the Truss Premium. Given that the IMF points to the unhelpful pressure on households by higher mortgage rates as one of the reasons for the UKs under-performance, this would suggest that some of the economic pain may be down to home-grown problems. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (Aaron Chown/PA) How seriously should we take the IMFs prediction? It is important to remember that the IMF forecast is just that a forecast. And forecasts can be wrong, as the Government has been quick to point out. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt rebuffed the IMFs latest pessimism, stressing that many predictions about the UK economy last year proved to be wrong. It is true that the IMF has upgraded its predictions for the UK economy in 2022 twice since last July. It predicted growth of 3.2% in July, then 3.6% in October and now 4.1% in its latest report which would see the UK top of the league among the G7 nations. The IMF projects global growth to fall from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023, and then rise to 3.1% in 2024. Inflation is peaking amid low growth. Read our analysis in the World Economic Outlook Update. https://t.co/4ifKc9qi4j #WEO pic.twitter.com/5tdSaw0Q81 IMF (@IMFNews) January 31, 2023 Mr Hunt said last week in his first major speech that declinism about Britain was wrong in the past and it is wrong today. But the IMFs forecast adds to mounting fears over the UK economy in 2023, with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also warning recently that it believes the UK economy will perform worse than any of the worlds seven most advanced nations in 2023. Are there any reasons for optimism? Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey said earlier this month that the recession was likely to be shallower than at first feared. The Bank will give its latest economic forecasts on Thursday when it is also expected to deliver another rate hike, from 3.5% to 4%. Economists also believe the Bank will upgrade its forecasts for the economy after a stronger-than-predicted performance in late 2022, giving a glimmer of hope for inflation-battered Britain. In less time than it takes me to write this sentence, ChatGPT, the free artificial intelligence computer program that writes human-sounding answers to just about anything you ask, will spit out a 500-word essay explaining quantum physics with literary flair. . Once upon a time, there was a strange and mysterious world that existed alongside our own, the response begins. It continues with a physics professor sitting alone in his office on a dark and stormy night (of course), his mind consumed by the mysteries of quantum physics...It was a power that could bend the very fabric of space and time, and twist the rules of reality itself, the chat window reads. Wow, the ChatGPT answer is both eerily entertaining and oddly educational. In the end, the old professor figures it all out and shares his knowledge with the world. The essay is cool and creepy, especially these last two sentences: His theory changes the way we see the world and leads to new technologies, but also unlocks a door to powers beyond human comprehension, that can be used for good or evil. It forever changes the future of humanity. Yes, it could be talking about itself. ChatGPT ban: Schools nationwide are banning ChatGPT. What we know about the future of AI in education. ChatGPT in real estate: ChatGPT takes on real estate: Agents say the AI could be a game changer in the industry What does ChatGPT stand for? ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is the latest viral sensation out of San Francisco-based startup OpenAI. Its a free online tool trained on millions of pages of writing from all corners of the internet to understand and respond to text-based queries in just about any style you want. When I ask it to explain ChatGPT to my mom, it cranks out, ChatGPT is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to natural language text, just like a human would. It can answer questions, write sentences, and even have a conversation with you. It's like having your own personal robot that can understand and talk to you! A screengrab of ChatGPT answering a question about what it does ChatGPT is free. Try it yourself The easiest way to get a picture of its powers is to try it out for yourself. Its free, you just need to register for an account, then ask it a question. You can even prompt it to write something for you anything really and in any style from a poem using your childs name to song lyrics about your dog, business taglines, essays, research papers, and even software code. It types out responses in a few seconds and follows up in the same thread if you dont like the first answer. ChatGPT launched as a prototype to the public Nov. 30, 2022. Within five days, more than a million people were using it. ChatGPT is a conversational artificial intelligence software application developed by OpenAI. By comparison, it took Netflix 3 years to get that many people on board. Facebook didnt crack its first million people for 10 months, and Spotify went five months before it reached that million user mark. Microsoft confirmed on Monday that its making a multiyear, multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI, and while they didnt disclose the specific dollar amount its reportedly a $10 billion deal. No more free Netflix?: Netflix says it plans to halt free password sharing before April How does ChatGPT work? ChatGPT was trained in writing that already exists on the internet up to the year 2021. When you type in your question or prompt, it reacts with lightning speed. I am a machine learning model that has been trained on a large dataset of text which allows me to understand and respond to text-based inputs, it replies when I ask it to explain how it works. The idea behind this new generative AI is that it could reinvent everything from online search engines like Google to digital assistants like Alexa and Siri. It could also do most of the heavy lifting on information writing, content creation, customer service chatbots, research, legal documents, and much more. (OpenAI) will provide vastly new potential at a scale and speed which weve never seen before, reinventing pretty much everything about our lives and careers, says Neil Voss, Co-Founder of augmented-reality startup, Anima. Voss uses OpenAI's system to create AR-based 'creatures' that can talk to their owners. He and many others predict OpenAIs latest tools will become the most significant since the launch of the smartphone, with potential already being likened to the early days of the internet. Very quickly, AI will make not only finding information (much easier) but understanding it reshaping it and making it useful much faster, Voss explains in an email. In a follow-up question about how well use ChatGPT and this kind of next-generation AI in the next year or two, the program highlighted several applications including health care, for things like diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans, and content creation for, human-like text, audio, creative writing, news articles, video scripts, and more. While some worry computers will push people out of jobs, its the bots' last sentence that raises the most serious red flags. What are the dangers of ChatGPT? ChatGPT parrots back existing content, and although it sounds authoritative, it can be flat-out wrong. (We all know by now that not everything you read on the internet is true, right?) AI cant yet tell fact from fiction, and ChatGPT was trained on data thats already two years old. If you ask it a timely question, such as what the most recent iPhone model is it says its the 13. In the past, AI has been used largely for predictions or categorization. ChatGPT will actually create new articles, news items or blog posts, even school essays, and its pretty hard to distinguish between them and real, human-created writing, Helen Lee Bouygues tells me over email. Bouygues is the president and founder of the Reboot Foundation, which advocates for critical thinking to combat the rise of misinformation. Shes worried new tech like ChatGPT could spread misinformation or fake news, generate bias, or get used to spread propaganda. My biggest concern is that it will make people dumber particularly young people, while computers get smarter, Bouygues explains. Why? Because more and more people will use these tools like ChatGPT to answer questions or generally engage in the world without richer, more reflective kinds of thinking. Take social media. People click, post, and retweet articles and content that they have not read. ChatGPT will make this worse by making it easier for people not to think. Instead, it will be far too easy to have the bot conjure their thoughts and ideas. OpenAIs use and content policies specifically warn against deceptive practices, including; promoting dishonesty, deceiving or manipulating users, or trying to influence politics. It also states that when sharing content, all users should clearly indicate that it is generated by AI 'in a way no one could reasonably miss or misunderstand. But its humans were talking about. And honesty? Sigh. Buzzfeed announced Thursday that it will partner with ChatGPT to create content. News site CNET is under fire for using AI to create informational articles in its Money section, without full disclosure and transparency. A recent survey of 1,000 college students in America by the online magazine Intelligent.com also reports nearly 1 in 3 have used ChatGPT on written assignments, even though most think its cheating. New York City and Seattle school districts recently banned ChatGPT from their devices and networks, and many colleges are considering similar steps. How to detect AI written content In a statement from OpenAI, a spokesperson told us that the company via email that theyre already working on a tool to help identify text generated by ChatGPT. Its apparently similar to an algorithmic watermark, or sort of invisible flag embedded into ChatGPTs writing that can identify its source, according to CBS. Weve always called for transparency around the use of AI-generated text. Our policies require that users be up-front with their audience when using our API and creative tools like DALL-E and GPT-3, OpenAIs statement reiterates. A senior at Princeton recently created an app called GPTZero to spot whether AI wrote an essay. But its not ready for the masses yet. I used an AI content detector called Writer, and it spotted most cases of ChatGPT that I fed it. But some people fear AIs ability to mimic humans will move much faster than techs ability to police it. Still, the cats out of the bag, and theres no wrestling it back in. This isnt evil, says Neil Voss. On the other side of this are accomplishments weve only been able to dream of, but getting there is going to be difficult. It is up to us to apply that potential to things that are worthwhile, meaningful, and human. When I ask ChatGPT to write a sentence about the ethical implications of ChatGPT in the style of tech journalist Jennifer Jolly, it said, "ChatGPT is a technological tour-de-force, but it also raises important ethical considerations, like how to ensure that this powerful tool is used responsibly and for the greater good." I have to admit, I couldnt have said it better myself. Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech columnist. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ChatGPT has the answers. How does ChatGPT get its information? FILE - Actor Alec Baldwin attends a news conference at United Nations headquarters, on Sept. 21, 2015. A Santa Fe district attorney is prepared to announce whether to press charges in the fatal 2021 film-set shooting of a cinematographer by actor Baldwin during a rehearsal on the set of the Western movie "Rust." Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said a decision will be announced Thursday morning, Jan. 19, 2022, in a statement and on social media platforms. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Actor Alec Baldwin and a weapons specialist have been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico movie set, according to court documents filed by prosecutors Tuesday. Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed the charging documents naming Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who supervised weapons on the set of the Western Rust. The filing comes nearly two weeks after she first announced that Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed would be prosecuted for what authorities have described as a pattern of criminal disregard for safety. In recent weeks, Carmack-Altwies has outlined two sets of involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed maintain their innocence and have vowed to fight the charges. Baldwins attorney Luke Nikas declined comment Tuesday and referred to his previous statement on the case, in which he called the charges a terrible miscarriage of justice that he and his client would fight and win. Mr. Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set, the statement said. He relied on the professionals with whom he worked. Gutierrez-Reeds attorney said they would release a statement later. Halyna Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during rehearsals at a ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021. Baldwin was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director, Joel Souza. Prosecutors have said that Baldwins involvement as a producer and as the person who fired the gun weighed in the decision to file charges. The manslaughter charge against Baldwin includes alternative standards and sanctions. One would apply a charge of manslaughter for reckless disregard of safety without due caution and circumspection. Hutchins death already has led to new safety precautions in the film industry. Carmack-Altwies told The Associated Press in a Jan. 19 interview that the set was really being run pretty fast and loose and that Baldwin should have known there had been previous misfires on the set and that multiple people had brought up safety concerns. She added that Baldwin was the one who pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will be issued a summons to appear in court. Prosecutors will forgo a grand jury and rely on a judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence to move toward trial. It could take up to 60 days for decision. Involuntary manslaughter can involve a killing that happens while a defendant is doing something lawful but dangerous and is acting negligently or without caution. Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb has cited a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the set of Rust. Prosecutors also said they will release the terms of a signed plea agreement with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on the set. Participants in the un-filmed rehearsal have given conflicting accounts of who handed the gun to Baldwin. Halls has agreed to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon, they said. Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said in a statement Monday that prosecutors are fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins and "the evidence and the facts speak for themselves. Baldwin, also a co-producer on Rust, has described the killing as a tragic accident. The 64-year-old actor said he was told the gun was safe and has sought to clear his name by suing people involved in handling and supplying the loaded .45-caliber revolver. In his lawsuit, Baldwin said that while working on camera angles with Hutchins, he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled back and released the hammer of the weapon, which discharged. Defense attorney Jason Bowles, who represents Gutierrez-Reed, said the charges are the result of a flawed investigation and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. Defendants can participate remotely in many initial court proceedings or seek to have their first appearance waived. The decision to charge Baldwin marks a stunning turn of events for an A-list actor whose 40-year career included the early blockbuster The Hunt for Red October and a starring role in the sitcom 30 Rock, as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorseses The Departed and a film adaptation of David Mamets Glengary Glen Ross. In recent years, Baldwin was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live. Eric Sham visits a makeshift memorial on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 for those killed in a mass shooting at The Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park. (Sarah Reingewirtz/The Orange County Register via AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) Those killed by a gunman who opened fire at a Los Angeles-area dance hall are being remembered by friends and family for the zest for life that brought them out that night to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Eleven people were killed when a gunman opened fire on Jan. 21 at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio, a dance hall in Monterey Park that is popular with older Asian Americans. Its always happy, people just come and have fun, they just love dancing, Peter Phung, a singer who has performed there and frequently stopped by to sing karaoke as well, told The Associated Press on Thursday. Following the attack, the gunman went to another nearby ballroom but was disarmed before anyone was shot. He fled and on Jan. 22 shot and killed himself. In the days after the shooting, a makeshift memorial with flowers and photos grew in front of the Star Ballroom. And as of Monday, a GoFundMe organized by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California was nearing $1 million for the families of the victims. Here are profiles of the 11 people killed: LILAN LI LiLan Li, 63, who had gone to the Star Ballroom to celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends, was a pillar of strength and optimism, her daughter wrote in a fundraising campaign. Stolen is the grandmother whose granddaughter fell asleep many a night nestled in between her loving arms! daughter Min Yi wrote on the GoFundMe website. Taken away from us is an opportunity for her grandson to ever feel her love and warmth! The post on GoFundMe, organized by her nephew, Hao Hua Tan, said that much of Li's immediate family and close friends live in China, and the family is hoping to raise money to not only help with funeral costs but to also bring them to California for the funeral. DIANA TOM Diana Tom, 70, was a hard-working mother, wife and grandmother who loved to dance, her family said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. Her family said that she went to the ballroom to celebrate the Lunar New Year by dancing with her friends. To those who knew her, she was someone who always went out of her way to give to others, her family said. Phung, the singer, remembered Tom as very friendly, outgoing, and said that in addition to her passion for dance, she would also frequently perform karaoke at the venue. Tom's family said that after she was wounded at the Star Ballroom, she was hospitalized in critical condition. She died on Jan. 22. XIUJUAN YU Xiujuan Yu, 57, was a married mother of three who worked tirelessly to provide for her family, her niece Kathleen Fong wrote in a fundraising campaign to cover funeral costs. Yu immigrated about a decade ago from China to the U.S., where she and her family, Fong wrote, "have done their best to make a life for themselves by working odd jobs and taking on labor-intensive occupations to make ends meet. Fong wrote on GoFundMe that Yu and her husband also were financially supporting their twins college educations at California universities, where they are studying sports medicine and kinesiology. Now, Fong wrote, her aunt will never be able to witness what she dreamed of for all these years. Yu, who celebrated her birthday in December, was at the ballroom on the night of the shooting to celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends, but never returned home. After days of uncertainty, anxiety, and waiting in worry, Fong said, Yu was identified as one of the 11 victims. Personally, this still doesnt feel real, Yus niece wrote. It happened all too quickly. Fong did not immediately respond to interview requests from The Associated Press. MING WEI MA Ming Wei Ma, 72, was the manager of the Star Ballroom and a talented dancer himself. He was described by those who knew him as always smiling, helping out and making people feel welcome. He was a genuine, special person who was loved by all, Walter Calderon, a dance instructor who held events there, told The Associated Press. Calderon said that while Ma didnt speak much English, he conveyed a lot with his facial expressions. Siu Fong told the AP she would sometimes lead karaoke outings for older people there, where Ma would always say hello to everyone. He would go into my session, and talk to the singers and greet them. MYMY NHAN Mymy Nhan, 65, was a regular at Star Ballroom. She had been the main caretaker for her mother, who recently died, and was looking forward to the dance hall's Lunar New Year celebrations as a way to start the year fresh," her niece Fonda Quan said. It is comforting to know that she enjoyed her last dance, even though it was her last dance, she continued. Tiffany Liou, a reporter with WFAA television station in Dallas, wrote for the station's website that for Nhan, her husbands aunt, her family was her passion. Liou said that Nhan had no children but loved her nieces and nephews like her own. She was kind to all strangers. Her warm smile was contagious. She was everyones biggest cheerleader," Liou wrote. Nhan, who was of Chinese descent, was raised in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985, Liou wrote. VALENTINO ALVERO Valentino Alvero, 68, was remembered as a dedicated family man who loved ballroom dancing and was the life of any party, his family said in statement. Alvero was a loving father, a dedicated son and brother, a grandfather who loved his three granddaughters fiercely, an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews like his own, his family said in a statement. He loved people and hearing about their lives and in return, he shared his own stories with so much enthusiasm that you couldnt help but listen and laugh along with him, the family said. The statement said Alvero, a devout Catholic, loved ballroom dancing. We hope that he danced to his hearts content until the very end and hope that he is now dancing in heaven, the family said. WEN TAU YU Wen Tau Yu, 64, was retired, but he'd recently returned to school to study to be a pharmacist, his son said. He was 64 years old and retired, but he was exploring his second career, Szu Fa Yu told The New York Times. I really admire him for that. Wen Tau Yu had immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan, where he was a manager at an agricultural company, his son said. On Jan. 21, the family had gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year before his father went out to celebrate with friends. When his father's friends said he'd never made it to lunch the next day, the family reported to police that he was missing. Szu Fa Yu said that if his father was a dancer, he didn't know about it. YU LUN KAO Yu Lun Kao, 72, was a longtime member of the dance community in Monterey Park, and he was known to practice for hours. All day long, thats how much he loved dancing, Alex Satrin, an instructor who teaches at Star Ballroom, told The New York Times. Satrin said that Kao, who also went by Andy, had participated in his group classes and also frequently practiced on his own. Kao's brother, Alan Kao, told the newspaper that his brother worked in the construction business after coming to California from Taiwan two decades ago. MUOI DAI UNG Muoi Dai Ung, 67, who came to the U.S. from Vietnam over a decade ago to be with family members who fled the country in the 1970s and 1980s, was an extrovert who loved to dance, her family said. Her niece, Juily Phun, told the Washington Post that her aunt came to the U.S. in hopes of building a life here different from the sorrows she had experienced. On Jan. 21, Ung, who worked multiple jobs, including as a seamstress, had gone to the Star Ballroom to celebrate the Lunar New Year with her best friend. A statement from Ung's family described her as "complicated, messy, easy to love and sometimes hard to understand from the outside. This month, Ung's daughter was visiting her from overseas. She came to see her mother, and now she has to bury her, Phun said. NANCY LIU Hongying Jian, 62, who was known as Nancy Liu, and her husband Jeff were regulars at the Star Ballroom, their daughter said. They know everyone, Juno Blees told The New York Times. The couple emigrated from China more than 25 years ago and did everything together, Blees said. They liked to socialize at the dance hall because the clientele were about their age, and many were also Asian immigrants. A neighbor, Serena Liu, described Nancy Liu as a very nice, cute, kind person who liked to sing, play piano and go out dancing. She used to say she can make friends with anyone if she wants, Liu told the Los Angeles Times. On the night of Jan. 21, Jeff Liu was near the entrance when he witnessed the gunman storm in and open fire. He saw his wife collapse, Blees said. They got separated and he never saw her again. Jeff Liu's shoulder was grazed by two bullets. He was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 22. CHIA LING YAU Chia Ling Yau, 76, had a passion for music, dance and travel, his family said in a statement, the Washington Post reported. Yaus family said he was a caring father, uncle, brother and friend who was a happy, fun-loving person. His family said that he was the kind of friend who was generous with his time, and to his children he was generous with words of love and affirmation. ___ Stengle contributed to this report from Dallas and Yamat contributed from Las Vegas. Also contributing to this report were reporters Terry Tang and Amy Taxin in Monterey Park, Calif.; reporter Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; and researchers Jennifer Farrar and Rhonda Shafner in New York. The National Womens Law Center on Monday filed a federal civil rights complaint against hospitals in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois for allegedly denying a Joplin woman life-saving abortion care last year after her water broke at 18 weeks of pregnancy. The complaint, filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights on behalf of Joplin resident Mylissa Farmer, alleges that the hospitals discriminated against her based on her sex, according to a news release. The release did not say which hospitals the organization filed the complaint against. But Farmer has publicly talked about how she was denied an emergency abortion at Joplins Freeman Health System in August of last year. Farmer said last year that her water broke early during her pregnancy, putting her health at risk. A representative from HHS did not respond to a request for comment. Abortion is time sensitive and sometimes life-saving health care, Michelle Barker, Farmers attorney and the director of reproductive rights and health litigation at NWLC, said in a statement. When a hospital offers emergency care to everyone but refuses to provide emergency care that only pregnant people need, that is sex discrimination, pure and simple. Farmers situation gained a close focus in last years race for U.S. Senate in Missouri, where she was featured in TV ads criticizing then-Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt for his role in triggering the states near-total ban on abortion. Missouri voters elected Schmitt to the U.S. Senate in November. Farmer, in a previous interview with the Springfield News-Leader, said she was denied a life-saving abortion procedure at the Joplin hospital in August after her water broke early and put her health at risk. The newspaper reported that she also visited the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas where she was told doctors wouldnt be able to perform the procedure. A representative from Freeman Health System did not immediately return a call for comment on Monday. A representative from the University of Kansas Medical Center also did not respond on Monday. Farmer, according to the Springfield News-Leader, eventually had the abortion procedure performed at the HOPE Clinic in Granite City, Illinois. Last October, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services launched an Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act investigation into Freeman Health System for denying Farmer the procedure. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, a 1986 federal law, prohibits hospitals with emergency departments from refusing to treat people with an emergency medical condition. The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed to this report. Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2019. (Michael Conroy/AP) Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, widely considered a top-tier potential candidate for Indianas open Senate seat, announced Tuesday that he would not be running, dashing the hopes of the old GOP establishment, much as he did almost a dozen years ago when he declined a bid for the White House. After what I hope was adequate reflection, Ive decided not to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Daniels said in a statement. With full credit and respect for the institution and those serving in it, I conclude its just not the job for me, not the town for me and not the life I want to live at this point. Danielss decision leaves Indiana Rep. Jim Banks as the lone candidate in the Republican primary for the seat being vacated by Sen. Mike Braun for now. For a few weeks, it appeared as though Indiana could serve as the stage for a showdown between the old Republican Party establishment embodied in leaders like Daniels, President George W. Bushs former budget director, and the ascendant hard right of the party represented by Banks, who shot to prominence in the Trump era. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., speaks as then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy listens during a news conference in June 2022. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) But after a jaunt through the Capitol last week and meetings with top Senate Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Daniels backed away. He said he would easily win but the fight just wasnt for him. Daniels made similar remarks when he stepped back from a White House run in the spring of 2011. (Four years later, he amended the comment to say he would have beaten Mitt Romney in the GOP primaries but would have likely lost to Barack Obama.) Mitch is a rare thinker, the likes of which we may not see again in our lifetimes. He has the ability to challenge the status quo without trashing those who think smaller thoughts, veteran Indiana Republican strategist Mike Murphy tweeted Tuesday. He didn't need to run to be somebody. He is already the most consequential Hoosier of his time. Daniels has long been seen as a fighter, and during his time as Indiana governor from 2005 to 2013, he picked many fights that seemed impossible including leasing the states toll road for 99 years with a cash windfall of $3.8 billion and instituting daylight saving time. As he was leaning toward a White House bid in 2012, Daniels also picked a fight with the states unions crafting new limits on collective bargaining for teachers and pushing a sweeping overhaul of the states education system and pushing a so-called right-to-work law. From left: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, President George W. Bush and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin in 2006. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) His rare ability to drive an agenda as the chief executive of the state bolstered calls for him to run for president and served as a playbook for many top candidates who later jumped in the race in 2016, including then-Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich. But Daniels also struggled with competition. The key determinant in his decision against running in 2012 was his family. After he separated from his wife in the '90s, he raised his daughters in Indiana. He and his wife later reconciled, and she even took on a prominent role in the run-up to a possible 2012 race. Tim Miller, then a young opposition researcher working for the 2012 presidential campaign of Jon Huntsman, which viewed Daniels as a critical threat, slipped details to reporters about the messy divorce. The day after Daniels announced he wouldnt run, a withering piece detailing their divorce was published in RealClearPolitics. Its unlikely he would have faced a repeat of 2012 this go-round. Indiana Republicans who spoke with Yahoo News over the past week or so repeatedly said they believed Daniels would run only if the polling backed it up, and the party had changed dramatically since he left office years before Donald Trump overhauled the GOP. Daniels speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference dinner in Washington in 2011. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) But behind the scenes, opposition research on Daniels was being shopped to reporters again, this time regarding his decade-long tenure as president of Purdue University. In bowing out of contention, he said he would never have served more than one six-year term in the Senate and would have focused on government spending his usual territory. I would have tried to work on these matters in a way that might soften the harshness and personal vitriol that has infected our public square, rendering it not only repulsive to millions of Americans, but also less capable of effective action to meet our threats and seize our opportunities, Daniels wrote. Of course, getting to that point would have meant surviving a withering campaign filled with the exact same vitriol. The Club for Growth, helmed by veteran Indiana Republican David McIntosh, whom Daniels pushed out of the race for governor in 2004, gave Daniels an early taste of what would have been a grueling battle with an attack ad dubbing him a member of the old guard and supporting big government. The group then endorsed Banks for Senate. Russia's war on Ukraine latest: 3 major areas can avoid power cuts, Ukraine says A Ukrainian serviceman looks on in Bakhmut (Reuters) - Russian has begun a major new assault on the Ukrainian-held bastion of Vuhledar that could make local gains but is unlikely to lead to an operational breakthrough, Britain's Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. CONFLICT * Ukraine said it had repelled assaults on Vuhledar and Blahodatne, a village just north of Bakhmut. The administrator of Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk province, Denis Pushilin, said Russian troops had secured a foothold in Vuhledar. * In an intelligence update, the British ministry said Russia had been assaulting the coal mining town with a force at least the size of a brigade, a unit that normally comprises several thousand troops. "There is a realistic possibility that Russia will continue to make local gains in the sector. However, it is unlikely that Russia has sufficient uncommitted troops in the area to achieve an operationally significant breakthrough." * Ukraine's general staff said Russia had carried out air strikes and three missile strikes in the past 24 hours, one of them on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine. It is also continuing offensive operations in the areas of Bakhmut, Avdiivka and elsewhere in eastern Ukraine, it said. * Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports. * Human Rights Watch called on Ukraine to investigate accusations it used thousands of rocket-fired antipersonnel landmines in and around the eastern city of Izium when Russian forces occupied the area. Human Rights Watch said use of antipersonnel mines violates international humanitarian law because the devices cannot discriminate between civilians and combatants. DIPLOMACY * German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's bid to rally support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion during his first South American tour fell flat, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterating his view both parties shared blame. * Ukraine's foreign ministry criticised Croatian President Zoran Milanovic for saying Crimea would never return to Ukrainian control, describing his comment as "unacceptable." * Ukraine's defence minister is expected in Paris to meet Macron amid a debate among Kyiv's allies over whether to provide fighter jets for its war against Russia, after Biden ruled out giving F-16s. * Biden said he will visit Poland but does not know when after reports suggested he is considering a trip to Europe to coincide with the Feb. 24 anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. * Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in the southern city of Mykolaiv during a rare visit by a foreign leader to a region close to the war front. WEAPONS * France and Australia on Monday unveiled plans to jointly manufacture ammunition for Ukraine as the two countries seek to shore up defence cooperation and move past a row over Canberra's decision to ditch plans to buy French submarines two years ago. * Ukraine's military will spend nearly $550 million on drones in 2023, and 16 supply deals have already been signed with Ukrainian manufacturers, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said. * Tanks donated by Britain to Ukraine will be on the front line before summer, Defence Minister Ben Wallace said, without giving an exact timetable. * Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said further supplies of Western weaponry to Ukraine would lead to further escalation of the conflict there and draw NATO members more deeply into it. (Compiled by Simon Cameron-Moore) By Andy Bruce LONDON (Reuters) -Three years after its departure from the European Union, Britain is yet to benefit from the Brexit dividend that was promised for its economy as it lags its peers on multiple fronts, including trade and investment. Britain exited the EU on Jan. 31, 2020, though remained in the bloc's single market and customs union for 11 more months. On that day, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country could finally fulfil its potential and that he hoped it would grow in confidence with each passing month. So far, the opposite has happened, with a range of indicators showing under-performance compared with other economies. Opinion polls show Britons who regret leaving the EU increasingly outnumber those who do not. A survey published on Monday by news website UnHerd showed this was now the case in all but three of 632 parliamentary constituencies analysed. The government, led by Brexit-supporting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, says Britain is prospering with new-found freedoms. Last week, finance minister Jeremy Hunt challenged the talk of decline and said Brexit offered a brighter future with room for measures that will attract investment in areas such as the green economy and tech. Many economists say leaving the EU is not the sole cause of Britain's woes - the country was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the surge in gas prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine - but it is a factor that can help explain recent underperformance. "It's been more than a slow burn. It's been a serious reduction in economic performance," said John Springford, deputy director at the Centre for European Reform think tank. "If you impose barriers to trade, investment and migration with your biggest trading partner (EU), then you're going to have quite a big hit to trade volumes, and to investment and to GDP," he said, pointing to a string of dismal economic data. Britain was the only Group of Seven advanced economy yet to regain its pre-pandemic size of late 2019 at the end of September last year, the most recent period covered by data. On Tuesday the International Monetary Fund said it expected Britain's economy to shrink by 0.6% this year, in contrast to predictions of growth across the rest of the G7. Springford estimated that Brexit reduced Britain's economic output - compared with what it would have been without leaving the EU - by around 5.5% as of mid-2022, based on a "doppelganger" model in which an algorithm selects countries whose economic performance closely matched pre-Brexit Britain. The government's own forecasting organisation, the Office for Budget Responsibility, and the Bank of England also judge there to be a long-running net cost to leaving the EU. Some economists disagree with the consensus. Brexit-supporting economist Gerard Lyons, an adviser to online wealth management platform NetWealth and who advised Boris Johnson during his years as the mayor of London, said it was wrong to blame Britain's problems on Brexit. "Our problems pre-date Brexit," Lyons said, pointing to chronically low rates of investment in Britain. "Achieving the benefits of Brexit very much depends on delivering ... a growth plan - how you can use your levers post-Brexit." He criticised the doppelganger method of analysis on the basis that some smaller countries selected by the models were inappropriate comparators for a large economy like Britain. TRADING BLOWS Trade and investment data point to other Brexit problems. Exports, especially in goods, have disappointed over the last three years - despite high hopes for a "Global Britain" rebalancing of the economy after Brexit. Total exports, including services, have grown by less than those of any other G7 country since late 2019. Boris Glass, senior economist at ratings agency S&P Global, said increased red tape in UK-EU trade had damaged the competitiveness of smaller British manufacturers especially, since they have fewer resources to deal with it. "It's worth noting that the UK has more small exporters than for example, France or Germany. So in that respect they are disadvantaged," Glass said. "If you are an exporter with 20 employees, then the burden of filling out these forms is very costly. Some of them can't compete at all." Business investment too has grown by less since the June 2016 Brexit referendum than in the United States, France or Germany, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. Some pro-Brexit economists say such statistics ignore the fact that British corporate investment was unusually strong in the years leading up to mid-2016 and was bound to slow. But business survey evidence overwhelmingly points to Brexit as a factor behind weak investment in recent years. "It's concerning that there doesn't seem to be any kind of pickup in investment. And I think, in order for us to have a durable recovery from the Brexit shock, then we've got to see that rise," Springford said. Britain still boasts higher rates of employment and lower unemployment than most EU countries but there are some signs that Brexit may have impacted the labour market too. Business groups want the government to relax its post-Brexit immigration rules as firms are struggling to find workers, something the BoE fears is stoking inflationary pressures. And unlike most of its G7 peers, Britain's employment rate has yet to recover to its pre-pandemic level. (Reporting by Andy BruceEditing by William Schomberg and Mark Heinrich) A Wichita man has been ordered to pay more than $14,000 after being convicted of two counts of Medicaid fraud. Johnson Kongvongsay of Wichita pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one felony count of making a false claim, statement or representation to the Medicaid program and one misdemeanor count of unlawful acts concerning computers, according to a news release from the Kansas attorney generals office. Johnsons daughter, 22-year-old Kyla Kongvongsay, pleaded guilty the same month to the same charges. At different times, they had both worked as personal care assistants for a relative who was a Medicaid beneficiary, according to the news release. They both submitted false claims, stating they were providing care when they were working other jobs, according to the news release. All together, the father and daughter had committed $30,947.45 worth of fraud, the release said. Johnson was ordered to repay $14,857.78 to the Kansas Medicaid Program. His daughter was ordered to repay $16,089.67. Both were sentenced to serve 12 months of supervised probation, the release added. The principal of the Richneck Elementary School in Virginia, where a 6-year-old boy shot his first-grade teacher, has been removed from her post as children return to classes Monday, Jan. 30 for the first time since the shooting with new security protocols. Briana Foster Newton, who was principal at the time of the Jan. 6 shooting, is no longer serving in that role, but is still employed by the Newport News Public Schools, district spokesperson Michelle Price said Monday. Its not clear what her new role is. Her exit marks the latest in a sweep of departures in the wake of the shooting that saw first grade teacher Abigail Zwerner, 25, seriously wounded in a hand and her chest and hospitalized. Assistant Principal Dr. Ebony Parker resigned, Price said Friday. The school systems superintendent, George Parker III, was ousted from his job on Wednesday in a 5-1 vote at a school board meeting, effective Feb. 1. Abigail Zwerner (Abby Zwerner via Facebook) With the departures of the principal and assistant principal, Karen Lynch, the districts Extended Learning Supervisor and an experienced elementary school principal, will serve as the administrator on special assignment at Richneck, coordinating the students return to learning, Price said. With the impending exit of Parker, the school board voted to name Dr. Michele Mitchell as the interim Superintendent of Schools to oversee the district of about 26,500 students. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Advancement for Newport News Public Schools, the district said. Back to school: clear backpacks, metal detectors and security officers School will look a little different for Richneck students returning Monday. Two permanent school division security officers will be present, two metal detector systems have been installed, doors have been installed in classroom areas without one, and all students will receive clear backpacks Monday, according to the district. Emotional support services for students, families and staff will continue including in-person services. Police respond to a shooting at Richneck Elementary in Newport News, VA., on Jan. 6, 2023. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot via Getty Images)) Teacher recovering, lawsuit will be filed Police hailed Zwerner as a hero saying she was intentionally shot, and despite her wounds, she still managed to safely escort about 20 students out of her classroom. She was released from the hospital earlier this month and continues to recover. On Wednesday, Zwerners attorney Diane Toscano announced she will file a lawsuit on her clients behalf. Toscano said that three teachers went to the school administration about the boys behavior on Jan. 6, saying he was believed to have a gun on the campus, but those concerns werent taken seriously. In one incident between a teacher flagging concern and administrator, an administrator said, wait the situation out because the school day was almost over, Toscano said. No charges have been announced in the case. Police Chief Steve Drew has said that the childs mother bought the 9 mm Taurus firearm used in the shooting legally and that the boy took the gun from his home. Whether it was properly secured is a key element in the investigation, he has said. The family of the boy who shot Zwerner said in a statement the child suffers from an acute disability and was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending class with him. The statement said the gun was secured when he took it from their home but didnt go into further detail. The week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives, the statement said. Since the shooting, the boy has been in a hospital receiving the treatment he needs, it said. This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Russia is making gains in Ukraines Donetsk but facing fierce resistance for literally every metre, according to a Moscow-backed local official. Administrator Denis Pushilin said that the Russian forces were making advances in Bakhmut, Maryinka and Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine, running north to south to the west of Donetsk city. Moscows gains were not clear-cut, that is, here there is a battle for literally every metre, he said, according to Russias state news agency TASS. Military analysts have said that Ukraine still controls Maryinka and Vuhledar which are now on Russias radar after capturing the small mining town of Soledar and that these areas were witnessing less intense Russian attacks on Monday. This comes as French president Emmanuel Macron said he has not ruled out sending fighter jets to Ukraine, in a positive sign for Kyiv which has been seeking top notch military aid from allies. Mr Macron said certain conditions would have to be met by Ukraine before France sent jets. Key points France sets conditions on sending jets to Ukraine Russian business offers cash bounties to destroy Western tanks in Ukraine Germany warns against arms race France open to sending fighter jets to Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 20:59 , Liam James President Emmanuel Macron said France was open to sending fighter jets to Ukraine, but laid out multiple conditions before such a significant step might be taken. France has sent Ukraine air defence systems, rocket launcher units, cannons and other military equipment and has pledged to send armoured surveillance and combat vehicles, but has stopped short of sending battle tanks or heavier weaponry. Asked at a news conference in The Hague on Monday if France is considering sending warplanes, Mr Macron said nothing is excluded as long as certain conditions are met. Among those conditions: that providing such equipment would not lead to an escalation of tensions or be used to touch Russian soil, and that it would not weaken the capacities of the French army, Mr Macron said. He also said Ukraine would have to formally request the planes. Allies have held back from pledging war planes over fears of a Russian response but after several states took the previously unthinkable step of sending tanks, the terms of support for Ukraine have changed. Russia is having its big revenge, warns Zelensky 04:00 , Liam James Russia has begun its big revenge for Ukraines resistance to its invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, as Russian forces claimed a series of incremental gains in his countrys east. Mr Zelensky has been warning for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault on Ukraine after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east. He said Russian attacks in the east were relentless despite heavy casualties on the Russian side, casting them as payback for Ukraines success in pushing Russian forces back from the capital, northeast and south earlier in the conflict. I think that Russia really wants its big revenge. I think they have [already] started it, Zelenskiy said. Every day they either bring in more of their regular troops, or we see an increase in the number of Wagnerites, he told reporters in the southern port city of Odesa. Zelensky at a news briefing in Odesa on Monday (Reuters) Biden says US wont provide F-16 jets to Ukraine 03:22 , Arpan Rai Joe Biden has said the US would not be providing Ukraines armed forces with the American-made F-16 fighter jets that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and members of his government have asked for. Mr Biden was addressing reporters upon his return to the White House when he was asked if the US would offer the single-engine multirole fighters to Kyiv. He replied: No. The presidents statement comes amid a renewed push by Pentagon officials to provide the jets, which are manufactured by Lockheed Martin and used by a variety of US allies, in the wake of his decision to allow Kyiv to acquire American-made M1 Abrams tanks. Read the full story here: Biden says US wont provide F-16 jets to Ukraine Slovenian authorities hold 2 alleged Russian spies' 03:00 , AP Slovenian authorities have apprehended two alleged Russian spies suspected of using an agency dealing in real estate and antiques as a front for their activities in the Nato member, media reported Monday. Slovenias respected Delo newspaper and the Siol news portal cited the public prosecutors office as confirming the arrests. Slovenian police confirmed that two individuals had been arrested in December for suspected espionage but did not disclose which country they were accused of working for. They are suspected of being members of a foreign intelligence service, police spokesman Drago Menegalija said. Report: Slovenian authorities hold 2 alleged Russian spies Boris Johnson told a lie over Putin missile attack claims, says Kremlin 02:00 , PA The Kremlin has suggested Boris Johnson told a lie when the former prime minister said that Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to threaten him with a missile strike. The former Downing Street incumbent made the claim in a new three-part series for BBC Two looking at how the West grappled with Mr Putin in the years leading up to the war in Ukraine. Mr Johnson, talking about a phone call between the two leaders ahead of Moscows invasion of Ukraine, said: He sort of threatened me at one point and said: Boris, I dont want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute, or something like that. But the Kremlin disputed the claim, saying there were no threats with missiles during the bilateral conversation held in February 2022. Boris Johnson told a lie over Putin missile attack claims, says Kremlin Five civilians killed as fighting remains deadlocked, say Ukrainian officials 01:00 , Liam James Fighting has remained largely deadlocked in eastern Ukraine, where Russian shelling killed five civilians over the past day, according to Ukrainian officials. The casualties included a woman who was killed and three others who were wounded by the Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the countrys north-east, regional governor Oleh Syniyehubov said. An emergency worker walks in front of a residential building which was hit by a Russian rocket in the city centre of Kharkiv (AP) Ukraine war a massive wakeup call for British Army, say veterans and experts 00:00 , Liam James The Ukraine war should provide a massive wakeup call for how the government looks to fund the British Army, former soldiers and military historians have warned amid criticism over its ability to defend the UK and its allies (William Mata writes). Rishi Sunak has come under fire from veterans and members of his own party after a US general said the army could no longer defend the UK. The army is currently 76,000 strong but would shrink to 73,000 if downsizing plans go ahead. It is already half the size it was in 1990 and the smallest it has been since Napoleonic times. Former soldier Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a British Army officer from 1988 to 2012, told The Independent: We thought the artillery was in good shape but that was before the Ukraine conflict, a lot of money was spent. But having been playing Star Wars [with focus on cyber and space security] the Ukraine war has shown that to be successful on the battlefield you need to focus on that. Ukraine war a massive wakeup call for British Army, say veterans and experts UK still a top-tier military power, says No 10 Monday 30 January 2023 23:00 , Liam James London has insisted the UK remains a top-tier military power following claims a senior US general told defence secretary Ben Wallace the British Army is no longer regarded as a top-level fighting force. Asked if Rishi Sunak still believes the UK is a top-level fighting force, his spokesman said: Yes, adding that the PM believes the British military personnel have the equipment and capability to meet the threats they face. Defence sources told Sky News that cost-cutting measures have seen the status of the British Armed Forces decline in the eyes of world leaders. You havent got a tier one, its barely tier two, the US general reportedly told Mr Wallace. France and Australia in joint arms pledge, moving on from Aukus snub Monday 30 January 2023 22:00 , Liam James France and Australia have unveiled plans to jointly manufacture ammunition for Ukraine as the two countries seek to shore up defence cooperation and move past a row over Canberras decision to ditch plans to buy French submarines. The relationship hit historic lows in the autumn of 2021 with Paris accusing its allies of stabbing it in the back when Australia opted for nuclear-powered submarines built with US and British technology instead in what became known as the Aukus pact. French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu said France and Australia had agreed to cooperate to make several thousands of 155-mm shells to help Ukraine, which he hoped could start being delivered in the first quarter of this year. Mr Lecornu was speaking after meeting his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, the first joint high-level talks since the submarine row erupted. Croatias president criticises tank deliveries to Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 20:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Nato-member Croatias president has criticised Western nations for supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks and other weapons in its campaign against invading Russian forces, saying those arms deliveries will only prolong the war. Zoran Milanovic told reporters in the Croatian capital that its mad to believe that Russia can be defeated in a conventional war. I am against sending any lethal arms there, Mr Milanovic said. It prolongs the war.What is the goal? Disintegration of Russia, change of the government? There is also talk of tearing Russia apart. This is mad, he added. Mr Milanovic won the presidential election in Croatia in 2019 as a left-leaning liberal candidate, a counterpoint to the conservative government currently in power in the European Union and Nato-member state. Milanovic after taking the presidential oath in 2020 (AP) Boris Johnson told a lie over Putin missile attack claims, says Kremlin Monday 30 January 2023 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The Kremlin has suggested Boris Johnson told a lie when the former prime minister said that Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to threaten him with a missile strike. The former Downing Street incumbent made the claim in a new three-part series for BBC Two looking at how the West grappled with Mr Putin in the years leading up to the war in Ukraine. Mr Johnson, talking about a phone call between the two leaders ahead of Moscows invasion of Ukraine, said: He sort of threatened me at one point and said: Boris, I dont want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute, or something like that. But the Kremlin disputed the claim, saying there were no threats with missiles during the bilateral conversation held in February 2022. Boris Johnson told a lie over Putin missile attack claims, says Kremlin Joe Bidens decision to send tanks to Ukraine is about more than just politics Monday 30 January 2023 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The decision by the Biden administration to reverse its previous stance and send tanks to Ukraine is a significant political and military move, Kim Sengupta writes. The supply of the M1A1 Abrams has met the German stipulation on Leopard 2 tanks, for Berlins own forces and those of other Nato states using them to transfer them to Kyiv, with new offensives by both Russia and Ukraine due to begin in the spring. The Abrams, the Leopards and the British-supplied Challengers will not, by themselves, win the war for Ukraine; but they will have a major impact on the battlefield and raise the scale and lethality of combat. The number of tanks for a decisive tilt against the Russians are not adding up at the moment: although that may change. Bidens decision to send tanks to Ukraine is about more than politics | Kim Sengupta Russian official says small steps needed to reconcile with US Monday 30 January 2023 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russias deputy foreign minister said that small steps would be needed for Moscow and the United States to come closer to agreement on bilateral issues, the RIA news agency reported on Monday. We hope that the tactics of small steps will allow us to come to mutually acceptable solutions on the most important issues of the bilateral agenda, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA news agency in an interview. (AFP via Getty Images) Slovenia arrests two men suspected on spying for Russia Monday 30 January 2023 16:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Slovenias state security service has arrested two men suspected of spying for Russian military intelligence, the Ljubljana-based Delo newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources. The suspects, one of whom has citizenship of a South American country, operated under assumed identities from a rented office in the Bezigrad neighbourhood of the capital Ljubljana, the report said. It said the two suspects have been charged with espionage for Russias GRU military intelligence service and using false documents. If convicted, they could be jailed for up to eight years. The Slovenian Intelligence Agency said the information gathered was classified and therefore the agency does not make it public nor does it publicly comment on it. The Agency regularly informs the main bodies of the national security system on intelligence activities carried out by foreign entities and cooperates ... closely with Slovenian security authorities as well as with the EU and NATO authorities and services, it said in an emailed response to Reuters. NATO chief urges Seoul to send military support to Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 15:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday called for South Korea to provide direct military support to Ukraine, saying Kyiv is in urgent need of weapons to fight off the prolonged Russian invasion. South Korea, a growing arms exporter with the large US-backed military, has provided humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine while joining US-led economic sanctions against Moscow. But the country has not directly provided arms to Ukraine, citing a long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflict. Speaking at a forum in Seoul, Stoltenberg urged South Korea to step up on the specific issue of military support. He noted that several NATO members and allies, including Germany, Norway and Sweden, have changed their policies of not exporting weapons to countries in conflict to support Ukraine. If we believe in freedom, if we believe in democracy, if we dont want autocracy and tyranny to win, then they need weapons. Thats the reality, said Stoltenberg, who arrived in South Korea on Sunday on a trip that also includes Japan. Stoltenberg also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday. They discussed South Koreas commitment to support Ukraine and NATOs possible role in dissuading North Korea from its growing nuclear ambitions following an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests in 2022, Yoons office said. South Korean officials didnt confirm any specific discussions about sending arms to Ukraine. Following his meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin on Sunday, Stoltenberg mentioned U.S. intelligence reports accusing North Korea of providing weapons to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, which he said highlights how security between the regions is more and more interconnected. Russian business offers cash bounties to destroy Western tanks in Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 15:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A Russian company said it will offer five million roubles - approximately 58,000 - in cash to the first soldiers who destroy or capture western-made tanks in Ukraine, after the Kremlin vowed Russian forces would wipe out any Western tanks shipped to Ukraine. The United States, Germany and several other European countries are lining up to send Kyiv dozens of advanced combat tanks over the next few months to help boost Ukraines military capacity as the war approaches the 12-month mark. The decision has been criticised by the Kremlin as a dangerous escalation, and spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tanks would burn on the frontlines. Now a Russian company - Fores, a Urals-based firm which makes proppants for the energy industry - is offering cash payments to Russian servicemen who capture or destroy German-made Leopard 2 or U.S.-made Abrams tanks. The company said it will pay five million roubles to the first Russian soldier to destroy one of the tanks, and 500,000 roubles- approximately 5,700- for all subsequent attacks. Echoing language used by Russian officials and pro-war state TV hosts, Fores said NATO was pumping Ukraine with an unlimited amount of arms and escalating the conflict. It also said it would pay a 15-million rouble ($215,000) bounty on Western-made fighter jets, should they ever be delivered to Ukraine. The tanks have not yet been dispatched to Kyiv, and it could take several months before the bulk of the promised deliveries are sent. Finland to stick with Sweden in NATO bid, hopes for green light by July Monday 30 January 2023 14:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Finland is sticking to its plan to join NATO at the same time as Nordic neighbour Sweden, and hopes to do so no later than July, Finnish foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said on Monday. Sweden and Finland applied last year to join NATO following Russias invasion of Ukraine, but Turkey raised objections. The three countries signed an agreement in Madrid over a way forward, but last week, Turkey suspended talks after protests in Stockholm that included the burning of a Koran. Turkeys President Tayyip Erdogan signalled on Sunday that Ankara could agree to Finland joining NATO ahead of Sweden and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday made similar statements. However, Haavisto said Finland will stick with Sweden, its closest military partner, during the application process. Our strong wish is still to join NATO together with Sweden, Haavisto told a news conference in Helsinki. We have underlined to all our future NATO partners, including Hungary and Turkey, that Finnish and Swedish security go together, he said. A spokesperson for Swedens foreign ministry declined to comment. Zelensky visits southern Ukraine, meets Danish prime minister Monday 30 January 2023 14:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen in the southern city of Mykolaiv on Monday during a rare visit by a foreign leader to a region close to the war front. Zelensky greeted Frederiksen with a handshake on a snowy street before entering a hospital where they met soldiers wounded in Russias invasion. It is important for our warriors to be able to undergo not only physical, but also psychological rehabilitation, Zelensky wrote on the Telegram messaging app. I am grateful to all the medical workers who care about the health of our defenders. I wish them a speedy recovery! The two leaders also visited the Mykolaiv Commercial Sea Port, where they saw oil storage tanks hit by Russian enemy missiles and drones, and a heating point equipped with a water purification and distribution unit under a project implemented with Danish assistance. Zelensky thanked Frederiksen for the assistance provided by Denmark, whose defence ministry said earlier this month that the country would donate 19 French-made Caesar howitzer artillery systems to Ukraine. The president said he had also met local officials while in Mykolaiv region, which has frequently been under attack by Russian forces since the invasion 11 months ago. The region is heroically withstanding all the attacks of the terrorists (Russian forces). During the visit, I held a meeting on the current situation in the region, he wrote. We discussed the operational situation in the south of Ukraine, the consequences of Russias missile and drone attacks. Talks also covered the state of the regions energy infrastructure and the regions long-term recovery, Zelensky said. Russia claims gains in relentless battles in east Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 13:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russian forces claimed incremental gains in eastern Ukraine on Monday adding up to their biggest advances in months, after relentless battles that Kyiv described as human wave attacks which showed Moscow had no regard for the lives of its own men. The administrator of Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk province, Denis Pushilin, claimed troops had secured a foothold in Vuhledar, a coal mining town whose ruins have been a Ukrainian bastion since the outset of the war. A day earlier, the head of Russias Wagner mercenary force said his fighters had secured Blahodatne, a village just north of Bakhmut, a city that has been the focus of sustained Russian attacks for months. Kyiv said it had repelled assaults on Blahodatne and Vuhledar, and Reuters could not independently verify the situations there. But the locations of the reported fighting indicated clear, though gradual, Russian gains after around two months in which front lines had largely been frozen in place. The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar and other sectors in Donetsk region - there are constant Russian attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address late on Sunday. The enemy does not count its people and, despite numerous casualties, maintains a high intensity of attacks. Vuhledar sits south of Bakhmut, near where the eastern frontline protects Russian-controlled rail lines supplying Moscows forces in southern Ukraine. Mykola Salamakha, a Ukrainian colonel and military analyst, told Ukrainian Radio NV that Moscows assault there was coming at huge cost. The town is on an upland and an extremely strong defensive hub has been created there, he said. This is a repetition of the situation in Bakhmut - one wave of Russian troops after another crushed by the Ukrainian armed forces. Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Monday 30 January 2023 13:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russias special military operation in Ukraine has now been raging for more than 11 months, the conflict continuing to record devastating casualties and force the mass displacement of millions of blameless Ukrainians. Vladimir Putin began the war by claiming Russias western neighbour needed to be demilitarised and de-Nazified, an entirely baseless pretext on which to launch a landgrab against an independent state that happens to have a Jewish president. Ukraine has fought back courageously ever since and continued to defy the odds by defending itself against Russian onslaughts with the help of Western military aid. Read more from Thomas Kingsley and Joe Sommerlad: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? China's top diplomat to visit Moscow in February Monday 30 January 2023 13:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi is set to visit Moscow in February, Russias Vedomosti newspaper said on Monday, citing two sources. According to the newspaper, Wang may visit Russian President Vladimir Putin, one of the sources said. Reuters was not able to immediately verify the report. (AP) Slovenia arrests two men suspected on spying for Russia Monday 30 January 2023 13:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Slovenias state security agencies have arrested two men suspected of spying for the Russian military intelligence service, the Ljubljana-based Delo newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources. The suspects, one of whom has citizenship of a South American country, operated under assumed identities from a rented office in the Ljubljana neighbourhood of Bezigrad, the report said. The two suspects have been charged with espionage and using false documents. If convicted, they may face jail terms of up to eight years, the report said. Slovenias intelligence agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report when contacted by Reuters. More Russian forces moved to Kursk region on Ukrainian border -governor Monday 30 January 2023 12:35 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russia has moved additional forces and equipment to the Kursk region on the border with Ukraine to protect the frontier and ensure security, regional governor Roman Starovoit said on Monday, according to Interfax news agency. Local authorities say that the region has repeatedly been subjected to Ukrainian shelling since Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago. Some of Russias troops entered from the Kursk region, although the areas of northeastern Ukraine that they seized have since been retaken by Kyivs forces. Starovoit told a meeting of the regional government that a solid contingent of personnel from the armed forces, border guards and law enforcement agencies had already been formed in Kursk, but that it is necessary to provide comprehensive support for the reception, deployment and arrangement of additional forces. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that Russia could make a new attempt to seize parts of northeastern Ukraine, pointing to increased joint military activity in Russias close ally Belarus, another of the staging points for Februarys invasion, around 200 km (120 miles) west of Kursk province. In pictures: Kherson strikes damage residential homes Monday 30 January 2023 12:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ukrainian firefighters douse flames in a burning house following Russian shelling in the city of Kherson. (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images) Ryanair hiring Ukraine staff in anticipation of return after war Monday 30 January 2023 11:53 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ryanair is hiring significant numbers of Ukrainian pilots and cabin crew so that it will be ready to return to the country when the war with Russia ends, Chief Executive Michael OLeary said on Monday. We are very committed to returning to Ukraine as soon as it is safe to do so, said OLeary, who had said on the eve of the conflict that he was considering basing up to 20 aircraft in the country. We are hiring quite a number of Ukraine pilots and cabin crew specifically so that we can ... restore bases in Ukraine if and when it is safe to do so, OLeary told analysts after the release of third-quarter financial results. Russian shelling kills 5 in tough eastern Ukraine combat Monday 30 January 2023 11:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russian shelling killed at least five people and wounded 13 others during the previous 24 hours, Ukrainian authorities said Monday as the Kremlins and Kyivs forces remained locked in combat in eastern Ukraine. The casualties included a woman who was killed and three others who were wounded by the Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the countrys northeast, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniyehubov. (via REUTERS) (via REUTERS) Russian army shells Kherson atrociously all day' Monday 30 January 2023 10:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes on Kherson which damaged a hospital and residential buildings. Today, the Russian army has been shelling Kherson atrociously all day. Residential buildings, various social and transport facilities, including a hospital, post office, and bus station, have been damaged, he said in his nightly address. Two women, nurses, were wounded in the hospital. As of now, there are reports of six wounded and three dead. (AFP/Getty) Boris Johnson lied about Putin missile threat, Kremlin says Monday 30 January 2023 10:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The Kremlin said on Monday that former British prime minister Boris Johnson was lying when he said Vladimir Putin had threatened him with a missile strike during a phone call in the run-up to the invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that what Johnson said was not true, or more precisely, a lie. Johnson, speaking to the BBC for a documentary, said the Russian leader had threatened him with a missile strike that would only take a minute. He threatened me at one point, and he said, Boris, I dont want to hurt you but, with a missile, it would only take a minute or something like that, Johnson said. Russia seeks 'new level' of China ties Monday 30 January 2023 09:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russia said on Monday that it wanted to take ties with China to a new level and was looking forward to face-to-face talks with Beijings leadership as a Russian newspaper reported that Chinas top diplomat would visit Moscow in February. We are convinced that the potential for Russian-Chinese bilateral cooperation is still far from exhausted, Russias foreign ministry said. Russia aims to reach its target of $200 billion worth of trade between the two countries ahead of schedule and to significantly deepen its ties with Beijing, it said. The deepening no limits partnership between the rising superpower of China and the natural resources titan of Russia is being watched by the West with some anxiety, though it is unclear just how deep the partnership is. China has refrained from condemning Russias operation against Ukraine or calling it an invasion in line with the Kremlin which casts the war as a special military operation. After the West imposed the most severe sanctions in modern history on Moscow due to the war in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin says Russia is turning towards Asia - and China in particular - after centuries of looking to the West as the crucible of economic growth, technology and war. The Russian foreign ministrys comments came shortly after Russias Vedomosti newspaper reported that Chinas chief diplomat Wang Yi was set to visit Moscow in February. According to the newspaper, Wang may visit Putin during his stay. The purpose of Wangs visit is unclear but may be related to preparations for an upcoming visit to Russia by Chinese President Xi Jinping, it added. When asked about the potential visit by Wang Yi, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular briefing that she was not yet aware of such a meeting. Iran summons senior Ukraine diplomat over comments on drone strike Monday 30 January 2023 09:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Iran summoned Ukraines charge daffaires in Tehran on Monday over his countrys comments on a drone strike on a military factory in the central Iranian province of Isfahan, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. In Ukraine, which accuses Iran of supplying hundreds of drones to Russia to attack civilian targets in Ukrainian cities far from the front, a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky linked the incident directly to the war there. Explosive night in Iran, Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted on Sunday. Did warn you. A US official told Reuters that Israel appears to have been behind the attack. Iran has acknowledged sending drones to Russia but says they were sent before Moscows invasion of Ukraine last year. Moscow denies its forces use Iranian drones in Ukraine, although many have been shot down and recovered there. (AP) Watch: Three killed in Russian strike on Kherson Monday 30 January 2023 09:04 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russian missile strikes killed three people in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson while fighting raged in the eastern Donetsk region where Russia again shelled the key town of Vuhledar, Ukrainian officials said. Russian business offers cash bounties to destroy Western tanks in Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 08:57 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A Russian company said it will offer five million roubles - approximately 58,000 - in cash to the first soldiers who destroy or capture western-made tanks in Ukraine, after the Kremlin vowed Russian forces would wipe out any Western tanks shipped to Ukraine. The United States, Germany and several other European countries are lining up to send Kyiv dozens of advanced combat tanks over the next few months to help boost Ukraines military capacity as the war approaches the 12-month mark. The decision has been criticised by the Kremlin as a dangerous escalation, and spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the tanks would burn on the frontlines. Now a Russian company - Fores, a Urals-based firm which makes proppants for the energy industry - is offering cash payments to Russian servicemen who capture or destroy German-made Leopard 2 or U.S.-made Abrams tanks. The company said it will pay five million roubles to the first Russian soldier to destroy one of the tanks, and 500,000 roubles ($7,200) for all subsequent attacks. Echoing language used by Russian officials and pro-war state TV hosts, Fores said NATO was pumping Ukraine with an unlimited amount of arms and escalating the conflict. It also said it would pay a 15-million rouble ($215,000) bounty on Western-made fighter jets, should they ever be delivered to Ukraine. The tanks have not yet been dispatched to Kyiv, and it could take several months before the bulk of the promised deliveries are sent. Putin threatened to kill me with missile attack, says Boris Johnson Monday 30 January 2023 08:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Boris Johnson has claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin threatened to kill him in a missile attack, saying it would only take a minute in a call ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. The former prime minister said the extraordinary conversation took place in February after he had visited Kyiv in a last-ditch attempt to show Western support for Ukraine amid growing fears of an assault. Mr Johnson, who would emerge as a staunch backer of Volodymyr Zelenskys government, made the claim in a new three-part series for BBC Two looking at how the West grappled with Mr Putin in the years leading up to the invasion. The former PM, who left No 10 in September after being forced from office, made the visit to Kyiv in early February to warn Russia that an invasion would prove disastrous and lead to tough Western sanctions. Adam Forrest reports: Putin threatened to kill me with missile attack, says Boris Johnson In video: Russia makes basic military training mandatory in schools from September Monday 30 January 2023 07:30 , Namita Singh Secondary school students in Russia will learn basic military skills as part of a life safety course from 1 September, according to UK officials. The last time it was a compulsory part of the school curriculum was in the 1993 Soviet Union. The initiatives highlight the increasingly militarised atmosphere in wartime Russia, as well as being a (likely deliberate) evocation of Soviet Union, posted the UKs Ministry of Defence on Twitter. Russia makes basic military training mandatory in schools from September Ukrainian refugees need more support for mental health, charity says Monday 30 January 2023 07:15 , Namita Singh Ukrainian refugees require more psychological support to cope with the impact of the Russian invasion of their country, a charity has said. In a report published today, Ukrainian psychologists Marina Kedrova and Sergii Ugrium said refugees and internally-placed people had suffered from a profound range of problems since the invasion in February 2022. These included anxiety, emotional instability, feelings of survivors guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder. In a series of interviews with refugees, Ms Kedrova and Mr Ugrium also found some Ukrainians feared human trafficking and physical abuse, as well as aggression from those who had remained in Ukraine once they returned home. Volunteers in Santa costumes welcome refugees from Ukraine to an Epiphany event at the Tegel refugees registration center and temporary shelter on 7 January 2023 in Berlin, Germany (Getty Images) Children have been particularly affected by psychological symptoms, in some cases regressing and struggling with school in their host countries, in turn adding to the burdens faced by their parents. Further problems have been caused by difficulties integrating in refugee host countries, due to language and cultural barriers making it hard to access services. The researchers have called for more to be done to support the mental health of Ukrainians, both in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, saying the whole population of Ukraine were psychological victims of Putins aggression. They added: It is already clear there is a need to provide increased psychological and psychiatric support for the innocent victims of war. This will be particularly challenging as refugees return to a war-torn Ukraine with a vast array of reconstruction needs. Sweden will be shocked if Turkey approves Finland NATO membership first, says Erdogan Monday 30 January 2023 07:00 , Daniel Reast Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Turkey might sign off on Finlands membership to NATO before its decision on Sweden. Both countries applied to join the NATO community following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February last year. In a prerecorded video, president Erdogan said: If needed, we could give a different message about Finland. Sweden will be shocked when we give the different message about Finland. Relations between Turkey and Sweden have been strained with president Erdogan urging his Swedish counterpart, prime minister Ulf Kristersson, to deport alleged terrorists residing in Sweden. The burning of a Koran by far-right activist Rasmus Paludan outisde the Turkish embassy in the Swedish capital Stockholm has also raised tensions. Turkey responded to the incident by indefinitely postponed key meetings in Brussels to discuss Sweden and Finlands NATO membership. Read more here: Protests across the Middle East against far-right Quran burning Chinas top diplomat 'to visit Moscow in February Monday 30 January 2023 06:48 , Namita Singh Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi is set to visit Moscow in February, Russias Vedomosti newspaper reported today citing two sources. Mr Wang is the director of the Communist Partys foreign affairs commission, making him Chinas most senior diplomat. The visit to Moscow could include a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, according to the newspaper. Erdogan might approve Finlands Nato bid, shock Sweden Monday 30 January 2023 06:45 , Namita Singh Turkeys president has suggested his country might approve Finlands application for Nato membership before taking any action on Swedens, while the Turkish government issued a travel warning for European countries due to anti-Turkish demonstrations and what it described as Islamophobia. The travel warning published late Saturday followed demonstrations last weekend outside the Turkish Embassy in Sweden, where an anti-Islam activist burned the Quran and pro-Kurdish groups protested against Turkey. The events stiffened Turkeys refusal so far to ratify Swedens Nato bid. Sweden and Finland applied jointly to become members of the military alliance, dropping their longstanding military nonalignment following Russias war on Ukraine. In a prerecorded video of an event released Sunday, president Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that Turkey might sign off on only Finland. Report: Erdogan might approve Finland's NATO bid, 'shock' Sweden Russia says nuclear arms treaty with US may end after 2026 Monday 30 January 2023 06:32 , Namita Singh Russias deputy foreign minister said in an interview published today that it was quite possible the New Start nuclear arms control treaty with the United States would end after 2026. This is quite a possible scenario, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA news agency in an interview. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov looks on during a press conference following talks with US counterpart on 10 January 2022 (AFP via Getty Images) USRussia talks on resuming inspections under the New Start treaty, which expires in February 2026, were called off at the last minute in November 2022. Neither side has agreed on a time frame for new talks. Missile hits Kharkiv apartment building, killing one says regional governor Monday 30 January 2023 06:30 , Namita Singh An apartment building was hit by a missile on Sunday in Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city. One person is reported to have died, with others injured. The report came from regional governor Oleh Synehubov, issuing a statement on Telegram, who said the missile landed in the citys central Kyiv district. A picture from the news agency Reuters shows the fire engulfing part of a residential building. There was no verified reports of how many people were injured. Synehubov earlier suggested the number of injured was three people and said casualties were receiving medical treatment. Russian official says small steps needed to reconcile with US Monday 30 January 2023 06:26 , Namita Singh Russias deputy foreign minister said that small steps would be needed for Moscow and the United States to come closer to agreement on bilateral issues, reported the RIA news agency. We hope that the tactics of small steps will allow us to come to mutually acceptable solutions on the most important issues of the bilateral agenda, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA news agency in an interview. US-Russia talks unlikely to end with all-for-all prisoner swap RIA Monday 30 January 2023 06:20 , Namita Singh Russia and United States will continue talks on prisoner exchanges but it is unlikely they will end with an all-for-all swap, RIA Novosti news agency cited Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Monday. Negotiations on creating safety zone around Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant are tough' Monday 30 January 2023 06:05 , Namita Singh Negotiations on creating a safety zone around Ukraines Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant are tough, and Kyiv appears to be just stalling for time, RIA Novosti cited Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. While consultations with the IAEA are ongoing, it would not be right to make public information about the possible parameters of the ZNPP protection zone. The negotiation process is not progressing easily, Mr Ryabkov said in an interview with the agency. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov attends a meeting in Moscow on 15 March 2022 (AFP via Getty Images) We handed over our proposals to Rafael Grossi, the agencys director general. As far as we know, Kyiv has not yet given a clear answer to the initiative of the IAEA head. Apparently, its just stalling. Russian offensive ongoing in Donetsk region, says Russian military Monday 30 January 2023 06:00 , Daniel Reast Russian forces are conducting an offensive in multiple parts of the Donetsk region, according to official reports from the Russian military. The Russian General Staff said that its troops were attacking towards the settlements of Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Novopavlivka. Ukrainian troops have been locked in battle in the eastern Ukraine region, as Putins forces look to strike further following the announcement of new military equipment, including main battle tanks, last week. The report added that Russian troops are attempting to hold positions and maintain its defence of occupied regions. Prelude to confrontation: North Korea expresses displeasure over Nato chiefs visit to South Korea Monday 30 January 2023 05:45 , Namita Singh A disgruntled North Korea called Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenbergs visit to South Korea a prelude to confrontation and war. In a statement carried by state media, officials described the trip as bringing the dark clouds of a new Cold War to the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier today, Mr Stoltenberg urged South Korea to increase military support to Ukraine, citing other countries that have changed their policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict after Russias invasion. Last year South Korea opened its first diplomatic mission to Nato, vowing to deepen cooperation on non-proliferation, cyber defence, counter-terrorism, disaster response and other security areas. Germany warns against arms race as Zelensky demands faster weapon supplies Monday 30 January 2023 05:30 , Namita Singh German chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned against a race to supply advanced arms systems to Ukraine, after Volodymyr Zelenskys demand for faster deliveries of supplies from the West. Mr Zelensky urged Western allies to supply Ukraine with new types of weaponry, saying that the country is facing a very tough situation in Donetsk region and is under constant Russian attacks. He also requested the supply of long-range missiles and fighter jets to strengthen the countrys air defence. Germanys chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a joint statement with Chiles president Gabriel Boric following their meeting at La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, on 29 January 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) But the German chancellor advised against entering into a constant competition to outbid each other when it comes to weapons systems. The question of combat aircraft does not arise at all, Mr Scholz said, as he declined Kyivs request of supplying them with warplanes. No sense talking to Kyiv, says top Russian minister Monday 30 January 2023 05:15 , Namita Singh With the United States supplying tanks to Ukraine, there is no sense in talking to Kyiv or its Western puppet masters, RIA news agency quoted Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. Mr Ryabkov said no one in the West has come up with any serious initiatives on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Scholz downplays differences on Ukraine on South America tour Monday 30 January 2023 05:00 , Namita Singh German chancellor Olaf Scholz sought to drum up support for Ukraine during his first South American tour although differences with his hosts emerged, with Argentine president Alberto Fernandez declaring the region was not planning on sending weapons. On his three-day trip, Mr Scholz has sought to stress unity, noting all three countries he is visiting - Argentina, Chile and Brazil - condemned Russias invasion at the United Nations General Assembly last year. The fallout of the war and Western sanctions on Russia such as soaring food and energy prices, however, have hit the region particularly hard, raising questions over the Wests approach. Chiles president Gabriel Boric speaks next to Germanys chancellor Olaf Scholz during a joint statement following their meeting at La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, on 29 January 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Fernandez said in a joint news conference with Mr Scholz in Buenos Aires on Saturday that Argentina, like Germany, wanted to help restore peace as soon as possible. But asked if Argentina would send weapons to Ukraine to fend off Russian troops like Germany and its western allies had, he gave an emphatic no. Argentina and Latin America are not planning to send weapons to Ukraine or any other conflict zone, he said. Chilean president Gabriel Boric did not refer to the war in his opening statements at a news conference with Mr Scholz in Santiago de Chile yesterday, focusing instead on economic cooperation, particularly in the commodities sector. Natos chief urges South Korea to step up military support for Ukraine Monday 30 January 2023 04:45 , Namita Singh Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg urged South Korea today to increase military support to Ukraine, citing other countries that have changed their policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict after Russias invasion. Mr Stoltenberg is in Seoul, the first stop on a trip that will include Japan and is aimed at strengthening ties with US allies in the face of the war in Ukraine and rising competition with China. In meetings with senior South Korean officials, the Nato chief argued that events in Europe and North America are interconnected with other regions, and that the alliance wants to help manage global threats by increasing partnerships in Asia. Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a conversation at Chey Institute in Seoul on 30 January 2023 (Getty Images) Speaking at the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies in Seoul, he thanked South Korea for its non-lethal aid to Ukraine, but urged it to do more, adding there is an urgent need for ammunition. South Korea has signed major deals providing hundreds of tanks, aircraft and other weapons to Nato member Poland since the war began, but South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol has said that his countrys law against providing arms to countries in conflicts makes providing weapons to Ukraine difficult. Mr Stoltenberg noted that countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Norway had similar policies but have changed them. If we dont want autocracy and tyranny to win, then (the Ukrainians) need weapons, thats the reality. Jens Stoltenberg What did Russia's defence minister tell Ben Wallace on his trip to Moscow? Monday 30 January 2023 04:15 , Namita Singh Defence secretary Ben Wallace spoke to the Putin vs The West programme, set to air this evening, about his journey to Moscow in February as he sought to reach a breakthrough and prevent a war. He recalls speaking to Russias minister of defence Sergei Shoigu, as well as chief of general staff Valery Gerasimov. And I remember saying to minister Shoigu they will fight and he said, My mother is Ukrainian, they wont! He also said he had no intention of invading, Mr Wallace said. Britains defence secretary Ben Wallace leaves after attending the weekly cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, in London, on 10 January 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Wallace said it was a Russian demonstration of bullying or strength: Im going to lie to you. You know Im lying. I know you know Im lying and Im still going to lie to you. He knew I knew and I knew he knew. But I think it was about saying: Im powerful. I remember as we were walking out General Gerasimov said, Never again will we be humiliated. We used to be the fourth army in the world, were now number two. Its now America and us. And there in that minute was that sense of potentially why [they were doing this]. Ben Wallace Author of Ukrainian declaration of sovereignty, and famous poet Pavlychko dies at 93 Monday 30 January 2023 04:00 , Daniel Reast Ukrainian poet, literary critic and politician Dmytro Pavlychko has died aged 93. Active in Soviet Ukraine, Pavlychko was one of the founders of the Soviet-controlled nations first major independent political party, Rukh (Peoples Movement of Ukraine). In 1990, he co-authored the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, a law which overruled the authority from the Soviet parliament. He later served as ambassador in post-Soviet Ukraine to neighbouring countries Slovakia, and later to Poland, before being awarded the nations highest honour, Hero of Ukraine, in 2004. In a post on Telegram, president Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to Pavlychko in his political and literary achievements, calling him an outstanding poet. Putin threatened to kill me with missile attack, says Boris Johnson Monday 30 January 2023 03:30 , Namita Singh Boris Johnson has claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin threatened to kill him in a missile attack, saying it would only take a minute in a call ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. The former prime minister said the extraordinary conversation took place in February after he had visited Kyiv in a last-ditch attempt to show Western support for Ukraine amid growing fears of an assault. Mr Johnson, who would emerge as a staunch backer of Volodymyr Zelenskys government, made the claim in a new three-part series for BBC Two looking at how the West grappled with Mr Putin in the years leading up to the invasion. Our political correspondent Adam Forrest has more: Putin threatened to kill me with missile attack, says Boris Johnson US officials meet with Ukrainian deputy PM to ensure transparency of aid Monday 30 January 2023 03:00 , Daniel Reast Inspectors from the US government have met with Ukraines deputy PM to discuss proposals for a new audit mechanism to ensure transparency in the use of partners aid. Oleksandr Kubrakov, who is also head of Ukraines infrastructure projects, added that any funds utilised for infrastructure repairs and reconstruction should be monitored with US assistance. Scrutiny of how aid is being used in Ukraine has increased since a recent scandal involving the sale of food packages at inflated prices, which prompted the deputy defence minister, Vyacheslav Shapovalov, to resign. Deputy prime minister Kubrakov said in a post on Facebook: I am grateful to my American colleagues for their leadership role in supporting our country in the fight against the Russian aggressor. Today, Ukraine shows the whole world that it is a reliable and predictable partner with working anti-corruption institutions, and we continue to move in this direction. Zelensky pushes for Russian ban from Paris 2024 Olympics in latest address Monday 30 January 2023 02:00 , Daniel Reast Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his stance on Russian athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Games, suggesting it showed that terror is somehow acceptable. He added that he had sent a letter to French president Emmanuel Macron as part of his assertive campaign. In his latest address, Zelensky said: Attempts by the International Olympic Committee to bring Russian athletes back into the Olympic Games are attempts to tell the whole world that terror is somehow acceptable. As if you could shut your eyes to what Russia is doing in Kherson, Kharkiv, Bakhmut and Avdiivka, all of which have been the focus of intense attacks in recent days. His latest comments were accompanied by references to the tragedies of the 20th century, including the hosting of the 1936 Olympic Games in Hitlers Berlin. Zelensky added The Olympic movement and terrorist states definitely should not cross paths. Read more here: IOC will be on wrong side of history if Russian athletes compete at Paris 2024 US military officials urging supply of F-16 fighter jets, says defence department sources Monday 30 January 2023 01:00 , Daniel Reast Efforts within the US military high command to supply Ukrainian forces with modern F-16 fighter jets are quietly gaining pace, a defence department official has said. Speaking with Politico, a senior official from the US department of defence said: I dont think we are opposed, when asked if jets were being considered for supply. A spokesperson for the White House declined to comment for this story, though referred reporters to previous statements made by deputy national security adviser Jon Finer. Ukraines own stock of fighter jets are older models, first produced by the Soviet Union (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Finer said that US officials would be discussing the prospect of fighter jets very carefully with Ukraine and its other western allies. He continued: We have not ruled in or out any specific systems. President Zelensky reiterated his plea for arms and military equipment in his latest daily address, where he said: We must speed up the events, speed up the supply and opening of new necessary weaponry options for Ukraine. Putin threatened to kill me with missile strike, says Boris Johnson Monday 30 January 2023 00:15 , Daniel Reast Boris Johnson has claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin threatened to kill him in a missile attack, saying it would only take a minute in a call ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. The former prime minister said the extraordinary conversation occurred in February following his visit to Kyiv in a last-ditch attempt to show Western support for Ukraine, amid growing fears of invasion. The former prime minister, who would later emerge as a key supporter among western allies of Volodymyr Zelenskys government, made the claim in a new series for BBC Two looking at how the West grappled with the Russian president in the years leading to the invasion. Read more here: Putin threatened to kill me with missile attack, says Boris Johnson Four killed in Ukrainian attack on bridge in Melitopol, Russian authorities say Monday 30 January 2023 00:01 , Daniel Reast Four people were killed and five injured in an attack by Ukrainian forces on a bridge in Melitopol, a city in southeastern Ukraine. Reported by Russian-installed head of the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, wrote on Telegram that a rocket was launched at the railway bridge from across the Molochna river. The Zaporizhzhia region has been partially occupied by Russia since it first invaded in February last year, and contains Europes largest nuclear power plant. Balitsky added that the rocket was launched from a Himars missile system, which are in production in the United States. He added: At this time, renovation work was under way at the facility. According to preliminary data, as a result of the shelling, four people from the railway brigade were killed, five were injured, they are receiving the necessary medical care. Reporters from news agency Reuters were unable to verify the accuracy of Balitskys statement. Situation on frontline very tough, says Zelensky Sunday 29 January 2023 23:00 , Daniel Reast President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of constant Russian attacks across frontline regions in his daily address. In a markedly sombre tone, Zelensky said: The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar and other areas in the Donetsk region are under constant Russian attacks. There are constant attempts to break through our defense. Zelensky repeated reports from his previous address on Saturday of fierce fighting in the Donetsk region, amid reports of Ukrainian forces struggling to hold Bakhmut, at the epicentre of fighting in the region. President Zelensky continued: We are doing everything to ensure that our pressure outweighs the occupiers assault capabilities. Russia hopes to drag out the war, to exhaust our forces. So we have to make time our weapon. We must speed up the events, speed up the supply and opening of new necessary weaponry options for Ukraine. President Zelensky also paid tribute to those killed in shelling in Kherson, where three people died on Sunday. Russia-Japan disputed islands fishing talks ruled out, says Russian foreign ministry Sunday 29 January 2023 22:00 , Daniel Reast Russias foreign ministry said on Sunday it will not hold annual talks with Japan on renewing a pact allowing Japanese fishermen to operate near disputed islands. The islands, off the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, are known in Russia as the Kurils and in Japan as the Northern Territories. As reported on Russian state media, the defence ministry said: In the context of the anti-Russian measures taken by the Japanese government ... the Russian side informed Tokyo that it could not agree on the holding of intergovernmental consultations on the implementation of this agreement. Japan tightened its sanctions regime on Russian trade, institutions and individuals on Friday in response to the increase in shelling attacks. Russia had suspended the diplomatic agreement in June which allowed Japanese boats to fish near the islands, though the Japanese chief cabinet secretary has demanded the talks to go ahead. Ukrainian defence ministry calls for F-16 fighter jets in Twitter post Sunday 29 January 2023 21:15 , Daniel Reast This is Su-27, with which we fight ruscits. But with F-16 we can win. pic.twitter.com/3OZBsXEEga Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) January 28, 2023 Heavy shelling in Kherson hits hospital, kills three civilians says Ukraine officials Sunday 29 January 2023 20:30 , Daniel Reast Three people were killed by Russian shelling on the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Sunday, damaging a hospital and a school, regional officials said. The administration wrote on Telegram: Todays Russian shelling injured nine people: three people died (two men and one woman), six were injured. In an earlier post, before casualties could be identified, it was reported: As a result of enemy shelling, a number of civil infrastructure objects were damaged: the Kherson Regional Clinical Hospital, a school, a bus station, a post office, a bank, and residential buildings. Ukrainian firefighters work to extinguish a fire in a house following Russian shelling in the city of Kherson on January 29 (AFP/Getty) Ukraines ministry of health posted on Facebook that a nurse was wounded in the attacks. Ukraine recaptured Kherson in November after Russian forces occupied the city in the early days of the conflict. The city has since seen regular shelling and attacks from Russian positions across the Dnipro river. Ukraines western allies concerned time might be on Russias side, say officials Sunday 29 January 2023 20:15 , Daniel Reast Officials from Ukraines western allies have reported concern that the window for Ukraine isnt indefinite, requiring more munitions and supply to break through. Cited in a report from the Wall Street Journal, the unnamed officials from western nations suggest Russian forces will control any war of attrition, with Ukraine needing an expansion of supply of powerful military equipment to counter this. Recent expansion of conscription, military training in Russian schools and continued ability to finance spending in the conflict have suggested Moscow has a greater ability to stay in the war. According to the Ukrainian armed forces General Staff, Russia has lost 126,000 troops and thousands of pieces of military hardware since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year. The report also suggests that officials have less confidence in the ability of Ukraines armed forces to carry out offensives seen last year. Ukrainian president Zelensky said in an interview with Sky News that Ukraine needs 500 tanks to liberate its provinces. Alleged Ukrainian shelling into Russia left villages without electricity, says Russian governor Sunday 29 January 2023 19:30 , Daniel Reast The Russian regional governor for Kursk, situated on the northeastern border of Ukraine, has reported shelling of the bordering region and strikes on Russian villages. Alleged mortar strikes cut off two villages from electricity, however there were no reported casualties. Governor Roman Starovoyt said on Telegram messaging app: The village of Chervonozhovtneve of the Glushkovsky district of the Kursk region came under mortar fire from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 12 hits were recorded. There are no casualties. Power supply lines were damaged, which left the village of Chervonozhovtneve and the neighboring village of Volfino without electricity. Ukraines military has not commented on the alleged attack. Possibility of military aircraft a game changer, says Ukraine defence minister Sunday 29 January 2023 18:45 , Daniel Reast Early talks on the supply of military aircraft and long-range missiles for Ukrainian forces could be a game changer, Ukraines defence minister has said. Speaking with Canadas CBC, defence minister Olek Reznikov said he had written a wish list to Santa for military supplies. Reznikov said the list contained: fighter jets, aircraft, and probably rockets long-hand options to hit the Russians fuel depots, ammunition depots, and their commanders. Presidential adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine was in fast track talks to secure a supply of new missiles and military equipment. Ukraines western allies have so far declined to supply military aircraft such as fighter jets. But Reznikov said that military equipment and weapons previously refused by allies, were now arriving in Ukraine. The minister added: For me, everything thats impossible today [will be] possible tomorrow. Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, was quoted in the Spanish newspaper El Pais saying that their forces aim to receive 24 fighter jets, though Germany has previously said jets were off the table. Read more here: Ukraine in fast-track talks with allies for fighter jets and missiles Tropical Cyclone Cheneso blasted Madagascar with flooding rain and damaging winds for 10 straight days before it departed over the weekend, leaving at least 30 people dead, several more missing and causing significant damage. The storm, which first strengthened into a tropical storm on Jan. 18, meandered in the waters near Madagascar for nearly two weeks, making two landfalls during that time. AccuWeather meteorologists first warned about the potential for the tropical system about two weeks in advance of its development. "As Cheneso was making its first of two landfalls in northeastern Madagascar, near the town of Anthalaha on Jan. 19, it was a severe tropical storm with sustained winds in excess of 55 mph (89 km/h)," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Lead International Forecaster Jason Nicholls. The cyclone then crossed the country and emerged into the waters of the Mozambique Channel. The above satellite image shows Cyclone Cheneso on Friday, Jan. 27, while bringing heavy rain to the western portion of Madagascar (Photo NASA/MODIS). The warm tropical waters of the channel allowed Cheneso to peak as a tropical cyclone Wednesday, Jan. 25, prior to making a second landfall Thursday, this time on the western coast of Madagascar. Authorities in the country confirmed wind gusts as high as 105 mph (170 km/h), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane in the Atlantic or East Pacific ocean basins. In its wake, Cheneso caused disastrous flooding across the island and killed at least 30 people. At least another 20 people were still missing as of Monday. "For much of last week, Cheneso remained slow-moving along the southwestern coast of Madagascar, in the Mozambique Channel, allowing the storm to pound the island with heavy, tropical moisture for days," explained Nicholls. People walk on a flooded road in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Jan. 25, 2023. The death toll has risen to at least 16 with 19 people still missing after the strong tropical storm Cheneso hit Madagascar, according to the latest report released Thursday by the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management BNGRC. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua via Getty Images) As the storm stalled and rapidly intensified in the Mozambique Channel, wave after wave of tropical rainfall got funneled into the island. Widespread rainfall amounts of 8-10 inches (200-250 mm) were observed across the country, including in the Boeny region which was one of the hardest hit. Some places even reported in excess of 12 inches (300 mm) of rain during the 10-day period. Rising floodwaters led to flooded homes, impassable roadways and infrastructure damage, including collapsed bridges. Colonel Faly Aritiana, of the risk and disaster office, said there had been house collapses and landslides in which people have become trapped, according to the Associated Press. Authorities have estimated that more than 37,000 people have lost their homes because of the cyclone, the AP reported. Residents of the Belle Souvenir neighborhood try to resume their daily life in their house submerged by water in Sambava on Jan. 21, 2023, following the passage of cyclone Cheneso on Jan. 19, 2023. (Photo by ELIE SERGIO / AFP) (Photo by ELIE SERGIO/AFP via Getty Images) Intermittent showers are expected to continue to impact the country through the end of the week, AccuWeather forecasters say. Due to Madagascar's tropical climate, downpours can be heavier in nature this time of year, which could continue to slow cleanup efforts in the coming days. On the other hand, AccuWeather forecasters do not expect any tropical cyclones to impact Madagascar through the first week of February. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP The island of Madagascar is no stranger to tropical cyclones. While Cheneso was the first to impact the country so far in 2023, there have been three other named tropical storms or cyclones since the beginning of this tropical season, which began in September. In early 2022, the island was impacted by seven tropical storms and cyclones during the months of January and February alone. 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. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan chaired a consultation on the preliminary Medium-Term Expenditure Framework 2024-2026, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Offic eof the Prime Minister. Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan presented the summary analysis made by the ministry, the purpose of which is to provide information on the assessment of current and capital expenditure limits to state departments. The Minister referred to the main indicators of the fiscal framework, the chances for achieving the Government's targets in terms of current and capital expenditures, the fiscal risks and the predicted trends in other directions. In this context, an exchange of ideas took place, issues related to the activities provided for by the Government's Action Plan were discussed. Current and capital projects, the course of reforms initiated in various fields and the future activities were the subject of discussion. The Prime Minister emphasized the effective implementation of capital expenditures and other economic drivers, emphasizing the need to consistently increase the quality of project implementation and reforms. Nikol Pashinyan instructed the heads of departments to continue working on finalizing the mid-term expenditure framework for 2024-2026 and clearly defining the targets. Today's headlines: Death toll in mosque bombing rises to 87; Extremist who recruited militiamen among Rohingya arrested in Bangladesh; In Indonesia, a former leprosy patient builds prosthetics for other lepers; Chinese woman learns 10 dialects to help fellow citizens; Landfills become the only source of livelihood for some Syrian families. AFGHANISTAN At least 170 factories in the industrial city of Shorandam, southern Kandahar province, have been forced to close in recent months due to repeated power outages. Several owners have complained about the shortage of electricity, saying they are in danger of closing because production levels are too low. PAKISTAN The death toll from yesterday's Peshawar mosque suicide bombing has risen to 87. Official Pakistani Taliban (Ttp) media distanced themselves from the incident after some initial claims by some of the organization's commanders. The Ttp's code of conduct, they claim, is not to attack mosques but only law enforcement agencies, because their battle is against the Pakistani state. It is estimated that there were between 300 and 400 police officers in the targeted compound. BANGLADESH - MYANMAR Dhaka's counterterrorism unit arrested an Afghanistan-trained extremist who was trying to recruit more militiamen in Rohingya refugee camps. In recent days a group of five others were placed under arrest for being part of the al-Qaeda-linked Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh organization. INDONESIA Ali Saga, 57, who has recovered from leprosy, has committed himself to making handmade prosthetics for the 500 or so sufferers in Sitanala village. After Brazil and India, Indonesia is the third-largest leprosy country in the world, currently over 15,000 cases. However, infected people are isolated because the disease is considered divine punishment. CHINA A Chinese woman has self-taught at least 10 dialects spoken in the country to help people, who for some reason have lost loved ones, find them. These are people who have been kidnapped or trafficked, biological relatives raised in other families or simply elderly people who have lost their way home. Tan Yinghuan, 42, has helped about 300 people in nine years of volunteering. RUSSIA In Irkutsk, Siberia, a trial has begun in a major violence scandal against inmates at Angarsk Prison No. 15, where more than 60 incidents of sexual violence and more than 10 victims have been found, for which four "pressers," inmates who cooperate with the administration, a figure that seemed to have disappeared since Stalinist times, are accused. SYRIA For some Syrians, the dump at the U.S. military base in Tell Beydar has become their only source of livelihood: here families look for food to eat and plastic items to resell. After more than 10 years of war, some 15.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria, according to the latest United Nations figures. At least four out of five people do not have access to enough food. At least 260 people were in the building for midday prayer at the time of the blast. Some Pakistani Taliban's accounts claimed responsibility for the attack. Experts expect violence to increase in the coming months. Peshawar (AsiaNews/Agencies) A suicide bombing killed at least 32 people, wounding more than 145, in a mosque in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan, in a suicide attack. This is the deadliest attack since March 2022, when 58 people were killed and almost 200 wounded in an attack later claimed by the Islamic State group. At least 260 people were in the mosque for midday prayers at the time of the explosion, police official Sikandar Khan said. The blast ripped through the two-storey building, causing part of the roof to cave in on top of worshippers. The mosque is located in a compound that includes a provincial police station and a counterterrorist office. Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, said the suicide bomber was in the front row during prayers. The Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), the Pakistani Taliban are active in Peshawar and neighbouring tribal areas, on the border with Afghanistan. Its aim is the overthrow of the Pakistani government and the imposition of Islamic law, as their cousins did in Afghanistan in August 2021. Several attempts at peace talks between the government and the TTP have been made but they have all failed. Last month, the terrorist group seized a counterterrorism centre taking hostages to negotiate with government authorities. It claims to have carried out more than 360 attacks in 2022, up 27 per cent over the previous year, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with more than a thousand dead and wounded. In December alone, the TTP carried out 69 attacks, killing 87 law enforcement officers and wounding 119. Experts predict that 2023 will be an even more violent year in terms of attacks against government targets since the group has had time to reorganise after peace talks failed. The "Table of Six" met yesterday to end Erdogans 20 years in power. The opposition candidate should be named on 13 February. A 240-page, 2,300-point programme aims to restore parliaments central role. How Kurds will vote will shape the final outcome. Istanbul (AsiaNews) Turks will go to the polls on 14 May to choose a new president and parliament. This will provide the countrys opposition with an opportunity to boost its democratic freedoms, much battered during President Recep Tayyip Erdogans 20-year rule. A former prime minister, the latter combined nationalism and Islam doing much damage to the country. To this end, six opposition parties, united in the Nation Alliance, better known as the "Table of Six, met yesterday to finalise a common manifesto and announce that on 13 February, they will present a joint candidate. The parties, united against Erdogan, are getting ready for the most important challenge in Turkeys recent political history, one that will be decisive for its future. Held in the capital, Ankara, yesterday's meeting saw opposition leaders presented a 240-page programme with 2,300 points to roll back many of the changes introduced by Erdogan; they include boosting the powers of parliament and ministers, stripped by Erdogans reforms. The goal is to limit the presidency to a seven-year term, empower the prime minister, and make the latter accountable to parliament. "We will shift to a strengthened parliamentary system," the programme says. "We will put an end to the president's power to issue decrees." The elections also represent a key moment for the entire region given Turkeys membership in NATO and its still strong diplomatic and trading relations with Russia since it did not join the West to impose sanctions over the Kremlins war in Ukraine. The joint candidate of the Table of Six is expected to come from the ranks of the Republican People's Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi, CHP), created by modern Turkeys founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The opposition plans to reinstate the post-Ottoman constitution but to do so, it will need a two-third majority in the Turkish parliament, the 600-member Grand National Assembly. A vote by 360 MPs can also trigger a constitutional referendum. However, the polls show strong divisions in the electorate with margins too narrow to predict a possible winner. In addition, the Kurdish question looms large over the election; if and how Kurdish voters, concentrated in the countrys south-east, will cast their ballot will have a major impact. What is certain is that, even today, thousands of activists, mostly Kurds, are languishing in prison on terrorism-related charges that, according to human rights groups, are just a weapon in Erdogan's hands to suppress dissent. Other issues that will take centre stage are the fight against corruption and the promise to restore the traditional institutions of the Turkish republic, including state media, which are presently mouthpieces for the current rulers. by Vladimir Rozanskij Over the 1,314-kilometer-long border, the two sides have had armed clashes with many casualties. Agreement on joint exploitation of resources in affected areas. The territorial dispute between Kyrgyz and Tajiks still remains in the region. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The conclusion of the long-standing border dispute between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, sanctioned on Jan. 27 in Biskek by Presidents Mirziyoyev and Zaparov, appears like a light in the fog of the borders that demarcate the Central Asian countries. The former Soviet republics are heirs to a confusion desired by the communist regime to fractionalize and control the ethnic tensions of these peoples. The border with Uzbekistan is the longest stretch of Kyrgyzstan's territory, stretching 1,314 kilometers. Disputes have often turned into conflicts, which have also claimed many lives. In November last year, the authorities of the two countries had announced that they had reached a common settlement of the more than 30-year dispute. Central Asian affairs expert, Novaja Gazeta political scientist Arkadij Dubnov, commented on the situation on Currentime.tv, saying he was very pleased with the agreement reached: "An event of historic significance, where there seemed to be insurmountable mutual claims, contradictions, ambitions and misunderstandings of all kinds." The "penultimate border problem" in this region is thus solved, the dispute between Kyrgyzstan itself and Tajikistan still being open. Now the border with Uzbekistan has instead been recognized as "interstate," thanks largely to the political will of Uzbek President Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz President Zaparov: the latter had to stifle internal protest over the cession of the Kempir-Abad reservoir. The hope, Dubnov says, is that all those arrested as a result of these protests will be freed as soon as possible to prevent the conflict from flaring up again. The point is that the protesters of the agreement "did not propose any credible alternative," considering that these crucial sites for water and energy resources had remained undefined by the Soviet legacy. The agreement does indeed provide for a territorial cession, but the exploitation of resources will benefit both countries, and "there is no need to claim demonstrative possession," the political scientist argues, but "to be able to work for the common good and remain in peaceful relations with neighbors." Everyone's hope is that the agreement reached will inspire a similar solution for the problem with Tajikistan, but observers are not very optimistic in this regard. Everything in Dushanbe is in the hands of the absolutist power of President Emomali Rakhmon, with whom it is difficult to find mutually acceptable compromises. The Tajik leader has just fired the Minister of Labor and Emigration, Sirin Amonzoda, for "wrong policy in managing administrative cadres." The incident occurred during a closed-door meeting of the government to take stock of the past year's activities, from which the president's clear dissatisfaction with the work of his subordinates leaked out. Rakhmon also lashed out at the head of communications and his own brother-in-law, Beg Sabur, for failing to manage the modernization of the country's Internet network, especially in "isolated and border regions," where more intensive exchange of information is needed, also precisely to prevent possible disruptive actions by adversaries such as the Kyrgyz. Another target of presidential fury has been the chairman of the State Property and Investment Committee, Sadi Kodirzod, who has been unable to attract major economic interventions from abroad. Overall, Tajikistan's satrap, who also presides over the religious administration of local Islam, shows no inclination to find friendly solutions in either domestic politics or foreign relations. Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him 2023 These Gifts Are Guaranteed to Please Any Man This V-Day The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Product photos from retailer sites. Just like that, Valentines Day is right around the corner. All the holiday accouterments of December have been replaced by heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and candies, and the feeling of love is in the air. Whether youre in the early stage of your relationship, or you and your significant other have been together so long you are slowly turning into each other, V-Day presents a special opportunity to get a little sappy and show your someone just how much you care. RELATED: Wow Your Lady With One of These Sweet Valentines Day Gifts And what better way to show it than with a token of appreciation? Gifts are one of the five love languages, after all. We know, coming off the cusp of the holidays can make shopping for gifts particularly tricky. Your wallet is just starting to recover and all your best gift ideas were wrapped under the tree back in December. But have no fear. We have scoured the web high and low to bring you the best Valentines Day gifts for him. From budget-friendly buys to investment items, its all here. Guys, we recommend you leave this page open in your browser so your Valentine can happen upon it. Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him Vincero Collective Chrono S Watch Sure, he might not need to keep tabs on the time lately, but a watch serves as a timeless accessory and great gift nevertheless. Add on a scratch-resistant sapphire coated face, a luxe Italian leather strap, and Japanese Miyota Citizen Movement, and you cant go wrong. $195.00 at Amazon.com GrowlerWerks Stainless Steel uKeg Growler Give your Valentine the unique gift of fresh brews for weeks. Not only does this growler's double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel construction ensure future pints stay nice and cool, the carbonation cap automatically adjusts itself to maintain proper pressure. $179.99 at Amazon.com MeUndies Valentine's Day Collection You know your relationship is close when you're buying each other underwear! We're big fans of MeUndies in general, but especially on Valentine's Day, as they go the extra mile to curate some of their best V-Day-themed undies, sleepwear and loungewear, available in a wide variety of colors, styles, patterns and sizes. Their boxers are insanely comfortable, and their sleepwear will revolutionize the way your man sleeps, but if you really want to up the romanticism, opt for a matching set. And to celebrate the day properly, MeUndies is offering 25% off your first purchase with the code FORHER25. From $20 at MeUndies.com Hawthorne Grooming Instead of trying to determine if he has curly or coily hair, dry or combination skin, regular or excessive sweating patterns sign him up for Hawthorne. After taking Hawthornes quiz, he will receive curated recommendations for body, hair and cologne products available for purchase once or in intervals. Find out more at Hawthorne.co Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee Headphones Whether hes an audiophile or a gamer, good-quality sound is never a bad idea. Get him a top-quality pair of headphones, like these bad boys, which are a collaboration between Sennheiser and Drop and watch his face light up as he imagines all the crystal-clear audio hes about to pump into his ears. (Meanwhile, you wont have to hear any of it.) $179.00 at Drop.com Lovehoney Wilder Weekend Couple's Sex Toy Kit (10 Piece) If you want to spice up your Valentine's Day, the Wilder Weekend kit from Lovehoney has everything you need. This ten-piece set includes three cock rings of varying sizes (one of them even vibrates), a butt plug, anal beads, two vibrators, and a "jiggle balls" toy. Every toy is made from premium, phthalate-free silicone, and is both waterproof and rechargeable, so you can your fun into the shower or bath. $124.99 at Lovehoney.com Port Products Beard Oil Mustache, goatee, or full-on beard, facial hair is at its finest when its well-conditioned. This oil's pleasant woodsy scent is just an added bonus. $22 at PortProducts.com Gillette Heated Razor Every guy needs to keep his beard in check, and this tool will help him do just that and more. While the heated sensation of the Gillette razor might take some getting used to, once hes adapted hell wonder what he ever did without this bad boy. $136.00 at Amazon.com Cade Oxidized Sterling Silver Corded Bracelet in Brown Tiger's Eye Made from oxidized sterling silver, the Cade Corded Bracelet comes in a wide variety of styles (and three sizes), but we especially love the Brown Tiger's Eye variant. It's stylish and versatile, made from durable and low-maintenance materials, so it's the perfect jewelry option for men and a great Valentine's Day gift choice. Even better: 20% of the proceeds from sales of Cade bracelets go to support youth causes and charities. $78.00 at KendraScott.com Nanoleaf Ultra Black Triangles Smarter Kit If you're shopping for a gamer, you can take his battlestation to the next level with the limited edition Ultra Black Triangles Smarter Kit from Nanoleaf. These clever RGB-enabled triangles can be installed in a variety of shapes and patterns and synced up to his gaming monitor or Corsair or Razer peripherals, enabling over 16 million color combinations and a much more immersive gaming experience. $219.99 at Nanoleaf.me Getaway Cabin Rental Want to spend some quality time together? Get romantic by offering him a cabin rental via Getaway think of it like Airbnb for the wilderness, with romantic options all over the U.S. offering great vistas and a way for the two of you to get a much-needed break from the day-to-day. Find out more at Getaway.house The Sill Live Plants Valentine with a green thumb? Help his hobby grow with a new plant. From the Island Pine Tree to the Parlor Palm, The Sill has a plant to fit his horticulture skill level and environment. Find out more at TheSill.com RELATED: Cheap Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him The Cupid Shuffle Underwear These V-Day-themed undies from Shinesty offer style and comfort in equal measure. We're big fans of the "Ball Hammock," the clever pouch at the front interior that helps to keep your testicles safely compartmentalized, minimizing friction, sweat buildup and the painful crunch that can happen if you sit down too quickly. The fabric itself is ultra-soft, breathable and moisture-wicking, and the cut helps to prevent them bunching up at your crotch. In other words, the good folks at Shinesty have really thought this pair through and delivered a product any man would be happy to wear. $25.99 at Shinesty.com Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Sure, this might not seem like the most romantic gift idea, but giving him something he will put to good use and enjoy is pretty romantic if you ask us. In addition, to having a comfortable grip for the hands, this adjustable kettlebell can go 8 to 40 lbs at the twist of a dial. $149 at Walmart.com Minted Map Print Personal without being kitschy, this foil-pressed map will look great in his office or in your home. Options range from cities and states to countries, so you can opt for anything be it his home state, his favorite travel destination, or your current city. Find out more at Minted.com City Sweat Jogger Lululemon If your Valentines Day plans include cuddling up on the couch with a glass of wine in hand and Netflix on deck, help him dress for the occasion with these super-soft joggers from lululemon. With a slim fit and stretchy fabric, these are sure to be an upgrade from his tattered gym sweats. $118 at lululemon.com Theragun Mini Massage Gun Even if youre not a great masseuse you can give him the gift of a massage with this handy gadget. The Thergaun Mini is small but powerful and uses rapid percussion to soothe and release tension in muscles big and small. $199 at Amazon.com Fjallraven Travel Toiletry Bag Even when at home, a quality dopp kit is essential. If he's still opting for a floppy nylon number, or worse, a Ziploc bag, this durable model from Fjallraven will serve as a definite upgrade for grooming storage. $55 at Amazon.com Chuao Chocolatier Mini Chocolate Bars Sweets for your sweet. Chocolatier goes above and beyond the standard drugstore candy options with flavors like baconluxious and potato chip. $24.95 at Amazon.com Merrell Fleece Jogger If hes working from home still, why not give him the gift of comfort? These fleece sweatpants from Merrell are an absolute treat to wear and will make crawling out of bed in the morning that much easier knowing hes going to put on a pair of pants so cozy itll feel like his lower half is still curled up in the sheets. $60.00 at Merrell.com Glenfiddich 14-Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve Scotch Whisky If your partners a whiskey guy, theres a good chance hell appreciate Glenfiddichs delightful 14-Year. Its a Scotch thats been aged in bourbon barrels, meaning its got a foot squarely planted in both flavor camps, and its able to please bourbon lovers, Scotch die-hards and omnivores, too. From $64.57 at Drizly.com Rumpl Outdoor Blanket All the cozy qualities of a sleeping bag but in a format thats better for two, the Rumpl will upgrade your camping cuddle experience even in 40F temps. On top of its heat-locking design, this blanket is easily packable, water-resistant, and machine washable. From $99 at Amazon.com RELATED: Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Lelo Hugo Have you been wanting to explore the backdoor a little? Nudge things along with this gem from Lelo, who are one of the best in the business when it comes to bedroom pleasure. Hell love the sensations; youll love having control via remote of said sensations. Everyone wins. $153.30 at Amazon.com Muscle Soak Salts While you might typically be the one on the receiving end of bath salts, now, its his turn. No matter if hes unwinding from a tough weight training session or a day at his desk, he can ease his pain and relax his muscles with this Epsom salt soak. Its 100 percent natural and features a refreshing blend of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils. $12.99 at Amazon.com Shinola Double-Stitch Belt Were huge fans of Detroit-based brand Shinolas top-quality leather goods and precision-made watches. Case and point, this subtly distressed leather belt with double-stitched edges and brushed silver hardware that shows off Shinolas eye for detail. $125 at Nordstrom.com Whiskey Peaks Grand Canyon Glasses - Set of Two Perfect for the guy who loves a stiff drink, these innovative glasses will add a touch of spice to his nightcap routine. The set includes two hand-blown glasses with topographic impressions of the Grand Canyon. $30 at Huckberry.com Personalized Swell Water Bottle Functional, budget-friendly, and customized, this gift checks all the V-Day gifting boxes. Whether hes in need of a classic water bottle, a traveler, or a tumbler, Swell has a wide array of options available for personalization. Choose between a 10-character name or three-initial inscription. Find out more at Swellbottle.com Carhartt Beanie Spotted on everyone from Nas to Rihanna, the classic Carhartt has seen a resurgence over the past few years and for good reason. With an eight-gage knit designed for optimal warmth, this beanie is simple, yet functional, and the budget-friendly price doesnt hurt either. $16.99 at Amazon.com Nathan Dash Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0 Comfy, breathable, stretchy and sleek, Nathans Dash T-shirt is a great example of an everyday item thats bringing a lot to the table. His new favorite workout shirt is here. Maybe get him two just so he isnt wearing the same one every single day. $45.00 at NathanSports.com HETIME Sheet Masks Sheet masks aren't just for the ladies anymore. HETIME masks are designed with the dude's face in mind they fit on the top half of the face, leaving the facial hair area mask-free. These bad boys will hydrate and replenish his skin and help reduce blemishes. Buy individually, as a set or sign him up for a subscription. From $8 at HETIME.com RELATED: Unique Valentine's Day Gifts W&P Craft Cocktail Syrup Set If your special man loves whipping out his mixology skills at-home, he'll make great use of this gift set. From old fashioned to Moscow mule and spicy margarita, there is a syrup to suit any occasion. $30.13 at Amazon.com Le Puzz Match Made in Heaven Jigsaw Puzzle Are you a low-key couple who prefer a night in to a night out? Make the most of your together time with one of Le Puzzs awesome jigsaw puzzles. The companys branding is a work of art, and their puzzles are somehow even more impressive, as the pieces feel great in your hand and the custom shapes mean no two are exactly alike, making this a much more enjoyable puzzling experience than youre used to. $38.00 at LePuzz.com Driftaway Coffee Subscription For a gift that keeps on giving, look to the coffee subscription. Driftaway Coffee has built up a loyal following thanks to its fresh roasts (coffee is shipped within six hours of roasting) and user-friendly process. Find out more at Driftaway.coffee Aerangis Aging Spirits Candle Rare is the guy who doesnt appreciate the smell of a good whiskey. Give him just that with the stunningly scented Aging Spirits candle from Aerangis, which expertly conjures maple and bourbon and a rug by the hearth. Just make sure he doesnt try to drink the thing. From $38.00 at Aerangis.com Nest Weighted Blanket Sleep quality is one of the biggest factors in how a person feels day to day, and sometimes all it takes to take your sleep up a notch is a weighted blanket. These genius inventions help people relax by mimicking the slight pressure of body contact meaning he can feel cuddled even when youre not there to cuddle him and we think Nests sleek and stylish entry might be the best one of the bunch. From $109.60 at NestBedding.com Teku Beer Glasses, Set of 6 Born from a collaboration between an Italian brewer and a sensory analysis expert, the German-made Teku glasses from Rastal are for the true beer aficionado. Features include an angular bowl to build aroma, a slightly flared rim to accentuate your beverage as you sip, and a stem to keep your hands from warming the contents. $59.99 at Amazon.com Philips SmartSleep Give him the gift of better sleep for V-Day with this Philips SmartSleep light. Not only does it simulate a sunset to help you fall asleep with ease, but it creates a sunrise in the a.m. to awaken the body naturally in the morning. $99.99 at Amazon.com Goldbelly Food Even if you cant take him out for a special meal, you can still have some deliciousness delivered right to his door. Whether its desserts, pizza, or bagels, Goldbelly makes it easy to enjoy some of your favorite dishes from across the country right at home. Prices vary at Goldbelly.com Movie Scratch Poster Home decor and date night activity all in one. This poster features 100 of the best movies of all time, curated from AFI & IMDbs top 100 lists. You two can work your way through the poster and scratch off a square each time youve finished a flick. $29.97 at Amazon.com Bevel Skin Essentials Bundle Give your guy a serious grooming upgrade with Bevels Skin Essentials Bundle. Featuring a face wash, an exfoliating toner and a moisturizing face gel, this set will have him looking and feeling fresh every day. He might not even believe how nice his face feels reward him with kisses. $34.95 at GetBevel.com Casper Pillow A pillow might seem like an odd Valentines Day gift, but its something he probably hasnt thought to purchase for himself and it will make a world of difference in his every day. This foam model from Casper is made to support the head and neck while remaining cool to the face throughout the night. $65 at Casper.com Cole Haan Generation Zergrand II If hes a stylish guy, why not get him a sweet pair of kicks? This model from Cole Haan is sleek, refined and sporty all at once a winning combination. Its got laces for adjusting to optimal tightness when hes being active but the low-cut shape means theyre easily slipped on when hes just hanging around. And we bet hell love the way they look. $140.00 at ColeHaan.com Fellow Stagg EKG, Electric Pour-Over Kettle If hes been missing his usual cafe visits lately bring the experience and enjoyment of a great brew home with this Fellow Pour-Over Kettle. While the long spout is optimal for preparing pour-over coffee, the heating element and temperature toggle ensure water reaches just the right temp. $159 at Amazon.com Sunspel Textured Donegal Jumper You cant go wrong with the thoughtful gift of a classic sweater. This gorgeous cable-knit number from British brand Sunspel is sure to be a standout pick in his wardrobe for years to come. Its thick and warm and cozy thanks to the Donegal wool its made from, and the little flecks of color woven into it give it a homespun quality that only adds to its lovely vibes. $450.00 at Sunspel.com BritBox Streaming Shopping for the Anglophile? Look no further. This streaming service will allow him to enjoy all his favorite TV and movie content from across the pond on his regular devices think Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast, etc. From Mr. Bean to The Fall, its got it all. From $8.99 at Britbox.com Intimacy Deck by BestSelf It can be hard to come up with romantic Valentines Day plans when you need to stay home, thats where this card game comes in. Filled with a variety of cards, all geared to spark conversation, this deck will allow you to learn new things about one another and grow even closer. $24.99 at Amazon.com HeadSpace Meditation If hes been trying to get into meditation this year, give him a boost with a membership to HeadSpace. In addition to providing an ample selection of guided meditations, it offers workout routines to follow, as well. From $12.99 at HeadSpace.com Juniper Books Themed Set No matter if hes into historical figures or retro comics, Juniper Books has a themed book set to suit his interests. Bonus, they all look super stylish on a bookshelf. From $50 at JuniperBooks.com Clase Azul Reposado Tequila If youre in the early stages of your relationship and you want to get your boyfriend a gift without coming across too strong, a bottle of one of his favorite spirits is a good way to go. Great on its own or in a cocktail, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is sure to be put to good use for V-Day margaritas. From $167.99 at Drizly.com The Beatles White Album Vinyl Record Set If hes hopped on board the vinyl craze, help him expand his collection and set the mood for your special evening with this classic set. It includes four discs from The Beatles legendary White Album, including newly mixed tracks he may not have heard before. $89.95 at Amazon.com You Might Also Dig: 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. GM Investing $650M to Develop Major U.S. Lithium Mine Published Jan. 31, 2023 General Motors Co. and Lithium Americas Corp. announced Jan. 31 they will jointly invest to develop the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, the largest known source of lithium in the U.S. and the third largest in the world. Under the agreement, GM will make a $650 million equity investment in Lithium Americas, which represents the largest-ever investment by an automaker to produce battery raw materials. Lithium Americas estimates the lithium extracted and processed from the project can support production of up to 1 million EVs per year. Lithium carbonate from Thacker Pass will be used in GMs proprietary Ultium battery cells. Lithium is a key material in lithium-ion batteries and stands up well to repeated charging and discharging---including enabling fast charging---delivers higher energy density and offers more usable capacity than other battery types. GM is launching a broad portfolio of trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles using the Ultium Platform, including the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Cadillac CELESTIQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, BrightDrop Zevo 400 and BrightDrop Zevo 600. GM has secured all the battery material we need to build more than 1 million EVs annually in North America in 2025 and our future production will increasingly draw from domestic resources like the site in Nevada were developing with Lithium Americas, said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. Direct sourcing critical EV raw materials and components from suppliers in North America and free-trade-agreement countries helps make our supply chain more secure, helps us manage cell costs and creates jobs. The agreement with GM is a major milestone in moving Thacker Pass toward production, while setting a foundation for the separation of our U.S. and Argentine businesses, said Lithium Americas President and CEO Jonathan Evans. This relationship underscores our commitment to develop a sustainable domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicles. We are pleased to have GM as our largest investor, and we look forward to working together to accelerate the energy transition while spurring job creation and economic growth in America. GMs investment will be split between two tranches. The funds for the first tranche will be held in escrow until certain conditions are met, including the outcome of the Record of Decision ruling currently pending in U.S. District Court. If those conditions are met, the funds will be released and GM will become a shareholder in Lithium Americas. The escrow release is expected to occur no later than the end of 2023. The second tranche investment is expected to be made into Lithium Americas U.S.-focused lithium business following the separation of its U.S. and Argentina businesses and is contingent on similar conditions, including Lithium Americas securing sufficient capital to fund the development expenditures to support Thacker Pass. Production at Thacker Pass is projected to begin in the second half of 2026. In connection with the closing of the first tranche investment, GM will receive exclusive access to Phase 1 production through a binding supply agreement and has the right of first offer on Phase 2 production. Lithium Americas expects Thacker Pass to create 1,000 jobs in construction and 500 in operations. GM has announced four U.S. cell plants with annual capacity of 160 gigawatt hours, including the Ultium Cells joint venture plant with LG Energy Solution in Warren, OH, which is in production, and additional sites in Spring Hill, TN, and Lansing, MI, that are scheduled to open in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The first three Ultium Cells plants are expected to create 6,000 jobs in construction and 5,000 in operations. GM is currently building EVs in two Michigan plants, one Tennessee plant and one Ontario plant, and its suppliers are investing to create a robust North America-focused supply chain for EV raw materials, processed material and components, with major projects under way in California, Texas, Ohio and Quebec. Source: General Motors Co. Michigan Auto Instructor Named ASE Instructor of the Year Published Jan. 31, 2023 Juwan Willis Sr., a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified automotive technician from Pontiac, MI, was honored with the Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year award, presented in late 2022 at the ASE Board of Governors meeting in San Diego, CA. Juwan, who is an automotive instructor and the four-campus program teacher leader at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast in Pontiac, is one of the outstanding ASE Certified professionals recognized annually by different segments of the automotive service and repair industry, said Tim Zilke, president and CEO of ASE. Zilke, along with Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation, and Brad Pellman, chair of the ASE Board of Directors, presented the award to Willis. ASE has honored extraordinary industry professionals from across the nation for more than 40 years, Zilke continued. This is made possible by the support of our many award sponsors. This award is given by the ASE Education Foundation in memory of Byrl Shoemaker, a champion of automotive education. We are proud to recognize Juwan's commitment to excellence, providing the very best in automotive technology education to his students. This dedication is reflected in the talented professionals we recognize each year and Juwan represents the best of the best. Thirty-three companies from both OEM and aftermarket segments sponsored the individual technician recognition awards in the auto, truck, collision, parts and service categories, along with awards for instructors. In addition to looking for top scores on ASE tests, award sponsors examine on-the-job excellence, community service and other factors when selecting honorees. Source: ASE MPGe AWD WLTP kWh kW Hyundai Ioniq 6 doesnt strike as the most handsome electric vehicle out there, but it sure is one of the most efficient. The same reason behind its peculiar shape is whats making it use so little battery: the state-of-the-art aerodynamics. Thanks to a 0.22 drag coefficient, the Ioniq 6 is among the most efficient vehicles in the U.S. Now that EPA has completed the tests, we found that the most efficient Ioniq 6 is the SE Long Range RWD trim, with an EPA estimate of 140. Only the Lucid Air Pureand Lucid Air Touring AWD have a similar fuel economy rating.The same Ioniq 6 version boasts a 361-mile (581 km) EPA-estimated range, which is more than Hyundai expected. Last November, Hyundai got its European WLPT certification , with an estimated range of 614 kilometers, which converts to 382 miles on a full charge. Thecycle is notoriously optimistic, which makes its figures almost impossible to achieve in real-world traffic. On the other hand, the EPA estimates are more in line with what people expect while driving a car. This is why Hyundai targeted an EPA range estimate of 340 miles (547 km).As EPA figures show, other versions of the Ioniq 6 are less efficient. The same Long Range version, but in AWD configuration, has a 316-mile EPA rating, with 121 MPGe combined. It all goes downhill from here, as the standard-battery trims are losing in range and efficiency. The SEL and Limited trims in RWD guise get 305 miles (509 km) and 117 MPGe, while the AWD versions must contend with 270 miles (435 km) and 103 MPGe. Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, explained how Hyundai achieved such impressive figures.Instead of just adding a larger battery to increase the range, we chose to optimize IONIQ 6s aerodynamic performance and its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) for efficiency to produce these long driving ranges, said Boyle.The 0.22 drag coefficient was instrumental to Ioniq 6s impressive efficiency, but what went into honing aerodynamics is even more impressive. Hyundai fitted the Ioniq 6 with active air flaps, wheel gap reducers, and an elliptical wing-inspired spoiler to have smooth airflow around the cars body. The electric sedan also features flow separation traps on both sides of the rear bumper and a full underbody cover to improve aerodynamics. Hyundai Ioniq 6 is available in Long Range versions featuring a 77.4-battery, while the standard range trims get a 53-pack. Designed to support both 400- and 800-volt charging infrastructures, the Ioniq 6 can recoup 65 miles (105 kilometers) with only five minutes of charging at a 350-kW charger. The RWD versions rely on a 225-horsepower motor, whereas the dual-motor AWD versions have 320 horsepower on tap. BMW is arguably one of the worlds sought-after automakers. Its cars come in various shapes and sizes, with powertrains that can suit almost everyones motoring needs. The interior quality plus the technology available onboard are also on the menu. Apart from a pickup truck and a van, the German carmaker really does it all, and, from the looks of the sales result, does it very well.There are not that many bad things that can be said about BMW, which is a rarity in this day and age. The brand even strives to turn its entire operation into a sustainable one through various measures like replacing its entire thermoplastics components with recycled materials, creating efficient powertrains for its electric vehicle lineup, and changing logistics packaging with reusable materials.So, how can you improve an already updated four-door premium sedan that can meet almost any wish you may have? With a new optional color! The seventh generation of the 5 Series can now be ordered in a metallic exterior finish called Arctic Race Blue. This new color joins Phytonic Blue and Tanzanite Blue II as alternatives to more restrained options like Sophisto Grey or Carbon Black. It's trying to reflect the color of the polar sky while also encompassing the concept of being cold on a cloudless day.True BMW fans might unconsciously associate this new blue with one that debuted on the 8 Series . But Barcelona Blue is a shade because it contains black pigment, while the Arctic Race Blue is a tone thanks to grey inserts. Of course, things are a little bit more complicated than that, but well leave it to paint specialists to dissect every spec of color.It's also different from the Blue Ridge Mountain greenish blue paint that debuted with the pre-facelift 3 Series.Arctic Race Blue first appeared on the current-generation 4 Series (G22, G23, and G26). For those who have not seen one in real life, it might be useful to know that as other optional BMW colors do, this one also allows sunlight to point out the cars proportions. On a sunny day, it may look like a bright but light blue. When clouds rule the sky, the vehicle might even end up looking almost grayish.If youre after a strong blue for your vehicle, then maybe you should consider the other paint finishes available.Arctic Race Blue was most likely added to BMWs color roster for the North American and European markets after the Alpina B5 GT was introduced in sedan and wagon forms. The Alpina fits between the M5 Competition and M5 CS and can be ordered with the new blue optional color.But if you dont want to pay more for a V8-powered sedan, then you might like to know that Arctic Race Blue is also available for other versions of the 5 Series. We verified this by speccing a 520i M Sport with the Extended Shadowline option (included in the M Sport Pro Pack) in the UK and a 540i xDrive Sport without the blacked-out bits and pieces in the U.S. You can admire both in the photo gallery.Finally, this new paint job will set you back 900 in the UK, $650 in the U.S., and around 1,100 in other European markets. In Canada, its a no-cost option. Photo: U.S. Air Force Photo: U.S. Air Force Separately, ten tankers are ordered by the Japanese and Israeli air forces, with six going to the Asian country and the remaining four allotted to the middle east ally. Although its best known for its aerial refueling role, the KC-46A is a versatile cargo and troops carrier and can also serve as a medical transporter.The tanker was deemed combat-ready by the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command in September of last year, extending the range of missions that the aircraft can perform. A little over a month ago, on December 17-18, two KC-46As completed the first operational long-endurance for this type of warbird. Forty-two hours, from Kansas to Guam and back, with a short ground stop in the Pacific territory for regular service.Last year, the Pegasus air tankers performed exceptionally well, according to the military, which claims a 97% mission-capable success rate for the deployment exercises involving the KC-46A. The planes flew over Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.Boeing assembles these around-the-globe-capable airplanes in the largest building on the planet the Everett, Washington facility, using the 767 production line. Built specifically for aerial refueling and airlift, the Pegasus first flew in December 2014 after three years of development.The KC-46A can assist most fixed-wing aircraft with range-extending mid-air refueling missions thanks to its combined boom, hose-and-drogue, and WARP (Wing Aerial Refueling Pods) delivery systems. Combined, these features enable the airplane to undertake multi-point simultaneous aerial refueling tasks. In plain average Joe parlance, the giant can fill the tanks of several airplanes at once.Each of the Pegasus fuel offloading systems is independent of the others, with the Boom Operator controlling the boom, centerline drogue, and WARPs simultaneously. The Air Refueling Operator station provides permanent wingtip-to-wingtip monitoring.The massive warplane can carry up to 65,000 lbs (nearly 30 tons) of cargo a total of eighteen 122-gallon (463-liter) pallets along with 213,000 lbs of fuel (96 tons) and 58 passengers. The Pegasus takeoff weight is a hefty 415,000 lbs (188 tons) at full load.The combined thrust of 124,000 lbf of the two Pratt & Whitney 4062 high-bypass turbofan jet engines doesnt look like overkill, keeping in mind the figures in the paragraph above. The 159-foot-long behemoth (48.5 meters) has a wingspan of 156 feet (47.5 meters) and stands almost 52 feet tall (15.5 meters).A crew of up to fifteen (including the standard five aeromedical evacuation crew) can take position inside the KC-46A air tankers . The MedEvac team (which regularly consists of two nurses and three medical technicians) can be reconfigured as needed, depending on the number of patients. The Blue Oval subsidiary, founded by Edsel Ford in late 1938, competed for most of its life against Buick and Oldsmobile from GM and DeSoto or the namesake Chrysler brand. It was closed in 2010 due to dwindling sales and the need to cut expenses following the then-recent financial crisis, but not before sending out into the world an entire series of memorable automobiles.Chief among them was also the Cougar nameplate that was applied to a pony car model (1967 to 1973), a personal luxury car (1974 to 1997), some mid-size cars (1977-1979 and 1981-1982), plus a forgettable sport compact model between 1999 and 2002 . Naturally, classic Blue Oval fans only have eyes for the traditional counterparts of the Ford Mustang (first and second generation) or Ford Torino/Thunderbird (third through seventh gens).As such, they have an ample choice between their respective pony car and personal luxury car iterations and we can see that people could easily lean heavily toward one or the other, depending on their POV. And that is valid both in the real world as well as across the vastness of the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. Such is the latter case with Timothy Adry Emmanuel, the virtual artist better known as adry53customs on social media, and as far as we can tell it pony-happened twice.As he continues his commissioned dream ride periplus alongside HotCars , the pixel master has recently dreamt about the return of the Mercury Cougar Eliminator, which was a special 1969 and 1970 version introduced alongside the Boss 302 Mustang. It replaced the performance-oriented Cougar GT as an exclusive hardtop Cougar (no Convertible or XR-7 goodies), and the Eliminator featured all standard engines along with the exclusive use of the Boss 302 mill.The CGI experts restomod was cooked up as a quintessentially extreme Hot Rod , complete with a thoroughly slammed attitude and an extra widebody aerodynamic treatment, plus a massive old-school blower protruding through the hood and making all supercharged fans get giddy at the sight of it. Interestingly, the author also has a second version for Mercury enthusiasts, as he later imagined an orange, modernized version of the original dwelling on a quarter-mile dragstrip alongside its ancestor.Unfortunately, although it is dreamt of as a hypothetical competitor for the big and brawny Dodge Challenger, this slightly toned-down variant of the Mercury Cougar Eliminator lacks a definitive personality. Especially from the sides, where it looks just like any other body kit placed on top of an unsuspecting Mopar two-door coupe if you get my drift. So, does it get our CGI hall pass, or is that a hard pass, actually? At the dawn of the 1970s, when Ferruccio started running into financial difficulties, the Raging Bull of SantAgata Bolognese launched a 90-degree V8 that you might know from the Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa. Lamborghini wouldnt develop a new engine until the Gallardo entered the scene with a high-revving V10. Bankrolled with Volkswagen money, said engine would be shared with the Audi R8. It continues to be produced today, although its days are numbered because the R8s future is probably electric and the Huracans replacement may get a twin-turbocharged V8.Speaking of the heir apparent of the Huracan, its been confirmed with plug-in assistance. Lamborghini will first reveal the plug-in successor of the Aventador with a clean-sheet V12 rather than the Aventadors lump, and the Urus will soon receive a plug-in V8 powertrain as well. Never before had Lamborghini been more successful than in 2022, with 2023 promising to be a record-breaking year as well. But alas, Lamborghini cant roll out a fourth model for the time being over a couple of reasons.First and foremost, battery tech simply isnt good enough for the Raging Bull of SantAgata Bolognese. Speaking to Motor1, chief technical officer Rouven Mohr made it clear that current battery and electric vehicle tech isnt feasible in a hi-po vehicle. Think supercar and hypercar levels of performance rather than a sporty grand tourer. Thats why Lamborghinis first electric vehicle wont come in the form of a midship, but a two-door coupe with seating for four. Think Taycan and e-tron GT minus two doors.It will be a slow burn, though. Best described as the long-awaited successor of the hideously underrated Espada, the yet-to-be-named electric grand tourer would perfectly complement Lamborghinis current lineup. The Italian automaker has an entry-level supercar, a flagship supercar, and the mandatory sport utility vehicle. A luxury-oriented gran turismo with the right styling and performance characteristics to be worthy of the Lamborghini Taurus logo is the right call by all accounts. Being a user-oriented vehicle rather than a white-knuckle ride will also bring new customers to the brand, which is close to cracking 10k annual deliveries.Speaking to the cited publication, chief technical officer Mohr also stressed that Lamborghini customers expect something outstanding rather than a similar execution to what one may find in other automakers. Given the advancements that will occur through 2028 when the newcomer enters production, the E-spada or whatever it will be called is certain to stand out from the crowd, including from the Taycans and e-tron GTs successors. In addition to five Agusta A109 LUH helicopters, the RNZAF No. 3 Squadron had eight Airbus NH90 in its fleet. The first NH90 entered service within RNZAF in 2015. Today, almost a decade later, its name is linked to a different kind of milestone not one related to technical performance or operational success. It turns out that the three pilots in this small squadron are all women, which makes the Airbus helicopters the first ones in New Zealand to be operated by an all-female crew.The three trailblazers have already seen what the NH90, designated as the NATO standard helicopter, can do. For example, two years ago, it proved to be an invaluable asset during the Christchurch Floods. Thats when the crew had the challenging mission of saving people from the water at night (which means limited visibility for pilots) after arriving at the spot as fast as possible, despite the weather conditions.The NH90 is built precisely for these types of demanding operations. A twin-engine rotorcraft , its packed with advanced technology, including a four-axis autopilot, fly-by-wire control systems, on-board monitoring, and diagnostics systems.It was also designed for top-notch resilience. The fuselage was made from modern composite materials, which resulted in a lower structural weight, and fewer parts. Thanks to this, the NH90 claims to offer 30% better endurance compared to similar rotorcraft boasting metallic fuselages. The same type of materials was used for the rotor blades, helping with what is known in the industry as damage tolerance and fatigue strength.According to Airbus, the NH90 also boasts top-level operational survivability, thanks to multiple features, including an advanced self-protection suite and a low radar signature. Combining the diamond-shaped airframe made of composite materials with infrared suppressor devices, this tough chopper also becomes stealthy. So much so, that it claims to ensure the lowest radar signature in its class.The NH90 is also highly versatile, which makes it so exciting for the all-female crew at the No. 3 Squadron. They can literally go from search-and-rescue missions above the mountains to supporting police units counter-terrorism operations in just a weeks time. This multi-role helicopter is also amphibious and can handle the challenging condition of Sub-Antarctic regions.Its name comes from the NHIndustries partnership, a European collaboration between Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Fokker Aerostructures, which was set up for developing the NATO helicopter. SUV And if you think about it, there is a logic behind all the commotion. The original iterations first with a dedicated platform for a compactto rival the Jeep CJ-5, International Scout, or Toyota Land Cruiser, then as an F-Series full-size two-door SUV offspring battling the K5 Blazer, Ramcharger, or Cherokee are all deeply beloved. As such, there is no shortage of classic restorations, restomods, or custom creations Secondly, the modern reinvention has more customers than Ford can produce vehicles (hence a lot of chagrin from the eager fan base) and also battles very few foes in the mid-size off-road-focused SUV field, including the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Plus, the Blue Oval company made sure to keep things enticing with Everglades, Bronco Raptor, and Heritage editions, among other things. Additionally, where the OEM stops it is open business territory for the aftermarket realm, both in the real world as well as across the dreamy kingdom of digital car content creators, as it turns out.And there is no need to take our word for granted, as we have many examples. The latest has recently arrived courtesy of the automotive digital creator behind Innov8 Design Lab (aka innov8designlab on social media), who has prepared something CGI and outrageous - for both Mickey Thompson and Bronco fans, and all sprinkled with a heavy lift twist. After all, this rendering house is no stranger to such crazy high-riding vehicles that would stand out in any crowd either for positive or negative reasons.Truth be told, it was about time for a lifted monster since their latest CGI projects included a slammed vintage station wagon, a super clean Porsche 911 GT3 RS rocking a new set of Vibrant Forged VFF wheels, or a bonkers twin-turbo 1966 Lincoln Continental . That one dropped its murdered-out stance for a quick CGI-to-reality restyle just in time to show the bagged goodies at the iconic SEMA Show held in Las Vegas between October 31 and November 3 as part of the newly minted SEMA Week.Now theyre back to high-riding shenanigans with this orange-and-blue Ford Bronco 4-Door that is fresh out of the lab riding on massive 54-inch Mickey Thompson tires and also features a couple of custom solid axle swaps thanks to a bonkers Roam Offroad lift kit. As far as I am concerned, it looks utterly great for some heavy-duty dune bashing and rock crawling. However, I do have one CGI regret this is a regular Bronco-based build rather than something designed to let the Bronco Raptor flex its upgraded muscles. Can you imagine a future where hydrogen aircraft are rolled out of factories on a regular basis, and where passengers can board airliners with no emissions at all? This is the vision of H2Fly, a company with a trailblazing spirit, that was founded almost a decade ago in Stuttgart.Established by a team of engineers from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the University of Ulm, its not surprising that it aims to break technological barriers and revolutionize commercial aviation.The company first made headlines with a four-seat prototype that has achieved impressive results for hydrogen-powered aviation. It became the first of its kind to complete a flight between two commercial airports, when it traveled from Stuttgart and Friedrichshafen powered by hydrogen. Next, it managed to fly at 7,230 feet (2,203 meters), which was considered an altitude world record for hydrogen-air-breathing aircraft.But these successes are just stepping stones on the way to something thats much more impressive a 40-seat regional airliner powered by liquid hydrogen. It wont be a new aircraft built from scratch, but an existing Dornier fitted with H2Flys fuel cell system.All of the future tests will be performed at a new development and testing hub, called the Hydrogen Aviation Center, in Stuttgart. The Stuttgart Airport is H2Flys partner for this ambitious project, which is also getting millions of Euros in funding from the Ministry of Transport, through Baden-Wurttemberg.As its name suggests, the future center will be entirely dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen-electric powertrains. According to H2Fly, it will include workshops and test stands in the hangar, plus a spacious outdoor area, where aircraft demonstrators can be used for further testing of the hydrogen technologies.Baden-Wurttemberg officials even believe that Stuttgart has the potential to grow from an R&D hub for hydrogen technology, to a manufacturing center for hydrogen aircraft.The new Hydrogen Aviation Center in Stuttgart is set to start operating by the end of next year. In the meantime, the German startup is working with Deutsche Aircraft to certify the D328eco using Power2Liquid jet fuel thats made from green hydrogen.The future passenger aircraft could be certified by 2026, and the new Hydrogen Center will certainly play an important part in that. In addition to the powertrain, H2Fly is also developing a liquid hydrogen tank for the future 40-seat passenger aircraft. However, this complex endeavor requires the cooperation of multiple industry partners, which is why the new hub for centralized operations is so important. Be they stellarators, tokamaks, or any other Earth-bound fusion reactor, the goal is to do much the same as inside the center of the Sun. Just without the benefit of all that immense gravity. With only 9.8m/s2 worth of force to work with here on Earth, the solution to a chronic lack of gravity is electromagnets of ever-increasing power. Photo: Quora Photo: Princeton University Photo: Princeton University Photo: Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics Photo: Justin Ruckman Most fusion enthusiasts are familiar with the tokamak-class reactor of Soviet origin. They're perhaps most famous for their use in the UK's Joint European Torus (JET) laboratory and the ITER facility in Southern France. But to understand why stellarators and tokamaks took the forms they did, we need to know the history behind the primordial days of human-produced fusion.Even if most of us aren't nuclear physicists, we can at least identify the basic nuts and bolts of nuclear fusion as demonstrated by both American and Soviet technology. In simple terms, very light atoms get smashed together with immense pressure and heat to form novel, heavier elements with the motherload of hopefully harvestable energy left over. It's the same process that fuels every star in the universe.As far back as 1934, a group of three scientists, Mark Oliphant, Paul Harteck, and Ernest Rutherford, used a rudimentary particle accelerator machine similar to that of a stellarator or a tokamak to smash atoms of deuterium into lithium foil. Keep in mind the team had no computers to aid this process. Though primitive on many levels, the working theory behind its operation was no-less groundbreaking.By the end of World War II, several British physicists were experimenting with micro-scale electromagnetic confinement, as was first proposed by Sir George Paget Thomson of the Imperial College in London. Diving even further, we find that ex-German nuclear scientists fled en masse to Argentina after the war. Scientists like Ronald Richter were employed by Argentine President Juan Domingo Peron to design a stellarator-like device on a remote island near the border with Chile.Skipping to the year 1951, the stellarator reactor's inventor and Toledo, Ohio native Lyman Spitzer Jr, is taking a phone call from his father detailing Ronald Richter's experiments. Experiments, which, keep in mind, were being dubiously touted by the Argentine press as having achieved sustainable fusion plasma and scientific breakeven. Accolades that wouldn't be confirmed as successful until the 2020s by American scientists in Livermore, California, not Argentina.As one of the post-WWII-era's brightest minds in plasma physics and star formation, Spitzer took one good look at the newspaper report from Argentina and knew it was bogus. That said, this news got Spitzer's considerably powerful mind jogging about how he could take Ronald Richter's idea and make it more plausible. Being that he was packing for a ski trip at the time of his father's phone call, Spitzer spent his time waiting on ski lifts breaking down the nuts and bolts of his new idea in his head.All the while, Soviet engineers Igor Tamm and Andrei Sakharov were hard at work with their tokamak design. One of the key issues with fusion reactors which Spitzer wished to solve included a phenomenon called atom drift. In this, ionized atoms of plasma inside a tokamak reactor tend to deviate in their orbits around a perfectly circular fusion core as the temperature and pressure inside the core increase.In experiments with Spitzer's first number-eight-shaped fusion reactor, he found that pre-fusion plasma tended to maintain a more stable flow with a handful of corners and chicanes mixed in. I.e., the laws of physics appear to prefer Formula One to NASCAR. The results of the American and Soviet research on the matter birthed two profoundly different-looking fusion reactors. The famous donut-shaped torus native to the tokamak is no doubt visually pleasing. That's especially true with a brilliant ring of infernally hot plasma forced to run through it using powerful electromagnets and a central power transformer.The requirement of such massive, powerful electromagnets makes tokamaks by far the largest form of a fusion reactor. That's why the tokamak that will power ITER in 2025 is 30 meters (98 feet) tall and weighs north of 25,000 US tons (23,000 metric tons). As unapologetically Soviet in origin as tokamak-class reactors are, the American equivalent is similar in working principles. But unlike tokamaks, stellarator reactors, as invented by Lyman Spitzer, could be magnitudes smaller and also many magnitudes more like squiggly line-adjacent.The deliberately twisted and curvy construction of a stellarator made for a reactor which, in theory, prevented most of the atomic drift associated with tokamaks by working on the same physics as a car losing kinetic energy when entering a tight turn. This, plus portability by itself wouldn't be enough to keep tokamak reactors from being the favored design globally. Starting in the 1960s, research groups around the world, North America included, began to take the same "no replacement for displacement" philosophy that'd define the American auto industry in the same decade.Meaning, of course, people figured bigger reactors must be better. Spitzer appealed to the United States Atomic Energy Commission to fund his designs. All the while, he employed famous astrophysicist and nuclear engineers like James Van Allen to help manufacture more tabletop-scale stellarator reactors. The first of these machines was completed in 1953.In subsequently upgraded prototypes with larger, more powerful magnets, Spitzer found the mounts on which the magnets were fastened tended to flex and shift as the current flowing through the device increased. Think of it almost like a worn-down motor mount on your car that makes the engine shake when you rev it. Speaking of car-related items, one variant of Spitzer-designed stellarators, the B-65, used an entirely new plasma flow layout dubbed the "racetrack" configuration.So then, the Formula One quip from before hits home even harder. The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) in New Jersey played host to these achievements starting in the late 50s and early 60s. By 1961, Spitzer had stepped down from the leader of PPPL's stellarator program. With his successor Melvin B. Gottlieb at the helm, Princeton scientists unveiled their ultimate stellarator, the Model C. Making the most out of what was learned from the tabletop-sized Model A and Model B, the Model C was considerably larger. Operation began on the Model C in March 1962.Even in its largest form, the Model C stellarator is visibly far smaller than the equivalent research-grade tokamaks of the day. In the end, the downfall of the Model C had nothing to do with its design. In an era when the Apollo flight computer undergoing testing to put men on the Moon only had enough RAM to measure in words, not bytes, the hardware simply wasn't available to fine-tune the Model C's fusion core to undergo sustainable fusion.With that, stellarator-class reactors soon faded into obscurity. Especially after top-secret Soviet tokamak technology was de-classified and licensed off to universities and research groups across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. As if by cruel irony, the Model C stellarator itself was re-engineered into a torus-shaped tokamak reactor in 1969.As we're all aware, humanity today lacks the gross deficit in computing power it had in the 60s. If anything, the exact opposite is the case. With microchips of ever-increasing power on ever-shrinking sizes, the human race has more than enough power to make stellarators viable once more. Proof-positive of this is the Wendelstein 7-X located at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, Germany.Completed in 2015, the W7-X recently finished a series of comprehensive upgrades in the fall of 2022. But with a major radius of 18 feet (5.5 meters), W7-X isn't the largest stellarator. That title belongs to the Large Helical Device built-in Gifu, Japan, in 1998. To say the inside of that reactor looks like you inserted yourself into a tokamak and dropped a tab of some strong hallucinogen would be an understatement. No, seriously, looking at the internals of the thing almost gave us vertigo.After the National Ignition Facility in California achieved 1.5 times breakeven with a laser-based fusion core in 2022, it's been a two-horse race between stellarators and tokamaks to see which will be the second to break even. Even 25 years ago, experts would have likely told you that tokamaks are the slam-dunk choice over stellarators. But nowadays, the race is so much closer than even Lyman Spitzer might have realized.A quarter century after his death in 1997, perhaps the most underappreciated theoretical physicist in American history might be about to be vindicated and placed very deservingly in the history books sometime very soon. This is doubly the case if his brainchild manages to achieve scientific breakeven before any of the tokamaks, which experts claimed to be superior in the first place.Check back soon for more awesome nuclear fusion profiles here on autoevolution. Full Self-Driving NHTSA Teslas driver-assist systems have been at the center of many controversies, mostly because their names were considered misleading. Many people reportedly believed that Autopilot andcould drive autonomously, leading them to dangerous situations that sometimes ended with the tragic loss of lives. After several crashes, U.S. authorities decided to investigate how these systems work and how Tesla advertises them.Weve already reported that theis investigating Tesla for multiple problems with its driver-assist systems. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the crashes involving the two systems and Teslas conduct regarding Autopilot and Full Self Driving. The criminal investigation appears to be accelerating because Tesla has been subpoenaed to hand over documents related to the two driver-assist systems. The information has been confirmed by Tesla in a Form 10-K document filed with the SEC following 2022 financial results.The company has received requests from the DOJ for documents related to Teslas Autopilot and FSD features, writes the Form 10-K document. To our knowledge, no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred. We cannot predict the outcome or impact of any ongoing matters.There are three DOJ investigations opened in various stages, but none of them is advanced enough to have a court strategy. A decision on pressing charges has also not been made so far. Nevertheless, Tesla cautioned investors that a decision to pursue an enforcement action could have a material adverse impact on its business.Tesla is already under scrutiny for its driver-assist systems. It all started in 2016 when a driver using Autopilot was killed after his Tesla went under a tractor-trailer crossing its path in Florida. In total, 35 crashes in which Teslas automated-driving systems were involved are investigated by the NHTSA. Nineteen people lost their lives in those crashes. According to Reuters, NHTSA investigations proceed really fast and are very extensive.Tesla and Elon Musk are adamant that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are designed to increase safety. The carmaker also presented statistics that show enhanced safety when using Autopilot compared to non-Autopilot driving. Following a one-year hiatus, the statistics have been altered to demonstrate improved data compared to earlier safety reports.Besides NHTSA and DOJ investigations, Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk are facing criminal charges in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation. The Commission wants to see whether Musk inappropriately made forward-looking statements when talking about Autopilot. Musk got in hot waters after it was discovered that a 2016 Autopilot video was staged under his indications. ICE Any self-respecting Blue Oval enthusiast knows the story of the Ford GT40. It was a high-performance endurance racing car commissioned by Ford to try and compete in Old Continent endurance races, such as the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Interestingly, and more specifically, they tried to contest Ferraris absolute dominance (the Italian company had won the 1960 through 1965 editions) and fulfill an American dream on European soil.With help from a set of bright minds Carroll Shelby, Ron Bradshaw, Ken Miles, and Bruce McLaren, among many others they succeeded in the endeavor, snatching the laurels for the 1966 through 1969 races. Naturally, during the early 2000s, Ford was approaching its centenary and wanted to pay homage to the GT40 and other important milestones. And after the GT40 Concept presented in 2002 at NAIAS was well received, the limited production of the model was just a small step away that was fulfilled between 2004 and 2006 as the first-generation Ford GT.Then, after a decade-long hiatus, the second iteration of the Ford GT came to life and was produced between 2016 and 2022 in even fewer units a bit more than 4k for the original run and just 1,350 units for the butterfly-door coupe, respectively. This turned even more into a collectible item with numerous special editions, and of course, the series culminated with a track-only version called GT Mk IV that wants to churn out more than 800 ponies. Of course, the long-tailed toy is also crazy expensive, at $1.7 million.But what if Ford comes down from the GT cloud number nine and settles on a more accessible idea for a third stint hopefully, earlier than the next decade? Well, that may not be possible in the real world, or at least not as an-powered supercar. But across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, just about anything is virtually doable. So, here are the good folks over at Car Design World (aka cardesignworld on social media), who tipped us off to Andreas Ezelius elegant yet vintage next-gen Ford GT CGI idea.Better known as andreas_ezelius, this 3D artist works at River End Games but is also a self-described car nut and photography enthusiast, so his final result of the Ford GT Concept project has photorealistic qualities that could fool many fans with its true Ford colors and simple livery. The striped goodies sure look ready for production, but unfortunately, this is merely wishful thinking. So, there is no restomod-like new Ford GT for you and me today, sorry! COVID-19 situation stable in China's rural areas during Spring Festival holiday Xinhua) 08:43, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China saw no rise in COVID-19 cases across its rural areas during the weeklong Spring Festival holiday, a senior ministry official said at a media briefing on Monday. The COVID-19 situation in rural areas was generally stable, said Mao Dezhi from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Special measures were put in place targeting rural residents of remote mountainous regions, pastoral areas, forest regions and islands, which are weak links in COVID-19 prevention and control work, Mao noted. Such measures included delivering targeted services to the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with physical disabilities and people with illnesses, sending itinerant medical workers to rural areas, prioritizing vulnerable rural areas in the distribution of medicines and medical supplies, and ensuring township medical facilities are equipped with sufficient ambulances to transfer patients to bigger hospitals in a timely manner when necessary, Mao said. Rural areas are of primary importance in the country's current COVID-19 response strategy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) kW kWh Founded in 2017 by Michael Norcia, Pyka has quickly become the global leader in autonomous electric aviation technology and, more specifically, in electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. They are also the makers of the Pelican Spray, an all-electric and fully autonomous purpose-built aircraft for agricultural operations, the first of its kind to perform aerial applications on banana crops for major customers in Costa Rica.The new Pelican Cargo unveiled on Monday by the young aviation company is an adaptation of the plane they developed for crop spraying and could turn out to be a true game changer in the shipping industry. The zero-emission plane is the worlds largest autonomous electric cargo airplane, boasting unprecedented payload and range capabilities. It is also the first autonomous aircraft in its class.Powered by Pykas proprietary autonomous electric flight engine, the Pelican Cargo offers a range of up to 200 miles (322 km) and a payload of up to 400 pounds (approx. 180 kg). This is made possible by the maximized cargo volume of 66 cubic feet (1,870 liters).The electric airplane is equipped with four electric motors, producing a total of 100combined power, and a 50lithium-ion swappable battery that can either be charged in approximately one hour or exchanged for another charged one when necessary. Night flying is also possible thanks to the incorporated GPS and Laser/Radar based navigation.The new aircraft has an airframe and structural components made of high-performance carbon fiber, corrosion-resistant metal, and 3D-printed parts that leveraged industry-standard aerospace manufacturing processes. It features a nose-loading configuration with a sliding cargo tray that will allow loading to be done in five minutes, and it is meant to facilitate and improve express logistics networks, as well as enable access to remote rural communities and areas in need.Pyka says its new electric aircraft will revolutionize the shipping industry not only due to the new cutting-edge technology it incorporates but also due to the low operating costs, which are expected to be $15 a flight hour. The new plane will also have the ability to take off and land in just 500 feet (150m) on dirt or grass airstrips, which means it will be well suited to serve isolated and under-served communities that are currently relying on water or ground transportation for necessities.Pelican Cargo will have a significant positive impact on peoples lives. We designed this plane to eliminate C02 emissions from the logistics chain, while offering a significant speed advantage over ground transportation and operating costs at a fraction of conventional air transportation, explains Michael Norcia, Pyka co-founder and CEO.According to the company, the planes autonomous flight engine can be operated by a single on-ground pilot. The first test flight for the new Pelican Cargo happened in December 2022, and the company says the launch customer is expected to begin daily trial services in the second half of 2023. As it turns out, Pyka has already secured over 80 orders and options for its electric cargo plane from three customers. kWh The Japanese carmakers chief scientist made that very clear at the World Economic Forum in Davos and also in an interview with Automotive News. Gill Pratt used an interesting example to demonstrate why the company believes those pushing for BEVs are wrong.Suppose you have a fleet with 100 vehicles powered by combustion engines. Each of these vehicles emits 250 g/km of carbon. If you have a limited amount of lithium, enough only for 100of batteries, which would be the best strategy to reduce emissions?If the batteries were put in a single pack, the fleet would have 99 combustion-engined vehicles and one BEV . The average carbon emission in such a fleet would drop to 248.5 g/km. In other words, the pure electric car would not make much difference in a universe of vehicles that still need fossil fuels.Now get those cells and make smaller battery packs of 1.1 kWh. That would allow the fleet to have 90 hybrid electric vehicles and only ten cars powered by combustion engines. According to the Toyota chief scientist, this fleet would have an average carbon emission of 205 g/km. If the goal is to prevent pumping more carbon into the atmosphere, the less intuitive strategy is the one that has a more considerable impact.Pratts model is a small-scale representation of what the automotive industry is currently going through. There are not enough raw materials for all EVs that governments, politicians, and activists want to see on the streets as soon as possible. Extracting them is not easy: mines take several years to be approved and to start producing and also have troublesome effects on nature. Pratt told Automotive News a car factory takes around three years to be completed, while a mine demands 16 years to start producing raw materials.The race to get more lithium will also make its prices increase, limiting access to all vehicles that will soon need to get battery packs. Supply may cover just one-third of the global demand for lithium at least until 2040, which is well past what some car companies are establishing as their deadlines to sell only BEVs.Pratt rightfully argues that the path to carbon neutrality will have to follow other directions if the goal really is to hold climate change back. The chief scientist argues that there is a crunch that's going to come" and that it will prove that one size does not fit all. What if we are wrong about BEVs? EV ICE Akio Toyoda announced he is stepping down from the CEO role in April, leaving current Lexus boss Koji Sato at the helm. It isnt clear what prompted Toyoda to make such a decision, but he said something interesting in his announcement. The new team can do what I cant do. I now need to take a step back in order to let young people enter the new chapter of what the future of mobility should be like.Its unclear from the announcement what Toyoda couldnt do or why, but we can only speculate that it could have been a more decisive push toward electric vehicles. Toyota is the laggard in the auto industry regarding EVs, although its fair to admit that it shares this shortcoming with other Japanese carmakers. Based on this, we can say that theres something inherently Japanese that makes car companies oblivious to the major trends in the auto industry today.Koji Sato, the upcoming CEO, has not clarified his intentions yet, but he pledged to turn Toyota into a fully-fledged mobility company. Hopefully, this means that Toyota is finally considering going all-in with electric vehicles. Akio Toyoda also indicated he was willing to follow this path in December 2021 when it announced a bold newstrategy. Nevertheless, Toyota continued business as usual while delaying new electric vehicles and botching their only electric car, the bZ4X.Toyota was supposed to use the same e-TNGA platform that underpins the bZ4X for other future EVs, but it appears it changed course and wants an EV-only platform instead. The reason is that the e-TNGA was derived from anarchitecture and thus uses parts that are unnecessary for electric vehicles. This increases manufacturing costs, making competing with other EV makers that have developed dedicated EV platforms more difficult.According to the Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun, Toyotas new EV platform will adopt a skateboard shape, which has proved ideal for mass-producing electric vehicles. There arent many details about the new architecture, but according to the Japanese media, Toyota doesnt expect to have an EV built on top of it earlier than 2027.Toyota still wishes to stick to initial plans to build 30 new EVs by 2030, with a projected production capacity of 3.5 million EVs by then. The company is looking to increase bZ4X production capacity by installing a new dedicated assembly line at its Takaoka factory. Currently, Toyota builds the bZ4X at its Motomachi factory in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture.Hopefully, the new CEO will accelerate Toyotas EV program because the times are growing impatient. Toyota may still be the number one carmaker in 2022, but as the world accelerates EV adoption, it might find out it doesnt have much to offer to automotive markets. Toyota invented the lean manufacturing process adopted by the entire auto industry, but it risks losing on another manufacturing revolution that is now in full swing. Photo: Callum Photo: Callum Photo: Callum EV Designers and engineers are already considering sustainable options for car interior materials. For example, BMW announced last year that models of the Neue Klasse due to be launched starting in 2025 will come with trim parts made out of plastic containing about 30% recycled nets and ropes. Admittedly, that doesnt sound like much, but its a step in the right direction. And since a major brand such as BMW is taking measures to create more sustainable vehicles, it can set an example for other companies to follow in its new steps.But of course, before implementing such measures, its essential to conduct as much research as needed to test the feasibility of new materials. One of the companies focusing on making car interiors more sustainable is Callum. Callum is a design and engineering business creating bespoke and limited-edition products. The company is specialized in design, lifestyle, and travel and has collaborated with individuals and brands across several segments, such as art, automotive, audio, fashion, and motorsport.Callum carries out design, prototyping, machining, and trim services in a 20,000 square feet facility in Warwick, UK . The British designer Ian Callum is the co-founder and design director for the firm. He is renowned for his extensive automotive work, with projects such as the Aston Martin Vanquish, Vantage and DB9, Jaguar F-Type, F-PACE, and others under his belt.The company's new initiative is meant to discover fresh options Charlotte Jones and Ian Callum lead the company's team. It uses a retromod Porsche 911 interior as the basis for the research to identify coffee pulp, eggshells, red lentils, walnuts, and rice as viable materials for a car interior in 2030.In the UK alone, thousands of tons of food are wasted every single day in this context, Callum identified an opportunity to reuse food to create new materials. The company partnered with green-tech company Ottan to find the appropriate materials to replace plastic while meeting a car's strict design, environmental, and engineering requirements.One of the identified solutions that meet the requirements, specifically regarding temperature and wear, is eggshells mixed with resin. The resulting material is smooth and opaque, with either a matte or glossy surface. It can be applied inside the trim surround for the window switches. Furthermore, by adding walnut shells to the eggshells, Ottan's material will have a 6% increase in its recycled content, from 78% to 84%.Another solution is using out-of-date rice or lentils to create a smooth translucent material that can be used ideally for illuminated areas of vehicles, such as illuminated switches or lamp covers.You probably didn't expect this, but coffee pulp can be used as a flame-resistant alternative. It can be processed and utilized as a replacement for traditional plastics for glossy, decorative trims like dashboard inserts, for example.Even if you use food waste to create sustainable materials , you don't have to sacrifice the visuals. For instance, you can still offer vivid colors when using alternative materials. Callum identified that the purple carrot pulp could produce a mulberry-like color for trim parts. What's more, tree leaves can be transformed into a dark surface as an alternative to wood finishes for the center console or dashboard.Another significant waste we produce globally is clothes. Callum's head of materials and sustainability, Charlotte Jones, declared that we consume around 62 million tons of textiles a year, and about 87% of the total fiber input for clothes ends up landfilled or incinerated. However, companies like Planq have designed a process to reuse certain garments. For instance, the company takes jeans, shreds them, and presses them with potato or corn starch to create a hard veneer, which can then be used in seat shells or dash centers. Callum's design study explores other ways to upcycle clothes waste.And lastly, we have plastic waste. Callum's design study uses Camira, a fabric made from marine plastic waste such as polyester, and Feline, a soft material from PET bottles , to cover bolster surfaces. There are two advantages for both these materials. First, they offer no weight penalty compared to standard materials, and second, they can be recycled multiple times. Callum has added a hemp/flax composite option for its latest project, the Barqscooter, to demonstrate its sustainability studies.Now that Callum has demonstrated that sustainable materials can respect the requirements and are production feasible by 2030, the next step is to test the material in upcoming projects. Ian Callum said, "More of our customers are starting to think about sustainable projects and put an emphasis on the circular economy. With others, we might nudge them down that path, highlighting the business benefits of making a more sustainable choice." EV SAIC announced on January 30 that it had sold more than 1 million units of the tiny 1.11 million, to be precise. The Wuling would not be considered a car in most countries. It should be classified as a quadricycle in Europe due to its dimensions and speed limitations. For its fans, that was no problem, especially considering how affordable the little machine is.In July 2021, we told our readers that Wuling made only RMB89 for each Mini EV it sold. At the current exchange rate, that represents only $13 per vehicle. SAIC makes more money selling carbon credits for the tiny EV than it does by selling around 400,000 units per year. It is worth remembering that the Hongguang Mini EV is sold primarily in China, with a few imported EVs reaching Europe more recently.To celebrate this achievement, SAIC will sell the Mini EV for an even lower price than it normally charges. While it currently starts at RMB32,800 ($4,860), Wuling will have the New Year Car Buying Festival from January 30 until March 31. During this period, SAICs brand will sell the Mini EV for RMB29,800 ($4,415).For a vehicle that was presented in July 2020, the Hongguang Mini EV may have been the fastest one to reach the 1-million-unit milestone. The Tesla Model 3 was introduced in 2017, while the Model Y emerged in 2019, with deliveries starting on March 13, 2020. It could be even faster if Wuling sold more units abroad with its own logo. The EVs that reached other markets are mostly rebadged vehicles.The Hongguang Mini EVs success made several other Chinese car companies try to offer similar products in that market. Chery may be the most famous case with the QQ Ice Cream . Wuling even made fun of the competitor by selling ice cream in the format of the Mini EV at its dealerships. After all, if customers wanted ice cream, at least they could buy one with the right shape.One of the most amazing things about the Mini EV is that it can seat four people in a vehicle that is only 2.92 meters (115 inches) long. Wuling also sells a long wheelbase version that is 3 m (118 in) long. If you fold the rear seats, the EV can carry 741 liters (26.2 cubic feet) of cargo. Affordable, practical, and charming: thats quite a formula to convince 400,000 customers a year to buy one. Hiiii, we are doing an interview with TikTok star Khaby Lame and we would love an interactive format to accompany our print. Sara Kruger from ICON Magazine was on the phone, and we were on fire. Having worked on tons of interactive editorials for Highsnobiety, we were excited to weave in our latest experience with WebGL to create something new and magical. ICON x Khaby Lame Gesture Opening Screen The visual approach Khaby Lame, TikTok star number one, is known for charming the world by creating funny content without the use of language and spoken words, but only with gestures. When Sara introduced us to creatives Dirk Konig and Lisa Fessel on the top floor of Alex Springers golden tower in the middle of Berlin, we quickly decided to work with short video sequences to be paired with catchy questions as bold headlines. Giving the user a sense of control and exploration is what makes interactive experiences so different from other linear storytelling. Dirk was really drawn to an example with bold rotating headlines, and we decided to make this website a long rotating machinery, directly interlinked with the user scroll. To me, giving the user a sense of control and exploration is what makes interactive experiences so different from other linear storytelling. To match the Roman colosseum as the shooting location, we decided to add 3D pillars and columns. I am personally a big fan of rotating 3D objects. They add depth, are cute and are tons of fun. Khaby Lame Screencast Additional Interaction Elements There is a little emoji bar in the interview section. By clicking on the buttons, the user enables a splash of likes, hearts, and fires. I loved the visual effect, but struggled to find real purpose in this bar as, unlike on social media, clicking doesnt impact anything. But I soon realized that the sheer joy of causing an explosion of colorful emojis is purpose enough. We added a little dragging UI for the image galleries, and I was surprised at how nice it felt having this conventional slider paired with a tilted bunch of WebGL images. I will definitely apply this approach of regular HTML interface interacting with 3D content in future projects. Emoji Rain Gallery UI Code and architecture Our approach for including 3D was to harness the simple responsiveness of media queries and mixins in HTML/SCSS and to pair them with the complexity and richness of WebGL through ThreeJS. We started by coding the basics of the design with simple responsive flex boxes containing layouts with video, images, or headlines and text. Then we added the javascript classes containing the WebGL code for each module. These modules then read data attributes and style values from their assigned div, applying 3D model and textures, copying position and scale, and adding a resize event listener to re-copy and apply these values again voila. We have a responsive system to pair 3D objects with normal HTML code. Fine-tuning position and scale were achieved easily by applying new CSS values in the inspector and slightly resizing the window. We used the same principle for all modules on the stage. React modules with image and video contain the textures used in 3D and take care of the play/pause of the video when in the viewport. Again their javascript class counterpart creates and adds 3D models and textures with ThreeJS and mimics the position and size of their assigned HTML element. The same is done with text, and I really really loved doing this with text. Text javascript classes read out regular headline tags content, font family, font size, and line height, and apply this to 3D text - making it easily responsive and adaptive. Rotation and fine tuning Done with basic module creation and displaying assets and text, we added rotation in the WebGL classes based on the assigned HTML elements position on the screen and some more parallax depth and variation by adding more variables and parameters from the divs down to the 3D magic. Then it was really about adding all the content and fine-tuning the variables and page to make sure we have an even distribution of objects and the flow feels perfect. I love going to watch contemporary dance pieces, and I recently understood that creative coding is like writing a choreography. We let objects dance, coding interface to enable interaction between elements, and re-watching the movement over and over to modify parameters bit by bit until we are happy with the flow of the website. Creative coding is like writing a choreography. We let objects dance, coding interface to enable interaction between elements One of my big favorites in the project is the gradients we applied with a shader to the headlines depending on their rotation. Adding multiple headlines into the one text block caused a beautiful fade-in of the words. We also added some noise to the gradient - the devil is in the detail. Text Gradient with Shader and Noise Sound Adding sound was a last-minute request, but made all the difference. Before this project, I did not quite understand the importance of satisfying as many senses as we can. Leaving out sound completely ignores the fact that our ears want to be entertained too. Sound producer Lina Dorsam delivered a slick mix of five different audio files which start and stop through triggers which are placed within the various sections. Despite the fact that this is not big coding magic, it still has the surprising effect that the beat picks up when Khaby starts dancing, and this completely transforms the mood. So dont be scared to use non-invasive audio in your coding. Final thoughts I often struggled to articulate what it means to be a creative developer, and it took me years to take ownership of my creative influence in projects as a coder, but I feel that with our latest ventures into WebGL, and especially with this project, we broke the barrier of design and development and started melting those two by coding interactive magic. Technologies We mainly work with React, and we use NextJS even if there is no CMS attached. The pages load faster through code splitting, and it comes with many other performance tweaks. For WebGL, we worked with ThreeJS and developed a starter with an asset loader, a base stage class, and some reusable utils. We always take our learnings from our projects into the next starter to constantly increase our standard of development. The project is deployed with Netlify. Company Info Rocani Studio is a Berlin-based creative development studio working with international brands, renowned agencies, and cultural institutions. A second claim was filed against Kern County this week over last summers downtown apartment complex explosion that killed one person while in You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. As the first major consultation on developing offshore wind schemes here is launched, RenewableNI director Steven Agnew examines why its so important for NI to meet clean energy targets, the economic potential, and the job creation, as Stormont and the Crown Estate agree a statement of intent on taking plans forward For anyone looking outside their window in the past few months it will come as no surprise that climate change is already having an impact here. Last year an unwelcome record was set the highest annual mean temperature. A summer drought and a second spring in November making a mean temperature of 9.85C in NI. Everyone is also aware of the cost of living crisis. Energy bills continue to rise for homes and businesses. Renewable energy offers consumers a saving on the cost of bills, brings energy security, boosts the Northern Ireland economy, and reduces carbon emissions. Onshore wind can deliver 70% clean electricity by 2030 but offshore generation will be essential to reach 80% as required by the Climate Act. Northern Irelands offshore waters are particularly attractive because of the prevailing and consistent wind conditions and ease of access for installation. Our onshore wind farms continue to develop efficiencies and are ready to exceed their renewable electricity targets. Northern Ireland can create jobs and end our reliance on imported fossil fuels in a matter of a few years. The NI offshore wind sector is emerging as one of the most likely economic success stories of the decade. In addition to generating enough electricity to power 1.6 million homes, it can generate 2.4bn GVA (gross value added) and create 1,500 new jobs. But good will, a sense of urgency, recognition that we are in the jaws of a climate emergency and genuine intent are not enough. We need change to achieve this. This year has started with welcome signals from government that for it, renewable energy means business. The Department for the Economys consultation on the draft Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP) for Northern Ireland is a clear sign of intent. RenewableNI will be leading an industry response to the consultation, making clear the opportunities and the industrys readiness. The draft OREAP sets a target of 1GW of offshore from 2030 while attempting to accelerate this ambition if feasibly possible. RenewableNI wants to see a more solid commitment to connecting offshore by 2030 with a greater than 1GW ambition beyond this. The draft OREAP can provide clarity on the 2030 target will be necessary to give industry confidence and to provide direction for grid investments. The consultation provides a voice to raise the challenges need addressed to progress. Gaps in the Northern Ireland grids capacity; expectations The Crown Estate (TCE) will lease seabed sites to meet developer timelines, decommissioning legislation and the Strategic Environmental Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments. It is not a case of whether leasing, consenting and grid connections requires the first attention, they must be addresses simultaneously. The proposed timeline to generate and transmit 1GW of offshore wind sourced electricity shows that all the processes including decommissioning regimes, planning and consenting, skills and supply chain among them, are inter-connected and co-dependent. For instance, the environmental and habitat assessments must be completed and the decommissioning regime legislated for before TCE will agree to lease; planning submissions will be required and grid capacity needs to be upgraded in order to accommodate the new electricity sources. The continuing lack of an Assembly and Executive could put this potential 2.4bn industry in real jeopardy. Even in the absence of a functioning Assembly, RenewableNI has been involved and kept closely informed by departmental officials on progress. RenewableNI has worked diligently with the department and is confident that the expert voices and opinions of our members will have an impact on shaping the final policy. Industry is ready to deliver on the ambition of the draft OREAP. The action plan will stimulate huge levels of private investment, but we now need government to deliver against the proposed timelines. In fact, some timelines will need to be accelerated to achieve the 80% renewable electricity by 2030 target. Last year, DAERA minister Edwin Poots said he would agree to lobby TCE on the matter of a Northern Ireland leasing round. A lack of clear policy and underpinning legislation resulted in Northern Ireland being excluded from recent TCE leasing rounds but this is being remedied and I am encouraged by TCEs level of engagement in the OREAP process. However, the indicative timeline for completion of the leasing round will be too late to deliver projects by 2030. We will explore with TCE and DfE how these timelines can be reduced. Overall, the consultation brings a fresh optimism. RenewableNI members include private sector developers with generous budgets and a willingness to invest. Some of these are well established firms with global presences in the traditional oil and gas sector and who are now transitioning to renewables. For these firms, new technologies in wind generation, their manufacture and installation techniques mean they can react quickly given the right legislative conditions and begin work right away on the next generation of clean and low environmental impact electricity sources. RenewableNI will continue to work closely with officials to make progress on defining the policies we so urgently need to reduce our carbon footprint, to become self-sufficient in generating our own electricity and even becoming a net exporter of electricity. By working together we can transition to a cleaner future and boost our economy. A killer who displayed indifference when beating his partner to death is not entitled to any reduction in his prison sentence, the Court of Appeal has ruled. Senior judges rejected William Hutchinsons challenge to the minimum 21-year term imposed on him for the murder of vulnerable 53-year-old grandmother Alice Morrow in east Belfast. Ms Morrows body was discovered at her flat in the Braniel estate in March 2019. Hutchinson, 46, from Kilbroney House in the east of the city, initially denied the murder but pleaded guilty as he was set to go on trial in June 2021. Appealing the sentence imposed, he claimed a failure to take into account mitigation and insufficient credit for his plea. But in a judgment aimed at providing sentencing guidance for cases of domestic violence femicide, the Court of Appeal identified no merit to the challenge. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan set out the horrific circumstances of the killing. She said: Where there is gratuitous violence to a vulnerable victim and an indifference as to whether or not a victim dies, we do not consider that the argument made for mitigation gains any traction at all. Hutchinson called 999 after carrying out the fatal attack, telling an operator he had just come in and found Ms Morrow in bed with bruising to her hands and face and apparently not breathing. Police arrived and discovered the victim lying on the floor lifeless, with the defendant distressed and weeping uncontrollably. Post-mortem examinations established that Ms Morrow died as a result of a combination of injuries to the head and chest. A total of 71 wounds had been inflicted. Dismissing the grounds of appeal, Dame Siobhan held that the sentencing judge correctly identified a series of aggravating features: the victims vulnerability; evidence of gratuitous violence; and the extensive and multiple injuries inflicted on the victim before death. She also pointed out: The applicant deliberately chose not to summon medical help at a time when this would have been critical. He subsequently engaged in a cynical pretence that he was a grieving partner to direct attention away from himself. Referring to the scourge of domestic violence, the Chief Justice stressed the sentence imposed on Hutchinson reflects societys condemnation and should be taken as a signal of the level of punishment for perpetrators. Finally, we are aware of the effect upon the family of Alice Morrow of this horrific offence., she added. Hopefully, with the conclusion of this appeal, the family may be allowed to properly begin the grieving process and the journey towards rebuilding their lives. A man who robbed a pizza delivery driver whilst brandishing a pair of scissors has been sent to jail for at least 14 months. Paul Stephen Campbell, a 28-year-old dad-of-one, admitted the offence, which he committed in the north of the city last April. The robbery occurred outside a block of flats on the Cliftonville Road at around 9.30pm on April 10, 2022. When the pizza delivery driver arrived at the flats, he called the mobile number for the order and advised the food had arrived. Campbell, of Hopefield Avenue in north Belfast, approached the communal doors of the flat and was told the order was 29.99. He said the pizza was already paid for, and when told this wasnt the case Campbell checked his wallet. At this point, Campbell told the driver to stay and walked away from the door. The driver got back in his car and was then approached by Campbell who at this stage was holding what appeared to be a pair of scissors in his right hand. Belfast Crown Court heard Campbell grabbed the pizza bag, told the driver Ill be having that and when the driver let go of the bag, Campbell ran back into the flats with it. The driver called the police and when they arrived at the scene they were approached by Campbell who said: Its me youre looking for. He was arrested, identified by the driver and confessed at the scene to taking the pizza bag. During a police interview, he admitted he had ordered pizza, had no money to pay for it but took it anyway. Campbell also said due to his drug and alcohol intake, he could not remember if he had scissors but accepted the drivers version of events. Defence barrister Taylor Campbell said his clients offending occurred when was under the influence of both alcohol and Pregabalin. The barrister told Judge Patrick McGurgan that Campbell has expressed genuine remorse for his very stupid behaviour. Saying Campbells life has changed since then, his barrister revealed he now attends Alcoholics Anonymous and volunteers in a soup kitchen. Judge McGurgan said victims such as taxi and delivery drivers who worked at night were vulnerable and any form of assault upon them warrants a prison sentence. He added that whilst the driver in this case didnt provide a victim statement it was obvious he would have suffered some harm and level of distress. Judge McGurgan imposed a 28-month sentence, which was divided equally between prison and licence. The PSNI has charged a 34-year-old woman with drugs offences following a series of house raids. Detectives from the forces Organised Crime Branch carried out searches at four properties in Belfast, Portadown and Hillsborough. They seized a number of items for further examination, including a quantity of Class A and Class B drugs, mobile phones and a quantity of cash. A 34-year-old woman was arrested and has since been charged with a number of offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, transferring criminal property and being in possession of Class A and Class B controlled drugs. The woman is to appear before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Monday February 27. As is usual procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Detective Inspector Shaw said: Through Operation Dealbreaker and with the support of partner organisations, we will continue to tackle the supply, use and harm caused by illegal drugs. Were grateful for the support of local people, and Im keen to reiterate our ask for anyone with information, or concerns, to get in touch on 101. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org For information on local support services that can help with issues like drug addiction, please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info Scientists have released a newly accurate map of all the matter in the universe (Owen Humphreys/PA) Owen Humphreys Scientists have released one of the most precise measurements ever made of how matter is distributed across the universe today. When the universe began, matter was flung outwards, gradually forming the planets, stars and galaxies. By carefully putting together a map of that matter today, scientists can try to understand the forces that shaped the evolution of the universe. Combining data from two major telescope surveys of the universe, the Dark Energy Survey and the South Pole Telescope, the new analysis involved more than 150 researchers, including several with the University of Chicago and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The research suggests matter is not as clumpy as would be expected based on the current best model of the universe. According to the scientists, this adds to a body of evidence that there may be something missing from the existing standard model of the universe. By analysing the two sets of data, the scientists could infer where all the matter ended up in the universe. They say it is more precise than previous measurements as it narrows down the possibilities for where this matter wound up, compared with previous analyses. The majority of the results fit perfectly with the currently accepted best theory of the universe. But there are also signs of a crack one that has been suggested in the past. Co-author and University of Hawaii astrophysicist Eric Baxter, said: It seems like there are slightly less fluctuations in the current universe than we would predict assuming our standard cosmological model anchored to the early universe. The new readings find the universe is less clumpy, clustering in certain areas rather than evenly spread out. The researchers say that if other studies continue to find the same results, it may mean there is something missing from the existing model of the universe. However, the results are not yet to the statistical level that scientists consider to be certain. But because the analysis yielded useful information from two very different telescope surveys the results are considered to be landmark findings. The findings are published as a set of three articles in Physical Review D. Briefly showing people a visual flicker that aligns with their individual brainwave cycle can boost their learning ability in a visual identification task, a study has suggested. Neuroscientists from Cambridge University attached sensors to the heads of 80 participants aged 18 to 35 to sample their brainwave rhythms. They used these to create a visual pulse of a high contrast white square displayed briefly on a dark background followed by a blank interval at the same tempo as the individuals alpha wave. Participants got a 1.5-second dose of personalised pulse to set their brain working at its natural rhythm a technique called entrainment. They were then given a visual identification task detecting targets on a cluttered background. A brainwave cycle consists of a peak and trough. Some participants received pulses matching the peak of their waves, some the trough, while others got rhythms that were either random or at the wrong rate a little faster or slower. Each participant repeated more than 800 variations of the visual identification task, and the neuroscientists measured how quickly people improved. The learning rate for those locked into the right rhythm was at least three times faster than for all the other groups. Lead author Dr Elizabeth Michael tweaks the electroencephalography cap (Cambridge University/PA) When participants returned the next day to complete another round of tasks, those who learned much faster under entrainment had maintained their higher performance level. The research indicated that the learning boost only occurred when the visual flicker chimed with the trough of a brainwave. Scientists believe this is the point in a cycle when neurons are in a state of high receptivity. The studys first author, Dr Elizabeth Michael, said: It was exciting to uncover the specific conditions you need to get this impressive boost in learning. The intervention itself is very simple, just a brief flicker on a screen, but when we hit the right frequency plus the right phase alignment, it seems to have a strong and lasting effect. Professor Zoe Kourtzi of Cambridges Department of Psychology, who is senior author of the study, said: Each brain has its own natural rhythm, generated by the oscillation of neurons working together. Professor Zoe Kourtzi (Cambridge University/PA) We simulated these fluctuations so the brain is in tune with itself and in the best state to flourish. Our brains plasticity is the ability to restructure and learn new things, continually building on previous patterns of neuronal interactions. By harnessing brainwave rhythms, it may be possible to enhance flexible learning across the lifespan, from infancy to older adulthood. Co-author Professor Victoria Leong, from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Cambridges Department of Paediatrics, said: We feel as if we constantly attend to the world, but in fact our brains take rapid snapshots and then our neurons communicate with each other to string the information together. Our hypothesis is that by matching information delivery to the optimal phase of a brainwave, we maximise information capture because this is when our neurons are at the height of excitability. She said the mechanism in the study mirrors the way people learn as infants. The brainwaves experiment set-up in the Adaptive Brain Lab (Cambridge University/PA) We are tapping into a mechanism that allows our brain to align to temporal stimuli in our environment, especially communicative cues like speech, gaze and gesture that are naturally exchanged during interactions between parents and babies, said Prof Leong. When adults speak to young children they adopt child-directed speech a slow and exaggerated form of speaking. This study suggests that child-directed speech may be a spontaneous way of rate-matching and entraining the slower brainwaves of children to support learning. Prof Kourtzi suggested that brainwave rhythms could be used to enhance aspects of learning for children who struggle in regular classrooms, perhaps due to attentional deficits. She said they could also help with training in professions where fast learning and quick decision-making is vital, such as pilots or surgeons, adding: Virtual reality simulations are now an effective part of training in many professions. Implementing pulses that sync with brainwaves in these virtual environments could give new learners an edge, or help those retraining later in life. The research is published in the journal Cerebral Cortex. Protesters walk through flares smoke at the end of the demonstration against plans to push back Frances retirement age in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP) Thibault Camus By Jade Le Deley and John Leicester, Associated Press By Jade Le Deley and John Leicester, Associated Press PA Media An estimated 1.27 million people took to the streets of French cities, towns and villages on Tuesday, according to the Interior Ministry, in new massive protests against the governments key pension reform plans. The turnout exceeded participation in a previous round of strikes and protests against the proposed retirement age increase, in a significant victory for labour unions. The eight unions organising the protests promptly announced that they would organise new demonstrations on February 7 and February 11. In the face of massive rejection, the government must withdraw its reform, said Patricia Drevon, of the Workers Force union. Demonstrators arrive near the Invalides monument during a demonstration against plans to push back Frances retirement age in Paris (Lewis Joly/AP) Lewis Joly She stood beside colleagues from the other unions in a rare show of solidarity. The powerful CGT union claimed that 2.8 million protesters marched on Tuesday. The nationwide strikes and protests were a crucial test both for President Emmanuel Macron and his opponents. The government says it is determined to push through Mr Macrons election pledge to reform Frances pension system. And strong popular resentment will strengthen efforts by labour unions and left-wing legislators to block the Bill, which would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. In the capital Paris, police said 87,000 people took to the streets up from 80,000 in the first big pension protest on January 19, when authorities said one million people demonstrated nationwide. Union estimates had doubled that figure. The overall peaceful Paris march was marred by scattered clashes between a small group of black-clad radicals and riot police, who fired tear gas at Les Invalides, site of Napoleons tomb towards the end of the march that stretched across the city. Riot police officers take position near the Invalides monument after a demonstration against plans to push back Frances retirement age in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) Christophe Ena Police reported 30 arrests. Some 11,000 police were on duty for an estimated 250 protests nationwide. Today, the government is in a corner. It has only to withdraw its reform, Erik Meyer, of the Sud Rail union one of eight which organised the march said on BFM TV. Veteran left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon celebrated a historic day of protests and predicted defeat for Mr Macron. Its not often that we see such a mass mobilisation, he said, speaking in the southern city of Marseille. Its a form of citizens insurrection. On the other hand, Mr Macron on Monday defended the reform as essential. His prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, insisted this past weekend that raising the retirement age to 64 is no longer negotiable. Protesters end the demonstration against plans to push back Frances retirement age, at the Invalides monument in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP) Thibault Camus The protests were not limited to Frances big cities. On Ouessant, a tiny western isle of some 800 people off the tip of Brittany, about 100 demonstrators gathered outside the office of mayor Denis Palluel and marched, he said. Mr Palluel told The Associated Press that the prospect of having to work longer alarmed mariners on the island with arduous ocean-going jobs. Retiring at a reasonable age is important, because life expectancy isnt very long, he said. In addition to the protests, strikes disrupted services across France on Tuesday. Rail operator SNCF said most train services were knocked out in the Paris region, in all other regions and on Frances flagship high-speed network linking cities and major towns. The Paris Metro was also hard hit by station closures and cancellations. Power workers also demonstrated their support for the strikes by temporarily reducing electricity supplies, without causing blackouts, power producer EDF said. Protesters hold a banner demanding to stop plans to push back Frances retirement age during a demonstration in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) Christophe Ena Jamila Sariac, 60, a civil servant, said the pension system should be left alone. Social protection is a milestone of our society, a milestone that the government wants to break, she said, adding that strikes would more effectively pressure the government than demonstrations. We owe it to our elders who contributed to the wealth of France. Construction worker Said Belaiba was among travellers whose morning train from Paris to the city of Lyon was cancelled, forcing him to wait. Still, the 62-year-old said he opposed the planned reform. My job is physically exhausting, he said. You cant keep on over 64. Strikes also hit schools, with the Education Ministry reporting that around one quarter of teachers stayed off the job fewer than in the first round of protests. French media also reported walkouts in oil refineries. Radio station France Inter played music instead of its usual morning talk shows and apologised to its listeners because employees were striking. Of the 87 rhinos poached last year, 61 were black rhinos and 26 white rhinos, the ministry said (Alamy/PA) Alamy Stock Photo Rhino poaching in Namibia increased dramatically last year, with nearly twice as many of the critically endangered animals killed than the year before, the countrys environment ministry has said. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism released figures showing that 87 rhinos were poached in 2022, up from 45 in 2021. It was a serious concern, the ministry said. Of the 87 rhinos poached last year, 61 were black rhinos and 26 white rhinos, the ministry said. And 46 of those rhinos were poached at the Etosha National Park, Namibias flagship game reserve. Namibia has more than a third of the worlds black rhinos and the Etosha National Park is home to the biggest single black rhino population, according to Save The Rhino. Save The Rhino estimates there are approximately 6,000 black rhinos left and around 15,000 white rhinos. Those two species are only found in the wild in Africa. Conservation groups have warned the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic could undermine efforts to stop poaching. Executive Office accused of stalling over offers of redress in class action A campaigner has called for victims of abuse whose details were made public in a data breach to be properly compensated as the largest class action in Northern Ireland looks set for the High Court. Personal details of victims of historical institutional abuse who had taken part in an inquiry led by the late judge Sir Anthony Hart were accidentally sent out via email in May 2020. The email containing a newsletter revealed the names of recipients in a redress scheme in error. It was sent on behalf of the Interim Advocate for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse, the late Brendan McAllister, whose office has been accused of breaching GDPR and privacy rights. An inquiry into the data breach found there had been a procedural error in the office of the victims advocate. Those named in the leak had opted to remain anonymous during the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry. The incident was described as a massive breach of confidence for victims, with their email addresses made visible to everyone who received the newsletter. Mr McAllister, who passed away in December, apologised for the error, which was also reported to the Information Commissioner. Campaigner Margaret McGuckin, who was a victim of historical abuse, said: It is just once again having to fight with these people when it is not the victims fault. There were so many names on that list who hadnt even told their families, secrets theyve held a lifetime about their abuse. For the men especially, they spoke of feeling shame because they never wanted anyone to know their identity and that email was sent out hundreds of times and seen by so many people. There are people who never even told their partners about what happened to them when they were children in those institutions and were promised anonymity. The Executive Office (TEO) at Stormont, which oversees the advocates office, has already accepted responsibility for the breach. While some of those impacted accepted payouts from TEO, the majority have yet to be compensated for the breach of privacy. Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, who represents 89 victims in the class action data breach case, said her clients were once again being forced to fight through the courts. We are now two-and-a-half years on and the TEO have accepted liability but are stalling about making any offers to compensate victims and forcing them to go through yet another judicial review process, she said. All of this is causing further harm to victims who had to fight for the redress scheme and now have to go to the High Court in the largest class action in Northern Ireland to get compensation for a data breach that should never have happened. This was a result of the failures to properly fund the office of the Interim Advocate and to properly train, monitor and oversee what it was doing. A TEO spokesperson said: It is not appropriate to comment on ongoing legal matters. Shankill Road on a knife-edge as fears mount feud violence will ramp up Pressure being piled on UDA boss Mo Courtney, who allegedly ordered recent attack on Bar Berlin, after fall-out with other criminals The Bar Berlin on the Shankill Road which was trashed by a gang of 20 men last Friday Allison Morris Belfast Telegraph Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 07:30 Blair wrong to say Northern Ireland divided over sovereignty Malachi O'Doherty says he does not accept that "the core problem in Northern Ireland was a dispute between reasonable people over sovereignty". Tony Blair made an extraordinary statement in the interview he gave Eamonn Mallie on UTV last week. He said that when he had looked at the problem in Northern Ireland he realised that it was fundamentally simple. Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock.com Ivanka Marie Trump has always been in the spotlight and it is no mystery that she was a principal contributor to her father Donald Trump's campaign and perhaps should have been his running mate (just kidding). The American businesswoman and former fashion model is the daughter of Trump and his first wife, Ivana Trump (married from 1977 to 1992.). In addition to her business pursuits, she has reached out to working mothers to encourage them in all facets of their careers and is passionate about this initiative. Ivanka is a mom of 3 kids and launched the #WomenWhoWork initiative in 2014 to help women live to their full potential. Women can find articles on health tips, fashion tips and also find guidance. The executive vice president of development and acquisitions at the Trump Organization is also the co-founder of Trump Hotels and runs IvankaTrump.com. What a hard-working gal! Here are other facts on Ivanka Trump that are quite entertaining and provocative. She is a fashion guru. Ivanka businesses also include running her clothing line, shoe line, jewelry line and a handbag collection. Revenues from her collections were estimated at $100 million dollars in 2015. She was boycotted. With the contention over Donald Trumps remarks against women, Ivanka was the one who took a hit from the public because of her continual support of her father. One brand strategist generated the hashtag #grabyourwallet in response. "The beauty of America is people can do what they like, but I'd prefer to talk to the millions the 10 of millions of American women who are inspired by the brand and the message that I've created," Ivanka said in response to the boycott. She was criticized for her maternity leave policy. Former creative director Marissa Velez Kraxberger came forward about the Ivanka Trump's parent company G-III for not offering paid maternity leave. Kraxberger wrote she had to battle for her leave. "I'm not writing this because I think Ivanka is a bad person. If you truly support parenting and children then you actually have to support it fully." The storm started after Ivanka said that her dad would change the labor laws for women in the workplace by focusing on affordable childcare for all. This would include 6 weeks of paid leave for new mothers. She said that hopefully under the Trump administration they will be able to implement it. Ivanka actually offers a pretty good benefits package. The benefits package includes paid leave. They have a flexible work schedule, endless vacation and endless sick days, according to her spokesperson. She is an advocate for women. Ivanka prides herself in not being just a businesswoman, but being an advocate for women by trying to empower them in every aspect of their lives. She said it began before the presidential campaign and explained it was never politically motivated. "I've never politicized that message," she continued. "People who are seeking to politicize it because they disagree with the politics of my father there's nothing I can do to change that." She attended Wharton Business School. Ivanka attended Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania after she attended Georgetown University. She graduated with a degree in economics in 2004. Her father, her brother Donald Jr. and her sister Tiffany also graduated from there as well. They are all supportive of each other. "So proud of my beautiful and brilliant sister @tiffanytrump on her graduation today. We all love you very much," Ivanka posted. She became Jewish. Ivanka married businessman Jared Kushner in 2009 and converted to Judaism before she was married. She considers herself as Orthodox." The couple reportedly does not eat pork and keeps dairy products and meat products separate. She told Vogue: "Its been such a great life decision for me. I am very modern, but Im also a very traditional person, and I think thats an interesting juxtaposition in how I was raised as well. I really find that with Judaism, it creates an amazing blueprint for family connectivity. The couple will move within walking distance of the Orthodox Kesher Israel and a Chabad congregation, according to the Jewish Telegraph agency. She was an acquaintance of Chelsea Clinton. She was criticized for mixing business with politics. Ivanka and Chelsea Clinton were introduced by their husbands and connected a few times in the same social circles. The ladies never discussed politics because they had so much in common. Chelsea told Cosmopolitan.com that she was appreciative of her friendship with Ivanka. "I'm always going to believe because this is how my parents raised me, that friendship is more important than politics," Clinton said in the 2016 interview. When Ivanka gave a speech at the RNC and sent out a tweet to shop for her look with a link to buy her dress at Macy's--there was a backlash. People were upset and one person posted that "@IvankaTrump is using her speech to the RNC to market her clothing line." An email alert went out to journalists about purchasing her $10,000 dollar bracelet that was seen on "60 Minutes." Her representatives responded and said that they were just obeying protocol and that they were "discussing new policies and procedures with all of our partners going forward." She supported Hillary. According to reports, Ivanka supported Hillary during her 2007 campaign and donated to the Clinton Foundation. It is believed the donations ranged from $5,000 dollars to $10,000 dollars. Her real name is not Ivanka. She is named after her mother Ivana, who was a model. Since her mother hails from the Czech Republic, the traditional Slavic name is Ivanka. The name stuck and is now a brand. Ivanka is busy doing it all. She is balancing a professional life, a marriage, 3 kids and is working to make an impact by supporting women in the workforce. You may not think that she's an ideal role model for women, but you can't discredit her for being her own person and working to make a resolute change. Corine Gatti-Santillo is a freelance digital journalist, editor, and content producer. She is also the The Christian Post Voices Editor. She is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. Shutterstock.com The goal of most single Christian men is to find a good Christian woman who not only loves Jesus Christ, but also shares his same vision who is willing to step on the mission field with him. This is a woman that hes not only physically and emotionally attracted to, but also a person he can also see himself growing old with. While many Christian men are hoping to find their dream wife, statistics show that men are spending a great percentage of their lives single. More and more men are choosing to delay marriage. According to U.S. Census records, in 1960, the median age at first marriage for a man was just under 23. Now, its at a current high of over 27. This prolonged period of singleness presents a series of challenges for Christian men as they seek to live for the glory of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches us that marriage is a covenant that establishes a relationship between a man and a woman that have no natural obligations to each other, but who voluntarily take on the permanent obligations and commitments of a family relationship. In marriage, two individuals become related in union, and become one flesh, developing a relationship that is so close, intimate and permanent. To form this kind of covenant relationship is part of what it means to be created in the image of God. Just as Christ is united to His people in such a way that He is the head, and the church is His body, God created us to reflect His image as we relate to one person in a one-flesh union. Its also important to understand that to become one flesh doesnt mean to become one person. A husband and wife are still two distinct people. However, it does mean as a result of this union, a husband now relates to his wife as if she were part of his own body, caring for and protecting her as he would care for and protect himself. When it comes to sex and the single man, the Bible teaches that sex should not be experienced outside of marriage. Following the Bibles instruction is becoming a bigger problem not only because people are marrying later, but also because people are valuing marriage less and less. Despite this, the biblical teaching to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage is still relevant for todays Christian man. The fullness of sexual expression was created to be expressed only within the covenant of marriage. Regardless of our cultures emphasis on casual sex, sexual intercourse is a powerful emotional and spiritual bonding that will always have implications; there is no such thing as casual sex. While God commands us to save sexual intimacy for marriage, our sexuality is something that will always be there even when sex isnt part of our life. We spend so much time talking about the physical act of sex, we ignore the fact that its our sexuality that drives us into relationship, makes us desire marriage and expresses our desire to be known, protected, heard and understood. Our sexuality drives our longing to be vulnerable, soul to soul with another person, and our longing to be known by God. As a single Christian man, your sexuality serves a purpose. Your sexuality draws you into relationship. We spend so much time focusing on the act of sex that we forget that sexuality is about intimacy and relationship. A key aspect of sexuality is the desire to share intimately with another person. While this is expressed in the fullness of marriage, your sexuality as a man deeply impacts how you relate to others. You have a longing to connect, to share and to trust another person wholly. These are all aspects of Gods image expressed in your sexuality. "The struggle to stay pure doesnt end at the wedding ceremony. Sexual purity is a constant battle." The struggle for sexual purity isnt just for singles either. Married and single men have a lot more in common than they may think. Just like single men, married men struggle with sexual frustrations and temptations. The struggle to stay pure doesnt end at the wedding ceremony. Sexual purity is a constant battle. It just takes on a different form in marriage. Just because your married friends are free to have sex doesnt mean they dont struggle with porn, unmet desires, extramarital flirtations and conflict over sex in marriage. Understand that sexuality is not about an on-off switch called marriage. Single or married, yielding your sexuality under Christs command will always be a challenge. In your season of singleness, it doesnt help to pretend youre not sexual. Instead, your sexuality should be expressed in ways that honor God and also validate your longings for intimacy. One way you can do this is by guarding your mind. Our culture is so sex-saturated. Porn can be accessed not only on every computer, but also on every mobile device. Sex is everywhere on TV and movies, and even in our advertisements. Sex is everywhere. The Song of Solomon warns us not to awaken love before it's time. The next way you can honor goal and also validate your longings for intimacy is by channeling your desire for intimacy in healthy ways. Intimacy doesnt mean sex. Many men and women who struggle with sexual temptation are really longing for intimacy. The feeling to be known, cherished and valued. Yes, we have hormones and sexual longings, but these are not nearly as powerful as our drive for intimacy. The physical act of sex, while beautiful as an expression of intimacy is a cheap replacement for it. Our society sabotages intimacy while promoting casual sex as a substitute. No amount of sex, whether real or imagined can replace intimacy. Christian men should continue to seek marriage, but intimacy should be the greater goal. Your sexuality and your longings should remind you that you are created for relationship intimate relationships with others and with Him. Instead of focusing on the act of sex, focus on building up intimacy in your relationships. Everything will eventually fall into place. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. Protesters gather outside the local parliament building during a rally against the governments proposed plans to weaken the anti-corruption commission, in Surabaya, Indonesia, Sept. 26, 2019. Indonesia dropped sharply in worldwide corruption rankings released on Tuesday, as cases of kickbacks, judicial corruption and conflicts of interest have worsened in Southeast Asias biggest country, watchdog group Transparency International said in its annual report. Indonesia fell 14 spots to rank 110th on the groups 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which measures perceptions of public sector corruption. Meanwhile, its score for perceived cleanliness in government and the public sector fell to 2014 levels a drop that could affect investments in the project to build a new national capital on Borneo island, analysts said. Political corruption including bribery, gratuities and conflicts of interest between officials duties and business interests remain rampant, leading to the sharp drop in Indonesias position compared to the previous year, said Transparency International Indonesia researcher Wawan Heru Suyatmiko. The countrys score allocated by Transparency International fell to 34 out of 100 in 2022, down from 38 out of 100 the previous year. This is the worst since 2014, when the score was also 34. So were back to square one, he said. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo came to power in 2014 on a pledge to clamp down on corruption. According to Transparency International, a countrys score is the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0-100, where zero means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean. A countrys rank is its position relative to the other countries on the index. Ranks can change merely if the number of countries included in the index changes. In Southeast Asia, Singapore topped the Corruption Perception Index list, while Indonesia ranked sixth, lower than Malaysia, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Thailand. Bangladesh ranked as the second most corrupt country in the South Asian region, behind Afghanistan. Pahala Nainggolan, the deputy for prevention at Indonesias Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), said the Transparency International findings took him aback. Im shocked. How come we scored only 34? he said, warning that the perception could deter investors from coming to Indonesia. Yusuf Hakim Gumilang, a member of the Presidential Staff Office, acknowledged likely shortcomings in the governments anti-corruption fight. He said the government had been implementing digitization at its agencies to reduce corruption. Maybe its true that our corrective efforts are not enough, he told BenarNews. As it is, in 2019, Indonesias parliament had passed amendments that brought the once-independent KPK under the control of the executive branch. The move provoked street protests, during which opponents accused the government of using the law to weaken the independence of the agency fighting corruption. Then in December, Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for investment and maritime affairs, said the KPKs practice of arresting officials while allegedly receiving bribes had tarnished Indonesias image abroad, giving the impression that corruption was rampant in the country. Its not good for our country. Its very bad, said Luhut, Jokowis most trusted minister. If you want to be squeaky clean, you might as well live in heaven, he said at the time. Back to square one The government stepping away from fighting corruption has backfired, according to Danang Widoyoko, secretary general of Transparency International Indonesia. The decline in the CPI score shows that this strategy is not working. Efforts to fight corruption in the political sphere and the judiciary have been stagnant, Danang said. Bivitri Susanti, a lecturer at the Jentera Indonesia Law College and anti-corruption activist, concurred. President Jokowi had promised to strengthen the KPK, but now its back to square one. This is proof that he has failed to fulfil his promises, Bivitri said. A low corruption perception index score could get in the way of the governments efforts to attract investment to the new capital being built on Borneo, as quality investors will hesitate to enter countries with poor governance and high corruption levels, she said. As a result, low quality investors will come. They will look for quick profits, make money as fast as possible, then bring it back to their countries of origin, she said. In August 2019, Jokowi announced that the country would move the capital from crowded and partially sinking Jakarta, on Java island, to East Kalimantan, a densely forested and thinly populated province in the Indonesian part of Borneo. The government has struggled to attract investment for its construction since Japanese tech conglomerate Softbank last year withdrew its plans to invest. University of Indonesia economist Faisal Basri said conflicts of interest had reached an emergency level because many top government officials have business interests. Its no longer clear who are the government and who are business people, Faisal said. Since its inception in 1995, the Corruption Perceptions Index has become the leading global indicator of public sector corruption. The index assesses 180 countries and territories worldwide on perceptions of public sector corruption, using data from the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, private risk and consulting firms and think-tanks. Scores reflect the views of experts and business people. In this photo taken on December 23, 2022, Filipino fishermen aboard their wooden boat sail past a Chinese coast guard ship in Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Updated at 10:33 a.m. ET on 2023-01-31 The increasingly powerful Chinese coast guard has boosted its presence to an unprecedented level in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, a new report alleges. Meanwhile, Chinese and Japanese coast guard ships appeared to have had a brief but tense confrontation near the contested Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea on Monday. The report Flooding the Zone: China Coast Guard Patrols in 2022 by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), a research institution at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., asserted that, Chinas coast guard presence in the South China Sea is more robust than ever. It said the China Coast Guard (CCG) maintained near-daily patrols at key features claimed by China and other neighboring countries. Together with the ever-growing force of maritime militia, the CCG patrols show Beijings determination to assert control over the vast maritime zone within its claimed nine-dash line, the report said. The so-called nine-dash line is an imaginary boundary that Beijing uses to demarcate its historical claims over nearly 90% of the South China Sea. Chinas claims are disputed by other countries and were rejected by an U.N. tribunal in 2016. Largest coast guard vessel The AMTI team analyzed ships automatic identification system (AIS) data from the year 2022 across the five features: Second Thomas Shoal, Luconia Shoals, Scarborough Shoal, Vanguard Bank, and Thitu Island. Several countries hold contesting claims over all the five features but, so far, China has been the most assertive. CCG patrols across all five features amounted to 1,703 ship-days in total, according to the AMTI report, which also noted that the number of days the CCG patrolled at Vanguard Bank, an important site of Vietnamese oil and gas development, more than doubled from 142 days in 2020 to 310 days in 2022. This has been a major concern for Vietnamese authorities as Vietnams economy relies heavily on its oil and gas industry. Vanguard Bank, called Bai Tu Chinh in Vietnamese, has become some kind of stopover for Chinese patroling vessels, said Van Pham, chief administrator of the South China Sea Chronicle Initiative, a Vietnamese independent research project. They often anchor at the bank before continuing their patrols, she said. In 2021, CCG ships from Vanguard Bank regularly approached Vietnams Lan Tay and Lan Do gas fields, sometimes so close that they would be inside the fields security areas and jeopardizing the pipeline, the analyst said. Vanguard Bank is where Chinese and Vietnamese law enforcement vessels confronted each other in July 2019, one of the worst standoffs between the two countries in the South China Sea in recent years. CCG vessels in general move from one patrol location to another, including spending time at Vanguard Bank and then passing by Tuna Block, an Indonesian gas field in Natuna Sea, en route to Malaysias Luconia Shoals, said AMTI Director Greg Poling. Chinese coast guard vessel 5901 in Malaysias exclusive economic zone as of Jan. 31, 2023. [MarineTraffic] Indonesian and Malaysian law enforcement were both put on alert this month when Chinas largest coast guard ship 5901 operated in their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). An EEZ gives a state exclusive access to the natural resources in the waters and seabed but those in the South China Sea overlap with Chinas nine-dash line. Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur both sent naval ships to monitor the Chinese vessels movements. The CCG5901, also the worlds largest coast guard vessel, was still in the area on Tuesday, according to data provided by ship-tracking website MarineTraffic. Confrontations and accidents All indications are that these trends will hold in 2023. China will keep the CCG patrolling these locations daily, will harass new oil and gas drilling, and will deploy hundreds of militia in the Spratlys, Poling told RFA. The Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam all stood more or less firm in 2022, which I'd expect to continue this year, he added. But there will inevitably be tense run ins and potential accidents that could escalate. Vessels from China Maritime Surveillance and the Japan Coast Guard are seen near disputed islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea, Sept. 10, 2013. [Reuters/Kyodo] Japanese media reported that four Chinese coast guard ships tried to approach a Japanese-registered private vessel in Japans territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday. This is the second time this year Chinese law enforcement ships were accused of intruding into Japanese waters around the Senkaku chain. Japan Coast Guard patrol ships secured the safety of the 997-ton Shinsei Maru and warned the Chinese ships to leave the waters, Jiji Press reported. The ship is said to have been conducting marine research around the Senkakus. Researchers also flew a drone to take images of the islands. Chinese state media meanwhile said Chinas coast guard expelled Japanese ships that illegally entered Chinese territorial waters around the Diaoyu Islands, using the Chinese name for the Senkaku islands which are under Japans control but also claimed by China. China Coast Guard vessels took necessary management and control measures and warned them away according to the law, a Chinese spokesman was quoted as saying. Japan said Chinese vessels have intensified activities around Japan after Tokyo designated Beijing an unprecedented strategic challenge in its latest National Security Strategy in mid-December. Chinese warships of the Liaoning carrier group held exercises near Japan in December, 2022, simulating attacks on Japans outlying Nansei islands. Tokyo said it would acquire more counter strike capabilities and has already planned to bolster missile and electronic warfare capacity on those islands. Asked about the AMTI report at a regular news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China followed international law in its South China Sea conduct. In accordance with Chinas domestic law and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Chinese Coast Guard vessels conduct patrols in jurisdictional waters claimed by China to maintain maritime order, and defend Chinas legitimate and lawful rights and interests. China is ready to work with relevant parties to continue to properly manage maritime disputes though dialogue and consultation. Kiribati President Taneti Maamau (center, right) and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (center, left) look on during a ceremony for Rabukas official visit to Kiribati in Tarawa, Kiribati on Jan. 20, 2023. Kiribati said it would rejoin a diplomatic grouping of Pacific Island countries this year, potentially ending a rift that raised questions about the relevance of the Pacific Islands Forum at a time of increased U.S.-China rivalry in the region. Kiribatis government withdrew from the regional forum in mid-2022, partly because it and four other Micronesian nations had been slighted by the organizations secretary-general role not going to one of their countries for more than two decades. The office of Kiribatis president, Taneti Maamau, said on Monday that Kiribati has formally reinstated its positive endorsement to rejoin the Pacific Islands Forum this year. Kiribati, a chain of coral atolls thats among the poorest nations in the Pacific, switched its diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 2019. Its exit from the regional organization suggested it might further tighten relations with Beijing. Kiribatis opposition leader reportedly alleged last year that the decision to leave the Pacific Islands Forum was a result of Beijings influence. Maamau, in an October 2022 interview with Chinese state media, said he was amazed by Chinas economic development and praised Beijings responsiveness to Kiribatis development needs. The island country controls a vast exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean including a 408,250 square kilometer (approximately 157,600 square miles) marine reserve known as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Fijis recently-elected prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, who is also the chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, visited Kiribati earlier this month in an effort to mend relations with Maamau. The decision to rejoin the Pacific forum comes following a fruitful, positive, and successful bilateral meeting between Maamau and Rabuka, Kiribatis statement posted on Facebook said. During the state visit, the Prime Minister [of Fiji] also formally delivered an apology by showcasing the traditional Fijian ceremony seeking forgiveness, it said. The Pacific Islands Forum, which comprises 16 island nations as well as Australia and New Zealand, doesnt have any political or regulatory powers. It holds leaders meetings and also provides a way for the region to present a united voice on issues such as climate change. The Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, the Marshall Islands and Palau also had threatened to leave the forum after a February 2021 meeting elected a Polynesian candidate, former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, as secretary general instead of a Micronesian candidate. Only Kiribati acted on the threat. Puna reiterated last week that he wont seek a second term as part of the resolution to Micronesian grievances. Pedestrians and motorists in Manila cross the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge built by Chinese workers during the Rodrigo Duterte administration, Jan. 31, 2023. The Philippine president is willing to cooperate on infrastructure projects with a Chinese state-owned giant, his office said, although the U.S. has blacklisted the firm over its links to the militarization of Beijings outposts in the South China Sea. In 2020, the United States put China Communications Construction Co. Ltd (CCCC) on a list of companies involved in projects that were part of Beijings expansionist agenda in the contested waterway. On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with CCCC officials during their courtesy call at Malacanang Palace, the palace said in a statement. CCCC has committed more investments to the Philippines particularly through public-private partnership (PPP), the statement said. The president said the central part of his governments economic policy is the establishment, endorsement, and promotion of PPPs, in which the CCCC could participate, the statement added. Marcos said such partnerships can be of any nature whether through a commercial venture or a joint venture with a local partner. Of course, the PPP, where you have partnership with government, even G2G government-to-government arrangements are also something that we have been doing for a long time and again that we wish to further, Marcos said. Marcos added that the government had also relaxed the rules to allow foreign contractors to bring in their own professionals to encourage technology transfer. In 2020, the United States Department of Commerce under the Trump administration blacklisted CCCC and 23 other Chinese state-owned companies for their role in helping China militarize outposts in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The U.S. State Department barred them from receiving American-made components. The PRC must not be allowed to use CCCC and other state-owned enterprises as weapons to impose an expansionist agenda. The United States will act until we see Beijing discontinue its coercive behavior in the South China Sea, and we will continue to stand with allies and partners in resisting this destabilizing activity, then-Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said at the time. Meanwhile, militarization of South China Sea outposts by Beijing continues untrammeled. A recently released satellite image shows a Chinese air defense facility on the disputed Paracel Islands. Analysts said this indicates that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) now has surface-to-air missiles at the ready. The Paracels, or Xisha islands in Chinese, are claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan but occupied entirely by Beijing since 1974. China also occupies some of the Spratly Islands (Nansha Islands in Chinese), which are claimed by other neighboring countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Beijing has continued to ignore an international arbitration courts 2016 ruling that favored the Philippines and invalidated Chinas expansive claims in the sea region. Marcos brought up the issue when meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing in early January. More infrastructure projects At Mondays meeting, CCCC officials pitched to Marcos the construction of a 270-kilometer highway linking Laoag City, in Marcos home province of Ilocos Norte, to Rosario City in La Union province. They also proposed the construction and introduction of Chinas Juncao technology to the Philippines. The United Nations describes the technology as the cultivation of a grass that can be used as a substrate for mushroom production, feed for animals, windbreaks, and to minimize soil erosion. CCCC, including its 60 subsidiaries, is a key player in Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, a massive network of trade and transport infrastructure linking China with the rest of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. As part of this initiative, Beijing is bankrolling roads, rail, ports, and energy pipelines in developing countries, which could lead to a debt trap, critics have warned. One of CCCCs subsidiaries, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), built the two bridges in Metro Manila that were donated by Beijing during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022), who was known for being an ally of Beijing. In 2020, CCCC and a local partner initially won a deal to modernize an airport south of Manila, but that project fell through after the firms failed to comply with requirements. Since 2009, the World Bank has debarred CRBC from participating in all its funded or executed projects after the international institution found that the Chinese company had colluded with several local and international companies on the bidding for the first phase of the Philippine National Roads Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP 1). This ban later applied to CCCC in 2011 after it became the successor firm of CRBC. 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 If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. JERUSALEM/GAZA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank on Tuesday, with little progress made in de-escalating the Israeli-Palestinian tensions, experts said. Blinken's trip, during which he met with leaders of Israel's new right-wing government and the Palestinian Authority (PA), came amid escalating violence between Israelis and the Palestinians. Since the start of 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 35 Palestinians, making January one of the most deadly months in the West Bank in recent years. Most casualties occurred during Israeli military raids, which Israel says aimed to detain Palestinian militants. In retaliation, a shooting attack launched by a Palestinian gunman outside a synagogue in an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem claimed the lives of seven people on Friday night. On Monday, Blinken held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and other senior officials before traveling on Tuesday to the West Bank city of Ramallah to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In both places, Blinken urged de-escalating the tensions and renewed the call for a two-state solution to the conflict. "The rising tide of violence has resulted in the loss of many innocent lives on both sides," he told reporters in Jerusalem. "All sides must take steps to prevent further escalation of violence." LITTLE PROGRESS ACHIEVED The top U.S. diplomat's trip failed to offer any new initiative to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Michael Milshtein, an expert from the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at the Tel Aviv University, told Xinhua. Milshtein said the Israeli government was hopeful that Blinken will exert pressure on Abbas to renew the security coordination between the PA and Israel. The PA decided on Jan. 26 to end security coordination with Israel in response to an Israeli military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, in which Israeli forces killed ten Palestinians. The security coordination, which is criticized by many Palestinians, has led to the arrests of some Palestinians who were allegedly planning attacks against Israelis. In a statement issued after meeting with Blinken, Abbas made no indication he was going to resume the coordination. He accused Israel of violating Palestinians' rights, promoting annexation of the West Bank, and demolishing Palestinian homes -- moves that pose further hurdles to achieving a peace deal. "We have found that the Israeli government is responsible for what's happening these days," Abbas said. Assaf Meydani, a professor at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy of the Reichman University in Herzliya, told Xinhua that "negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the current situation is impossible, even the United States knows it." On the other hand, Blinken's visit also had limited impact on the Israeli side, which has a new hawkish government that is unlikely to dial down its position against the Palestinians. "The situation inside Israel makes the current government go to more 'extreme' to ensure its survival for the longest possible period, and therefore it will continue to escalate, and in return, there will be a Palestinian reaction," said Ghassan al-Khatib, a political science professor at the Birzeit University in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The visit, which marked the first meeting between Blinken and Netanyahu since the latter returned to office in December as the leader of a new right-wing government, was seen as part of Washington's efforts to navigate through the differences between the Biden administration and the new Israeli government. His trip followed the visits to Jerusalem by Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and CIA Director William Burns earlier in January. U.S. ATTENTION OCCUPIED ELSEWHERE Al-Khatib also noted that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not a priority for the U.S. as its attention is occupied by "other internal and external issues." The Palestinians have repeatedly called on Washington, as Blinken promised in 2021, to reopen the U.S. consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem and the PLO office in Washington. They also urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to preserve the status quo in Jerusalem and stop Israeli unilateral measures or withholding Palestinian tax revenue dues. But the U.S. administration led by President Joe Biden has remained largely acquiescent regarding the escalation of Israeli violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while failing to fulfill any of its promises made either during the election campaign or in bilateral meetings with Palestinian officials, analysts noted. Milshtein said that the U.S. does not prioritize the Palestinian issues anymore, adding the attention of Washington is occupied elsewhere, mainly its internal issues as well as the Ukrainian crisis. Ziyad Abu Ziyad, a think-tanker and former Palestinian minister, said that the U.S. is not interested in ending the Israeli occupation or the conflicts in the region despite its talk of a two-state solution and positive steps to solve the Palestinian issue. He added that it's time for anyone who bets on a U.S. solution to the Palestinian issue to "realize that this was nothing but a mirage." The last round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks ended without progress due to deep differences on several key issues in March 2014, since which Washington has made no real push to renew the stalled peace process despite the recurrent violence and conflicts between the Israelis and Palestinians. Reporter Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Habitat for Humanity are offering free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program beginning Feb. 6. Sal Garozzo is stepping down after more than seven years as CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts, which is based in Pittsfield. Cops and Courts Reporter Amanda Burke is Cops and Courts Reporter for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. LENOX Zoning board members will gather today to inspect the site targeted by a luxury-brand auto dealership proposing a multimillion dollar relocation from Pittsfield to the commercial strip on Route 7/20. The site visit slated for 3:15 p.m. at the intersection of Pittsfield and New Lenox roads is open to the public, ZBA Chairman Robert Fuster has said. But there will be no discussion or board deliberation during the tour of the property that includes the Different Drummers Kitchen store and three adjacent residences. All four would be torn down if the McGee Automotive Familys project wins a special permit and site plan approval from the zoning board as well as a green light from the Conservation Commission. McGee, a regional chain based in Hanover, wants to relocate its Berkshire Audi, BMW and VW dealership, now on Merrill Road in Pittsfield, to a 4-acre Lenox location in a mixed commercial and residential area on the east side of Pittsfield Road (Route 7/20). The company founded in 1970 has 17 locations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont. It purchased the former Flynn Volkswagen Audi BMW at 600 Merrill Road in February 2021 for $3.5 million. The 210-page special permit application for the project in a commercially zoned site at 374, 384 and 388 Pittsfield Road, as well as 11 New Lenox Road, outlines construction of boutique dealerships for BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, and expansion of existing parking facilities. It also calls for reclamation of the riverfront area along Yokun Brook in a 100-year floodplain at the rear of the site. Some neighbors living in the nearby Rolling Hills and Yokun Brook condo developments have signaled opposition to the proposal. On file at Town Hall is a total of 20 letters to the ZBA and Conservation Commission, nearly all negative except for one of support from the owners of Arizona Pizza on Pittsfield Road. Earlier this month, the ZBA unanimously approved the relocation of the Berkshire Mazda dealership, on East Street in Pittsfield since 2007, to the 1.4-acre site of the Knights Inn and adjoining land owned by the Howard Johnson motel on Route 7/20 (Pittsfield Road), north of the Holmes Road intersection. Knights Inn would be demolished, but the Howard Johnson motel will remain, minus 17,000 square feet of land being acquired by Berkshire Mazda proprietor Jim Salvies 474 Pittsfield Road LLC. The project represents an investment of more than $5 million, including purchase of the site and construction costs. The 14,500-square-foot dealership, including a showroom, outdoor sales area and a service facility, is expected to open in 2024. Here are some of the details in the McGee special permit and site plan application for Berkshire Audi-BMW-VW: One new 17,500-square-foot building will house the BMW showroom, along with sales, services, offices and related business facilities. A second, 24,000-square-foot building for the Audi/VW dealerships also includes showroom, sales, service, office and related facilities. Lighting for both buildings will be downward, directional and shielded. After the dealerships close at 6 p.m., lighting will be minimized. An existing commercial garage near Yokun Brook would be torn down and the riverfront area restored, with debris and invasive species on the west side of the waterway removed. This area will be vegetated with native species to improve riverfront habitat, according to the application. McGee Automotive is proposing 139 parking spaces, one more than required by the town for the large retail buildings. Two new curb cuts from Pittsfield Road will accommodate two driveways, replacing seven existing curb cuts, including three on New Lenox Road to be closed and not replaced. A traffic study prepared by Fuss and ONeill civil engineers states that the site will be safer than it is now because of fewer curb cuts and elimination of access from New Lenox Road. The town has already approved demolition of the four existing structures on the site, the McGee application states. All owners of those structures have signed off on the potential deal. The application asserts that the project would be beneficial to the town, bringing in 30 full-time and five part-time well-paid professionals as part of a multimillion dollar investment. A positive impact on the natural environment is expected, the applicant states, since the current site use places Yokun Brook and the Housatonic River System at risk. McGee will correct this dangerous condition and create improvements that will enhance the riverfront area, while also providing new green space with pedestrian access to Yokun Brook. Several dozen Rolling Hills and Yokun Brook condo owners showed up for a scheduled ZBA public hearing at Town Hall on Jan. 4 that was postponed pending the site visit. That hearing is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at in the Town Hall auditorium. The Conservation Commissions review is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the same location. Lengthy letters to the ZBA and the Conservation Commission from Yokun Brook condo owner Sander Rabin include objections to the scale of the proposed project, which he views as far from a boutique-type store. Rabin contends the dealership would increase traffic as well as noise, air, light, ground and water pollution, posing a potential threat to endangered species. His letter asserts that the project will certainly decrease surrounding residential real estate values, and will most likely be destructive of the surrounding residential community. KHARTOUM, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), together with 41 international and national partners, on Tuesday called for raising 556 million U.S. dollars in funding to help the refugees living in Sudan. In a statement, the UNHCR said its 2023 inter-agency funding appeal aims to raise money to provide much-needed assistance to more than 900,000 refugees in Sudan. "The refugee response plan, co-developed with all partners including the Sudan Commission for Refugees, places critical protection and life-saving assistance for refugee communities in Sudan," said Axel Bisschop, the UNHCR representative in Sudan. "With the recognition of the global humanitarian environment and multiple crises we face, we encourage the international community to support the newly launched refugee response plan for Sudan," Bisschop said. The statement said that Sudan is the second largest asylum country in Africa, hosting about 1.1 million refugees and asylum-seekers. Jane Kaufman is Community Voices Editor at The Berkshire Eagle. She can be reached at jkaufman@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6125. As a new two-year legislative session opens, Berkshires lawmakers are prioritizing broadband access, passenger rail expansion, wider availability of Narcan and addressing regional inequities. With the loss of a state House seat due to redistricting, members of the all-Democrat Berkshire delegation acknowledge they were concerned about a lack of representation. But they feel their ranks are strong and are attempting to coalesce a broader Western Massachusetts coalition. Berkshire County is represented in Boston by state Reps. John Barrett III; William "Smitty" Pignatelli; Tricia Farley-Bouvier; and state Sen. Paul Mark. Pignatelli characterized his concerns as parochial when it comes to the district. In the case of expanded rail and broadband, the four legislators hope to draw people back to an area thats suffered from population loss. In each case there are pet issues. Farley-Bouvier is trying to reform the foster care system. Mark is vying for a green "bank" to fund environmentally friendly projects. Pignatelli is focused on health care. Barrett wants to foster a more business-friendly Northern Berkshires. State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams Barrett said his first priority is expanding broadband in the area. Weve seen some communities that have added their own system with prior broadband money thats come through. Now another slug of ARPA monies has come through, this time $50 million is available, Barrett said. I want to work with communities to make sure that, not only does it close the digital divide, so its available to everybody from all walks of life, but also that its going to drive our economy, and I think thats where were missing the boat. Barrett says faster broadband service will spur growth in the area, drawing professionals from cities such as New York or Boston who want an office, or, if working remotely, a home, in Berkshire County. He called the federal funding coming as a result of the pandemic a generational opportunity. We have to make sure that somehow, someway, everybody has access to it federal legislation says it must be affordable, he said. It cant just be affordable to some. Barretts other chief priority is bringing the proposed passenger train that would run between North Adams and Boston to fruition. A new train station and train layover facility in North Adams would be needed as part of a potentially $2.187 billion project. Lawmakers see strength in '413 delegation' After losing a seat in the state House, Berkshire County lawmakers say they will work together to amplify the voices that remain. We all get along. Thats good, said state Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams. I am concerned about remaining as a strong voice. The seat formerly held by Paul Mark was eliminated in redistricting after the 2020 Census. He was elected in November to the state Senate seat vacated by Adam Hinds. Its never great when you lose a voice in Boston, but we do work really collaboratively with our friends in the other three counties, Mark said. The bright spot is, the three remaining Berkshire reps only have Berkshire towns. William P. Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, called the loss of the state House seat frustrating. But I do have to say that the four voices we have left work very well together, we have great institutional knowledge, and I think thats important, he said. Pignatelli said he and the other Berkshires lawmakers will work to form a 413 delegation, covering the four western counties. So that it [isnt] just the four reps from the Berkshires, but 15-20 reps from the 413 area code speaking about infrastructure and rail in Massachusetts, he said. Thats how we can level the playing field. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, said the loss of the House seat reflects the regions loss of population an issue that demands attention. People move around in response to public policy. Theres a few exceptions to that, like a pandemic, but mostly its a result of public policy, she said. We have disinvested in this part of the state for so long, and its showing. Sten Spinella The higher-speed rail going into Pittsfield, thats several years away, he said. We have an opportunity now with available ARPA money and federal assistance to connect us, North Adams, Williamstown, right into Boston. Right now passenger service ends in Fitchburg. The $2.1 billion in the grand scheme of things is not a lot of money to get this done. State Sen. Paul Mark The Democrat from the town of Peru, who served in the House since 2011, won his race for state Senate last year. His district is comprised of parts of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. Mark said he will continue to advocate for a revolving loan fund for renewable energy projects, a cause for which he has filed bills since 2014. He said the idea is gaining support. The fund would provide backing renewable energy and jobs projects. Right before COVID in 2020 we got a version of it passed in the House called Green Works for $1 billion. Then COVID set everything aside. President Joe Biden recently announced $29 billion nationwide to fund the concept. Former Gov. Charlie Baker established a clean energy fund in his final months in office. Mark sees more of an appetite for the legislation, with the potential for federal funding. We put in the language to ensure at least 20 percent of the funding will come to rural communities and some of the smaller coastal communities as well, Mark said. Mark is also pushing another repeat bill, The Cherish Act, which establishes minimum funding for public colleges and universities and bars any institution from raising tuition for four years, as long as the state meets its funding commitments. He sees momentum on this issue as well. Gov. Maura Healey and Senate President Karen Spilka have highlighted higher education investments in public speeches. Like other members of the delegation, Mark also backs legislation to better regulate how electric companies charge customers and to make Narcan more accessible in response to the opioid crisis. State Rep. William P. 'Smitty' Pignatelli, D-Lenox Pignatelli said he is focused on the health care system in the Berkshires, noting a shortage of nurses and dentists. He backs legislation that would authorize an interstate medical licensure compact. Such an agreement among states would streamline the licensing process for physicians, according to the bill's summary. Now, physicians have to jump through too many hoops, he said. I think the Berkshires and Massachusetts could be very attractive to professionals from all the other states," Pignatelli said. "What Mass. has done to protect same-sex marriage [and] a womans right to choose." Pignatelli is refiling the HOPE Act, or Helping Overdosed Persons in an Emergency. It would require all first responders to carry Narcan when they respond to a call. He notes that the measure has support from the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association. We have this teed up early because weve seen the highest opioid overdose deaths pre-COVID. Weve seen those numbers spike," he said. Pignatelli said a Berkshires family told him they watched a loved one die from an overdose in the presence of a police officer who was waiting for Narcan to arrive. Pignatelli would also like to change the state's Chapter 90 formula local aid for transportation so that it is more favorable to rural areas. The measure would change a funding formula to boost assistance to small towns. Infrastructure, roads, bridges, dams those are the very issues ... that are going to bankrupt smaller communities, Pignatelli said. The state has to play a much larger role in trying to alleviate the cost burden of sewer plant upgrades, water upgrades, and roads and bridges. Support for the bill could be scarce, though. Any formula that gives me more money is a great formula. Any formula that takes money away from me is a bad formula. Thats the problem we have," he said. "The larger cities actually see a decrease in their amount of money, and thats where the critical mass of politicians are." State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield Farley-Bouvier said she is continuing her work on child welfare issues. One bill calls for independent foster care review. Federal law requires that every six months, each case is reviewed. In Massachusetts, it is run through the Department of Children and Families, Farley-Bouvier said. I believe it has to be taken out of DCF in order to have a really good look at it. Farley-Bouvier is proposing that a supervisor to the social worker on a case, a reviewer from DCF and a community volunteer review cases. She pointed to the case of David Almond, a 14-year-old who died in 2020 after DCF mismanagement and "multi-system failure," according to a state report, of his case. Farley-Bouvier is also pushing for the unionization of foster parents. Its not a traditional union like a nurses union or steelworkers or teachers, but it gives them representation, a true seat at the table, when talking about important issues such as working conditions, she said. She is also invested in broadband access, passenger rail and housing. You can never have a conversation without talking about housing these days. Transportation is a huge thing. What we used to call the 'future of work' is now our reality. We must, must, must have excellent internet in order for people to be able to meet their goals of working in a place where they want to live, Farley-Bouvier said. PITTSFIELD A Pittsfield restaurant faces a rare obstacle to obtaining its liquor license: citizenship. A requirement from a state commission has the House of Seasoning filing its second application since November. The owners of the restaurant, at 117 Seymour St., received approval from the Pittsfield Licensing Board in November for its liquor license application. Restaurants from the city have to secure approval from that board before sending it on to the state. But when the House of Seasoning sent its license application to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the request was denied. State law indicates that a liquor license cannot be granted to any applicant corporation with a majority of owners who are not U.S. citizens. The law also indicates that businesses cannot serve alcohol unless they have a manager who is a U.S. citizen. The owners, Raissa and Mathieu Doumbia, are not yet U.S. citizens. The couple originally come from the nation of Ivory Coast in West Africa. Their restaurant combines African and American cuisine. State law does not prevent them from applying for the license as owners but does require that established citizens also be part of the corporation. To move forward, the restaurants owners are applying as a limited liability company, or LLC, as the state commission does not require members of an LLC to be U.S. citizens. The restaurants manager must be a U.S. citizen, however, which is the case for House of Seasoning, Martin said. The licensing board voted unanimously Monday to approve the second application. The restaurant will now await approval from the state, a process that generally takes a few weeks. My only comment is sorry you had to go through all this, said board Chair Thomas Campoli. All these legalities. Reporter Greta Jochem, a Report for America Corps member, joined the Eagle in 2021. Previously, she was a reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette. She is also a member of the investigations team. GREAT BARRINGTON Work continues at a former nursing home set for conversion into 30 new condominiums. The Planning Board last week unanimously approved a special permit for the former Great Barrington Rehabilitation & Nursing Center complex at 148 Maple Ave. and Route 23 after going over details such as lighting, parking, signs and trees. As a condition, more of those details will have to be submitted for additional review and approval. Two residents in the neighborhood said they support the project by The Goldman Group, a Boston real estate investment and development firm a change from 2021, when an earlier plan by another developer to build rental apartments here was met by hostility from the neighborhood. Sign-up for The Berkshire Eagle's free newsletters Sign up That developer dropped his plans to buy the property and the 29,176-square-foot Colonial-style structure was back on the market at $1.2 million. The project includes 12 one-bedroom condos, 16 two-bedroom and two three-bedrooms. It also will include a fitness center, pet-grooming station and gathering areas inside and out. In a statement, a company spokesperson said the firm plans to finish the project by summer, and that potential owners can pre-buy beginning soon. The company said it could not yet provide cost estimates for the units. They also said that theyve been meeting with neighbors and community members to get a better sense of the town. Bear Mountain Health Care announced in January 2020 it would close the facility for what it said were financial reasons. The company continues to own Timberlyn Heights Rehabilitation and Care Center in Great Barrington. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler on Tuesday said the educator workforce shortages are being felt in early education, K-12 and higher education. SYDNEY, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- A new study led by Australia's Curtin University has revealed the "highly damaging" impact of fireworks on animals and the broader environment, calling for greener alternatives for light shows. The study, published in the Pacific Conservation Biology journal on Tuesday, examined the environmental toll of firework displays by reviewing the ecological effects of major celebration events in India, the United States, New Zealand and parts of Europe. The research team said in a statement that the timing of some large-scale firework events coincides with the migratory or reproductive movements of wildlife, and thus may have adverse long-term population effects on them. Examples include fireworks in Spanish festivals impacting the breeding success of house sparrows and South American sea lions changing their behavior during breeding season as a result of New Year's fireworks in Chile. Philip Bateman, lead author and associate professor from Curtin's School of Molecular and Life Sciences, told Xinhua that fireworks not only create noise and light disturbances that cause distress among domestic animals in the short term, but also have a much larger scale of impact on wildlife in the long term. "Fireworks can have far-reaching effects through the pollution they produce as well as the noises and lights," Bateman said. The expert pointed out that the noise from fireworks causes panic and heightened responses and induces animals to flee, which can result in birds at roost taking off at night in an attempt to escape. In addition, pollutants such as heavy metals, once in the environment, can also have long-term effects on wildlife, degrading the environment and reducing the health of wildlife, he added. Noting that firework bans at sensitive periods for wildlife migration or mating periods could limit the impact, the researchers are also calling for more environmentally-friendly ways to replace the firework, such as drones or other light-based shows. "There is growing evidence that these community events can be managed in a sustainable way and it's clear that outdated firework displays need to be replaced by cleaner options that are not harmful to wildlife and the environment," Bateman said. Today Partly cloudy. High 56F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 35F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 66F. Winds light and variable. Tonight's rundown: Talking Points Memo: Joe Biden continues to decline with the world watching and remains out of the press reach Presidential Historian Larry Cook weighs in on how Bidens relationship with the press compares to past presidents US Special Forces have been confirmed to be in Ukraine OReilly describes Democrats hosting the DNC in Chicago as Crazy Arrogant The trial of Fox News gets underway 58% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck even as inflation begins to cool off Smart Life: Utilizing Kelly Blue Book when searching for a new car This Day in History: FDR dies in office Final Thought: what to do when someone is disrespectful to you In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "Reason to Believe" Join 'Team Normal!' Order your gear now at BillOReilly.com! Pre-order Bills next bestseller Killing the Witches NOW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices FCB Africa is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacquie Mullany as its new executive creative director. Jacquie brings a wealth of skills to the team, a specialist in digital with experience in writing and art direction, will help oversee agency operations in the Cape Town office supported by the Joburg team. As FCB, we pride ourselves on offering 360-degree capabilities to our client partners, and Jacquie's expertise will be a great addition to enhancing our core capabilities in a turbulently shifting advertising and marketing landscape across the country and the globe. Her passion for behavioural science has already had a significant impact on the creative products we produce, helping us to create timeless and timely brands that people love. We are thrilled to see an upward vertical movement in our business creative leadership. Jacquies expertise is a sought-after asset across the FCB family an industry. Her intuitive and data-led leadership, passion for behavioural science and ability to blend traditional and digital mediums seamlessly, make her the perfect fit for our team. We're excited to see the impact her ideas will have on our clients and the industry as a whole" said Tseliso Rangaka, chief creative officer. With 19 years of industry experience, Jacquie has worked in both art direction and copywriting roles. She started her career as an ATL conceptual creative, but it was her early adoption of digital in the early 2000s that really set her apart. Now, she approaches ideas with a holistic view, using the entire ecosystem to bring them to life. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jacquie recently completed studies in Behavioural Economics and Applied Behavioural Sciences, further fueling her curiosity about the human mind. Her work has been recognised at multiple award shows, and she has even had the honour of judging a few of them. We are ecstatic to have Jacquie join our team and can't wait to see the creative and innovative ideas she brings to the table. Daily Investor is South Africa's premier investment news and analysis platform. Daily Investor is South Africa's premier investment news and analysis platform and has achieved impressive growth since it was launched by Broad Media in August 2022. The publication has rapidly built an audience of 350,000 South African fund managers, analysts, finance professionals, and retail investors. Over 30,000 readers have created user profiles on the site, and more than 31,000 readers have signed up for the publications daily email newsletter. This incredible growth is thanks to Daily Investors excellent content. Daily Investor content Daily Investor provides the South African investment and finance community with the latest news, investment insights, and financial data. It offers a fresh perspective on large, medium, and small-cap companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), as well as extensive coverage of international stocks particularly US equities and macroeconomic events. Daily Investor also regularly runs features such as articles that highlight the stock picks of investment experts, as well as performance tracking of these prominent analysts and investors. To learn more about Daily Investor, contact Broad Media CCO Kevin Lancaster. Corporate marketing ecosystems are complex. Large internal teams spanning brand, digital, trade and public relations (the list goes on!) are supported by a network of supplier marketing agencies - who all, in turn, have their own networks of partners and suppliers (collectively this is "the channel"). Channel Partnership Pyramid of Value Creation In a career spanning 15 years, Ive experienced multiple client service teams, worked with diverse brands on various projects, in agency and corporate settings. Ive learned a lot, but perhaps the single biggest takeaway has been the power of productive channel partnerships to amplify results, and transform brands and careers. Productive partnerships are characterised by continuity, communication and commitment and they result in exponential and superior value creation. As in our personal lives, partnerships afford us the opportunity to get to know one another. We learn whats important to our partner their expectations, boundaries, non-negotiables. Over time, this results in synergy, chemistry, and more intuitive communication. We explain less, revert less, meet less, yet achieve more. Were freed up to focus on the important and collectively reap the benefit of accelerated time to value. So, what makes for productive partnerships, how do we cultivate them, and why are they in such short supply despite the obvious benefits? Lets explore: The Longest First Date The average agency-client relationship tenure is reducing. According to Atlanta search consultancy, The Bedford Group, in 1984, the average client-agency relationship tenure was 7.2 years. By 1997, that number had fallen 25% to 5.3 years. And in 2013, it was estimated at less than three years (45% shorter). The data is scanty as to where we sit now but at that rate of decline, were looking at an average tenure of less than 1,5 years. The frequency with which marketing agencies are required to pitch suggests to me that this isnt far off the truth. At face value, a year and a half may sound like a long time. But consider the average 3-6-month duration of campaigns with promotions agencies. Thats a long first date. It means that over the course of 18 months, you may not even make it to first base! These early days of any relationship can feel like an uphill battle. Thats because it literally is its the Value Creation J-Curve: Just like dating, we start strong, presenting our best selves and fighting hard to conceal our quirks. But you can only hide your crazy for so long. In the second phase, we encounter challenges that could not have been imagined or anticipated at the outset. Perhaps hes a vegan, or she only listens to traditional Georgian Folk Music. This is where the relationship is tested. Unless these differences are irreconcilable, we work to accept, align, refine we invest. Its this learning process that sets us up for success the third phase when we start to see return. We can be ourselves; we feel appreciated. We anticipate each others needs, and together we co-create a fulfilling future. The trouble with most client-agency relationships is that they dont survive the second investment phase. The uphill slog means that, all too often, we fail to take into account the potential for value creation through long term partnership. We give up just before we reach the Return phase in the J-curve of committed relationships we terminate at the first disconnect failing to see that, with persistence, together we can reach the plateau of peak performance. Now, Im not for a second suggesting that you, discerning Brand Manager, should accept complacency or abuse by your marketing agencies. But you should accept that you are going to encounter obstacles and there will be misunderstandings. Key to remember is that remaining committed as you overcome these obstacles is your investment in a high value future. And if youre investing in the right partner, you will see returns. Case in Point: 1. Ogilvy and Mather, and SAB Carling Black Label SABs Carling Black Label Champion Cup campaign is a great example of the power of productive, persistent partnerships. As project lead (a role I assumed for two consecutive years), I experienced first-hand the power of the partnership between Ogilvy and SAB. A partnership that, in 2011, celebrated 50 years of friendship! In a case study by the Digital Training Academy, it was reported that the campaign, a South African first for the beer category, generated almost 450% traffic increase to Facebook page and 600% increase in Twitter following. It grew the beers market share as votes were linked to sales one beer, one vote. It also won locally and internationally at Cannes Lions, One Show, D&AD, Global Mobile awards, Bees Awards and APEX. The success of this ambitious campaign was, in no small part, due to the depth and breadth of the client-agency relationship. Their long history meant that Ogilvy and Mather understood the brands position and objectives and that SAB could trust Ogilvy to execute the vision. 2. Tradeway and MTN More recently, Ive seen how the power of partnerships enables scale and speed otherwise impossible in the relationship between MTN and Tradeway Promotions. Since 2017, Tradeway has honed their knowledge and understanding of MTNs brand. The result is more intuitive client service, greater clarity, faster design and fewer meetings. This coupled with Tradeways executional expertise mean that they are able to consistently deliver on MTNs large-scale activations requirements on deadline and in budget. "Our relationship with MTN extends beyond the parameters of agency or service provider, says Jabu Shange, business unit director at Tradeway. We are one team and for every project assigned, we share one common goal - to deliver excellence and maximise value. The depth and breath of our relationship with MTN means that our team is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure delivery". Kallyn-Leigh Winter, Account Director for MTN at Tradeway, concurs: "We definitely consider ourselves an extension of the MTN businesses that we collaborate with." Half the Battle Won: Choosing the Right Partner How did SAB and Ogilvy, and Tradeway and MTN get it right? And to be fair, we cant all lean on friendships spanning half a decade. Half the battle is won by having a clear set of vetting criteria against which to pre-qualify agency contenders. Here are 3-key considerations when selecting agency partners: 1. Know your Non-negotiables Be clear on what are you looking to supplement from a skill and capacity perspective. And make sure that these align with your strategic objectives for the brand. In short, when shortlisting, make sure you know what your non-negotiables are. What do incumbent agencies need to be able to do? In the realm of promotions agencies, you want a partner with the resources and track record to source and train high calibre brand ambassadors and supply and manage the distribution of collateral of the highest quality. 2. Do your Due-Diligence Do your homework. Its important to research contenders. Do your reference checks. Make sure you understand their key differentiators relative to how they can add value to your business. If its digital marketing, are they Google certified as an organisation? If its promotions agencies, do they have the infrastructure necessary to generate data and actionable insights post in-store promotions and brand activations? Beyond capabilities, do they tick regulatory compliance boxes when it comes to PoPIA and B-BBEE, for instance? All of these are indicators of their level of commitment to servicing businesses as large and complex as yours. 3. Don't discount your Values As in any relationship, you should make sure that your core values are aligned. This will go a long way to achieving the chemistry necessary to make magic down the line. Do they understand your industry, your business and your brand? If you care about consumer connections, is this something that they espouse? Are they just paying lip service to being data-led, or is this something they can demonstrate and have invested in? The Other Half: Setting your Partnership up for Success As they say, it takes two to tango. So it is with client-agency partnerships. As a brand manager or brand custodian, you play a pivotal role fast tracking time-to-value and enabling maximum return: 1. Set the Boundaries As in any relationship, boundaries are key. In the case of agency-client relationships, these are best expressed as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) . Make sure that your expectations are clearly agreed, understood and documented. These will be the impartial measure of success for both parties. Its critical that this is a discussion rather than a dictatorship. Any agency worth its salt will not agree to KPIs that are not possible within available budget. 2. Allow your Partner to Thrive Dont quibble over every line item. Trust in the due diligence you did when selecting your partner. You want to pay them a fair and sustainable fee for their services. If you do, you can (and should) expect to see them reinvest in your brand and the team that services it. And as a result, youll see increased efficiencies, economies of scale, dedicated resources, and increasing return. The most counter-productive thing corporates can do is invest in relationship building while whittling away at margin to the point that the relationship is not sustainable for the agency. It becomes a lose-lose situation. 3. Communication, communication, communication Ill say it again communication. As in any relationship, open, transparent and consistent feedback at the outset is key. The right partner will welcome constructive criticism and will endeavour to improve. By communicating frequently and frankly, you fast track the investment phase and start maximising return sooner. 4. Trust is Key Having vetted and appointed an agency, you have to do the hardest thing take a (mitigated) leap of faith and allow your agency to do its job. Youve selected them based on criteria you defined and qualified them against. Youve agreed what success looks like and that its achievable. Now let them work their magic. The results will speak for themselves but, if you second-guess them at every turn, you are likely to hinder rather than help. 5. Don't play the Blame Game! All too often, clients succumb to the temptation to treat agencies as scape goats when things go wrong. But, in reality, its very rarely so cut and dry. In productive partnerships, everyone takes accountability, and both parties use challenges to improve ways of working moving forward. Unless your agency has well and truly f*cked up, and you have no choice but to terminate the relationship, dont throw them under the bus. They rightly value their reputation and this type of treatment will only undermine trust and goodwill, and robs you of an opportunity to get closer to peak performance and ROI. In Conclusion Lauren Durant, CEO of Tradeway Promotions, says it best: supplier partnerships allow us to leverage expertise and elevate output, freeing us up to focus on strategic deliverables. At Tradeway, our business survives on partnerships but thrives on relationships. Our deep commitment to clients permeates the whole business and is a big part of why we consistently exceed expectations. Durant added that [p]artnership doesnt necessarily mean retainer. There are many models and permutations that allow our clients to be more nimble with their budgets, while getting the benefits that come with committed relationships. Brand promotions, activations and experiential events are a great example of why partnerships work. These types of activities have many moving parts talent, training, creative, procurement, warehousing, logistics and venue booking, for instance. Partnering with an expert promotions agency with inhouse competencies saves you time, ensures accountability and enhances outputs. With a little commitment and communication, youll get the best (and most) out of your strategic partnerships. About the Author: Andreas Smit is a sales and marketing specialist with over 15 years experience in trade marketing spanning corporate, agency and as an independent consultant. In that time, Andreas has experienced first-hand the power of productive partnerships as well as the diminishing returns that result when these break down. A lifelong learner, Andreas has a B.Com Honours degree in Marketing, multiple post graduate diplomas and is currently pursuing his MBA through Henley Business School. Warc and The Marketing Society have joined forces to form a new knowledge partnership that will provide members of The Marketing Society with valuable insights and thought leadership on the latest trends and best practices of the marketing industry. Image supplied. Sophie Devonshire, CEO, The Marketing Society, says Warc is such a valuable resource for marketing professionals who want to stay ahead At the heart of the collaboration will be the launch of an exciting new programme, The Effective CMO. The two organisations will work together to deliver tailored content to empower marketers with the skill sets and knowledge required to accelerate more effective and impactful marketing. Warc is a global authority on marketing effectiveness. Paul Coxhill, CEO, Warc says: Warcss mission is to champion more effective marketing, and our partnership with The Marketing Society will provide a new and exciting way to help marketers get to grips with the ever changing marketing landscape and be better equipped with the latest insights, best practices, case studies and data to drive a culture of effectiveness within their businesses. The Marketing Society is a global community of progressive marketing leaders. Sophie Devonshire, CEO, The Marketing Society, says Warc is such a valuable resource for marketing professionals who want to stay ahead. The Marketing Society is committed to accelerating marketing leadership and helping our members grow, learn and flourish, so we are delighted to announce our knowledge partnership with Warc. I'm really looking forward to us working together to help our members make their marketing even more effective, through great stories of success, marketing intelligence and insight, says Devonshire. Exclusive to members Exclusive for members of The Marketing Society, The Effective CMO programme will include: Quarterly releases of curated region-specific content to advance marketing effectiveness. A programme of joint events throughout the year at various locations around the world. A three-part CMO to CEO podcast series later in 2023. Official partner of The Marketing Society Awards In addition, Warc will be an official partner of The Marketing Society Awards supporting the Effective & Impactful Strategy category. To launch the knowledge partnership, members of the society who sign-up for a Warc Strategy subscription will be entitled to three months free access to either Warc Creative, Warc Media or Warc Digital Commerce. Warc subscribers wishing to join The Marketing Society will benefit from a no joining fee and will enjoy global network access, 120+ world-class events, members-only digital Coffeehouse, 12 exclusive members newsletters featuring curated content, members-only inspiring content library, access to The Marketing Society Awards entries, exclusive discounts on five leadership programmes and 10% discount on CIM online training courses. Hong Kong: Branding HK meeting held The Task Force on Promoting & Branding Hong Kong, led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, held its first meeting today. During the meeting, members of the task force deliberated on ways to step up the promotion of new potential and opportunities in Hong Kong under the new development stage. They also discussed the overall publicity strategy and plans, including the local, Mainland and overseas promotional plans of Hong Kong Inc. partner organisations, mega events to be held in the year as well as media marketing plans. Noting that Hong Kong is advancing from stability to becoming more prosperous and steadily returning to normalcy, Mr Chan said the start of the task force's work signifies the initiation of efforts by the Government and the whole Hong Kong team to proactively demonstrate to the world its real strengths and advantages. He thanked the task force members, especially the non-official members who are all heavyweights in their respective sectors, for contributing their invaluable insights and advice at the meeting. With joint efforts, our promotional work in overseas countries and regions as well as in the Mainland would certainly be more targeted, impactful, and effective in achieving its objectives, thus further enhancing the branding and image of Hong Kong. The task force, comprising prominent individuals with diverse backgrounds, representatives of Hong Kong Inc. partner organisations as well as government officials, was set up last week to advise the Government on the overall strategy of promoting Hong Kong's advantages, and a series of promotional plans and activities overseas and in the Mainland. This story has been published on: 2023-01-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Snow, swans attract visitors to Shandong 08:44, January 31, 2023 By ZHAO RUIXUE in Jinan ( Chinadaily.com.cn Snow, swans and houses thatched with sea grass combined for scenes that attracted tourists to Rongcheng, Shandong province, during Spring Festival. [Photo by Li Xinjun/For chinadaily.com.cn] In Rongcheng, Shandong province, whirling snow and whooper swans created beautiful winter scenery that attracted visitors, amateur shutterbugs and professional photographers during the Spring Festival. With its favorable geographical location and wetlands, Rongcheng is an important stop for migratory waterfowl, with more than 10,000 birds staying at the site annually. The swans stick around for around five months, making Rongcheng one of the largest wintering grounds for whooper swans in the world. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) by Raheela Nazir ISLAMABAD, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a deadly suicide attack that ripped through a mosque in Pakistan's northwest Peshawar city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province jumped to 95 as rescue and relief operation is still underway, hospital and police officials said on Tuesday. The death toll rose after more bodies were recovered from the debris of the mosque building that collapsed due to the powerful impact of the explosion, Muhammad Ijaz Khan, capital city police officer of Peshawar, told Xinhua, adding that a search operation is being carried out to retrieve the remaining missing people. He said at least 221 people were injured in the huge explosion, out of which more than 100 have been discharged after receiving necessary medical aid at Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital. He said over 350 people were in the prayer hall when the blast took place at about 1:30 p.m. local time on Monday in the Police Lines area of Peshawar, killing and wounding hundreds of people, mostly policemen. The Police Lines area is located in Peshawar's most sensitive area of cantonment where a large number of law enforcement agencies, including Frontier Corps, the counter-terrorism department of KP police and Elite Police Force, are situated. Inspector General of the KP police Moazzam Jah Ansari told local media that about 10 to 12 kg of explosives were used in the bombing, adding that a joint investigation team has been constituted to investigate the attack. According to local media reports, the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack after the blast. However, later, a statement circulating in the local social media allegedly from the TTP denied their involvement in the attack. Bilal Faizi, spokesperson of the country's Rescue-1122, said rescue workers have pulled out over 20 bodies since the morning from the debris of the mosque. "The operation is still underway. We are using heavy machinery to cut the roof of the collapsed building to recover survivors, if any. A fresh squad of rescue workers has been dispatched to the blast site to expedite the rescue activities," he told Xinhua. The intensity of the blast was so high that it damaged the bases of the mosque building, causing the roof of the building crashing down on the worshippers, he said, adding that many casualties happened after the roof of the mosque caved in. Confirming the casualties, the spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital Muhammad Asim said the process of victims' identification is being conducted to hand over the bodies to their families. Mehmood Khan, a 48-year-old family member of a blast victim, was desperately searching for his brother who had been missing since Monday after the blast. "I have no contact with my brother who went to offer an afternoon prayer to the mosque. I have searched for him in the hospital and also asked rescue officials for any news of him, but no one has any information about him ... some police officials told me to wait for the rescue operation to be completed," he told Xinhua. "At this moment, I do not know what to do. My family is in deep grief and want him to be back soon and hopefully alive," Khan said while wiping tears from his eyes. Meanwhile, a day of mourning has been announced across the KP province to condemn the deadliest attack of the year and share the grief of the victim's families. Following the incident, security has been beefed up in all the major cities of the country. In the federal capital Islamabad, the police have issued a high alert and increased the security at all entry and exit points to the city. In an industry first The Nedbank IMC and the Effie Awards South Africa (The Effies) will partner this year with the two industry events coming together on 15 September. Nedbank IMC Conference, a marketing conference in Africa, will serve as the Effies summit with the awards ceremony held in the evening following the conclusion of the conference. The Effies recognise and award marketing effectiveness. With the collaboration of two heavyweight industry summits, the combined focus is to significantly extend reach into Africa, with a longer-term vision for the event to be bigger and more inclusive, possibly incorporating other industry awards and activities. Attendees will experience one hard-hitting day of 15-minute relevant insights into marketing and advertising, followed by the showcasing and recognition of the most effective campaigns of 2023. Highlighting the value of marketing As the lead sponsor for the Nedbank IMC and a sponsor of the Effie Awards South Africa, Nedbank is proud to support the communications industry and highlight the immense value of marketing, says Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank group executive: marketing and corporate affairs. The partnership between the Nedbank IMC and Effie South Africa will bring marketers and agencies closer together, showcasing the importance of effectiveness and presenting innovative marketing insight on a platform that will serve to enhance and positively grow the industry in South Africa and beyond, she adds. Promoting insights for effective marketing I am excited about the partnership with the ACA/Effies as we constantly strive to promote insights for effective marketing. Having the Effies Awards after the conference means that delegates can get the insights at the Nedbank IMC and see how winners apply them effectively at the Effies, says Dale Hefer CEO Integrated Marketing Council (IMC). By joining forces with Effies, the result will be a bigger chance to better deliver a conference and awards ceremony that upskills, celebrates and showcases the most effective marketing possible, she adds. Collaboration: key for business success The Effies are about leading, inspiring and championing the practice and practitioners of marketing effectiveness, says Karabo Songo, ACA Chair. It is exciting to bring together Nedbank IMC and Effies - two premier programmes. There is complete alignment between the two as both champion the business case for marketing, and for marketing to claim its rightful seat at the table. Songo adds that collaboration is key for business success, and ultimately within the broader marketing and communications awards and industry events space too. We know that collaboration between agency and client leads to great success, and we anticipate the same with this new partnership. We are excited to see how the insights gleaned from the conference will play out in the work that delivers successfully on business objectives. Marketing: Up close and personal This years theme for both events is Marketing. Up Close & Personal, and will allow delegates and attendees to get an up-close insight of industry trends without the waffle and sales pitches. The theme enables the seamless incorporation of a diverse range of relevant topics Next generation of talent It is also about the next generation of talent. We (the IMC) have provided eight bursaries and made a quarter of a million rand in attendance value available to students, adds Hefer. Furthermore, the Effies supports the industrys future leaders by contributing to the upliftment of youth through the awarding of bursaries with a total of 15 bursaries awarded in the first two years of the programme in South Africa. Alexandra High School pupils involved in a lunch time food ruckus at the school, have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. This comes after a video went viral on social media displaying the unacceptable behaviour by the pupils at the school on Monday, 26 January 2023. According to an official report, learners had to queue in the order of their grades to receive lunch. The lunch that was being served was uPhuthu and milk, which is the learners favourite meal. Given the excitement for the meal of the day, some learners became impatient in the queues. They allegedly began pushing and shoving other learners, causing a ruckus in the queues and disturbing those who were being served. Amid this commotion, senior learners reportedly grabbed the pot of food and dragged it away to dish up for themselves. In the process, the food that was meant to benefit other learners was spilled out, and further commotion was incited, the Gauteng Department of Education said in a statement. The department said that the main culprits were identified in the morning of Friday, 27 January 2023, using surveillance footage at the school. These learners have since been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing that is scheduled for today. Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, said that he is disappointed by the behaviour displayed by the learners who destroyed food meant for learners. The School Nutrition Programme plays a vital role in the well-being of our learners. As such, it must be treated with respect and remembered as an initiative that is meant to benefit all learners equally, Chiloane said. The Covid-19 pandemic saw a rise in the popularity of remote and hybrid working. A 2022 study conducted by Owl Labs found that 16% of all businesses around the world are now fully remote. This means that more businesses are looking to attract foreign workers as employees, with the help of technology like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, can do their jobs from anywhere in the world. In order to access these opportunities, it is vital for graduates to have an internationally recognised degree as well as the relevant skills. Private higher education is increasingly recognised as a high quality and affordable alternative for tertiary education. It is estimated that about 25% of all students are now in private higher education, says Dr Riaan Steenberg, a director of the NetEd Education Group that owns several education institutions, including Eduvos. With international comparability, industry endorsements, and better support structures to students, there is a real opportunity for young people to change their future outcomes through private education. Eduvos offers more than 27 qualifications which are all fully accredited by the South African Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Eduvos is registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), through which our qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised. SAQA aligns South Africa's education system to the global environment and ensures international comparability. Eduvos students thus leave with an internationally recognised degree, which is vital in the digital, globalised world we find ourselves in. Eduvos is also a registered private higher education institution with the Department of Higher Education and Training under the Education Act No. 101 of 1997. Where possible, Eduvos aims to be endorsed and accredited by relevant industry bodies. These industry endorsements are from both local and international companies. The faculty of Information Technology provides students with industry-recognised content, endorsed by CompTIA and AWS Academy. As of September 2022, Eduvoss Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting qualification is accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, Associate General Accountants (SAICA AGA). Other endorsements include: ACCA, the global body for professional accountants CIMA, the worlds leading and largest professional body of management accountants SA Board for People Practices Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers For a full list of qualification endorsements, click here. As well as being a fully accredited degree-conferring institution, Eduvos strives to ensure its students leave with a degree as well as practical and up-to-date knowledge that they can apply in the working world. Eduvos curricula are therefore constantly updated to keep up with industry trends and give Vossies an academic edge. At Eduvos we meet regularly with our Industry Partners to ensure that our learning is current, innovative and relevant. Our programmes include elements of Work Integrated Learning, exposure to global insights, and immersions into the real world, to ensure that we remain locally relevant and internationally competitive. For press enquiries please contact Kara van der Berg moc.sovude@grebdv.arak or moc.sovude@eciffosserp. Research including more than 5,000 South Africans has shown the nation is not making the right money moves at crucial life stages, resulting in massive gaps in their financial planning. Source: Supplied. Avatars exploring Sanlam's virtual world. The Sanlam-commissioned News24 survey also showed more than half (54%) of respondents would advise their younger selves to think of money as an asset to grow, rather than a luxury to spend. Despite knowing what to do to thrive financially, many are understandably focused on their short-term financial priorities rather than making financial decisions based on long-term success. Across all age categories, most do not have core financial products. These findings were released at Sanlam's first fully immersive media briefing in the metaverse, where it also launched its new campaign Life of Confidence. The event saw just under 500 people in attendance, represented as avatars who were able to explore Sanlam's new virtual meeting space, which featured a main stage, gallery and breakaway rooms. Source: Supplied. The virtual space was designed using digital tools featured on Mona.- a platform for fully customised interactive worlds. It provides creators with open tooling and infrastructure to freely launch high quality experiences in the metaverse. Its use-cases include optional tokenised gated access to virtual spaces for socialising, exhibiting and for livestreaming events such as the one offered by Sanlam. 5,205 demographically and geographically diverse South Africans across various life stages took part in Sanlam's survey. Zweli Moyo, executive head: strategy and impact office at Sanlam, says, notwithstanding the macro challenges impacting South Africans, one of the main reasons we miss crucial moments to make sound financial-planning decisions may lie in what is known as present bias or future discounting. This is the tendency to choose instant reward above the benefits that come with restraint, time, and planning. In fact, research has found that humans cannot picture their future selves in any true capacity. When we think of our future self, the synaptic activity in the brain is the same as when we think of a stranger. Findings show that people regret not getting financially organised and educated earlier in their lives. Financial literacy a sticking point The key findings of the survey: The majority of respondents in every life stage said they would advise their younger self to think of money as an asset to grow, not a luxury to spend. Enjoy your money, you only live once, came in as the lowest recommendation for younger selves across the board. But reality looks a lot different: the top two financial concerns across all life stages are making ends meet and paying off debt. From age 50 until retirement, the biggest concern after making ends meet, is retiring comfortably. Just 10.3% of 18 to 24-year-olds surveyed have a retirement product; with only 17.6% in the 25 to 29 age group having a retirement product. Unfortunately, this means the vast majority are not taking advantage of compound interest and tax breaks linked to saving for retirement. Only 7.2% of the retired respondents say that they had felt well prepared to retire. Unless people are encouraged to act early, the outcomes for future retirees are unlikely to improve. Overall, 41.3% of respondents have life insurance, with under a half (49.4%) of 40 to 44-year-olds (49.4%) and 45 to 49-year-olds (47.8%) having life insurance. Source: Supplied. Providing for education, leaving a legacy, and even being able to buy property came in as a lower priority across all age groups than paying off debt and making ends meet. This indicates that South Africans are living largely on the backfoot, rather than being focused on financial provision for aspects of life that build wealth and success. 67.3% of all respondents dont have a financial adviser. The younger life stages -18- to 39-year-olds - use the internet as their main source of advice. Ages 40 onwards: mainly get financial advice from an adviser. Moyo said that competing short- and long-term priorities, as well as the natural tendency to focus on the here and now, often result in a misalignment between our intentions and our actions. We want to thrive financially, but we get into debt. We want to stop working and enjoy our lives, but we dont prioritise saving for retirement. "We want to become wealthy, but we dont invest. Making decisions today to secure your future financial wellbeing may seem overwhelming, but there are resources available to help you on this journey. You dont need to do this alone. Source: Supplied. Mariska Oosthuizen, chief marketing officer at Sanlam says, Sanlams promise is to help all Africans live with confidence. A key part of delivering on this promise means using human insights like short-term bias creatively to engage audiences and catalyse them to empower themselves and thrive financially. The research has shown an alarmingly low incidence of financial planning and financial product ownership and therefore resilience and preparedness among South Africans. Our challenge is to find ways to engage differently, to help South Africans realise the benefit of planning and looking at their finances as a lifelong priority. Avatars at the forefront of financial education To showcase the impact of present bias on financial planning, the Sanlam group is launching a new financial education initiative, Life of Confidence, which uses a range of digital tools to help address this short-termism. Oosthuizen continues, We are taking these human insights and neuroscience behaviour and looking at how we can help spark more long-term thinking and planning. Using a time period that every one of us can easily conceive - 24 hours - to help people connect with their future selves and encourage more South Africans to take financial action at pivotal life moments. We are hoping this catalyses better decision making at the moments in life when it counts most. Source: Supplied. At the core of the campaign is Zesande, a digital avatar who lives her entire life in a day. We map out the course of her lifetime in just 24 hours for instance at 6am she is 20 starting out in the working world and by 8pm she has entered retirement - educating consumers about the big financial decisions and plans that need to be made at each stage to live a life of financial confidence. " Concepts such as compound interest, retirement savings and life insurance are explained and linked to the time of life when those are most important for individuals, helping them tangibly map out their financial lives on a time continuum. Creatively engaging the metaverse Through Life of Confidence, we want to help South Africans understand what is most important at their present and future life stages, and encourage them to take the necessary steps. This will give them the highest level of financial preparedness and success and set them on the path to a life of financial confidence. The campaign has allowed us to realistically depict living an entire life in a day and demonstrates financial learnings in a creative, compelling way, said Oosthuizen. Additional elements include an interactive digital experience by means of desktop or mobile technology where South Africans can learn what they should be considering at the key life moments. The campaigns media launch took place in the metaverse today (Tuesday, 31 January), a first for South Africa. South Africa slips one point in the rankings of the global index measuring perceptions of public-sector corruption around the world. Source: Reuters. This is according to Transparency Internationals 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) which was released today. South Africa has barely shifted position on the CPI over the 11 years that Corruption Watch, Transparency Internationals (TI) local chapter, has been tracking its progress. Now ranked at 43, the country is back where it started in 2012, with very little upward movement over the past decade. It is important to note, however, that the CPI measures perceptions of corruption, and not actual corruption that is experienced in countries across the world. In this regard, perceptions may differ from the current reality in South Africa, where there has been some forward momentum by law-enforcement agencies in curbing and combating corruption. Using data from 13 external sources reflecting the views of country experts and surveys of business people, the CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public-sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The global average remains unchanged at 43 for the 11th year in a row, indicating that more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 and thus have a serious problem with corruption, and most countries have made little to no progress in tackling corruption in more than 10 years. The 2022 report paints a disturbing picture of an increasingly dangerous world, highlighting the link between corruption and conflict globally, and the threat that corruption poses to peace and security. The recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and growing security threats can be said to be at the root of a new wave of uncertainty and greater instability in the world in general. The annual CPI represents an opportunity for countries to redeem themselves by demonstrating a tangible shift in addressing their corruption problems. However, we are assailed each year by the failure of governments, our own included, to be seen to be advancing anti-corruption efforts, said Karam Singh, executive director of Corruption Watch. The global average in the #CPI2022 remains unchanged at a score of 43 out of 100 for the eleventh year running, and more than two thirds of countries have a serious corruption problem, coming in at a score below 50: https://t.co/tPjUiJwEps. pic.twitter.com/wNhSE9kczA Corruption Watch (@Corruption_SA) January 31, 2023 The fact that South Africa has slipped a point at a time when there appears to be some momentum in bringing the corrupt to book, following the findings of the Zondo Commission reports, is particularly galling. "It is hardly comforting that we have leaders paying lip service to the anti-corruption agenda in an environment that is not just hostile but extremely dangerous for whistleblowers and those activists seeking to address the huge inequality and injustices wrought by corruption. Whistle-blowers and activists in South Africa and the Southern African region, as has been seen too often recently, face real threats to their physical safety and even their lives, Singh added. Part of making a breakthrough in the fight against corruption involves squarely addressing the plight of whistle-blowers and providing them with greater protection and support in terms of physical safety, psycho-social support, financial incentives, and legal protections. Sub-Saharan Africa The picture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the lowest performing region on the CPI with an average score of 32, reveals a vicious cycle of corruption, violence, and instability, with 44 of the 49 countries assessed in the region scoring below 50. This is no coincidence, as according to the Global Peace Index referenced by TI in this years report, it is one of the least peaceful regions in the world, and as corruption and conflict exacerbate one another, so countries in conflict become more corrupt, and corruption then fuels further conflict. The gains made by a few countries in the region are outweighed by significant declines by the majority. Seychelles continues to lead the region with a score of 70, while Botswana (60) and Cabo Verde (60) have both made slight progress. Burundi (17), Equatorial Guinea (17), South Sudan (13), and Somalia (12) score the lowest. While South Africa may have scored above the regional average score, public-sector corruption remains a serious if not endemic problem, underscored by a series of corruption scandals involving the former and incumbent presidents, which remain doggedly unresolved. South Africa shares its position with Benin, Bulgaria, Ghana, and Senegal on the global index, and remains in position eight on the regional SSA table, along with its three counterparts. The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has been an ongoing challenge for SSA, having severely affected the livelihoods of all Africans, deepened inequalities, and increased corruption risks across the continent, through opaque procurement systems, among others. Some of the other commonalities across the region include lack of state capacity for fighting corruption, made worse by insecurity, weakened political institutions, and in some countries an ever-shrinking space for civil society. Alarmingly, there has also been an increase in intimidation and arrests of opposition figures or activists, sometimes under the guise of anti-corruption crackdowns, and enabled by heavily politicised judicial systems, or in the case of South Africa, inadequate and ineffective law-enforcement agencies. TIs chapters came together in 2022 to collectively raise these concerns, calling on the African Union to step up its anti-corruption commitments, protect anti-corruption activists, and accelerate strategies to combat illicit financial flows. South Africa In South Africa, one can point to some of the recommendations in the Zondo Commission reports as a step in the right direction towards facing the countrys corruption challenges head on. There is an acknowledgement both in the recommendations of the Zondo Commission and in the presidents response that South Africas anti-corruption architecture, particularly when it comes to enforcement, requires an overhaul. There has also been some encouraging progress in advancing implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which advocates a whole-of-society approach to countering corruption in South Africa, further propelled by the appointment towards the end of last year of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (Naca) to drive the process forward. The appointment of the Nacac gives a faint glimmer of hope at a time when people see very little to be hopeful about, said Singh. The Nacac represents a real possibility of ensuring that there is movement in finally securing the anti-corruption measures that the country so desperately needs. As a civil-society organisation, Corruption Watch has been invested since its inception in the project to at least reduce, if not eradicate corruption in South Africa. It is time now for more robust interventions than ever, across all of society, and for a vastly accelerated process to get the country to where it needs to be. This will require huge collective commitment to bring all our resources and skills to bear in creating an environment that is safe for whistle-blowers, that prioritises accountable leadership, and transparent systems that enable the proper and equitable distribution of resources. Transparency International calls on governments to prioritise anti-corruption commitments, reinforcing checks and balances, upholding rights to information, and limiting private influence to finally rid the world of corruption and the violence it brings. The fight against corruption is a simultaneous fight for peace and stability. DKMS Africa, an international non-profit organisation with an aim to fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, has partnered with Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida. Image supplied: Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida In South Africa, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 72 minutes and a blood stem cell transplant is their best chance for survival. Considering that patients of African descent have a less than 30% chance of finding a blood stem cell match, compared to 79% for White patients, this presents a huge challenge to patients with this life-threatening illness. DKMS Africas head of community engagement and communications, Palesa Mokomele, explains that currently, the global registry consists of 75% Caucasian donors and only 25% of potential donors of African descent. This disparity places Black, Coloured, Indian, and Asian blood cancer patients at a 19% chance of finding a lifesaving match, and this has to change she explains. Crowned Miss South Africa in 2020, Musida has served as an advoctae for mental health throughout her reign, which resulted in her launching her successful online series, Mindful Mondays, which accumulated millions of viewers across the globe. As a mental health champion, Musida has taken her work across various global initiatives by being of service to Global Citizen and United Nations Womens Forum, as well as contributing to important causes in the African continent. To extend the work she does on mental health, Musida was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the Global Surgery Foundation ensuring that women and children globally are afforded life-saving surgeries. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that blood cancer and equitable access to transplants for Black patients would be a cause close to her heart. Diseases such as blood cancer affect not only the patient but the family in its entirety. The financial, mental health, and access to medical care for diagnosed patients is the reason why I partnered with DKMS Africa, to ensure that patients and families receive holistic support in their needs and also to urge South Africans to come forward and donate to save a life, says Musida. With the prevalence of blood cancer in the country, Musida recognised the critical importance of the work DKMS Africa does and the ability we have as citizens to give blood cancer patients the second chance they need at a cure. If there is any opportunity for Black, Coloured, Indian, and Asian patients to receive treatment and reach transplant then we have to act as South Africans, she says. We are excited about this partnership at DKMS Africa because Ms Musida is not just a beauty pageant titleholder. She is committed to social equity and implementing change in the causes she chooses. As a Goodwill Ambassador, a Champion for Southern and Eastern Africa for the UNFPA, author, and all-around vehement advocate for healthcare in the African continent, she is the perfect person to help us reach South Africans in the fight against blood cancer, says Mokomele. To register to become blood stem cell donor, simply visit here and follow the steps. Registration is free and only requires a cheek swab. Google has announced that it has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program, its first dedicated startup accelerator for women founders in Africa. Applications are now open for the inaugural programme, Google said. "The programme aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems," Google explained. Women founders who are building tech startups in Africa or for Africa can apply through the program website at g.co/acceleratorafrica before the 20 February deadline. Eligible applicants must have a working product or service, a viable business model, and a working team. The application process includes a written application and an interview with the program team. The 12-week programme will commence in March 2023 and include one bootcamp per month, held in a hybrid style of online and in-person sessions. Selected participants will receive access to Google's products, mentoring from industry experts, resources, tools, and technology, as well as networking opportunities and connections with investors to support the growth of their startups. We are excited about the open call for applications for our three-month accelerator programme, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women founders in Africa. We believe that investing in women founders in Africa is critical for economic empowerment that will enable the creation of jobs for the growing African youth population, says Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google. African female founders face challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits, including limited access to funding. Despite these challenges, women make up a significant portion of African entrepreneurs, with 58% of businesses in Africa being owned by women. Elevating the participation and leadership of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving economic growth in Africa. Investing in women-led startups is a key step towards achieving this goal, and Google's commitment to these goals is reflected in the launch of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program," added Aiyegbusi. Akua Nyame-Mensah, a mentor for the program said, "It's an honour to be a mentor in the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Program for Women Founders. As part of supporting the next generation of leaders in Africa, this program offers women an opportunity to grow their networks and the accountability to achieve their professional goals. The focus on mentorship will be invaluable. Participants will benefit and grow from the exchange of ideas and experiences." South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has revealed its new strategic look for this year's Meetings Africa, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27 February to 1 March 2023. Meetings Africa is a gathering of Africas various stakeholders in the meeting incentives conferences/conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector of the growing tourism industry. South African Tourism's acting chief executive officer, Themba Khumalo says: "The entire global tourism sector has been through a really rough time in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic but we are back with a renewed energy and we are motivated to build and grow our sector to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. Source: Supplied "Meetings Africa aims to contribute to helping African business events players restart and grow. We want to create opportunities for Africas business events sector so that we can all grow back more vital than ever before. Our new look represents this new injection of energy and is an emphasis on the importance that we place on connections." Connecting people and ideas Khumalo adds that South Africa seeks to use Meetings Africa as "a tool to forge even more partnerships by offering various opportunities to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world." Meetings Africa features a global, hosted buyer programme for optimal interaction between buyers and exhibitors. In addition to this, South African Tourism has partnered with all nine provinces to host Meetings Africa familiarisation pre and post-tours for hosted buyers and media to experience South Africas business events facilities and establishments. In keeping with the spirit of renewed energy, this years Meetings Africa will, for the first time, host the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Summit. The Africa chapter of the AIPC Summit was born out of a partnership between the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), a business unit of South African Tourism and the AIPC. Khumalo says the summit is critical for the continent, to ensure that Africas conferencing facilities are on par with those from the rest of the world. "This summit will help African venues to benchmark themselves against the global standards, to brand and position themselves based on what people are looking for in an internationally recognised venue." To date, 275 buyers representing 45 countries have been approved to participate at Meetings Africa 2023, with almost 450 applications being vetted. A total of 305 exhibitors representing 15 African countries are currently registered to showcase their wares this year. Various Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) will also be at Meetings Africa in the development zone. "Transformation, inclusive economic growth and accelerating job creation are all central to all the work we do at South African Tourism. Providing our small businesses and entrepreneurs an opportunity to also interact and engage with hosted buyers is very important because we are serious about harnessing business opportunities both within the African continent and globally," adds Khumalo. Meetings Africa will be preceded by the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDAy) on 27 February with the official opening of the trade show taking place on 28 February. There will also be a variety of business-driven talks and discussions. Tourism, a critical contributor to the economy Cumulative arrivals for the January to November 2022 period increased by 151.9% to reach 5.0 million arrivals over the same period in 2021. Arrivals in November 2022 were 565,758 arrivals. The biggest region in terms of real numbers was African Land with a 126.1% increase in arrivals when compared with January to November 2021. The total number of arrivals from Europe in this period of 2022 was 778,222. Arrivals from the Americas increased by 227.0% and represented 285,446 arrivals. Over these eleven months, 2022 has performed better than 2021 but it is still not at the 2019 levels. On the domestic front, overnight trips from January to November 2022 reached 29.8 million trips, 139.4% over the same period in 2021. Holiday and MICE trips increased in share whilst trips for VFR purposes fell in share. Total domestic expenditure was R84.2bn, a 172.4% increase over 2021, and was driven by holiday trips having accounted for 44.3% of total expenditure. Domestic day trips recorded a 173.0% increase or 160.6 million. Day trips spend also showed a phenomenal increase of 174.8% to reach 148.6 billion. "We remain optimistic for the year ahead both from a business events and leisure tourism perspective and we will continue to use our strategic platforms such as Meetings Africa and Africas Travel Indaba in May to promote our country and in so doing contribute to business success and growth" concludes Khumalo Many know the annual Rand Show as the place for entertainment and shopping, but what's less known is the powerful assistance offered by the trade show to small to medium businesses (SMMEs). This year the Rand Show is immensely stepping up that support with significant incentives and assistance to SMMEs - including a unique new summit that will take place on 5 April in the Black Eagle conference facility, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec for all those SMMEs who book space at the show, particularly in Hall 7, where SMMEs will be showcased. The summit is designed to elevate SMMEs by directly linking them with corporate and public sector representatives who play a role in the SMME sector through funding, training and access to the market. By giving these SMMEs the opportunity to connect, listen to and network with the people who can help build their companies, the Rand Show is offering significant opportunities for growth, development and operational improvement in the SMME space. The best part is that all of this is included in the price of signing up an SMME for a stand, with no additional charges. The summit will include live streams, speeches and panels hosted by industry experts in SMME development, training and assistance, and will be packed with advice for new and established companies. Topics to be covered include growing a business with funding, attracting financial support, drafting a business plan, taking a product to market, smart cash flow management and point of sale options. The Rand Show is currently calling on those corporates and public sector entities involved in this to come on board and participate in the summit, giving them a chance to connect with fast-developing leaders in the small to medium business space. Those corporate and public sector entities who do come on board will be charged a nominal fee, which gives them a full SMME contact database, a 30-minute speaking slot at the summit, branding throughout the summit, and an on-camera interview explaining their involvement with SMMEs, which will be used on the Rand Show platforms and on post-show exposure reels. Starting at 9 am, the summit promises to be an exciting and important step forward for the SMMEs involved, the SMME connected corporate and governmental entities involved and the Rand Show, who, by connecting and growing this vital part of South Africas economy, hopes to make an impact on the future development of the country. In addition to the summit, those who book a stand in Hall 7 will be automatically entered into a competition in which the winning stand will receive R50,000 towards the development of their business as well as receive a PR campaign around their win, both assisting with improvements and increasing profile for one lucky SMME. Sponsorship opportunities still exist for those eager to partner with the Rand Show on this groundbreaking opportunity. TOKYO, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida came under continued fire Tuesday from the opposition camp over allegations his son used taxpayers' money for sightseeing trips oversees while on official duty. Kishida's son, Shotaro, 32, who serves as his secretary, was alleged by the Shukan Shincho magazine to have visited tourist hot-spots in Paris, London and Ottawa at the taxpayers' expense and used a government-owned vehicle, while the prime minister was carrying out official duties overseas in January. The allegations have dealt a further blow to the already slumping approval rating for Kishida's cabinet, following a number of high-profile ministerial resignations over funding scandals, gaffes and links to a shady religious organization. The approval rating has also taken a major hit from the Kishida administration's contentious and publicly denounced plan to raise taxes to fund an unprecedented increase in the country's defense spending. According to local media polls in December, the prior controversies led to the approval rating dropping to around the 30 percent-mark, the lowest level since Kishida launched his cabinet in October 2021 and a level below which has historically been a harbinger of the end of a prime minister's tenure. The Japanese leader initially caught flak in October when he hand-picked Shotaro, the eldest of his three sons, to serve as his executive secretary, sparking fervent accusations of nepotism from the opposition bloc as well as the public. The latest headache for Kishida follows his week-long trip to Britain, Canada, France, Italy and the United States, ahead of the Group of Seven summit in May to be held in Hiroshima Prefecture, Kishida's constituency. At a parliamentary committee session Tuesday, Kishida, under a grilling from the opposition, refused to definitively comment on his son's actions. HANOI, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- A Vietnamese pilot was killed in a fighter jet crash in northern Vietnam on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency reported. The Su-22 aircraft crashed while landing Tuesday noon in Yen Bai Province, the news agency said. Thirty-one-year-old captain Tran Ngoc Duy was ordered to parachute but he tried to save the aircraft. However, the plane crashed, killing the pilot, it said. The Ministry of Defence has directed Air Defense-Air Force and relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the accident, according to the news report. Australias corporate regulator is understood to be reviewing a short-seller report that accused Indian conglomerate Adani of stock manipulation and accounting fraud, causing tens of billions of dollars to be wiped from the value of its listed companies. The report by US-based Hindenburg Research, titled Adani Group: How The Worlds 3rd Richest Man Is Pulling The Largest Con In Corporate History, was released a week ago, and since has wiped $US74 billion ($105 billion) from the value of Adanis listed companies. A US activist investor has accused Indian conglomerate Adani of stock manipulation and accounting fraud. Credit: Bloomberg Hindenburgs founder, Nate Anderson, in the report and in a subsequent statement, has made allegations that Adani failed to disclose related-party transactions, and the source of funds for suspect transactions between Adani Group entities, founded by Gautam Adani, and his brother Vinod Adani-associated entities. This information is critical to the integrity of Adanis business, as it indicates whether the company is round-tripping turnover, laundering illicit funds, or using cash to manipulate its stock, Anderson wrote. Virgin Australia is loading up its board with bankers as the nations second-biggest airline prepares to re-list on the Australian sharemarket about three years after it collapsed into administration. Former Macquarie Bank chairman Peter Warne will join the airlines board of directors alongside Pippa Downes, a former banking executive at firms including Goldman Sachs, who now holds several directorships, Virgins chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, said in a note to staff on Tuesday. Virgin chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka, who also chairs Tennis Australia, kept a close eye on matches at the Australian Open. Credit: AP The appointments coincide with the companys chief financial officer, David Marr, moving to a new role focussed on preparing the carrier for a sharemarket listing, according to the note seen by this masthead. Race Strauss, a former chief financial officer of Jetstar and Qantas, will replace Marr in his former role. Finlands Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has estimated that the revenue from Russias fossil fuel sales was 17 per cent lower in December and is costing Russia about 160 million ($246 million) a day. Russia has been able to largely maintain its oil export volumes by redirecting its sales from Europe, which used to be its biggest market for oil and gas, to China, India and Turkey. It has been building its own fleet of tankers to circumvent the caps, and using sanctions-busting techniques developed by countries like Iran and North Korea, but the relatively small pool of buyers prepared to accept its oil were using their leverage to get big discounts even before the price caps were imposed. The war is going to leave permanent damage on Russias economy. Credit: AP The new caps on refined product could be even more effective but generate some adverse implications for the West in the process. China and India, the two biggest buyers of Russian oil, have their own very large domestic refinery sectors. They dont need Russias diesel or fuel oil or other intermediate products. There is no obvious market for the Russian product that has previously been sold into Europe. Loading China and India might, of course, be prepared to buy Russian products at very big discounts and then ship their own to those buyers who previously bought from Russia but thats a cumbersome and, given the relative distances, expensive way to substitute Chinese or Indian products for the Russian oil that Europe used to buy. The flip side of that Russian dilemma is that, if there is no market of sufficient size, the Russian product wont flow into the global market and prices for refined products will rise, perhaps sharply. Even if China and/or India were prepared to buy from Russia and sell their domestic product into the global market there would be material increases in transport costs and therefore end prices unless the Russian product were sold to them at massive discounts. The caps on Russian product that the EU is proposing are $US100 a barrel for diesel and $US45 a barrel for other, less value-added, products. CREA estimates that a cap at that level, along with the planned simultaneous EU ban on imports of refined products, could cost Russia a further 120 million ($A185 million) a day. Caps at that level would be broadly in line with the approach adopted for Russian crude. The prices of refined products vary far more widely than crude but those caps would appear to represent a discount of roughly 30 per cent, perhaps slightly more, to the freely-traded products. Russia will still generate massive revenues from it crude and refined oil sales even with the caps and embargoes but the 1 billion or so a day it was generating before the invasion could be nearly halved. Apart from the lost income, the embargoes and price caps will do long-term damage to Russias energy industry which, pre-invasion, generated about 45 per cent of its federal governments revenue. Last year Russia had a record budget deficit of 3.3 trillion roubles (about $70 billion) after a deficit in December wiped out 11 months of surpluses. It is budgeting for something similar this year but that is predicated on an average oil price of $US70 a barrel. At the prices it has been receiving since the caps were established, that deficit would roughly double even before the caps on refined products. Pre-invasion, Russias energy industry generated about 45 per cent of its federal governments revenue. Credit: Bloomberg It could face something worse. The G-7 agreed earlier this month to review the level of the price cap on Russias crude exports. The G-7 countries originally planned the review to occur in February but have deferred it to March to get a better sense of how the cap has impacted Russia and the global market and some initial feedback on the caps on refined products that might enable the group to better calibrate them. The new caps will be imposed within a more complicated market, with more varied pricing, than crude. Apart from the lost income, the embargoes and price caps will do long-term damage to Russias energy industry which, pre-invasion, generated about 45 per cent of its federal governments revenue. It has lost its core European market for crude oil, refined products and gas, which makes hundreds of billions of dollars of processing and pipeline infrastructure redundant and could leave some major gas fields stranded. Europe wont ever allow itself to become as dependent on Russian energy as it was before the war and it is improbable that China or India would allow themselves to be as exposed as the Europeans were. The costs, whether the oil or gas is shipped or transported via pipelines to non-European buyers, would be considerably (for gas, perhaps prohibitively) higher. Tens of thousands of Chinese students enrolled at Australian universities will need to rush into the country before semester one after the Chinese government announced it would stop honouring qualifications gained through online learning. The Chinese Ministry for Education has released a special announcement confirming it would acknowledge degrees awarded only to students attending in-person classes, reversing rules put in place before Chinas dramatic loosening of pandemic restrictions. Education Minister Jason Clare welcomed the policy shift. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone The edict, published on Saturday, surprised Australian universities accustomed to online learning that were not preparing for so many Chinese students to return at once. The abrupt policy shift could add demand to scarce flights from China and accommodation markets and put pressure on Australias strained visa processing unit, but may also help ease the worker shortage. Can artificial intelligence save you money on your bills? I decided to find out by running the latest artificial intelligence tool through its paces. Theres been a lot of buzz about ChatGPT, a new generative AI that scans the internet and spits out answers to written queries. Schools are banning it because academics say it can sometimes write distinction-level essays. Microsoft has invested $US10 billion ($14.2 billion) in the company behind it. Can A.I. save you money on your bills? Credit: Bloomberg So, to see if it lives up to the hype, I asked it a series of frequently asked money-saving questions. The first was this: Whats the cheapest electricity plan for a four-person household in my postcode, 2035, NSW, Australia? I am not able to give you a specific answer, said ChatGPT, as the cost of electricity plans can change frequently and depend on many factors such as usage, provider and location. I recommend checking with energy providers in your area or using a comparison website to find the best plan for your households needs. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but there would be few who look at 114 William Street in Woolloomooloo and think: thats beautiful. An empty piece of land owned by the government since it carved the eastern distributor through the city, it is at least 3000 square metres of prime real estate that is currently little more than an ad-hoc outdoor carpark for M1 staff. The vacant block of prime land owned by Transport for NSW on William Street in Woolloomooloo. Credit: Cole Bennetts Which made it the ideal ground zero for a competition launched on Tuesday night by Street Level Australia, a burgeoning urban lobby group pursuing greater beauty, diversity and resilience in the architecture of Australian cities. The groups founder Milly Main, a former corporate consultant, doesnt think beauty is subjective. If I show you a beautiful picturesque Venice landscape, or if you walk down a beautiful street in Kyoto or Paris, thats beautiful. And to deny it is actually just facetious, she says. There are obviously things that are beautiful ... to deny that is really doing ourselves a disservice. WA Police have seized around 1.2 kilograms of meth after using a drone to track an alleged drug runner travelling the streets on an electric scooter. Vision shows the accused 32-year-old travelling with a backpack through the Perth northern suburb of Darch on Wednesday before being picked up by another man driving a white ute. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch told Radio 6PR detectives from the drug squad began tracking the scooter rider by covert drone after receiving a number of reports from the public of a man on an electric scooter acting suspiciously in the area. So weve got our technology up in the sky, weve seen a gentleman on an e-scooter, what we will allege is he is distributing methamphetamine, he said. Australians would be able to use their Medicare cards, display their drivers licence, renew passports and enrol to vote on a one-stop-shop phone app similar to an Apple Wallet under the federal governments vision to digitise its services by transforming the MyGov app. The app would also allow Australians to verify their identity with banks, phone companies and utilities providers without handing over identity documents that are vulnerable to hacking and affected millions of people in last years breaches on Optus and Medibank. MyGov, the online entry to services such as Centrelink, Medicare and the Australian Taxation Office, is used by 1.4 million Australians each day and has 25 million authenticated accounts. Bill Shorten wants MyGov to be seen as a piece of critical national infrastructure. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The service has long been derided as clunky and unreliable, but Government Services Minister Bill Shorten wants it to be seen as a piece of critical national infrastructure akin to transport or hospital systems. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet will seek a national deal to overhaul Medicare and expose doctors to greater competition at a crucial meeting on Friday that will hear a new warning about the growing burden on public hospitals from patients who cannot find a GP. The reform plan calls for a boost to Medicare rebates, the construction of more GP clinics and a controversial shift to allow pharmacies to offer primary care that is currently restricted to doctors, such as prescribing some medicines. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet wants Medicare reform. Credit: Anna Kucera In a blunt response to doctors who oppose the changes, Perrottet declared the GP groups to be wrong and said this Fridays meeting of national cabinet had to agree on a roadmap for reform before later decisions to boost funding for primary care and hospitals. The premier will also join forces with Victorian counterpart Daniel Andrews to press for more federal funding for public hospitals by extending a 50:50 funding deal with Canberra that was agreed during the pandemic but lapsed at the end of last year. A dispute over activist Sally Ruggs resignation from her role as teal independent Monique Ryans chief of staff in December is at the centre of a high-profile court case between the pair as the staffer sues the new MP over allegations of unreasonable work hours. Five sources within the teal movement said the pair clashed over their priorities after initially celebrating their union. Monique Ryan and Sally Rugg are in a legal stoush. Credit: Photos: Alex Ellinghausen/Nick Moir Rugg, the former Change.org head, is trying to stop Ryan, the climate and integrity campaigner who rolled former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the election on a platform of improving politics, from firing her following a dispute about working hours. The Federal Court case lodged against Ryan and the Commonwealth Ruggs technical employer has reignited debate within the crossbench over the Albanese governments decision to reduce the number of staff allocated to independent MPs. Activist Sally Rugg claims teal independent Dr Monique Ryan tried to sack her after just six months as her chief of staff because she refused to work unreasonable hours. Rugg, the former head of Change.org and an experienced campaigner on socially progressive issues, has launched Federal Court action against Ryan and the Commonwealth of Australia, and is trying to stop the latter from firing her following a dispute about working hours. Monique Ryan and Sally Rugg. Credit: Photos: Alex Ellinghausen/Nick Moir Ryan recruited Rugg in July after the Kooyong independents election win over former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg on a campaign platform of climate action and political integrity. In court documents lodged in the Federal Court, Rugg claims the first respondent in the action listed as the Commonwealth denied her workplace right of refusing to work additional hours that were unreasonable resulting in the Commonwealth engaging in hostile conduct in the workplace. One of the states most powerful lobbyists has been sacked after triggering a political firestorm for linking Premier Dominic Perrottets Catholic faith to his gambling crackdown, leaving the ClubsNSW campaign against poker machine reform in tatters. The organisations board fired Josh Landis with immediate effect on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the polarising chief executive told the Herald that the premiers pursuit of cashless gaming cards was motivated by his conservative Catholic gut rather than evidence. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (left) and ClubsNSW boss Josh Landis. Credit: Anna Kucera, Dominic Lorrimer The incendiary comments sparked an unlikely alliance of cabinet ministers, independent MPs, religious groups, unions and NSW Labor leader Chris Minns to call for Landis scalp. In a joint statement, the six-person ClubsNSW board led by rugby league and business identity George Peponis said it had met and after careful consideration decided to end his employment immediately. Nelsons family is already in talks with the Corrections Department and prison healthcare provider Correct Care Australasia to negotiate a settlement over Nelsons death at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. The coroner on Monday referred Correct Care Australasia to prosecutors, saying if an ambulance had been called at any point during Nelsons 36 hours at the womens prison, it was likely shed still be alive. The media have painted a very negative picture of the death and staff interactions with Ms Nelson. Prison general manager Tracy Jones The inquest found that as Nelson slowly died, calling out for her late father, the nurse responsible for her care, Atheana George, watched a movie on her computer and prison officer Tracey Brown told Nelson to stop screaming because she was keeping the other prisoners awake, McGregor found. In her email to staff, Jones, then the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre general manager, attacked the coroners decision to release unedited audio and video recordings that identified those working at the prison, including prison officers and medical workers from Correct Care Australasia. The actual intercom calls from Ms Nelson to staff, were played on all major news channels, as was the reception of Ms Nelson, her vomiting and screaming in her cell and its pretty horrendous! Jones wrote in her email. I want you all to prepare yourselves for seeing this footage, hearing how the prison has been highlighted and do not take it personally. The family are angry and grieving and they want someone to blame for the death of their daughter/partner/sister/niece, the email says. We were unaware that the Coroners Court would release the actual prison footage and intercom calls to the media. The viewing is particularly disturbing and distressing. The media have painted a very negative picture of the death and staff interactions with Ms Nelson. We sought to get a suppression order to blur staff faces but we lost. Whilst we have sought legal advice on the airing of this footage by media channels, its very unfortunate for staff and their families. It will also distress the women in our care I suspect, as its really sensationalised media and none of it positive Please take care, look after each other and get support if you need it. Jones signed her email: Cheers. Jones is the same official who initially said at a boardroom debrief of Nelsons death two weeks after the incident that she was proud of the way Nelson had been treated in her final hours and that staff sensitively managed the intercom calls. In January, she was appointed by Corrections Victoria as the general manager of the Judy Lazarus prisoner transition centre. Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive Nerita Waight said the email was completely insensitive to Veronica Nelsons family. The dismissive and attitude of the head of the prison is further proof of the callous indifference that the prison is run on, and it certainly makes you wonder whether the management at DPFC is willing to grapple with the findings and recommendations of the coroner, Waight said. Ali Besiroglu, who is representing Nelsons mother Donna, said the email was cruel. Besiroglu, a principal lawyer from firm Robinson Gill, said it provides insight into the insensitive culture that existed from the top down. Jones testified before the inquest that at the debrief held two weeks after Nelsons death, the incident had not been critically examined. The minutes indicate that the debrief was opened without an Acknowledgement of Country and without any recognition of Nelsons Aboriginality. Victorian coroner Simon McGregor found Veronica Nelsons death was preventable. Credit: On Monday McGregor said in his findings that the truth about Nelsons death in custody may never have surfaced but for the coronial investigation. He said the approach taken, to which Correct Care chief nursing officer Christine Fuller agreed, was they didnt ask, so [we] didnt tell. Nelson was arrested on Spencer Street on December 30, 2019, and taken to a nearby police station for questioning on suspicion of shoplifting. But instead of being released on bail, she was transferred to Melbourne Magistrates Court where she was placed on remand until a court date weeks later. Over the following two days, she made 49 calls for help over the prisons intercom while heroin withdrawal and an undiagnosed medical condition ravaged her body. Loading She was found dead in her cell on January 2, 2020, lying in the fetal position. An autopsy found Nelson had the undiagnosed medical condition Wilkies syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition. In his findings on Monday, McGregor savaged the action and inaction of Correct Care Australasia and prison staff. He also sent a copy of his findings into the conduct of nurse Atheana George and prison physician Dr Sean Runacres, who miscalculated Nelsons weight and completed an insufficient medical examination when she came to prison, to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Veronicas death was preventable, McGregor found. US secretary of state meets with Israeli Prime Minister Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss By Nathan Gomes BENGALURU (Reuters) - BMW is evaluating the launch of more battery electric vehicles (EVs) in India, amid growing demand from luxury car buyers, Vikram Pawah, country president at the German carmaker, told Reuters in an interview. "We are going to have 25 electrified products (globally) by the end of 2023, of which half of them will be fully electrified. Our intention is to evaluate each one of those 12 electrified products for the Indian market," Pawah said. BMW already sells three EVs in India. If supply chain problems ease, which Pawah expects will happen in 2023, EVs could contribute more than 10% of BMW's total sales in 2023. A shortage in semiconductors and supply chain disruptions due to pandemic-related lockdowns and the Ukraine war have affected car production globally but the situation seems to be easing. India is largely a small and low-cost car market, in which luxury models accounted for only 1% of the total sales of 3.8 million units in 2022. The luxury EV market is even smaller and largely untested but demand is growing. Also Read BMW's Z4 convertible has little competition, offers freedom on tap BMW expects sales momentum to continue next year; lines up 8 new launches BMW launches petrol, diesel variants of third-gen X1 SAV in India Will raise Chennai unit output to curtail waiting period: BMW's Pawah BMW increasing focus on India, sees growth potential amid low penetration Electric two-wheeler sales to reach around 22 million by 2030: Report Finance costs, global demand near-term hurdles for auto sector: Eco Survey Hero MotoCorp puts scooter play in higher gear with Xoom Eye on untapped market, nine e-bikes to turn up the heat in 2023 Auto parts sourcing start-up CapGrid raises $7 mn in series A from Nexus BMW, along with rival Mercedes, is looking to capitalize on this demand at a time when Tesla has decided to stay out because of high import taxes on EVs. Mercedes launched three EVs in India in 2022, including a locally assembled electric model of its flagship S-Class sedan, and expects EVs to make up 25% of its total sales in the next five years. BMW, which is aiming for at least half of its global sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, expects adoption of clean vehicles in India to be fast, according to Pawah. In 2022, BMW's total sales in India rose about 35% to nearly 12,000 cars, its highest ever. But it still lags Mercedes, which posted a record year in India with 41% growth in sales with close to 16,000 cars. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditi Shah and Krishna Chandra Eluri) Addressing a gathering of top politicians and Indian officials at the handover ceremony, Adani said the group has struck many critical partnerships in Israel that include Elbit Systems, Israel Weapon Systems, and Israel Innovation Authority. "We have initiated several dozen technology relationships wherein we have offered the entire Adani portfolio of companies to be a giant sandbox for us to learn together. We are also in the process of setting up an artificial intelligence lab in Tel Aviv which will work in close collaboration with our new AI labs in India and the US," Adani said. In July last year, the group announced the acquisition of Haifa Port with a local partner, Gadot, for $1.15 billion. Even as investment bankers back home were busy selling the Rs 20,000 crore follow-on public offer of Adani Enterprises on Tuesday, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani group, took over Haifa Port in Israel in the presence of Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports here are flagging that the firm co-founded by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's father-in-law, Narayana Murthy, was contesting a GBP 20 million tax bill with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department. Software services major Infosys on Tuesday admitted that it has appealed against a corporation tax assessment by the UK authorities as British media reports referenced the company's annual report to reveal the dispute. Infosys provides details of certain ongoing disputes with various regulatory authorities, including this specific tax matter with HMRC, an Infosys spokesperson told The Times'. The dispute, first revealed by The Times', comes at a sensitive time for Sunak who sacked his Conservartive Party chief, Nadhim Zahawi, after an investigation found he had breached the ministerial code of ethics over his tax affairs. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Infosys, the newspaper highlights. The company has filed an appeal against a tax assessment in the UK and obtained a stay on the payment of the tax demand from HMRC, the spokesperson said. Also Read 'Proud of him', says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy on Rishi Sunak What challenges await Rishi Sunak as the new PM of the UK? Rishi Sunak's wife earned Rs 126.61 cr dividend income from Infosys in 2022 UK PM Sunak: Tharoor stirs Twitter storm after 'visible minority' remark Rishi Sunak inching closer to become first Indian-origin UK PM on Diwali MGL slashes CNG price by Rs 2.50 per kg; leaves PNG prices unchanged Zoho Corp eyes $1 billion revenue from ManageEngine in next 2-3 years Income tax department conducts survey action against drug major Cipla Tata Motors raises final tranche of Rs 3,750 crore from TRG Rise Climate Adani takes over Haifa Port for $1.15 bn, promises to invest more in Israel Murty found her personal wealth under the spotlight in April last year when it emerged that she legally held non-domiciled tax status as an Indian citizen, which meant she did not have to pay tax on earnings from abroad, including from Infosys dividends. Murthy quit Infosys in 2014 and is not involved with its operations. His daughter and Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, owns just over 0.9 per cent of the Bengaluru-based company a stake estimated by The Sunday Times' to be worth GBP 730 million. She has since denounced her non-dom tax status saying it was not compatible with her husband's job who was then the chancellor of the country. Revenue from operations on a consolidated basis at Rs 12,452.44 crore declined by 0.57 per cent over the same period last year. A poll of analysts by Bloomberg had estimated revenues at Rs 13,105.9 crore and net income at Rs 1,004 crore. Jindal Steel & Power has reported a 67.91 per cent year-on-year (YoY) drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 518.67 crore in Q3FY23 on higher input cost and lower steel prices. In the year-ago period, profit was at Rs 1,616.67 crore. Bimlendra Jha, managing director, JSPL, explained that it was a non-cash write-off. These investments were in assets abroad where intrinsic value had been reassessed by our auditors. It is a major one-time clean-up exercise that we have undertaken. On a standalone basis, the company recorded revenues of Rs 11,832.25 crore and a net loss of Rs 4,512.27 crore. The company said that it had created a provision of Rs 7,253 crore towards diminution in value of its investments in its wholly owned subsidiary, Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius). On the outlook for Q4, he said, Steel and raw material prices have firmed up. China is opening up and in India year-on-year demand growth has been approximately 12 per cent. This is mainly due to the focus of the government on infrastructure and we dont see this going away, he said. After a two-year rally, steel prices started sliding from the first quarter of the financial year. However, Jha pointed out that quarter-on-quarter there was a more than 50 per cent improvement in EBITDA. GAIL (India) Ltd is scouting for long-term gas import deals and hopes to sign one contract shortly to make up for disrupted supplies from a former unit of Russian energy giant Gazprom, its head of finance said on Monday. India's largest gas distributor reported a 93% decline in its December quarter net profit as it transmitted less gas locally due to a reduction in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from a deal with Gazprom Marketing and Singapore (GMTS). GAIL is in talks with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) and many other parties to source gas. "Probably we will get a better deal," Rakesh Kumar Jain told an analyst call. "The Indian economy is needing more and more gas. Even if GMTS had not happened, we were in the market for sourcing gas. Yes, but GMTS circumstances have forced us more," he said. GAIL agreed a 20-year deal with GMTS in 2012 to buy an annual average of 2.5 million tonnes of LNG. At the time, GMTS was a unit of Gazprom Germania, now called Sefe, but the Russian parent gave up ownership of Sefe after Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Sefe has halted supply to GAIL since May. Jain said GAIL was seeking more gas import deals primarily to meet local demand and a resumption of supplies under the Gazprom contract would give his company the flexibility "to able to play more in the international markets". The state-run company has been trading some of the LNG bought on a free-on-board basis under its long-term deals from the United States in global markets. Jain said in 2023 GAIL would bring in eight extra LNG cargoes from its U.S. portfolio, which were previously sold to a global customer. "We get 90 cargoes from the USA and we intend to bring all of them to India," Jain said. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has adopted 10 tuberculosis patients under the Centre's Nikshay Mitra initiative. The governor will take care of their nutritional and allied support needs for a period of six months. He handed over prescribed food packets to health officials in Raj Bhavan on Monday for distribution among the 10 patients. Under the Nikshay Mitra initiative of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, individuals or organisations can adopt tuberculosis patients for six months and help meet their nutritional and medical requirements. Speaking on the occasion, the government said common people have always helped transform government programmes into mass movements, and hoped that the TB eradication mission will also be a huge success. The government's Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi schemes have helped the poor in the country with the two initiatives alone providing assistance to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore, President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday. In her first address to the joint sitting of Parliament as the Budget session began, she noted that the government has been working to empower the poor and eradicate poverty. "Poverty eradication is no longer just a slogan. Now my government is working towards empowering the poor by providing a permanent addressal to their concerns," she stated. Murmu noted that a major cause of poverty in the country is illness. "A serious ailment completely shatters the morale of a poor family, leaving generations in debt. To free the poor from this worry, a nationwide Ayushman Bharat Yojana was launched. Under this scheme, more than 50 crore countrymen have been provided the facility of free treatment," she said. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has saved crores of poor people from becoming poorer, preventing them from spending Rs 80,000 crore, Murmu said. Also Read Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission crosses over 40 mn linked health records Mandaviya to inaugurate Arogya Manthan to mark Ayushman Bharat anniversary Ayushman Bharat: Patients prefer private hospitals for govt schemes President Droupadi Murmu's Jharkhand visit rescheduled to Tuesday Mandaviya to inaugurate Arogya Manthan to mark 4 years of Ayushman Bharat President Murmu focuses on govt's development thrust in maiden address J-K highway closed for 2nd consecutive day due to landslide in Ramban About 300k women farmers benefited from PM-KISAN, Rs 54,000 cr transferred Delhi HC sends plea seeking minimum age for marriage for men, women to SC Centre moves SC, seeks open court hearing on plea for review on Benami law "Today medicines are being made available at very low cost in about 9,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras spread across the country. As a result, about Rs 20,000 crore of the poor have been saved in the past few years. "That is, from Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi schemes alone, the countrymen have got assistance worth Rs one lakh crore," she added. Murmu also noted that within just two years, India has administered more than 220 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses. The President also said that while India is taking its ancient methods like Yoga and Ayurveda to the whole world, on the other hand, it is also strengthening the country's new identity as the 'Pharmacy of the World'. Karkardooma Court on Monday directed the Tihar jail authorities to provide a phone calling facility thrice a week for 5 minutes to 7 minutes to accused including Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid after considering their conduct report and other facts. The court issued the direction while disposing of the 7 pleas moved by Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, Tasleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan and Meeran Haider. They are accused in the larger Conspiracy of Delhi riots case and are presently lodged in Tihar Jail. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Amitabh Rawat allowed the application moved on behalf of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Shifa Ur Rehman, Gulfisha Fatima, Athar Khan, Tasleem Khan and Meeran Haider. "Considering the overall situation and the conduct report, the present applications are disposed off with the directions to the concerned Jail Superintendents to provide the said accused with the said inmate telephone call facility for 5 minutes for conversing with their family members thrice a week," said ASJ Rawat The other conditions of the said calling facility, as incorporated in Rule 631 of Delhi Prison Rule, 2018 and the PHQ Circular dated 02.09.2022 be followed by the Jail Superintendents, the ASJ Rawat said. The court directed to send the Copy of the order to DG (Prison) for onward transmission to the concerned Jail Superintendents for information and compliance. The jail authorities had filed the Conduct reports of the accused. As per the report, the conduct of applicants namely Shifa-ur-Rehman, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Meeran Haider, Tasleem Ahmad and Athar Khan found satisfactory while applicant Gulfisha Fatima was warned. Also Read Home Ministry official testifies in sedition case against Sharjeel Imam Umar Khalid released on bail from Tihar jail to attend sister's marriage Court acquits Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi in 2020 Delhi riots case Court grants 7-day interim bail to Umar Khalid for sister's wedding High court dismisses Umar Khalid's bail plea in 2020 Delhi riots case France doesn't rule out sending warplanes to Ukraine amid war with Russia Kerala: NIA questions 6 journalists on suspected ties with terror outfits Arvind Kejriwal launches mechanism to track realtime pollution sources 1,675 EWS flats in Delhi's Jailorwala Bagh to be completed by March: DDA Himachal Pradesh to have advance warning system to mitigate disasters It was argued on behalf of the accused persons that since the beginning of their judicial custody, accused persons have been provided 05 minutes phone call facility with their family members on a daily basis which has been stopped. On the other hand, the jail authorities in their reply stated that in terms of Rule 631 of Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 and PHQ Circular dated 02.09.2022, the said inmates can call once a week. The concerned Law Officers and Jail Superintendents had appeared and stated that under Rule 631 of Delhi Prison Rules, those prisoners were involved in the offence against State, terrorist activities, " as is the case here", and are not eligible for the said facility in the interest of public safety and order. However, Jail Superintendent can take appropriate decisions on an individual case-to-case basis with the prior approval of DIG(Range), the reply stated. Moreover, as per PHQ Circular issued on 02.09.2022, the telephone facility is contingent upon the good conduct of the prisoner and is limited to once a week and the duration shall not be more than 05 minutes for each of the accused, it added. On the issue of the said facility being provided to the accused persons from the very beginning of their judicial custody, the concerned Law Officer, Prison (HQ) stated that there was some digression of the said rules by the different Jail Superintendents, who had not followed the rules. It was stated that the said Rule 631 has not been set-aside and as per the said Rule, the said phone calling facility shall be in terms of Rule 631 and the PHQ Circular issued on 02.09.2022. The court said that from the reading of the said Rule, it appears that the accused persons, who are at present involved in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, are not eligible for this facility in terms of the said existing Rule 631, Delhi Prison Rules, 2018. The court pointed out, "However, it remains a fact that all the accused persons have been granted this facility on a daily basis for 5 minutes from the beginning of the judicial custody. There have been some instances of different approaches by different Jail Superintendents. It was fairly conceded by the concerned Law Officer, Prison (HQ) that the approach of the jail authority has not been fair and correct and disregards the Prison Rules." The concerned Tihar Jail Administration must set its house in order and follow the rules and, at the same time, maintain consistency without any discrimination against any individual accused, the court said. The court also said that the relaxation to the said Rule 631 is provided at two levels. Firstly, at the level of Jail Superintendent, who can take proper decisions on a case-to-case basis on prior approval of DIG (Range) and Secondly, in terms of circular under Rule 631 whereby the competent court can order for providing the Inmate Phone Call facility to accused persons. The court is conscious of the fact that if such facility, as is prayed by the counsel for applicants, is provided on a daily basis to the accused persons while also considering the fact that considering the said rule, this should apply not only to accused in this case but for all the accused persons in similar offences, the rule itself will get defeated. However, the court is equally conscious of the fact that this facility was being provided continuously without break to the accused persons from the beginning, even if wrongly provided by the Tihar Jail Administration, the court said. West Bengal Chief Minister on Monday held an organisational meeting of the TMC's Birbhum district unit, and took stock of the party's preparedness ahead of the rural polls. The district unit's president Anubrata Mondal was last year arrested by the CBI for his alleged involvement in a cattle smuggling scam. Banerjee, who is on a tour of various districts from Monday, held a closed-door meeting in Bolpur, and inducted three new leaders in the district core committee, which was formed after the arrest of Mondal. During the meeting, the party supremo (Banerjee) oversaw the preparedness for the panchayat polls (due this year). She also inducted Kajal Sheikh, MP Satabdi Roy and MP Asit Mal into the district core committee, a TMC leader said. This was Banerjee's first visit to the district after the arrest of Mondal, a staunch loyalist of the party chief. His three-decade-long political career has been marked by controversies and strong-arm tactics. Also Read All govt scheme grievances to be redressed: TMC MP assures Birbhum locals Mamata Banerjee to leave for three-day tour to West Bengal districts CBI summons Trinamool Congress MLA's husband in post-poll murder case TMC's Saket Gokhale held in Rajasthan, claims O'Brien; no info, says cop TMC's Anubrata Mondal sent to 10-day CBI remand; here's what we know so far Government receives 99 bids for 36 coal mines under commercial auction 165 death sentences by trial courts in 2022, highest since 2000: Report R-Day: Punjab Regiment best marching contingent; Uttarakhand's tableau best Food and Drug Administration dept seals mineral water factory at Kapurthala Nearly 100 students fall sick in Wayanad school; inspection being done Mondal was arrested in August last year from Bolpur for his alleged involvement in the scam. The TMC had won the last panchayat polls in 2018 in Birbhum without any contest in most of the seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit poll bound Karnataka on February 6 for a one-day visit to inaugurate 'India Energy Week' programme. He will also participate in other programmes before leaving for New Delhi. PM Modi will arrive in Bengaluru at 10.55 a.m. on February 6 and inaugurate India Energy Week at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). After this, he will reach Gubbi town in Tumakuru district in a chopper. He will also participate in foundation laying ceremonies of various Jal Jeevan Mission projects. Ruling BJP in the state has been inviting central leaders to the state as polls are scheduled to take place in less than three months. Minister for Health Dr K. Sudhakar has stated that PM Modi will arrive to inaugurate the newly built medical college in the district. Minister Sudhakar has stated that lakhs of people are gathering for the programme to have a glimpse of PM Modi and all arrangements are being made. Recently, Union Minister for Home Amit Shah visited the state, participated in a road show, and addressed a public rally. Amit Shah has visited Mandya in south part of the state and Belagavi and Yadgir districts in the north. Also Read Kejriwal, Mann to visit poll-bound Gujarat on Sunday to hold meetings My family has long relationship with poll-bound Karnataka: Rahul Gandhi Nadda to launch BJP's 'Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra' in poll-bound Karnataka Arvind Kejriwal announces recruitment calendar in poll-bound Gujarat IT raid, GST crackdown in poll-bound Padampur, traders call 12-hr bandh Free Wi-Fi service down in Delhi since December as contract expires: Report Lumpy skin disease: North Goa extends ban on cattle transportation Govt asks TV channels to provide monthly details of public service content Kharge, several MPs won't be able to attend Prez address: Jairam Ramesh Trump lawsuit claims Woodward audiobook violates copyright, seeks $50 mn The ruling BJP has announced that it will seek vote in the name of PM Modi in the upcoming assembly elections.--IANS mka/kvd The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a plea of journalist Rana Ayyub challenging the summons issued by a special court in Ghaziabad in the money laundering case. A bench of Justice V Ramasubramanian and Justice J B Pardiwala said it will pass orders on the plea. During the hearing, advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Ayyub, submitted, "Can her personal liberty be deprived by a procedure not authorised by law?" She submitted that the Ghaziabad special court has no jurisdiction to try the offence as the alleged act is said to have been committed in Mumbai. Grover said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached the journalist's personal bank account in a bank at Navi Mumbai in which around Rs 1 crore was lying. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, said the prosecution complaint has been filed in the Ghaziabad court by the agency as part of the cause of action had arisen in Uttar Pradesh, where a lot of people, including from Ghaziabad, contributed to her crowdfunding campaign. He said the money laundering offence is not an independent offence and is always connected to a scheduled offence for which an FIR was lodged in Indirapuram police station of Ghaziabad. Also Read Supreme Court set to review PMLA verdict, reconsider two provisions ED files chargesheet against journalist Rana Ayyub in money laundering case What is PMLA Act? Money laundering, law statement and objectives SC to hear journalist Rana Ayyub's plea in money laundering case on Jan 25 Indian journalist Rana Ayyub receives support from US Senator Patrick Leahy As filing of nominations begins, AIADMK expects BJP to end uncertainty ASI Gopal Das had clear intention to kill Odisha health minister: FIR Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi provided assistance of up to Rs 1 trn: Prez President Murmu focuses on govt's development thrust in maiden address J-K highway closed for 2nd consecutive day due to landslide in Ramban Mehta said arguments advanced by the other side is that if a person chose to launder money in Singapore or Thiruvananthapuram, the agency has to go there and lodge a case. "Sorry, this is not the scheme," he said, adding that Ayyub raised funds through online platform Ketto' in the name of helping slum dwellers, COVID-19 patients and people of Assam which resulted in the collection of Rs 1 crore, out of which Rs 50 lakh fixed deposit was done in a personal account. He said, "Money was shown by fake bills, groceries, among others, and was used for personal luxury items and consumption." On January 25, the top court had asked a special court in Ghaziabad to adjourn the proceedings in the money laundering case against Ayyub scheduled for hearing on January 27 to a date after January 31. In her writ petition, Ayyub has sought quashing of the proceedings initiated by the ED in Ghaziabad citing lack of jurisdiction as the alleged offence of money laundering occurred in Mumbai. On November 29 last year, the special PMLA court in Ghaziabad took cognisance of the prosecution complaint (charge sheet) filed by the ED and summoned Ayyub. The ED charge sheet was filed under section 45 read with section 44 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. "I have perused the above mentioned prosecution complaint and have also gone through the prosecution papers as well as documents, including statements. "From the perusal of the entire record, there is sufficient evidence as to a prima facie case for taking cognisance against Ms Rana Ayyub with regard to commission of offence," the special court judge had said. The special court had said Ayyub's alleged crime involves taking money illegally from the general public in the name of charity via Ketto -- an online crowdfunding platform -- in three campaigns, without any approval, raising a huge sum in the bank account of her sister and father, and transferring it into her own bank account which was not used for the intended purpose. On October 12 last year, the ED had filed a charge sheet against Ayyub, accusing her of cheating the public and using Rs 2.69 crore she got in charity for creating personal assets, and also violating the foreign contribution law. "Rana Ayyub launched three fundraiser charity campaigns on the 'Ketto' platform, starting from April 2020 and collected funds totalling Rs 2,69,44,680," the ED had said in a statement. The campaigns, it had claimed, were meant to raise funds for slum dwellers and farmers, relief work for Assam, Bihar and Maharashtra, and help Ayyub and her team help those impacted by coronavirus in India. "Ayyub utilised these funds to create a fixed deposit of Rs 50 lakh for herself and also transferred Rs 50 lakh to a new bank account. Investigations found that only about Rs 29 lakh was used for relief work," the ED had claimed. Congress Parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will attend the President's address to Parliament on Tuesday as many party MPs, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, are stuck in Srinagar due to inclement weather, sources said here. Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Due to delayed flights from Srinagar airport on account of inclement weather conditions, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, @kharge ji & many other Congress MPs will be unable to attend the President's address to both Houses of Parliament at 11am today.' President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint sitting of Parliament for the first time after being elected to the post. She will outlay the government's vision for the current year. The Parliament Budget session will commence from Tuesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic survey. She will present the Union budget on Wednesday. In her first Republic Day-eve speech, President Murmu had hailed India's G-20 presidency, calling it an opportunity to promote democracy and multilateralism, and also the right forum for shaping a better world and a better future. Also Read Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts PM to inaugurate Sohna-Dausa stretch of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on Feb 12 SRK's 'Pathaan' raises Rs 542 crore gross worldwide in first weekend Uttarakhand: Chamoli DM Khurana submits settlement plan for Joshimath Indian wheat prices drop after PM Modi releases grain for flour millers Inherent powers of high courts should be exercised with care, says SC --IANS miz/shb/ However, when asked about who they trust their data with, 90 per cent of the respondents said global service providers were their first choice, the report added. "When viewing these two statements together, it seems that while organisations would ideally like to keep their data local, they still prefer and trust a global provider over a local provider," the study said. Indian organisations prefer their data to be stored within the country but do not trust local data protection service providers, according to Cisco's 2023 Data Privacy Benchmark Study. The Economic Times reported that around 88 per cent of the participants of the study said they trusted their data being stored within the Indian territory.However, when asked about who they trust their data with, 90 per cent of the respondents said global service providers were their first choice, the report added. The report also highlighted the significance of privacy legislation in holding organisations accountable for how they manage users' data. It said the count of countries with privacy legislation in place has gone up from 145 last year to 157 now. "Of course, their ideal solution would be to get both - a local instance that retains the data locally set up by a global provider," it added. "Many governments and organisations are putting in place data localisation requirements, which force data to be kept within a country or region...To many, these requirements seem like a good idea at first, but our research indicates this view does not hold up once costs, security, privacy, and other trade-offs are considered," the report stated. About 79 per cent of all corporate respondents in the report said that these laws had a positive effect, even though complying with these laws involves significant cost and effort on the part of the organisations. Also Read Personal data: All you need to know about data localisation rules in India 70% respondents want data protection bill to drop localisation rule: Survey Algo Rhythm: AI presents significant privacy concerns, says survey SC clears decks for CCI probe into WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy Overseas investors oppose Sebi's data localisation norms, cite cyber risk India budget will be ray of hope for world amid economic turmoil: PM Modi Odisha govt urges HC to monitor health minister's murder case probe Assam set to host first series of G20 events, meeting to begin this week Gautam Adani now no longer among world's top 10 richest billionaires India records 66 new Covid-19 infection, active cases decline to 1,755 The Government of India recently released the draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, proposing cross-border data flow. India and the US on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The situation in the Indo-Pacific came up for discussion during talks between Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Victoria Nuland. In the talks, held under the framework of annual India-US Foreign Office Consultations, the two sides covered contemporary regional developments in South Asia, Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "The two sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region," it said in a statement. The MEA said both sides reviewed progress made towards further consolidating the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. It said Kwatra and Nuland took stock of a number of initiatives and frameworks that reflect common strategic interests, including Quad, I2U2, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA). Also Read Did India err by walking out of IPEF's trade pillar? India opts out of joining IPEF trade pillar, to wait for final contours India not part of IPEF's trade pillar; to decide in national interest India to wait before association with trade track in IPEF: Piyush Goyal Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ministerial summit concludes in Los Angeles Public-private synergy set to boost climate-resilient infra: Eco Survey Labour markets, employment recover to pre-pandemic levels: Eco Survey Survey for more reforms to put India on 7-8% potential economic growth India Inc's capex juggernaut on the roll, says Economic Survey 2023 Economic Survey highlights India's diversifying merchandise trade: FIEO While the Quad comprises India, the US, Australia and Japan, the members of the I2U2 are India, Israel, the US and the United Arab Emirates. US President Joe Biden in May last year launched the IPEF, which is an initiative aimed at deeper cooperation among like-minded countries in areas like clean energy, supply-chain resilience and digital trade. In May last year, the Quad leaders launched the IPMDA which is primarily aimed at monitoring regional waters against the backdrop of China's increasing muscle-flexing in the region. "Both sides agreed to work together during India's ongoing G20 Presidency. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in multilateral fora and international organisations, including the UN, on global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. "The productive and substantive meeting enabled both sides to continue a regular dialogue that has been instrumental in enhancing mutual understanding and in identification of opportunities for further growth and enrichment of the India-US partnership," it added. Solicitor General(SG) Tushar Mehta told a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice K M Joseph that a data protection bill is likely to be introduced in the second half of the ongoing Parliament session. The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that it will examine the feasibility of considering a plea challenging WhatsApps policy to share users data with parent company Facebook and others, after the introduction of the data protection bill in the Budget Session. The top court observed that there was no harm in waiting for the bill to be tabled and heavens are not going to fall in the meanwhile. Will it not be a mere academic exercise, the bench asked. Data protection bill will be introduced, subject to administrative issues, in the second half of this session which started today. We have filed an affidavit, the SG said. However, Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the introduction of a Bill itself should not defer the taking up of this case. He said the prayer he was seeking is that personal data cannot be shared with the Facebook group of companies. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing WhatsApp, suggested that the apex court should wait for the bill to be tabled. Also Read WhatsApp hacked? Here's how to check if someone else is using your account WhatsApp is back: Services restored after 2 hours of global outage What do unique terms in the data protection bill mean? WhatsApp to roll out new privacy features; to allow users to leave silently How WhatsApp is turning into a spammer's paradise? India, US reaffirm commitment to free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific Public-private synergy set to boost climate-resilient infra: Eco Survey Labour markets, employment recover to pre-pandemic levels: Eco Survey Survey for more reforms to put India on 7-8% potential economic growth India Inc's capex juggernaut on the roll, says Economic Survey 2023 The apex court was hearing the plea filed by two students, Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi, who had challenged the sharing of user data by WhatsApp to Facebook and others. You cannot share my data with the Facebook group of companies. We want an opt-out option, seeking a declaration to that effect. There should be a meaningful option. That option is not available to Indian users. There is a public interest element to this, he said. With PTI inputs The death toll in a suicide bombing inside a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines has gone up to 83 after nine more bodies were recovered from the rubble, The News International reported. The police said that the explosion took place at the centre hall of the mosque at 1 pm on Monday. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has taken responsibility for the attack. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan announced a day of mourning in the province on Tuesday following the attack, as per the news report. He said that the national flag will be at half-mast across the province. Azam Khan also assured the aggrieved families that the provincial government will not leave them alone in the aftermath of the tragedy. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Peshawar where he was informed of all aspects of the bombing and he also visited the injured, according to The News International. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said that "investigations are underway" about how the attack took place and how the terrorist entered the vicinity. Also Read At least 17 dead, 83 injured at Peshawar mosque blast in Pakistan 61 killed, 150 injured in Taliban suicide attack at mosque in Peshawar Lt-Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza frontrunner for next Pakistan Army chief 9 injured in Jammu in twin blast, 2 days ahead of Rahul's Bharat Jodo Yatra Death toll of oil tanker blast mounts to 19 in Afghanistan, says official Canadian MP urges Trudeau's cabinet to make room for Uyghur refugees Trump lawsuit claims Woodward audiobook violates copyright, seeks $50 mn Emerging mkts growth slowdown bottomed out in 2022, but risks remain: IMF IMF lifts 2023 growth forecast on China reopening, strength in US, Europe US Prez says 'no' to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine amid war "Don't know where the attacker came from and how he entered?" The News International quoted Jah Ansari as saying. "There are family quarters inside the Police Lines and the attacker could be already living in the area," he further said. Earlier, two more bodies were recovered from the rubble, The News International reported citing an official of Rescue 1122, as per The News International report. The official added that the services recovered five people trapped under the wreckage. The spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital Muhammad Asim said that 157 injured people were brought to the medical facility after the explosion. "Two injured and three dead bodies have been retrieved from the rubble," The News International quoted the rescue spokesperson Bilal Faizi as saying. Muhammad Asim said that the bodies of 83 people have been shifted to the hospital. Around 55 injured people were being treated at the Lady Reading Hospital, as per the news report. After the attack, the injured were moved to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. The hospital requested people to donate blood for the victims. "Bodies of 83 people were also transferred to the hospital. At the moment, around 55 injured are getting treatment at the Lady Reading Hospital. Some of the injured are critical, while the condition of most is satisfactory," The News International quoted Muhammad Asim as saying, adding that most people among the injured and dead included police officers. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the terrorist attack on worshippers in Pakistan's Peshawar. He tweeted, "Canadians strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on worshipers in Peshawar, Pakistan. My thoughts are with the victims and those who are grieving during this terribly difficult time. The death toll from the suicide blast rose to at least 100 on Tuesday after rescue workers retrieved more bodies from the debris of the devastated mosque inside a major police facility in Pakistan's northwestern Peshawar city. According to security officials, the suicide bomber who was present in the front row during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers on Monday blew himself up, causing the roof to collapse on the worshippers. Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Mohammad Asim said that 100 bodies had been brought to the medical facility. Asim said 53 injured were currently being treated while seven had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). He said that most of the injured were out of danger. Most of the victims were policemen. At least a deputy superintendent of police, five sub-inspectors and the mosque's prayer leader Maulana Sahibzada Noorul Amin were among the dead. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, saying it was part of a revenge attack for slain TTP commander Umar Khalid Khurasani who was killed in Afghanistan in August last. Also Read Death toll in Pak's Peshawar suicide blast in mosque jumps to 83: Report 61 killed, 150 injured in Taliban suicide attack at mosque in Peshawar At least 17 dead, 83 injured at Peshawar mosque blast in Pakistan Court's verdict in Gyanvapi Mosque case today: All you need to know Gyanvapi mosque: Court says Hindu suit maintainable; all you need to know Death toll in Pak's Peshawar suicide blast in mosque jumps to 83: Report Canadian MP urges Trudeau's cabinet to make room for Uyghur refugees Trump lawsuit claims Woodward audiobook violates copyright, seeks $50 mn Emerging mkts growth slowdown bottomed out in 2022, but risks remain: IMF IMF lifts 2023 growth forecast on China reopening, strength in US, Europe According to the Police Control Room Peshawar, more than two-hundred injured were brought to the Lady Reading hospital. Capital City Police Officer, Peshawar (CCPO) Ejaz Khan told Geo TV that the head of the suspected suicide bomber was recovered from the blast site. The suspected bomber was identified as 37-year-old Mohammed Ayaz son of Salim Khan from Mohmand agency. "It is possible that the attacker was already present in the Police Lines before the blast and that he may have used an official vehicle [to enter]," he said. "(The) CTD is investigating the case," he said. He said many policemen are still trapped under the rubble. "Close to 300-400 policemen usually offer prayer at the Zuhr time. If a blast has taken place inside police lines then it is a security lapse but an investigation into the matter can reveal further," he said. The bomber entered the highly secured mosque inside police lines where four layers of security were in place. Provincial Police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said they are investigating the blast and how the bomber entered the highly fortified mosque in the Police Lines area. He expressed the apprehensions that the bomber might have been residing in the police lines before the blast as there are family quarters too inside the police lines. Ansari admitted grave security lapses by the police and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the blast. Talking to the media here Tuesday, he said that the search process for entrance to police lines was limited only to the main gate of the police lines. He said 10-12 kg explosives were used in the blast. Explosives in parts shifted to police lines as construction activities are in progress these days in police lines. The headquarters of the Peshawar Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Frontier Reserve Police (FRP), Elite Force and telecommunications department are also located near the blast site. A high-level investigation committee has been set up to look into the security lapses. A preliminary investigation report of the blast has been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Meanwhile, funeral prayers for six policemen, including deputy superintendent of police, were offered earlier Tuesday at the Police Lines area. On Monday night, collective funeral prayers for 27 policemen were offered in Police Lines area. President Arif Alvi has condemned the attack. "I strongly condemn the heinous & cowardly blast that has taken place in Peshawar mosque. The perpetrators will be found and punished. Condolences to families who have lost an innocent member & prayers for the injured. Terrorism must be buried forever," Alvi tweeted. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the blast inside the mosque proves that those involved in the attack have nothing to do with Islam." "These terrorists are trying to instil fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan, he said, assuring the people that the coalition government will take strict action against those involved in the attack. PTI Chairman and ex-premier Imran Khan strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the Peshawar mosque. Last year, a similar attack inside a Shia mosque in the Kocha Risaldar area in the city killed 63 people. The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, called off a ceasefire with the federal government and ordered its militants to stage terrorist attacks across the country. The group, which is believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. In 2014, the Pakistani Taliban stormed the Army Public School (APS) in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing at least 150 people, including 131 students. The attack sent shockwaves across the world and was widely condemned. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in Japan as part of his East Asia tour, said our security is closely interconnected and called for stronger ties with Japan as Russia's war on Ukraine raises global dangers and shows that democracies need stronger partnerships. Japan has been quick to join the US-led economic sanctions against Russia's war on Ukraine and provided humanitarian aid and non-combative defence equipment for the Ukrainians. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has sounded alarm that Russia's aggression in Europe could happen in Asia, where concerns are growing over already assertive China and its escalating tension near Taiwan. Japan also has significantly stepped up ties with NATO recently. The war in Ukraine also demonstrates that our security is closely interconnected, Stoltenberg said during his visit at the Iruma Air Base north of Tokyo, where he started his Japan visit Tuesday after arriving late Monday from South Korea. If President (Vladimir) Putin wins in Ukraine it will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians, but it will also send a very dangerous message to authoritarian leaders all over the world because then the message will be that when they use military force they can achieve their goals, he said. So the war in Ukraine matters for all of us." Stoltenberg said his visit to Japan is a way to further strengthen the partnership between NATO and our highly valued partner Japan. His is set to meet with Kishida and hold a joint news conference later Tuesday. Also Read Finnish NATO proposal assesses effects of membership to the alliance Not just future of Shiv Sena but democracy at stake: Uddhav Thackeray HK jails pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai over fraud for 5 yrs 9 mths Trumpism threatens democracy: Joe Biden to sound alarm in prime-time speech Joe Biden warns US democracy threatened, but how can he save it? France doesn't rule out sending warplanes to Ukraine amid war with Russia Indian-American Conrad elected as Washington State Democratic Party chair Pak's deepening political-eco crisis may spill over into region: Experts Pak minister says cyber attack could be behind nationwide power breakdown N Korea slams Nato chief's Seoul visit as 'prelude' to war in Asia-Pacific Japan, already a close ally of the United States, has in recent years expanded its military ties with other Indo-Pacific nations as well as with Britain, Europe and NATO amid growing security threat from China and North Korea. Japan issued a new national security strategy in December stating its determination to build up its military and deploy long-range missiles to preempt enemy attacks in a major break from its post-World War II principle that limited itself to self-defence. Japan also hopes to further ease restrictions on arms export to strengthen the country's feeble defence industry. While in South Korea on Monday, Stoltenberg called for South Korea to provide direct military support to Ukraine to help Kyiv to fight off the prolonged Russian invasion. So far, Seoul has only provided humanitarian aid and other support, citing a long-standing policy of not supplying weapons to countries in conflict. Stoltenberg also met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday and discussed Seoul's commitment to support Ukraine and NATO's possible role in dissuading North Korea from its growing nuclear ambitions following an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests in 2022, Yoon's office said. Stoltenberg on Sunday mentioned US intelligence reports accusing North Korea of providing weapons to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. North Korea condemned his visits to South Korea and Japan, saying that NATO was trying to put its military boots in the region and attempting to pressure America's Asian allies into providing weapons to Ukraine. In a statement released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, North Korea criticised increasing cooperation between NATO and US allies in Asia as a process to create an Asian version of NATO that would raise tensions in the region. US President Joe Biden on Monday said America will not send the F16 fighter jets to Ukraine, CNN reported. While responding to a reporter on whether he would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Biden said "no". Interestingly, the US had ramped up military assistance to Ukraine in the form of artillery and tanks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought fighter jets to help sustain his war effort against Russia. Biden has consistently said the planes aren't on the table, even as he has given aid in other areas. Last week, Biden announced that he would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite top US officials saying previously the heavy-duty vehicles were a poor fit for the country's military. Speaking on the White House South Lawn, Biden also said he wasn't sure whether he would visit Europe next month for the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, reported CNN. Also Read 45 fighter jets including Sukhois, Rafales perform during 74th R-Day Parade UK, Italy, Japan team up to build sixth-generation fighter by 2035 At least 42 fighter squadrons essential, says IAF chief VR Chaudhary Japan, India hold their first joint air drill as China concerns grow Washington mulls F-16 aircraft production boost for Ukraine Ten people injured on Monday in drive-by shooting in Florida: Police Teen killed, four others injured in shooting at Texas lounge over weekend New Zealand's largest city Auckland braces for more rain and flooding Prez Biden to end Covid-19 twin national emergencies in US on May 11 'Sorry', says Rio Tinto after radioactive capsule lost in Australia desert In response to a separate question, Biden said he was planning to visit Poland, but wasn't sure when. Earlier, Biden provided Ukraine with a defense package of USD 2.5 billion in new weaponry and munitions for Ukraine, as the country prepares for a new stage in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for unwavering leadership from the US side. Taking to Twitter, Zelenskyy wrote, "Thank you @POTUS for providing with another powerful defense support package worth USD 2.5 billion. Stryker IFVs, additional Bradley APCs, and Avenger air defense systems are an important help in our fight against the aggressor. Thank you people for unwavering leadership support!" Significantly, however, the defense package does not feature battle tanks requested by Kyiv but includes 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers, an additional 59 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Avenger air defence systems, and large and small munitions, according to a Pentagon statement. "The 59 Bradley IFVs included in this package, together with the 50 Bradleys previously committed on January 6, and the 90 Stryker APCs will provide Ukraine with two brigades of armored capability," it said. Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that they have not received any requests from Ukraine for fighter jets, according to the CNN. "We do not have such a request formulated [from Ukraine]," Macron said at a joint press conference at The Hague where the two leaders were meeting to prepare the next EU council of February. Macron said while no requests had been received by France, "nothing is off-limits in principle." He insisted that the usefulness of each request must be considered carefully. Macron said the weapons requested should not escalate the conflict, reported CNN. Stocks to watch today: Domestic equity markets are expected to remain choppy on Tuesday as investors await the Economic Survey of 2022-23. Fun rotation, ahead of the Union Budget presentation on Wednesday, Feb 1, could also remain a key sentiment dictator today. At 7:40 AM, SGX Nifty was at 17,770, up 65 points. Globally, Nikkei, Straits Times and Kospi started Tuesdays trade on a flat note. Overnight, the US markets declined up to 2 per cent ahead of the US Fed meeting, which begins later tonight, and big corporate earnings. : Domestic equity markets are expected to remain choppy on Tuesday as investors await the Economic Survey of 2022-23. Fun rotation, ahead of the Union Budget presentation on Wednesday, Feb 1, could also remain a key sentiment dictator today. At 7:40 AM, SGX Nifty was at 17,770, up 65 points. Q3 Earnings: ACC, Blue Star, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Coal India, Godrej Consumer Products, Indian Hotels, Indian Oil Corporation, Jindal Steel, KPIT Tech, Orient Bell, Orient Cement, Power Grid, RailTel, Star Health, Sunteck Realty, Venus Pipes and Tubes, Welspun Enterprises, and Westlife Foodworld are some of the key companies due to report their Q3FY23 results today. ACC, Blue Star, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Coal India, Godrej Consumer Products, Indian Hotels, Indian Oil Corporation, Jindal Steel, KPIT Tech, Orient Bell, Orient Cement, Power Grid, RailTel, Star Health, Sunteck Realty, Venus Pipes and Tubes, Welspun Enterprises, and Westlife Foodworld are some of the key companies due to report their Q3FY23 results today. CHECK FULL LIST HERE Here're the top stocks that will be in focus on Tuesday, Jan 31: Adani Group: Stock exchanges BSE and NSE on Monday revised the circuit limits for three Adani group companies Adani Total Gas, Adani Transmission, and Adani Green Energy from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. The move comes after the massive sell-off triggered lower circuit in these scrips in the last three trading sessions. LIC: State-owned Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will not invest over the board-approved limit of Rs 300 crore in the follow-on public offer (FPO) of Adani Enterprise even as it plans to engage with the business conglomerate to seek clarification over charges made by Hindenburg Research. State-owned Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will not invest over the board-approved limit of Rs 300 crore in the follow-on public offer (FPO) of Adani Enterprise even as it plans to engage with the business conglomerate to seek clarification over charges made by Hindenburg Research. READ MORE Stock exchanges BSE and NSE on Monday revised the circuit limits for three Adani group companies Adani Total Gas, Adani Transmission, and Adani Green Energy from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. The move comes after the massive sell-off triggered lower circuit in these scrips in the last three trading sessions. READ MORE Also Read OnePlus details Nord Watch features ahead of India launch: Details here OnePlus debuts Nord Watch at Rs 4,999: Specifications, features, and more Stocks to Watch: Axis Bank, Maruti, ConCor, HFCL, Zomato, BoB, Gold related Apple 'Far Out' event today: Here's what users expect from Watch Series 8 Stocks to Watch Today: Paytm, Reliance, NDTV, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank Bajaj Finserv, Mphasis: Is it time to buy these stocks at current levels? Stock Exchanges BSE, NSE lower circuit limits on Adani group stocks Construction & infra firms among biggest wealth destroyers in past 20 years Counting losses: Adani group stock rout hits Rs 5.6 trillion in 3 days Bharat Electronics stock attractive after stake sale by Norges Bank Tech M: Tech Mahindra (TechM) reported a fall of 5.3 per cent in net profit for the third quarter (Q3) of 2022-23 (FY23) at Rs 1,297 crore. However, total contract value of deals signed was at $795 million. This was up 11 per cent sequentially. The other milestone that the company crossed this quarter was its enterprise business, which touched the $1-billion quarterly revenue mark. L&T: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Monday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 2,553 crore for the October-December quarter of 2022-23, up 24.2 per cent from a year ago, aided by exceptional gains of Rs 97 crore due to a profit on the divestment of the mutual fund business. At the group level, L&T received orders worth Rs 60,710 crore during the quarter, registering a growth of 21 per cent over the year-ago period. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Monday reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 2,553 crore for the October-December quarter of 2022-23, up 24.2 per cent from a year ago, aided by exceptional gains of Rs 97 crore due to a profit on the divestment of the mutual fund business. At the group level, L&T received orders worth Rs 60,710 crore during the quarter, registering a growth of 21 per cent over the year-ago period. READ MORE Tech Mahindra (TechM) reported a fall of 5.3 per cent in net profit for the third quarter (Q3) of 2022-23 (FY23) at Rs 1,297 crore. However, total contract value of deals signed was at $795 million. This was up 11 per cent sequentially. The other milestone that the company crossed this quarter was its enterprise business, which touched the $1-billion quarterly revenue mark. READ HERE Inox Leisure: Inox Leisure widened its net loss for Q3FY23 to Rs 40.42 crore compared to Rs 1.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Revenue surged 74 per cent to Rs 516 crore from Rs 296 crore while expenses jumped 63 per cent to Rs 493 crore. BPCL: State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,747 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2022 (Q3FY23), getting back into the black after two consecutive quarters of losses. Consolidated revenue from operations in Q3 rose 13.67 per cent to Rs 1.33 trillion. : State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,747 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2022 (Q3FY23), getting back into the black after two consecutive quarters of losses. Consolidated revenue from operations in Q3 rose 13.67 per cent to Rs 1.33 trillion. READ MORE Inox Leisure widened its net loss for Q3FY23 to Rs 40.42 crore compared to Rs 1.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Revenue surged 74 per cent to Rs 516 crore from Rs 296 crore while expenses jumped 63 per cent to Rs 493 crore. Kansai Nerolac: Kansai Nerolac Paints has entered into an agreement with realty developer House of Hiranandani Group to sell its nearly 24-acre land parcel at Kavesar in Thane for Rs 655 crore. KEC International: The company said it has bagged orders worth Rs 1,131 crore across various businesses. Kansai Nerolac Paints has entered into an agreement with realty developer House of Hiranandani Group to sell its nearly 24-acre land parcel at Kavesar in Thane for Rs 655 crore. Alkem Laboratories: Mumbai-based drug maker Alkem launched an antibiotic on Monday to treat multiple drug-resistant infections. The firm became the first from India to launch a novel antibiotic combination for treating drug-resistant infections, the company claimed. ADF Foods: The company's consolidated net profit for Q3Fy23 came in at Rs 18.52 crore as against net profit of Rs 13.3 crore YoY and Rs 13.6 crore QoQ. It's revenue was Rs 123 crore vs Rs 117 crore YoY and Rs 107 crore QoQ. Mumbai-based drug maker Alkem launched an antibiotic on Monday to treat multiple drug-resistant infections. The firm became the first from India to launch a novel antibiotic combination for treating drug-resistant infections, the company claimed. READ MORE Mangalore Chemicals: The company's standalone net profit rose to Rs 76.2 crore as against Rs 31.1 crore last year. The company had logged net loss of Rs 32 crore in Q2FY23. Sanofi India: French drugmaker Sanofi SA is reviewing operations at two of its vaccine making facilities in India and plans to let go of all employees at the plants, the company told Reuters, after it failed to win a UNICEF contract. The drugmaker is offering voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) to all its employees at two sites near Hyderabad, a spokesperson for Sanofi's India unit told Reuters in an email. French drugmaker Sanofi SA is reviewing operations at two of its vaccine making facilities in India and plans to let go of all employees at the plants, the company told Reuters, after it failed to win a UNICEF contract. The drugmaker is offering voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) to all its employees at two sites near Hyderabad, a spokesperson for Sanofi's India unit told Reuters in an email. READ MORE : The company's standalone net profit rose to Rs 76.2 crore as against Rs 31.1 crore last year. The company had logged net loss of Rs 32 crore in Q2FY23. Nippon Life India AMC: NAM India on Monday reported an 18 per cent increase in the profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 205 crore for Q3FY23. In comparison, the company had a PAT of Rs 174 crore in the year-ago period. Punjab National Bank: Punjab National Bank on Monday allayed concerns about its exposure to Adani companies and noted that its loans to the group are diversified into 8-9 companies, which are generating sufficient cash. Punjab National Bank on Monday allayed concerns about its exposure to Adani companies and noted that its loans to the group are diversified into 8-9 companies, which are generating sufficient cash. READ MORE NAM India on Monday reported an 18 per cent increase in the profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 205 crore for Q3FY23. In comparison, the company had a PAT of Rs 174 crore in the year-ago period. READ MORE GAIL (India): State gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd on Monday reported 90 per cent drop in December quarter net profit, at Rs 397.59 crore vs Rs 3,800.09 crore YoY, after it suffered losses in petrochemical and natural gas marketing business. The nation's largest gas trading and transportation company booked Rs 349 crore loss in petrochemical business after it had to cut run rate due to curtailment in supply of cheaper domestic gas. Ultratech Cement: UltraTech Cement Middle East Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company in UAE, has entered into a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement with Seven Seas Company LLC, Oman for acquisition of 70 per cent equity shares in Duqm Cement Project International, LLC, Oman. State gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd on Monday reported 90 per cent drop in December quarter net profit, at Rs 397.59 crore vs Rs 3,800.09 crore YoY, after it suffered losses in petrochemical and natural gas marketing business. The nation's largest gas trading and transportation company booked Rs 349 crore loss in petrochemical business after it had to cut run rate due to curtailment in supply of cheaper domestic gas. The offer received bids for 5.08 crore shares as against 4.55 crore shares on offer. The follow-on public offer (FPO) of Adani Enterprises was subscribed 1.12 times on the third day of bidding. As on 17:00 IST on Tuesday (January 31), the issue received bids for 5,08,68,352 equity shares against the issue size of 4,55,06,791 equity shares. The portion reserved for retail individual investors (RIIs) was subscribed by 0.12 times with bids of 27,45,960 equity shares against offered 2,29,08,464 equity shares. Meanwhile, the portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) has received bids for 1,61,03,776 shares. It was subscribed 1.26 times. International Holding Company (IHC), the diversified Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate, announced on Monday (Jan 31) that it would be investing AED 1.4 billion (USD 400 million) into the Adani Enterprises Further Public Offering (FPO), the Indian multinational publicly listed holding company and a part of Adani Group, through its subsidiary Green Transmission Investment Holding RSC Limited. This is the second investment deal International Holding Company has completed with India's Adani Group after last year's Dh7.3 billion (USD 2bn) investment in three green-focused companies of the Adani Group, including Adani Green Energy, Adani Transmission, and Adani Enterprises, which are all listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India. Also Read Adani Enterprises FPO subscribed 0.03 times Adani Enterprises fixes Rs 20,000 cr FPO price band Adani Enterprises to raise Rs 20,000 cr via FPO Adani Enterprises update on FPO of up to Rs 20000 cr Adani Enterprises FPO gets tepid subscription Adani Enterprises FPO subscribed 0.03 times Adani Enterprises FPO gets tepid subscription Sah Polymers IPO ends with strong subscription Sah Polymers IPO subscribed 17.46 times Sah Polymers IPO subscribed 2.37 times Meanwhile, the non-institutional investors (NII) category has been subscribed by 3.32 times, receiving bids for 3,19,30,848 shares as against 96,16,323 shares reserved for them. The issue also included a reservation of upto 1,60,668 equity shares for eligible employees. The employees category was subscribed 0.55 times against the reserved portion. The FPO consists of fresh issuance of equity shares for an amount aggregating to Rs 20,000 crore. The price band for the offer was fixed at Rs 3112-3276 per share and the minimum bid quantity is 4 shares. The issue opened for public participation on 27 January 2023 and it will close on 31 January 2023. Qualified institutional buyers were allotted 50% of the offer. A minimum of 15% of the FPO was reserved for non-institutional bidders and a minimum 35% was allocated to retail individual bidders. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds to fund capital expenditure requirements for projects under its subsidiaries and repayment of borrowings. Out of the total proceeds, Rs 10,869 crore will be utilised for funding capital expenditure requirements of some subsidiaries. These include certain projects of the green hydrogen ecosystem, improvement works of existing airport facilities; and construction of greenfield expressway. Further, Rs 4,165 crore will go for repayment, in full or part, of certain borrowings of our company and three of our subsidiaries, namely, Adani Airport Holdings, Adani Road Transport, and Mundra Solar. The remaining sum would be used for general corporate purposes. Before the FPO, the Promoter and Promoter Group held 72.63% stake in the company while the remaining 27.37% stake was held by the Public shareholders. Post-FPO, the Promoter holding would be 68.94% and that of the Public would be 31.06%. Ahead of the FPO, the company on 25 January 2022 raised Rs 5,985 crore from 33 institutional investors by finalising the allocation of 1.83 crore shares under anchor portion at a price of Rs 3,276 a share. Major foreign institutional investors such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Maybank Asia, Goldman Sachs, Nomura, Societe Generale, Jupiter, BNP Paribas, Al Mehwar, Citi Group, Morgan Stanley picked up stake. Adani Enterprises is the flagship company of Adani Group, one of India's largest business conglomerates. The company's business investments are centered on the fields of airport management, technology parks, roads, data centre and water infrastructure. On consolidated basis, the company's net profit surged 117% to Rs 460.94 crore on 188% jump in net sales to Rs 38,175.23 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. Shares of Adani Enterprises advanced 3.35% to end at Rs 2,975 on the BSE today. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Unsubscribe to continue This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp The drug major announced that it has received tentative approval from US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its new drug application for Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide (DETAF) tablets.Under the U.S. president's emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR), USFDA gave tentative approval for DETAF tablets. This product would be manufactured at Lupin's Nagpur facility in India. The company said that DETAF would be a welcome new addition in the management of HIV infections and will be available for supplies to low- & middle-income countries, Lupin said in a statement. Naresh Gupta, president - API and Global Institution Business, Lupin said, "We are committed to providing affordable and quality treatment options to patients in low- and middle income countries. We are pleased that U.S. FDA has tentatively approved DETAF, which will significantly enhance our HIV portfolio." Lupin is an innovation led transnational pharmaceutical company producing, developing and marketing a wide range of branded and generic formulations, biotechnology products and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) globally. On consolidated basis the company reported net profit of Rs 129.73 crore in Q2 FY23 as against net loss of Rs 2,098.04 crore in Q2 FY22. Net sales rose 2.2% to Rs 4,091.16 crore in Q2 FY23 as compared to Rs 4,003.42 crore in Q2 FY22. The scrip rose 0.25% to Rs 736.25 on the BSE. Also Read Lupin gets tentative USFDA approval for Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine tablets Lupin receives USFDA tentative approval for Dasatinib Tablets Lupin receives USFDA tentative approval for ANDA Drospirenone Tablets Lupin receives USFDA approval for Meclizine Hydrochloride Tablets Lupin receives USFDA approval for Mirabegron Extended-Release Tablets Orient Electric Q3 PAT declines 14.5% YoY to Rs 32 crore REC spurts after recording Q3 PAT of Rs 2,915 cr NAM India gains after Q3 PAT rises 18% YoY; AUM at Rs 3.60 lakh crore Godrej Properties gains on buying land parcel in Raigad Monarch Networth Capital Ltd leads gainers in 'B' group Powered by Capital Market - Live News Total Operating Income rise 16.49% to Rs 22808.28 croreNet profit of Punjab National Bank declined 43.33% to Rs 708.27 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 1249.87 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. Total Operating Income rose 16.49% to Rs 22808.28 crore in the quarter ended December 2022 as against Rs 19579.41 crore during the previous quarter ended December 2021. ParticularsQuarter EndedDec. 2022Dec. 2021% Var.Total Operating Income22808.2819579.41 16 OPM %49.2454.85 -PBDT1043.231738.97 -40 PBT1043.231738.97 -40 NP708.271249.87 -43 Powered by Capital Market - Live News This comes a month after it emerged that such a shift by PhonePe cost its investors around Rs 8,000 crore in taxes to allow the financial technology unicorn to domicile in India. Indian start-ups are exploring reverse flipping, or shifting their domicile back to India, with easy access to capital from private equity and venture capital, changes in rules regarding round-tripping, and the growing maturity of Indias capital markets, observed the Economic Survey 2022-23. The Survey also suggested measures like simplifying multiple tax layers, resolving uncertainty due to tax litigation, especially of employee stock ownership plans, exploring the incubation and funding landscape for start-ups in emerging fields like social innovation and impact investment, and facilitating mentorship programmes through partnerships with established private entities. During a recent video session, the founders of PhonePe said over 20 start-up unicorns and their investors were looking for ways to move back to India from Singapore. Flipping refers to the process of transferring the entire ownership of an Indian company to an overseas entity, accompanied by a transfer of intellectual property (IP) and all data hitherto owned by the Indian company. This effectively transforms an Indian company into a 100 per cent subsidiary of a foreign entity, with the founders and investors retaining the same ownership via the foreign entity, having swapped all shares. The Survey also pointed out several challenges start-ups face, such as funding hurdles, revenue generation struggles, lack of easy access to supportive infrastructure, and a complex regulatory tax environment. It added that many start-ups have been headquartering overseas, especially in destinations with favourable legal environments and taxation policies, technically known as flipping. Also Read Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts India Inc's capex juggernaut on the roll, says Economic Survey 2023 Eco Survey presents comprehensive analysis of India's growth trajectory: PM Digital public infra to contribute 30-50 bps to medium-term growth CAD may reach manageable levels in second half of FY23: Economic Survey Budget cues: Higher public capex, more PLIs and relief for MSMEs The start-up sector welcomed the observations made by the Survey. Some companies prefer to domicile in countries where they would like to access the capital market later for better valuations and ticket size. Better protection and enforcement of IP and tax treatment of licensing revenue from IP, residential status of founders, and agile corporate structures have been the reasons for flipping in the past, it said. Nandini Mansinghka, chief executive officer of Mumbai Angels, told Business Standard, Flipping in the start-up system has been a source of immense value flight for the past few years. These steps by the government to stem the tide will give a welcome push to making India the largest start-up ecosystem in the world. It also suggested simplifying the process for the grant of an interministerial board certification for start-ups. To accelerate this process, the Survey suggested measures such as simplifying taxation and procedures for capital flows, akin to countries like Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands, which incentivise companies to store IPs and create holding companies as regional headquarters. In addition, over 900,000 direct jobs have been created by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade-recognised start-ups (self-reported), with a 64 per cent increase in 2022, compared to the average number of new jobs created in the previous three years. The number of direct jobs created by up-and-coming companies jumped from 43,000 in 2017 to 269,000 in 2022. The Survey also added that India ranks among the largest start-up ecosystems in the world, with about 48 per cent of young companies in the country being from tier II and III cities. Data shows, up until H1FY23, as many as 23,417 applications for initiating the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of corporate debtors having underlying defaults of Rs 7.3 trillion were disposed of before their admission into CIRP. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has managed to bring about a change in the debtor-creditor relationship, with the fear of losing control over one's enterprise nudging thousands of debtors to settle their dues with their creditors so that their company is not pushed into insolvency proceedings, the Economic Survey of 2022-23 has observed. According to the survey, IBC, introduced in 2016, has imbibed some of the best international practices of an asset resolution mechanism by providing an honourable exit mechanism for honest business failures and enabling the release of credit locked into the stressed assets for better resource allocation. This market-driven, transparent resolution mechanism instills confidence in the financial system and attracts many new investors to invest in Indian businesses, the survey noted. One of the far-reaching spill-over effects of the Code has been the behavioural change effectuated by it among debtors. The fear of losing control over the CD upon initiation of CIRP has nudged thousands of debtors to settle their dues even before the initiation of insolvency proceedings, the Economic Survey noted. However, defending the IBC process, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Trend and Progress Report said, the extent of haircut represents the discount the market demands for acquiring the stressed entity as a going concern. Also, the rate of recovery is contingent on several factors, including the overall macroeconomic environment, perceived growth prospects of the entity and its sector, and the extent of erosion in the intrinsic value of the entity. As a broad-based recovery gains traction, these factors are likely to turn favourable for financial resolution, the RBI had said. Having said that, concerns have lately been raised over the declining rates of recovery in comparison to their claims admitted through the IBC mechanism, resulting in large haircuts for lenders. Also Read Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts Covid-19 vaccination: India may have won a major battle, says Eco Survey Political parties seek early end to first half of Budget session: Joshi Achievements in renewables strengthened resolve for Net Zero by 2070: Prez Govt has taken unprecedented decisions for tribals' pride: Prez Murmu What does Economic Survey 2022-23 tell us about growth in the coming year? The Economic Survey noted that despite the very low value of the distressed firms, 69 per cent of distressed assets were rescued by the Code, until September 30, 2022. And, overall, in terms of value realisation for initiators of CIRPs, the resolution plans realised Rs 2.4 trillion, which is 177.6 per cent of the liquidation value and 841 per cent of the fair value of the 553 corporate debtors rescued. Moreover, realisation by financial creditors under resolution plans in comparison to liquidation value was 201 per cent, while the realisation by them was 33 per cent of their claims. The RBI has suggested that the comparison of realised value with admitted claims may perhaps not be a reasonable indicator of the effectiveness of the resolution process. Instead, the resolution value should be compared with the liquidation value of the stressed assets. Boomi, a category-leading, global software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, recognized by Gartner for its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision Recognized as one of Americas fastest growing and most innovative technology companies on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 lists, Boomi celebrates the largest customer base among integration platform vendors and has won numerous awards for its product excellence and culture As enterprise demand for digital connectedness, integration, and intelligent automation solutions continues to grow, Boomi continues to scale rapidly around the globe BoomiTM, the intelligent connectivity and automation leader, today announced that Gartner has positioned Boomi as a Leader in its Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), Worldwide for the ninth consecutive time. Gartner evaluated 16 iPaaS providers on their ability to execute and completeness of vision. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005154/en/ Boomi Named a Leader for Ninth Consecutive Time in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service, Worldwide (Graphic: Business Wire) The iPaaS market is projected to reach $11 billion in revenue by 2026.1 Given the advanced capabilities and immense scale of iPaaS vendors, [iPaaS] has become the strategic integration platform of choice for hundreds of thousands of organizations around the world. In many cases, iPaaS has replaced previous generations of integration platform software such as application integration suites, data integration tools and B2B gateway software.2 Boomi continues to have more customers than any other cloud integration provider, said Steve Lucas, CEO at Boomi. Our self-managing, self-learning, and self-scaling integrations run themselves autonomously saving more time and money over the long term. We help organizations of all sizes and industries worldwide achieve better collaboration and data-sharing as their technology environments become more fragmented and complex. Thats why our mission of digital connectedness is more important than ever for business success. Trusted by customers across all industries globally, for its speed, ease-of-use, and lower total cost of ownership, the cloud-native, unified, low code, scalable, open, secure, and intelligent Boomi AtomSphere Platform helps organizations across all industries quickly and easily accelerate business outcomes. Boomi connects everyone to everything, anywhere, by providing end-to-end capabilities, including integration, master data management, API management, workflow automation, data quality governance, B2B/EDI network management, and data catalog and preparation. Boomi recently announced significant updates to its platform and business, including: Product Innovation Rapid API Creation Single-click creation of an API from an integration flow to rapidly expose secure services to developers. Single-click creation of an API from an integration flow to rapidly expose secure services to developers. Federal Risk Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Authorization Boomis low-code workflow automation service, Boomi Flow, joined other Boomi platform services that have been FedRAMP authorized since 2019, including API Management, Integration, and Master Data Hub. Boomis low-code workflow automation service, Boomi Flow, joined other Boomi platform services that have been FedRAMP authorized since 2019, including API Management, Integration, and Master Data Hub. IRAP Assessment The Boomi AtomSphere Platform was independently assessed for cloud security against the Australian Governments Information Security Manual (ISM) PROTECTED controls. Boomis security posture for storing, processing, and communicating information allows government agencies to purchase the Boomi platform without needing to complete their own independent assessments. The Boomi AtomSphere Platform was independently assessed for cloud security against the Australian Governments Information Security Manual (ISM) PROTECTED controls. Boomis security posture for storing, processing, and communicating information allows government agencies to purchase the Boomi platform without needing to complete their own independent assessments. B2B/EDI for the Automotive Industry Support for the ODETTE standard for faster interoperability with a customers automotive supply chain. Citizen Integrator/Business Technologist Enhancements Expanded Boomi Discover Catalog More pre-built recipes to simplify integration. More pre-built recipes to simplify integration. Simplified Visual Experience New iconography, dynamic and responsive user engagement that provides the foundation for an engaging user experience. New iconography, dynamic and responsive user engagement that provides the foundation for an engaging user experience. Accelerated Product Onboarding Platform and Welcome Pages make it easy for the citizen integrator/business technologist to launch their journey. Expanded Leadership and Global Reach Leadership Expansion Boomi recently appointed Steve Lucas as Chief Executive Officer, a 3x CEO with more than 27 years of experience leading and operating some of the worlds most innovative, global enterprise software companies. Prior to spending three years growing iCIMS, Lucas held executive roles at Adobe, Marketo, SAP, and Salesforce, and brings specific expertise and experience in data management, platform as a service, and integration. As CEO of Marketo, Lucas implemented significant product expansion and platform growth, leading to Adobes $4.75 billion acquisition of the company. Boomi recently appointed Steve Lucas as Chief Executive Officer, a 3x CEO with more than 27 years of experience leading and operating some of the worlds most innovative, global enterprise software companies. Prior to spending three years growing iCIMS, Lucas held executive roles at Adobe, Marketo, SAP, and Salesforce, and brings specific expertise and experience in data management, platform as a service, and integration. As CEO of Marketo, Lucas implemented significant product expansion and platform growth, leading to Adobes $4.75 billion acquisition of the company. Global Growth Boomi has also been continuing to scale rapidly, recently expanding its global footprint in Japan to address growing demand across Asia-Pacific. As a category-leading, global software as a service (SaaS) company, Boomi touts a growing community of more than 100,000 members, and one of the largest arrays of global systems integrators (GSIs) in the iPaaS space. The company boasts a worldwide network of approximately 800 partners, including Accenture, Deloitte, SAP, and Snowflake; and works with the largest hyperscaler cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services, Google and Microsoft, among others. Recently included on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 lists as one of Americas fastest growing and most innovative technology companies, Boomi has also won two International Stevie Awards, for Company of the Year and Product Innovation; the Gold Globee Award in the Platform as a Service (PaaS) category; the Merit Award for Technology in the Cloud Services category; the Stratus Award as a Global Leader in Cloud Computing 2022, and received the prestigious 5-star rating in the CRN Partner Program Guide, a definitive list of the most notable programs from industry-leading technology vendors that provide innovative products and flexible services through the IT channel. Boomi has also won numerous awards for being an employer of choice, including a recent listing as one of Inc. Magazines Best Workplaces. To learn more about the iPaaS market and Boomis recognition, read the Gartner report: Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service, Worldwide. Additional Resources Learn more in Boomis latest blog post from Ed Macosky, Chief Innovation Officer Explore the Boomiverse Community Follow Boomi on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube Gartner Disclaimer: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service, Worldwide, Keith Guttridge, Andrew Comes, Saikat Ray, January 24, 2023 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 Gartners research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 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. Note: Boomi was recognized as Dell Boomi from 2014 to 2019. About Boomi Boomi aims to make the world a better place by connecting everyone to everything, anywhere. The pioneer of cloud-based integration platform as a service (iPaaS), and now a category-leading, global software as a service (SaaS) company, Boomi touts the largest customer base among integration platform vendors and a worldwide network of approximately 800 partners including Accenture, Capgemini, Deloitte, SAP, and Snowflake. Global organizations turn to Boomis award-winning platform to discover, manage, and orchestrate data, while connecting applications, processes, and people for better, faster outcomes. For more information, visit http://www.boomi.com. 2023 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the B logo, Boomiverse, and AtomSphere are trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners. 1 Forecast: Enterprise Infrastructure Software, Worldwide, 2020-2026, 4Q22 Update 2 Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service, Worldwide, Keith Guttridge, Andrew Comes, Saikat Ray, January 24, 2023 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005154/en/ Singapore / Cover Story: The vision of Singapores next prime minister Entering 2023, as major global economies usher in a relatively stable political cycle and China walks into a new phase following the 20th Communist Partys National Congress and drastic changes in its Covid control measures, Singapore and China will jointly write a new chapter in the post-pandemic era by strengthening cooperation in recovery efforts and working together to maintain stable regional development. As the successor to Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the countrys Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will play a key role on this journey. Wong was elected as the new leader of Singapores fourth generation leadership team in April 2022, following a collective decision by the new leadership team of Singapores ruling Peoples Action Party. Missing / Missing for 100 days, teenager found dead behind school The body of a 15-year-old student who disappeared from school in eastern China more than 100 days ago has been found on a mountain behind the school, local authorities said. On Sunday, police in Shangrao, Jiangxi province, issued a statement saying DNA tests confirmed a body found hanging from a tree on Jinji Mountain by local residents was that of Hu Xinyu, whose months-long disappearance drew nationwide attention and led to multiple search efforts involving thousands of people. FINANCE & ECONOMY Employees work on a textile production line in Qingdao, East Chinas Shandong province, on Sunday. Photo: VCG Economy / Chinas provinces target household spending in plans for post-zero Covid recovery Most Chinese provinces have made expanding household spending a priority this year to help the worlds second-largest economy recover from one of its worst showings in decades as policymakers try to pull together a raft of growth-boosting measures with the end of zero Covid. At least 25 of the 31 provincial-level governments on the Chinese mainland listed increasing household consumption among their policy goals for the new year, with new-energy vehicles (NEVs), senior care services, tourism and housing among the key areas, analysts at TF Securities Co. Ltd. said in a Jan. 18 report. China-U.S. / U.S. seeks guardrails in China talks to avoid conflict, State Department says U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss competition and cooperation between China and the U.S. including management of nuclear weapon stockpiles and climate change during his trip to Beijing early next month, according to a department spokesman. Following the summit between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in Bali last year, Blinken will seek to discuss those areas that have the potential to be conflictual, where we hope to establish those guardrails to see to it that competition doesnt veer into conflict, State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a press conference Wednesday. Quick hits / PBOC to extend monetary policy tools for green sector China resumes visas for Japan, ending Covid retaliation BUSINESS & TECH A staff member in protective clothing works beside an airplane in September 2022 at Yantai Penglai International Airport, East Chinas Shandong province. Photo: VCG Aviation / Losses blow out at Chinas airlines as passengers dip to 12-year low Chinas civil aviation industry plunged deeper into the red in 2022 as Covid restrictions effectively shut down international travel and sent passenger numbers tumbling to a 12-year low with airlines racking up annual losses exceeding the previous two years combined. However, there are hopes things may turn around quickly after the abandonment of the zero-Covid strategy last month and the removal of quarantine-on-arrival Jan. 8, with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) saying it expects the industry to break even this year as it works to boost passenger numbers and flights. Chips / U.S.-led chip talks targeting China closer to deal, ASML says The U.S. government is hashing out the final details of an agreement with the Netherlands and Japan that would further squeeze the supply of chipmaking tools to China, according to key Dutch fab supplier ASML Holding NV. The disclosure from ASML over the weekend raised questions about whether such a deal would extend previous curbs on the most advanced machines to the sale of slightly less advanced fabrication equipment such as deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography. AI / IFlytek jumps by daily limit as AI arouses investor interest Shares of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) specialist iFlytek Co. Ltd. climbed 10% on the first day of trading after the week-long holiday as chatbot ChatGPT reignited investor interest in the space despite the companys recent profit warning. IFlyteks stock rose by the daily limit to 41.67 yuan ($6.17) a share in Shenzhen Monday, a day after it disclosed in an exchange filing that its 2022 profit suffered a 60% to 70% drop. Quick hits / China gives conditional nod to two homegrown Covid antivirals Apples iPhone dominated China last quarter despite disruptions Long Read / What Jack Ma taught me in 1999 GALLERY Chinas post-holiday hunt for workers Recommended newsletter for you / Caixin Must-Read Newsletter brings you the best of our coverage and stories you cant miss. You can opt-in now and get hand-picked news coverage delivered to your inbox each week for free. Thanks for reading. Egyptian president, U.S. state secretary discuss Israeli-Palestinian tensions Xinhua) 09:26, January 31, 2023 Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (C) meets with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (3rd L) in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 30, 2023. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday discussed with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the ongoing escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Monday discussed with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the ongoing escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. Al-Sisi stressed the importance of immediate action at the political and security levels to calm the situation and limit any unilateral measures taken by the two parties. The Egyptian president also reiterated "Egypt's fixed stand to reach a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international references, and in a way that solves this pivotal regional issue and opens prospects for peace, stability, cooperation, and construction." Blinken, who is on a three-day trip to the Middle East, said Washington is "counting on vigorous coordination with Egypt to restore stability, achieve calm, and contain the situation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides." They also exchanged views over several regional and international issues of common concern, according to the statement. Blinken is scheduled to leave for Israel later Monday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before traveling to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas amid escalating tensions between the two sides. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A custodial worker at Wintergreen Magnet School in Hamden was assaulted by an intruder who also stole his wallet and car on Tuesday morning, police said. The Hamden Police Department was called to the school for children with disabilities, located at 670 Wintergreen Ave. in Hamden, just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday for a report of an assault. An early investigation revealed that when the worker arrived at the school, he was met by an unknown man inside the building. When the worker asked the man to leave, he was assaulted. The man then stole the workers wallet and keys before stealing his car. The worker was transported to the hospital with facial injuries, police said. Detectives from the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Unit are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hamden Police Department at 203-230-4000. A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in Hartford more than a decade ago. Shawn Milner, 32, is charged with felony murder, murder and first-degree kidnapping for allegedly killing Waqas Victor Rehman in December 2010, according to the states attorneys office. Rehman, 42, of Farmington, was working at The Smoke Stop, a store he owned on Barbour Street in Hartford, when Milner allegedly demanded money from him and told him to get into a car, officials said. Rehman was later found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in Hartford. He was taken to a hospital where he died, officials said. In 2022, DNA evidence showed that Milners DNA could not be eliminated from being a match for DNA found on a live round recovered from the scene of the shooting, officials said. Supervisory Assistant States Attorney John Fahey, who heads the Connecticut Cold Case Unit, said investigators worked tirelessly for nearly 13 years to make an arrest in connection to Rehmans killing. Mr. Rehman senselessly lost his life 12 years ago, and detectives assigned to this case never forgot him and the family and friends who still mourn his death, Fahey said in a statement. Lt. Aaron Boisvert with the Hartford Police Department said that another cold case murder has been solved and closure has been brought to another family, thanks to the continued efforts of the Harford police, the Cold Case Unit and the Hartford States Attorneys Office. This arrest is a reminder that cold case homicide investigations are never closed, Boisvert said in a statement. Until they are solved, they are always open and constantly being investigated by the dedicated detectives assigned to these cases. Milner is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Hartford on Feb. 14, officials said. A 16-year-old boy allegedly armed with a stolen gun was taken into custody on assault charges in the Manchester High School parking lot on Monday afternoon, police said. The teen was wanted on an arrest warrant in connection with a serious assault that took place in Manchester around 8 p.m. on Friday night, according to the Manchester Police Department. After an extensive investigation into Fridays assault, police obtained a warrant for the teen. As officers located him in the parking lot of Manchester High School, school resource officers and detectives approached him, according to police. When they attempted to detain him, he allegedly began to resist, police said. After taking him into custody, officers found he was armed with a loaded Glock 9mm firearm, police said. A check of the firearms serial number allegedly showed it was stolen out of Georgia in June 2022, police said. Manchester Superintendent of Schools Matthew Geary said in a letter to parents on Monday that administrators were notified that a Manchester Public School student was taken into police custody for possession of a loaded firearm . Geary said the student had arrived on the school grounds shortly after the school day was over when he was detained by police. Geary acknowledged that the information could be scary to students, staff, parents and families. As a parent, I send my kids to our schools expecting them to be safe while they learn not to have to worry about their safety, Geary said in the letter. This kind of information provokes feelings of worry and concern, and I want you to know that we are working with police and community agencies to address these issues in a variety of ways. The teen was charged with first-degree assault related to the Friday incident and faces charges of carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of weapon on school grounds, second-degree reckless endangerment and other charges for Mondays incident. He was transported to Hartford Juvenile Detention pending a court appearance, police said. Geary said possession of a firearm on school grounds is a mandatory expulsion, adding that the district will take all means necessary to keep the schools safe. He noted that in the past two weeks, there has been an uptick in fighting at Illing Middle School and Manchester High School, including a fight in the boys bathroom on Friday at the high school. We will continue to respond to these issues with consequences for the students involved and additional incidents of fighting will not be tolerated, Geary said in the letter. He added that there will be an additional police presence at the high school and middle school for the rest of the week. We understand this is very difficult for students and will have support available for those who need it, Geary said. Two motor vehicle stops in West Hartford led to firearm and drug charges over the past week, according to the West Hartford Police Department. West Hartford patrol officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Jan. 27 around 1:30 p.m. after allegedly witnessing a driver commit moving violations. During the stop, a West Hartford police K9 allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics on the passenger side front door, police said. During the search, officers reportedly found a loaded handgun under the drivers seat, marijuana and materials used for packaging drugs, police said. The driver, identified as Sergio Cruz, 31, of Bridgeport was arrested and charged with failure to drive right, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and sale of a controlled substance. He was released after posting a $250,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Hartford on Feb. 9. In an unrelated incident on Sunday evening around 5 p.m., a West Hartford patrol officer stopped a vehicle that was displaying a misuse license plate, police said. Officers learned the driver was wanted by the Hartford Police Department for disorderly conduct, according to police. During the stop, a single bullet was allegedly found on the passenger side floorboard of the car, police said. Officers then conducted a search of the car and allegedly located a loaded handgun under the driver seat, as well as ammunition and an extended magazine, according to police. Nehemiah Lewis, 22, of Hartford, was arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, improper storage of a pistol/revolver in a motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without insurance, misuse of plates and operating without a license. Lewis was held on a $100,000 surety bond and was transferred to the custody of judicial marshals for arraignment. A man who was last residing in Maryland was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on drug trafficking charges, according to federal authorities. Kereem Swinton, also known as K, 41, also was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six years of supervised release, for the narcotics trafficking offenses, according to federal authorities. Authorities, citing evidence presented during a trial, said that in 2018, the FBI, the Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a narcotics trafficking organization that was operating in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of crack, revealed that Swinton, who formerly resided in Norwich, regularly traveled to Connecticut and other states to supply co-conspirators with narcotics, primarily cocaine and crack, authorities said in a statement. Swintons co-coconspirators in Connecticut distributed the drugs, authorities said. Swinton was found guilty by a jury in 2022 of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine and cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance, authorities said. Ten other individuals were convicted of narcotics trafficking offenses stemming from the investigation. Swinton has been in federal custody since Feb. 21, 2019, authorities said. Swinton was previously convicted on a federal level with trafficking cocaine and crack, authorities said. He was arrested in 2008 by the Texas Highway Patrol after he was found in possession of approximately two kilograms of cocaine and more than two pounds of marijuana that he was transporting from Arizona to Connecticut. He was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court in 2009 to 100 months in federal prison for that offense, authorities said. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and Norwich, Town of Groton, and Waterford police departments, with assistance from the FBIs Baltimore Field Office, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Delaware State Police. Well, it took Geely Philippines long enough. About two years after we said they needed a sub-compact crossover to penetrate the local market... Bed Bath & Beyond, the home goods retailer that is reportedly teetering on a bankruptcy filing, is closing more stores in Connecticut and across the country. The chain once a favorite for bridal and baby registries confirmed Tuesday it will close outlets in Wethersfield, Enfield, Southington and Fairfield. The company told The Courant in a statement that liquidation sales will commence and continue over the next few weeks and months. Bed Bath & Beyond had already closed locations in Waterford and Stamford and is in the midst of a closure in Hamden. After all the closures, the chain would have these five locations in Connecticut, according to the retailers web site: Brookfield, Guilford, Manchester, Norwalk and Simsbury. Reuters reported Tuesday the retailer was preparing to seek bankruptcy protection, possibly as soon as this week, and has lined up liquidators to close additional stores unless a last-minute buyer emerges, citing four people familiar with the matter. Last fall, the retailer announced plans to close 150 underperforming stores nationwide as it sought to cut expense and gain financial stability. An additional round of closures is now being rolled out, including 87 Bed Bath & Beyond stores, five buybuy BABY and all its Harmon drug stores. As we continue to work with our advisers to consider multiple paths, we are implementing actions to manage our business as efficiently as possible, the companys statement said. We will update all stakeholders on our plans as they develop and finalize. For years, Bed Bath & Beyond was considered a category killer for it dinnerware and small appliances, but the chain lost its way, analysts say, because it was slow to move into online sales. The retailer also launched in-store brands that werent popular with customers. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. EUA falling below EUR80 on lower energy complex ICR Research By 10 January 2023 By Frank O. Brannvoll, Brannvoll ApS, Denmark December was characterised by low trading activity and high volatility. Driven by oil and gas the energy complex fell due to reduced power demand in Europe, lowering compliance purchasing. While the dark spread is still offering higher value, some gas firing has returned, lowering the demand for EUAs. The new front-year contract is trading with high volatility between EUR75-90 and major support still at EUR65. For 2023 Brannvoll ApS expects a range of EUR60-95, with an average of EUR82. In the next few months, the implementation of the new EU ETS and CBAM rules will be followed closely. In terms of CBAM and the EU-ETS the European Commission and Parliament agreed in December that CBAM will come into force from 1 October 2023 with a transition period that only has reporting obligations. In addition, CBAM will apply a price on emissions to a range of EU imports in the following categories: cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity iron and steel, including some downstream products hydrogen. The scope of CBAM will be assessed before the end of the transition period and might be extended to include other product categories. CBAM charges will be calculated based on embedded emissions, which refers to emissions occurring upon manufacture, as well as indirect emissions. Where imported goods have been subject to carbon pricing regimes in their country of origin, only the difference between the price paid there and the price of EU-ETS carbon allowances will be paid. Payment of CBAM charges will be facilitated through the purchase of CBAM certificates. A programme of free allowances will be applied to CBAM certificates initially, similar to the EU-ETS. Furthermore, the carbon reduction target was increased from 43 to 62 per cent in 2030. The linear reduction increased from 2.2 per cent to 4.3 per cent between 2024-27 and 4.4 per cent between 2028-30. Published under Low-cost Breeze Airways Tuesday launched mid-winter, Get off the couch promotional fares to 11 nonstop destinations from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. Breeze cited a poll by SWNS Digital that found that during the pandemic, 7 in 10 Americans agreed their couch had become their best friend. The one-way fares start at $39 for travel to Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va., Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., Richmond, Va., Savannah. Ga., and Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla. One-way fares start at $54 for flights to Jacksonville, Fla.; $59 to Vero Beach, Fla.; $79 to Las Vegas and $99 to Phoenix. The promotional fares must be purchased by Feb. 6 for flights between Feb. 3 and Feb. 28. There is a three-day advance purchase requirement. There are other restrictions to consider: the low fares do not apply to travel from Feb. 16 to Feb. 20, around the Presidents Day holiday. A year ago, Breeze Airways said it would establish a base of operations at Bradley, creating more than 200 new jobs in the state. In addition, the promotion does not apply to return flights to Bradley from Las Vegas and Vero Beach on Sunday or Mondays. The low fares also do not apply to travel from Sarasota-Bradenton on Saturdays. Other restrictions and black-out dates also may apply, the airline said. Fares include taxes and government fees. Promotional fares can rise depending on seating and amenities that are desired. Depending on the seating, there can be fees for carry-on and checked bags. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. A Chattanooga man has been sentenced to serve six years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a weapon. Carlos Terrell appeared before Judge Charles Atchley. On March 5, 2021, Chattanooga Police officers responded to 640 West 14th Street Court after receiving an anonymous report that the defendant was at the address. Terrell was wanted for questioning related to another crime. The registered tenant allowed law officers to enter the apartment and they located the defendant on the couch. The tenant consented to a search of the apartment and officers located a Hi-Point, Model JHP, .45 caliber pistol in a bedroom. Terrell admitted to possessing the Hi-Point pistol and stated he had the gun for protection. He said he purchased it for $250 two days prior. Terrell, 37, has an extensive criminal record dating back to 2004. He has felony convictions for aggravated assault and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. A man found with a gun at the Chattanooga Volkswagen plant has been sentenced to serve 54 months in federal prison. Jerterrius Akridge appeared before Judge Charles Atchley. A man found with a gun at the Chattanooga Volkswagen plant on March 23, 2021, has been sentenced to serve 54 months in federal prison. Jerterrius Akridge appeared before Judge Charles Atchley. Chattanooga Police officers responded to 8001 Volkswagen Dr. on a report of a man with a gun, later determined to be Akridge. Management at the Volkswagen facility reported that the defendant was not threatening anybody, however, they would like him removed from the Volkswagen property. Patrol officers made contact with Akridge and found that he had a Taurus PT738 .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in his possession. Patrol officers secured the gun. At the time, officers were not aware the defendant was a convicted felon. Police later learned about his felony record. 2) On March 26, 2021, an investigator with the Chattanooga Police Department was present when Akridge arrived for a meeting with his probation officer. He was arrested and transported to the Chattanooga Police Department Gun Team Office. Akridge said he had pled guilty to the offenses just to get out of jail. Regarding the firearm found in his possession, he noted that it was in somebody elses name, and that he "just happen[ed] to buy it off the street. He said he only had the gun about a week after paying $120 for it. He said he had never fired the gun, though it had bullets in the clip when he bought it. As for why he was in possession of the gun at work, he said he had previously gotten into it with people where he was working, and wasnt thinking. The defendant stated that he was probably eventually going to sell the gun for more than he paid for it. Jehovahs Witnesses invite Chattanooga residents to an open house on Saturday, Feb. 4 at their newest Kingdom Hall in the city at 3741 Carl White Place in Chattanooga.Visitors will be invited to tour the new meeting facility and watch a slideshow covering highlights of the construction project. Informational banners will showcase the educational and construction activities of Jehovahs Witnesses worldwide, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.Among the many unique aspects of the Kingdom Hall is that it was built entirely by volunteers, officials said.One of them, Yesenia Goeser, said that she was impressed with how organized the project was.From the moment I came on site, everything was in perfect order, Ms. Goeser said. Even though I had little experience, I was treated with dignity and could feel the love everyone had for each other and the place of worship they were building.Zaida Cueto, another volunteer, said she was struck by the effort that many fellow workers made to participate in building the facility. Some gave up their vacation time to work on the project, while others made financial sacrifices to pay for rising gas prices and drove upwards of two hours to share in the work.She added, Their giving spirit inspired me to find ways to help my neighborhood be a better place.The Witnesses hope that the community will reap long-lasting benefits from this "literal labor of love.""We are so excited to make this special effort to invite our neighbors to visit our communitys Kingdom Hall and learn how we will use this building as a center for Bible education," said Tim Weaver, local spokesperson for Jehovah's Witnesses in Tennessee. "This building is evidence of our care for our neighbors, our community and our environment. A suicide bombing that struck inside a mosque at a police and government compound in northwest Pakistan reflects security lapses, current and former officials said as the death toll from the devastating blast climbed to 100 on Tuesday. The blast, which ripped through a Sunni mosque inside a major police facility in the city of Peshawar, was one of the deadliest attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent years. It left as many as 225 wounded, some still in serious condition in hospital, according to Kashif Aftab Abbasi, a senior officer in Peshawar. More than 300 worshippers were praying in the mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest on Monday morning, officials said. The explosion blew off part of the roof, and what was left soon caved in, injuring many more, according to Zafar Khan, a police officer. Rescuers had to remove mounds of debris to reach worshippers still trapped under the rubble. More bodies were retrieved overnight and early Tuesday, according to Mohammad Asim, a government hospital spokesman in Peshawar, and several of those critically injured died. Most of them were policemen, Asim said of the victims. Bilal Faizi, the chief rescue official, said rescue teams were still working Tuesday at the site as more people are believed trapped inside. Mourners were burying the victim at different graveyards in the city and elsewhere. Counter-terrorism police are investigating how the bomber was able to reach the mosque, which is in a walled compound, inside a high security zone with other government buildings. Yes, it was a security lapse, said Ghulam Ali, the provincial governor in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital. Abbasi, the official who gave the latest casualty tolls, concurred. There was a security lapse and the inspector-general of the police has set up an inquiry committee, which will look into all aspects of the bombing, he said. Action will be taken against those whose negligence caused the attack. Talat Masood, a retired army general and senior security analyst said Mondays suicide bombing showed negligence. When we know that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is active, and when we know that they have threatened to carry out attacks, there should have been more security at the police compound in Peshawar, he told The Associated Press on Tuesday, referring to a militant group also known as the Pakistani Taliban or TTP. Kamran Bangash, a provincial secretary-general with opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf called for an investigation and said Pakistan will continue to face political instability so long as the current government is in power. The current government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has failed to improve the economy and law and order situation, and it should resign to pave the way for snap parliamentary elections, he said. The militarys media wing declined an Associated Press interview request for the chief of army staff. Asim Munir, who took office in November, has yet to do any media appearances. Sharif visited a hospital in Peshawar after the bombing and vowed stern action against those behind the attack. The sheer scale of the human tragedy is unimaginable. This is no less than an attack on Pakistan, he tweeted. On Tuesday he dismissed criticism of his government and call for unity. Through their despicable actions, terrorists want to spread fear & paranoia among the masses & reverse our hard-earned gains against terrorism & militancy, he tweeted. My message to all political forces is one of unity against anti-Pakistan elements. We can fight our political fights later. Authorities have not determined who was behind the bombing. Shortly after the explosion, TTP commander Sarbakaf Mohmand claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Twitter. But hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani distanced the group from the bombing, saying it was not its policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places, adding that those taking part in such acts could face punitive action under TTPs policy. His statement did not address why a TTP commander had claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistan, which is mostly Sunni Muslim, has seen a surge in militant attacks since November, when the Pakistani Taliban ended a cease-fire with government forces, as the country was contending with unprecedented floods that killed 1,739 people, destroyed more than 2 million homes, and at one point submerged as much as a third of the country. The Pakistani Taliban are the dominant militant group in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Peshawar has been the scene of frequent attacks. But the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, a regional affiliation of the Islamic State group and a rival of the Taliban, has also been behind deadly attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Overall, violence has increased since the Afghan Taliban seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in August 2021, as U.S. and NATO troops pulled out of the country after 20 years of war. The TTP is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban. It has waged an insurgency in Pakistan in the past 15 years, seeking stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of its members in government custody and a reduction in the Pakistani military presence in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province it has long used as its base. Earlier this month, the Pakistani Taliban claimed one of its members shot and killed two intelligence officers, including the director of the counterterrorism wing of the countrys military-based spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. Security officials said Monday the gunman was traced and killed in a shootout in the northwest, near the Afghan border. In 2014, a Pakistani Taliban faction attacked an army-run school in Peshawar and killed 154, mostly schoolchildren. The Taliban-run Afghan Foreign Ministry said it was saddened to learn that numerous people lost their lives in Peshawar and condemned attacks on worshippers as contrary to the teachings of Islam. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a visit to the Middle East, tweeted his condolences, saying the bombing in Peshawar was a horrific attack. Terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible, he said. Pakistan is also contending with political and economic crises in the wake of the floods and a disputed election. Condemnations also came from the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, as well as the U.S. Embassy, which said that the United States stands with Pakistan in condemning all forms of terrorism. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the bombing particularly abhorrent for targeting a place of worship, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed his condolences, calling the bombing a terrorist suicide attack. Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report. Three people have died of fentanyl overdoses at a residence at Kensington, Ga., address. In Fort Oglethorpe, three people were found passed out, but they were revived after emergency personnel arrived and administered narcan. Those found dead at Kensington were Donald Ray Wallin, 70, of LaFayette, Kevin Leroy Walker, 55, of LaFayette, and Carla Joann Quillen, 37, of Menlo, Ga. The bodies were discovered at 88 Walden Spur Road on Monday morning. In the incident in Fort Oglethorpe, Catoosa County Fire Department, Catoosa County Sheriff's Department and the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department all responded. to a home on Sunday shortly before 7 p.m. They requested at least three more EMS units, saying they had several people with CPR in progress. Narcan was also being administered. Puckett EMS advised that they were able to get everyone breathing. Two fire personnel had to be treated at a hospital for fentanyl exposure. A woman at the home with outstanding warrants was arrested. State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) and Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) on Monday filed the James Dustin Samples Act, which seeks to reduce stigma and provide support for firefighters following a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. The bill is named in honor of Captain James Dustin Samples of the Cleveland Fire Department, who tragically committed suicide in 2020 after a years-long struggle with PTSD. If passed, the bill will make the diagnosis of PTSD for a firefighter presumed to be an injury suffered in the course of employment if certain criteria is met. The entirety of the Senate and a majority of the House have signed on as cosponsors. Senator Bailey said, When a person goes to work saving lives in our communities, we owe it to them to do all we can to minimize the risk of any type of injury. We cant legislate away traumatic accidents and emergencies, but we can remove obstacles to getting support when firefighters need it. Addressing the crisis of PTSD and suicide in the fire service requires a commitment to both prevention and treatment from all stakeholders and thats what SB856 aims to do. Rep. Garrett said, The choice to become a firefighter comes from a passion to help others and save lives. firefighters do an extremely difficult job that frequently puts them in dangerous situations and exposes them to terrible destruction, trauma and sometimes loss of life. It can take an enormous toll on a persons mental health which can be just as detrimental as any physical injury. This legislation will improve access to effective treatment but also break down barriers where asking for help has not always been easy. Jennifer Sample, widow of Capt. Samples, said, Dustin was incredibly passionate about the work he did and gave all he had. Its important to me that I honor his legacy by continuing to raise awareness and support for those with mental health injuries. These injuries can be just as severe, if not more so, than many of the physical injuries that are visible. Unfortunately, sometimes, as in Dustins case, they can even be fatal. Jeremiah Million, president of the Cleveland Professional Fire Fighters Association, said, I answered calls alongside Dustin Samples and he was the kind of firefighter everyone wanted to be like. One of the bravest things that firefighters from Cleveland and across the state are doing is telling their stories about how traumatic experiences impact our mental health. By telling firefighters now and in the classes to come that its okay to not be okay' and that help is available, well save lives. Matthew Tomek, president of the Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association, said, "We are thankful for every Senator and Representative who supports this critical piece of legislation and has signed on as a cosponsor. PTSD is an ever-growing illness in the fire service and deserves to be treated like any other job-related illness or injury that they may encounter while on duty." Women from across Tennessee will join the Mayors Council for Women for two days of discussion on policy issues affecting women at the fifth annual Statewide Womens Policy Conference in downtown Chattanooga at The Chattanooga Westin, 801 Pine St., on Thursday and Friday.Hosted by the Chattanooga Mayors Council for Women, the annual event brings together hundreds of researchers, advocates and community members for two days of discussion on policies affecting women.It is up to us to be among the change-agents for all women in our communities, said Mayors Council for Women Chair and City Councilwoman Carol Berz.We can no longer wait for others to do our work. It is our task to be among those who shape policy that changes the present and impacts the future.The council was launched in 2015 and hosted its first conference in 2018.While great strides have been made toward gender equality, the fight is far from over, said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. The Statewide Womens Policy Conference is a great way for women in our region to collaborate and learn from each other, as we work together to promote policies that empower women to succeed and thrive. Im grateful to Councilwoman Berz and the Mayors Council for Women for making this important event possible.Conference speakers include: Judge Glenda Hatchett, renowned judge and TV personality; Laurel Graefe, Federal Reserve; Dr. Eve Valera, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Jaquelyn Campbell, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing; and Kimberly Ellis, director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women Floyd E. Flynn, 86, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on January 30, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Floyd was born on Sept. 23, 1936, in Toledo, Ia., to Leonard and Nellie (Holmes) Flynn. He graduated from Toledo High School in 1954 and from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Long Island, New York, Class of 1958. He graduated as a maritime engineer and sailed on the first civilian nuclear powered ship, the Savannah. After sailing on the Savannah Merchant ship, Floyd became a nuclear engineer working for Combustion Engineering, Cooks Nuclear Plant, and TVA plants around the country. During his years as an engineer he became one of the few licensed Senior Reactor Operators (SRO) in the nation. He retired at age 55. On July 16, 1960, he married the love of his life, Elodia (Muniz Arias) Flynn born in Dominican Republic. They had three children. His work assignments moved the family to many sites around the country making Chattanooga their final home of 46 years. After retirement Floyd found fulfillment in continuing and growing in his relationship with God. Out of his growing relationship, he found it his calling to serve and mentor other men in their walk with the Lord. In 2011, Floyd and Elodia became co-founders of Walking Worthy: A Journey to Freedom, a ministry focusing on helping men and women to understand Gods design for relational fulfillment. Walking Worthy, a 501c3 organization was recently rebranded as Four:One Journey. Floyd is survived by his wife of 63-years, Elodia; his three children, Floyd L Flynn of Fort Lauderdale, Fl., Jeffery (Megan) Flynn of Coral Springs, Fl., Jacqueline (Dan) Muniz-Groenendyk of Holland, Mi.; and his five grandchildren, Jordan (Matt) Ribeiro of Wayne, Ok., Gerrit Groenendyk of Big Rapids, Mi., Eli Flynn of Brooklyn, N.Y., Joshua Flynn of Coral Springs, Fl., Cassia Flynn of Coral Springs, Fl.; his sisters Barbara Schwebke of Quartz Hill, Ca., Kay McWain of Seaman, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Nellie (Holmes) Flynn, and his grandparents, Floyd H. Flynn and Elizabeth (Taylor) Flynn who were life long residents of Toledo, Iowa. His family will remember Floyd as a man of great integrity and humility who loved his God, his Family, and his Country. They take great comfort in knowing that heaven rejoices in his GONE HOME. The Flynn family will be celebrating Floyds life with visitation on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home in Hixson. A GONE HOME memorial service held at 10 a.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, on February 10, 2023. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations made to: Four:One Journey P. O. Box 28348 Chattanooga, TN 37421 www.fouronejourney.org Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com The Tennessee RiverLine announced the winners of its 2022 awards at the sixth annual Tennessee RiverLine Summit, which was held in Guntersville, Al., last Monday-Wednesday at Lake Guntersville State Park. The Tennessee RiverLines awards program recognizes communities, individuals and organizations who best demonstrate leadership through their commitment to the transformational vision for North Americas next great regional trail system, and who embrace its guiding principles through innovative Tennessee RiverTowns programming. The Tennessee RiverLine is powered by partnerships. It stands as a testament that we can achieve something together that none of us could accomplish alone, said Brad Collett, cirector of the Tennessee RiverLine and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Our team, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and our principal partners, UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, continue to be inspired by the many and innovative ways that our partners in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee put these ideas into practice in their community and across the region. "This years awards celebrate partners who have made substantial contributions to the ongoing impact and development of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program. Their individual and collective efforts in 2022 exercises the Programs potential as a framework for collaboration to fulfill the vision for the Tennessee RiverLine and the economic development, public health, resource stewardship and equitable access benefits it promises," officials said. The 2022 Tennessee RiverLine awards include: Organizational Partner of the Year: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association Individual Partner of the Year: Terrence Johnson, Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Community Partner of the Year: South Pittsburg, TN J.E.D.I. Path Award: The Shoals, AL Excellence in River Animation: Calvert City, KY Excellence in River Stewardship: Hardin County, TN Event of the Year: Bridgeport, AL Powered by Partnerships: Meigs County, TN Extra Mile Awards: John Bobenage Bridgeport, Al. Blair Travis Calvert City, Ky. Terri Chapin - Chattanooga Rena Purdy Clifton, Tn. Jeanne Payne Decatur, Al. Julie Patton Guntersville, Al. Beth Pippin Hardin County, Tn. Brandi Quick Huntsville, Al. Lydia Pennington - Jackson County, Al. Sheryl Ely Knoxville Simon Bradbury Loudon County, Tn. Sunshine Loveless - Meigs County, Tn. Suzi Davidson Paducah, Ky, Bonnie Angus Roane County, Tn. Walker Henley South Pittsburg, Tn. Norm McCowan - Spring City, Tn. Terrence Johnson The Shoals, Al. All of our partners have made meaningful and essential contributions to the Tennessee RiverLine initiative this past year, said Lizzy Gardner, Tennessee RiverLine programs director. Were moved by the effort and commitment these recipients have shown, and its their impacts that will further inspire the work we share to make the Tennessee RiverLine vision a reality. All awardees were recognized at the 2023 Tennessee RiverLine Summit, presented by Board Safe Docks. This years Summit convened more than 140 partners from across the region for three days of engaging sessions and excursions at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge in Guntersville, Al. Award recipients are nominated by members of the Tennessee RiverLine staff, the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership and Local Leadership Team members of each Tennessee RiverTowns community. All award recipients received a custom plaque commemorating their achievement. The award plaques are designed and fabricated by University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students at the College of Architecture and Designs Fab Lab. Visit tnriverline.org for more details about each award. The Conasauga Drug Court announces the graduation of four individuals from the drug court program last Thursday.The 24-month program is designed for non-violent offenders struggling with addiction, and provides a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Those in the program receive counseling and have access to other support services. Graduates have shown commitment to overcoming addiction and making positive changes in their lives, officials said.Addiction is a life destroyer, and can be a death sentence for a lot of people, said Superior Court Judge Jim Wilbanks during the ceremony.We are fighting a war against drugs, and this is our effort to do something with this program.The graduation ceremony took place at the Whitfield County Courthouse and was attended by family members, friends and representatives from the community. The graduates received certificates of completion and were recognized for their hard work and dedication.One graduation requirement is to write a letter to Judge Wilbanks and the drug court team.You (Judge Wilbanks) and your staff believed in me even before I could believe in myself, said one of the drug court graduates, Eric Green, while reading his letter."The Conasauga Drug Court would like to extend its congratulations to the graduates, Krista Dyer, Eric Green, Amanda Miller and Nick Vandiver. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and we would also like to thank the community for its continued support," officials said.For more information on the Conasauga Drug Court, visit: Chuck Day of Spring City has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community. Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, the fellowship is one of the Foundations highest recognitions, honoring the commitment to humanitarian service. Mr. Day is a member of the Spring City Lions Club. He recently received a commemorative plaque and lapel pin acknowledging his dedication to the foundations humanitarian goals. As a Melvin Jones Fellow, Mr. Day becomes a part of the growing network of individuals who are committed to improving the quality of life for people locally and in communities around the world. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is a recognition presented to those who donate $1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others. It is the backbone of LCIF, providing 75 percent of the Foundation's revenue. Contributions can be made by individuals (including non-Lions), clubs or districts. Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including providing disaster relief, saving sight, supporting youth and combating disability. There are more than 476,000 Melvin Jones Fellows worldwide who provide more than 75 percent of the Foundations revenue. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times study as the #1 non-governmental organization with which to partner. Nearly $3 million in federal funds will become available to support the creation of affordable housing units across Chattanooga beginning in July 2023, as part of three local programs managed by the Citys Division of Housing and Community Investment. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the programs provide grants and forgivable loans to developers, landlords, and non-profit organizations for the development of new affordable units and the rapid repair and renovation of vacant units. The City is hosting a workshop to discuss the opportunities with interested parties this Thursday, Feb. 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Development Resource Center. Were working hard to increase Chattanoogas affordable housing supply in every neighborhood, and a huge part of that is making the market more attractive for builders and landlords to develop and rent affordable units, said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. Thats why programs like these are so important they offer financial incentives that will help catalyze the creation of affordable homes across the city, so that Chattanoogans can access quality housing at every price point. Two of the programsthe Rapid Rental Repair Program and the Landlord Renovation Programprovide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to landlords to assist with the costs of repairing and renovating vacant rental units. Landlords are then required to re-rent the units to individuals and families who make no more than 60 percent of Chattanoogas area median income, at a cost that does not exceed 30 percent of their monthly income. The third program provides funding to developers through the HOME Investment Partnership to support up to 50 percent of the construction costs for similarly affordable units, at a maximum of $40,000 per unit. Applications for CDBG funding are due by Feb. 28. The application for HOME-funded projects will be available year-round. We are laser-focused on developing the tools we need to increase the supply of affordable home ownership and rental opportunities for all Chattanoogans, and that includes deepening development incentives for local builders and landlords, said Chief Housing Officer Nicole Heyman. Im grateful for our strong partnership with HUD, which makes programs like these possible. My team and I will be working to expand and enhance similar funding opportunities in the months ahead. Building a toolbox to catalyze affordable housing development is a key strategy in Mayor Kellys ongoing work to increase accessibility to housing in every neighborhood. Last year, Mayor Kelly launched a $100 million affordable housing initiative, which included an unprecedented $33 million in this years budget to help create and preserve hundreds of affordable homes. Since taking office, his administration has supported the development of more than 380 new affordable units through HUD funds, with another 230 planned using American Rescue Plan dollars. The City is also conducting a top-to-bottom redesign of its land use and zoning codes to make it easier for builders to construct the types of housing that most residents can afford. Unilever announced the appointment of Hein Schumacher as its new Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive, global search process. Hein will replace Alan Jope, who announced in September 2022 his intention to retire from Unilever. Hein is currently CEO of the global dairy and nutrition business Royal FrieslandCampina and became a Non-Executive Director of Unilever in October last year. He will begin as Unilever CEO on 1 July 2023, after a one-month handover period. Hein is a business leader with an excellent track record across multiple leading companies in the consumer goods industry. As CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina, an 11bn turnover business operating in over 40 countries, he has delivered significant portfolio and organisation change as part of transforming it into a more focused, growth-driven and sustainable business. Prior to joining Royal FrieslandCampina as CFO in 2014, Hein worked for H.J. Heinz for over a decade during a time of significant change at the company across the US, Europe and Asia. In his last four years at Heinz, he was based in China, where he led a turnaround of the Asia Pacific zone. Hein began his career in finance at Unilever, before joining Royal Ahold NV. Hein Schumacher will receive annual fixed pay of 1.85m, be eligible to receive annual bonus and Performance Share Plan awards, and relocation support, all in line with Unilevers existing remuneration policy. His salary puts him at the median of our benchmark companies. He will also receive share-based awards to replace the loss of incentive payments from his previous employer. Further details of his remuneration arrangements will be set out in the 2022 Directors Remuneration Report. Light scattering detection (LS) is a widely used technique to obtain the absolute or true molecular weight of macromolecules such as synthetic polymers, biopolymers, proteins, and antibodies and to characterize these. When coupled with size exclusion chromatography (SEC), molecular weight and size, as well as aggregation or branching can be investigated to provide analytical scientists with a powerful tool for the characterization of polymers, proteins, or antibodies. Whether new biopharmaceutical products or polymers with tailored properties, the macromolecules complexity increases, requiring even more extensive and in-depth characterization. With limited amounts of costly samples available for analysis, new technologies are needed that revolutionize analytical characterization. This is exactly what Tosoh Bioscience has achieved with the completely novel LenS3 MALS detector: The first significant advancement in light scattering technologies in four decades. In this white paper, you will learn how to ... Pope Francis is opening a six-day visit to Congo and South Sudan on Tuesday, aiming to bring a message of peace to two countries riven by poverty, conflict and what Francis has called a lingering colonialist mentality that still considers Africa ripe for exploitation. Aid groups are hoping Francis trip will shine a spotlight on two of the worlds forgotten conflicts and rekindle international attention on some of Africas worst humanitarian crises, amid donor fatigue and new aid priorities in Ukraine. But Francis trip will also bring him face-to-face with the future of the Catholic Church: Africa is one of the only places in the world where the Catholic flock is growing, in terms of practicing faithful as well as fresh vocations to the priesthood and religious life. That makes his trip, his fifth to the African continent in his 10-year pontificate, all the more important as Francis seeks to make his mark on reshaping the church as a field hospital for wounded souls where all are welcome and poor people have a special pride of place. Yes, Africa is in turmoil and is also suffering from the invasion of exploiters, Francis told The Associated Press in an interview last week. But he said the church can also learn from the continent and its people. We need to listen to their culture: dialogue, learn, talk, promote, Francis said, suggesting that his message would differ from the scolding tone St. John Paul II used in 1980 and 1985 when he reminded Congolese priests and bishops of the need to stick to their celibacy vows. Congo, Francis first stop, stands out as the African country with most Catholics hands down: Half of its 105 million people are Catholic, the country counts more than 6,000 priests, 10,000 nuns and more than 4,000 seminarians 3.6% of the global total of young men studying for the priesthood. Congolese faithful were flocking to Kinshasa for Francis main event, a Mass on Wednesday at Ndolo airport that is expected to draw as many as 2 million people in one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in Congo and one of Francis biggest Masses ever. There are people who chartered planes to come here because there were so many of them! marveled Inniance Mukania, who travelled to Kinshasa from the Kolwezi diocese in southern Congo. On the eve of the popes visit, President Felix Tshisekedi met with foreign diplomats in Kinshasa and told them the visit was a sign of solidarity particularly with the battered populations of the eastern part of the country, prey to acts of violence and intolerance that you are witnessing. Jesus-Noel Sheke, technical coordinator of the organizing committee for the papal visit, said nearly everything was ready at Ndolo, where organizers have arranged for 22 giant screens to carry the service live. There are only a few decorations left, he told journalists of the preparations over the weekend. They will be done the day before. The trip was originally scheduled for July, but was postponed because of Francis knee problems. It was also supposed to have included a stop in Goma, in eastern Congo, but the surrounding North Kivu region has been plagued by intense fighting between government troops and the M23 rebel group, as well as attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State group. The fighting has displaced some 5.7 million people, a fifth of them last year alone, according to the World Food Program. Instead, Francis will meet with a delegation of people from the east who will travel to Kinshasa for a private encounter at the Vatican embassy. The plan calls for them to participate in a ceremony jointly committing to forgive their assailants. While the people of Goma were saddened that Francis wont be visiting the east, we hope with the visit that the pope can bring a message of peace to the people of Congo who need it, said Providence Bireke, a Goma-based manager with AVSI, an Italian aid group active in the area. The second leg of Francis trip will bring him to South Sudan, the worlds youngest country where continued fighting has hampered implementation of a 2018 peace deal to end a civil war. Francis first voiced his hope of visiting the majority Christian country in 2017, but security concerns prevented a visit and only contributed to worsening a humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than 2 million people. The South Sudan stop also marks a novelty in the history of papal travel, in that Francis will be joined on the ground by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields. The aim of the three-way visit is to show a united Christian commitment to helping South Sudan make progress on the implementation of the 2018 accord. Francis presided over a similar joint initiative in 2019 in the Vatican when he famously got down on hands and knees and kissed the feet of South Sudans rival leaders, begging them to make peace. Since then, progress on implementing the accord in particular creating a unified army comprised of government forces and opposition fighters has been painfully slow, said Paolo Impagliazzo of the SantEgidio Community, which has spearheaded an initiative to bring the groups that didnt sign onto the 2018 accord into the process. The visit will bring hope to the people, Impagliazzo said in an interview in Rome. And I believe the visit will strengthen the churches the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, the local church that are playing a critical role in bringing about peace and dialogue in South Sudan. One area of particular concern remains the widespread availability of firearms among the civilian population, which has led to continued fighting in areas as cattle herders seek more land or faction leaders seek to gain more territory, he said. The Small Arms Survey estimated in 2017 that there were some 1.2 million firearms in the possession of South Sudanese civilians, or 1 for every 10 people. The estimate was believed low and pales in comparison to the number of per capita firearms in Europe or the U.S., but remains an outstanding issue that will not go ahead until we have the possibility to have a unified army, Impagliazzo said. Francis has long denounced the weapons industry, calling traffickers merchants of death. In the AP interview, he repeated his condemnation. The world is obsessed with having weapons, Francis said. Instead of making the effort to help us live, we make the effort to help us kill. Kamale and Ntshangase reported from Kinshasa, Congo. Sam Mednick contributed from Dakar, Senegal. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Pet-sitting services in high demand during Spring Festival holiday People's Daily Online) 09:29, January 31, 2023 A cat drinks water from a smart drinking fountain at its home in Beijing. (OUYANG SHIJIA/CHINA DAILY) Demand for pet-sitting services soared during the Spring Festival holiday in China, as many pet owners went on vacations or returned to their hometowns during the seven-day holiday. Mr. Zhang, who works as a part-time pet-sitter, said he was busiest during the first four days of the holiday, and became less busy with five orders on Jan. 26, as the holiday came to an end and many owners prepared to return home. Starting before Chinese New Years eve, he has earned some 2,000 yuan (about $296) so far. Zhang's services for cats include feeding, preparing drinking water for them, and disposing of their waste. He charged 35 yuan per cat, and around 60 yuan for those that lived far away. "For clients who owned more than one cat, I charge another five yuan for each cat," he explained. To date, he has taken care of nearly 50 cats. Looking after dogs can be more demanding as they need to be walked. Another pet-sitter surnamed Li charged 30 yuan for each pet, but asked for an extra ten yuan for a playful one. One of the dogs she took care of was a spirited Shiba Inu dog. "It always dashed around every time I walked it," she recalled. Apart from giving dogs food, one dog owner asked her to cook a dinner for the dog on Chinese New Year's Eve. "I made a dinner with Chinese cabbage, duck heart, duck liver and chicken breast." There was also demand for taking care of turtles, fish and birds. A caretaker surnamed Chen explained that she had to change the tank water for fish and turtles, and found that attending to the two aquatic species is not particularly time-consuming. Mr. Lin, an executive of Cocofei, a pet service platform, said that around 3,000 orders for pet-sitting were placed on the platform during the Spring Festival holiday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, but there was a serious shortage of pet-sitters. He said that his company charged from 30 to 100 yuan for each pet, cheaper than in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Some pet owners paid generously but had more requirements, such as providing companionship for pets. Lin said that pet owners opt for pet-sitting services for many reasons. One major reason is that cats, for example, enjoy consistency. If they are taken to a new house, they could become stressed out the entire time, making it a better option to leave them at home and have someone stop in to check on them. (Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Du Mingming) As five Memphis police officers attacked Tyre Nichols with their feet, fists and a baton, others milled around at the scene, even as the 29-year-old cried out in pain and then slumped limply against the side of a car. Just like the attack on George Floyd in Minneapolis nearly three years ago, a simple intervention could have saved a life. Instead, Nichols is dead and the five officers are charged with second-degree murder and other crimes. More disciplinary action may be coming now that the harrowing video of Nichols treatment has been released. Memphis police relieved two other officers of duty Monday and say the department is still investigating what happened. The Memphis Fire Department also fired three emergency response workers who arrived on the scene for failing to assess Nichols condition. The Memphis and Minneapolis police departments are among many U.S. law enforcement agencies with duty to intervene policies. The Memphis protocol is clear: Any member who directly observes another member engaged in dangerous or criminal conduct or abuse of a subject shall take reasonable action to intervene. Its not just a policy, its the law. The three Minneapolis officers who failed to step in and stop former Officer Derek Chauvin from kneeling on Floyds neck as the Black man said he couldnt breathe were all convicted of federal civil rights violations. Experts agree peer pressure, and in some cases fear of retribution, is on the minds of officers who fail to stop colleagues from bad actions. Theyre afraid of being ostracized, said George Kirkham, a criminology professor emeritus at Florida State University and former police officer. Youve got to depend on those guys. Its the thin blue line. When you get out there and get in a jam, youve got nobody else to help you but other cops. Nichols was pulled over in a traffic stop the night of Jan. 7. Body camera video shows he was beaten as officers screamed profanities, even as Nichols seemed confused about what he did wrong. Amid the chaos, he ran and was eventually caught at another intersection, a short distance from his mothers house. Security camera images from that scene show two officers holding Nichols to the ground as a third appears to kick him in the head. Later, another officer strikes Nichols repeatedly with a baton as another officer holds him. Officers pull Nichols to his feet, though hes barely able to stand. An officer punches him in the face, and Nichols stumbles, still held up by two officers. After more punches, he collapses. But the attack continues. When it ends, Nichols is slumped against a car. It would be more than 20 minutes before medical attention was rendered, though three members of the fire department arrived on the scene with medical equipment within 10 minutes. Those workers, two medics and a lieutenant who was with them, were the personnel fired late Monday. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington-based think tank, said duty to intervene policies became common after officers attacked and badly injured Rodney King in Los Angeles in 1992. But having a policy and overcoming what many would argue is the culture in policing are two different things, Wexler said. Its not enough to simply have a policy. You need to practice. You need to talk through it. In some cases, concerns by officers about retaliation for intervening have proven true. In Buffalo, New York, Officer Cariol Horne was a year away from collecting her pension when she faced departmental charges after pulling a fellow officers arm from around the neck of a domestic violence suspect in 2006. She was fired. In 2021 a state Supreme Court judge reinstated her pension and overturned her dismissal. Last year in Sunrise, Florida, Sgt. Christopher Pullease was criminally charged after an incident caught on video in which an unidentified female officer pulled Pullease by the belt away from a handcuffed suspect after Pullease pointed pepper spray at him. Pullease responded by putting a hand on his colleagues throat and pushing her away, the video showed. Experts were also perplexed that no police department supervisors were present during the Memphis incident. Had there been, they said, the outcome might have been different. I was a supervisor for a long time, and you showing up on the scene even unannounced keeps people from doing, for lack of a better adjective, stupid things, said former New York City Police Sgt. Joseph Giacalone, who teaches at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Memphis Police Director Cerelyn CJ Davis said the police department has a supervisor shortage and called the lack of a supervisor at the incident a major problem. Davis on Saturday disbanded the citys so-called Scorpion unit, whose officers were involved in the beating. University of Missouri-St. Louis criminologist David Klinger said decisions on whether to intervene in a police colleagues actions are not always cut and dried. He said one officer may see a weapon that is blocked from the view of another, for example, and stepping in at the wrong time could jeopardize the lives of officers at the scene. Training has to be precise about the sorts of circumstances that would warrant an intervention, Klinger said. The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer, Katharina Buczek. Do you ever wake up and feel like you are the star of your very own Groundhog Day? Each morning, you probably step out of bed at around the same time before heading downstairs to prep some coffee or tea. Then, you participate in the same skincare and makeup routine before heading out the door to sit in the same old traffic on your commute to work. Finally, by the days end, you might return home, walk your dog, cook your dinner, and turn on your favorite comfort television show. Around this time of year, mine is Gilmore Girls. Now, this might not sound like that bad of a day. In fact, Im sure that many people would be grateful to have stable employment with normal hours, food in the fridge, and a streaming service like Netflix ready to help them decompress every evening. But if you have all of these things and still feel unfulfilled, uninspired, or kind of empty inside, you are not overreacting, and you should not feel ungrateful. Instead, this hamster wheel of life can take a very real toll on your mental health, no matter what industry you work in or where you live. Nowadays, high productivity and habit stacking are the touted ideals of our society. It is even quite impossible to go on social media without encountering at least one daily routine video which features the same monotonous tasks completed in the same mindless order every single day. Dont get me wrong: routines can be great. The structure can provide people with feelings of stability and consistency and help them maintain valued areas of their lives for instance, physical health or a clean home. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) does not ask its pastors to subscribe to extensive statements of faith. The denomination wants church leaders to unify around six essential doctrines concerning salvation, the Bible, the significance and mission of the church, the role of the Holy Spirit, and freedom in Christ. And since 2015, it has also asked ECC ministers to refrain from participating in same-sex weddings. That last detail has become a sticking point for some ECC pastors who have changed their position on whether or not faithful Christians can be in same-sex relationshipsand whether or not that should be a litmus test for fellowship. We agree on 99.9 percent of things, said Micah Witham, an LGBT-affirming pastor at Awaken Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This one matter I would contend is a nonessential. This summer the denominations pastors will vote on whether or not to expel Awaken and Quest Church, in Seattle, for their positions on LGBT issues. The Covenant Executive Board voted in October 2022 to remove both from the roster of ECC churches after pastors from the Washington State and Minnesota congregations participated in same-sex weddings. This isnt a new fight for the ECC. In 2018, the denomination suspended a North Park University chaplain who officiated a wedding for two men. The following year, First Covenant Church, a prominent and historic Minneapolis congregation, was expelled after church leaders said they would affirm LGBT members, host same-sex weddings, and ordain married gay people. Some hoped the decisive action would settle the issue. But Dan Collison, pastor of First Covenant, said at the time he didnt think the conversation was over. Ultimately, it becomes a question of what is love about and what is inclusion about, he said. The denomination, founded by Swedish immigrants in 1885, has long emphasized theological diversity and the importance of freedom in Christ. New members are taught that a lot of Scripture is open to interpretation and faithful Christians can differ on peripheral issues. Doctrines that are considered nonnegotiable in many Christian traditionssuch as the proper way to baptize a new believerare deemed open for reasonable disagreement in the ECC. The denomination seeks to stand in the center and allow a lot of leeway on everything else. But more than 850 US congregations do not all agree on whether the theology of human sexuality is periphery or center. For many, the authority of Scripture is at stake. In the last few years, however, the main divide is over whether or not to fight about the issue. Paul Lessard, executive minister of the ECCs church health initiative, said several pastors have petitioned the annual gathering to reconsider the position on marriage it established in 1996, when it issued a statement affirming heterosexual marriage, faithfulness within marriage, abstinence outside of marriage. In 2004 the Annual Meeting made this statement the basis for the ECCs policy, practice, and guidelines, positions that pastors must agree to support in their ordination vows. The Annual Meeting voted again in 2015 to keep its established position on marriage. Each time, the denominational gathering has voted against adding those petitions for reconsideration to the agenda. Its perceived as squashing the conversation, but it is actually the people saying, No, we dont want to have that conversation. We dont think we need to open the conversation, Lessard told CT. Some ECC ministers who have become affirming have accepted this and chosen to voluntarily withdraw from fellowship. By choosing not to leave, Awaken and Quest are forcing the ECC to have the conversation. People have started to voluntarily remove themselves over issues of human sexuality, Lessard said. If they choose to stay and be involuntarily removed, it is because they are seeking to be prophetic. Quest pastor Gail Song Bantum said on Facebook that the decision to force removal was intentionally disruptive, but thats necessary to shift a culture. My lifes call has always been about shifting existing cultures toward greater diversity and possibility, she wrote. I trust that this removal process and the conversations that emerge will press all of us to acknowledge and be honest about where we are on the spectrum of truly embodying difference and liberation. Quest, which was planted by Eugene Cho in 2001, currently describes itself as fully affirming and says on its website it welcomes everyone including, but not limited to, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, and Queer folks to all levels of involvement in the church. At Awaken in St. Paul, however, Witham said the church is not trying to be prophetic but just faithful to the people and the context in which we find ourselves. He said, Were just asking to stay, not that people change their posture or position. The division over sexuality is commonly thought of as a fight between progressives and conservatives, but some in the ECC say the deeper issue is the lack of racial diversity in the denomination. You dont see any non-white denomination going through this battle, said Shaun Marshall, an ECC pastor who served as the denominations director of congregational vitality. You dont see any nonwhite Christian denomination battling back and forth. According to Marshall, both the inclination to rewrite the Bible to accommodate changing social mores and the impulse to kick people out for straying from traditional Christian positions are evidence of whiteness. He wants the denomination to discuss that when it gets together in June. When you focus on deconstructing whiteness, all the fear and control will become apparent on both sides, he said. Focus on repenting for the ways you have bowed down to the idolatry of whiteness. Top church leaders have also expressed concern that conversations about LGBT issues are distractions. In 2019, the president of ECC warned about groups diverting our focus away from topics such as immigration, mass incarceration, justice, and evangelismmatters that have never needed the presence of the faithful more than they do now. In 2023, however, church leaders will be forced to vote on what do about Awaken and Quest, deciding whether or not theres room in the ECC to agree to disagree on human sexuality. Most observers think they know what the answer is. Part of being a Covenant church is agreeing to stand in the same space on these issues, Lessard said. Whats interesting in the conversation is the sense [from the affirming ministers] that if you knew what I knew, if you knew the people I knew, if you read what I read, you would agree with me. We are saying We know those people, we read those books, and yet we continue to land on the same position. Andy Stanley to host conference for Christian parents of LGBT-identified kids Scheduled speakers include Evangelical pastor who resigned after board discovered son's attraction to minors Megachurch Pastor Andy Stanley, who has been the center of controversy following public comments he made regarding gay individuals in the Church having more faith in God, is scheduled to host a conference at his church for Christian parents of LGBT-identified children later this year. The Unconditional Conference is scheduled to be held Sept. 2829 at Stanleys North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. Stanley is listed as one of the conference speakers on the event page of the Embracing the Journey website. With a stated goal of helping parents demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus, the Unconditional Conference includes a scheduled lineup featuring Stanley, Embracing the Journey co-founders Greg and Lynn McDonald, former megachurch pastor John Ortberg, North Point Ministries Debbie Causey, and LGBT advocate Justin Lee. In a world that makes us choose sides, experience a conference from the quieter middle, reads a tagline on the site. In addition to being featured in the guest speaker lineup, Stanley himself offers an endorsement of the event, writing, Greg and Lynn have done a remarkable job with a difficult subject: raising a child who is gay in a conservative Christian culture that doesnt always know how to respond or how to help. They tackle tough issues with grace, compassion, and integrity. Embracing the Journeys stated mission is to build bridges between LGBT individuals, their families, and the church, not in spite of the [Bible] but because of the [Bible], drawing parents and children into a deeper relationship with each other and vertically with God. In addition to the McDonalds, the lineup includes Ortberg, an Evangelical pastor who resigned from Menlo Church in Northern California in July 2020 after the churchs board of elders learned he allowed his son to serve as a volunteer in childrens ministry despite knowing he was attracted to minors. Ortberg, who had pastored the multi-campus Menlo Church since 2004, reportedly learned his youngest son, Johnny, was attracted to children in July 2018. The board of elders later said their leader exhibited poor judgment but that no harm was done to any minor in the Menlo Church community based on their investigation. Causey, who wrote a book about her own son coming out as homosexual with featured endorsements from the McDonalds and Lee, is the director of Care for North Point Ministries and is featured on several videos and other pages of the Embracing the Journey site. Lee, whose Nuance Ministries website features the tagline "Bridging the LGBTQ/Christian divide," spoke of non-affirming Christians in a 2017 interview. "Its really easy for us to feel like, 'The work is done, everybody gets it, except for maybe a few extremists out there.' Thats just not the case. The reality is in the United States, and around the world, there are lots and lots of LGBT folks and their families who feel incredibly alone in Christian spaces," he told the progressive Christian magazine, Sojourners. He added, "I think its still important to keep the dialogue open with folks that are not affirming in a way that recognizes where theyre coming from, but also recognizes our own needs as human beings. Theres kind of a tough balance. Its a tough place to be." Notably, another one of the endorsements for the McDonalds comes from Kathy Baldock, executive director of Canyonwalker Connections, which aims to repair the division existing between social and Christian conservatives and[LGBT] communities. Baldock was part of the team behind the film "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture," a documentary released last November that claims a mistranslation of the Bible is to blame for Christians believing that homosexuality is a sin. Neither Stanley nor Embracing the Journey responded to requests for comment from The Christian Post. Stanley drew controversy earlier this month after a video of a sermon he gave during North Point's Drive Conference in May 2022 went viral. In the clip, Stanley is heard telling the audience that any LGBT individual who continues to go to church has "more faith than a lot of you." "A gay person who still wants to attend church after the way they've been treated, I'm telling you, they have more faith than I do," Stanley said. "They have more faith than a lot of you." The son of Charles Stanley, famed pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Andy Stanley has courted controversy over his comments about the LGBT community in the past. In 2015, Stanley said local congregations should be the "safest place on the planet for students to talk about anything, including same-sex attraction." During a message delivered at a two-day church leadership summit in Southern California, he said: "We just need to decide, regardless of what you think about this topic no more students are going to feel like they have to leave the local church because they're same-sex attracted or because they're gay. That ends with us." In 2018, he also told his congregation they should "unhitch" their theology from the Old Testament. Pro-life church 'heartbroken' after young child found alive in dumpster Members of a small pro-life church in Ardmore, Oklahoma, were left heartbroken Saturday after local police discovered a baby in their dumpster. While Ardmore police did not identify the church where they found the child in the dumpster, Associate Pastor Ed Skidmore of House of Prayer on Harris Street told The Christian Post in an interview Tuesday that the baby was found at their church. Of course we were absolutely heartbroken, Skidmore said. Were pro-life from the moment of conception. We support babies in the womb. We support our local pregnancy center. We support mothers. Our hearts have gone out to the dad, the mom, the baby. We are absolutely heartbroken. The parents and baby have no known affiliation with the church where the child was left. Ardmore police told WLBT 3 that the young child was found around 3 p.m. and was in stable condition as of Saturday night but did not reveal much else about the discovery. Investigators did not immediately respond to requests from CP for more information. Skidmore told CP that investigators on the scene told him that it was the mother who alerted them that the baby was left in the dumpster and that no one was at the church at the time the baby was left there. I did talk to the police officers that were here and they did say that it was the mother that gave them the information to where the baby was and she was at another location. Thats all they would tell me, Skidmore said. He explained that while the baby was not a newborn, the child was several weeks old based on what he was told. Skidmore further noted that even though his small congregation of approximately 60 members does not offer support for mothers in crisis, the town has many resources to help. I do know that we have a wonderful pregnancy center here in town that works with lots of women and provides many avenues of help for women that are pregnant that want to keep their baby, he said. I dont know any of the circumstances behind the situation [but] I know this in this world without Christ, the enemy will try to tell us that there are permanent solutions to temporary problems, he said. And when we are not surrounded by people that really care for us it can spin out of control really fast. But we were heartbroken [by the dumping of the baby]. Skidmore said he doesnt know why the mother chose to dump her child but said he told his church, which has never experienced anything like this in the eight years he has served in leadership, it should be taken as a divine message to pray more. This is what I told my congregation. I dont know if this was an area of town that she lived in, I dont know. But I know that that baby was here so that we could be as a body praying specifically, he said. We just need to bind our hearts together to pray for the mom and dad and the child. We have a wonderful congregation. Were just heartbroken that somebody was put in a position of hopelessness like that. DeSantis proposes ban on critical race theory, diversity curriculum at Florida universities No more degrees in 'zombie studies,' governor tells reporters Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new series of proposed reforms Tuesday to the state's higher education system, including eliminating all diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory curriculum. During a media briefing at the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential nominee, laid out a sweeping package of changes he said would help "to ensure higher education is rooted in the values of liberty and Western tradition." Among those proposals is establishing tighter controls on faculty tenure, which in addition to the scheduled reviews that are currently administered, would allow Florida university boards and presidents to review tenured faculty "at any time." With State University System of Florida Chancellor Ray Rodrigues on hand, DeSantis said he wants to return "authority over the hiring process" back to university presidents. Alongside an effort to create "civics institutes" at three state campuses, DeSantis is also seeking to completely eliminate what he called the "bureaucracies" behind DEI and CRT curriculum. "We are also going to eliminate all DEI and CRT bureaucracies in the state of Florida," he said at the briefing. "No funding, and that will wither on the vine. And I think that's very important because it really serves as an ideological filter, a political filter." The critical race theory framework dates back to the 1970s. It is defined as a "movement" of "activists and scholars interested in studying and transforming the relationship among race, racism, and power." Encyclopedia Britannica defines critical race theory as "an intellectual movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is not a natural, biologically grounded feature of physically distinct subgroups of human beings but a socially constructed (culturally invented) category that is used to oppress and exploit people of colour." "[C]ritical race theorists hold that the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans," the reference resource states. Conservatives have argued that critical race theory is divisive and wrongfully vilifies members of certain races. At the event Tuesday, the governor's staff handed out fliers with the heading "Education not indoctrination" to members of the media who attended the briefing. In the flier, DeSantis advocates for changes to university standards and course content, which includes requiring Florida schools to "prioritize graduating students with degrees that lead to high-wage jobs, not degrees designed to further a political agenda." As part of the budget, the governor proposed $100 million for "recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities," along with "world-class civics institutes" at Florida State University, the University of Florida and Florida International University. The proposals were announced as both DeSantis and state lawmakers unveiled their budget and legislative agendas ahead of the session in March. They also come just weeks after a report requested by DeSantis found Florida academic institutions spent more than $34 million on DEI and CRT curricula. According to data from the Florida Department of Education, 12 State University System universities spent $34.5 million. Earlier this month, The College Board, a nonprofit organization that works to offer greater access to higher education, agreed to DeSantis' demand to revise its national Advanced Placement course in African American studies after it was found to contain CRT elements. The Florida Department of Education's Office of Articulation wrote a Jan. 12 letter to the College Board informing the oversight body that the course doesn't comply with state law. "The content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and lacks educational value," the letter reads. The relevant state law, known as the Stop WOKE Act, outlines a list of concepts that schools must not teach because they constitute discrimination based on "race, color, national origin, or sex." In response, Pastor Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg offered his church as a space to teach the subject. In an interview with The Christian Post, Oliver said he sees teaching the content of the course as essential to his congregation's mission. "We have an important job as Christians to know our history, to know the history of harm specifically that African Americans have experienced in this country," he said. "I lead a congregation that sees it as a central part of our faith to stand with those who are marginalized and oppressed because that's where Jesus always located himself." Mark Houck found not guilty of federal FACE Act charges after altercation near abortion clinic A jury on Monday found Mark Houck, the Catholic pro-life advocate and father of seven who faced 11 years in prison, not guilty of a federal violation related to an encounter with a Planned Parenthood clinic escort in Philadelphia. Houck was charged with two counts of violating the FACE Act in two incidents that occurred at a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic on Oct. 13, 2021. The federal indictment accused Houck of shoving abortion clinic escort Bruce Love in two separate incidents on the same day. The pro-life advocate was declared not guilty on all counts in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. "We are, of course, thrilled with the outcome," stated Peter Breen, executive vice president and head of litigation for the Thomas More Society, a nonprofit law firm that defended Houck. "Mark and his family are now free of the cloud that the Biden administration threw upon them. We took on Goliath the full might of the United States government and won," Breen continued. "The jury saw through and rejected the prosecution's discriminatory case, which was harassment from day one. This is a win for Mark and the entire pro-life movement. The Biden Department of Justice's intimidation against pro-life people and people of faith has been put in its place." As The Christian Post reported, in one incident, Houck was across the street from the facility and attempting to counsel two women when Love verbally confronted the pro-life advocate. Houck claimed that in the second incident, he was defending his son, who was 12 years old at the time, after Love became aggressive. Security footage of the confrontation showed the escort falling to the ground, injuring his elbow. The father and his son, Mark Houck Jr., testified Friday, the third day of the trial. On Thursday, defense attorneys requested a motion to dismiss the federal indictment. Brian McMonagle of the law firm McMonagle, Perri, McHugh, Mischak & Davis, alongside Breen, argued before Judge Gerald Pappert that the federal government had not made a strong enough case to prosecute Houck. This information was provided to CP via Pastor Bill Devlin, a friend of Houck's for over 20 years who had been present throughout the court proceedings. "We are deep brothers in the faith, and I've come alongside to undergird and support him because it's the presumption of innocent until the government can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mark Houck violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act," Devlin told CP. During every court recess, Devlin told CP that he would take people outside and lead them in prayer. Many also fasted in addition to praying that God would bring "victory" for Houck. According to Devlin, McMonagle said Houck's actions were not a violation of the FACE Act, which prohibits "violent, threatening, damaging, and obstructive conduct intended to injure, intimidate, or interfere with the right to seek, obtain, or provide reproductive health services." After hearing the arguments for dismissing the case, the pastor said that the judge stated, "It appears to me that the U.S. government is stretching the statute of the FACE Act." Federal prosecutors argued that Houck committed two violations of the FACE Act by preventing someone from entering the clinic and causing injury to Love by pushing him to the ground. McMonagle argued that Love initiated the confrontation that resulted in his injury and that the escort was in violation of the non-engagement policy described in Planned Parenthood's volunteer escort manual, which instructs them not to engage with the pro-life sidewalk counselors. The defense attorney argued that the case "never should have been brought to federal court" and the fact that it was brought to federal court is a "disgrace." The newly created state Office of Inspector General released its first annual report showing that it investigated nine incidents last year in which police officers used deadly force against suspects and it concluded that all but one was justified. All nine cases of use of deadly force involved law enforcement officers firing at or toward suspects. Three suspects died of gunshot wounds, four recovered after being shot and in two cases officers fired at vehicles to prevent suspects from driving them over, the inspector general found. The one shooting found not to be reasonable or justified involved the Jan. 15, 2022 death in West Haven of Mubarak Soulemane. Soulemane was shot after leading the state police into West Haven in a stolen automobile after a long chase on Interstate 95. After the stolen car had been stopped, state trooper Brian North fired seven shots through the drivers side window, striking and killing Soulemane, who was holding a knife. Inspector General Robert Devlin, a retired judge and state and federal prosecutor, concluded that neither North nor anyone else was in imminent danger when the shots were fired. Connecticut state trooper Brian North leaves Milford Superior Court on Thursday, where he entered a plea of not guilty on charges of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm in the 2020 shooting death of Mubarak Soulemane. North has been charged with manslaughter and the case against him is pending in Superior Court The office of Inspector General was created by the legislature in 2021 as part of a sweeping package of so-called police accountability reforms enacted in response to concern around the country about police violence. Devlin is the first appointee to hold the office. Among other things, the office is charged with investigating the use of deadly force by law enforcement and in-custody deaths The use of deadly force case that Devlin found to be justified or reasonable, involved: Roznovsky Machado, who was found to have rammed his automobile into a police vehicle in Naugatuck and pushed the police car toward an officer. The officer fired three times at the car Machado was driving, but did not hit him. Juan Esteban Villa Ramirez was wounded by a single shot fired by a Bridgeport police officer. At the time, Villa was stabbing someone else. Devlin concluded it was objectively reasonable and justified for the officer to shoot in an attempt to prevent a stabbing death. Shamar Ogman was fatally wounded by a Hartford police officer in 2020. Responding to a report of an armed man on Gilman Street, officers confronted Ogman, who was armed with what appeared to be a handgun and a rifle. Ogman took cover behind a dumpster and was shot when he raised his rifle and pointed it in the direction of the police, Devlin said. Dennis Lee Waiters Jr. was shot and wounded when a state and federal law enforcement task force blockaded his car at a stop light in Bridgeport as part of a weapons investigation. As an officer approached Waiters, he crashed his car into four other cars and then accelerated at the officer, who shot him in the leg. Devlin said it was objectively reasonable and justified for the officer to believe his life was in danger. Kenneth Strothers was shot and wounded by a police officer in Meriden in 2021. Devlin said his investigation concluded the shooting was justified because the officer had reason to believe that Strother possessed a handgun and had racked a round into the chamber in anticipation of shooting him. Cornelius McCullough was shot and wounded by a police officer in Derby in 2021. At the time, Devlin said McCullough was unlawfully firing a handgun at an occupied vehicle or threatened imminent use of deadly force against the officer. Marvin Owens, who was not hit by gun fire, was driving a box truck in New Haven when a Deputy U.S. Marshal, trying to serve him with three arrest warrants, fired five shots at one of the trucks front tires. Devlin said the marshal was justified in trying to disable the truck and protect himself and law enforcement colleagues who were endangered by Owens efforts to flee the scene to avoid arrest. Christopher W. Hagans was fatally wounded after firing at Stratford police officers who were trying to take him into custody on a felony arrest warrant. Devlin found that Hagans presented an imminent and grave threat of serious physical injury or death to the officers and nearby civilians. According to the report, the office is investigating seven more deadly force cases. The office of inspector general is also charged with investigating the death of prisoners being held both after arrest and after conviction. The report said that last year there were no in-custody deaths attributable to police use of force. But it said the office is investigating the deaths of prisoners who died while being held by police in Norwich, Manchester and South Windsor. The report said the state Department of Correction reported to the inspector general that 73 inmates died last year while serving prison sentences, but 30 of those were convicts who had been released on parole and not subject to inspector general jurisdiction and investigation. Of the remaining deaths, autopsies attributed 28 to natural causes. Nine more inmates died in custody of drug overdoses. Five died by suicide while in state custody, in all cases by hanging. Revelation 7: The Jewish evangelists who will win countless people to Christ Actor, filmmaker and liberal activist Rob Reiner once said, I think Jews are the smartest people in the world. For once, I agree with him. My respect for the Jewish people is profound. President John Adams said of them: The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. Adamss estimate of the Jews is borne out in the promise God made to Abraham, the father of their race when he called them out as a people: The Lord had said to Abram, Leave your native country, your relatives, and your fathers family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.' We owe so much to the Jewish people. It was through them God revealed himself. Moreover, it was through them that the Messiah, the worlds Savior, Jesus Christ came. God indeed gave them their own land. He did make them into a mighty nation. But he forewarned them from the start that if they forsook him and his commandments, if they became idolatrous, they would be vomited out of the land (Leviticus 18:24-30). They also rejected their Redeemer, Christ, and had him crucified. Thus, they were scattered throughout the nations for centuries and brutally oppressed and persecuted. Nevertheless, they are remarkably resilient, which demonstrates in a special way that God is not finished with them. Dr. George Sweeting, former president and chancellor of Moody Bible Institute, has written: A list of the persecution of the Jews since 1,000 B.C. would be many pages long, but just as God promised Abraham, every nation that has persecuted the Israelites has passed from the world scene; every ruler who has oppressed them has been deposed; and every society that has abused them has fallen. Sweeting also brings up another dynamic that shows the unique place of the Jewish people in Gods economy. He adds: [T]hroughout all the years of dispersion, the Jews held the hope of returning to the land God promised to their Fathers. Every year, each Jewish family that observes the Passover feast ends the ritual with the words Next year in Jerusalem. Incredibly, centuries after the dispersion, the modern state of Israel officially came into being on May 15, 1948. In our lifetime, we are seeing the people of Israel return to their homeland from all the nations of the earth, just as the Scriptures prophesied. In the face of unbelievable odds, this tiny nation has grown in a few decades to become a dominant force in the Middle East. And with these events, the stage is being set for the ultimate fulfillment of Gods purpose for Israel, his people. Revelation Chapter 7 appears as a parenthesis before the seventh seal of the scroll is opened. The Tribulation has been underway, but now four angels have been instructed to create a pause by holding back the winds of judgment temporarily. Then a fifth angel appears in the East. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, Wait! Dont harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants. And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God 144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel: From Judah 12,000, from Reuben 12,000, from Gad 12,000, from Asher 12,000, from Naphtali 12,000, from Manasseh 12,000, from Simeon 12,000, from Levi 12,000, from Issachar 12,000, from Zebulun 12,000, from Joseph 12,000, from Benjamin. After this, I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb! And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen. Then one of the 24 elders asked me, Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from? And I said to him, Sir, you are the one who knows. Then he said to me, These are the ones who died in the great Tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. That is why they stand in front of Gods throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. The identity of the 144,000 in this text has been a matter of some theological controversy. Some scholars argue its language shouldnt be taken literally but symbolically. They say these verses reference the Church, the new Israel, and the Church will go through the Tribulation. However, this approach to the passage hermeneutically seems to do violence to it. There isnt any clear example of the Church being called Israel in the New Testament. The apostle Paul also makes a clear distinction in Romans 11:25-26, saying: I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins.' Formerly the pastor of the First Baptist Church, Dallas, and sometimes called the prince of preachers, the late W.A. Criswell asked: What is wrong with taking the text as it is? What is wrong with understanding it as it is written? I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. That is what God said. Let us take the text as meaning just what he said. The 144,000 were all of the tribes of Israel. Someone may argue, Well, no one knows where the tribes of the children of Israel are anymore. Its an absurd interpretation. Are we to believe the One who will raise the dead from the earths elements; from the ground; from the ashes; from the waters; doesnt know the location of the 12 tribes? Here we are told this one 144,000 are sealed by God. They are elected by God, redeemed, and marked as His own. Its unclear what the seal is. Some contend the seal is the power of Gods Spirit. The apostle Paul told the Ephesians, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). However, this seems to be more of an outward sign than an inward one. The seal sets these Jews apart for protection during the wicked days of the Tribulation period. Its a seal like the circumcision required of the Jews in the days of Moses and the mark above the door which made the angel of death pass over the Hebrews in Egypt. Furthermore, its in contrast to the 666 seal voluntarily accepted and placed on the right hand or foreheads of the doomed mentioned later in Revelation. Lastly, the passage connects a great multitude so massive they cant be counted to the 144,000. They are people converted to Christ from all over the world during the Tribulation period, people who have suffered greatly for their faith, but are now dressed in white robes and safely worshipping in Heaven. So, what do we have here? There seems to be only one reasonable conclusion. The 144,000 are Jews who turn to Christ, become incomparable evangelists who proclaim the Gospel, win countless souls to the Savior from their own nation and every other in the world. And God specially protects them with a seal to complete this mission. The passion of a Jew in right relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ is an amazing thing to witness. The disciples of Christ were Jews; although their number was small, they turned the world of their day right-side up for Christ with their testimony. The apostle Paul was a Jew, writing most of the New Testament, penning 13 books, and evangelizing much of the Mediterranean. A more modern-day example would be Richard Wurmbrand, author of Tortured for Christ. Wurmbrand was a hardened atheist before his conversion. But an old carpenter in Rumania prayed, My God, I have served you on earth, and I wish to have my reward in heaven. But I wish my reward should be that I not die until I bring a Jew to Christ because Jesus was from the Jewish people. One day, Wurmbrand was strangely and irresistibly drawn to a little village where out of 12,000 people, he was the only Jew. Discovering that Wurmbrand was a Jew, Wurmbrand said, the old carpenter courted me as never a beautiful girl had been courted. The older man prayed for hours for Wurmbrands salvation and gave him a Bible to read. Wurmbrand finally gave his life to Christ and would become a central figure of the underground church in Romania, suffering tremendous persecution, yet bringing about the conversion of countless people to Christ. Shortly, there will be 144,000 Wurmbrands and innumerable people from every nation who will follow Christ after hearing their preaching. Dennis Prager, a conservative radio talk show host and author, as well as a Jew who is a graduate of the prestigious Yeshiva of Flatbush, has said: When Jews left Judaism, they didnt stop being religious. They simply swapped God-based Judaism for godless secular humanism and leftism. For left-wing Jews, Judaism is their ethnicity; leftism is their religion. According to Revelation, all of this will change in the future. Being the brilliant people they are and empowered by the Spirit of God, the Jews will realize Jesus is their Messiah and convince much of the world of the same. I can hardly wait. Did Andy Stanley do a 'great disservice' with comments on LGBT churchgoers? A now-viral video of Georgia Pastor Andy Stanley magnifying the faith of LGBT people over "most" of his own congregation has drawn sharp criticism from pastors and Christian thinkers alike, with one ministry leader claiming the megachurch pastor does God a "great disservice." The clip of Stanley, an influential pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, and the leader of North Point Ministries, comes from North Point's Drive Conference last May, where Stanley told churchgoers that any LGBT individual who continues to go to church has "more faith than a lot of you." "A gay person who still wants to attend church after the way they've been treated, I'm telling you, they have more faith than I do," Stanley said in the clip. "They have more faith than a lot of you." While drawing praise from some LGBT-affirming Christians, others such as David Hoffman, founder and director of the evangelism training ministry His Kingdom Enterprises in Tucson, Arizona, have accused Stanley of pandering to LGBT individuals over "straight people." "Stanley's attempt to magnify the faith of openly LGBT individuals over 'straight people' is total pandering to the dictates of secular pagan American culture and a rejection of Biblical truth," Hoffman told CP via email. "His most recent stance can be summed up by saying he believes gay people in his church have more faith 'than him' and the majority of his congregation, because they are willing to come to church even though historically Christian churches have not been accepting of homosexuality." Calling such a statement "absurd," Hoffman said homosexuality, just like a myriad of other sins, is clearly defined as sin in the pages of Scripture. "The disposition of the heart is very important in coming to saving faith. If a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a porn addict, or any other person stuck in sin, comes to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, He will forgive their sins and give them a new identity," he added. "The homosexual is in no different position than anyone else that is in need of coming to Jesus Christ and receiving forgiveness for their sins and receiving a new forgiven, sanctified, and righteous identity that is imputed to us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ." When it comes to fellowshipping and worshipping with unrepentant LGBT individuals, Hoffman said anyone who openly refuses to obey the clear teachings of Scripture is called to first repent before being welcomed into fellowship. He pointed to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, which states: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? 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. And such were some of you." Hoffman, a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University, said that standard still applies to unbelievers who refuse to acknowledge what is clearly defined as sin. "The Church is meant to be set apart. Biblically, the Church is the Body of Christ, not a building," he explained. "Hence, if someone is in open rebellion to God, they cannot be part of His body, regardless of the sin. The same standard applies to anyone that is not LGBT." But Hoffman distinguishes between unbelievers living in unrepentant sin and those who belong to Christ who struggle with same-sex attraction. "In no way am I talking about people that struggle with sin and are seeking to live a life of repentance and a life of overcoming temptation," he said. "Many people struggle with sin, and they struggle against their sin, seeking to give it no place in their lives. Fellowship and worship are fine for someone that struggles with same-sex attraction, or the person that has had past homosexual encounters that have been repented of, or even the person that wants God to change them but still feel stuck, but they have responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and no longer engage in same-sex relationships." In the same sermon, Stanley seemed to suggest that God has said "no" to the prayers of some of the LGBT community that asked Him to change their hearts. "I know 1 Corinthians 6, and I know Leviticus, and I know Romans 1, so interesting to talk about all that stuff," Stanley said. "But just, oh my goodness, a gay man or woman who wants to worship their heavenly Father, who did not answer the cry of their heart when they were 12 and 13 and 14 and 15. God said, 'No,' and they still love God? "We have some things to learn from a group of men and women who love Jesus that much and who want to worship with us," he continued. "I know the verses; I know the clobber passages, right? We got to figure this out. And you know what? I think you are." Hoffman said the topic of unanswered prayer is far more complex than Stanley's response. "He really does God a great disservice in this statement. Individual lives are complicated and hard to speak of in generalities," he added. "If there is one thing I have learned in ministry, it is that people are complicated. Childhood experiences are unique for each person. They often shape our experience of life and even shape our understanding of God many years later after the experiences even though we wouldn't think they could have such long-lasting effects. "It is always God's will to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ." Hoffman's His Kingdom Enterprises was founded in 2015 as a multi-faceted ministry that seeks to further the Gospel in local communities and equip believers to fulfill the Great Commission. CP reached out to North Point Ministries for comment on Wednesday. A response hasn't been received. In a column published Friday, Dr. Richard Land, CP Executive Editor and President Emeritus at Southern Evangelical Seminary in North Carolina, warned Stanley may have edged toward blasphemy with his comments. "Frankly, this is an astounding statement from a leading Evangelical pastor. When God did not answer 'the cry of their heart,' is he saying that God was wrong in not accepting their sexual orientation, or is he saying that God should have answered their prayer by changing that orientation?" wrote Land, a former head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. "Either option is blasphemous." Ultimately, Land wrote, it's about laying down not just sin but all that people cling to as their own to truly take up our cross and follow Christ on His terms. "When people of whatever background, behavior, or orientation come to God, they must come without reservation, forsaking all to follow Jesus as Savior," he wrote. "We throw ourselves on His mercy and trust Jesus and Jesus alone for salvation. He is Lord and Savior, and we come on His terms, not ours it is not a negotiation. "I fear the Rev. Stanley has drifted farther than he is aware from the biblical foundations of his youth, and all of his Christian brothers and sisters should pray for him, and all the Christians whom he influences, without ceasing." Archbishop of York says gay sex is OK if in committed, stable, faithful relationships' The Church of Englands Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, responded to pressure to answer whether homosexuality and same-sex marriage are sinful by saying the CofE's new stance on the issue is that it's OK, as long as couples are in "committed, stable, faithful relationships," adding that same-sex married couples will be "welcomed fully into the life of the Church, on their terms." This comes on the heels of the denominations recent decision not to officiate same-sex marriages but to offer blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships within its churches. BBC Radio Fours William Crawley asked the archbishop whether the CofEs recent decision not to officiate same-sex weddings while allowing gay marriages to be blessed was a bit of a fudge. Cottrell responded, I see it as a way of holding together a church which doesnt agree on this issue and it takes us to a place where LGBTIQ+ people, people entering into same-sex marriages, people in civil partnerships are able to come to the Church of England and those relationships and marriages can be acknowledged and celebrated. Crawley then asked if the denomination believes gay sex is sin, to which the archbishop replied, Well, what we are saying is that physical and sexual intimacy belongs in committed, stable, faithful relationships and therefore where we see a committed, stable, faithful relationship between two people of the same sex, we are now in a position where those people can be welcomed fully into the life of the Church, on their terms. Crawley said the CofE must be blessing same-sex unions because it believes it to be good. Archbishop Cottrell replied, As I say, we believe that stable, faithful, committed, loving relationships are good. They are the place for physical intimacy Crawley again asked, And not a sin? The archbishop then responded, But well, that thats what Im saying were looking to focus on the good in relationships and we want people to live in good, stable, faithful relationships. The group Christian Concern said Cottrells statement confirms the CofEs departure from its own biblical teaching on human sexuality which states that marriage is: in its nature a union permanent and lifelong, for better for worse, till death them do part, of one man with one woman. Andrea Williams, Christian Concern's chief executive who was also a member of the general synod for 10 years, said Cottrells comments embody the compromised position of the Church of England on human sexuality. The role of the Archbishop of York is to lead in explaining Gods beautiful pattern for human life and relationships, not to preside over a convoluted process of compromise. Sadly, it has been a failure of leadership from the start by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. For this, they will answer to God, and we must pray for them. It is not loving or kind to hide the truth from the culture, she said. What we have needed for so long on these issues is spiritual leadership from the Church of Englands hierarchy. Sadly, however, what we have seen is a relentless and determined capitulation to the spirit of the age from the Archbishop of York, among others. The church and Christians are called to be distinct from the world around them and yet the Archbishop has shown he is ashamed of the clear teachings of Jesus Christ. Earlier this month, CofE bishops apologized to the LGBT community for their rejection and exclusion within the denomination, saying they were now welcome and valued within the denomination. The CofE also announced its support for a proposal allowing same-sex couples to receive Gods blessings. We want to apologize for the ways in which the Church of England has treated LGBTQI+ people both those who worship in our churches and those who do not, the bishops said in a statement. "For the times we have rejected or excluded you, and those you love, we are deeply sorry. The occasions on which you have received a hostile and homophobic response in our churches are shameful, and for this we repent." "As we have listened, we have been told time and time again how we have failed LGBTQI+ people," the statement continues. "We have not loved you as God loves you, and that is profoundly wrong. We affirm, publicly and unequivocally, that LGBTQI+ people are welcome and valued: we are all children of God." Williams of Christian Concern said in a statement the apology could prove to be a "turning point" and signal the decline of the denomination. "Christianity teaches that sexual expression is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman. Any other form of sexual relationships are sexually immoral," Williams said. Candace Cameron Bure talks dangers of believing social media platitudes that misinterpret the Bible Candace Cameron Bure and podcaster Tara-Leigh Cobble recently discussed the imperative of reading God's Word instead of believing oft-repeated bumper sticker platitudes shared on social media that mangle the meaning of Bible verses. One such saying Cobble shared on the "Candace Cameron Bure podcast" is, Gods never going to give you more than you can handle. That phrase stems from verse 1 Corinthians 10:13, which is about temptation and says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV) Cobble said that decades-old saying that's still frequently shared on social media often leaves Christians in a state of despair because it makes them feel as though they have to handle their struggles alone, even if they feel overwhelmed. Often, Cobble said, Christians wont reach out for support from fellow believers because they heard the popularized phrase and were led to believe God hasnt given them a struggle they can't handle on their own. "A lot of things sound really good when you see them on social media," said Cobble, who co-hosted the first season of Bure's podcast. "These one-liners, like God's never going to give you more than you can handle. No, that is not the Bible! He does give you more than you can handle because other people can shoulder it [with] you, Cobble said. He can come along and equip and sustain you through that process. And so, those kinds of platitudes that make us feel really empowered, a lot of times are not accurate, she stressed. [Statements like that] are not biblically true. And that leads to a lot of despair when you feel like, Oh, man, I didn't have enough faith to pull that off for you. I guess I'm not strong enough. And so those things we have to measure them against Scripture. Cobble said that there are many other false popularized phrases that often lead Christians astray. And she said Christians will only know if a popularized phrase is false if they listen to the Holy Spirit who directs us to read the Word of God and use it as a measuring stick for truth. I don't have any wisdom of my own. Any wisdom that I speak to you or anybody else is given to me by God. It's Him at work in me and through me. Any comfort that I might offer anybody is meaningless if it all just terminates on some platitude I dreamed up, Cobble said. Bure reiterated that point, adding that along with discerning whether a common phrase is false or not, Christians must stay rooted in Christ by reading the Bible because thats where wisdom to discern is derived from. God tells us to 'put on kindness, gentleness, compassion, humility and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against one another, just as the Lord has forgiven you. You are also forgiven. And above all, put on love which is the perfect bond of unity, Bure said, citing Colossians 3. I put on my clothes every morning. I put on my makeup. I put on my lipstick. I put on my shoes to walk out my door. But the first thing I need to put on is kindness, put on compassion, put on humility and gentleness and patience," she said. "And those are things I need to be aware of. It's not easy," she added. "It's a choice that you make, and it's a choice that you practice. And you practice something enough that it becomes a habit. The fruit of the Spirit would not be possible without the Holy Spirits workings, Cobble added. [The fruit of the Spirit] is going to come from Him. He initiates it in us and moves us through that process with other believers. We have access to put those things on through the power of the Spirit and work within us, said Cobble, who hosts her own podcast, "The Bible Recap." It's like every day you're choosing to surrender to the Spirits work in you. You're choosing to die to self, to be kind to others who maybe are unkind to you. And it's the spirit who enables us to do that. He's the one at work in us to do all these beautiful things. Church, school reflect on faith of 5 young adults killed in car crash: 'We praised God, said our last goodbyes' The tremendous faith of the five young adults killed in a car accident on their way home from a Bible college was highlighted by their classmates and peers at vigils held at their church and school last week. According to KARK, students and teachers at Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas, joined together on Thursday for a balloon release to honor the lives of the young adults who lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Wyoming on their way back from visiting Jackson Hole Bible College. The deceased included Sylvan Hills High School seniors Susana "Suzy" Prime and Ava Luplow, Salomon Correa, 21, Maggie Franco, 20, and 23-year-old Andrea Prime, Suzy's sister. Juan Silva, a student at Jackson Hole Bible College in Wyoming, revealed the students were visiting him and died on their way home. He described his friends as good representatives of Christ and living like Christ. We went to go eat and we were talking about the Lord how good and wonderful His plans are, he said. We praised God and said our last goodbyes, but I didnt know it was going to be our last goodbyes. Whats comforted me a lot is Psalm 46:1 and it says that God is our refuge and strength very present help in trouble, Silva added. Isaac Riley, who was close friends with the students, said his hope is in God in the midst of the heartbreak. Although Im mourning, Im also rejoicing, he said. At a Monday night memorial service held at Faith Bible Fellowship in Little Rock, the church the young adults attended, Elizabeth Conway, an admissions officer at Central Baptist College, revealed that Luplow had just sent her a testimony for a scholarship to attend the college and Suzy Prime was working on hers as well. "They both just had those leader personalities, that's just how they were, every single one of them," she said, according to Arkansas Online. "It's just a blessing we've all been talking about how they all had some unsaved family members and they were always, each and every one of them, were praying for someone that was unsaved in their family consistently at church." The five young adults were driving on Interstate 80 two Sundays ago when a Dodge Ram was reported heading east in the westbound lanes. The pickup truck collided with a passenger car and commercial truck, forcing another truck to swerve into the other side of the road where the driver collided head-on with the students' Ford F-150. The truck and the students' vehicle were engulfed in flames, killing the five young adults and leaving others with critical injuries. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Arthur Nelson was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. He was charged with 11 crimes, five of which are for aggravated homicide by vehicle. Conway said the grieving community is clinging to their faith and taking comfort in the fact that the young people knew the Lord. "There's a different kind of peace that comes from ... we know for sure that every single one of them knew the Lord and that's just a blessing to know that they are probably dancing on streets of gold right now. It's definitely hard. We grieve with one another that they're not here, on Earth, they're not here for us to hug their necks and tell them how much they mean to us, she said. "Every single one of them just radiated the love of Christ so well," she said. "They were all examples to people wherever they went, people were looking up to them. They were an example of what it looks like to follow Christ faithfully." Elizabeth Dilts, a member of the church for two years, revealed her daughter was in Andrea Prime's Sunday school class. She said that despite her grief, she knows that the Prime sisters, Luplow, Correa and Franco, are all where they need to be, "with the Lord." "We're very thankful for people giving because it helps, I know to be able to do something helps yourself, like you feel like you can take part in the grief if you can help the family," she said. "Prayer is definitely the thing we want the most though. I know people will say that, but it really is true because you get to the end of yourself where you're like, I can't even pray anymore, I hope somebody's praying for me. That's kind of how a lot of us feel is like, you just get so tired and you need someone to take that burden." In a statement, the Bible college revealed the young adults had spent the week before the accident sitting in on classes and getting to know this year's student body, as well as catching up with staff who were previous classmates to three of them. All five attended Faith Bible Fellowship, a church of beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who we have come to love beyond words, the statement said. It is with inexpressible joy that we tell you that our friends had placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As a result, we know they are currently with Him, a reality we are quite envious of. Faith Bible Fellowship has set up a Cash App account for donations to the families of the deceased. Evangelical revivalist churches drawing more Catholics in DRC: Miraculous healing Congo is home to the largest Roman Catholic community in Africa, representing around 40% of the country's 96 million inhabitants. But many Catholics are reportedly attending Evangelical churches, which, they say, are more relevant to their needs, including "miraculous healing." Ahead of Pope Francis' four-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which begins Tuesday, Reuters took a look at the country's religious landscape. There are at least 30,000 revivalist churches in Congo, also known as "churches of awakening," the newswire stated, citing an association representing these churches. Deo Malela, a Catholic who regularly attends an Evangelical church in the eastern city of Beni, said some illnesses cannot be cured in hospitals, but instead require divine and miraculous healing that is unexplainable. "It does me good to have the base of the Catholic church and add these miracle solutions of the revival church," he said. Pastor Davis Alimasi, an Evangelical from Beni, told Reuters that people are drawn to the church because they discover "truth, healing and faith." The Holy Spirit communicates with them in various ways, he added. "There are illnesses where you can go to hospitals (and) you don't find solutions, but here you have a divine and miraculous healing that you can't explain," 28-year-old Malele told Reuters after attending an Evangelical service in Beni. The Evangelical movement in Congo grew in the 1980s when Mobutu Sese Seko was the country's president. At the time, he sought to counter criticism from Catholic citizens. Malela said the Catholic Church still provides him with a stronger sense of community and "political protection," so he has not departed from the church he was raised in. Evangelical churches continue to grow as the eastern DRC has been plagued by armed conflict and violence for decades. The pope's visit to DRC, the first by a pontiff since 1985, seeks to raise awareness about the decades-long conflict inflicting the country. Francis lamented the world's growing inability to weep in the face of injustice, AFP reports. Militia groups and rebel groups have long operated in the region. Among its major sources of violence and terror are the various ethnic-based militia groups, which have targeted civilians and government forces. These militia groups often fight for control of resources such as gold, tin and tungsten and have been accused of committing human rights abuses, including rape and murder. Earlier this month, at least 17 Christians were killed and dozens injured in a bombing that targeted an Evangelical church in Kasindi town in North Kivu province. The Allied Democratic Forces, a militant group that pledged its alliance to the Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the bombing, AFP reported at the time. The ADF is considered one of the most dangerous armed groups in the DRC, responsible for thousands of civilian deaths and bomb attacks. The group is also active in Uganda. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC has been deployed in the region since 1999 to protect civilians. However, it has faced challenges in effectively stemming the violence. Christian group rebukes former minister, Labour MP who claims Jesus never addressed sexual sins A U.K. Christian group has strongly condemned Member of Parliament Chris Bryant, a former Church of England minister and homosexual, for his statement in the House of Commons that there is no Biblical teaching against same-sex relationships or marriage. Bryant, who is married to his partner, made the statement during a House of Commons discussion about the Church of Englands recent decision to offer prayers of blessing for same-sex relationships. Is there any biblical teaching that says this is wrong? Any? Really? Did Jesus say a single word about same-sex relationships or marriage? I dont think he did. He said a great deal about love. The God of Love and St. Paul said in Christ there was neither male or female, nor Jew or Greek, and I think he probably would have also said neither gay or straight, Bryant, a member of the Labour Party, said. Ben John, who is affiliated with Wilberforce Academy, a one-week Christian program for young professionals run by Christian Concern, wrote an opinion piece disagreeing with Bryants statement in Parliament. John asserted in his op-ed piece that both Jesus and Paul addressed homosexuality as a sin that requires repentance and the offer of grace. When Jesus was asked a question about divorce, as mentioned in Matthew 19:4-6, He referred to Genesis saying that marriage is between a man and a woman, as they become one flesh. Jesus also affirmed the complementarity of the male and female gender in marriage and that it was rooted in creation, the author wrote. While speaking to Peter, Jesus said, as per Matthew 15:18-19, But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. In this passage, the author explained, sexual immorality is translated from the Greek word porneia, which is also referenced by Jesus in Matthew 5:32, 19:9 and Mark 7:21. The term is the origin of the word pornography, he wrote, adding that while it might seem unclear to modern listeners, those who heard Jesus speak would have understood the reference to Leviticus 18, which lists various sinful sexual acts, including incest, adultery, bestiality and homosexual acts. Even liberal scholars who disagree with their message acknowledge that the Bible does condemn homosexuality, John said in the article, quoiting Diarmaid MacCulloch: Despite much well-intentioned theological fancy footwork to the contrary, it is difficult to see the Bible as expressing anything else but disapproval of homosexual activity. John also quoted Revelation 2:20-23: I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. Therefore, those who continue in unrepentant sexual immorality do not truly love Jesus, the author wrote, adding that Bryant should be encouraged to repent and receive God's love and grace through forgiveness. Referring to Paul saying in the Bible that in Christ there is neither male or female, nor Jew or Greek, the author noted that Paul emphasized the unity and oneness in Christ, as shown in Galatians 3:27-29 where he says those baptized into Christ are one, regardless of their background. In contrast, the author added, Paul views homosexual relations as dishonorable, unnatural and shameful, as stated in Romans 1:26-27. Therefore we can say categorically: Jesus and Paul spoke about homosexuality. Homosexual practice is a sin that should be met with the call to repentance and the offer of grace, John wrote in the op-ed. Perhaps it is because the Church of England has been ordaining people like Bryant, who appear to know nothing of the teaching of Jesus, that we are in the state that we are in. For his part, Bryant defended his comments and responded to those who oppose his views on Jesus, the Bible and homosexuality in a Twitter thread on Thursday, writing: Starting with the obvious, the Bible was not written in English and theologians have haggled over what books shd be included for centuries. Each book was written in a specific time and cultural context. To fully grasp its meaning you have to read each book against its context. This includes the injunctions and prohibitions in the Torah such as in Exodus and Leviticus. Many things are considered abominations including breaking the Sabbath, eating pork or touching the skin of a dead pig. Some practices are not condemned but sanctioned, including selling your daughter into slavery and stoning. Even the most ardent born again fundamentalist would agree that we need to read these in the light of the teaching of Jesus and modern understandings of justice and science. Earlier this month, CofE bishops apologized to the LGBT community for their rejection and exclusion within the denomination, saying they were now welcome and valued within the church. The CofE also announced its support for a proposal allowing same-sex couples to receive Gods blessings and full inclusion in the denomination. However, it would not be officiating same-sex marriage ceremonies. We want to apologize for the ways in which the Church of England has treated LGBTQI+ people both those who worship in our churches and those who do not, the bishops said in a statement. "For the times we have rejected or excluded you, and those you love, we are deeply sorry. The occasions on which you have received a hostile and homophobic response in our churches are shameful, and for this we repent." "As we have listened, we have been told time and time again how we have failed LGBTQI+ people," the statement continues. "We have not loved you as God loves you, and that is profoundly wrong. We affirm, publicly and unequivocally, that LGBTQI+ people are welcome and valued: we are all children of God." Andrea Williams, Christian Concern's chief executive who was also a member of the general synod for 10 years, said in a statement the apology could prove to be a "turning point" and signal the decline of the denomination. "Christianity teaches that sexual expression is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman. Any other form of sexual relationships are sexually immoral," Williams said. School where first grader shot teacher reopens with tighter security, principal replaced Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, reopened Monday under the watchful eyes of local police with a new safety protocol and principal weeks after a troubled 6-year-old boy shot his teacher in the chest as she taught his class. "We had a lot of officers here. I didn't want it to be overwhelming, but I wanted those kids to know we support them, as well as the faculty and staff," Newport News Police Chief Steve R. Drew told CNN about the reason for their presence on the campus. "There was a lot of smiles, a lot of high-fives, some fist bumps going on." School district officials told the network that two metal detectors were installed at the school. New administrator, Karen Lynch, told parents in an announcement that officers were on campus Monday to "assist with the transition." Each student, she said, would also receive clear backpacks. "If your child brings a lunch to school or other items, please be aware that these items will go through metal detection and will be subject to search. All students and visitors must enter and exit the school building from the front main doors," Lynch said. While parents are anxious about returning to school, some praised the new efforts to improve safety. "It's sad that we have to go in and see all the officers there at an elementary school with these babies," DeDe Williams, the grandmother of a Richneck Elementary third grader, told CNN. "[B]ut it made my heart feel better that they were there, taking it serious." Another parent, Suzanne Turner, explained how anxious she was about the process. "All day, I think I've just been pacing. Every parent has. So just to hear how he was doing, once he said that he was happy. I was just like, 'OK, you're good,'" Turner told WAVY. Since the shooting of Abigail Zwerner, the 25-year-old teacher, on Jan. 6, it was revealed that she repeatedly begged school administrators for help with the boy, but her complaints fell on deaf ears. Children younger than 7 are presumed unable to form the intent to carry out an illegal act under Virginia law, but someone could be charged for failing to secure the gun used in the shooting, Drew previously explained. It was unclear how the boy gained access to the gun secured with a trigger lock and kept on the top shelf of his mother's bedroom closet. In a statement through attorney James Ellenson, the boy's family said they were praying for Zwerner, who was recently released from a local hospital. The family also noted that the boy has an "acute disability." "Our son suffers from an acute disability and was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day. Additionally, our son has benefitted from an extensive community of care that also includes his grandparents working alongside us and other caregivers to ensure his needs and accommodations are met," the statement said. "The week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives." Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems launches website to clear family name Intent on clearing his family's name from "salacious lies that cost us everything," embattled Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems has launched a new website to counter the narrative from current leaders of the Jacksonville, Florida, megachurch where he and his wife, Kerri, were ousted from leadership in 2022 due to allegations of abuse, including financial fraud. "In 2022, we were accused with salacious lies that cost us everything our life's work, the ministry we built for God's Kingdom, our jobs, our finances, our reputations, and even many of our dearest friends," Weems wrote on the website called ClearingOurName.com. "The problem is, the accusations that were made and the actions taken against us were lies not to mention illegal." Last April, an internal report released by the 12,000-member Celebration Church presented Weems and his wife as abusive, mentally troubled divas who constantly exploited church staff and finances until they were forced to resign from all their positions in the church earlier that month. They are fighting a push from current Celebration Church leaders to evict them from a Black Hammock Island home purchased as a parsonage. Celebration Church is demanding in a lawsuit that the Weemses vacate the million-dollar waterfront parsonage because they completely resigned from all work with the church in April 2022. In court documents, it is alleged that Celebration Church trustees analyzed the church's financial position in December 2021 and discovered that the Weemses made "several large financial transactions earlier in 2021 without notice to or authorization from the board." These transactions included "multiple large transfers to new for-profit entities that the Weemses intended to manage going forward." The motion claims that the church purchased a parsonage for $1.2 million that a company owned by Stovall Weems had purchased four months earlier for $855,000. The couple was also accused of improper use of $1 million worth of Paycheck Protection Program loan funds to purchase a speculative digital currency known as TurnCoin. In their own lawsuit against the church, the Weemses allege that they were defamed by the 22-page internal report produced by the Nelson Mullins law firm. "We all want to move forward and leave the painful emotions we've suffered behind us, but we can't heal without truth; we can't reconcile without truth. The truth must come out and everything must come to the light. Only then can we heal and reconcile," Weems wrote on the website. "Above all, as a man of God, a husband, and a father, I must clear my name and restore the dignity of my wife and kids, so they will no longer walk around this city under a cloud of shame." On the website, Weems, who is still on a period of prayer and fasting with his family, includes copies of his lawsuits against the church and a review of Celebration Church's internal report by former FBI Special Agent Tom Simon. Simon now works as a licensed private investigator in Florida. Simon, who said he had no prior relationship with Weems before he was asked to review the Mullins report, said he was paid $4,000 for his services as of the date of the report, Aug. 12, 2022. "I have never been to Celebration Church, nor did I have any relationship or knowledge of Pastor and Mrs. Weems before this engagement. However, as someone who has written hundreds of investigative reports, it is clear that the first 12 pages of the Nelson Mullins Report were written to embarrass Pastor and Mrs. Weems by cherry-picking stories curated to present the couple in the worst possible light imaginable," Simon wrote in his review that focused mainly on six "improper financial transactions" that Weems is accused of making during his time at the helm of Celebration Church. While Weems "made decisions that I believe were unwise" in some cases concerning his dealings at the church, Simon said Weems' actions were mainly within his legal authority, and church leaders were given notice of his actions as he carried out these deals. Simon further argued that the Nelson Mullins report did not give readers sufficient context to arrive at a fair conclusion. "It is almost as if the authors of the Nelson Mullins Report deliberately set out to ignore all the relevant factors surrounding their six 'Improper Financial Transactions.' This appears to be an attempt to make Pastor Weems look as bad as possible in managing the church he founded with the Board he established. This is why it is instructive in any internal investigation to understand the motives of the subject," Simon argued. "A subject interview is valuable to understanding the decisions made in real-time without the benefit of hindsight. Pastor and Mrs. Weems made repeated requests to be interviewed by the 15 authors of the Nelson Mullins Report, but the authors declined or neglected to schedule a meeting with the Pastor and his wife," he continued. Highlighting Weems' decisions that were "unwise," Simon said he is "highly-skeptical of TurnCoin as an investment vehicle." "Time will tell if it was a good investment or not, but I believe that he acted in good faith and in the best interest of Celebration Church (and related entities) in each of the 'Improper Financial Transactions' detailed in the Nelson Mullins Report," he added. "In conclusion, I do not believe the evidence supports the assertion that Pastor Weems breached his fiduciary duties to Celebration Church, committed fraud, unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the Church, or failed to meet the fiduciary duties and standards of care required by the office." Tensions flare at open mic event over First Baptists document on gender, sexuality Tensions erupted at the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville in Florida on Sunday evening as Senior Pastor Heath Lambert defended the church's statement on biblical sexuality even as an LGBT advocate slammed it as "disgusting" and urged members of the church to leave because of it. Yesterday, an acquaintance messaged me and told me about this forum. Their family has made the decision to stop attending this church considering recent events, which is something I encourage all existing congregants to follow, a woman who identified herself as Katie and queer said during a 90-minute open mic discussion about the statement on Facebook Live. The decision to have your members sign any form of contract to attend turns your church into an organization, a club. This church is no longer a religious place of worship welcome to all. These sexuality oaths are drawing a clear line in the sand, showing us who you truly welcome, which is by no means all. The church's statement, which made waves in the media last week, declares: "As a member of First Baptist Church, I believe that God creates people in his image as either male or female, and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice. I believe marriage is instituted by God, not government, is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression." According to The Florida Times-Union, the statement was adopted by the church last fall but only became a source of public conflict recently after local media reported that members were asked to sign an agreement affirming the statement by March 19 to ensure your membership at First Baptist Church continues without any interruption. Members who do not meet the signature deadline will be considered to have resigned your membership from First Baptist, according to information from the churchs website. Pastor Lambert made it clear at the start of the meeting that the statement is meant to be something positive for the church. I just want to say at the beginning that this is intended to be a positive statement. If you only hear about the statement and dont read the statement, you wont recognize that in the statement, there is not a single sin listed. It doesnt pick on any one sin over and above any other sin, he said. There are sins that by extension are ruled out of the statement, but the statement is a positive expression about what the Bible teaches about human sexuality, about marriage, about manhood, about womanhood, and it means to rule out any sin that would contradict it." Lambert further explained that the statement is not something he decided to institute on his own, but it was done in collaboration with the congregation and leadership. The pastor insisted that everyone is still welcome to attend the church, but anyone who wants to be a member must be prepared to live biblically. The statement rules out homosexuality to be true, but it also rules out polygamy. It also rules out pornography. It also rules out adultery and fornication; it rules out lust. There is a lot of ways to get crosswise with a biblical sexual ethic, Lambert said. A good friend of mine, talking about this, said, because of the nature of the brokenness of the human heart, none of us are sexually straight. We all need Jesus to forgive us where we are wrong. And so one of the great truths of the Christian faith, one of the great truths that our church has built on, is the thing that makes us as members of First Baptist Church different, he said. It is not that we are any less sinful than anybody out there in Jacksonville. Its not that we are any better than anybody who thinks our statement is a joke. Its that we have come to confess our sin instead of looking at the Bible and railing against what the Bible has to say about sexual sin. Weve said, 'God, youre right, and Im wrong, will you please forgive me and [then] you wash me in the blood of Jesus,' he added. By faith, we are not better, but by faith, we are saved. And so thats one of the reasons why we have to be welcoming to everybody because if we start crossing people out, then sooner or later, none of us are going to be welcome. Bishop William Hackworth of the Alliance Partners Network International, described as a Reformation of Churches and Leaders of the Lord's Church from around the world in Jacksonville, was one of several voices in the church that encouraged Lambert for his stand. The Holy Spirit asked me to come up to encourage you. I want to thank you for standing on the word of God, Hackworth said to heavy applause, which quickly turned into a standing ovation. I go through some things that you go through. When you have to speak truth, whether it be at your job, whether it be at the airport, whether it be in front of the cameras ... or pulpit, youre going to be the one that theyre going to come after. And they dont realize when they come for you, and youre speaking Gods words, they are coming after God, he said. And then, they will say, Im saved. Im a Christian. And the truth is that that Word says youre not, he added. And its hard for those of us in the Church to speak it to those that we love and care for because we dont want to see no one lost. But the reality is, if we dont stand up and say the truth, our own children are going to go to Hell. In the same week when some New Britain homeowners were organizing opposition to a proposed cannabis-growing center in their city, Bloomfield authorized one in that town with no public pushback at all. Bloomfields planning and zoning commission unanimously approved a nearly 46,000-square-foot cultivation center Thursday night, with members mostly complimenting Fine Fettle for planning to build it. At a hearing, seven people submitted letters of support and nobody either wrote or spoke in opposition. Fine Fettle promised an elaborate security system for the facility and pledged to seek local candidates for at least some of the new jobs. Fine Fettle Chief Operating Officer Benjamin Zachs quickly did away with two common objections to indoor marijuana farms: The risk of offensive odors to neighbors, and the possibility of future conversion to retail sales instead of commercial production. We use carbon filter scrubs, we pressurize the air within our cultivation rooms, we also generally vent out through multiple places so theres no condensed spot, Zachs told the commission. The cultivation of the plant is very different than consumption: Theres no burning of anything. All of our product is packaged in a self-contained area and then held in a DEA-regulated vault. Project architect Tim Crosby said the only smell comes during the plants flowering phase, when oils known as terpenes are produced. When theres a large-scale flowering going on, there will be a Febreeze-like system. It wont mask the odor; theres a mist that attracts terpene odor molecules and takes them out of the air, Crosby said. Modern odor control for cannabis facilities has come a long way. We cant say 100 percent therell be absolutely no odor, but odor control is being done successfully at most of the facilities in the United States. Its at the top of the list of issues to be dealt with, Crosby added. Customers wait in line outside the Fine Fettle marijuana dispensary in Willimantic earlier this month for the opening of legal sales of recreational marijuana in Connecticut. In response to a Bloomfield zoning board members question, the company promised a new facility planned in that town will do only commercial production and no retail sales. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Zachs repeatedly said the building will be used only for commercial production, but Commissioner Katie Blint asked for clarification about whether retail sales would be added later. Zachs answered simply No. A marijuana-growing center proposed in New Britain has drawn fire from some residents who fear odors as well as traffic from retail sales. The proposal goes to a hearing Tuesday night by the citys zoning appeals board. Fine Fettle runs medical dispensaries as well as recreational marijuana outlets, but at the Bloomfield site will only grow, process, package and ship commercial quantities of marijuana to sell elsewhere, the company said. The building will be put up on former farmland along Mosey Road, close to Home Depot. Fine Fettle plans to pave parking spaces for 67 cars, and designate space on the land for another 31 if theres future hiring. Wed like to have the opportunity to expand the parking if the employment situation grows, representative David Ziaks said. Zachs said the plan is to have 40 to 90 workers in various shifts. Those jobs range from cultivation technicians and assistants, lab scientists and chemists, he said. Fine Fettle intends for at least half of its hiring to come from a field of minority applicants, and also will try to emphasize local candidates for production jobs as well as subcontractors during construction. We hope this is an economic driver for the town, Zachs said. Commission Barry Berson asked if anyone at the hybrid hearing wished to speak, but got only one question from the public about bike parking. Fine Fettle said it would provide facilities for workers who commute by bike. We dont seem to have many people in this audience, Berson said after a protracted silence. Reactions To Tyre Nichols Murder, Christian Scientists Viewed As Less Intelligent, Students May Identify As Animals In ND Bill link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 08:20 08:20 Subscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and Thursday Prominent Christian leaders from across theological backgrounds have weighed in on the police killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols earlier this month, denouncing the incident as inhumane. A new study finds that nonreligious individuals tend to stereotype and hold a bias against Christians working in scientific fields. Legislation in North Dakota aimed at prohibiting schools from providing separate accommodations for trans-identified students is raising eyebrows over a subsection of the bill that suggests the same limits for students who identify as any species other than human." Candace Cameron Bure and podcaster Tara-Leigh Cobble recently discussed the imperative of reading God's Word instead of believing oft-repeated bumper sticker platitudes shared on social media that mangle the meaning of Bible verses. Can America survive the radical leftward shift of the culture? In the wake of the Supreme Courts decision in Obergefell, I attended a very cordial and well-done debate on the subject of same-sex marriage. The debaters were thoughtful and the audience respectful. The event as a whole represented our free, discursive society in its best light. Nonetheless, I thought at the time that my side, those advocating for the natural law, werent so much defending their views as they were discussing the terms of surrender. After the debate, I asked the panel whether they believed society could expand wide enough to tolerate both sets of views. All the panelists assured me that it could. But I was skeptical. I am even more skeptical now. Although I didnt know the term then, I later realized that my question related to a concept called The Overton Window. Coined in the mid-90s by Joseph Overton, the Overton Window is the range of ideas and values which are deemed acceptable by the general population. Ideas too far outside the window are considered radical, or even unthinkable. The window can expand, contract, and move. However, its two most important aspects are these: 1. it is finite; and 2. ideas which are too far outside simply cannot be tolerated. The Overton Window was primarily developed as a tool for analyzing the relationship between politicians and society, as politicians are limited in their policy decisions by what society as a whole will accept. As society grows more fractured though, the Overton Window is making itself felt in our private lives as well. In fact, Cancel Culture is the natural result of a massive and sudden shift in the Overton window. Conservatives typically argue that Cancel Culture is wrong. Full stop. But we fail to realize that Cancel Culture is the overgrown, misplaced version of a normal, or at least unavoidable, aspect of society: That in any society, there are some individuals on the fringes whose ideas prohibit full participation in that society. As a clear-cut example, imagine encountering an individual who openly advocated for the reinstatement of slavery. You might grant that the First Amendment allows him to say what he likes, however vile it is. But you would not think it any great injustice if such a person had trouble getting into college, or finding a job, or making friends. The more charitable among us might try to dissuade him of his beliefs, but most people would probably just avoid him. Certainly no one would listen with an open mind as if he might actually have a point. Anyone who even considered that would be deemed suspect as well. These reactions to radical beliefs are reasonable. If truly anything were tolerated, society could no longer function. That has always been true across every human civilization. The idea that society can stretch infinitely in any direction is largely a cover-idea for people who want to alter it radically in their chosen direction. In actuality, we have to realize there always have been and always will be ideas that are simply out of bounds. The only question is whose ideas they are. In America, there used to be very few individuals who fell so far outside the bounds of the Overton Window that they wound up socially shunned. But woke ideology is expanding that number every day, both by narrowing the window and by pulling it further and further left, leaving what used to be centrist ideas far outside the right-most margin. This has been a massively destabilizing event as huge swathes of the population have been left outside the Overton Window. This is dangerous for two reasons. First, truth is being marginalized in favor of radical lies, particularly in the realm of sex and human identity. Second, it is massively destabilizing for the country as a whole. There is the great risk of two completely separate Overton Windows developing with no overlap whatsoever. Once that happens, dialogue is truly impossible. This is exactly what happened to the nation during the Civil War. Indeed, it took that war to forcibly establish the Overton Window I used above with the example of slavery. Sometimes the right, fed up with the left, almost seems to want the final splitting of the Overton Window. But that would be a truly disastrous event. Once the window is split, there is no clear, peaceful path to recovery. I do not think we are quite there yet, but we are dangerously close. The conservative response to this has been to argue almost exclusively for the re-expansion of the window to include our ideas again. That is what the panelists at the debate put all their hope in. Its a good argument as far as it goes. The Overton Window could surely be larger than the left will allow. But even as we push for the expansion of the Overton Window we have to remember that the fight for its edges is a zero-sum game and right now were losing. The radical left is arguing that traditional, biblical, and common sense ideas, held by billions for all of human history, no longer have a place in our society. We need to demonstrate that they are the ones without a place. We dont need to resort to their tactics of ruining private lives over stupid tweets, but we do need to abandon the pretext that ideas and practices like reintroducing segregation, mutilating adolescents, and butchering infants are acceptable in a just society. Indeed, we should do whatever we can to remove those who hold those ideas from positions of influence both in and out of government. At one time not very long ago, the vast majority of Americans agreed on basic truths like the value of life, desegregation, the biological reality of two binary sexes, and the foundational right of parents to make decisions concerning the education, medical care, and overall well-being of their children. We ought to work towards a day when the vast majority will agree on them again. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. How Gods grace conquers sexual immorality Fornication and adultery occur when people give into temptation, whereas followers of Christ are called to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:18). Scripture declares: Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure (Hebrews 13:8). Sexual purity requires daily vigilance. No one is immune from temptation. For example, King David became consumed with lust when from the roof of his palace he saw a beautiful woman bathing. He proceeded to commit adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-5). Thomas Fuller was a 17th-century British scholar and preacher who said, Our eyes, when gazing on sinful objects, are out of their calling, and out of Gods keeping. The Pandoras box of sexual lust includes both heterosexual and homosexual proclivities. A recent Gallup poll reveals that 7.1% of U.S. adults now identify as something other than heterosexual, which is double the percentage from 2012. More than 1 in 5 Generation Z adults now identify as LGBTQ, and more than half of LGBTQ Americans (57%) identify as bisexual. Between 2015 and 2019, the percentage of 15-17-year-olds who said they identified as non-heterosexual rose from 8.3% to 11.7%. Dr. Andrew Adesman is chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Childrens Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Adesman is uncertain if the rapid rise represents a true increase, or instead, reflects greater comfort by teens to acknowledge a non-heterosexual identity on an anonymous questionnaire. After all, the intense fear of being labeled a bigot is widespread among young people today. One thing is certain: sexual lust tends to become all-consuming when acted upon. Scripture describes those who get swept away by the strong current of sexual sin. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more (Ephesians 4:19). Sexual sin devastates bodies and souls. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body (1 Cor. 6:18). And giving into temptation (heterosexual or homosexual) can easily produce a sexual addiction. Safeguards must be put in place. David wrote in Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. If only David had offered this prayer the moment he was tempted to lust after Bathsheba. Instead, David gave into his sinful passions and experienced the painful consequences of his wicked behavior, as well as the subsequent joy and relief of Gods grace. When overwhelmed by the guilt of his sin, David prayed: Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:7,10). David was completely cleansed when he repented and asked God to forgive him. The Lord's grace and forgiveness are available to you as well. God is willing to search you, convict you of sin, forgive you, deliver you and lead you in the way everlasting. The blood of Jesus washes away sins, and the Savior rescues people from the stranglehold of sin. The Holy Spirit works within every believer to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26) and guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Davids prayer in Psalm 139 is a wonderful model for us today. The simple request essentially says, Lord, change me wherever I need to be changed. Changed Movement is a group of people who have announced: We left LGBTQ+ because we wanted to. Changed is possible! We are a community of friends who once identified as LGBTQ+. Today, we celebrate the love of Jesus and His freedom in our lives. If you find yourself enslaved today to pornography, sexual lust, fornication, adultery, or homosexual behavior, dont give up. There is hope! God can set you free and give you new desires that are pleasing to your Creator. God loves you unconditionally, regardless of your weaknesses and setbacks. And while none of us deserve Gods mercy, Christ endured the agony of the crucifixion in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus said, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Missionary Kris Lundgaard posed this profound question: Will you give your hours to fantasizing about and dwelling on and longing for the vile things that nailed the Lover of your soul to the cursed tree? If you are losing the battle with sexual lust, the grace of God can move you in a new and godly direction. Jesus told a woman caught in adultery that he did not condemn her, and then he said: Go now and leave your life of sin (John 8:11). The Puritan preacher Thomas Brooks said, Saving grace makes a man as willing to leave his lusts as a slave is willing to leave his galley, or a prisoner his dungeon, or a thief his bolts, or a beggar his rags. Scripture reveals that the grace of God teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (Titus 2:12). When your heart is filled with Gods love and you are guarding your eyes and your mind, sexual lust loses its power over you. C.S. Lewis said, Love is the great conqueror of lust. Davids prayer in Psalm 139 offers a clear path forward as you "find out what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). David's plea to the Lord was heartfelt: See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24). You will only experience the freedom, joy, and power of a clean heart when you actually receive a clean heart by getting real with God and trusting Jesus to forgive your sins. You see, Gods grace makes all things new (2 Cor. 5:17). Amid spread of ISIS, US warns of potential attacks on churches, soft targets in Tanzania Amid the spread of the Islamic State in southern an eastern Africa, the U.S. government has warned about the potential for terror attacks in Tanzania, an East African country largely seen as being among the region's most peaceful. An advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania last week warns of the increasing potential for terrorists.to target places like hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and places of worship, specifically naming the coastal town of Dar es Salaam. "Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners in Dar es Salaam and elsewhere in Tanzania continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct attacks," reads the advisory. Tanzania has been infiltrated by the Islamic State jihadists due to its proximity to the Muslim-dominated province of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique, according to the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern. "Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by Westerners," the embassy stressed. ICC reports that a church leader in Tanzania has asked believers to be alert and prayerful. "The Lord has been good to Tanzania over the years, and we are thankful for that. We have had times of tears due to terrorism, but we are not like other East African neighbors," the unnamed church leader was quoted as saying. "Lately, we have seen how our young men and women have joined terrorist groups within the region, and so we should remain vigilant and prayerful and ask God to protect us from these enemies." An advisory on Tanzania issued by the United Kingdom government also says terrorists are "very likely" to attempt attacks in Tanzania. "They could be indiscriminate and occur without warning," the U.K. advisory states. "Places frequented by westerners, including places of worship, transport hubs, embassies, hotels, restaurants and bars, and major gatherings like sporting or religious events may be targets." Tanzania has not experienced a major terrorist attack since the bombing of the U.S. embassy in 1998, but there have been several smaller-scale incidents. In neighboring northern Mozambique, thousands have been killed and nearly 1 million displaced by violence committed by Islamic extremist groups since an insurgency began in 2017. During that time, radicals attacked several villages and took control of a province rich with gas, rubies, graphite, gold and other natural resources. In this mostly-Muslim region of Mozambique in the otherwise Christian-majority country, Islamic extremists kidnap women and keep them as sex slaves and force boys to become child soldiers, according to The Washington Post. Last year, militant groups affiliated with the Islamic State killed at least 29 Christians and displaced hundreds of residents in northern Mozambique in September and October. A report published by the Pennsylvania-based Barnabas Aid stated that at least 21 Christians were killed by Islamist extremists in October in Cabo Delgado province. In September, Barnabas Aid released another report stating that militants from the same terror group had killed at least eight Christians and set fire to two churches and 120 houses in Cabo Delgado and neighboring Nampula province. The U.S. labeled Islamic State-Mozambique as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorists." Known as Ansar al-Sunna, the group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in early April 2018. "Since October 2017, ISIS-Mozambique, led by Abu Yasir Hassan, has killed more than 1,300 civilians, and it is estimated that more than 2,300 civilians, security force members, and suspected ISIS-Mozambique militants have been killed since the terrorist group began its violent extremist insurgency," the State Department stated in a March 2021 report. "The group was responsible for orchestrating a series of large scale and sophisticated attacks resulting in the capture of the strategic port of Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado Province." In its 2020 country report on Tanzania, the State Department stated that Islamic State Mozambique launched two attacks inside Tanzania in 2020. "Renewed assurances of Tanzania-Mozambique cross-border security cooperation have yet to materialize; however, bilateral cooperation will be important to securing Tanzanian citizens and territory," the report reads. On Oct. 14, 2020, an estimated 300 Islamic State fighters attacked the Kitaya village on the border with Mozambique, killing 20. The militants looted and burned homes, shops, vehicles and an office building. Two weeks later, the Islamic State-affiliated militants attacked Michenjele village, 25 miles from Kitaya, killing five and kidnapping others as they looted and burned homes and other buildings. London School of Economics strips Christian words Lent, Easter from term calendar The London School of Economics said it is doing away with Christian words for its semester names to provide a more international atmosphere. Starting next year, the Michaelmas term will be renamed as autumn term, the Christmas break as winter break, Lent term as winter term, and Easter break as spring break. Michaelmas marks the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the most important saints in the Catholic and Anglican Churches, and is celebrated on Sept. 29, The Telegraph reported. The university added: These new names use more accessible and widely-recognized terminology, and better reflect the international nature of our community and our broader global engagement. Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said the university's decision to strip Christian words from semester names reflects the fact that the LSE, like most British universities, is in thrall to a new religious cult the church of woke that is far more dogmatic than Christianity, LBC reported. LSE's move is seen as the latest attack on Christians at Britains top campuses and as pandering to secularists who want to strip the country of its last remnants of Christian identity. Anglican Deacon Calvin Robinson responded to the universitys announcement by calling it whitewashing Christ from the calendar. LSE is whitewashing Christ from the calendar. Sam Smith is trending for normalizing debauchery and degeneracy, he wrote on Twitter. Police officers are prancing around with rainbow flags and glitter again. We truly live in a post-Christian Britain and it is ugly. Simon Calvert, deputy director at The Christian Institute, told The Telegraph: We have been warning for years that Christians are being pushed from the public square, yet the problem is getting worse. Christians and those with traditional views often find themselves silenced or bullied. Its particularly ironic when this happens at institutions that were originally founded on Christian principles and with endowments from Christian benefactors. So, this ludicrous decision by the LSE to rebrand traditional academic terms, by scrapping references to the calendar of the established Church, is more virtue-signaling nonsense that creates exclusion in the name of inclusivity." This move follows the University of Brightons advice to staff not to say Christmas, but instead refer to it as the winter closure period, as the festive title is too Christian-centric. Further, Worcester College at Oxford University issued an apology to students in 2021 after hosting a training session by the group Christian Concern and canceled a subsequent reservation due to complaints from a few students. Last September, Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University canceled an event for young Christian professionals, saying that the values of the organizers, who do not support same-sex marriage, were not compatible with the values of the college. Christians now account for less than half of the population of England and Wales (46.2%) for the first time in census history, the British newspaper noted, adding that its decreased by 13.1% within a decade. Last week, the Church of Englands Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, responded to a question by BBC Radio Fours William Crawley about whether homosexuality and same-sex marriage are sinful by saying the CofEs new stance on the issue is that its OK, as long as couples are in committed, stable, faithful relationships, adding that same-sex married couples will be welcomed fully into the life of the Church, on their terms. This came on the heels of the denominations recent decision not to officiate same-sex marriages but to offer blessings for same-sex couples in civil partnerships within its churches. Pastor, 3 other Christians killed by Islamic extremists in pre-dawn attack in Sudan NAIROBI, Kenya A church pastor and three other Christians were killed in Sudan on Monday when suspected Islamic extremists shot them to death, an area source said. Four of the victims traveling companions were wounded when the assailants opened fire on the team at the facility where they were spending the night in Kadugli, the capital of Sudans South Kordofan state. Sudanese-American Pastor Ibrahim Kandr, Ismail Osman, Bashir Almaak and Ayoub Ibrahim were spending the night in Kadugli en route to their home area of Um Durein when the assailants shot them between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., an area church leader said. Islamic extremists who have been terrorizing people in the area since 2011 monitor movements in and out of town and likely saw the ministry team arrive for the night, said the church leader, whose name was withheld for security reasons. Wounded in the attack were Imtiyas Marhy Jabdool, 29; Fadul Musa Al Haraba, 23; Zakaria Butros Al Haraba, 34; and Mujahid Hassan 19, the source said. Sudanese Christians expressed their shock and sympathy for the victims families on social media. My condolences to the family of the servant of God Ibrahim and the rest of the victims, wrote one Christian who identified himself only as Komi. The bodies of the four slain Christians were transported to Khartoum for burial. In southwestern Sudans South Darfur Province, two Christians were arrested on Jan. 8 in Nyala town by masked men believed to be national security personnel, local sources said. They were released without charges the same day. The two converts, whose names are withheld for security reasons, were arrested by men in a government vehicle at 7 a.m. from an area home, said a source. Muslim sheikhs (teachers) had accused them of evangelizing Muslims and had warned them to stop doing so. Following two years of advances in religious freedom in Sudan after the end of the Islamist dictatorship under Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the specter of state-sponsored persecution returned with the military coup of Oct. 25, 2021. The Christian population of Sudan is estimated at 2 million, or 4.5 percent of the total population of more than 43 million. After Bashir was ousted from 30 years of power in April 2019, the transitional civilian-military government had managed to undo some Sharia (Islamic law) provisions. It outlawed the labeling of any religious group as infidels, and thus effectively rescinded apostasy laws that made leaving Islam punishable by death. With the Oct. 25, 2021, coup, Christians in Sudan fear the return of the most repressive and harsh aspects of Islamic law. Abdalla Hamdok, who had led a transitional government as prime minister starting in September 2019, was detained under house arrest for nearly a month before he was released and reinstated in a tenuous power-sharing agreement in November 2021. Hamdock had been faced with rooting out longstanding corruption and an Islamist deep state from Bashirs regime the same deep state that is suspected of rooting out the transitional government in the Oct. 25, 2021 coup. Persecution of Christians by non-state actors continued before and after the coup. In Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Sudan was ranked No. 10, up from No. 13 the previous year, as attacks by non-state actors continued and religious freedom reforms at the national level were not enacted locally. Sudan had dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in six years when it first ranked No. 13 in the 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. State Departments International Religious Freedom Report states that conditions have improved somewhat with the decriminalization of apostasy and a halt to demolition of churches, but that conservative Islam still dominates society; Christians face discrimination, including problems in obtaining licenses for constructing church buildings. The U.S. State Department in 2019 removed Sudan from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and upgraded it to a watch list. The State Department removed Sudan from the Special Watch List in December 2020. Sudan had previously been designated as a CPC from 1999 to 2018. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Weeks after Elon Musks decision to reinstate Donald Trump on Twitter, Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) announced it will allow Trump back on its platforms too. The public should be able to hear what their politicians are saying the good, the bad and the ugly so that they can make informed choices at the ballot box, wrote Nick Clegg, Metas president of global affairs and the U.K.s former deputy prime minister, in a blog post announcing the decision. With due respect to Nick Clegg, this is rubbish. Trump is far worse than an ugly politician. Hes a dangerous traitor to American democracy. You know this, of course. You and I have lived it. We were there when Trump refused to concede the 2020 presidential election, based on no evidence. We saw how he used Facebook and Twitter to mount an attempted coup, which included an attack on the U.S. Capitol that left five dead. Weve watched him continue to push his big lie. Weve witnessed the ongoing violence his big lie provokes, even without the giant megaphones of Twitter and Facebook. Facebook says it has a policy of not fact-checking political candidates. This means it will make no effort to correct Trumps future lies on its platform, because Trump has declared himself a candidate for president in 2024. So, the most dangerous traitor in recent American history gets back his giant megaphones because a corporate behemoth decides its time to have him back? This doesnt seem right to me. America is still struggling with the damage Trump did to our democracy. We must not normalize it by calling it free speech or characterizing additional access to him as hearing what our politicians are saying. The deeper question is how the issue of whether Trump should get back his giant megaphones a question with such important consequences for our democracy should be decided. Metas and Twitters size and reach make them major players in our system of self-government. Trumps Truth Social reaches only 4.8 million followers. Thats peanuts compared to his 34 million followers on Facebook when the attack on the Capitol occurred, his 23 million on Instagram, and his 88.9 million on Twitter. These platforms had significant political power by the time Trump attempted his coup power they are now exercising in allowing him back. But how can such private power be reconciled with their lack of public accountability? It cannot. Even though Meta has made a former deputy prime minister its president of global affairs and calls its decisions policies (such as Facebooks policy of not fact-checking political candidates), it is not publicly accountable. Its policies are not public policies. They dont emerge from our democratic process. They are private, arbitrary, corporate. America has been shut out of the decisions to give back to Trump the loudest megaphones in the land and to let him spout his lies unchecked although we witnessed the public havoc he created just over two years ago when he used these same megaphones, unchecked. Call me old-fashioned, but I dont believe our democracy should depend on the decisions of capricious billionaires or a former U.K. official to allow a traitorous demagogue back on their giant platforms. And I dont see why Twitter and Facebook should be allowed to exercise such extraordinary power over our democracy. Whats the alternative? Antitrust laws were enacted more than a century ago to protect our democracy from being undermined by giant corporations. Yet this is what Twitter and Meta are now doing. In my view, we should reduce the size and reach of these huge corporate megaphones by using antitrust laws to break them up. What do you think? Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, is professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley and the author of The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It. Read more from Robert Reich at https://robertreich.substack.com/ Penn State Wilkes-Barre hosted a blood drive on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Hayfield House to benefit those impacted by childhood cancer. The American Red Cross will donate $4 for every participating donor to the Four Diamonds Fund THON. Close Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele La Sireti s-a desfasurat o sedinta de Consultari publice privind procedura de expropriere temporara pentru terenurile afectate in timpul constructiei magistralei de apa Chisinau-Straseni-Calarasi The Charity Commission has opened an inquiry into a charity after a US cryptocurrency exchange that funded the organisation went bankrupt. Effective Ventures Foundation UK reported FTXs bankruptcy as a serious incident, and the regulator states there is no indication of wrongdoing by the trustees at this time. However, the Commission is concerned about potential risks to the charitys assets, and the inquiry was opened on 19 December 2022. It will aim to establish facts and help ensure the trustees protect the charitys assets and are running the charity in line with their duties and responsibilities. The regulator said trustees had been cooperating fully and Howie Lempel, interim chief executive of Effective Ventures Foundation UK, said he understood the Commissions desire to exercise extra scrutiny, especially given the scale and profile of the FTX situation. He said we will be cooperating fully adding the trustees have assessed the financial situation and the charity is not reliant on the FTX-related funds for its future operations. Lempel added: We have kept the Commission informed of our actions throughout the process and note that the Commission has confirmed that we complied with our duties in making a serious incident report. We are pleased that the Commission has found our interactions thus far to be fully cooperative and we plan for that to continue. According to the regulators data for the financial year ending 30 June 2021, Effective Ventures Foundations total income was 18.7m. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, ITV / I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Former health secretary and Conservative MP Matt Hancock has donated 10,000 of his television fee for appearing on Im a CelebrityGet Me Out of Here! to two charities. The British Dyslexia Association and St Nicholas Hospice Care received a share of the funds, but could not confirm how much each. According to Matt Hancocks register of interests, he received 320,000 for appearing on the reality TV programme for 720 hours a total of 30 days. In an interview on Good Morning Britain today , Hancock was asked why he had given a tiny fraction of his fee to good causes. During the interview, Hancock said the 10,000 was a decent sum and called his chosen charities brilliant. British Dyslexia Association: Large or small donations welcome A spokesperson from British Dyslexia Association told Civil Society News that it was grateful for all donations made to its charity, large or small. It costs about 90,000 per year to keep our free helpline open through which we support approximately 5,000 members of the general public with our expert information, support and advice each year. There is still a great deal to do to create a dyslexia-friendly society which is inclusive. We continue to raise funds so that everyone with dyslexia can reach their full potential in education, in work and in life. According to its latest accounts, the charity total income for financial year ending 2022 was 2.2m with a total expenditure of 2.1m. St Nicholas Hospice Care: Grateful for his generosity A statement on the charitys website thanked Hancock for his support and donation. We can confirm Matt Hancock MP has donated to St Nicholas Hospice Care. We are grateful for his generosity, and his gift will be used to help fund the care and support we provide. Without our communitys kindness and generous support, we would struggle to keep our services going. Every gift we receive is a vital contribution, especially during these challenging times. The Suffolk charitys latest filed accounts for 2022 show a total income of 6.9m and total expenditure of 6.3m. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, A few weeks ago, journalists from India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Malaysia gathered in Kuala Lumpur for an event put on by the World Health Organization. They were there to receive training to better cover a global public-health crisis that often flies under the radar of the worlds media: road deaths. Among other pointers, the journalists were advised not to rely solely on police reports, which often seek to apportion individual blame for a given crash, and to interrogate the role of other factors, from the safety of the vehicle involved to the design of the road on which the crash took place. With major crashes in the past, our story will only be about that accident; we rarely talked about any policies, or subjects such as faulty roads, Gunjan Sharma, a reporter at Indias biggest news agency, who attended the training, told me. When I met other journalists there from different countries, I realized the issue is the same everywhere: that a subject like road safety is kind of neglected. Related: When covering car crashes, be careful not to blame the victim This WHO training was the first to come to my attention but not the first overall: theyve been taking place for a decade or so, in conjunction with journalism trainers and, sometimes, outside groups including the International Center for Journalists and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. They run alongside a global action plan on road safety, led by the WHO and the United Nations, that rests on what is known as the Safe System approachthe idea, broadly speaking, that humans will always make mistakes, and that roads and vehicles should be designed with this in mind. The global action plan explicitly names training journalists as one way of strengthening advocacy and policy support toward the creation of safer roads. Matts-Ake Belin, who oversees the implementation of the global plan, told me recently that the worlds media have an extremely important role to play in helping shift societies from a traditional paradigm, one that places the individual responsibility of road users at its core, in the direction of a new one. The WHOs trainings have focused on journalists from low- and middle-income countriesin Asia, but also in Africa and Latin Americabecause they collectively account for more than 90 percent of road deaths globally, despite only having 60 percent of the worlds vehicles, according to WHO data. But road safety is a crisis in the US, too, especially compared with other rich countries: US road deaths have climbed in recent years, including during the pandemic, even as road use declined. Pedestrians and cyclists have been particularly hard hit. In late November, the New York Times reported that fewer foreign-service officers in the US State Department died overseas last year than were killed by vehicles while walking or biking in DC. And, as Meg Dalton reported for CJR in 2018, American journalism on road deathsthe preserve of local TV stations and under-resourced community papers as much as major national outletshas often fallen into the sorts of traps that the WHO has identified elsewhere in the world, from an overreliance on police reports to an excessive focus on individual incidents over, say, trends in infrastructure and vehicle design, not least that of big cars and trucks. (One historical reason for this, Dalton reported: aggressive lobbying on the part of the auto industry.) Angie Schmitt, the author of Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America, thinks that US media coverage of road safety has generally improved since she spoke with Dalton five years ago, but that much of it is still bad. Not just the press, but the broader culture, rationalizes deaths by concluding that the victim of a crash did something wrong, Schmitt says. Its really much more complex than that. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Since the introduction of the car in our societies, Belin told me, a recurring mantra has been that around 90 percent of crashes are caused by human error. Sure enough, a similar statistic has often been bandied around in the US, not just in the media but also among officials. A year ago this week, the federal Department of Transportation radically shifted its approach to road safety, at least rhetorically, inaugurating its own new national strategy premised on the same Safe System thinking embraced by the WHO. The strategy outlined five principal objectives, from promoting safer speeds through better road design to improving post-crash care, and how they complement two other Biden administration priorities: to fight climate change and ensure racial equity, given that Black and Indigenous Americans die on roads at disproportionate rates. The new strategy, we learned, would be supported by funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that had recently passed through Congress. Its as if we were living through a war, Pete Buttigieg, Bidens transportation secretary, said of road death rates in the US. We cannot accept that these fatalities are somehow an inevitable part of life in America. What the strategy did not mention, unlike the WHOs global action plan, was any role for the press in changing American attitudes about what causes crashes. (I asked the Department of Transportation for clarifications on this, but did not hear back.) The new strategy is not the first or final word on road safety thinking in the US, not least because state and local governments have their own powers in this area. Still, the absence of a WHO-like media component to the strategy strikes me as indicative of a broader attitude toward the relationship between the press and power in America: that it should be one of church and state. Officials, it seems to me, rarely seem to see journalists as partners in making better policy. And many journalists have traditionally balked at anything that might smack of complicity with the state. When I put this theory to David Zipper, a visiting fellow at Harvards Kennedy School and influential writer on road safety, he wasnt quite sold; journalism isnt inherently baked into the Safe System approach that formed the basis for the new federal strategy, he told me, even if one could argue that it should be. Government-led, WHO-style trainings for journalists would be controversial in US road safety circles, Zipper said, in no small part because of a divide between an old guard that still focuses on the individual responsibility of road users and an increasingly loud reformist voice that advocates the Safe System approach and would likely embrace the idea of such trainings. This divide, I noted to Zipper, sounds remarkably similar to one that would likely form around such an idea within the US journalism community. If the government were to sponsor journalism education programs along these lines, I almost think you could count the minutes until somebody calls it Orwellian, Zipper said. The federal government, of course, is not the only actor that could train journalists in this area: any number of US-based nonprofits, including those that have worked with the WHO to train overseas journalists, could do so, while other groups already offer some road safety resources for reporters. But nor, it seems to me, should the very idea of government-sponsored training be tabooparticularly where its aim is to help journalists dig deeper, not to tell them what to report. Indian road safety officials sometimes do the latter, Sharma told me, but the WHO training she attended was completely different; its aim, instead, was to endow a small number of journalists with policy expertise that they could then pass on to colleagues in their home countries. Journalists cant make policy, but they play a crucial role in changing public perception and attitudes, convening debates that can end in policy changes. At the very least, journalists can raise awareness. We just hit a sixteen-year high in road deaths, Zipper told me, of the US. And Americans dont really notice it. They dont really know about it. Before becoming involved with the WHOs global action plan, Belin was an official in Sweden, the country that, in the nineties, was ground zero for Vision Zero, the notion that road deaths are not an unfortunate price that we pay for greater mobility but a social ill that mustand realistically canbe eradicated. The idea has since gained international traction, including in the US, and is closely associated with the Safe System approach. When Vision Zero took off, the Swedish media went from blaming the victim to starting to discuss who can prevent this from happening, Belin said, with reporters pressuring resistant officials, for example, on the implementation of safety barriers on high-speed rural highways known colloquially as death roads. The barriers have since proved highly effective, Belin says. Road reform doesnt happen without a very open discussion in the society, he added. My experience in the implementation of Vision Zero is that the whole public discussion is good from a safety point of view. Other notable stories: New from CJR: The press versus the president Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) The Philippines is set to secure a $600-million fresh loan from the World Bank. In a statement on Tuesday, the lender said proceeds are eyed to bolster the country's economic rebound from the pandemic. The multimillion-dollar financing would cover three policy reform areas: strengthening the financial sector, expanding financial inclusion, and improving disaster risk finance. "Policy actions that strengthen the stability of the financial sector including banks and insurance companies will help Filipino families, businesses, and investors withstand financial shocks and enhance their resilience by ensuring that problems in these financial institutions are detected at an early stage without severe disruptions to the economy," said Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. Financial inclusion in the Philippines remains low, with only 51% of Filipinos aged 15 and above having a transaction account with a financial institution, the World Bank said. Diop said improving this segment could accelerate poverty reduction while pushing the local economy out of the global health crisis' economic slowdown. "Filipinos who have accounts with financial institutions like banks will have opportunities to use other financial services, such as credit and insurance, to start and expand businesses, invest in education or health of their children, manage risks, and weather financial shocks, which can improve the overall quality of their lives," the official said. To improve access to finance, the loan program would support reforms promoting innovative financial services by harnessing digital technologies and building consumer trust and credit information infrastructure. The loan also aims to cover the development of the catastrophe insurance market, with offerings designed to protect households, assets, and businesses against natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. To boost financial sector resilience to climate-related shocks, the program would also support integrating climate and environmental risks in financial institutions' risk management frameworks and mobilizing private sector financing for green investments. (CNN) Phoebe Dynevor has confirmed that Daphne Bridgerton will not appear in Season 3 of Netflix's "Bridgerton." "I'm just excited to watch as a viewer," Dynevor told Screen Rant on Saturday, after confirming her character was "sadly not in season 3." The door isn't completely shut, though, with Dynevor also revealing that viewers may see Daphne again "in the future." CNN has reached out to Dynevor's representatives and Netflix for further comment. The saucy Shonda Rhimes-produced series debuted in 2020 and is based on Julia Quinn's widely popular Regency-era book series. "Working with someone like Shonda, who's sort of pushing boundaries and doing exciting things, I just felt very safe and comfortable knowing that it was under her scope," Dynevor told Harper's Bazaar in 2021. Dynevor starred in the first season of "Bridgerton" alongside Rege-Jean Page, who played the swoon-worthy Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. Season 1 followed Daphne and Simon's romance, and while Page did not return for the second season, Dynevor appeared in a smaller role in that season as the story centered around Daphne's brother Anthony Bridgerton's (Jonathan Bailey) own search for love. Season 3 will focus on breakout star Nicola Coughlan's role as Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). A premiere date for Season 3 of "Bridgerton" has yet to be officially confirmed. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Phoebe Dynevor reveals she will not be in Season 3 of Bridgerton' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life, Jan. 30) This week, shop for furniture, book a dream travel destination for less, pay a visit to a newly-opened BGC museum, and try some new chocolate-flavored brand collaborations. Stop by a furniture stores pre-opening party Launched in 2020, Studio Yakal is a furniture store thats known for offering a wide selection of vintage pieces. This Feb. 4 to 5, theyre pre-opening their showroom in Legazpi St., Makati for guests to view some of their inventory (some old, some new, all interesting!"), and sip some drinks from Kapitolyo cafe 1C Coffee. Follow them at @studioyakal for updates. CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF Book your dream trip at an annual travel expo Revenge travel is up and swinging, and airlines, travel agencies, and tourism offices are stepping up to cater to travelers needs. From Feb. 3 to 5, you can get more discounts and deals on flights, tour packages, and other travel-related activities at the 30th PTAA TravelTour Expo happening at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The annual expo is known for offering travelers the best deals to visit their dream destinations, both locally and internationally. Perhaps now is the time to take that barkada trip out of the group chat. For more information, visit their Facebook page. CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF Merry Moo's Milk Chocolate with Nibs is a collaboration with Auro Chocolate. Photo by MARGA BUENAVENTURA Try Merry Moo Ice Creams new collab with Auro Chocolate A match made in dessert heaven local ice cream maker Merry Moo has collaborated with tree-to-bar brand Auro Chocolate to create two new flavors. Starting Jan. 30, you can get a pint of the new Auro Chocolate Nibs ice cream. Merry Moo churned in some of Auros best selling 64% dark chocolate with nibs and 42% milk chocolate with nibs into two chocolate-creamy varieties. My personal pick is the Milk Chocolate with Nibs flavor; just the right amount of sweetness, with crisp cacao nibs adding crunch to every spoonful. MARGA BUENAVENTURA Merry Moo is available in SM Megamall, SM Aura, and SM Mall of Asia. Order online at merrymooicecream.com. Follow them on Instagram for more info on their newest flavors. Pay a visit to the relocated Metropolitan Museum of Manila While looking for new art spots to check out last week, a friends Instagram story pointed me to the Phantasmapolis x Manila exhibit at the newly opened Metropolitan Museum of Manila (known now as The M). The museum relocated from its original spot at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas complex along Roxas Boulevard in mid-2022 and is still in the process of renovation so only two sections are available for public viewing. Phantasmapolis x Manila is their first exhibit, held at the 3rd floor with select works from the 2021 Asian Art Biennial by Filipino contemporary artists like Mark Salvatus, Catalina Africa, and Alvin Zafra, whose works were displayed alongside artists from other regions of Asia. For more information on visiting guidelines, visit their Facebook page. GABY GLORIA Try the new KitKat x Krispy Kreme doughnut flavors With Valentines Day a few weeks away, its fitting that OG doughnut-maker Krispy Kreme decided to partner up with chocolate breaktime partner KitKat for three limited edition flavors. Surprise your loved ones with the sweetest package a box of Milk Choco Crisp, hand-dipped in KitKat chocolate spread, the Choco Swirl Cake, a cake doughnut dipped in white chocolate and drizzled with a milk chocolate swirl and topped with a KitKat, and White Chocolate Kreme Filled, a classic kreme-filled confection stuffed with a KitKat, dipped in white chocolate, and topped with dark chocolate and caramel. CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) The Philippine governments Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated as terrorist a community doctor who helped Lumad and poor communities in Mindanao. According to the ATCs new resolution released on Monday, Dr. Maria Natividad Marian "Naty" Silva Castro was designated as terrorist due to probable cause that she was allegedly involved in planning and facilitating the commission of terrorism and recruitment and in providing material support to terrorist groups. Verified information, sworn statements, and other evidence gathered by Philippine law enforcement and security agencies, affirmed that Maria Natividad Marian Silva Castro a.k.a. Doc Naty or Ka Naty, among her CPP aliases, violated Sections 6, 10 and 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (of 2000), it added. Castro may file a request for delisting from the terrorist list before the ATC within 15 days from the resolutions publication. The doctor was arrested in February last year for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges. She was released after the court junked the cases a month later. Health groups and human rights organizations denounced Castros arrest. Reports said Castro helped establish health centers in Mindanao. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) The Philippine government is working to bring home the Filipino tourist who is currently detained in Myawaddy, Myanmar. Im pretty sure the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is doing everything it can to bring her home, Department of Migrant Workers Sec. Toots Ople told CNN Philippines The Source on Tuesday. She noted this will not be easy since Myawaddy, which is a town in southeastern Myanmar close to the border with Thailand, is a remote area. The DFA said in a statement on Monday it is working on the repatriation of Samson, along with the Filipinos who were rescued by Myanmar authorities from their worksites in the town. Among the Filipinos whose repatriation we are working on is Ms. Kiela Samson, whose family members are now directly in touch with our Embassy in Yangon, the agency said. CNN Philippines has asked DFA for more information about the case of Samson, but the department has yet to reply. In an interview with ANCs Rundown, the Samson family rejected the possibility that Kiela was working in Myanmar. This was amid the issue on Filipinos getting lured to work there as crypto scammers. Her mother Eunice said her daughter and a friend flew to Thailand on Dec. 7 to tour the country as a gift for herself. Ang sabi nya po samin, naglilibot daw po sila ng Thailand that time tapos nakarating sila sa Mae Sot. May pinuntahan silang isang pasyalan, may nag-alok po sa kanila ng bangka. Na-intriga daw po sila kasi ang ganda daw po ng bangka, Kielas sister Elaine said. [Translation: She told us they were touring Thailand that time until they reached Mae Sot. They went to a tourist spot there where someone offered a boat ride. They got interested because the boat was attractive.] Ang sabi sa kanila, pagtawid daw po ng ilog may pasyalan daw po doon kaya pumunta po silang magkaibigan, she added. [Translation: They were told after crossing the river, there is a tourist spot there so they went.] Elaine said both her sister and her friend were arrested and detained in a police station. Based on their communication with Kiela, there are also other Filipinos detained there who were abused. Kiela told her family not to send messages too often so as not to get caught. Their last video call with Kiela was on Jan. 19, when the she told her family that they will be released the next day which did not happen. The Samson family reached out to the DFA for assistance. Meanwhile, Ople reiterated the departments reminder to Filipinos who are interested in working abroad to refrain from engaging with recruiters on social media. Recruiters who promise Filipinos jobs abroad, if they pretend to be tourists and evade our controls, are just leading our kababayans (fellow citizens) to dangerous situations where it may be very difficult to secure their safety and assist them in returning home, the DFA also said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) Japanese nationals suspected to be behind a string of robberies in Japan may have run criminal enterprises while detained at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters that this is very possible after BI authorities found that the suspects have been illegally keeping several phones inside the detention facility. One of them even had six mobile phones, he said. The DOJ chief has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the matter, but he added that they will also cooperate with the Japanese government if it launches its own investigation. Both the BI and the NBI are agencies under the Justice department. Remulla also gave assurance that BI officials found to be involved in the illegal use of communication equipment will be held liable. This reeks of corruption and the people who are responsible for the behavior of all the people under detention will be dealt with severely once proven that they did not do their jobs in ensuring that the use of communication tools are only tolerated or only used for lawyers or family calls, he said. Its a very serious breach of discipline within the ranks of the Bureau of Immigration, Remulla added. The DOJ on Monday said there are 17 Japanese nationals detained at the BI. It is not yet clear how many of them were discovered to have been keeping phones. Of the 17, however, the Japanese government wants four deported over robbery cases in Japan. Among them is the presumed robbery mastermind who goes by the alias Luffy. READ: PH to expedite deportation of alleged Japan robbery leader Luffy The Japan Times earlier reported that the alleged leader, whom Japanese news media have identified as a certain Yuki Watanabe, had been sending instructions via smartphone from an immigration detention center in Manila. The DOJ said it has yet to determine who Luffy is among those detained, but Remulla is certain he is one of the four being sought for deportation. The Justice secretary also explained that the Japanese nationals cannot be extradited yet as they still have pending cases in the Philippines, most of which are for violence against women and children. There is a rule that we cannot deport anybody with a pending criminal case in the Philippines, Remulla told the media. All of these cases have to be cleared prior to any deportation. READ: Cases filed vs. Japanese robbery suspects maybe invented DOJ chief He said they hope to send two of the suspects back to Japan by the end of the week. Meanwhile, they intend to finish the deportation of all four before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits Japan on the second week of February. Were trying to settle the case, to finish these cases prior to the Presidents trip so these will not be the focus of media when he goes to Japan, because this will be a distraction, Remulla said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) One million doses of donated bivalent vaccines are expected to arrive in the country by the end of March, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday. In a media forum, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the donation is part of the commitment of COVAX to give bivalent vaccines to the Philippines. Last week, we finalized the commitment of COVAX to donate bivalent vaccines in the country. Kapag nag push through talaga [If this pushes through], hopefully, by the end of March, we expect the initial doses to arrive, Vergeire said. Vergeire also said DOH is currently confirming the commitment of other countries in donating bivalent vaccines. She added that one country has already confirmed its commitment and the delivery date is being finalized. This country will also be the one providing us additional doses of bivalent vaccines [but] we cannot disclose [the name] yet hanggang sa hindi pa final yung negosasiyon at pag-uusap, Vergeire said. Kasi baka magkaroon tayong issue in terms of the country donating. Kapag napirmahan na natin yung agreement, we will be informing everybody, she added. [Translation: Because there might be an issue regarding the country donating. Once the agreement is signed, we will be informing everybody.] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin when he visits Manila this week, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed on Tuesday. READ: US defense chief to visit PH "It is really more of getting to know each other. It is an ongoing relationship that we have with the United States. As President Marcos pointed out it is evolving," the ambassador said in a press briefing. Romualdez added that Austin has also requested a meeting with his Filipino counterpart, Carlito Galvez Jr. He said Austin's visit aims to reinforce key agreements between Manila and Washington including the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA, and the Visiting Forces Agreement. READ: EXPLAINER: The Visiting Forces Agreement 'Unwavering commitment' Austin's trip comes amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the hotly-contested South China Sea where the US has affirmed its "unwavering commitment" to support Manila in asserting its maritime rights. "We must stand up for principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," US Vice President Kamala Harris said during her visit to Palawan in November last year. "We must reiterate always that we stand with you in terms of defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea, and an armed attack on the Philippine Armed Forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US defense commitments. And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines," she added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said it would look into all aspects of the countrys labor agreement with Kuwait following the gruesome death of a Filipino domestic worker in the Gulf state. We will explore all possibilities. Right now, its difficult to just give everything away kasi negotiations nga yan [because these are negotiations], DMW Secretary Toots Ople told CNN Philippines The Source. Despite calls from several lawmakers, the DMW said it is not considering a deployment ban to Kuwait after the killing of Jullebee Ranara, whose burnt body was found in a desert in Salmi, Al-Jarah Governorate. What the department is eyeing are additional safeguards, Ople said on Jan. 24. DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia told CNN Philippines the agency will be reaching out to the Kuwaiti government to revise the labor agreement between the two countries. Ople said some of the matters they will look into are the implementation of the labor agreement, complaints and reporting mechanisms, response time of authorities, tracking of welfare cases, and the possible whitelisting and blacklisting of recruitment agencies similar to what is being implemented in Saudi Arabia. The DMW has imposed a preventive suspension against Ranaras employer as the department also looks into the shortcomings committed by local recruiter Catalyst International Manpower Services Co. and its foreign counterpart, Platinum International Office for Recruitment of Domestic Manpower, based in Kuwait. Olalia said there was negligence on the part of the recruiters as they failed to continuously monitor and provide assistance to Ranara. Ople said agencies did not have a monitoring report about Ranaras case despite the latter already raising issues of harassment and abuse to her family in the Philippines. She noted such negligence can be considered grounds for suspension, meaning they will be prohibited from recruiting. Kuwaits foreign minister assured the Philippines that the case will be tried in a fair and transparent manner, Ople added. Meanwhile, the Philippine government is working on the assistance to be given to Ranaras family, which includes scholarships and housing, she said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tapped Valenzuela City Rep. Rex Gatchalian as the new secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). MMalacanang confirmed the appointment on Tuesday the same day Gatchalian took his oath before the chief executive. Before the oath-taking, Gatchalian said he received a call Tuesday morning directing him to visit Marcos to talk about the post. "We had a long talk at napag-usapan namin 'yong vision naming dalawa na nagkakatugma naman [and we discussed our vision which actually matched]," he told CNN Philippines' News Night on Wednesday. Gatchalian added that the president told him it was important to "immediately fill the position," and wanted him to "immediately assume and move" as DSWD secretary. In a social media post, Gatchalian thanked Marcos for giving him the opportunity to "serve the country in a much larger capacity." He also assured his constituents that the "services of our Congress and district offices" will continue, adding that a "caretaker" will be appointed by the House of Representatives in the next few days. "Please don't worry. Business as usual," Gatchalian wrote on Twitter. Prior to winning a seat in the current Congress, Gatchalian also served as mayor of Valenzuela City. His past programs on social protection and disaster response were highlighted by the Palace in its latest advisory. He said his colleagues recommended that Malacanang include him in the list of candidates for the job. Gatchalian will replace Erwin Tulfo, whose designation as DSWD chief was bypassed twice by the Commission on Appointments over libel and citizenship issues. The president then named Undersecretary Eduardo Punay as officer-in-charge of the agency. READ: Marcos: Plans for Erwin Tulfo do not include being adviser The DSWD, meanwhile, welcomed the appointment and vowed to work with its new leader. "The community supports the president in appointing Secretary Gatchalian to lead the department in its pursuit of compassionate public service," it said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday bared that he and Housing Secretary Jose Acuzar are studying the creation of a subsidy fund for beneficiaries of the governments housing program. He acknowledged that many housing beneficiaries are not able to pay their monthly amortization. Siguro maglalagay tayo diyan, pag nakahanap tayo ng pera, mga 1 billion to start with para meron tayong subsidy na ibibigay para sa ating magiging tenant, Marcos said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the second Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) project in Quezon City. [Translation: Perhaps well allocate an initial 1 billion so we can provide subsidies to our tenants.] The Marcos administration earlier said it intends to build a million affordable residential units per year to address the countrys housing backlog, which is estimated at 6.5 million units. RELATED: Govt plan to build 1M housing units a year too ambitious, impossible Pimentel During the groundbreaking event, the President also asked lawmakers to help ensure there is enough budget to realize this goal. I now call on Congress for your support, including housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the succeeding years, he said. House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was present at the ceremony, said Congress will do everything to support our President in all of his programs. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 30) Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said she is now ready to be appointed as the agencys chief after six months of working on the ground showed her opportunities to carry out reforms in the healthcare system. Nung nakita ko yung oportunidad [When I saw the opportunity,] it convinced me to really take on the position because, as you all know, I have a lot of hesitancy because of my career executive position, the tenure of this position, Vergeire said Tuesday in a DOH media forum. Pero sa tingin ko [But I think], with all these things happening, for us to really improve our healthcare system, this is the appropriate time to help the country, she added. RELATED: Vergeire sees no difference between OIC duties, DOH chief role However, Vergeire clarified that her appointment will go through a process in which she will have a discussion with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. If and when, that [appointment] would be his [Marcos] decision, pero hindi niya ako kailangan lapitan para i-appoint, Vergeire said. Ako po ang makikipag-usap sa kanya. [Translation: If and when, that would be his decision but he need not be the one to approach me. I will be the one who will talk to him]. Vergeire was appointed as DOH officer-in-charge on July 14, 2022 as Marcos searched for a head for the department. Shanghai museum opens exhibition on Jewish refugees during WWII Xinhua) 10:06, January 31, 2023 SHANGHAI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition opened at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum on Monday commemorating the Jewish refugees who came to China to evade the Nazis during World War II (WWII). The exhibition, titled "After the Holocaust: Displaced Persons and Displaced Persons Camps," is co-hosted by the United Nations and the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum. It presents copies of archived materials, including both text and photographs, and reviews the situation of the Jewish refugees seeking refuge in Shanghai during WWII. Tens of thousands of Jewish refugees came to Shanghai from Europe during WWII, mostly settling in an area in the northern part of the Suzhou River. They escaped Nazi atrocities and established deep friendships with the Chinese people. According to Chen Jian, curator of the museum, the exhibition reveals that the yearning for peace is a common aspiration of humanity. The exhibition will run until March 10. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is asking colleagues not to rush discussions on the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as the chamber gears up for its first hearing on the controversial bill. In a media briefing on Tuesday, Zubiri said he has instructed Sen. Mark Villar whose committee on banks, financial institutions and currencies will conduct the hearings to "give time to all sectors" concerned. "In other words, wag nyang madaliin ito (he should not rush this)," Zubiri stressed. "Hindi 'to pang-one hearing lamang. Hindi 'to pang-two hearings or three hearings (This should not be done for only one, two, or three hearings). So I suggested to Sen. Mark that he should conduct weekly hearings all the way [until] the break," he added. Zubiri said Villar can craft the committee report before they go on a break by the end of March, so that lawmakers can thoroughly study it. "He could either sponsor it before the break, or he can sponsor it when we get back after the Holy Week break, and have a full debate on the issue," he noted. The Senate will kick off its deliberations on the MIF on Wednesday following its swift passage at the House of Representatives in December. The measure backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to accrue profits from government assets to further promote development, according to administration officials. READ: Marcos: Maharlika fund being crafted to suit current PH Meanwhile, the Senate president also gave updates regarding their recent meeting with economic managers. "They assured us that the version passed in the House has the highest standards of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and good governance. Measures have been placed under that bill of the House to help safeguard the funds," Zubiri said. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. The proposal submitted by six of the seven states on the Colorado River could offer a path forward on saving hydropower at two dams and the West's $5 billion-a-year agricultural industry. But without agreement from California the largest water user on the Colorado the proposal could fall flat. Or wind up in court. Most notable about what was suggested by Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada in the Jan. 31 letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is that the lower basin states Arizona, Nevada and California would take into account evaporation and other losses, part of what's known as system loss accounting. Kalsoum Abbasi, water conveyance planning supervisor for Colorado Springs Utilities, called the proposal a good sign. But, even if adopted, the measures may only be temporary ahead of major operational changes for the river that will take effect after 2026, Abbasi said. These are stopgap measures to get us through, she said. Without these steps, Mead and Powell could see water levels crash, she said. Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River Conservancy District, went so far as to call the requirement that the lower basin states start system loss accounting "a watershed moment" for the Colorado River. "Our state and the Colorado River District have been calling for the proper assessment of evaporation in the lower basin for decades," Mueller said Tuesday. The upper basin states have been accounting for evaporation and other losses in their annual allocations since 1948, he said, while the lower basin states, until now, have resisted. For a lot of different reasons, two of the lower basin states Arizona and Nevada have now aligned with the upper basin states on this issue, one that Mueller said could form a permanent solution for resolving the imbalance on the river. Abbasi agreed that accounting for system losses, such as evaporation, in the lower basin states is a straightforward step to help Lake Meads levels, and that other water users, including Colorado Springs Utilities, have been accounting for system losses for years. The upper basin states have never used their full allotment of the Colorado River. While collectively, the 1922 Colorado River compact and subsequent agreements dictated the upper basin states receive 7.5 million acre-feet per year, the four states have never used more than 4.6 million acre-feet. In 2021, the consumptive use in the upper basin states dropped to 3.5 million acre-feet, according to the Upper Colorado River Commission. In comparison, the compact says Colorado should receive 3.9 million acre-feet from the Colorado annually. That's echoed by Becky Mitchell, Colorado's commissioner on the Upper Colorado River Commission, who said in a statement Tuesday that it remains critically important to Colorado that "any potential solutions recognize the hydrologic realities in the basin, including the fact that our water users routinely take deep and painful shortages due to lack of physical and legal availability of water." "Because of that factor," she added, "the Upper Division States regularly use less than half of our Compact apportionment and significantly less than the Lower Division States, who have been able to rely on reservoir storage in times of low flows." Upper Basin reservoirs , including Blue Mesa and Navajo in Colorado and Flaming Gorge in Utah, have been depleted from previous releases, Mitchell pointed out. She said the upper basin states are, nonetheless, committed to being a part of the solution to "the extent we are able, and are committed to doing that through additional voluntary conservation efforts, taking into account hydrologic conditions." She said the upper basin states also continue to diligently implement the Five-Point Plan released in July. That plan, however, doesn't identify how much water could be conserved by the upper basin states. The Southern Nevada Water Authority suggested last month that the upper basin states should cut their allocations by 500,000 acre-feet per year. Evaporative loss accounting the solution? Evaporative loss is not a small matter. The Southern Nevada Water Authority recently estimated that evaporation and transportation and other system inefficiencies result in a loss of about 1.5 million acre-feet per year just in the lower basin states. Mueller said that, if the Bureau of Reclamation, which could force the lower basin states to start accounting for evaporative loss, had done so 20 years ago, that would have left 25 million acre-feet of water in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. "We'd have about 12.5 million acre-feet more in those two reservoirs, and the Colorado River would not be a front-page news story. It would not be in a state of crisis had the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior implemented this at the turn of the millennium," Mueller said. Mueller said this accounting would be a huge piece of how to fix the river. But the cost to California, which refused to be a signatory on the six-state proposal, could also be huge. The allocation for California, the largest user of water from the river allocation, is about 4.1 million acre-feet per year. More than 3 million acre-feet of that water goes to the Imperial Valley Irrigation District, the nation's largest producer of winter vegetables. The Colorado River supplies 100% of the water used in the district, which also holds the most senior water rights. Were the Bureau of Reclamation to account for system loss, evaporative loss could result in 708,000 less acre-feet of water for California, said Mueller, who added that the U.S. Department of Interior should impose those requirements and it has the legal authority to do . But that almost certainly will provoke a lawsuit from California or at least from the Imperial Valle, he said. "They have made it very clear they will sue the Bureau over this," Mueller said, adding that has so far stopped the Department of Interior from moving forward on a system accounting standard. "We think it's really important that it be set up correctly. Not only does Interior have the legal authority, [the standard] also follows the laws of physics," Mueller said. "Those users should be held accountable for those losses." There's enough at stake that California, or at least the Imperial Valley Irrigation District, will sue, he said. California appears to be ready for that possibility. JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and the state's Colorado River Commissioner, said in a statement Tuesday that California water agencies will submit their own modeling framework for additional water use reductions "based on what is practical, voluntary, and achievable through 2026 in a way that works within the existing body of laws, compacts, decrees, and agreements known collectively as the Law of the River." The proposal submitted by the six other basin states, Hamby said, is inconsistent with that law, which includes the 1922 Colorado River Compact. Hamby added that California is "not able to provide input on the six-state proposal and detail our state's specific concerns," which he did not identify in his statement. "California remains focused on practical solutions that can be implemented now to protect volumes of water in storage without driving conflict and litigation," Hamby continued. "Our states voluntary commitment to conserve 400,000 acre-feet of water a year through 2026 is the only concrete proposal submitted to date from any basin states water users as part of a solution to address the current water shortage." The six-state proposal submitted to the Department of the Interior will become one among dozens of suggestions the department will consider under a supplemental environmental impact statement for near-term Colorado River operations. The SEIS, as it's known, will address the potential for continued low-runoff conditions in the Colorado River Basin in the next couple of years, a stopgap that the department hopes will cover the river's operations until the seven states, Mexico and tribal nations conclude negotiations for new operational guidelines, slated to be in place by Jan. 1, 2027. The decision on the SEIS from Department of Interior is expected in August 2023. In a statement Tuesday, the department said it remains committed to "pursuing a collaborative and consensus-based approach, and ongoing conversations with the basin states, Tribes, water managers, farmers, irrigators and other stakeholders are helping to inform the supplemental process to revise the current interim operating guidelines for the operation of Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams." The dams, on Lake Powell and Lake Mead, respectively, are both in danger of seeing water levels drop so low that they will not be able to generate the hydropower that supplies electricity all over the West. The department's statement added that its collaborative supplemental process is "our strongest immediate tool to help improve and protect the short-term sustainability of the Colorado River System by empowering the Bureau of Reclamation with additional alternatives and tools needed to address the likelihood of continued low-runoff conditions across the Basin over the next two years." The Colorado House of Representatives passed nine bills Tuesday morning, marking the first legislation of the year to make it all the way through a chamber. Each of the bills passed three readings on the House floor, in addition to their respective committee votes. The bills will now be sent to the state Senate for further consideration. If passed by the Senate, they will be sent to Gov. Jared Polis for final approval before going into law. House Bill 1045 is the only bill unanimously approved by the House so far this session. The bill clarifies that members of the Colorado National Guard and military reserve forces are allowed to take three weeks of leave from work when called to service or for training. This bill better protects the civilian employment rights of our Colorado National Guard as they respond to state disasters such as wildfires and blizzards, said bill sponsor Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, a National Guard veteran. Despite being in a historically small Republican minority, the unanimous passage of my bill shows my commitment to finding common sense solutions that help all of Colorado. Two bills passed with near complete support, with only one representative voting against each: House Bill 1053 to allow the Division of Veterans Affairs to spend donations made to the Western Slope Military Veterans' Cemetery Fund, and House Bill 1052 to expand property tax exemptions to veterans who do not have 100% permanent disability but are unable to work because of severe service-related medical conditions, pending voter approval in 2024. Rep. Stephanie Luck, R-Penrose, said she voted against HB 1053 because it would also create a new fund in the Department of Public Safety, which she thought was unnecessary. Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, R-Watkins, said he voted against HB 1052 because it would fund the expanded tax exemptions by decreasing refunds from the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The most divisive bill of the bunch was House Bill 1028, which seeks to allow former legislators to get a special name badge indicating their status. The bill passed in a 40-23 vote the smallest margin by far out of Tuesdays bills with members of both parties voting for and against the bill. This bill provides an opportunity to recognize former members service as they continue their work to improve this great state in their local communities, said bill sponsor Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, while debating the bill on the floor. The bill wouldnt afford the former legislators any special rights, such as bypassing security in the state Capitol, and would be paid for by each individual who wishes to get one. However, opponents raised concerns that the name tag would give former legislators undue influence while working in the Capitol, as many former state legislators go on to work in the building as lobbyists. I wouldnt want somebody that was a former representative coming to me in the capacity of a former representative but really theyre now working in the lobby core and theyre riding the coattails of their label as a former representative or state senator, said Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, who voted against the bill Tuesday. The other five bills all passed the House with bipartisan support, receiving opposition from only a handful of Republicans: House Bill 1033, to broaden the type of professions the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel can contract with. Passed 55-7. House Bill 1049, to enact the 2022 Colorado Revised Statutes, including laws passed during the last legislative session. Passed 58-4. House Bill 1004, to require insurance providers to translate policy documents to a customers preferred language. Passed 49-14. House Bill 1043, to modify the criminal records that disqualify an adult from caring for a child relative or kin and to allow for exceptions. Passed 60-3. House Bill 1058, to expand the definition of child-occupied facilities for the purposes of lead-based paint abatement. Passed 54-9. The following freshman representatives each prime sponsored one of the bills, marking the first bill passages of their legislative careers: Evans; Rep. Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker; Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch; Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Brighton; Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder; Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glennwood Springs; Rep. Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs; and, Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Greenwood Village. One representative was absent Tuesday, one seat is vacant and Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, missed the first three bill votes HB 1033, HB 1049 and HB 1052 making the vote totals vary for each bill. Key points Including the value, extent and condition of natural assets on balance sheets can help combat climate change and biodiversity loss. This style of natural capital accounting represents a new measure of sustainability expressed in financial terms. Using these practices, business and agriculture can readily partner to meet emissions targets and regenerate Australias ecosystems. Australias history of riding on the sheeps back and exporting mountains of golden grain has come at the cost of our natural biodiversity. Since European settlement, the continent has lost an estimated 40%1 of its forest cover, and much of the native vegetation that remains occurs in fragmented patches. This loss of habitat has a significant role in the climate crisis, as these native ecosystems helped absorb greenhouse gases. Reversing biodiversity loss by regenerating vegetation could be just as important in combatting climate change as moving away from fossil fuels. That is now the challenge and opportunity for Australias agricultural sector. Working with nature Agriculture accounts for 55%2 of Australias land use, and its environmental impact has been orders of magnitude larger than mining, said Terry McCosker OAM, founding director of regenerative agriculture consultancy RCS. Speaking at CommBanks second sustainability conference, Momentum, McCosker said that for hundreds of years farmers were taught to think of their farms only as agricultural land and not part of the broader ecosystem. There wasnt a connection in their training between farming and ecology, he said. The biggest breakthrough for me probably happened 35 years ago, when I understood that what we are actually farming is an ecosystem. The CSIROs Living Landscapes research director, Libby Pinkard, adds that agriculture relies on healthy environments to function. To maintain this, farmers need to think of biodiversity on their land as an asset. One of the challenges limiting farmers conservation activities is realising a return on their investment. And thats partly because as modern consumers we arent paying the price we should for our food, said McCosker. To make a living, farmers have had to focus on maximising production rather than stewardship of the land. And thats been devastating for the environment. Recent research suggests some agricultural land in the US and the UK has only between 60 and 100 harvests left3 before it becomes totally degraded and infertile, McCosker said. Securing our food supply will mean helping the agricultural sector to preserve and improve the quality of the land it occupies. Putting natural capital on the balance sheet Some farmers now measure the health of the environment in financial terms using natural capital accounting. Pinkard explains this is a way to value the role nature plays in a businesss ongoing success and profitability. Effectively, its a form of sustainability reporting expressed in financial terms. For Julian von Bibra, a seventh-generation farmer from Tasmania, this sort of accounting can fill the gap between farmers love of land and the impact their work has on it. We all have this mantra that we will hand [the land] over to the next generation in a better state [than we received it], he said. Luckily, when you start that mantra the next generation probably hasn't been born, and at no point did anyone actually take a snapshot of what your 30 years of farming looked like to hold you accountable because most of us fail. Ensuring that we somehow have capital accounts that acknowledge the environment, that's a space we are working at. We need to put that on the balance sheet. Carbon credits and an opportunity for businesses Solutions like natural capital accounting help create new opportunities for farmers and businesses to collaboratively tackle the climate crisis. Von Bibra pointed to a wool supply agreement he has with a customer in London which factors in the environmental impact of his work. We are working on the understanding of planetary boundaries that will see no negative impact from agriculture or processing in the production of those garments, he said. The full cost will be paid by the consumer. Yet, I will be paid fair value. And, beyond that, money will go towards the environment. McCosker adds many farms where he consults are now sequestering more carbon than they produce, with one notable example sealing away 47 kilograms of carbon for each kilogram of steak and sausages produced. By using natural capital accounting to track the health of a farm and the volume of carbon sequestered, the agricultural sector could now sell carbon credits to businesses. This would shift food production costs not included in supermarket prices off the farms books while helping businesses meet their own emissions targets. By getting those credits and that income back to farmers, we will fund them to regenerate things like our water cycle, put carbon away into soils, and increase our biodiversity, McCosker said. That is where some of the potential is in agriculture. Our regeneration and biodiversity experts Dr Terry McCosker OAM Founding Director, RCS Australia Terry is an internationally acclaimed teacher and has worked in research and property management in government and the private sector for almost 55 years. He has published over 40 papers and made several world-first discoveries in the 1980s in the fields of bull fertility, ruminant nutrition and pasture ecology. One of his greatest lifetime achievements is effectively bridging the gap between traditional agriculture and regenerative agriculture. Terry co-founded RCS in 1985. The organisation has set the benchmark for capacity building in rural and regional Australia, and was independently rated by a Commonwealth Government survey as the most trusted source of farming knowledge in Australia. Libby Pinkard Research Director Living Landscapes, CSIRO Environment Business Unit Dr Libby Pinkard applies her background in tree physiology to quantify the risks and impacts of environmental stress and pests on forest function and condition. She leads projects applying novel tools such as genomics to issues of climate change adaptation in natural and managed forest systems. Libby led the first integrated assessment of climate change risks and impacts for the Australian plantation forest industry. Her recent work focuses on the application of natural capital accounting to primary enterprises to improve environmental outcomes from private land. As a Research Director in the CSIROs Environment Business Unit, Libby oversees a broad portfolio of research that aims to inform land use change and sustainable management. Julian von Bibra Farmer and Land Conservationist, W and C von Bibra. Julian is a seventh-generation family farmer based in the Midlands of Tasmania, a traditional wool-growing area. The family has transformed the farm through water development, irrigation, and the opportunity to expand by purchasing neighbouring properties. Today the farm still produces Merino wool, but also prime lambs, beef, cereal crops and carbon. The property also has significant areas of native vegetation and biodiversity. In his business, Julian values relationships, partnerships and focusing on customers. The family has a strong sense of community and manages the land with a future vision. To watch this session on-demand or explore other content from CommBank Momentum 2022, visit Momentum. To learn more from leading industry experts about Australias transition to a net-zero economy, head to CommBank Foresight insights for future-facing businesses. COP15 accomplishments The UN conference on biodiversity, on the other hand, was deemed a success by many. Emma Despland, professor of biology in the Faculty of Arts and Science, reports that she was pleased with the outcome of COP15. I was impressed by the respect given to science, acceptance of evidence of biodiversity loss, commitment, professionalism and constructive attitudes in the negotiations I witnessed, Despland says. Despite some watering down of language and concerns over financing, this agreement to protect nature is the strongest weve ever had. In December, negotiators finalized an agreement with several goals, including conserving at least 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030 while respecting Indigenous and traditional territories in the expansion of new protected areas. There is also a pledge to reduce subsidies deemed harmful to nature by at least $500 billion USD by 2030. To me, the real concern is over the political will to meet the targets, Despland adds. Of the targets for 2020 set out in the Aichi (Japan) talks in 2010, only six were partially met and none were completely met. Universities role in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss Both Despland and Bossert believe universities like Concordia have an important role to play in enacting the commitments laid out in UN climate and biodiversity agreements. Despland notes that the final COP15 agreement calls for the involvement of all of society to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, which includes universities. Many universities are large landowners and need to rethink how to manage their campuses in nature-positive ways. Concordia is already a leader in sustainable development. The university recently launched Sustainability in the Digital Age, a think tank that brings together subject-matter experts who will explore how digital innovation can help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Concordia committed to supporting the SDGs in 2020. It has since placed among the 100 best universities in the world in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which tracks the progress of the international higher education sector toward achieving the SDGs. Bossert maintains that universities have an important role when it comes to climate change because they tend to have a more long-term and neutral perspective. Politicians are looking to the next election period and industry is motivated by their next quarterly review, so theyre less able to tackle long-term problems. Universities will equip the next generation with knowledge, he says. They will help form the change-agents and decision-makers of the future. Learn more about Concordias commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Cybercrime is a growing scourge that transcends borders, spreading across the boundaries of virtually all the world's nearly 200 nation-states. From ransomware attacks to rampant cryptocurrency theft, criminal exploitation of borderless digital systems threatens global economic security and the political welfare of all countries. Now, the United Nations has a major initiative to develop a new and more inclusive approach to addressing cybercrime. This revised global approach could spark new laws worldwide to battle cybercrime more effectively. However, concerns over the scope of the emerging international convention and its possible threats to free speech, privacy, and cybersecurity research, among other issues, have emerged following the recent release of early drafts of the new convention. Cybercrime convention aims to be more global On December 27, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to counter the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes. Through the resolution, the General Assembly established an open-ended ad hoc intergovernmental committee of experts from all countries to create the cybercrime convention, which will be voted on by the General Assembly at its 78th session starting in September. This convention will supplement a convention on cybercrime developed in the 1990s and signed in Budapest in 2001, commonly referred to as the Budapest Cybercrime Convention. The Budapest Convention resulted in the first international treaty to define crimes committed via the internet and other computer networks. It went into effect in 2004, with updates adopted since then, most recently in 2022. Sixty-seven countries ratified the Budapest Convention, with two additional countries, Ireland and South Africa, signing the convention but not ratifying it. The ad hoc committee aims to create a new cybercrime convention that is more widely adopted and influential than the Budapest Convention. "The US and lots of other like-minded countries have been saying that we have the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime," Chris Painter, president of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation and the former top cyber diplomat for the US, tells CSO. "That's great. But a number of countries, led by Russia and China, said they wanted a new UN convention since they weren't part of the original negotiation of the Budapest Convention. So, the US and others said, Okay, we'll fully participate." A new convention would enable "us to more swiftly, in a more modern manner, exchange information to pursue and bring to justice those who abuse computer systems," Ambassador Deborah McCarthy, US lead negotiator on the Ad Hoc Committee for the Department of State, tells CSO. "This makes it truly global." Due to the tight timeframe to meet the September deadline, the working groups assigned to hammer out the new convention presented compilations of draft texts of the proposals at the fourth session of the Ad Hoc Committee in Vienna that concluded on January 20. Bad cybercrime policies can come out of the process The critical characteristic of any new cybercrime convention is that it could, when implemented, have the same force as federal legislation, Kurt Opsahl, deputy executive director and general counsel of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), told attendees at this year's Shmoocon conference. EFF, along with Painter's group and more than 74 digital and human rights organizations, are participating in the Ad Hoc Committee's discussions at the encouragement of committee chair, HE Ms. Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki of Algeria, to get views of "non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector." Because of this force of law, treaties resulting from conventions can "short circuit" the political process. "We have seen some bad policies come through the treaty process and then get adopted here in the states," Opsahl said. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), "which we're not really big fans of," mandated that US copyright law comply with two treaties established World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Cybercrime convention scope should be narrow From Painter's perspective, the fundamental questions in the current negotiations center on what's in and out of the convention's scope. "Those are the two things we're dealing with, and they're both difficult issues. The US, the EU, and others have been pretty clear that they think it should be restricted to real cybercrimes. There might be a couple of exceptions like child exploitation or things like that, but not every crime that may be cyber-enabled [should be included] because that's everything; that would be every crime." Ambassador McCarthy underscores Painter's point, emphasizing the cybercrime nature of the convention more broadly, saying, "This is not about cybersecurity, it is not about internet governance, it's not about covering speech crimes or terrorism. Our aims are not broad; they're quite narrow." Likewise, when it comes to some countries' goals of including a range of cyber-enabled crimes, "If you add all the cyber-enabled crimes that a number of countries would like to have, they touch on freedom of expression and freedom in general," she says. "And we do not want to see that in this instrument." "It's a very long treaty," EFF's Opsahl said at Shmoocon. "It covers a lot of things. It would be best if it is limited to cybercrime." Lots of room for improvement The drafts released at the fourth session in Vienna point to a range of provisions that go far beyond the strict parameters of cybercrime, suggesting room for improvement before the US and its like-minded allies could agree to a new convention. The first area for improvement is in the area of civil disputes, such as violating a site's terms of service, "which should not be a crime," Opsahl said. However, many of the ways that the cybercrime provisions are being written "could certainly have an interpretation that unlawful conduct would include contract violations. They should make it clear in the statute, in these proposed articles, that this is not going to be criminalizing civil disputes." Another area to watch out for is clarifying the nature of intent when it comes to provisions that criminalize "the serious and unlawful hindering of the functioning" of a computer system. "Intent is that difference between finding a vulnerability, proving it up, and helping the world with that information, and going, and exploiting it," according to Opsahl. Painter agrees, saying "you don't punish researchers. As lawyers say, you actually have to have mens rea or mental state for these crimes, and not if you engineer something, suddenly you're liable." Including speech content in cybercrime treaty could endanger rights Perhaps most concerning are the draft sections that criminalize the content of speech, such as extremism or terrorism. "Many countries who will be signatories to this treaty use similar language to strike down dissent and say that anyone who's opposing the regime is spreading sedition is spreading strife and hatred," said Opsahl. "This has been used far too often to endanger rights. There are no agreed international definitions of what these kinds of terms mean." "What is cyber terrorism?" Painter asks. "What does that mean? To Russia, it might mean someone disagreeing with Putin. The Chinese representative reportedly said in one of the meetings that he wanted to introduce a substantive crime about disinformation, but he was talking about people spreading rumors about natural disasters or the pandemic." "Terrorism is handled in other fora, violent extremism is handled in multiple fora," McCarthy says. "This particular instrument is not appropriate for these things that are being handled in other fora. If you try to incorporate all these other things on which there is sometimes no final agreement, it goes beyond being a crime instrument, and the process will never conclude." A broad desire for something tight, nimble Despite these and other thorny issues, McCarthy says she is heartened at how the process has brought "more people under the tent" and how only a handful of countries have a list of demands that would threaten the acceptance of a new convention. She has faith in the caliber of the policy people and practitioners on the US team, which includes experts from the Department of Justice. During a fifth session in April, small subgroups of the ad hoc committee will tackle "the difficult things that we ran into on the fourth session," she says. In addition, the teams will continue negotiating between sessions. "There's a broad desire to have something tight and nimble." The crunch time will come before the sixth session in late August, by which time the committee chair will have produced what is called the zero draft or the last draft version of the convention. "So, there's not a lot of time," says McCarthy. Researchers from cybersecurity firm Proofpoint claim to have discovered a new threat campaign involving malicious third-party OAuth apps that are used to infiltrate organizations cloud environments. According to a blog on the companys website, threat actors satisfied Microsofts requirements for third-party OAuth apps by abusing the Microsoft verified publisher status, employing brand abuse, app impersonation and other social engineering tactics to lure users into authorizing malicious apps. The potential impacts of the campaign, which Proofpoint first discovered in December 2022, include data exfiltration and mailbox abuse, the company stated. Proofpoints analysis suggested that the campaign has targeted mainly UK-based organizations and users. The firm informed Microsoft of the malicious activity on December 20, 2022, and the campaign ended seven days later. Microsoft has since disabled the malicious applications while continuing to investigate this attack, Proofpoint confirmed. Threat actors sought to abuse OAuth privileges Publisher verified or verified publisher is a status that a Microsoft account can gain when the publisher of the app has verified their identity using their Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) account and has associated this MPN account with their app registration, Microsoft stated. Threat actors recognize the value of verified status in the Microsoft environment to abuse OAuth privileges, increasing the probability of tricking users into granting consent when a malicious third-party OAuth app requests access to data accessible via a users account, Proofpoint wrote. We identified three malicious apps created by three different malicious publishers, Proofpoint stated. These apps targeted the same organizations and are associated with the same malicious infrastructure. Multiple users were observed authorizing the malicious apps, thereby compromising their organizations environment. UK-based organizations and users were most targeted, affecting financial and marketing personnel, as well as high-profile users such as managers and executives, Proofpoint noted. Data exfiltration, mailbox, and brand abuse among campaign risks If consent is granted by users, default delegated permissions in the malicious applications allowed threat actors to access and manipulate mailbox resources, calendar, and meeting invitations linked to compromised users accounts, Proofpoint wrote. Offline access provided by the permissions meant that user interaction was not required after consent, while the granted token (refresh token) has a long expiry duration of over a year in most cases, giving threat actors the ability to leverage compromised accounts in subsequent BEC or other attacks, Proofpoint stated. In addition to user accounts being compromised, impersonated organizations could suffer brand abuse. Proofpoint urged businesses and users to be cautious when granting access to third-party OAuth apps, even if they are verified by Microsoft. Do not trust and rely on OAuth apps based on their verified publisher status alone. Organizations should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of granting access to third-party apps. Further, organizations should restrict user consent to apps with verified publishers and low risk delegated permissions. Automated remediation actions, such as revoking malicious OAuth apps from your cloud environment, can greatly decrease threat actors dwell time and prevent most post-access risks. GitHub repositories compromised by stolen OAuth tokens In April last year, Salesforce-owned PaaS vendor Heroku and Microsofts GitHub warned that compromised OAuth user tokens were likely used to download private data from organizations using Heroku and continuous integration and testing service Travis CI. At the time, GitHub stated that five specific OAuth applications were affected four versions of Heroku Dashboard and Travis CI (IDs 145909, 628778, 313468, 363831, and 9261). Our analysis of other behavior by the threat actor suggests that the actors may be mining the downloaded private repository contents, to which the stolen OAuth token had access, for secrets that could be used to pivot into other infrastructure, GitHub said. After the super success of Prabha's episode, Unstoppable 2 with NBK' will feature Pawan Kalyan this week. . (Image credit: Aha) After an insipid start to the new year, things on streaming platforms are yet to pick up. Though there is no dearth of new content, big titles still elude the streamers. While power star Pawan Kalyan will appear on a chat show, multiple Oscar nominee Wakanda Forever will be released on OTT this week. Netflix Cunk on Earth is a mockumentary by Philomena Cunk tracing the history of civilization. It will be aired on January 31. On the same day, we have an interesting documentary on Pamela Anderson, a name synonymous with Bay Watch. Netflix will release Class this week from February 3. Adopted from a Spanish series, this drama deals with friendships, betrayal, class conflicts, and murder. After the emotional Dog Gone, Netflix brings Gunthers Millions, a limited series in which a dog inherits millions. On the same day, we have Infiesto, a dark and gritty story of two detectives solving a case against the backdrop of the pandemic. Next is True Spirit", an inspiring tale of a girl who aims to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Another movie releasing on the same day is Viking Wolf, in which after witnessing a murder, a teenager starts having visions. On Friday, Stromboli , a movie dealing with a woman dealing with a broken marriage will start streaming. Amazon Harlem, a story of four girlfriends in their 30s, trying to balance their work and life, returns for a second season on February 3. The American comedy series has been created by Tracy Oliver and two episodes will be released every week. SonyLiv Hindi heartland of Bihar once again serves as a backdrop for a story where love and anarchy come head-to-head. Set in 2005, Jehanabad has been directed by Rajeev Barnwal and Satyanshu Singh. The show will be streamed on February 3. The earlier reality shows, Masterchef and Shark Tank also continue. Lionsgate Play One of the last releases of 2022, Shotgun Wedding stars Jennifer Lopez. This romantic comedy deals with a destination wedding gone awry. Its available on Prime Video and Lionsgate Play. Disney+Hotstar The superhero action film, Wakanda Forever, which has secured multiple nominations for the Academy Awards, will be released on the streamer on February 1. Its an eagerly awaited release as the movie has garnered both commercial and critical acclaim on its theatrical release. Aha After the super success of Prabhas episode, Unstoppable 2 with NBK will feature Pawan Kalyan this week. The first part will have the power star speaking about his three marriages, foraying into the films, and his bond with the family among other things. It will be telecast on Feb. 3. On the same day, the finale episode of Comedy Stock Exchange will be aired. Also, Friday will see the release of Couple On The Backtrack, a Korean drama dubbed in Telugu. Netflix 1. Cunk on Earth 2. Class 3. Infiesto 4. True Spirit 5. Viking Wolf 6. Pamela 7. Gunthers Millions Prime Video 1. Harlem Season 2 2. Shotgun Wedding SonyLiv 1. Jehanabad Lionsgate Play 1. Shotgun Wedding Disney+Hotstar 1. Wakanda Forever Aha 1. Comedy Stock Exchange (Finale episode) 2. Couple On The Backtrack 3. Unstoppable 2 with NBK (Pawan Kalyan) Doctors also underscored the importance of learning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which can help save a person's life if their heart or breathing stops. (Representational Image: Pexels) HYDERABAD: The growing incidence of young people experiencing sudden cardiac arrests in their 30s and early 50s, including 39-year-old Tollywood actor Nandamuri Taraka Ratna or 46-year-old Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar, is alarming both the general public and the medical community. Doctors advise that people begin routine checkups at the age of 30, especially if they display symptoms that could be indicators of an impending cardiac arrest. Doctors used to recommend checkups for those over 40, but due to the increasing number of younger people experiencing cardiac attacks and the rising stress brought on by modern lifestyles, they now recommend it starting at age 30. Doctors also underscored the importance of learning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which can help save a person's life if their heart or breathing stops. Dr. Naveen Krishna, a senior interventional cardiologist, said younger people may develop symptoms that can act as warning indicators, such as a burning sensation in the chest that is often mistaken for gastric issues, sweating without exertion, shortness of breath, and weakness following physical exercise that they used to find easy. "A mistake many people make when they have a burning sensation in the chest is to not consult a doctor, but buy over the counter medication," he stated. There can, however, in rare circumstances be no precursory symptoms of a cardiac arrest. In such situations, Dr. Krishna recommends people to check if anyone in their families have a history of suffering a cardiac arrest at a young age. The family members could be parents, cousins, uncles, aunts or grandparents. The incident involving Tarakaratna, according to doctors, has underlined the need for public education and training in CPR to save lives. "Each second delay decreases the chances of survival. Bystander CPR can be initiated by the public, and we need to give them training in basic CPR," noted Dr V. Hariram, a consultant in interventional cardiology. Along with CPR, the general public can be trained on how to operate defibrillators, devices that send electric shocks to the heart to restore heartbeat in the event of a cardiac arrest. They are currently available only in airports and hotels, and should be more widespread, he said. Opinion: New reports show that police killings in 2022 set a new high for the last decade. How do these figures hold up to crime statistics from the past century though, and what can we do to resolve them? ---------- Last week, the streets of Atlanta were met with violent protests after an activist was shot and killed by police officers earlier in the week. According to a Reuters witness, some protesters threw fireworks and rocks, smashed windows and set a cop car on fire. They marched with signs and chants revolving around Stop Cop City. Cop City refers to the 85-acre area of land which is planned to become a new public safety training center. While already owned by the city of Atlanta, activists claim that the $90 million project funded by the Atlanta Police Foundation would cut down so many trees that it would damage the environment. They are also generally opposed to the idea of that much investment into police operations. As a result, protests have occurred at the location for over a year, with some activists committing arson, using explosives and other seriously harmful devices while others have peacefully camped out. One of these protestors was Manuel Teran. They were removed from the site by police officers in a clearing effort when, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Teran refused to comply and allegedly shot a state trooper. The surrounding state troopers returned fire in self-defense. While this incident remains under investigation, Mapping Police Violence which claims to be the most comprehensive account of police killings since 2013 has released its database for 2022. It reports that in 2022, 1,186 civilians were killed by police officers. Headlines quickly followed the report claiming police killings have reached a record high, featuring US police kill record number of people in 2022 and It never stops: killings by US police reach record high in 2022. While it is true the police killed an astonishing and unacceptable amount of people last year, its important to consider the limitations of this data set. Mapping Police Violence has only been collecting data since 2013, and while there are databases from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System and the FBI, these lists are incomplete and often inaccurate. That being said, data accumulated by Peter Moskos a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice shows that in New York, police killed an average of 62 people per year between 1970 to 1974 in a population of 7.5 million people. Between 2015 and 2021 though, police killed an average of nine people a year in a population of 8.7 million people. Look also to cities such as Los Angeles, where the average in the 1970s was 30 people a year compared to 15 people a year recently. Across the 18 cities Moskos examined, there was a 69% drop in fatal police shootings. But can we really compare the 1970s to now? In terms of straight numbers, yes. In terms of social and political tensions, no. It is clear from the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others in 2020 that there is a racial disparity in policing. Black people were 26% of those killed by police in 2022 despite being only 13% of the population, Mapping Police Violence reported. Additionally, only one in three police killings began as a response to an alleged violent crime. The majority were the result of traffic stops, mental health checks or non-violent disturbances. There were no alleged crimes or violent acts to justify a police officers killing of a person. While there has been a drop in police killings overall in the past 50 years, the number of police killings has continued to increase year to year. Regardless if you would like to claim last year as a record high or not, policy implications must be considered if we would like to see this number begin to trend downwards. Time after time, members of Congress, activists and communities have called for police and criminal justice reform, and while slight shifts in policy have been implemented locally, we must be looking toward a national, systematic reform. Recommendations by the Brookings Institution, a non-profit public policy organization, begin with eliminating qualified immunity and creating national standards for de-escalation. Once that has been achieved, compensation for civilians as a result of police violence and officer wellness must be assessed. Finally, what results is a restructure of the fraternal order of police institutions and the culture surrounding policing. I dont believe this can all be achieved in the next 12 months. Frankly, Im unsure if there is a possibility for this to be achieved in the next decade. However, whatever steps we begin to take, we should hope they result in a headline next January that reads U.S. police killings began to decline in 2023, rather than another record high. Social media accounts are circulating defamatory content against Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. (Photo:Twitter) HYDERABAD: Kukatpally police have registered a case against unidentified persons running social media accounts circulating defamatory content against Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Telangana State Technology Services chairman P. Jaganmohan Rao lodged a complaint stating that defamatory content is being circulated from 24 accounts on social media platforms. The accounts are run by the persons working for the BJP and Congress IT Cells, he claimed. He submitted a 24-page complaint to the police, following which the police registered a case and started an investigation. Kukatpally inspector T. Narsing Rao said a case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the IT Act. "We are in the process of tracking the users operating these accounts. We have also written to the social media platforms seeking details of the users," he said. Don't know about you, but I've come to view these endless strikes as a bit like the weather. They control my life, but there's not really an awful lot I can do about them. As with everything these days, one must just accept the general nightmare of it all and get around it as best one can. And so I haven't bothered phoning the doctor about the nagging pain in my hip, because the chances of anything being done about it are vanishingly small. As to my frozen shoulder, which is sometimes so painful it wakes me up at night, pah. Why bother? I'll only be made to feel guilty for taking up some poor underpaid, overworked nurse's time. My son, who is in his A-level year, now has to get up at the crack of dawn to stand a chance of catching a delayed train or Tube to reach school on time although this morning who knows if he will even go, since today the teachers are on strike, too Likewise public transport. I made the mistake of going to the theatre the other night. Honestly, it would have been easier (and cheaper) to get to the Moon. My son, who is in his A-level year, now has to get up at the crack of dawn to stand a chance of catching a delayed train or Tube to reach school on time although this morning who knows if he will even go, since today the teachers are on strike, too. Meanwhile, my daughter and her university colleagues are saddling themselves with debt, paying full-on fees and accommodation costs while her lecturers strike for 18 days in February (on top of the extra days last term). I mean, there are only 28 days in February, and eight of those are weekends. So that's, what, two days the lecturers are working next month? No wonder so many of her cohort are dropping out. Anyway, my point is: no one gives a fig about me or anyone else whose lives are being wrecked by these strikes. Not the unions, not the Government. The ordinary people of Britain, the ones who can't afford to lose the work, or who don't have nice gold-plated pensions or sharp-elbowed union reps, they're just the mugs in the middle. I don't doubt that life is hard for doctors and nurses and ambulance drivers and train operators and teachers and civil servants have I left anyone out? Their job is to keep going so that the 54.2 per cent of the population that now receives more from the state than they pay in taxes can be kept in the style to which they have become accustomed. I'm sorry to be so brutal, but it's true. Britain has become a nation of two halves: those who quietly get on with the job, and those who take everything they can get. And right now, the latter are winning. I don't doubt that life is hard for doctors and nurses and ambulance drivers and train operators and teachers and civil servants have I left anyone out? But it's also hard for everyone else. We're all suffering the fall-out from all those stupid and (in my opinion) unnecessary lockdowns; everyone is feeling the effects of rising prices and the war in Ukraine. What's crucial is how you respond to those hardships. Do you blame everyone else and make others pay by having to work twice as hard? Make their lives miserable so you can force the Government to its knees, demanding more and more of a system that simply doesn't have the resources to give? Or do you accept that in life there always has to be a modicum of compromise and act with moral responsibility? I agree: nurses do deserve to be paid more, so do ambulance drivers and junior doctors. God knows they have difficult and important jobs. But there are reasonable demands and there is pie-in-the-sky. Double-digit pay rises, which is what they are demanding, are just not feasible in the current economic climate. It would, however, be feasible if more people were contributing more to the Exchequer; and the way to do that is not to make the dwindling pool of existing taxpayers stump up more; it's to increase the number of taxpayers by encouraging growth and investment. And that, I'm afraid, is hard to do when people can't even catch a train to work or have to take endless days off sick because they can't see their doctor. No one gives a fig about me or anyone else whose lives are being wrecked by these strikes. Not the unions, not the Government. Pictured: Protesters outside Downing Street, London, demonstrating against the new law on strikes That is the point that Labour and the unions and all the mini-Corbynistas on the picket-lines either don't or won't understand: you paralyse the country, you cripple the economy, and a crippled economy can only afford to pay its workers less, not more. It's a vicious circle that only has one outcome: bankruptcy. Or Italy, if you prefer. What the Government should do is make a sensible offer. Eight per cent across the board would be my suggestion, and a cast-iron guarantee of no more industrial action for at least two years, when there would be a review. As a taxpayer, I would be happy with that, even if it meant shelling out a bit more in the short term. For the Government, it would be a win/win situation: either the unions accept, and everyone goes back to work; or they don't and they lose the support of the British public. Either way, can you please hurry up? Before we all lose the will to live. Rude, moi? No, just French Bond girl Eva Green has blamed her rudeness towards the producers of a doomed sci-fi film in which she was involved on her 'Frenchness'. Best defence I've ever heard. Does Dominic Raab have any French ancestry, I wonder? Bond girl Eva Green has blamed her rudeness towards the producers of a doomed sci-fi film in which she was involved on her 'Frenchness' If you missed Susanna Reid grilling Matt Hancock on Good Morning Britain yesterday, look up the clip online. It was a masterclass in how an interviewer can, with great restraint, hold even someone as slippery as the former health secretary to account. Reid is often underrated because she presents 'fluffy' breakfast telly but, as Hancock proved, she's not to be underestimated. Parody of femininity Thanks to people like Nicola Sturgeon, scumbags such as trans double rapist Isla Bryson (formerly Adam Graham) now think all they need to do to become 'women' is shove on a pair of pink leggings and a wig (see picture). Quite apart from everything else that is wrong about this, the idea that being a woman is merely a question of hair and make-up is highly offensive. We spend our entire lives being judged by men for our appearance; now when one despicable man appropriates our identity for his own means, he offers a crude caricature of femininity. Quite apart from everything else that is wrong about this, the idea that being a woman is merely a question of hair and make-up is highly offensive. Pictured: Isla Bryson (formerly Adam Graham) As a parent, you should never reward bad behaviour. Which is why it would be completely wrong for Prince Harry to attend the Coronation. Inviting him to be present at a solemn ceremony that celebrates everything he and his wife have scorned will only encourage him to think that what he has done is acceptable and send a signal that he can do it again. Charles needs to stand firm, both as King and as a father, or the Sussex nightmare will never end. My favourite recent story is 'selfie bear', a black bear in the U.S. state of Colorado, who has snapped more than 400 photos on a motion-activated wildlife camera, striking a series of flattering poses that even Kim Kardashian would be proud of. Talk about bear-faced cheek! My favourite recent story is 'selfie bear', a black bear in the U.S. state of Colorado, who has snapped more than 400 photos on a motion-activated wildlife camera The Alexander McQueen trouser suit that the Princess of Wales wore to launch her early years initiative this week marks a turning point in her style evolution. Nothing screams confidence more than a woman in a sharply tailored suit; a RED suit is off the scale. World, watch out. It's no wonder parents and pupils at King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny, were dead-set against the council renaming it the 'Abergavenny Learning Centre' on account of the Tudor monarch's 'issues' with women. Just another example of political correctness turning our rich history into bland pulp. In yesterday's Daily Mail, interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch posed the question: is it naff to colour-code your books? The answer is, of course, yes. Books are not wallpaper. They are designed to be read, not offset cushions. I'm actually starting to get a bit worried about Meghan now. Oprah Winfrey released a picture of her birthday celebrations this weekend and the Duchess of Sussex wasn't there. Given the pair's close friendship, surely it is inconceivable she wasn't invited? Love Island 'star' Paige Thorne is removing her implants after complaining her bikinis didn't fit. Talk about first-world problems. But what I want to know is this: why do all the girls insist on wearing their bikini tops upside down? My daughter tells me it's the fashion, but I say no wonder your boobs keep popping out, love, your bra's the wrong way up. Entrepreneur Katherine Ruiz saw a big gap between the quality and price of haircare products ranged in supermarkets and those that are stocked exclusively by hair salons. Now her Australian made, owned and manufactured People Haircare products are selling for $16 in over 800 Coles supermarkets nationwide. Entrepreneur and People Haircare founder Katherine Ruiz People Haircare was created by co-founders Katherine Ruiz and Matt John with the intention of making high quality, salon-performing haircare products accessible through supermarkets across Australia. At a $16 price point, People Haircare is proving that salon-performance doesn't need to be overly pricey. The results speak for themselves, with People Haircare selling a bottle a minute since launching. 'I've found it frustrating that premium haircare has never been accessible through supermarkets. We've worked with award-winning haircare brands through our branding agency Anatomy Studios over the years and thought to ourselves if we don't do it, someone else will,' says Ruiz. Nourishing People Hydrate Shampoo softens hair and replenishes moisture 'As people that care a lot about our hair it was a non-negotiable that our formulas had to perform like they do in salons without breaking the bank,' Ruiz explains. 'We are not afraid to say we're the best performing product in the supermarket. And so do our customers.' People Haircare co-founders Matt John and Katherine Ruiz Not only are Ruiz and John the founders of People Haircare, they're the brand's creative directors and self-proclaimed hair fanatics as well as being well supported by industry-leading experts. With years of experience under their belts, they know a thing or two about building brands and the hair industry. People Haircare was created to fill the gap in salon-performing, affordable and accessible hair care in supermarkets. People Haircare's highly-effective, beautifully designed and ethically made products are made to suit everyone and every hair type. People Haircare's ethically made products are made to suit every hair type Haircare for volume People Volume Shampoo and Conditioner gives fine hair that oomph it's looking for, adding volume, bounce, and shine back to limp locks. Packed with Papaya and Ginseng, it's a highly-conditioning formula that softens strands without ever holding them down. Shop Haircare for hydration People Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner is a nourishing duo that softens hair and replenishes moisture. Packed with Coconut Oil and Olive Oil, these two super ingredients have humectant properties to hold on to moisture, without greasing up the place. Shop Haircare for smoothing People Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner calms down fly-aways and frizz while softening thick and coarse strands. Packed with Olive Oil and Mango, you'll want to run your fingers through your hair at every chance you get. Who knew strands could be so smooth. Shop Haircare for repair People Repair Shampoo and Conditioner is a strengthening power couple for hair that desperately needs a service. Packed with Almond and Shea Butter, it helps rebuild and repair dry, damaged hair, bringing a healthy shine back to dull locks. Shop SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. When it comes to Valentines Gifts, you have a choice between buying your love a gift theyll use a few times or choosing an experience you can enjoy together. If you want the latter option and to make memories together trying new things, one delicious and unique option is a Japanese tasting adventure from Sakuraco. Youll both get to pleasure your tastebuds as well as have fun experimenting with a Sakuraco Valentine's gift box that contains an incredible 20 tasty treats direct from Japan that you could never find in an American grocery store. Sakuraco Valentine's Treat Box With 20 Pieces With treats, teas and items for the home like tea cups or chopsticks, this is the perfect mix of a taste sensation plus an object to keep forever. Use the code DAILYMAIL to make the cost of a box of 20 treats just $32.50. Shop And the Valentines box is more special than most as it contains tea for two as well as perfect tea accompaniments such as sweet Kinako dumplings and Mikan jelly. With the $5 discount, a box works out to $32.50, which is less than $2 per snack. The Sakuraco Valentine's box includes Japanese afternoon tea perfectly paired with sweet Kinako Dumplings and refreshing Mikan Jelly. The box also includes ceramics and chop sticks, making it even better value for money as you can reuse these items time and time again and keep them as a sign of your Valentine's love for each other. Whether you enjoy the box on Valentines night and pick on the treats instead of a heavy dinner or spread them out over a few months and make the gift last longer, Sakuraco's Valentine's box is a couples experience. Just look at these luscious strawberry treats paired with rich milk chocolate, fluffy dorayaki cakes, and the comforting flavor of barley. Enjoy a romantic night with luscious strawberry treats paired with rich milk chocolate, fluffy dorayaki cakes, and the comforting flavor of barley. Just some of the treats inside the Sakuraco Valentine's box If youre feeling extra generous, you could take out a subscription and receive brand new treat boxes every four weeks. Each box has a different theme with previous themes ranging from Japanese blossom season to Chinese New Year to celebrating specific regions in Japan. The boxes themselves look gorgeous so you can reuse them when the treats are gone. After you've eaten the treats in the Sakuraco box, you can keep the box and also a ceramic item or chopsticks so you'll always have something to remind you of Valentine's Day 2023 If you are intrigued by the culture and cuisine of Japan but are yet to visit, a subscription box will help you experience all the best, most authentic tastes of the country without an expensive plane ticket. Those who have tried one have really enjoyed the thrill of experiencing different flavors, with the average score from 12,000 reviewers a near-perfect 4.8 out of five. 'I received a subscription to Sakuraco as a Christmas gift and am completely delighted with it,' praised one happy subscriber. 'The nibbles are delicious and the tea divine. It all comes beautifully packaged with a vivid booklet describing a specific region of Japan. I cant wait for our next box.' Sakuraco offers subscription options so you can enjoy a unique delivery every month in a beautiful box, Previous themes have included Japanese Cherry Blossom Another added: 'The quality of the snacks was incredible and diverse! A lot of cool items with unique taste and new flavors. The delivery was on point and we can't wait for the next box!' Ready to wow your Valentine? Head to the Sakuraco website now and don't forget the code DAILYMAIL to save $5. A father who went missing 10 years ago was 'killed after rejecting the sexual advances of a man before his body was dismembered and deposited at a pig farm', a Channel 4 documentary claims. Robert Duff, then 37, was reported missing in January 2013 after he failed to attend his daughter's 18th birthday party in London, with his family describing his disappearance as 'completely out of character'. His case was treated as a missing persons inquiry until 2018, when a new witness came forward following an appeal on ITV London Tonight. Officers began a murder inquiry and have been searching bodies of water near to where he was last seen. In the new film, In the Footsteps of Killers, which airs on Thursday, Professor David Wilson and Emilia Fox speak to a contact who has been told by a homeless man what happened to Robert. In the new film, In the Footsteps of Killers, it was claimed Robert Duff was 'killed after rejecting the sexual advances of a man before his body was dismembered and deposited at a pig farm'. PIctured: Robert with his two children Robert, who was also known as Duffy, was last seen on January 12 2013 when he was pictured on CCTV withdrawing cash. His family grew concerned when days later, he failed to arrive at a celebration for his daughter's 18th birthday. There was going to be a party to celebrate that fact at his mothers' house, but Robert never turned up. Professor David Wilson explained it was extremely out of character for the man, saying he was 'involved in his daughter's lives.' Police believe Robert was involved in a fight with two men on the day he disappeared, and was killed that night. He had been to a flat in Bredgar Road, Archway, north London, on the night and several people were there. Timeline of Robert's disappearance Saturday January 12 2013 - Robert is seen on CCTV for the last time, getting money out of a cash point in Archway. He is in a flat on Bredgar Road with a number of other people. Days later, he fails to turn up to his daughter's 18th birthday party. His mother reports him missing to police but his body is never found. January 2018 - There was an appeal for new information, and the case became a murder investigation Police are also seen searching ponds in the area May 14 2018 - Two men aged 70 and 51 were arrested on suspicion of murder in Archway and questioned before being released under investigation. 2020 - Police search for a body in Highgate No 1 Pond on Hampstead Heath, which is next to the famous Men's Bathing Pond. 2023 - The case is featured on In The Footsteps of Killers Advertisement In 2018, on what was the fifth anniversary of his disappearance, there was an appeal for new information. Professor David said: 'As a result, the case was turned into a murder inquiry.' On May 14 2018, two men aged 70 and 51 were arrested on suspicion of murder in Archway and questioned before being released under investigation. Divers searched two local ponds but there has been little progress in the case since. Professor David and Emilia started their investigation by speaking with Robert's mother Helen, who was the person who reported him missing back in 2013. She said: 'He was really, really funny. He was always keen to make sure his kids have birthday presents, Christmas presents. 'His family were everything to him. This was one of the difficulties we had when he went missing. 'He had - in a sense - two lives. he had his family life and he had the drug taking. It was devastating. 'It was totally out of character that he didn't show up. 'We kept phoning and phoning throughout the day, and there was no answer - it kept going to voicemail. 'As the days wore on, we thought, "Has he fallen asleep? Has he lost his phone?"' She said: 'My fear was, maybe he'd had an overdose or something. I phoned the police and I said, "I'm concerned about him, he's high risk. '"Go and break the door down, I'll pay for it." 'They did do that and they said he wasn't there. Even when I went to the police, they initially didn't take it seriously. 'I was told, "Oh we've got 20 other people missing."' 'They went to five shops to get CCTV footage, but they were shut. They never went back. I think they felt because of his lifestyle, he's gone off on a bender or he's done something.' She added: 'They didn't take it seriously. Had they conducted a proper investigation from the start...we felt a lot of information ahs been lost over the years, evidence has been lost.' Later, he met up with Stephanie, Robert's daughter. She said: 'We'd always been close, almost more like friends, joking around. He was very proud of us and boasting to everyone that he had two daughters. It was the first thing he told anyone.' 'He was a joker, he liked to wind me up. It was all just a load of fun.' Police believe Robert was involved in a fight with two men on the day he disappeared, and was killed that night In the new film, In the Footsteps of Killers, which airs on Thursday, Professor David Wilson and Emilia Fox speak to a contact who has been told by a homeless man what happened to Robert Speaking about the week he disappeared, she recalled: 'It was really out of character when he didn't turn up, it was a special dinner we had planned.' She recalled how the evening her father had disappeared, she received a pocket dial call from him which left a lengthy voicemail. She could hear him saying 'Sorry girl" in the background, while a woman appeared to be telling a dog to 'sit.' As she grew older, Stephanie was prompted to begin her own investigations, and went door-to-door in her local area to ask for information. She said the name which kept coming up was Helen McGuire, and she tried to meet up with her on a number of occasions - but she would always fail to appear. And when Professor David began doing some research, he found Helen McGuire died of drug related causes in 2020. Robert's daughter Charlotte also spoke to the programme, and said she was also investigating her father's death. She said she had been putting up posters in Archway when she kept seeing one homeless man, who approached her and said it 'broke his heart' to see her. Professor David started his investigation by speaking with Robert's mother Helen, who was the person who reported him missing back in 2013 She said he told her: 'I do know what happened to your dad.' The man claimed Helen McGuire had told him Robert had got into an argument with two men in Bredgar Road. He reported she said they had then 'killed him, before chopping him up and putting him into a suitcase.' Charlotte said she was convinced of the man's comments, saying: 'I believe the main things he said. He got down on his knees, he had tears in his eyes and everything. He just felt real. 'I do feel he was telling the truth. He wanted to remain anonymous. I spoke to him and said, "Can you call the hotline?" and he said he'd be happy to do that.' Two months later, an unnamed contact of Professor David's was able to track down the homeless man who spoke to Charlotte. Elsewhere in the programme, investigators looked to find any links between Robert's death, and the death of Lana Purcell, who died two years earlier in the same area He said: 'It took a few weeks, I tracked him down last week. He said he was friends with Robert Duff, the story he'd heard when Helen was dying - the story seems to fit what Charlotte knows. 'Two men invited him back to Bredgare road. One of the men had made sexual advances towards Robert and a fight ensued. Robert was eventually murdered, and one of the men dismembered him. 'He apparently used to be a butcher, he dismembered him in a flat, they transported him in two suitcases. 'They transported him to a pig farm in Epping Forest, which is where Robert's remains were deposited. 'The motive is something we hadn't heard before - a sexual motive which lead to Robert's murder.' Elsewhere in the programme, the team began to see similarities between Robert's case and that of another woman who had disappeared in the area. Lana Purcell was 26 when she vanished from Camden, north London, in January 2011. A single mother to a six-year-old girl, she had fallen into a life of drug use and sex work before she went missing and her family believe her chaotic lifestyle meant her case was initially overlooked by police. Emilia said police had also investigated whether there were any links between the two victims (pictured) Emilia said police had also investigated whether there were any links between the two victims. Both went missing, presumed murdered, and their bodies were never found. They were addicted to the same substance, and therefore they were presumably in the same drug dealing network. The team went on to meet Lana's family, her sister Davina and father John. John described her as a 'wonderful, beautiful daughter', adding: 'She was mischievous when she was younger. Bless her, she didn't have a bad bone in her body. She wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone.' Davina said: 'I think she was taken, worked somewhere and disposed of. I have heard she got minced in a butchers at the bottom of Kentish town. 'Nothing phases me anymore, I've been told the most horrible stuff.' She said when she was putting up missing posters for her sister, people would approach her to say that they knew her. John, Lana's father, said he believes Robert contacted him about the dangers Lana was in before she disappeared She added: 'They wouldn't go to the police. They see it as a form of snitching, and you're from around there, that is the wrong thing to be called. 'Lana and Robert knew each other, without doubt - I don't know whether they were friends but they're both from the same area. Same addictions.' Meanwhile John, Lana's father, said he believes Robert contacted him about the dangers Lana was in. John said: 'When I was asleep one night, I had a phone call from someone. The person said she was mixing with the phone people. 'They said she was in a lot of trouble and mixing with the wrong people who were not very nice. He said, "I'm watching her back, but I won't be there all the time, I can't be there all the time so you want to try to keep her in." 'That was a man. That was before she went missing. I have an idea who it is - but I don't want to say any names because I think he's no longer here either. 'I think it was Robert Duff, but I can't prove it.' However, despite the similarities between the two cases, criminologist Dr Graham Hill said he 'doesn't believe the two are connected'. He said: 'If you look at Lana's lifestyle, she lived a very chaotic lifestyle. She was known to the police for shoplifting, lots of local drug dealers, it was rumored she was allowing her flat to be used by drug dealers and that she owed them a lot of money.' A handful of towns have been deemed 'snotty' and 'snobbish' - including Leigh in Essex, Ilfracombe in North Devon and Harpenden in Hertfordshire ILiveHere invites reviews of UK towns from the people who live in them A location website that lets users say what they really think about the towns they live in - often resulting in scathing reviews - has highlighted the towns and cities that think they're a cut above the rest. Last week, a poster on ILiveHere, penned a no-holds barred review of Farnham in Surrey, claiming it was awash with parents driving BMW X5s and stopping for coffee on the school run, suggesting 'showing the world just how middle class you are is an absolute must.' Farnham isn't the only town to get short shrift from residents and visitors. Here, FEMAIL looks at the other UK towns being flagged as 'snooty' by anonymous posters on the satire-heavy site... ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON Devon's not heaven: One disgruntled local suggested that the offspring of middle class children were making Ilfracombe in North Devon undesirable A review of the North Devon seaside town - popular amongst day-trippers and holidaymakers in the summer months - packs a bitter punch from the first paragraph, suggesting that the town's biggest problem is 'a whole generation of 16-24 year olds raised by middle class parents'. The offspring apparently enjoy 'sneering at men working the harbour, like to complain everyone is racist when they havent even left the confines of mummy and daddys white suburb.' The savage wordsmith continues, saying middle class twentysomethings 'fill Ilfracombes restaurants and cafes, announcing every self-diagnosed intolerance. Gluten intolerance or lactose, if its trendy to have They have it.' The poster adds that Ilfracombe's younger generations like to share their luck 'on all forms of social media about their wonderful life with photos of them basically naked, or selfies by the ocean or parents backyard.' MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND Stuck up: Morpeth in Northumberland looks beautiful but one reviewer suggested that the north east town wasn't all it seemed to be No, we weren't entirely sure where it was either...but those in the know about Morpeth - which is, in fact, an historic market town in Northumberland - certainly don't hold back on ILiveHere. One review of life in Morpeth suggests it's full of 'stuck up posh t***s' by day, and drunks 'looking for a fight' after dark. The same review claims that the local council 'cover up' what the town's really like, saying it works hard to 'preserve an image' that is 'nice flowers in leaflets', making people think it's a town for retired people. The reality, the ILiveHere post claims, is the very opposite, describing it as a 'town of rejected young people who are going in no direction but down'. HARPENDEN, HERTS Smug? Residents of leafy Hertfordshire town Harpenden have an inflated opinion of themselves according to one unimpressed review An estate agent's review of Harpenden describes it as 'an upmarket enclave beloved by London commuters looking for a pretty place to settle down' - however, unsurprisingly, a very different picture is conjured up on ILiveHere, with 'smug' the word one writer chose. They opined: 'In one of the "boutique shops" on the High Street (between a Costa and a charity shop), they sell mugs that say "Im terribly posh, Im from Harpenden". The reviewer continues to rage: 'Clearly intended to be slightly tongue in cheek but in practice bought by people whose tongues are less in their cheeks and more worming into their own self-entitled a******es.' Ouch. HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE Tea served with a slice of snootiness? Harrogate in North Yorkshire pulls in parents obsessed with getting their children into the right school - and residents look down their noses at nearby towns and cities including Bradford and Leeds, according to one ILiveHere writer Despite the North Yorkshire town regularly topping lists of great places to reside, one post doesn't quite see the historic town in the same way, suggesting that the tourist honeytrap, known for Betty's Tearooms and it's honeyed architecture, is actually a teeny bit judgey. According to the satirical post on the town, residents 'love to judge everyone else and feel superior to those living in Leeds, Knaresborough or (God forbid) Bradford.' The reviewer also suggests that estate agents are the biggest winners because people in Harrogate love to pay a premium to get their kids into the local schools. It claims: 'Upwardly mobile middle classes spend years fretting about getting little Jemima or Tarquin into the right state schools, until eventually they realise that they dont actually live on the school playground, they cant be a**** to go to church every week and then resign themselves to being poor for the rest of their lives and send the kids to private school anyway.' LEIGH-ON-SEA, ESSEX Ouch: One reviewer claims Leigh-on-Sea in Essex 'thinks its a glass of champagne, when really its a bucket of p***' According to one particularly acerbic reviewer, 'Leigh-on-Sea is a small-ish part of the larger Southend-on-Sea district'. And residents apparently 'like to think of themselves as better than the rest of the district, with 'a weird kind of "oh, youre not from Leigh then" snobbery' existing. While one review concedes that residents are well-heeled because of the number of City salaries pouring into the area, it then quickly condemns, saying 'money does not buy class.' The vitriolic post suggests that 'the main pastime at night is looking for people who arent from Leigh, in order to look down their powdered noses at them.' It suggests 'fights are commonplace, and the over-bearing atmosphere is one of joyless faux-snobbery.' 'After 1am, local cab drivers prefer to avoid Leigh, due to the possibility of violence or being verbally abused for not being from Leigh. 'It is truly a horror, and, as someone from one of the lesser areas you would not get me to live there for anything.' 'So Leigh then: it thinks its a glass of champagne, when really its a bucket of p***.' A pinning technique is used to make clothes fit better in photos, she says A model has revealed some of the wild methods employed by fashion and beauty brands in a bid to 'trick' people into buying items. Maddie White, who was born in the UK but grew up in Los Angeles, California, posted a clip to TikTok in which she shares several insider secrets. Firstly, the 26-year-old details how fashion brands use a pinning technique to make items of clothing look more figure-hugging than they actually are. In the video, White explains how she ordered a little black dress online but when it came 'it just kinda looks like this... Like it's the same but it's not giving the same.' Maddie White posted a clip to TikTok in which she shares several insider secrets. Firstly, she details how fashion brands use a pinning technique to make items fit better Using a hair clip, White shows how clamping it her dress from the front and back instantly gives her waist a more nipped-in look TRICKS USED BY FASHION AND BEAUTY BRANDS British-born model Madeleine White claims these are common tricks used in the fashion and beauty industries: 1. CLOTHES ARE CLIPPED OR PINNED: To achieve a fitted appearance in photos, when in fact the clothing is not well tailored. 2. BRAS ARE STUFFED: To give the chest a fuller finish, bras are stuffed with padding, sometimes twice. 3. EXPENSIVE HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE APPLIED: To give the hair a more luscious look and trick consumers into buying haircare products. 4. BODY PARTS ARE SWAPPED OUT IN PHOTOS: Foot models are employed if the brand doesn't like the way the primary model's feet appear in photos. The images are then combined. Advertisement She then says that it's highly likely that the model who was wearing the dress in pictures online, was wearing clips to give it a more tailored look. Using a hair clip, White shows how clamping it to the back of the dress instantly gives her waist a more nipped-in look. She then attaches the same clip to the front of the dress so when she turns around, she flaunts a flattering hourglass figure. In e-store videos where models can be seen doing the catwalk in products, White says skilled videographers simply splice pieces of footage together so that no pins or clips can be seen when the model swivels around. Next up the TikTok star, who has more than four million followers, reveals how lingerie brands make models 'stuff' their bras to achieve a fuller look. White recalls one instance where she went to her first casting for Victoria's Secret and they didn't take one photo of her until 'they'd stuffed the bra twice.' In the video, the British beauty demonstrates how putting fillers from another bra gives her decolletage an instant boost. But it's not just the fashion industry deceiving the public, White says, with beauty brands also in on the act. The brunette reveals how for her first modelling job for Loreal, she was decked out with four sets of hair extensions which were carefully died to match the color of her hair. Next up the TikTok star, who has more than four million followers, reveals how lingerie brands make models 'stuff' their bras to achieve a fuller look The brunette reveals how for her first modelling job for Loreal, she was decked out with four sets of hair extensions (pictured right) which were carefully died to match her hair color She recalls: '[They were] then glued to my head for one day. These extensions had security they were worth so much money [but] at the end of the day they just ripped them out.' The video shows a photo of White modelling for Loreal back in the day, with her fake luscious locks on display. Another case of deception occurred when White was employed to be a foot model in an advert because the fashion brand didn't like the size of the other woman's feet. She explained: 'So they had me come in with my little size 7 just to be the feet.' White, who posed for many big magazines like Harpers Bazaar Japan, Company, and Wylde in her teen years, concludes in the video: 'The fashion brands are doing it, the beauty brands are doing it they've always been doing it. To date, White's video titled 'just a few tricks of the trade', has been watched more than 4.6 million times and garnered more than 900,000 comments Another case of deception occurred when White (seen above at 16) was employed to be a foot model in an advert because the fashion brand didn't like the size of the other woman's feet White (pictured when she was a teen, in 2015) posed for many big magazines like Harpers Bazaar Japan , Company, and Wylde in her teen years 'People have been tricking you into buying things forever.' To date, White's video titled 'just a few tricks of the trade', has been watched more than 4.6 million times and garnered more than 900,000 comments. Many commenters have applauded White for sharing her trade secrets. A spread of other people in the fashion industry also back up her claims. Camille Lescai wrote: 'I've worked in fashion for years and can guarantee you nearly 100 per cent of garments are clipped to fit the model.' And Kailan Carter commented: 'I'm a fashion photographer and learning this stuff was eye opening! Not to mention the retouching.' Meanwhile, creator @.jessicalidia revealed: 'Ive worked in the industry from the marketing side, and I still get fooled.' While socalites used to once stay off social media, 'Honourable huns' are famous for posting loved-up snaps with partners and jetting off to Dubai with the 'girlies' New era of socialites have been dubbed 'honourable huns' in a nod to their titles Wearing some form of tweed on an everyday basis, owning a pony from childhood and regularly attending charity galas - these are just a few assumptions most people would have once made about the everyday life of an aristocratic woman. But even though figures such as Lady Amelia Spencer, Lady Clara Paget and Lady Victoria Hervey have been born into enormous privilege, you wouldn't necessarily know they had honorific titles when looking at their social media accounts. In the past few months, the 'It girls' of the English aristocracy appeared to have swapped their 'Honourable' prefixes for another social tribe entirely... namely the internet 'huns' of which Gemma Collins is a founding member. 'Hun' culture (a slang abbreviation of honey) has become a huge online sensation in recent years with meme pages popping up racking up millions of likes and followers. Lady Amelia Spencer (right) pictured with Lady Eliza on her recent Cape Town hen do. The sisters were pictured in hun-approved pink heart-shaped glasses A hun is a celebrated 'ordinary woman' and the culture revolves around idolising 'relatable' women (known as huns) - including the likes of Alison Hammond, Gemma Collins, Ruth Langsford and many female characters in EastEnders and Coronation Street. Where boasting about your 'gap yar' and describing your girlfriends as 'darling' used to reign supreme in aristocratic circles, Tatler reports it's now far more fashionable to jet off to Dubai with the 'girlies' and post photos of yourself tucking into a cheeky Greggs. Here FEMAIL explores how high society 'It girls' are embracing the 'hun' trend - from over-the-top bridal bashes to posting loved-up videos with their other halves. Lady Amelia Spencer's Lavish 'Hun' Do The bride-to-be posed in front of an extravagant rose gold balloon arch as she celebrated her upcoming wedding with her nearest and dearest Left: Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer pose for photos by the South African villa pool. Right: Lady Amelia blows a kiss to a friend Lady Amelia poses with friends at her hen do in South Africa earlier this month. While the bride remained in white the entire time, it appears as though her guests were asked to wear varying shades of hot pink Earlier this month, Princess Diana's niece Lady Amelia Spencer, 30, jetted off to Cape Town in South Africa with a group of her closest girlfriends to celebrate her hen do in extravagant style. Complete with their own private pool and hot pink floats, the villa could easily have been mistaken for the Love Island complex - where UK singletons are currently filming the winter series. And while Lady Kitty Spencer's 2021 Florence hen do was an altogether much more demure affair, her youngest sister went all out with her 'hun' do - modelling glistening gold handbags and matching shoes along with some fluorescent pink heart-shaped sunglasses. While the bride remained in white the entire time, it appears as though her guests were asked to wear varying shades of hot pink. In true 'hun' fashion, the bride-to-be posted pictures of the villa all over Instagram - including shots of her posing in front of a rose gold (the social tribe's preferred colour) balloon arch. Amelia said the party was her 'dream bachelorette', adding she had 'one of the best days of my life with my favourite girls.' Lady Amelia Spencer's fiance Greg Mallett summed up his 2022 by sharing multiple images of his wife-to-be In various posts, Greg has described Lady Amelia as the 'love of his life' and told followers how he 'can't wait' to marry her Hun-approved Public Displays of Affection Forget lovingly exchanging glances from across the ballroom of a charity gala - these 'Honourable huns' are all about professing their love in a big way. As Lady Amelia Spencer partied away with her 'girlies', her groom-to-be Greg Mallett indulged in a hun-approved public display of affection on his Instagram Sharing the images in his own Instagram Reel, he added: 'Can't wait to marry you!' What's more, the loved-up partner also shared a series of photos of him and his future wife attending various glamorous events in 2022 in a post rounding up his best bits from the year. Socialite Clara Paget posted a loved-up photo with her husband Oscar Tuttiet and baby Ludo earlier this month In November, Greg let it slip that their wedding will be taking place this March as he posted another Reel featuring photos of Lady Amelia's modelling work. He gushed: 'I did a thing for you. Four months until I marry the love of my life!' Meanwhile, Lady Amelia's sister Lady Eliza has been exhibiting some 'hun' credentials with her recent loved-up Instagram posts. Last week, the 30-year-old posted a photo of her kissing her entrepreneur boyfriend Channing Millerd during their recent trip to Dubai - notably, what Tatler says is the hun destination of choice. She wrote: 'What an unforgettable experience watching the beautiful Beyonce.' Jade Holland Cooper then posted a photo of herself breastfeeding her newborn son Jamie while eating at the exclusive Cheltenham restaurant No 131 Clara Paget used the playful hashtag #huglife for this 'accessible' photo with her baby boy Ludo 'Accessible' Instagram Posts In years gone by, Tatler says high society women preferred to shun the spotlight in favour of a more private existence... in other words, keep their Instagram profiles private. But in the age of 'Honourable huns', this has jumped to an all new extreme - with aristocrats such as Lady Clara Paget, Lady Victoria Hervey and Jade Holland Cooper all posting images which cast them in a more 'accessible' light. Following the birth of her son in August, new mum Lady Clara - who is Cara Delevigne's BBF and goes by the huntastic username Clara Jungle Safari online - posted a series of adorable pictures of herself snuggled up with little Ludo. Sharing images of them on autumnal walks and chilling out on the sofa, Clara playfully used the hashtag #huglife. Lady Victoria Hervey is another socialite who has posted more relaxed, candid photos on her Instagram of late Following on from this, designer Jade Holland Cooper then posted a photo of herself breastfeeding her newborn son Jamie while eating at the exclusive Cheltenham restaurant No 131. As she smiled for the camera and sipped on a drink, the new mum wrote: 'Some more happy snaps from us to you.' Gemma Collins-inspired fashion Alongside Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford and EastEnders stars, Gemma Collins is widely considered to be the 'Queen' of Hun culture. Emma Weymouth appeared to take a note out of Gemma Collins' book last night when she wore this hot pink suit Lady Victoria Hervey wore a sheer, bedazzled dress in the GC's favourite colour on the Cannes red carpet last year Lady Marina Windsor (left) looked sensational in a magenta dress as she attended a friend's wedding in Majorca last year Gemma Collins (pictured wearing her favourite colour last night) says 'hun culture is about positivity' So it's hardly surprising that the TOWIE star has become something of a fashion figurehead for the most recent additions to her tribe. Last night, Emily Weymouth - the Marchioness of Bath - appeared to take notes from the GC when she attended the open auditions for The London Cabaret Club in a hot pink suit with a matching feather trim. What's more, fellow Honourable 'hun' Lady Victoria Hervey took to the Cannes red carpet in a glistening gown with sheer panels in Gemma's signature colour too. Meanwhile, Lady Marina Windsor also choose a hot pink magenta gown to attend her friend's wedding in Majorca last summer - which is both a fashion choice and holiday destination the GC will no doubt approve of. She recently told Tatler: 'Hun culture is positivity. A hun is someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. 'They want to see the good and the fabulous in the everyday because, let's face it, there's a lot of s*** going on in this world.' Adam Simpson-York, from Ipswich, scours eBay for forgotten heirlooms and photos and then tries to reunite families with them A history fan has revealed how the Queen Consort sent him a personal letter after he found a photo of her great-great grandmother and sent it to her at Clarence House. Camilla, 75, wrote back to Adam Simpson-York, from Ipswich, to thank him for sending her the photograph of her relative Edrica Faulkner, penning a typed letter with her handwritten signature on it. The royal commented in the letter, that arrived on headed notepaper bearing the Clarence House crest, that she thought her ancestor looked 'a bit sad' in the sepia-tinged snap. Simpson-York runs the Facebook page Medals Going Home, where he reunites families with their ancestors' war medals and forgotten heirlooms. Scroll down for video A right royal response! Amateur historian Adam Simpson-York, from Ipswich, scours eBay for heirlooms and photos and then tries to reunite families with them - and after he found a photo that he thought showed the great-great grandmother of the Queen Consort, he was shocked to receive a reply from her He spends hours scouring eBay and other sites looking for treasure and then researches the items in the hope of finding modern-day relatives to give them to. And on January 3rd, he spotted a picture that caught his eye on the auction site, buying it an hour later for just 9.95. The amateur historian said he didn't initially know there was a royal connection but when he saw the photo had the name Edrica Faulkner on it, a quick Google search revealed the link to Camilla, who was born Camilla Rosemary Shand in July 1947. The sepia snap of Edrica Faulkner that Simpson-York picked up on eBay for around 10, after making the connection with Camilla, he sent the photo to her Camilla's parents were the British Army officer-turned-businessman Major Bruce Shand and his wife The Hon. Rosalind Cubitt, daughter of Roland Cubitt, 3rd Baron Ashcombe. After making the decision to send it to Clarence House, he was amazed when the Queen Consort herself replied. He said: 'This is most definitely the best item yet that I have rehomed - I'm not sure I'll be able to top rehoming an item to Queen Consort Camilla. 'But it just goes to show you that it's amazing what you can find on eBay.' A few weeks after he sent the photo, he revealed on his Facebook page Medals Going Home that the Queen Consort had responded with a typed letter and handwritten signature Simpson-York added: 'I loved the personal touch to her reply. It's a great feeling to know she took the time to look at it and it's even more exciting that she'd never seen it before. 'Hopefully it was a nice surprise for her. I imagine there is a royal archive that it would go into.' Edrica Faulkner is the Queen Consort's great-great grandmother on her father's side and lived between 1822 and 1890. Not much is known about her, except she was apparently the daughter of an itinerant painter, but she married Hugh Morton Shand in 1857 and they had three sons, including Alexander Faulkner Shand, Camilla's great grandfather. Mr Simpson-York, 37, who works as a postman by day, set up Medals Going Home on Facebook to pass the time during the Coronavirus lockdowns. The back of the photograph reveals the identity of the subject - with the Shand surname added in brackets. Camilla's father was former British Army officer Major Bruce Shand He initially bought a random medal on eBay to see what he could discover about its original owner. Since then he has reunited families with their relatives' photos, postcards, binoculars, domino sets and even reunited one person with their long lost dad. The dad-of-two says his boys Reuben, 13, and Tate, nine, love his hobby and help where they can. Royal stamp: The historian says he wasn't expecting a reply and was surprised to the see the Crown's marking on the 'private and confidential' letter on January 16th Speaking about his first sight of the picture of Edrica, Mr Simpson-York said: 'I just had the name on the back, so I put it into Ancestry and instantly knew from the results that it was someone of some importance. 'I messaged a couple of people who had done family trees with her in and I received a response saying that there is a royal connection. 'Then I used Google to do some searching and very quickly realised the connection was to Camilla. 'As soon as I realised who it was I bought it with the intention of sending it to her. It's what I do. 'It is also a great story and was worth the wait to see how excited my boys were when the reply came through. 'I was definitely being excitedly impatient and was starting to give up hope.' But on January 16, an envelope arrived with the Buckingham Palace stamp on the front. Excitedly the family tore open the letter, which said: 'Many thanks for the photograph of my great great grandmother. 'It is the first time I have ever seen her picture, I must say she looks a bit sad in it!' It was signed 'with best wishes, Camilla.' The Royal family did not wish to comment on the letter. While India has made great progress in various fronts, the country still has to ensure that health care reaches the grass root levels. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay) HYDERABAD: Year after year, Budget after Budget, successive governments in the country have spoken about healthcare and promised to invest in basic infrastructure but the country has to go a long way to be called a developed nation. While India has made great progress in various fronts, the country still has to ensure that health care reaches the grass root levels. Healthcare professionals from Hyderabad put in their suggestions before the centre, in the week leading to the Union Budget of 2023-24. Stressing on the importance of efficiently using the spending, Amor Hospital AD, Dr. Kishore B. Reddy said "Every year we hear Governments announce an increased spending on healthcare and related sectors. In addition to this increased spending, it is important that Governments plan this spending in an effective and efficient manner which would help expand the reach of quality healthcare to the last mile. Let's hope there is no person left behind in accessing quality healthcare." DVS Soma Raju, Executive Director, SLG Hospitals "Prevention must be a priority over cure when a country devises its policy on healthcare, and India, a nation with people from diverse social backgrounds needs this approach more than any other. It is the planning and efforts of successive Governments which helped India almost double its average life expectancy since Independence." Ucchvas Rehabilitation Chairman, Dr, Ramapapa Rao said "It is important Governments encourage investments into future technologies. While India is doing well on using telemedicine efficiently, we must make considerable progress to make best use of artificial intelligence. Future technologies will help healthcare professionals to serve the weak and the aged better." CEO of Century Hospital opined that "Better infrastructure like improved roads connectivity too will help in delivering quality healthcare in remote areas of the country. Improving accessibility of ambulance services to the remotest areas will help deliver best healthcare to the needy, and I urge the finance minister to focus on that too." Dr. K. Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Group said "Investing in health has the potential to further the economy and Indias global contribution manifold. In the spirit of furthering health and unlocking Indias true human capital potential, we request the honorable ministry and the government to grant Healthcare a preferred infrastructure status." The Queen Consort put on a very stylish display to meet soldiers in Hampshire today. Camilla, 75, met the members of the 1st Battalion stationed at the Lille Barracks during her day trip, and presented some of them with medals, before meeting their loved ones. For the occasion, she donned an elegant red woolen dress coat with a pleated skirt, and accessorised with her trusty Chanel bag. King Charles' wife, who is Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, looked relaxed during the engagement. Queen Camilla, 75, met the members of the 1st Battalion stationed at the Lille Barracks during a day trip to Aldershot, Hampshire today, and delivered some of them with medals, before meeting their loved ones Camilla did not compromise on style to feel warm today, thanks to her elegant coat dress, which included a pleated skirt and long puffed sleeves with a pleated detail, Keeping the look minimal, Camilla accessorised with a trusted pair of black nubuck boots. She added a discreet touch of glitz with a golden bracelet and necklace and pearl earrings. For the occasion, she donned an elegant red woolen dress coat with a pleated skirt, which she matched with black accessories Camilla went for a natural makeup, with just a touch of bronzer and mascara. She also sported a pink lipstick to add a splah of colour to her complexion. Her platinum locks were styled in an impeccable blow-dry. Upon her arrival, the Queen Consort was greeted by soldiers in uniform, who wasted no time in sitting her down for a few pictures and a chat. Camilla was expected to deliver some of these army men with medals commanding their service to the country. Today's visit comes as a history fan has revealed how the Queen Consort sent him a personal letter after he found a photo of her great-great grandmother and sent it to her at Clarence House. The Queen Consort wasted no time in sitting with the soldiers at the barracks during her visit today Camilla is expected to hand out medals to some of the soldiers in Aldershot, and to meet their families Camilla wrote back to Adam Simpson-York, from Ipswich, to thank him for sending her the photograph of her relative Edrica Faulkner, penning a typed letter with her handwritten signature on it. The royal commented in the letter, that arrived on headed notepaper bearing the Clarence House crest, that she thought her ancestor looked 'a bit sad' in the sepia-tinged snap. Simpson-York runs the Facebook page Medals Going Home, where he reunites families with their ancestors' war medals and forgotten heirlooms. The Queen Consort, who is Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, looked relaxed as she chatted with soldiers during the event He spends hours scouring eBay and other sites looking for treasure and then researches the items in the hope of finding modern-day relatives to give them to. And on January 3rd, he spotted a picture that caught his eye on the auction site, buying it an hour later for just 9.95. The amateur historian said he didn't initially know there was a royal connection but when he saw the photo had the name Edrica Faulkner on it, a quick Google search revealed the link to Camilla, who was born Camilla Rosemary Shand in July 1947. Camilla's parents were the British Army officer-turned-businessman Major Bruce Shand and his wife The Hon. Rosalind Cubitt, daughter of Roland Cubitt, 3rd Baron Ashcombe. After making the decision to send it to Clarence House, he was amazed when the Queen Consort herself replied. He said: 'This is most definitely the best item yet that I have rehomed - I'm not sure I'll be able to top rehoming an item to Queen Consort Camilla. 'But it just goes to show you that it's amazing what you can find on eBay.' Simpson-York added: 'I loved the personal touch to her reply. It's a great feeling to know she took the time to look at it and it's even more exciting that she'd never seen it before. 'Hopefully it was a nice surprise for her. I imagine there is a royal archive that it would go into.' Edrica Faulkner is the Queen Consort's great-great grandmother on her father's side and lived between 1822 and 1890. A right royal response! Amateur historian Adam Simpson-York, from Ipswich, scours eBay for heirlooms and photos and then tries to reunite families with them - and after he found a photo that he thought showed the great-great grandmother of the Queen Consort, he was shocked to receive a reply from her The world's very first vagina museum, which opened nearly four years ago, is to close tomorrow. The museum, which aims to tackle the taboos surrounding the gynaecological anatomy, will welcome its final guests on Wednesday evening after landlords asked the museum to vacate. On Twitter, the founders of the museum, currently located in Bethnal Green, said it was sad to be asked to close so quickly and would 'continue to operate in the 'digital world' while it was searching for a new home. Since opening four years ago, the museum has attracted both support and criticism and a social media campaign to save the museum has begun in earnest. The Vagina Museum in Bethnal Green will become a digital only entity after it was asked to vacate its premises; the museum was opened by science YouTuber Florence Schechter (pictured) in 2019 Exhibits over the years have included 'Muff Busters: Vagina Myths and How To Fight Them', which have adorned the walls alongside giant glittery red tampons, menstrual cups and vagina-themed bunting. In a message on Twitter, the museum announced its closure, saying: 'Sad news. Weve received notice to vacate our premises at Bethnal Green by the end of this week. The Bethnal Green museum, which aims to tackling the taboos surrounding the gynaecological anatomy, will welcome its final guests on Wednesday evening (Pictured: The museum's first home in Camden Market) The museum describes itself on Twitter as the 'World's first bricks and mortar museum dedicated to vaginas, vulvas and the gynae anatomy' (Pictured: crocheted vulva earrings) Originally opened at Camden Market, the museum moved to a more permanent Bethnal Green home - but the founders say they were only ever 'property guardians' A social media campaign has now begun to try and find the museum an alternative home 'As a property guardianship, weve always been aware that we may be asked to leave with very short notice. Were disappointed that it has come so soon.' They added that they are 'incredibly proud of what weve accomplished in the ten months weve been at our Bethnal Green premises. 'Weve welcomed more than 40,000 visitors through our doors, and received so much love and positive feedback.' The museum, which has also frequently featured plays and comedy nights around the theme of vaginas, was the creation of science YouTuber Florence Schechter, who decided to create a building dedicated solely to vaginas after discovering Iceland's Phallological Museum. The eye-catching exhibits on display include menstral cups and glittery red tampons In 2017, Florence set about making her vision a reality by hosting pop-up programmes and events across the country - including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She also launched a crowdfunder web page which received widespread support from the general public by amassing almost 50,000. Inside the unique and free-to-enter exhibition, visitors are able to purchase necklaces that come with a vagina pendant, clitoris crochet, feminist books and vulva postcards and bookmarks - with 25 per cent off all items ahead of the closure. Also available to the public are leaflets informing them about vaginal health and information boards. Prior to its opening, the museum had sparked concern among local resident groups after it was granted an alcohol license. Queen Letizia of Spain looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped out in a chic patterned dress and long black overcoat to attend a meeting in Petrer. The Spanish royal, 50, was pictured in the monochrome ensemble as she arrived for a meeting with the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases in the Alicante province. She donned a stylish black and white over-the-knee dress which was tied with a belt at the waist to add shape to her look. To guard against the cold on the bright but chilly day in Alicante, the monarch chose a stylish black overcoat. Queen Letizia of Spain, 50, looked elegant as she attended a meeting with the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases in Petrer She teamed the outfit with a glamorous pair of tall black suede boots to add an extra layer of warmth. Letizia opted for simple jewellery, wearing a delicate pair of diamond drop earrings and a chunky gold ring on her index finger. Her brunette locks were styled in a sleek blowdry, managing to keep their hold against the wind. Keeping her make-up understated, the royal sported a subtle bronzed look with a rosy blush and clear lip gloss. The European royal sported a subtle makeup look teamed with delicate diamond drop earrings The mother-of-two wore a chic over-the-knee patterned dress with a long black overcoat The Queen waved at the cheering crowds wearing an flattering dress that was tied at the waist Letizia greeted royal fans on a sunny day in Alicante as she pulled over her coat to guard against the cold She donned the sophisticated look to chair the meeting of the Network of Direct Care Centres and Specialised Services of the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases at the Sense Barreres centre The monarch wore a copper eyeshadow look to complement her eyes and sculpted brows for extra definition Letizia finished off her look with a glamorous pair of suede black boots and wore a single gold ring The copper eyeshadow look complemented her eyes and her sculpted brows added extra definition. Queen Letizia had a meeting at the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases in Madrid earlier this month. As honorary president of the organisation, she chaired the meeting of the Network of Direct Care Centres and Specialised Services of the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases at the Sense Barreres centre today. Letizia is particularly active in the healthcare field and regularly visits hospitals to meet medical professionals and see the work being done. The royal chaired today's meeting in Alicante and had attended another meeting for the organisation in Madrid earlier in the month Letizia wore her hair in a sleek blowdry to attend the meeting as honorary president of the organisation A clip captured the moment Iran's ambassador to Spain, Hassan Ghashghavi, didn't shake the hand of Queen Letizia but preferred to opt for the polite greeting in his culture King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were hosting their annual reception for the Diplomatic Corps living in Madrid Last week, she attended a cancer conference in Madrid which discussed strategies to tackle the disease with some of Spain's leading cancer experts. The monarch also came under scrutiny when the moment she met Iran's ambassador to Spain last week went viral after royal fans mistook his traditional greeting for a 'disrespectful' snub to the royal. Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI hosted a reception for Spain's Diplomatic Corps at Zarzuela Palace and lined up to great their guests at the start. Footage shared to Twitter showed that Iran's ambassador to Spain, Hassan Ghashghavi, shook the King's hand, but placed his hands over his heart and nodded to the Queen. Placing a hand on the heart with a nod or slight bow is considered a polite way for a man to greet a woman in Iran, but some royal watchers were confused by the lack of handshake. He revealed he doesn't want to 'burden' his son and daughter with his millions A self-made millionaire has revealed he will give away 99 per cent of his fortune when he dies because he doesn't want to 'burden' his children with his riches. Dave Fishwick, 51, from Burnley, who launched his own bank during the 2008 financial crisis, admitted he wants to ensure his loved ones will continue to work hard, rather than relying on his millions. Speaking to the Daily Star he said: 'It's important that you have that work ethic and I think hard work puts you where some good luck will find you. My kids don't always agree with that but they are good kids.' Dave Fishwick, from Burnley, revealed he will give away 99 per cent of his fortune when he dies as he doesn't want to 'burden' his children with his riches 'It's so important that the children work hard because I have seen lots of people who have become successful and wealthy and they spoil their kids and the kids have no understanding of money whatsoever.' Dave, who left school at 16 without any qualifications, has loaned more than 27 million to people and businesses since setting up a community bank. His bank, which is still going strong today, operated on a not for profit basis and all surplus money went to good causes Dave, who started his own bank, arrived in his Ferrari to watch the filming of 'Bank of Dave' the Netflix film in 2022 Unable to call himself a bank, he put up a sign on his town centre premises which read 'Bank on Dave' (Pictured: Dave and his wife Nicola attend the world premiere of Netflix's Bank of Dave) From his desk at his small headquarters in Burnley town centre, Dave has loaned thousands of locals to cover everything, from funeral expenses to IVF. His children Sarah and Connor are both working professionals in their own right with his son working as a police officer while Sarah works for an animal charity. The down to earth businessman's extraordinary life was recently captured in the recent biopic called Bank of Dave which trended number one on Netflix. James Bond star Rory Kinnear played him in the feel good film which also starred Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor. It's a captivating feel good story that caught the eye of Hollywood scriptwriters, who have turned Dave's battle with the banking giants into a big-budget biopic. Speaking to the Mail Online previously, he said: 'People who rob banks go to prison, but banks who rob people get paid bonuses and get bailed out. Dave Fishwick (left) and Rory Kinnear (right), attend the world premiere of Netflix's 'Bank of Dave' in Burnley, England on Sunday Rory Kinnear (centre) plays Dave in the new biopic based on his life, which came out on Netflix 'The truth is, we've been badly served by the banks in the past and we need change. Banks that are too big to fail are just too big to exist.' 'I like going home. I like my own bed, and being around family,' he says. 'When I've had a really tough day and I've had plenty of tough days I open my front door, I can smell apple pie, and my wife, Nicola, will have run me a bath with a bottle of beer there. What can be nicer? Burnley is where I'm from, where my pals don't care who I am, and rightly so.' However the Burnley that Dave lives in today is a far cry from the one he grew up in. Born in 1972, he was raised in a modest terrace with an outside toilet in a town that was slipping into decline after the collapse of the textile industry and closure of local coal mines. 'My dad had two jobs: a farm labourer in the morning and he worked in the mill in the afternoon fixing the looms,' Dave recalled. 'He did 6am until 2pm on the farm, then 2pm until 10pm at the mill, and my mum worked in the same mill as a weaver.' Bullied at school because of his NHS prescription glasses, Dave dropped out of formal education aged 14, and by 16 was working as a builder's labourer. 'I was up and down ladders all day with buckets of cement in each hand for 27.50 a week.' Bullied at school because of his NHS prescription glasses, Dave dropped out of formal education aged 14, and by 16 was working as a builder's laboure Dave Fishwick (left) and brother outside their house on the back street where he played with the gas tar on the cobbles and built old gokarts He recalled a 'fork-in-the-road' point one bitterly cold day. 'It was a moment of recognising that I wanted something different,' he recalls. 'You start making yourself a roadmap, some achievable goals. That first step can be tiny, but it's the hardest one.' It led Dave to embark on a money-making experiment. Passionate about cars, he visited garages and asked them to take a chance on his salesman skills. One let him clean and sell a Vauxhall Cavalier. Anything over 70 he could keep. He got 97 earning 27 for two hours work, the equivalent of a week's wages. He was just 17 and 'onto something'. It was the start of years of hustling and juggling endless makeshift roles yet cars remained his first love. After spotting a gap in the market for companies selling vans and minibuses, he set up David Fishwick Minibus Sales in 2003. Today, the business operates all over the world, although its headquarters remains in the same modest Burnley garage. Not that Dave's burgeoning wealth insulated him from the impact of the 2008 financial crash. Almost overnight, banks stopped lending money to his customers, meaning they in turn were unable to buy his vans. Faced with the inevitable impact on his own business, Dave decided to take matters into his own hands. Dave, who has also been the subject of a Channel 4 documentary, has always shied away from talking about his poverty-stricken background 'The customers weren't doing anything differently it was the banks that were the problem,' he said. 'I've always felt that people who work hard and are still stuck through no fault of their own need a net to fall on, to help them bounce back up again. 'And if the banks weren't going to do it, then it was going to have to be me.' Which was all very well in theory but in real life involves vast expense, a mountain of red tape and a licence to open a bank. When Metro Bank opened in 2010, it became the first new High Street bank to be given one in 150 years. Dave decided to apply anyway. 'Everybody said: "You're going to end up in trouble for this." 'But what was I doing wrong? All I was doing was giving people the best rate of interest on the High Street, guaranteeing 100 per cent of their savings with my own money, lending that money to people and businesses who can't borrow from a High Street bank, and giving what is left after overheads to charity.' The banks took a different view. 'When I met the then head of the financial regulation authority, the first thing he asked was where I was from,' Dave recalled. 'When I said Burnley, that put him off for starters. Then he asked whether I went to Oxford or Cambridge. Basically, he said I had no chance. I'll be honest, I wanted to punch him.' However Dave was not easily put off and unable to call himself a bank, he put up a sign on his town centre premises which read 'Bank on Dave'. For while Dave pulled himself up by his bootstraps to make his fortune selling vans and minibuses, he also launched an astonishing mission to make sure everyone else prospered alongside him Twelve years later, that business is still going strong. Dave never did get his licence, but Burnley Savings and Loans the locals call it Bank of Dave employs its own unique lending model, linking savers with businesses desperately in need of loans. At first, Dave personally assessed every customer himself, but that job now goes to his right-hand man David Henshaw, a 60-year-old former bank manager, who makes decisions on a personal case-by-case basis rather than a computer algorithm. Borrowers with a good credit record are charged 8.9 per cent interest, while investors can make 5 per cent on their savings. In the beginning, it was all Dave's money. He has helped all manner of people since, from a struggling dog biscuit business to nurses and hairdressers. This is the sweet moment the Princess of Wales calmed a man's nerves as he asked her for a selfie during her visit to Leeds this morning. Dressed in a bespoke Alexander McQueen emerald coat, Kate, 41, toured Leeds Kirkgate Market to discuss the importance of the early childhood years - which is the subject of her new campaign Shaping Us. As she visited the market, a royal fan, who says he's 'a little bit autistic', asked the mother-of-three to pose for a photograph with him - and admitted he was 'just really nervous'. Seemingly eager to put the man's nerves to the rest, Kate replied: 'Please, don't worry. It's OK. We all get nervous.' This is the sweet moment the Princess of Wales calmed a man's nerves as he asked her for a selfie during her visit to Leeds this morning In a clip of the moment, which has been shared to Twitter, the princess is heard saying 'well done' after the royal enthusiast successfully captures the image of them posing together. At the start of the footage, Kate is seen walking around the market when the unidentified man in the crowd shouts: 'Can I get a selfie?'. As the royal walks towards him, he confesses: 'Sorry... I'm just really nervous,' to which Kate replies: 'Please, don't worry. It's OK. We all get nervous.' For today's outing, Kate opted for a pair of 1,280 brown knee-high boots by Gianvito Rossi and a cream dress. As she visited the market, a royal fan, who says he's 'a little bit autistic', asked the mother-of-three to pose for a photograph with him - and admitted he was 'just really nervous' The Princess of Wales visited Leeds this morning to mark the official launch of her Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on the early childhood years During her visit, the mother-of-three politely ignored a wolf whistle from a member of the public as she waved to crowds of adoring royal fans who had waited to catch a glimpse of her. Keeping her jewellery minimal with some 74 gold earrings by Shyla London, Kate opted for a bouncy blow-dry and finished off her outfit with a matching green suede 435 handbag from Manu Atelier. The royal's campaign, which is launching today, is a long-term project of the princess's, beginning with how a child develops and the importance of the formative years. During her visit, the mother-of-three spoke with vendors who have worked at the market for over 30 years and members of the public about their reflections on the campaign's film, which made its big screen debut at a BAFTA event last night. Kate pictured waving to the crowds after her tour of Kirkgate Market in Leeds, West Yorkshire this morning The Princess of Wales laughed as she waved to royal fans during her tour of the Leeds Kirkgate Market The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she spoke with staff at Kirkgate Market. She paired her cream dress with an emerald green Alexander McQueen coat and gold hoop earrings The Shaping Us short film highlights how babies and children develop in response to their earliest experiences. The 90-second claymation film depicts how the development of a young girl from the age of zero to five is shaped by interactions and her environment, and will be shown in cinemas from Friday. Following her tour of the market, Kate then visited the University of Leeds - where she will attend a second-year lecture on the 'Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Supporting Children's Learning' module, which examines children's learning and development, including attachment theory. The princess chose to visit Leeds today as part of the city's ongoing ambition to become the best place in the UK for young people and children to grow up in. The Princess of Wales pictured touring the market in Leeds this morning. She wore a longline green coat, dark brown suede boots and a cream dress The Princess of Wales styled her hair in a bouncy blow-dry and opted for a brown smokey eye for this afternoon's engagement The Princess of Wales speaks with vendors who have worked at the market for over 30 years and members of the public about their reflections on the film In 2012, the city launched Child Friendly Leeds with the belief that by investing in and supporting children, young people and their families, the whole city will see immediate and longer-term social and economic benefits. Leeds City Council, working with partners to deliver enrichment programmes to improve outcomes, has seen a safe reduction in the number of youngsters being taken into care, more teenagers going into education, employment and training, and better school attendance. Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and is home to hundreds of local independent businesses covering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, and fishmongers, to a Community Library, cookery school and Volunteer Centre. During the BAFTA screening last night, the Princess of Wales described the Shaping Us programme as her 'life's work'. As she toured around the market, the Princess politely ignored a wolf whistle from a royal fan The Princess of Wales matched her emerald tailored coat with an old favourite suede handbag by Manu Atelier It will 'explore in more depth the importance of a child's social and emotional world' and the significance of relationships, 'surroundings and experiences'. Earlier today, the princess appeared in a new video which was shared on her official social media pages, donning a smart green blazer with a black scoop neck top underneath. She said: 'Our early childhood, the time from pregnancy to the age of five, fundamentally shapes the rest of our lives. 'But as a society we currently focus much more of our time and energy on later life.' Kate explained she is now launching the Shaping Us campaign, adding: 'To raise awareness of the life changing impact we can have, when we build a supportive, nurturing world around children and those who care for them. 'By focusing our collective time, energy and resources on these most preventative years, we can make a huge difference to the physical and mental health and happiness of generations to come. In the clip, the royal swept her hair into a bouncy blow dry style, tucking part of it behind her shoulder. Introducing the film last night at a BAFTA screening, the princess said: 'The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become. 'During this time we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. And it is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live. 'This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults.' A woman has told how she was left in a state of shock after giving birth to her daughter in the passenger seat of a car while stuck in traffic. Deshai Fudd, 23, from Atlanta, Georgia, started feeling contractions in the morning of November 29 and when her husband Loston returned from work they decided to head to hospital. However, within 10 minutes of driving, Deshai's waters broke and she ended up delivering her newborn somewhere along the I-75 north. Recounting the chain of events, the now mom-of-three told Fox 5 News: 'I was like oh my gosh my water just broke and then something like exploded in my pants... a second later she was in my pants... I didn't even have time to have an emotion it was just total shock.' Deshai Fudd, 23, from Atlanta, Georgia, has told how she was left in a state of shock after giving birth to her daughter in the passenger seat of a car while stuck in traffic Deshai started feeling contractions in the morning of November 29 and when her husband Loston returned from work they decided to head to hospital In a bid to speed up the drive to hospital Loston, 25, frantically flagged down a police car so it could put its lights on and fast-track them through the traffic. While they were making their way to the hospital, Deshai said she made sure that her baby was warm and breathing okay. She explained to NeedToKnow.Online: 'She didn't cry so we were concerned until I felt her move. 'My husband was yelling and asking if she was okay and asking what he should do. 'I told him to keep driving and get us to the hospital! I was panicking at first but I just wanted to reassure my husband that she was okay and to just keep driving so we could to the hospital as soon as possible.' When they got to the hospital, the Fudds were greeted by around 15 medical staff. Luckily, baby Dariya was 'in mint condition', weighing five pounds and 12 ounces The newborn was discharged from hospital with her family the day after her car birth When they got to the hospital, the Fudds were greeted by around 15 medical staff The Fudds say they can't wait to tell their daughter about her unusual delivery Deshai, with daughters Demiah and Dariya, says her youngest is doing 'amazing' Deshai was transferred into a wheelchair, while her newborn's umbilical cord was cut and she was taken for checkups. Luckily, baby Dariya was 'in mint condition', weighing five pounds and 12 ounces and she was discharged with her mom the next day. Deshai says both she and her baby are doing 'amazing' and she is enjoying watching her 'baby girl grow'. She is also a mom to Demiah, four, and Lamell, two. The Georgian has admitted that the traumatic birth did leave her feeling down for a while and she often replays the moment in her head. She mused: 'Honestly, I was pretty down about the entire situation. 'I was wondering if I hadn't told my husband to go ahead and go to work, would we have made it to the hospital in time? 'I thank God that my baby is healthy and safe and that was what kept me afloat.' While Dariya was born in late November, the story about her birth recently went viral after her mom detailed it in a TikTok video Many commenters have deemed wide-eyed Dariya 'beautiful' and 'gorgeous' Mom Deshai admitted that the traumatic birth did leave her feeling down for a while and she often replays the moment in her head Deshai says the kind words from people on social media have helped to lift her spirits. She said: 'I am very thankful for all the positivity that my family has been receiving' While Dariya was born in late November, the story about her birth recently went viral after her mom detailed it in a TikTok video. The clip, which shows a selection of footage from the big day, has been viewed more than 11 million views with many commenters in awe of Deshai's strength and her baby's speedy delivery. 'Her just chilling in your pants is kinda funny, congrats,' one person said. Another person added: 'She seemed all comfortable right there lol.' 'The baby in your pants like a baby kangaroo in its mommas pouch. Congratulations! Hope you're okay,' one person wrote. Someone else said: 'Not all super heroes wear capes! Super Mom.' 'Is this Atlanta traffic?! Omg congratulations,' another person commented. Many viewers have also deemed wide-eyed Dariya 'beautiful' and 'gorgeous'. Deshai says the kind words from viewers have helped lift her spirits. She concluded: 'When I posted the video and got all the loving and supporting comments it made me feel better than anyone would know. 'I am very thankful for all the positivity that my family has been receiving it makes me so happy!' If you fall pregnant with an IUD, you are likely to experience complications A 20-year-old woman who got pregnant while on birth control has detailed the shocking moment her baby was born - with her IUD in his hand. Violet Quick, from Idaho, married her husband John Francis at 19, and while the two lovebirds weren't planning on having a child, just one year into their marriage they were met with a surprise when the now-mom-of-one learned she was expecting. Violet and John welcomed their baby boy Rudy one week ago and in a viral video, which has amassed 22.8 million views, the new mom shared footage of their son clasping her contraception device just moments after he was born. In the viral video, Violet showed footage of her newborn proudly holding up his mother's birth control. Violet Quick, 20, from Idaho, got pregnant while on birth control has revealed her baby came out of the womb clutching her IUD She married her husband John Francis at 19, and while the two weren't planning on having a child, just one year into their marriage, Violet learned she was expecting Violet and John welcomed their baby boy Rudy one week ago and shared footage of their son clasping her contraception deceive just moments after he was born A newborn while using birth control? How you can fall pregnant with an IUD and the effects An IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth control, with an over 99 per cent success rate, meaning that fewer than one of out 100 people with an IUD will get pregnant each year. In very rare cases, you can get pregnant while using an IUD because your IUD has been misplaced. If you do fall pregnant with an IUD, you are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, according to Healthline. According to Healthline, if you want to stay pregnant, you should remove the IUD early in pregnancy. Advertisement She revealed that Rudy left even the nurses in shock as they all rushed to see her IUD baby. 'When all the nurses come in to see a baby with his IUD,' Violet captioned the video. In a series of videos, Violet revealed that she decided to take a pregnancy test out of precaution because she had been nauseous for the past two weeks. 'So I had my Skyla IUD for nine months before I got pregnant and the reason that I decided to take a test was because I was feeling nauseous for about two weeks and I would just throw up every once in a while. 'I didn't know what was going on and so I took a test and it was positive right away,' the 20-year-old explained. Not fully believing she was pregnant, Violet was stunned when she saw the positive result and proceed to take six more tests to confirm her results. 'They were all positive and I actually went to the ER and I was seven weeks pregnant,' she explained. She advised her over 6,000 followers to 'take a test,' if they were experiencing any symptoms, even if they were on birth control. 'I would say if you are having any of those signs of pregnancy or if your period is late to take a test. 'It's better to know because there is a high risk of having ectopic pregnancies when you have an IUD, but they work for the most part, someone has to be the .01 per cent and that's me and my baby,' she added. She revealed that Rudy left even the nurses in shock as they all rushed to see her IUD baby In a series of videos, Violet revealed that she decided to take a pregnancy test out of precaution because she had been nauseous for the past two weeks After the mom's photo of her newborn clenching the IUD in his tiny fist went viral, many wondered how one could even conceive a baby while using the contraception device And after the mom's photo of her newborn baby clenching the IUD in his tiny fist went viral, many wondered how one could even conceive a baby while having the contraception device inside them. An IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth control, with an over 99 per cent success rate, meaning that fewer than one of out 100 people with an IUD will get pregnant each year. In very rare cases, you can get pregnant while using an IUD because your IUD has been misplaced. If an IUD slips out of place the risk of falling pregnant increases. You can check the placement of IUD from the comfort of your home or go to your doctor's office to receive an ultrasound. To ensure your IUD hasn't moved on your own, insert your index or middle finger into your vagina. You should be able to feel the strings attached to the IUD, but not the plastic itself. If you are unable to feel your IUD strings, contact your doctor to schedule an ultrasound exam. Violet revealed that her IUD was still in place when she discovered she was expecting. An IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth control, with an over 99 per cent success rate, meaning that fewer than one of out 100 people with an IUD will get pregnant each year If you do fall pregnant with an IUD, you are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, according to Healthline However, many cases have also seen women, like Violet, give birth to healthy babies while having the contraception device in them If you do fall pregnant with an IUD, you are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, according to Healthline. However, many cases have also seen women, like Violet, give birth to healthy babies while having the contraception device in them. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside of your uterus. It can happen if a fertilized egg begins to grow in your fallopian tube. While rare, ectopic pregnancies are extremely serious and if left untreated can even be fatal. According to the International Journal of Womens Health, an estimated two out of 10,000 women with a hormonal IUD will experience an ectopic pregnancy, while it affects five out 10,000 with a copper IUD each year. Miscarriages - which occur when a pregnancy ends spontaneously after its 20 week - are also more common while using the IUD. According to Healthline, if you want to stay pregnant, you should remove the IUD early in pregnancy According to Healthline, if you want to stay pregnant, you should remove the IUD early in pregnancy. And while doctors recommend the removal of the contraception device early in the pregnancy, sometimes, they have no choice but to keep the birth control in. If the IUD strings curl up into the cervix due to the enlarging fetus, the IUD can't be reached and attempting to remove it could potentially danger both the mother or pregnancy. And while the effectiveness rate is high, if an IUD slips out of place the risk of falling pregnant increases. If you develop any of these signs or symptoms while using an IUD, contact your doctor and/or take a pregnancy test. The symptoms include: fever, chills, excruciating pain or cramps in your lower belly, unusual discharge or heavy bleeding coming from your vagina, pain or bleeding during sex. And although rare, many women in Violet's comments section shared their own stories of their IUD babies And although rare, many women in Violet's comments section shared their own stories of their IUD babies. One user said: 'Watching this with my IUD baby asleep in my arms.' Grown up IUD baby here,' commented another user. Another user added: 'I have an IUD baby, shes almost 12 now lol!' 'Seven weeks with my IUD baby, got the IUD removed but it happened while it was in,' said one user. READ MORE: Queen Maxima stuns in a red dress and hat Maxima looked chic in her green jumpsuit, orange belt and stylist sun glasses The Dutch royals went to the Aruba site as part of their two week Caribbean tour Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Princess Amalia looked effortlessly chic as they cut leaves from an aloe plant during their Caribbean tour. During the Dutch royals' second day in Aruba, Amalia was seen cutting the plant while wearing thick yellow rubber gloves. The Princess of Orange was neatly dressed in a voluminous green blouse and loose fitting white trousers. More snaps were taken of Maxima and Amalia together, where they were pictured walking while holding a bouquet of flowers. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Princess Amalia (left) looked effortlessly chic as they cut leaves from an aloe plant during their Caribbean tour The Dutch queen looked elegant in her cream coloured top and a salmon knee length skirt. The 51-year-old royal spruced up her look with a pink headpiece, stylist sunglasses and understated silver jewellery. The news comes after the two royals and King Willem-Alexander were spotted during their visit to Arikok National Park earlier today. The Dutch royals explored the Aruba site as part of their two week tour of the Caribbean islands. The three have also penciled in visits to Bonaire, Curacao and St Maarten before travelling to St Eustatius and Saba. During the Dutch royals' second day in Aruba, Amalia (above) was seen cutting the plant while wearing thick yellow rubber gloves The Princess of Orange (above) was neatly dressed in a voluminous green blouse and loose fitting white trousers More snaps were taken of Maxima and Amalia together, where they were pictured walking while holding a bouquet of flowers In the snaps, Maxima was dressed for the occasion, donning a green jumpsuit, large orange belt and stylish sunglasses. The Argentinean Royal had her thick blonde hair tied up while showcasing her long and ornate earrings. The 51-year-old queen was also carrying a small beige coloured bag in her right hand, which was adorned with a large animal and palm trees. Meanwhile King Willem was practically dressed in his light green chinos and blue short sleeved shirt. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, the King Willem-Alexander and the Princess of Orange (above) were spotted during their visit to the Arikok National Park today. The Dutch royal wore a cap and sun glasses to protect himself from the sweltering 28C heat in Aruba. In the meantime, the Princess of Orange looked effortlessly chic in her baggy chinos and loose-fitting yellow blouse. One shot shows the three royals posing for the cameras with cacti behind them and a clear blue sky above. Other photos show the royals being directed by a man with black hair and glasses about something in the distance. The news comes after the Princess of Orange, 19, accompanied her mother, 51, to a welcome ceremony in Wilhelmina Square in Oranjestad yesterday. The Dutch royals explored the Aruba site as part of their two week tour of the Caribbean islands The three Dutch royals (right) have also penciled in visits to Bonaire, Curacao and St Maarten before travelling to St Eustatius and Saba In the snaps, Maxima (right) was dressed for the occasion, donning a green jumpsuit, large orange belt and stylist sunglasses The Argentinean Royal (right) had her thick blonde hair tied up while showcasing her long and ornate earrings King Willem (above) wore a cap and sun glasses to protect himself from the sweltering 28C heat in Aruba. The royals have had a packed itinerary so far, meeting with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt and cabinet employees at the Cas Ceremonial following the welcome ceremony. King Willem-Alexander, 54, also attended the events with his family, which included a cultural tour of nearby town San Nicolas in the afternoon. The monarch yesterday wore a smart navy blue suit to the welcome ceremony, which he paired with a light orange tie, the colour of his country and family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Catharina-Amalia is the eldest of the King and his Argentine wife's three daughters, and therefore his future heir. The news comes after the Princess of Orange, 19, accompanied her mother, 51, to a welcome ceremony in Wilhelmina Square in Oranjestad.= As the popular royals began on the second leg of their Caribbean tour, onlookers waved Dutch flags and applauded them as they waved enthusiastically back at the crowds. Although the Netherlands is the largest and wealthiest part, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is actually comprised of four constituent countries - all of which have equal status. Along with the Netherlands itself, the members are Aruba, Curacao and St Maarten, each of which is a constitutional monarchy with King Willem-Alexander as its head of state and its own parliament. Three further Caribbean islands, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, are administered as municipalities of the Netherlands and as such, inhabitants are Dutch citizens with the same rights and responsibilities. Until 2010, all the Caribbean islands, with the exception of Aruba, were part of the Dutch Antilles - an entity that was dissolved and its residents given the choice of independence or integration. The arrangement is similar to that between the Commonwealth Realms, all of which have Britain's monarch as head of state but have separate directly elected parliaments. Princess of Wales visited Leeds today to mark the start of her landmark project Kate joked that she wouldn't be getting Valentine's Day roses from William The Princess of Wales has been supported by her husband ahead of the launch of her early years campaign - but joked Valentine's Day roses from Prince William may not happen. Kate, 41, marked the start of her landmark project, Shaping Us, by visiting Leeds today; she toured its Kirkgate Market to meet stall holders and members of the public to hear their views about her campaign. During her trip, she stopped at florist Neil Ashcroft's business, where she admired his display of flowers and with Valentine's Day just a fortnight away he said 'William will be buying you some roses?' and then cheekily offered her a discount on the blooms. After presenting her with a bouquet of hyacinths he claimed were her favourite flowers, the stall holder said: 'I suggested William will be buying her roses and she said "I don't think he will do"'. The Princess of Wales has been supported by her husband ahead of the launch of her early years campaign - but joked Valentine's Day roses from Prince William may not happen The Prince of Wales supported his wife when he joined Kate at a BAFTA event on Monday night where the princess met supporters of her project and launched a campaign film. Her Shaping Us campaign has been described as the princess' 'life's work' and is aimed at highlighting the significance of the formative years of a child's life. In a video message to mark the launch Kate said: 'Our early childhood, the time from pregnancy to the age of five, fundamentally shapes the rest of our lives. But as a society, we currently spend much more of our time and energy on later life. 'Today, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is launching a new campaign, Shaping Us, to raise awareness of the life-changing impact we can have when we build a supportive, nurturing world around children and those who care for them.' The Prince of Wales supported his wife (pictured together) when he joined Kate at a BAFTA event on Monday night where the princess met supporters of her project and launched a campaign film Kate (pictured right), 41, marked the start of her landmark project, Shaping Us, by visiting Leeds today; she toured its Kirkgate Market to meet stall holders and members of the public to hear their views about her campaign Meanwhile, the Shaping Us short film highlights how babies and children develop in response to their earliest experiences. The 90-second claymation film depicts how the development of a young girl from the age of zero to five is shaped by interactions and her environment, and will be shown in cinemas from Friday. During her tour Kate was mobbed by shoppers unaware the Victorian market would be having a royal visit and one pensioner referred to the future Queen as 'love' when they chatted. Shirley Wainwright, 75, from Harrogate, said she made Kate laugh when she told her: 'I didn't know love you were coming, it was a complete surprise. I'm just coming on the bus from Harrogate when I came across you.' During her trip, she stopped at florist Neil Ashcroft's business, where she admired his display of flowers and with Valentine's Day just a fortnight away he said 'William will be buying you some roses?' and then cheekily offered her a discount on the blooms Kate pictured waving to the crowds after her tour of Kirkgate Market in Leeds, West Yorkshire this morning The Princess of Wales laughed as she waved to royal fans during her tour of the Leeds Kirkgate Market Later Kate joined a discussion with a group of individuals who have been involved with Child Friendly Leeds, launched in 2012 and designed to encourage the city to make Leeds the best place for youngsters to grow up in, with the belief the community will see social and economic benefits. She told them: '(Having) children and young people at the heart of the city and community here is really impressive.' Later, speaking about Shaping Us, she said to the group, who included representatives from West Yorkshire Police and other local institutions: 'Having a chit chat with some of the parents downstairs they feel this is an issue for them'. Later, Kate arrived at the University of Leeds where she met students on the Childhood Studies programme, telling them: 'I really want to come and study again.' The Princess of Wales pictured touring the iconic market in Leeds this morning. She wore a longline green coat, dark brown suede boots and a cream dress The Princess of Wales styled her hair in a bouncy blow-dry and opted for a brown smokey eye for this afternoon's engagement The Princess of Wales speaks with vendors who have worked at the market for over 30 years and members of the public about their reflections on the film As she toured around the market, the Princess politely ignored a wolf whistle from a royal fan She told one group: 'It makes me want to be back at uni. Everyone says it's never too late.' The princess discussed with students the importance of early years development, asking them about their dissertations. One student said she was looking at the role of outdoor play in childhood and the royal visitor said 'this is something I'm really passionate about', discussing with the group her visit to a forest school in Denmark. The Princess chose to visit Leeds today as part of the city's ongoing ambition to become the best place in the UK for young people and children to grow up in. The Princess of Wales matched her emerald tailored coat with an old favourite suede handbag by Manu Atelier The Princess of Wales pictured arriving at the University of Leeds where she attended a 'Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Supporting Children's Learning' lecture The royal mother-of-three spoke with a young royal fan and their mother as they toured the market in Leeds In 2012, the city launched Child Friendly Leeds with the belief that by investing in and supporting children, young people and their families, the whole city will see immediate and longer-term social and economic benefits. Leeds City Council, working with partners to deliver enrichment programmes to improve outcomes, has seen a safe reduction in the number of youngsters being taken into care, more teenagers going into education, employment and training, and better school attendance. Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and is home to hundreds of local independent businesses covering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, and fishmongers, to a Community Library, cookery school and Volunteer Centre. During the BAFTA screening last night, the Princess of Wales described the Shaping Us programme as her 'life's work'. A 23-year-old has told how she's the the parent of a 17-year-old after becoming the legal guardian of her half-sister. Hunter Nelson, who is currently based in Kentucky, started posting about her unusual family setup on TikTok in a bid to help others going through similar situations. In a series of posts, she informs people that she did not have a child when she was six, but rather she took teenage Gracie into her care in 2021. The two share the same father and he passed away in 2015. Then, in May 2021, Gracie's mother also died and that's when Hunter decided to find a way of filing for guardianship her to keep her 'safe, happy and have all her needs and wants met' instead of her being put into foster care. Kentucky-based Hunter Nelson started posting about her family setup on TikTok. She took teenage Gracie into her care in 2021 after her parents died The two share the same father and he passed away in 2015. Then, in May 2021, Gracie's mother also died and that's when Hunter decided to find a way of filing for guardianship A shot of Hunter meeting her half-sister Gracie shortly after she was born While many people told Hunter she was throwing her life away, she says becoming a mom has changed her life for the better. The college student, who is majoring in elementary school education, explains: 'My life took on a whole new purpose when she came to live with me!! I love seeing her get to enjoy being a teenager.' Following the death of her father, the social services were either looking at putting Gracie into foster care or with an aunt, but the aunt didn't prove to be a good fit. 'Things were going on that... just weren't safe for Gracie,' Hunter explained. She also touched on there being a history alcohol abuse in the family, with her father drinking heavily with his partners. In a bid to help her North Carolina-based sister out, Hunter filed for legal guardianship which she said cost around $120 at the time. Growing up, Hunter said she and Gracie 'were never really that close' as they grew up five hours apart While many people told Hunter she was throwing her life away, she says becoming a mom has changed her life for the better Hunter said of her boyfriend: 'Honestly I could not do anything without him, he is so supportive of me, he's proud of me, he lets me know that I'm doing a good job' However, she needed a signature from a family member and the 'resentful' aunt wasn't willing to sign off. In the end, the matter went to court. Following a legal battle, the case was settled and Hunter won guardianship of her half-sister. She said when Gracie moved in with her, all she had was a backpack full of clothes and a small dog which was pregnant. To make Gracie feel at home, Hunter said she made her bedroom 'super cute and got her some clothes.' In one video she details some of the fears she had on becoming a mom at 15. Presented as though they are her inner thoughts, the accompanying captions read: 'No other parents or staff members at her high school are gonna [sic] take me serious. We have fun together, we love each other and we do like things that sisters do but then also I'm her only parental figure 'I can already feel people asking me what grade I'm in when I go to her events How am I going to teach her how to drive when I can barely get down the road.' While Hunter said taking on the role of mom has been tough, she says she has had lots of support from friends, her own mom and her boyfriend. She says of her boyfriend: 'Honestly I could not do anything without him, he is so supportive of me, he's proud of me, he lets me know that I'm doing a good job... and his mom is such a godsend as well.' Since posting about her story online, Hunter has been inundated with comments from intrigued viewers. To begin with, many people were confused about how she became a mom so young, so Hunter went about detailing her situation step-by-step. In terms of what home life is like, many people asked Hunter if she enforces rules to which she answered 'yes.' She says doesn't allow Gracie to have sleep overs at her friends' houses, she cannot smoke, she cannot drink alcohol and she cannot vape. Gracie does not call Hunter 'mom' but she does respect her as an elder Hunter and Gracie also have another half-sister who is the product of a third relationship their father had On the subject of social media, Hunter says Gracie is allowed on apps such as TikTok and Instagram 'but I do follow her to kind of like regulate who's interacting with her.' Other commenters have been intrigued about what the relationship is like between Hunter and Gracie as they are so close in age. One commenter quipped: 'Do y'all have a strong sister bond relationship or more a mother daughter one?' In response, Hunter said the relationship is 'a bit of both' but her primary role is 'parent'. She continued: 'She does understand that it is my job to keep her safe - I am her guardian. 'I have to like make sure she is not making any harmful decisions to herself or other people around her. 'We have fun together, we love each other and we do like things that sisters do but then also I'm her only parental figure so it adds that extra element into it. 'She has rules and chores to do. I do everything her mom would do.' The aspiring teacher says that she had some money saved up, she has a part-time job and both she and Gracie received some money from their dad passing away While Gracie respects Hunter as an elder she doesn't call her 'mom.' Growing up, Hunter said she and Gracie 'were never really that close' as they grew up five hours apart. One family photo unearthed by Hunter shows her meeting her baby half-sister for the first time in hospital. Another photo shows her smiling as she cradles the newborn back home on the couch. The two also have another half sister, who is the product of a third relationship their father had. Some people have asked how Hunter manages financially. The aspiring teacher says that she had some money saved up, she has a part-time job and both she and Gracie received some money from their dad passing away. Summing up life as a mom, Hunter says in one of her video clips: 'It fluctuates. Some days it is really, really hard and I think I'm going to pull my hair out. 'Somedays it is so easy and we get along so great. That's been the hardest part for me, is having to admit when I need help and having to ask for that help.' Looking ahead, Hunter is concentrating on graduating college and helping Gracie to pass her driving test. She concludes: 'I think that it really worked out for the best for the both of us and I think we're both very happy now.' Underlining the health aspect, Owaisi in a Tweet said the existing policy was making tobacco more affordable. (Twitter) Hyderabad: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi urged Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to bring tobacco products under the highest tax bracket when she tables the Budget 2022-23 in Parliament on Wednesday. Underlining the health aspect, Owaisi in a Tweet said the existing policy was making tobacco more affordable. "Very important that all tobacco products are covered in the highest tax bracket. Nirmala Sitharaman Madam it is in the interest of our economy and health of our next generations that tobacco is taxed well. Currently the policy is making tobacco more and more affordable," he Tweeted. She said that others should learn to utilize what they have to save money The mom explained that she learned how to invest and is now worth millions Nicole Victoria, 32, from Canada, revealed how she retired before 40 A mom has revealed her top money investing tips that helped her achieve financial freedom, a net worth of $3,000,000 and will allow her to retire before her forties. Nicole Victoria, 32, an author and investor from Canada, is a self-made millionaire who has been given the freedom to live life as she pleases after becoming 'work optional' in her 30s. Seeing her family deal with financial struggles throughout her childhood, prompted her to begin investing, learning to live on less than what she makes and discovering how to avoid burnout. Now, she has shared her top tips on how to get started yourself and claims anyone can reach similar levels of success. Nicole Victoria, 32, an author and investor from Canada, has revealed her top money investing tips in a bid to achieve financial freedom and claims they will help her retire before her forties She is a self-made millionaire who has been given the freedom to live life as she pleases after becoming 'work optional' in her 30s Nicole managed to gain her real estate license and, while working two other jobs, started selling homes, earning commission which she carefully saved up. By the age of 25, she had $100,000 saved and was able to invest $15,000 into her first property which she flipped two years later making a profit of $150,000. Nicole has never looked back, using her business knowledge and savvy to carefully invest her money, including buying a property that she rents out and another which she resides in. Incredibly, having built up her stock portfolio 'enormously' and investing in mortgage investment corporations, she says she now has an overall net worth of $3,000,000. Along with her husband, Justin, 35, and their two children, Liam, three and Zachary, one, she is now living a life of freedom, with her partner also able to retire. Less is more! Live on less than what you make While income is important to save, so are monitoring daily expenses and Nicole believes people who increase their lifestyle on earnings alone are risking loss Nicole was first thrusted into her first job as a cashier at local fast food chain, Wendy's. In her late teens, she recalls hitting 'rock bottom' as she struggled to earn money and knew things needed to change in order to turn her life around. Nicole enrolled in a business course to get her qualifications at 19, and started teaching herself as much as she could about personal finance and investing, while working restaurant jobs to pay the bills. After graduating at 23, she took a corporate job in an office earning $43,000 a year, while working weekends as a receptionist. While income is important to save, so are monitoring daily expenses and Nicole believes people who increase their lifestyle on earnings alone are risking loss. She said: 'You can become rich making loads of money per year, but it all depends on what you do with it. She said: 'My parents lived paycheck-to-paycheck without the ability to really save for anything, so I became quite frugal' 'So many people increase their lifestyle when they start to make more, but probably due to my scarcity mindset and the belief I could lose everything, I kept my expenses low. 'My parents lived paycheck-to-paycheck without the ability to really save for anything, so I became quite frugal. 'When I started making more money, on paper I could have easily afforded a "nicer" car, but although a luxury vehicle might feel cool for the first few weeks, after the novelty wears off it just becomes the means you use to get to work,' she explained. The mom noted that her and her husband even share a car and use public transportation to cut down on costs. 'Instead, I drive an affordable Kia SUV, and my husband and I have always shared a car and used transit to get where we needed to go. 'I don't deprive myself of things, but I found that after doing the inner work and changing how I thought about money, I stopped wanting to spend as much.' Get ahead of the game! Investing early and often leads to success Many people believe the higher amount of money invested, equals a higher amount of success but Nicole said even $60 per month can be life-changing Many people believe the higher amount of money invested, equals a higher amount of success but Nicole said even $60 per month can be life-changing. Speaking about her experience, she said: 'Time is more important than money when you get started, but the key above all else is to just start. 'Even $60 a month can grow into hundreds of thousands over time. 'Also, invest defensively. You can't control the market when you invest, but look at how you're doing this by keeping your emotions out of it, and project for the future. 'This means setting yourself up for success by expecting the unexpected, as life will always throw negativity at some point but succeeding means predicting. 'Build an emergency fund, pay off any high-interest debt and don't gamble with money when you invest. Speaking about her experience, she said: 'Time is more important than money when you get started, but the key above all else is to just start' 'For example, I go with diversified funds, so my eggs aren't all in one basket and I lived in my real estate investments, so I didn't overstretch myself. 'The key is to just start somewhere even if it's small be prepared and, most importantly, take your time to learn before you jump in so you don't make gambling-type mistakes.' 'My biggest advice is to never build wealth simply by saving, budgeting and couponing learn how to maximize your current income. 'Investing isn't a nice thing to have, it's a must-have if you ever want to stop working,' she added. Flashy isn't best! Utilize the home you have instead of upgrading just because you can afford it The mom revealed that one the most important tips she followed was to utilize the things she already had rather than buying new items. Nicole explained: 'Most people think buying a "done up" home is an investment, but your home is actually a liability if you don't have a strategy for how it's going to make you money. The mom revealed she utilizes the things she already had rather than buying new items 'Even if your home goes up in value over time, it doesn't mean you've made money - it just means you're living in it. Without a plan to take the money out you will never realize those gains,' she explained. Nicole added that while many splurge on a home because they believe the value will go up in time, that isn't always the case. 'There's a false belief that simply buying a home will build you wealth, but this prevents people from actually making other real investments. 'My first property was ugly and one most people wouldn't have wanted, but I saw good prospects for appreciation based on the neighborhood, size and other aspects. 'Because I bought this "unwanted" home, I had more room to easily increase the value and I did what others didn't want to do, but made the money they didn't. 'I continued this with other properties and built up my portfolio.' Avoid burnout! Don't overwork yourself After graduating, Nicole believed working multiple jobs would provide security but this only resulted in burnout Now, she advises others to maximize their current income, rather than stretching their personal time After graduating, Nicole believed working multiple jobs would provide security but this only resulted in burnout. She said: 'At one point, I had a full-time, weekend and sales job, which was a quick path to burnout. 'Instead of working more, I learned to negotiate my salary for an increase, so I could make more for every hour of my life that I was already working,' she exlained. Now, she advises others to maximize their current income, rather than stretching their personal time. 'I also invested in my education to learn a new skill, which helped me make more, such as a higher certification in my current job. 'It's not bad to job hop either, and actually staying at the same company for more than two years stifles salary growth. 'This is partially why I went into real estate, as I was able to double my income because I didn't have a limit to what I could make.' Now, she's used her top tips to secure financial freedom and runs her own business as a money expert to help others. She explained that there is a belief that you must retire by a certain age and work until that age, but she didn't want to follow that path She said: 'We get one ride in life and I want to make the most of it instead of being on the "exhaustive treadmill" forever' She said: 'After seeing how much people were struggling, I realized there was a need for this education, so I started my social media account and created both free and paid programs to ensure everyone can build their dream lives. 'It's been the most beautiful journey in the world, as I've worked for thousands of students and I've seen entire lives changed. 'I can't believe I get to help people find their happiness. 'I'd never go back to a regular job, but if I did, I'd want something low stress where I get to connect with others.' 'For a while, I believed life would always be a struggle and that people who had money were lucky,' Nicole said. She explained that there is a belief that you must retire by a certain age and work until that age, but she didn't want to follow that path. 'Retirement isn't an age, it's a number in the bank and when you hit that number, you get to stop working, but if you never hit it, then you'll be stuck. 'We get one ride in life and I want to make the most of it instead of being on the "exhaustive treadmill" forever.' When maths teacher Kevin Lister received a message from his 17-year-old student, Lizzie, telling him she would now like to be called Liam, he was concerned. It was September 2021, only days into the new term at the college where he worked in the South West, and Lizzie had previously shown no signs of wanting to identify as a boy. Id experienced this in my previous school, where a girl had wanted to transition, says Mr Lister, a 60-year-old father of two. Id had no idea about gender ideology at the time and raised concerns but went along with it, calling her by a different name and he/him pronouns. But at parents evening, when I had referred to the pupil as him, the parents referred to her throughout. They didnt challenge me, but it made things rather awkward. Legal action: Maths teacher Kevin Lister was sacked for allegedly being a transphobe So, Id already had my fingers burnt. I read up extensively on the problem and learned of serious long-term medical complications associated with transitioning. When the issue rose again, Mr Lister raised a safeguarding concern with the college, asking whether Lizzies parents had been told of her request (they had not, although Mr Lister found this out only later) and whether Lizzie was aware of the potential long-term ramifications of such a decision. He also queried whether there was a risk of her self-medicating with cross-sex hormones (unavailable to under-18s without prescription, but accessible off-prescription online) as this would violate the colleges drug policy. Mr Lister says he was uncomfortable socially transitioning (using different names and pronouns) his student until these concerns had been addressed. Crucially, he also says his bosses never gave him any written guidance. Instead, they expected staff to make decisions on their own, presumably to avoid any liability for the management. But Mr Lister's well-intentioned report sparked a chain of events that would turn his life upside down. Five months later, he was suspended on full pay for transphobia. And last September, he was sacked for gross misconduct and reported to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a safeguarding violation, which he claims is preposterous and vehemently denies. He is now taking legal action against the college for wrongful dismissal and discrimination. Mr Lister's story, though far from unique, reveals the extent to which gender ideology has infiltrated our educational establishments, confusing teachers and pupils alike. It is also the perfect illustration of how teachers in UK schools have effectively been put on the front line of this brave new world of gender politics, but with precious little back-up or official guidance to call on when circumstances become fraught, as they so often do. Last month, the Mail published my investigation into school children who are being socially transitioned without their parents consent with requests from parents not to refer to their child using different names or pronouns ignored by teachers. I was surprised by the number of desperate teachers, from primary schools to further educational colleges, who contacted me after theyd read my article. They spoke of the enormous pressure they face to socially transition students some as young as five whether their parents are involved or not. Some, like Kevin, have expressed concerns and have lost their jobs. Others have been threatened with disciplinary action. To some, it feels very much like being thrown to the wolves. The Department for Education last issued guidance in 2020, saying teachers in England should work together with parents on any decisions concerning a schools treatment of a child. Last week, it was reported that the DfE will give teachers further official advice later this year, in which they will be warned against socially transitioning children who question their gender. Yet the teachers we spoke to say that clearer official guidance is needed now. Three days after hed raised concerns, Mr Lister heard that the college would not be telling Lizzies parents about her name change. In UK law, children over 16 can self-certify a new name, via whats known as an unenrolled deed poll (unlike a change made via an enrolled deed poll, for which you need to be 18, not all organisations will accept this), depending on the circumstances. Mr Lister said: As a parent, I would have been furious. Shortly after this, the colleges safeguarding policy was updated to say we had to work in partnership with parents. I was now in a really difficult position. I knew there was no parental consent, but I also knew I would be in trouble for deadnaming [using her previous name], so when I needed her attention in class, Id gesture at her something the college later said was harassment by pointing. Mr Lister's uncertainty over how to handle this delicate situation was compounded a month later by the student asking to be considered for an external girls-only maths competition. I said, Of course you can youre still a girl and I wrote Lizzie on the board with other contestants names. She subsequently entered the competition. I wondered if she was having second thoughts about her transition. After all, why enter a girls-only competition when youre telling people you want to be called by a boys name? Three months later, in January 2022, Lizzies friend told Mr Lister to use male pronouns for Lizzie/Liam. Mr Lister repeated his concerns, and the friend made a complaint against him to her pastoral tutor. When maths teacher Kevin Lister received a message from his 17-year-old student, Lizzie, telling him she would now like to be called Liam, he was concerned Unbeknownst to Mr Lister, other teachers whom he describes as trans-activists were made aware of this and also raised complaints about him. And on February 28 last year, he was suspended. Mr Lister was accused of transphobia for not referring to his student as a male, using their legal name in an official reference and asking during a transgender training session about the risk of a false-positive transgender diagnosis. The college accused me of causing emotional distress, which they said was a safeguarding violation, but this comes nowhere near a defined safeguarding threshold, Mr Lister says. He reported his college to Ofsted, which, in turn, reported it to the DfE whistleblowing service. I was appalled to see that the DfE blindly accepted the colleges claim that theyd done a risk assessment for Lizzie, even though the principal had previously told me they did not need to do one, Mr Lister says. They justified this to me by saying Lizzie was only asking for a name change. Given that I had been suspended for transphobia, this was nonsense. Ive never been transphobic, which would mean trying to harm them or deprive them of their education. Even if Lizzie had asked to change her name to another girls name, such as Sally or Evie, I would still have raised a safeguarding concern. Mr Lister says the DfE recommended the college do a risk assessment of its transitioning policy, which he says encourages students to transition. On their diversity report, they boast of their increasing number of trans students and their gender reassignment policy is written in conjunction with trans-activists, Kevin says. Some of it conflicts with safeguarding policy and gives no consideration for the teachers having to lie to parents. There are no warnings about the consequences of transitioning. In my view, the college is totally invested in transgender philosophy and has lied throughout the process to protect their position. They have not once considered the implications of the Cass review [an independent review into gender identity and children] or any other evidence. Their policy favours trans-activist teachers, and this is the consequence of no government guidance. I think the college was going to fire me, irrespective of what I said. Their final justification was to say that I hadnt followed their gender reassignment procedure, which wasnt even contractual. What I had done was follow their safeguarding procedure, which was contractual. No school will employ me while I have a safeguarding concern against me. I want to teach maths, but I am forced to defend myself against unfounded accusations of transphobia. My tribunal result wont be for a year and thousands of children could be affected between now and then. I dont have any views about transgenderism in general. I simply look at the best quality evidence I can find. When approached by the Mail, the college said no one was available to comment. But Mr Lister is not alone. Vanessa Smiths 12-month supply teaching contract at an East Midlands primary school was brought to an abrupt halt when she expressed concerns over transitioning two boys aged only eight and five. I was a Year 1 teacher on long-term supply and Thomas, a five-year-old boy in my class, had an older brother, George, eight, who was now being referred to as his sister, says Vanessa, who has taught for more than ten years. The mother who was leading it all had learning difficulties, was barely able to read or write and was a victim of domestic violence, which the boys had both witnessed. The family were very vulnerable. The actual words the headteacher used as proof [that George was trans] were: Mums concerned about George because shes played with too many dolls in nursery. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. A child playing with different toys isnt a sign that theyre trans. The entire Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and most of the staff were congratulating themselves on being so inclusive [by accepting this unofficial diagnosis], so I didnt dare say anything at that point. From there, it snowballed into socially transitioning the child without any medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Ms Smith says the child in question was autistic, a diagnosis that was made by a team of professionals including an educational psychologist. (In 2020, research carried out by Cambridge University showed there may be a link between autism and gender diversity.) I was deeply concerned that this childs mental health could be harmed by calling him a girl, and I tried to swallow every concern because of the fear of reprisals, she says. But by December, I decided that safeguarding was my priority, and if that meant taking the hit, then so be it. I presented the SLT with guidance from organisations such as Transgender Trend [an organisation advocating for evidence-based care of gender dysphoric children and science-based teaching in schools], Safe Schools Alliance and the Cass Report. They ignored everything and totally relied on guidance from pro-trans charity Mermaids, as well as the Local Authorities Trans Toolkit, which said that social affirmation was the right path. I could only manage using they/them but never she/her. I did manage to speak to a couple of staff members who were horrified as well, but they wouldnt speak out for fear of being disciplined or losing their jobs. Ms Smith said that George grew his hair long and started wearing nail varnish and make-up despite the fact these were banned for girls in school. He carried on wearing trousers but started using the girls toilets because he was being bullied for being a girl, she said. It must have been difficult for him and I had great sympathy for the family. The mother had been advised by Mermaids and she was vulnerable, too. We were supposed to be the adults in the room, the ones who supported and helped, instead of blindly choosing to affirm the child immediately. The situation was to become even more troubling for Ms Smith when, a few weeks later, Georges five-year-old brother in her class who had also been referred to the autism team for probable diagnosis came into school wearing nail varnish and eye shadow because his sister does. Mr Lister says he was uncomfortable socially transitioning (using different names and pronouns) his student until these concerns had been addressed Ms Smith said that though he didnt believe he was a girl thats what he was being told. After Id seen the Cass interim report [which said that socially transitioning children is not a neutral act, and better information is needed about outcomes], I raised concerns with the SLT and was accused of transphobia. The head rang my agency and told me not to return to the school, leaving me with no income over Christmas. Id been employed for a year but only lasted three months. I was actually relieved to be out of the situation, but concerned for the welfare of those two boys, particularly George. My heart breaks for the obviously effeminate boy who is on a path towards medicalisation if no one steps in soon. Ms Smith added: Thankfully, my agency has been very supportive and Ive got a much better role now, but I cant believe whats going on in schools. There needs to be an audit of all third-party providers of Relationships and Sex education in schools to ensure gender ideology is not taught as fact. The Safe Schools Alliance, a grassroots organisation which campaigns to uphold child safeguarding in schools, says teachers with similar concerns have been contacting them from throughout the UK. Many teachers do understand their safeguarding responsibilities and are strongly committed to protecting the children in their care, said spokeswoman Tanya Carter. Sadly, they are often not backed up by leadership and management at their school or trust, or even their own union. The National Education Union (NEU) continues to promote politically partisan and dangerous materials, despite being repeatedly challenged on it. Many of their members are distressed by this failure to prioritise child safeguarding. It is way past time for the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan, and the DfE to issue and enforce clear guidance that schools must segregate sports, changing rooms, toilets and overnight accommodation by sex, not gender, and work constructively with parents, including being transparent about materials used, and not promote partisan political views. The NEU declined to give a comment to the Mail, but on its online Trans Toolkit it says: It is crucial that schools and colleges provide confidentiality in supporting trans students. In all other cases, the wishes of the pupil or student in respect of disclosure should be respected. Schools and colleges should ensure they discuss with students, and with their parents or carers, when it will be necessary to disclose trans childrens legal names, for example when registering for exams and for medical record purposes. Many teachers contacted me talked about a culture of fear within schools. Liane Gallagher, 57, a teacher in a co-ed grammar school in south-west England, says she was reported to the headteacher simply for discussing womens rights. A 15-year-old boy in my class identifies as a girl, and were all expected to call them by their new name and she/her pronouns, Ms Gallagher said, who has been teaching for more than 30 years. One day, the whole class got on to the subject of the suffragettes. I discussed how hard women had fought for their rights, and it was quite a lively conversation. I didnt think any more of it. But later that day I discovered the boy had made a formal complaint about me because Id been talking about womens rights and he said he didnt feel safe. Some of the girls were called into the headteachers office and, thankfully, they said I wasnt being transphobic. Had they agreed with this boy, I would have been seriously disciplined. Its frightening because these children are being radicalised by this ideology. As teachers, we are supposed to do whats best for pupils, but now were all too scared to speak out if we are concerned. All names apart from Kevins have been changed. A reflection in the bottle's lid showed the product photographer with no shirt on An Aussie shopper spotted a risque detail in a perfume bottle ad on Shein An eagle-eyed shopper has spotted an X-rated detail in an ad for a perfume bottle on Shein's website. The online fast fashion retailer listed a small perfume bottle for $3.95 but one Australian customer noticed a racy reflection in the shiny gold lid. In a video posted to TikTok, they zoomed in on the bottle top to expose a reflection of the product photographer without a shirt on. Scroll down for video Can you spot the mistake in this perfume ad? An Australian shopper noticed an X-rated detail while browsing Shein's website In a TikTok clip, the customer pointed out the online fast fashion retailer had failed to pick up on the reflection of the shirtless photographer in the bottle's shiny gold lid The hilarious clip has been viewed more than 5.8million times with many in the comments thinking the risque gaffe was hysterical while others raced to Shein's site to see if it was real. 'They was working from home,' joked one person. 'I just went on Shein and it's actually true,' another said, 'I saw the same thing today when I was looking at Shein,' a third reported. 'I was looking for it on SHEIN but I saw another one and I think she just had her dressing gown on not tied aaahhh!!!' laughed a fourth 'The pictures are usually taken by customer or testing employees and then photoshopped to look more professional,' someone speculated. Since the video went massively viral the $4 perfume bottle as been removed from the Shein website. This isn't the first time Shein has raised shoppers' eyebrows. Previously, the retail giant caused a stir after launching a pair of 'shorts' that leave very little to the imagination. Previously, the retail giant caused a stir after launching a pair of 'shorts' that leave very little to the imagination Complete with a waistband, belt loops, fly-buttons and a leather patch on the back reading 'Being Human', brave fashionistas can score the skimpy shorts for just $14.95 The 'Letter Patch Detail Denim Booty Shorts' are not only more revealing than a standard pair of underwear but are hardly bigger than a g-string. Poll Would you wear the booty shorts? No, they are too short! Yes, love them! Would you wear the booty shorts? No, they are too short! 610 votes Yes, love them! 270 votes Now share your opinion Complete with a waistband, belt loops, fly-buttons and a leather patch on the back reading 'Being Human', brave fashionistas can score the skimpy shorts for just $14.95. On Shein's website, the tiny hot pants are bizarrely described at 'straight leg' with a 'skinny fit', 'cropped' length and 'high stretch'. Not all were put off by the racy shorts as it has received a string of five-star reviews but some reported they were too small. 'Too small I can't close buttons even with a large I will have to lose weight. Also no stretch,' one customer wrote. 'It looks different and is far more high waisted as you can tell by the length of the crotch so it fits weird,' said a second while a third simply commented: 'Cute but not great'. Taking to UK parenting site Mumsnet, she said that she doesn't know what to say A mother has said that she won't let her seven-year-old son go to the toilet alone A mother has sparked debate after revealing that she won't let her seven-year-old son go to the men's toilet on his own. Seeking advice, the mother took to the British parenting site Mumsnet to explain that he has started to complain about going to the ladies toilets with her. She said she lets him go to the Gents in one public place where she knows there's 'never anyone about' beacuse she doesn't want him to 'see grown men using urinals', but she doesn't like the idea of it in busier places like the swimming pool toilets, on the off-chance 'someone dodgy' approaches him. Commenters rushed to offer their opinions, with some claiming she is being 'paranoid' and creating an issue where none exists, while others sympathised and said they too would have concerns. A mother has said that she won't let her seven-year-old son go to the toilet alone. Taking to UK parenting site Mumsnet, she said that she doesn't know how to explain why she doesn't want him using the Gents alone (stock image) Explaining her predicament, the mother wrote: 'I'm sure this has been discussed before. When we're out and my boy needs the toilet, I make him come into the Ladies with me. 'Problem is, he's starting to complain about it and wants to go in the Gents on his own. I have let him do this in one particular place where there's never anyone about, so I knew he wouldn't encounter anyone at the urinals. She continued: 'I'm always honest with him but I don't quite know how to explain why I'm not letting him do this anywhere else, like at the swimming pool/gym toilets. Posting on the Am I Being Unreasonable? forum, the mother explained: 'He knows about the Pants rules and personal space and consent but I don't exactly want to spell out what I'm worried about. What do you tell your kids?' She later clarified her point, saying she doesn't want him 'seeing grown men using urinals' or to run the risk of 'someone dodgy apporaching him'. 'We all know there are flashers and worse about. I saw them when I was a kid and so did most women I know,' she added. Taking to UK parenting forum Mumsnet, one mother has asked what parents tell their children about going to the toilet alone, as she is afraid to let her seven-year-old son use the gents alone However, some commenters accused her of paranoia and told the mother that he was too old to be going into the ladies with her and questioned when she would allow him to use the men's toilets alone. One said: 'At what point will you allow him to go to the gents? A special outing on his 18th birthday?' 'I don't think most men's toilets are full of predators who hang out there all day waiting to pounce on a kid,' one wrote. A third added: 'You're going to have to get comfortable with it sooner than later. He won't be able to go into the ladies for that much longer.' Some commenters accused the mother of being 'paranoid' and said she was the one creating the issue While a fourth suggested: 'Talk to him about how to handle different situations. I called in after mine that I was just outside, so anyone inside knew someone was watching.' Responding to these questions, the mother explained her situation further saying that her son had only just turned seven. She said: 'Obviously he's perfectly able to use a toilet himself, but the idea of him seeing grown men using urinals, or - even if it's a small chance - somebody dodgy approaching him, worries me. 'We all know there are flashers and worse about, I saw them when I was a kid and so did most women I know. However, she recognised that she would have to change eventually and continued: 'At some point he just won't agree to go in the ladies, hopefully by then he'll be ready to handle any bad situations.' Many users were quick to tell the mother that he was too old to be going into the ladies and one suggested that she talk to him about the different situations he could One user sympathised with the mother and shared her own experience of letting her nine-year-old go to the toilet in a motorway service station alone Replying, one user suggested: 'Let him go to the gents and you stand outside. Tell him to scream if somebody stops him from leaving. Otherwise continue with your stranger danger teachings. Hes got to learn to go by himself at some point.' Another sympathised and said: 'My anxieties about public loos with my just 9-year-old when he goes in alone are often about losing him - I'm thinking of the busy motorway service stations we stop at pretty often. 'I've let him go alone there once with strict instructions of where to meet me (me and my daughter had to use the loo as well). He took ages and I got in such a panic, I was imagining someone abducting him, it was so busy anyone could be lost in a crowd, just horrible... 'Most public loos are fine I think and he uses them alone no problem, but I really wish they'd have more family loos in busy/big places.' Elsewhere another parent shared their experience of letting their young child go to the toilet alone. They said: 'He is still young and I agree that at his age using a gent's on his own is worrisome. I'm afraid so many more deviants are around now cos porn has made some aspects of sexual contact seem like theyre normal. 'I recall my 7yo using the ladies at Anfi Beach Club, Gran Canaria and some woman spouting off about it.told politely told her to wind her neck in yet she complained to the pool guy who said it was OK cos he was still small.' Another revealed: 'I challenge boys who look more than about 7 using the ladies.' Many people were outraged at this revelation with asking if it makes them feel powerful or if they just like to complain This revelation had the adverse effect and many were shocked at her behaviour. One said: 'Why? How weird. What's wrong with a child being in the loos, I assume people are in their own cubicles and you close the door when you go to the toilet? It's literally just a room with sinks and mirrors in it.' A second agreed: 'How ridiculous, you're an adult and you challenge children for using the ladies? Does it make you feel powerful or do you just like to complain?' Do you know more? Contact tips@dailymail.com Those in the community helped identify the man and connect the two together The two didn't exchange names or numbers in person A single Aussie woman has opted to use a Facebook group in attempt to find an attractive man she was chatting to at a public pool as he read a pop psychology book. The anonymous woman called on all 'cupids and detectives' of the north shore in Sydney to ask if anyone knew the man described. That day she had dropped by the Maccallum Seawater Pool in Cremorne Point while visiting her parents for the weekend when she had a 'nice chat' with man who was lounging under a tree shirtless. In the Mosman Living Facebook group, she said she spotted the man after patting an 'adorable' Moodle dog - though she didn't get the man's name or number, and doesn't know if he's single. A woman was kicking herself when she didn't exchange numbers with a handsome stranger at a public pool in Sydney, so she reached out to Facebook for help (pictured: Maccallum Seawater Pool) The anonymous woman called on all 'cupids and detectives' in Sydney to ask if anyone knew the man described. In the Mossman Living Facebook group, she said she spotted the man after patting an 'adorable' Moodle dog - though she didn't get the man's name 'I couldn't resist going over to pat an adorable Moodle called Leon, whose human was lounging under a tree shirtless reading How to Win Friends and Influence People (unsure if red flag?),' she wrote. 'We had a nice chat, I admired his lovely dark eyes, he patted my parents' dog but I was too shy to ask for his number. 'Didn't even get his name and he mightn't be single, but does anyone have any leads on a man who matches this description?' She added how he looked to be 'about 30'. The woman said she's been on dating apps but hasn't had much luck, so she thought she'd reach out to the community. Against all odds, a group member knew exactly who the man was - and he was single. The two dog lovers were able to connect thanks to social media. A mutual friend confirmed: 'Connection made' and that she's 'Leaving the rest up to them.' The woman said she's been on dating apps but hasn't had much luck, so she thought she'd reach out to the community. Against all odds, a group member knew exactly who the man was - and he was single. The two dog lovers were able to connect thanks to social media A mutual friend confirmed: 'Connection made' and that she's 'Leaving the rest up to them.' Many seemed happy the woman managed to get in touch with the handsome man, but others were concerned and raised issues of privacy. In the comments the woman said she 'wasn't expecting all these reactions'. 'To the couple of people who pointed out that this could be a violation of privacy, valid point!' she wrote. 'I didn't think of that when I posted on a whim but fortunately he doesn't seem too worried by that.' Scrubbing your face with soap, hot water and a flannel? Well, you might be washing your face wrong, according to dermatologists. Exfoliating too much, washing with overly hot water and using too many disposable wipes are some of the biggest mistakes people make when washing their face. These techniques can destroy your skin's natural barrier, dry it out and clog your pores. MailOnline spoke to dermatologists to find out what we should be avoiding when it comes to keeping our faces squeaky clean. Your routine should be unique and tailored to your skin type. Dermatologists warn that having too many steps can lead to irritation and just because someone famous has recommended a product does not mean it is right for your skin Product overload From charcoal facemasks to moisturising your face with Vaseline, social media is awash with skin-cleansing tips. But following these trends might not be the best way of maintaining a healthy glow. Dermatologists warn that having too many steps, with too many different chemicals, can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it sore and dry. And just because someone famous has recommended a product does not mean it is right for your skin. Dr Penelope Pratsou, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson said: 'The most common mistake people make with skincare routines is that they tend to overcomplicate them. 'People like to follow the latest skincare trends as recommended on social media. 'This can often result in complex regimes which may not be suited to their own skin and result in skin irritation.' But there is no 'one-size fits all' when it comes to skincare. Your routine should be unique and tailored to your skin type, according to Dr Pratsou. 'Do not feel you need to follow a particular regime because someone famous has recommended it,' she added. Dr Salome Dharamshi, a dermatologist at a private clinic in Birmingham, believes that 'less is more' and suggests sticking to a simple routine, such as one that has two to four steps. She said: 'Wash your face in the morning, apply moisturiser and SPF. 'In the evening before you go to bed double wash the face, remove your make-up and then wash again gently to make sure the skin is clean and apply moisturiser.' However, experts urge people to stay away from bars of soap and use other gentle facial washes. This is because bars can be abrasive and dry out your skin. Stop scrubbing Another common mistake people make is overly scrubbing their skin. Although scrubbing will remove dead skin cells, oils and dirt helping to make skin appear flawless, it will also remove healthy cells from the skin, according to experts. This can lead to irritation, just in the same way as adhering to an overly-complicated regime. Dr Pratsou said: 'I am not a fan of physical exfoliation on the face because it can often be traumatic to the skin, and cause irritation, dryness or breakouts.' Instead she recommends using a chemical exfoliator, such as glycolic acid and retinols, as these work over about 10 minutes to gently exfoliate, with noticeable results in two weeks. Having water too hot or even too cold can over dry the skin, which in turn can cause the over production of sebum making it greasy, and as a result, spotty Dr Pratsou added: 'Micro-fibre face cloths are thought to be gentler on the skin, helping to exfoliate for those that have sensitive skin. 'They might therefore be helpful if you wear make up to help remove it at the end of the day.' Dr Dharamshi agrees that a micro-fibre cloth is a good gentle exfoliator, as is a soft sponge. However, Dr Kajal Babamiri, a dermatologist at the private CLNQ clinic in Manchester, says we should be putting the face cloth down altogether in favour of simply using our hands to clean with a water and a gentle wash. She said: 'Definitely use your hands to wash your face. 'A cloth can be too abrasive, you are taking a lot of skin away. 'What you want is to take the dead skin away but not be too aggressive that it actually damages the skin.' You're over washing Washing your face twice a day is the optimum amount, according to dermatologists. Keeping it to just morning and night will help wash away dirt and grease and keep imperfections at bay. But, if you start trying to clean it any more than that, you could end up with dry, irritated or even spotty skin. Keeping washes to just morning and night will help wash away dirt and grease and keep imperfections at bay for normal skin types Dr Dharamshi explained that over washing not only causes dryness but acne, too. She said: 'Over washing the face can increase over production of sebum, which is one of the reasons for acne. 'It can also damage the skin barrier, cause redness and dehydration of the skin.' Dr Pratsou also warns that for those who are prone to eczema, even water can be an irritant causing flare ups. Medical moisturising treatments are suggested by dermatologists if you suffer with eczema flare ups. For normal skin types Dr Pratsou advises: 'Sticking to the same principles of starting both daytime and night-time routines by cleansing your skin with a suitable cleanser for your skin type, and ending them with an appropriate moisturiser.' She added: 'I would always recommend adding a sunblock to protect your skin from the sun's rays year-round.' Hot water If you're using hot water you may want to turn the temperature down just a bit. Having water too hot or even too cold can over dry the skin, which in turn can cause the over production of sebum making it greasy, and as a result, spotty. Dr Dharamshi said: 'Water should be warm, very often people use water that is too hot or cold. 'If the water is too hot it can damage the skin, it can cause redness and it over dries the skin. It also damages the skin barrier.' Lukewarm water is the happy balance for washing your face, according to experts. Although scrubbing will remove dead skin cells, oils and dirt, it will also remove the healthy cells from our skin, according to experts. This can lead to irritation, including sore or dry skin and eventually breakouts Although some people use hot water to open the pores and then cold water to close the pores, Dr Dharamshi claims this doesn't actually work. In fact, she goes as far to say that opening your pores is technically impossible. Because your pores are not muscles, they can't open and contract, so there is little to no benefit of doing this. But others say there is some logic to it. When you splash your face with warm water it simply loosens the sebum, which is the oil in your face, allowing it to slide out the face, Dr Dharamshi explains. Similarly, splashing cold water on your face causes the muscles to contract, which makes the skin feel tighter, but your pores will not get any smaller. Ditch the wipes Face wipes can be handy because they appear to wipe your face clean in seconds. But skin experts are not fans of the convenient product, sold for pennies on the high street. Disposable face wipes can be good at removing make-up, but they are not designed to be used to wash your face daily. Disposable face wipes can be good at removing make-up, but not all are designed to be used to wash your face daily and using water could be better, dermatologists warn Dr Babamiri said: 'Face wipes are good at removing makeup, but that should not be your cleanser and not for washing your face.' In fact, if you have nothing else to wash your face with that day, using water could be better than using the packet ready wipes, dermatologists warn. Dr Pratsou said: 'Using a suitable cleanser with water, with or without a reusable facial cloth is preferable to using disposable face wipes.' This is because wipes are also not as efficient at wiping away all the grime, make-up and oil from the day. If grime is left behind on the face, then over time it can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and irritation from residual product on the skin. But a 2017 University of Edinburgh study found a mother's genes are to blame He says your chance of hair loss is determined by genes from both familial sides If your mother's father went bald, you will too. That is what men have been told for decades. But it's just an old wives' tale, according to one GP. Dr Sameer Sanghvi, of LloydsPharmacy online doctor, is now telling men: 'Its time to stop blaming your mum for your baldness. 'The notion that your mothers genes are responsible for your baldness is a myth. GP Dr Sameer Sanghvi says that while family history of baldness is 'the most decisive risk factor' in determining your own fate, it can come from either your mother or father's side (file photo) 'But its a fallacy that many believe.' He accepted a family history of baldness is 'the most decisive risk factor' in determining your own fate. But Dr Sanghvi said it's 'only fair to blame both of your parents', adding: 'It can come from either your mother or father's side. 'Your chances of losing your hair are determined by a complex combination of genes that can be passed on from both parents.' Other examples of human characteristics influenced by multiple genes are skin colour and height. Although experts insist mother's genes aren't to blame, the science on the topic isn't as clear-cut. One analysis, in 2017, concluded that the statement was accurate. Edinburgh University researchers looked at 52,000 males aged between 40 and 69 who were participants of the UK Biobank database. They found that 80 per cent of male pattern baldness is passed down in our genes. The study suggested that men can mainly blame their mothers, and not their fathers, as most of the genetic signals come from the X chromosome inherited through the female line. Male-pattern baldness, the name for androgenetic alopecia in men, is the most common type of hair loss. It affects 6.5m men in the UK and more than 50m in the US, data suggests. It typically starts with thinning of the hair at the temples and top of the head, or a receding hairline. This is followed by more substantial hair loss, exposing the scalp, according to the NHS. Some affected men begin to lose their hair in their late teens, while for others the process begins much later. Most men will have lost some hair by 60, experts say. Lloyds says male pattern baldness is 'caused by a very sensitive reaction to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which is a type of testosterone'. This causes hair follicles to shrink, according to its advice page, and 'as a result they lose the ability to grow new hair'. Celebrities like Elton John and chef Gordon Ramsay have undergone hair transplants to hang on to their youth after thinning on top Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss, affecting 6.5 million men in the UK and more than 50 million in the US 'In addition, this also shortens the lifespan of hair follicles so you lose hair more quickly and frequently,' it adds. 'Male baldness is a combination of losing hair more quickly, with a slower growth and replacement rate.' The NHS says you can lose anywhere between 50 and 100 hairs a day. Male pattern baldness is permanent but can be treated with medicines finasteride and minoxidil, steroid injections or creams, immunotherapy or light therapy. Other forms of treatment can include wigs, tattooing to give the illusion of hair or hair transplants. Celebrities like Elton John and chef Gordon Ramsay have undergone hair transplants to hang on to their youth after thinning on top. Other medical causes of baldness, such as cancer, weight loss or an iron deficiency, can be temporary. Stress is another potential cause. The US birth rate increased slightly during the Covid pandemic, new official figures show reversing a seven-year downward trend. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, 3,664,292 babies were born in 2021, a one percent jump from the 3,613,647 born in 2020. The small increase was driven by a rise in women aged 30 to 45 having children - a trend attributed to better fertility treatments and the switch to working from home. While the number of children born last year was still lower than the 2019 figure, the year-on-year increase ended a downward trend that began in 2014. The US birth rate increased by 1 percent in 2021, up to 11 births per every 1,000 women between ages 15 and 44. This is the first rise since 2014 but still a significant drop from the rate of 13 per 1,000 birthing age women recorded in 2010 Utah and North Dakota at the most fertile states in America, being the only ones where more than 13 births were recorded for every 1,000 birthing aged women. The states with the lowest overall fertility rates were concentrated in the Northeast region Experts had warned that if the trend was not reversed, America's declining fertility could lead to systems like Medicare and social security being overwhelmed. In the report published Tuesday, CDC researchers revealed final birth counts in the US. Provisional data was announced over the summer of last year. Results showed births among women between ages 30 and 34 increased by three percent, from 94.9 out of 1,000 in 2020 to 97.6 in 2021. For those aged 35 to 39, there was a five percent increase from 51.3 to 53.7 births per 1,000 women. There was also an increase among women in their 40s - from 11.8 per 1,000 women in 2020 to 12 in 2021. Experts point to women having more money available to raise a family during the pandemic after stimulus checks and generous unemployment benefits. Lockdowns and work-from-home orders also allowed many expecting mothers to spend more time resting at home - and meant they could spend more time with children after giving birth. The rise in births in America was largely fueled by women 30 and older deciding to have kids. Births increased three percent among women30 to 34, and five percent for women in the second half of their 30s Experts have warned that declining fertility in the US can lead to economic devastation in the future (file photo) When Covid first began, many believed that lockdowns, fear of the virus and other measures that kept people inside would lead to more children being conceived. Restrictions related to the virus in the US began in March 2020. Because there are nine months on average between conception and birth, 2021 data is the first to reflect the impact the pandemic had on birth rates. Researchers found that there were 11 births given for every 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 in the population. This is a slight uptick from the 10.9 in 2020, but still significantly lower than the 11.4 births per 1,000 logged in 2019. A decade earlier, in 2011, the US fertility rate was 12.7 per 1,000 birthing-aged women. From 2014 to 2019, America's birth rate decreased by around two percent each year. There was a steep four percent drop from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, the last year before the pandemic, the US recorded 3,747,540 births. The Northeast region of the US had the sharpest increase in birth between 2020 and 2021, with New Hampshire (six percent increase in birth rate) and Connecticut (five percent) experiencing the largest jump. In total, the fertility rate rose in 26 US states. Hawaii experienced the sharpest year-over-year decline in fertility, falling four percent from 2020 to 2021. Fertility declined in a dozen states, but the CDC notes that these declines were not significant. White and Hispanic women were most responsible for the upward trend nationwide. In 2021, white women gave birth to 1.89million children, a 2.3 percent rise from the previous year. Hispanic women experienced a 2.1 percent rise to 885,916 births, up from 866,713 a year earlier. These upward trends are a welcome sight for US officials - who have long warned that America's declining birth rate put the nation's future in danger. A CDC report earlier this month revealed that the average US woman only had 1.1 children in 2019 - down from 1.3 in 2002. States in the Northeast such as New Hampshire and Connecticut experienced the largest rises in fertility year-over-year. Hawaii experienced the sharpest fall The rise in birth rate was carried by Hispanic and white women, each of which saw an increase in overall birth of more than two percent from 2020 to 2021. Birth figures significantly declined among Asian and black women in America, though Only 52 percent of women had children the year before the pandemic, down from nearly 60 percent at the turn of he century. Experts told DailyMail.com this was a result of shifting priorities among younger people. Dr Melissa Kearney, an economic professor at the University of Maryland, told DailyMail.com: 'There has been a greater emphasis on spending time building careers. Adults are changing their attitudes towards having kids. 'They are choosing to spend money and time in different ways... [that] are coming into conflict with parenting.' She continued that younger people are also showing more interest in leisure activities and travel now than they did before, on top of career building. '[Wanting to travel] just comes into conflict with parenting,' she said. According to the US Census Bureau, the fertility rate - which measures how many children an average woman will give birth to during her life - was 1.6 in 2020. This falls far below the 2.1 needed to maintain current population levels. Many have pointed to high childcare costs, student debt held by Americans in their early 20s and other financial pressures. Dr Kearney warns that, gradually, the government would need to collect more taxes to keep these programs afloat - while providing fewer benefits to each recipient. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Ms M.H. writes: I bought artwork from Smith & Partner Limited last August, and later I purchased another two pieces. I was naive and believed this to be a good investment because of the strong sales pitch. Since then I have been continually fobbed off. It never sends emails, only calls claiming it has 'great news'. As time has passed, I have realised how much rubbish I have been fed. I have asked that the artwork is resold, but I am palmed off all the time. 'Naive': The reader bought Lion & The Witch from Smith & Partner, headed by Luke Sparkes (inset) Tony Hetherington replies: You contacted me following my report on December 11 that an elderly investor had pumped 17,000 into limited edition prints sold by Smith & Partner, after he was told that his first purchase had soared in value and shown a 3,000 profit within weeks. I asked the art company's owner Luke Sparkes for details of this amazing piece of art. He failed to answer, but I am delighted to add that he has just given the elderly investor a complete refund. One of the attractions of the scheme is that Sparkes advertises that his investors can notch up 'potential returns of up to 64.6 per cent in just 12 months'. I questioned this, and Sparkes has told me that just such a profit was made once, back in 2017, when the business had just begun and before he took over. If there had been a repeat performance or a bigger profit since then, I expect he would have been keen to highlight it. I also questioned Sparkes about his company's financial position. The latest Companies House accounts show it being in serious trouble with the taxman. I asked Sparkes twice about this ahead of last month's report but he failed to answer. He now says the dispute has been settled, though the figures are unclear. Similarly, the accounts show Sparkes himself borrowed 459,038 from the business. I asked whether he has since repaid this, but Sparkes has not answered. When I pressed him about your own investments, Sparkes told me: 'Please note that I have shared supporting evidence with you to the extent that we are permitted to do.' He added he would be happy to share further evidence 'if given permission to do so'. Well, last Monday I gave Sparkes your legally binding signed authority, allowing him to discuss your complaint with complete freedom, and to hand over any documents or other records about Smith & Partner's dealings with you, including its sales pitch. And last Tuesday he refused. There are lots of question marks hanging over this scheme. Smith & Partner advertises its 'vast expertise within the art investments market', but will not say who exactly has this vast expertise and where they obtained it. Prints which are produced by a separate company controlled by Sparkes are marketed by his telephone salesforce based near the Shard building in London, but investors are bound by written terms and conditions. Are these read out to them in sales calls? How can they be bound by conditions they have not seen? I asked, but Sparkes offered no explanation. Despite all this, I can report two bright spots. Sparkes conceded that his company's advertising included incorrect advice about tax due on any profits made by investors. He is correcting this. And the other good news? You bought prints costing 7,651, which Smith & Partner says are stored in a warehouse in Switzerland. By the time you read this, you will have received a full refund. WE'RE WATCHING YOU Fraudster Michael Nascimento Fraudster Michael Nascimento who was exposed by The Mail on Sunday as long ago as 2011 has been ordered to spend almost four extra years in prison for failing to compensate victims of his 2.8million investment scam. The extra time is on top of an existing 11-year sentence handed down in 2018. Nascimento and his gang set up a fake investment company, Morgan Forbes (UK) Limited, and used high pressure phone calls to persuade investors to buy shares in a scheme to develop a resort on the island of Madeira. They were promised guaranteed returns of between 125 and 228 per cent. But the Financial Conduct Authority found that the money raised was used to pay the expenses of running the fraud and to fund Nascimento's lifestyle. In 2021, he was ordered to repay 976,511, but has handed over less than half of this. The fraud began in 2010, and in 2011 I warned that Nascimento's company was breaking the law simply by selling shares without being authorised by the financial watchdog. No action was taken, and I repeated the warning in 2012 when Nascimento did a deal to allow an offshore sales firm to take over marketing his dud shares. The fraud continued until 2014, and the FCA's prosecution reached court in 2018. Last April, the FCA delivered its final bow to Nascimento. Twelve years after he began operating his illegal investment firm, the FCA banned him from the financial services industry. That'll teach him. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. I ordered a brand new 999 Apple iPhone 14 Plus from Amazon but when the package arrived it contained two candles and no sign of the mobile. I was bemused at first, but now Im fuming as Amazon is refusing to refund me for the device. A. B., Sussex. Another ball of wax: A reader was left bemused when Amazon sent him two candles instead of the 999 iPhone 14+ he had ordered Sally Hamilton replies: Your story had me reminiscing about the vintage Two Ronnies four candles TV sketch where hardware shop owner Ronnie Corbett thinks customer Ronnie Barker wants to purchase four candles when what he actually wants are fork andles andles for forks. The misunderstanding makes for brilliant comedy. But to order a 999 phone from Amazon and receive two candles instead and have the firm wash its hands of your case well, I can see why that got on your wick. You explained that, as well as the phone, you had ordered a laptop from Amazon, with the two parcels delivered at the same time. You provided the security code to the delivery driver that Amazon had emailed previously. The same code applied to both items. Such codes are required for high-value purchases to prove packages have been safely received by the right person. When you opened the first package, all was fine: the laptop was as expected. The second, which should have been the phone, contained candles. To put me in the picture fully, you told me your husband had in fact ordered candles separately from Amazon, as a gift for you but sent to him. He suggested this must have caused the mix-up. But you were concerned because his Amazon account is different from yours and the offending candle package had your name and business details on the address label. And, in any case, where was the iPhone? You contacted Amazon, which replied that it had delivered parcels of the correct weight and told you to file a police report. You tried, but the police werent interested, stating that it was a civil matter and you should speak to Amazon. You phoned Amazon to try to resolve the impasse, but it told you to contact its customer services online. You got nowhere. You reached a similar dead end with its social media and on Trustpilot, the customer reviews website, where you hoped it might pick up on your complaint. Having hit a brick wall, you contacted me. You told me you are a clinical psychologist and have a strong view on how Amazons lack of a positive response made you feel disempowered as a consumer. Sadly, such treatment of customers by businesses is widespread. Another reader, J. B. from Leicestershire, contacted me with a similar tale of intercepted Amazon parcels and the subsequent poor response by its customer services. The 459 Samsung tablet he ordered via the firm before Christmas was replaced by cake decorations. As with your case, the correct passcode had been given on delivery. But the label on the package was wrinkled, as if it had been taken off another parcel. When J. B. called Amazon to report this, an agent said he would be refunded upon returning the package. On the understanding that the original payment would soon be reimbursed, he ordered another tablet for a further 459. Sadly, this was premature, as Amazon then refused to refund him. He appealed several times, in vain. An email escalating his concerns to Amazons complaints department was ignored. So, like you, he came to me. When people buy something online, the retailer is responsible for its safe delivery, according to the Consumer Rights Act 2015. I felt both you and J. B. should be reimbursed. I took both cases to Amazon, which agreed to investigate. Within a few days, it came back with some excellent news. Although there was no explanation about what had gone wrong in either case, nor why the refunds had been refused, a spokesman says: Weve contacted the customers directly, apologised and processed a full refund. Anyone in the same boat, or who receives damaged goods, should always contact the retailer immediately. It also helps to collect evidence, including photographs of the packages that have been damaged or tampered with, and of whatever was substituted for a genuine order. If signing for a delivery that cant be opened in front of the courier, add the words not inspected, which could help if issues emerge on opening. Opting for a delivery to be made to a safe place or a neighbour can make problems harder to resolve later. Consider requesting signed-for delivery only, particularly for high-value items. If the retailer wont play ball, try to request reimbursement via a claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if the purchase was by credit card and the item cost between 100 and 30,000. The card provider is jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong with a purchase. If a debit card was used, consider raising a chargeback dispute an informal arrangement offered by banks for customers who do not get the goods or services they have paid for. Straight to the point I ordered a Zara necklace online for 29.99 but when it arrived it was too small. Zara will not offer me a refund as it claims the necklace I returned was broken, which is not true. S. H., Devon. Zara has contacted you and admitted that it made a mistake. It has confirmed that a full refund is on its way. *** I was scammed by a street trader who charged 821 to my card rather than 21. Santander says it cannot deal with my complaint without a receipt, but the trader did not supply one. K. B., via email. You have received a full refund via chargeback. A Santander spokesman says: We will typically request evidence of the agreed price at point of sale so it can be verified as being different from what was charged. After reviewing the case, we understand that this is unlikely to be possible. *** My flight from Zurich to London with British Airways on August 10 was four-and-a-half hours late. I put in a delay repayment claim, but heard nothing, so Ive submitted my claim to a dispute resolution service. R. H, via email. BA apologises for your experience. It had to follow the processes of the dispute resolution service, and has now paid 455. Good to Go said no go to cancelled cruise claim I booked a two-week holiday costing more than 3,000 with Cruise1st for my wife, and I arranged travel cover with Good To Go Insurance through the website Paying Too Much. We were due to sail on May 14 2022, but three days before, my wife was taken to hospital with respiratory difficulties. She was discharged later the same day, but the doctor advised against travel. I cancelled the cruise and told the insurer. I was contacted by its claims handler, Global Response, with forms to complete, including one for our GP. A few weeks later our claim was denied because there was a discrepancy between the sailing date of May 14 and the policy start date of May 15. As I had used the insurer for previous cruises, and always found it to be helpful and efficient, I did not check the small print as I should have. H. W., Goring, Oxon. Sally Hamilton replies: When rejecting your claim, the Good To Go claims manager pointed to a clause stating that, for a claim to be valid, the policy must cover the duration of the trip. When buying the policy over the phone, you had mistakenly told the firm that it should start a day later than it needed to. You didnt recall the details of this conversation but the company has a recording where you had stated the wrong start date. You accepted the facts. Nevertheless, you felt hard done by. Good To Go was well within its rights to turn down your claim of 3,298 plus 60 for the confirmation from the GP that your wife was too ill to travel. However, stating the wrong date by one day was not a deliberate act by you, as there was no gain to be had in choosing the following day for the policys inception. In a nutshell, you had tripped up. Since you had purchased the cover via comparison service Paying Too Much, I went to it first to ask if it could help with the reassessment of your claim. It took a while to track down the decision-maker. But once I did, I am happy to say she contacted Good To Go that day and it was quickly agreed that your claim should be met after all. Good on you, Good To Go. Children from government orphanage homes across the state during the protest in Hyderabad. (DC) Hyderabad: More than 300 children from various government orphanage homes across the state have launched a protest against the BRS government, stating that their living conditions are appalling due to a lack of amenities and that the promises made by the government nearly eight years back remained unfulfilled. The children from the orphanages, aged between two and 25, marched to the Dharna Chowk in Indira Park with the support of Shantha Sinha, the founder of the Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiya Foundation (MV Foundation), and Manda Krishna Madiga, the leader of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), to express their displeasure with the BRS party over a number of issues, including insufficient facilities. On June 23, 2015, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao pledged that the state would support orphanages throughout the state with funds and smart cards. One of the most prominent demands made by the orphan children was that the government issue them with special smart cards after recognising them as State children, which would exempt them from having income, caste, and other certificates. The orphans lamented that the government had not yet distributed smart cards. The Chief Minister, however, has not kept his word 777 days after making the pledge. The government has proposed setting up a separate integrated campus to provide orphans with a high-quality education from KG through PG that is equivalent to quality of education provided by Gurukuls. However, 13-year-old orphan Ajay, who lives in a state orphanage in Kapra, believes that the government broke its promise. He was abandoned by his parents when he was just a few days old, and is still waiting in the orphanage, hoping that one day his parents will take him in. Munna, a researcher at Hyderabad Central University (HCU), claimed that the government had abandoned the state orphanages by failing to provide facilities and honouring its promises to the orphans made 777 days back. According to Govindu Naresh Madiga, state president of the MRPS and a member of the Orphanage Rights Protection Association, "the orphanage home organisers are having a difficult time financially protecting hundreds of orphanage children who don't know their parent's details and even they don't have Aadhaar cards." Big banks are now offering far better savings rates to existing customers - and it can take just minutes to get them. With more than 600 billion parked in current accounts and easy-access accounts paying less than 0.5 per cent, you can easily get an interest boost with your bank. Unlike when you open an account at a new bank, you probably won't need to go through ID checks because, as an existing customer, the bank already holds the vital information on you it needs. Better rates: With more than 600bn parked in current accounts and easy-access accounts paying less than 0.5%, you can easily get an interest boost with your bank Note that most of the banks have limits on how much money you can pour in at the top rate. Here are the best offers... HSBC HSBC Online Bonus Saver pays 3 per cent on up to 10,000, against just 0.65 per cent on its Flexible Saver (this is rising to 0.9 per cent tomorrow). The 3 per cent account is open to its current account or savings account holders. You only earn the 3 per cent in the months you don't make any withdrawals. In those you do, you'll earn 0.9 per cent. By moving 10,000 into the Online Bonus Saver you can earn up to 300 interest over the course of the year, in contrast to just 90 if left in the Flexible Saver. It also has a regular savings plan at 5 per cent on deposits of 25 to 250 a month. A 250 monthly deposit in the regular saver will pay you 81.25 interest over the year. Barclays It's Rainy Day Saver pays 5.12 per cent on up to 5,000 and gives you easy access to your money. Over this level you earn 0.5 per cent. You can open an account if you are a Blue Rewards member this comes with a 5 monthly fee and requires online banking. Interest on 10,000 here is 215 over the year, minus the current account fee, or 165 more than leaving it in Barclays Everyday Saver at 0.5 per cent. You can get the fee back by paying two direct debits from your current account each month. Barclays also has a best buy, one-year fixed-rate cash Isa at 4 per cent, open to anyone and allows transfers in 10,000 here means 400 interest. This Isa also allows three withdrawals over the year, up to 10 per cent of the total pot. Deposit limits: Most of the banks have limits on how much money you can pour in at the top rate Halifax Halifax Reward Bonus Saver pays 2.55 per cent to its Halifax Reward or Ultimate Reward current account holders. This costs 3 per month, but is free if you pay in more than 1,500 per month. If you move 10,000 out of its Everyday Saver at 0.55 per cent, you will earn 200 extra interest in a year. You'll see 255 rather than 55. But the better account comes with restrictions you can only make a maximum of three withdrawals a year. Make any more and you only earn 0.35 per cent. After a year, you need to move your money as it then changes to an Instant Saver account, which pays 0.55 per cent. The bank offers a similar deal on its Isa Saver Bonus Reward. Its one-year Regular Saver pays 4.5 per cent on between 25 and 250 a month and is open to all. Virgin Money M Plus current account holders can make use of Virgin Money's savings account at 2.52 per cent. That's 252 interest on 10,000 versus 25 in its Everyday Saver at 0.25 per cent. The bank also has the best one-year fixed-rate cash Isa at 4.25 per cent for its Virgin Money, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank current account holders and 3 per cent on an easy-access Isa. That would mean 425 interest on its fixed-rate Isa, and 300 on its easy-access. Club Lloyds Club Lloyds members can get 2.25 per cent with its Advantage Saver. You are limited to making up to three withdrawals a year from this easy-access account. If you take out more, the rate drops to 0.3 per cent. Club Lloyds costs 3 per month, but is free if you pay in more than 1,500 per month. You'll see 225 on 10,000, 175 more than leaving it in its normal Easy Saver or Standard Saver which pay 0.5 per cent. It also pays 5.25 per cent on its Club Lloyds Monthly Saver on 25 to 400 a month, or 4.5 per cent on its standard Monthly Saver for other current account holders. Bank of Scotland Vantage current account holders can also get the 2.25 per cent Advantage Saver, along with a Monthly Saver at 4.5 per cent. Convenient: As an existing customer you probably won't need to go through ID checks because the bank already holds the vital information on you it needs Nationwide For fee-free Flexaccount holders, Nationwide has the Flex Instant Saver 2 at 2.25 per cent. In an ordinary easy-access account with the building society, the best rate is 0.75 per cent on up to 10,000 and 0.8 per cent on 10,000. You'll make 145 extra interest by moving 10,000 into the Flex Instant Saver 2. Santander Those with its new Edge current account can get 4 per cent on balances up to 4,000. This account comes with a 3 monthly fee. You'll earn 124 interest over a year on the top amount. This compares with just 22 if you leave it in its Everyday Saver account. Natwest/RBS With the NatWest and RBS Digital Saver, which pay 5.12 per cent, you can only deposit a maximum of 150 a month. You can carry on saving and earn this rate until you reach the 5,000 mark. If you put in 150 a month from your current account, you'll earn 49.70 interest in the year. If you leave that 1,800 saved over the year in the banks' easy-access account, your interest will only add up to 11.70. sy.morris@dailymail.co.uk The mother of NRL star Nicho Hynes told police she panicked when she found a young man unconscious in her loungeroom after he had allegedly inhaled a fatal amount of heroin. A jury has heard Julie Hynes, 50, claimed she was asleep in her home on the NSW Central Coast when Luke Murphy, 29, accidentally overdosed on the drug in May 2021. Hynes is facing trial in the District Court at Gosford where she has pleaded not guilty to knowingly taking part in the supply of heroin. Michael William Selvage, 59, has pleaded not guilty to committing the same offence in what the Crown alleges was a joint criminal enterprise. Hynes's 26-year-old son Nicho is the reigning Dally M medal winner and plays halfback for the Cronulla Sharks, having debuted in 2019 for Melbourne Storm. The mother of NRL star Nicho Hynes is accused of taking part in a narcotics supply operation in which a man packaging heroin died after inhaling the drug. Julie Hynes is pictured outside the District Court in Gosford on Tuesday Hynes is facing trial in the District Court at Gosford where she has pleaded not guilty to knowingly taking part in the supply of heroin (she is pictured outside court on January 30) Crime scene photo shows a 250kg hydraulic press allegedly used to package heroin in Hynes's granny flat On Tuesday, Judge David Wilson released crime scene photographs which were taken after Mr Murphy's death to Daily Mail Australia. The pictures feature a hydraulic press the Crown says was used by Mr Murphy to package heroin as well as a floor plan which shows where his body was found. Another of the photographs depicts NRL memorabilia on the walls of Hynes's lounge room, including a Melbourne Storm poster. The court heard that Hynes, a mother-of-two, had known Mr Murphy for about 20 years, since he was in primary school. She was arrested on her 49th birthday, a day after Mr Murphy died of heroin toxicity in her two-bedroom granny flat at Blackwall on the afternoon of May 25, 2021. Hynes had called Triple Zero after finding Mr Murphy unresponsive on a couch but he was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived. The Crown alleges Mr Murphy had earlier been pressing blocks of heroin in Hynes's bathroom before inadvertently inhaling the drug through his nostrils and mouth. Neither Hynes nor Selvage is accused of any offence in relation to the death of Mr Murphy. This crime scene photo shown to the court on Tuesday shows NRL memorabilia and photos of Julie Hynes's NRL star son next to part of a hydraulic press allegedly used to package heroin Luke Murphy (pictured) was dead when paramedics arrived at Hynes's home Crown Prosecutor Peter Lowe told the jury in his opening address that Hynes had called Selvage at 2.26am on May 25 asking him to help Mr Murphy press heroin in the bathroom of her home. He said phone records would show Mr Murphy had also contacted Selvage requesting he pick up mechanical parts for a hydraulic press he was using to package the heroin. The Crown case is that Selvage and Hynes were involved in preparing the heroin for sale and that fingerprints from both were found on the 250kg press in her bathroom. Before being pressed, the heroin was allegedly blended with glucose to half the purity and double its weight. Mr Lowe said Mr Murphy manually operated the machine to compact the heroin after it was cut and had been covered in 'dust', which was also found on the floor. As a result of that process, Mr Murphy had inhaled heroin and some of the drug might have been absorbed through his skin, Mr Lowe told jurors. A police diagram of the crime scene shows where Mr Murphy was found in the granny flat's lounge room Police allegedly found 173.4 grams of heroin in a purple dustpan in a spare room, shown here in a crime scene photo. An extra 7.4g of the drug was allegedly located on the bathroom floor Mr Lowe said phone records would show Hynes made a series of calls from about 12.30pm, including to her oldest son Wade and another man who came to her home. When the other man arrived Mr Murphy was slumped on a couch with his head tilted forward and was unconscious, the court heard. Hynes allegedly told the man: 'I don't know what he's had, he was on a bender.' Mr Lowe said Hynes and the man rolled Mr Murphy off the couch and the man performed CPR while Hynes called Triple Zero at 1.19pm. Paramedics arrived at 1.34pm and attempted to revive Mr Murphy but he was pronounced dead at 1.55pm. Mr Murphy was not wearing a shirt and had white powder on his denim shorts. Constable Zachary Jones told the court he spoke to Hynes outside her home and she said Mr Murphy had arrived in a 'dazed' state between 7am and 7.30am. Body-worn camera footage was played to the jury in which Hynes said, 'I think he said, "I've been on a bender".' 'He was a little bit dazed,' Hynes told Constable Jones. 'He'd just been depressed lately too.' 'He wanted to come in to stay. I said, "Absolutely".' Hynes said she bought Mr Murphy a 'big breakfast' from a local cafe then went back to bed about 9am or 10am while Mr Murphy was on the couch. She woke about 12.50pm to find Mr Murphy still on the couch with his eyes part-closed. She called out, 'Lukey, Lukey' but got no response. Mr Murphy had dribble coming from his mouth and sounded as if he was snoring. 'I woke up and seen him like that,' Hynes told Constable Jones. 'I just started panicking.' Nicho Hynes, the NRL's player of the year for 2022 joined the Sharks last season after making his NRL debut for Melbourne Storm in front of his family including mother Julie in 2019 (above) Constable Jones said Hynes looked 'tired and distressed' during their discussion. While they spoke, a passing paramedic stopped and told her: 'Sorry for your loss'. The Crown alleges Hynes had been up all night while Mr Murphy packaged the drugs. Police who attended the scene allegedly found the hydraulic press, as well as 180.8 grams of heroin: 173.4g in a purple dustpan in a spare room and 7.4g on the bathroom floor. Mr Lowe said the Crown case was that Hynes's residence was being used by Hynes, Selvage and Mr Murphy to cut and package bricks of heroin for sale. 'The circumstances speak for themselves,' he told the jury. Other alleged drug paraphernalia including heat-seal bags and gaffer tape for wrapping bricks were also allegedly located at the house. Julie Hynes, who has pleaded not guilty to one charge of knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, is pictured with her son Nicho at last year's Dally M Awards ceremony Police found Selvage asleep in the main bedroom at 2.44pm, almost an hour after Mr Murphy was pronounced dead. Senior Constable Paul Corbett told the court he had to yell at Selvage to wake him up. When Detective Sergeant Andrew Jeffrey told Selvage a crime scene had been established he allegedly replied, 'A crime scene? Why? Is Luke all right?' Detective Sergeant Jeffrey: 'It appears as though Luke has passed away in the lounge room.' Selvage, who allegedly had powder on his pants, told police he had arrived at the premises about 3am and had never met Mr Murphy before. He allegedly said he initially did not know what Mr Murphy was doing with the press, which exerted 50 tonnes of pressure, but later learnt it related to heroin. Selvage allegedly said Mr Murphy had 11 'keys' of the drug, each weighing about 360 grams. No such bricks have ever been found. His barrister, Jacob Tate, said it would be disputed that Selvage had known the purpose of the mechanical parts for the press he had supplied to Mr Murphy. The trial continues. The Biden administration has stopped approving licenses for U.S. companies to export most items to China's Huawei, according to several sources, laying the groundwork for a total ban on the sale of American tech to the firm. Such a move will dramatically tighten restrictions imposed in 2019 that limit Huawei's access to processor chips and other technology. The Chinese company, which makes network equipment and smartphones, was previously allowed to buy some less-advanced components but will now face considerable difficulties in accessing American tech, sources told the Financial Times. China's Communist Party in response issued a scathing statement, accusing the U.S. of pursuing 'technological hegemony' and 'abusing state power'. Huawei, a Chinese manufacturer of network equipment and smartphones, was previously allowed to purchase lower-level technology from the U.S. but will now face considerable difficulty in accessing such equipment (in this file photo taken on May 25, 2020 a woman walks past a shop for Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Beijing) The Biden administration is implementing further restrictions to prevent the sale of American tech to Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei (Biden pictured, January 30, 2023) Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China opposes the United States abusing an overly broad notion of national security to suppress Chinese firms unreasonably. 'China is gravely concerned about the reports,' Mao said during a press conference in Beijing today. The move 'goes against the principles of the market economy and rules of international trade and finance, hurts the confidence the international community has in the U.S business environment and is blatant technological hegemony,' the diplomat concluded. A U.S. Commerce Department spokesperson said officials 'continually assess our policies and regulations' but do not comment on talks with specific companies. Huawei and Qualcomm declined to comment when approached by Reuters. Huawei has faced U.S. export restrictions around items for 5G and other technologies for several years, but officials in the U.S. Department of Commerce have granted licenses for some American firms to sell certain goods and technologies to the company. FILE - Visitors walk past a booth for Chinese technology firm Huawei at the PT Expo in Beijing on Sept. 28, 2021 One person familiar with the matter said U.S. officials are creating a new formal policy of denial for shipping items to Huawei that would include items below the 5G level, including 4G items, Wifi 6 and 7, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing and cloud items. Another person said the move was expected to reflect the Biden administration's tightening of policy on Huawei over the past year. Licenses for 4G chips that could not be used for 5G, which might have been approved earlier, were being denied, the person said. Toward the end of the Trump administration and early in the Biden administration, officials had still granted licenses for items specific to 4G applications. Smartphone with a Huawei logo is seen in front of a U.S. flag in this stock illustration American officials placed Huawei on a trade blacklist in 2019 restricting most U.S. suppliers from shipping goods and technology to the company unless they were granted licenses. Officials continued to tighten the controls to cut off Huawei's ability to buy or design the semiconductor chips that power most of its products. But U.S. officials granted licenses that allowed Huawei to receive some products. For example, suppliers to Huawei got licenses worth $61 billion to sell to the telecoms equipment giant from April through November 2021. In December, Huawei said its overall revenue was about $91.53 billion, down only slightly from 2021 when U.S. sanctions caused its sales to fall by nearly a third. 'In 2020, we successfully pulled ourselves out of crisis mode,' Eric Xu, one of three Huawei executives who take turns as chairman, said in a December letter to employees. 'U.S. restrictions are now our new normal, and we're back to business as usual.' FILE - A technician stands at the entrance to a Huawei 5G data server center at the Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital in Guangzhou, in southern China's Guangdong province on Sept. 26, 2021 China's overall smartphone sales endured a record fall in 2022, tumbling 13% to their lowest level in a decade as COVID controls and a slowing economy sapped consumer appetite, data from third-party research firms showed. The total number of devices shipped was 286 million, down from 329 million in 2022. It was the lowest sales volume since 2013 and the first time since then that annual sales have dropped below 300 million, IDC said in a report. Strict COVID-19 controls weighed heavily on the Chinese economy last year but Beijing started dismantling the restrictions in December, boosting consumption. Android handset maker Vivo was the top-selling brand in 2022, with a market share of 18.6%, according to IDC. Its total shipments fell 25.1% year-on-year. Huawei Technologies spin-off Honor ranked as the second best-selling brand, with shipments growing more than 34%, albeit from a low base. Apple Inc was the third best-selling phone brand in 2022, tied with Oppo, moving up from fourth place in the previous year. Two people have been charged over the incident in Wyong, NSW Mariana Cheri Taitoko, (pictured) 44, and Sean Froggatt, 52, were allegedly held against their will at a housing commission unit on Levett St in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, from Thursday until Saturday A grandmother who was allegedly kidnapped and tortured with a 'jet flame' lighter over a drug debt remains in hospital with 18 burns to her body and bleeding on the brain. Mariana Cheri Taitoko, 44, and Sean Froggatt, 52, were allegedly held against their will at a housing commission unit in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, from Thursday until Saturday. Mr Froggatt's lifeless body was discovered in the bedroom of the unit after Ms Taitoko managed to escape and call police from a friend's house on Saturday afternoon. Ms Taitoko was in a stable condition in Gosford Hospital on Tuesday after suffering 'serious' burns to her chest and arms as well as head injuries, 7News reported. Daniel Hasapis, 30, has been charged with murder and kidnapping, while his hairdresser girlfriend Bonnie Cullen, 33, was charged with concealing a serious offence. It is alleged that Hasapis bashed and tortured Mr Froggatt over the three days and burned him and Ms Taitoko with a 'jet flame' lighter. Police claim the alleged torture and kidnapping was in relation to an unpaid drug debt. Cullen, who rented the unit and shared it with Hasapis, is not accused of being responsible for the death of Mr Froggatt or the kidnapping of Ms Taitoko. The alleged kidnapping came after Cullen had left complimentary comments on Facebook photos of Ms Taitoko in recent months. Hasapis allegedly tortured Mr Frogatt and Ms Taitoko with a 'jet flame' lighter. Pictured is a photo Hasapis posted to Facebook Pictured is the unit complex where a man and woman were allegedly tortured in Wyong Bonnie Cullen (pictured), 33, has been charged with concealing a serious offence Hasapis (pictured) allegedly bashed and tortured Mr Froggatt over three days and is accused of using a 'jet flame' lighter on him and Ms Taitoko 'You look stunning lady xo,' she wrote on a picture of the 44-year-old from eight months ago. In an older post of a selfie taken by Ms Taitoko, Cullen commented: 'So nice love u with straight hair.' NSW Police Superintendent Chad Gillies said all four people were known to each other. Mr Froggatt had lived in the housing commission unit complex, while Ms Taitoko lived nearby. Hasapis was arrested at the unit on Saturday and Cullen was taken away in handcuffs while she was visiting a relative at nearby Watanobbi. Neighbours said they did not notice anything out of the ordinary when they spotted the two accused and two alleged victims together on Australia Day. A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Froggatt was a nice guy. 'He was harmless,' she said. Detectives are seen on Monday at the Wyong unit complex were the alleged crimes occured Cullen had often complimented Ms Taitoko in the comments of photos she posted online In one Facebook post, Cullen said the 44-year-old Ms Taitoko looked 'stunning' 'He wouldn't hurt a fly.' The woman said she ran into Cullen around the building a handful of times but never saw her boyfriend. She said she did not hear any unusual noises on Saturday. 'I've been here 20 years and have only seen Bonnie three times,' she said. 'I didn't really get involved with her or our other neighbours. We stick to ourselves.' Mr Froggatt had been living with epilepsy and required a carer. Both Cullen and Hasapis' matters were mentioned in Wyong Local Court on Monday, however neither appeared in court or applied for bail. They will remain in custody until their next appearance on March 28. Police are hunting for a gunman on the run after he sprayed a home with bullets before fleeing in a getaway car. NSW Police said officers rushed to a home on Mountain View Crescent in Penrith, west Sydney, at about 1.10am on Tuesday. No one was injured in the attack. 'Officers have been informed that a car was seen (driving) away from the location immediately after the shooting,' police said in a statement. 'A crime scene was established and the area examined by specialist police.' Photos show the front windows of the home were shattered with shell casings left scattered across the road. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has dashcam or CCTV footage of the area at the time is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Taryn Brumfitt may have inadvertently caught the eye of the ACCC after appearing to endorse a number of products on Instagram without a disclaimer she was paid to do it. The newly-crowned Australian of the Year has made several posts over the past few years gushing about food, fashion and cars to her Instagram page 'bodyimagemovement'. San Remo Pasta, Modibodi underwear and a Mazda dealership are among the companies and products peddled on her social media account. Some posts include disclaimers of a paid partnership with the companies while others appear to be missing them. Influencers are required, at minimum, to end posts with #ad or #sponsored or add a kicker at the top that explains it is a paid partnership. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced in January it would be cracking down on any influencer not including clear disclaimers they were being paid to promote products. Taryn Brumfitt has made a number of social media posts endorsing products raising questions whether they included proper advertising disclaimers (pictured, Ms Brumfitt shows off a pair of Modibodi underwear in a post containing a paid partnership disclaimer) In a post made on September 6, Ms Brumfitt posted a photo of a bowl of Sam Remo pasta and a recipe for spaghetti without a paid partnership disclaimer. 'You might not know, but @sanremopasta was one of the first brands that jumped at the opportunity to support the Embrace Kids film,' she wrote. 'It was right at the beginning when I was talking about the vision of the film but had nothing tangible to show. In another post made on June 23, Ms Brumfitt included a disclaimer with a photo showing her dressed in a jumper and holding a bowl of pasta. 'Last week I was talking to the @sanremopasta team about how sick I'd been (thanks Covid & co) and I was telling them how I'd been smashing raw turmeric and ginger (FYI tastes gross raw!) in an attempt to get better quicker!' she wrote. 'They suggested I try a healthy San Remo soup recipe with those ingredients aplenty, I did and it's a winner! Swipe right for the recipe!' Ms Brumfitt made posts endorsing a number of cars at Edwardstown Mazda in Adelaide, South Australia In a post made on August 29, Ms Brumfitt boasted about Modibodi underwear in a video without including an advertising disclaimer. 'I've been a @modibodi customer since they opened their doors may years ago now! I'm a big fan of all Modibodi products, but their latest one, I'm into - a lot!' In a post on June 30, Ms Brumfitt attached a disclaimer to the post as she spoke about several of her friends suffering from incontinence. The 44-year-old then offered a solution by showing off a pair of underwear sold by Modibodi. 'Absorbing up to 250mls and designed to manage incontinence discreetly, comfortably and without leaks or odour, Modibodi is like everyday underwear but with a built-in floating leak-proof lining which completely replaces disposable incontinence pads or underwear...and always feels dry,' she wrote. In a post made on September 6, Ms Brumfitt posted a photo of a bowl of Sam Remo pasta and a recipe for spaghetti 'I've loved, used and raved about Modibodi for over six years, you should definitely try you'll love them too!' Two separate posts made in October and November 2021 showed Ms Brufmitt talking up the perks of a Mazda BT-50 model. It came after Ms Brumfitt was gifted the vehicle and driving lessons by Edwardstown Mazda, a car dealership located in Adelaide, South Australia. Ms Brumfitt did mention her association with the car dealership in another post she made on August 14. She acknowledged her role as ambassador of the dealership while spruiking a CX-9. 'With a family of six, we need all the seats we can get,' she wrote. Social media influencers are required to inform their followers of their association with a brand under the Australian Association of National Advertisers guidelines. Another post showed Ms Brumfitt dressed in a beanie and jumper while holding a bowl filled with sauce and San Remo Pasta An influencer must be 'clear, obvious and upfront to the audience' when it comes to advertising. It comes a week after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed more than 100 social media influencers were identified for investigation after more than 150 tip-offs to the government body. The watchdog asked people to identify any influencers who weren't disclosing when their posts constituted paid ads. Influencers in the beauty and lifestyle industries were identified as having the most problematic posts, while those in the parenting and fashion fields were also likely to be subject to scrutiny. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the organisation would continue to investigate. 'We find with online purchasing that people take a lot of note and are persuaded by influencers,' she said. ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the number of tip-offs was concerning and suggested manipulative marketing techniques were on the rise She urged influencers to be truthful about any kind of financial benefit they are receiving for making these posts. 'We want them to be honest, we want them to be upfront.' Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and live-streaming service Twitch are all being monitored by the watchdog. Australian Association of National Advertisers CEO Josh Faulks said all ad content must be easily identifiable. 'Labels or other means used to identify ad content must be obvious, clear, prominent and upfront,' he said. 'It is the responsibility of the advertiser to ensure ad content is distinguishable, however influencers need to ensure any guidelines from the advertiser are followed and understand what the AANA Code of Ethics requires to ensure advertising content is distinguishable from organic content.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Brumfitt for comment. A Ukrainian officer has revealed footage of the moment his forces wiped out an advancing unit of Russian soldiers. Video shows the group of Russian soldiers walking through a field that has been scarred by heavy fighting. But moments later, many of the soldiers are killed and others seriously wounded after Ukrainian troops launched a series of missiles at the group. Ukrainian officer Anatoly Shtefan, who shared the footage, tweeted: 'Whoever comes to our land with a sword will die by the sword.' A Ukrainian officer has revealed footage of the moment his forces wiped out an advancing unit of Russian soldiers In the video, a group of Russian soldiers can be seen walking through a field with detonated mines in it Video shows the group of Russian soldiers walking through a field that has been scarred by heavy fighting. But moments later, many of the soldiers are killed and others seriously wounded after Ukrainian troops launched a series of missiles at the group READ MORE: Kremlin accuses Boris Johnson of LYING about Putin threatening to kill him: Russia responds after former PM claimed Vladimir said 'I don't want to hurt you, but with a missile it would only take a minute' Johnson, speaking to the BBC for a documentary, said the Russian leader (pictured) had threatened him with a missile strike during a phone call prior to the invasion of Ukraine Advertisement He added: 'High-quality work of the unit in the eastern direction [of Ukraine].' In the footage, Russian soldiers can be seen running across the field to help those who were hit by the missile strike. But moments later, they are struck by a second blast as they carried the injured soldiers across the field. The remaining Russian troops began to run across the field - attempting to find cover under the trees - before being hit by a third missile. Footage then shows them lying dead in the field, which is scarred by the missile strikes. The latest video comes just weeks after more than 100 Russian troops were wiped out in one missile strike. Using a Tochka-U missile, a weapon specifically designed to hit smaller targets deep in the enemy's defence, Ukraine was able to use just one blast to kill Russian soldiers. Meanwhile, on the front lines in Ukraine, fighting raged in the eastern Donetsk region, with Russia again shelling the key town of Vuhledar. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine was facing a difficult situation in Donetsk and needed faster weapons supplies and new types of weaponry, just days after allies agreed to provide Kyiv with heavy battle tanks. 'The situation is very tough. Bakhmut, Vuhledar and other sectors in Donetsk region - there are constant Russian attacks,' Zelenskiy said in a video address late on Sunday. 'Russia wants the war to drag on and exhaust our forces. So we have to make time our weapon. We have to speed up events, speed up supplies and open up new weapons options for Ukraine.' The remaining Russian troops began to run across the field - attempting to find cover under the trees - before being hit by a third missile Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes killed three people and injured six more in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Sunday night. The shelling damaged a hospital, school, bus station, post office, bank and residential buildings. Among those reported injured were two women in the hospital at the time: a nurse and a cafeteria worker. Russian troops had occupied Kherson shortly after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and held the city until Ukrainian forces recaptured it in November. Since its liberation, the city has regularly been shelled from Russian positions across the Dnipro river. Later on Sunday a missile struck an apartment building in the northeastern town of Kharkiv, killing an elderly woman, regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said. The photo showed the Ford Falcon driving in Windsor, north of Brisbane A motorist has been called out for driving with a pet carrier tied to the roof of their car on a busy road with a 'terrified looking' cat inside. The Ford Falcon was snapped as it travelled along Lutwyche Road in Windsor in Brisbane's north and was posted to social media on Monday. The large cat box was pictured fastened onto the top of the moving car with two yellow straps. The cat is not visible but the onlooker who took the photo of the 'appalling' act claimed the animal was in the box. 'Yes, that is a cat carrier strapped to the roof racks. Yes, there was a terrified looking cat inside. Yes, there was room inside the car for the cat carrier to go,' the post read (pictured, the blue sedan carrying the cat box) 'Yes, that is a cat carrier strapped to the roof racks. Yes, there was a terrified looking cat inside. Yes, there was room inside the car for the cat carrier to go,' the person's post read. 'Who the hell even does this?? ... 'It's appalling, how was this the only option??' Animal lovers took to social media slamming the driver over the act of animal cruelty. 'Some people should not be allowed to own pets,' one commenter said. 'That's messed up from the owner, and that cat needs to be re homed to a person who will look after it,' one more said. 'I can't imagine what this would do to a poor little kitty,' said another. 'There's no way anyone would do that, surely,' an online user wrote. But others said there could be other reasons why the box is on the roof. 'Maybe its a diseased feral cat theyve caught, to get off their property?' one asked. Animal lovers took to social media slamming the driver over the 'appalling' act of animal cruelty (stock photo) 'It appears empty and for all you know it's a snake,' another said. The person who posted the image online said the RSPCA and police had been contacted over the sighting. Meanwhile, others compared their stories of trying to get their pet cats into portable carriers for transport. 'My cat is terrified any time we have to put him in the carrier and travel,' one wrote. 'Mine hates the car so much we have to sedate him to go to the vet. The vet is literally at the end of our street. Its a two minute drive,' said another. Celebrity activist Sally Rugg was so happy she'd landed the job as chief-of-staff to teal independent Monique Ryan she told the world how much she loved it - but is now suing her for working her too hard. The former GetUp! and Change.org campaigner was appointed as the MP's chief-of-staff after Dr Ryan defeated then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg for the inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong in the May federal election. In August, Ms Rugg took to Twitter to say: 'I love my new job so much omg.' Two weeks earlier she had posted with a blushing smiling emoji: 'Best first-week-of-a-new-job ever.' But she is now suing her boss in the Federal Court after Dr Ryan allegedly tried to sack Ms Rugg for refusing to work 'additional hours that were unreasonable'. Social activist Sally Rugg (pictured left with her partner, ABC comedian Kate McCartney) had online about landing her new job as chief-of-staff to teal independent MP Dr Monique Ryan - but is now suing her just months later In August, Ms Rugg took to Twitter to celebrate her new job Marriage equality campaigner Ms Rugg - whose partner is ABC TV comedian Kate McCartney - claims Dr Ryan breached general protections under the Fair Work Act. Court documents filed on Wednesday reveal Ms Rugg is seeking a final injunction preventing the termination of her employment. The lawsuit against both Dr Ryan and the Commonwealth claims her sacking would contravene Section 340 of the Fair Work Act. The Act is designed to protect workers from 'harmful [adverse] action, coercion, undue influence, or pressure and/or misrepresentation, where they affect workers' rights.' The court documents add that Ms Rugg 'has exercised a workplace right...to refuse to work additional hours that were unreasonable'. The lawsuit also alleges Dr Ryan took 'adverse action' against Ms Rugg 'to injure [Ms Rugg] in her employment by engaging in hostile conduct in the workplace'. Sally Rugg (pictured right) is renowned for her star-pulling power and posted a picture on social media three weeks ago with ABC personalities including journalists Annabel Crabb (fourth from left ) and Louise Milligan (left) Dr Ryan is also accused trying to sack Ms Rugg because she exercised her 'workplace right' to make 'complaints and inquiries in relation to her employment'. The legal action calls for compensation and financial penalties, and to acknowledge the 'unreasonable additional hours' are a breach of national employment standards. The court documents also reveal Ms Rugg wants a statement that Dr Ryan was involved in contraventions of the Fair Work Act by the Commonwealth. It alleges Dr Ryan was 'directly procured, induced, or having been knowingly concerned in or party to the contravention' as the 'principal actor on behalf of [the Commonwealth] in the relevant transactions'. Ms Rugg is now being trolled on social media for her August 13 tweet. 'This aged perfectly,' said one commenter, while another asked Ms Rugg whether she loved her job 'so much that you're suing her?' Another added: 'Not so much now, hey?' Other commenters said they hoped the pair could resolve their differences and return to working together. 'I thought you two were the dream team, smart capable women with a passion for improving society,' posted one fan. 'I do hope this is just a technical issue that can be sorted. You are both so admired by so many people and are an inspiration and example to ambitious young women.' Sally Rugg is being trolled on social media for the August tweet, while other commenters are more supportive (tweets pictured) Ms Rugg is renowned for her star-pulling power and was pictured on social media with leading ABC personalities three weeks ago, including journalists Annabel Crabb and Louise Milligan. The lawsuit has set Canberra alight with gossip and speculation surrounding the reasons behind it, but new court rules outlawed further details being revealed. However media organisations successfully fought on Tuesday for the court documents to now be made public. At the time of recruiting Ms Rugg, Dr Ryan, a former GP, wrote on her website: 'We are thrilled to welcome her to Team Mon.' Teal independent MP Dr Monique Ryan (pictured) is being sued in the Federal Court by her social activist chief-of-staff for allegedly breaching workplace laws Dr Ryan hired the former GetUp! campaigner as her top staffer after unseating then-treasurer Josh Frydenburg (pictured) in the Melbourne seat of Kooyong at May's election She hailed Ms Rugg as 'an outstanding all-rounder with excellent leadership experience, a proven track record of effective policy advocacy, and high-level strategic communications skills'. Ms Rugg said at the time she was 'obviously' drawn to working with the independent MP because of her policies on climate change, gender equity, integrity and transparency in politics. However, on January 25, Ms Rugg's solicitors Maurice Blackburn filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court alleging Dr Ryan's breach of workplace laws. It is understood Melbourne-based Ms Rugg is still currently employed by Dr Ryan. But a media report at the weekend noted that Ms Rugg - who calls herself 'Australias 11th favourite lesbian' - had 'proved not quite a comfortable fit with Kooyong'. Nina O'Connor, a former campaign chief for Climate 200 - the environmental pressure group backing teal candidates, convened and bankrolled by Simon Holmes a Court - is believed to have replaced Ms Rugg as Dr Ryan's chief-of-staff. Marriage equality campaigner Sally Rugg (pictured) - whose partner is ABC TV comedian Kate McCartney - claims Dr Ryan breached general protections under the Fair Work Act Marriage equality campaigner Sally Rugg got engaged to her ABC comedian partner Kate McCartney (both pictured) on New Year's Day 2022 The case will initially come before court on Friday, February 3. Ms Rugg previously launched a Gofundme to bankroll reporter Tegan George's legal fight against Channel Ten over her alleged treatment at the Canberra bureau under political editor Peter Van Onselen. She shares the same law firm as Ms George. Ms Rugg's solicitors declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Dr Ryan's office did not respond to requests for comment. Both were found in their CBD apartments Police are investigating an alleged double murder in Melbourne after the bodies of two women were discovered in their apartments days apart. Victoria Police were called to an apartment on La Trobe St on December 27 after the friends of a 31-year-old Chinese woman discovered her body. Xiaozheng Lin, 22, was arrested three days later on December 30 and charged with murder, robbery and theft. Homicide Squad detectives looking into the alleged murder then discovered the body of a second woman, a 51-year-old, inside her Waterside Place Docklands apartment at about 1.30pm on the same day as Lin's arrest. Xiaozheng Lin (above) has been charged for allegedly robbing and murdering two women in Melbourne's CBD Lin was arrested following the discovery of a 31-year-old woman's body on La Trobe St before officers discovered his second alleged victim inside her Docklands (above) apartment Police claim Lin is not from the area where the bodies were found but lives in Huntingdale, in the city's southeast. Lin appeared in court last Wednesday via video link from the Melbourne Remand Centre for an application to be interviewed by police about the Docklands woman. 'I am making an order transferring you into the custody of a detective to be interviewed and fingerprinted,' Magistrate Belinda Franjic told the court, the Herald Sun reported. 'I am doing so because you are reasonably suspected of having committed the offence of murder and that offence is another offence than what you are currently being held for.' Lin had the help of a Mandarin translator during the hearing but remained emotionless throughout. He was charged with murder, robbery, theft and obtain property by deception in relation to the second woman's death on Monday following his interview with police. Lin reportedly appeared emotionless during a hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court (above) last week and is due to appear again on May 5 During his first court hearing in relation to the Chinese woman's death, the court heard Lin would be remanded to custody despite suffering a 'physical impairment' in his right leg. Charge sheets allege Lin stole a mobile phone, tablet, washing basket and $7,080 in cash, NCA NewsWire reported. Detective Acting Superintendent Dean Thomas said he understood the community's 'angst' over the two women's deaths. 'I understand there is a lot of concern and anxiety from the community, particularly those who reside in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, following the death of both these women this week,' he said. 'At this stage there is nothing to indicate we are looking for any further victims, and we have a man in custody who was known to both women.' Member for La Trobe Jason Wood shared his sympathies, writing: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and friends. May they both Rest In Peace.' Lin will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 5. France celebrates Chinese New Year Xinhua) 10:09, January 31, 2023 An Auxerre fan poses with a performer dressed up as god of fortune outside the Abbe Deschamps Stadium of Auxerre club before a French Ligue 1 match between Auxerre and Montpellier as part of the Day of China activites to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Auxerre, France, Jan. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The traditional Chinese festival is now widely considered one of the highlights of the country's wintertime festivities. PARIS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- After a three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, people across France have gathered again in recent days to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The traditional Chinese festival is now widely considered one of the highlights of the country's wintertime festivities. In the French capital's Chinatown (13th arrondissement), the district's municipality, in coordination with local associations and businesses, has organized a series of celebrations that last from Jan. 16 to Feb. 5. People attend the Chinese New Year parade in Paris, France, on Jan. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The events include exhibitions of Hanfu, the traditional Chinese clothing, and of Chinese paintings, workshops for adults and children, Chinese music concerts, shows with Franco-Chinese comedians, gourmet tasting, and karaoke shows. The highlight was the traditional Chinese New Year parade, which attracted more than 200,000 people in 2020 since its debut in the 1980s. This year, the Mayor of the 13th arrondissement, Jerome Coumet, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo were present for the parade. For Coumet, the Chinese New Year is a "highly anticipated" moment. It has become "a significant event for the residents of the 13th arrondissement and of all Paris to experience the meeting of cultures." Participants perform during the Chinese New Year parade in Paris, France, on Jan. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Similar celebrations were also held in the French capital's other Chinese residential areas, such as Belleville in the 20th arrondissement and a smaller one in the 3rd arrondissement. Asian businesses are no longer the only ones celebrating this holiday. For several years now, the district of Faubourg Saint-Honore (8th arrondissement) has decorated the streets with red lanterns for its own Spring Festival parade and has hosted lion and dragon dances. On Jan. 21, when the Chinese New Year festivities began, the ever increasing number of Chinese restaurants across the French capital offered traditional dishes for good luck and best wishes in the coming year. On the first day of the Year of the Rabbit, a parade was held on the Square of la Republique, where red and golden colors brought warmth to the freezing temperature of the Parisian winter. Participants perform during the Chinese New Year parade in Paris, France, on Jan. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) For Anicet, who studied Chinese for several years at the Confucius Institute of Paris Diderot, the activities were definitely not to be missed. He was delighted with this year's rich cultural offer. "I will go to as many events as I can, just to discover," he said. Alice and Marcel are a Franco-Chinese couple. Alice moved to France from Guangzhou 30 years ago, when she was in her twenties, and she introduced her husband to Chinese culture. Marcel, the most Sinophile member of the family, likes to play Mahjong and decorates their apartment with Chinese objects. In preparation for the Spring Festival, Alice and Marcel usually go to the Chinese stores in Paris to do some shopping, such as dumplings and sweet ginger, tangyuan (a traditional Chinese dessert) and Chinese New Year's lights. A customer poses for a photo with Chinese artist Chen Jianghong (R), designer of the Year of the Rabbit commemorative stamps, during a launching ceremony in Paris, France, Jan. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Philippe and his wife donned the traditional clothing Hanfu for an evening event organized on Jan. 16 by the Association Boyan, which focuses on the study of traditional Chinese culture, at the town hall of the 13th arrondissement. They discovered Chinese culture 20 years ago through their passion for tea. He regularly practices Tai Chi and Qigong, a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one's mental and physical health, which "help him overcome stress." Philippe prepared dumplings, shrimp soup and stir-fried veggies for the Chinese New Year dinner. He also hosted tea tasting sessions in Paris on Jan. 21 and 28, and will host another one on Feb. 5 in Lille, northern France. Chinese and French musicians participate in a concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year at the China Cultural Center in Paris, France, Jan. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Tang Ji) Nadine, an 83-year-old retiree living in the suburbs of Paris, has never been to China. For her, "it is one more party" in the year, but it is also an opportunity to taste "dishes that we are not used to eating." With the resumption of international travel, more and more French are wishing to visit China, and Chinese tourists in increasing numbers are planning to travel to France for their holidays. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Telangana state Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan. (Twitter/@DrTamilisaiGuv) Hyderabad: Although the Telangana High Court's intervention brought an end to the conflict between Pragathi Bhavan and Raj Bhavan over the Budget Session, there is still uncertainty regarding Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan's approval of seven Bills that have been pending with her since September of last year. Legislative affairs minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy visited Raj Bhavan on Monday and requested the Governor to approve the Bills that were passed on September 14, 2022. The Governor only assured to look into the matter without giving any specific timeframe. Of the eight Bills passed on that day, the Governor gave her assent to only one Telangana GST (Amendment) Bill, 2022, seeking inclusion of some more items under the purview of GST as per a decision taken at a GST Council meeting held by the Union finance ministry in June. The seven bills included one on setting up a common recruitment board for making appointments in 15 state universities, of which the Governor is the chancellor. Others pending are: the University of Forestry Bill; Azamabad Industrial Area (Termination and regulation of leases) (Amendment) Bill; Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill; the Public Employment (Regulation of age of superannuation) (Amendment) Bill; the Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) Bill and Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Amendments Bill. Of these the government hopes to get the Bills on common recruitment board, municipal laws and private universities approved quickly. Several municipalities held by BRS are facing no-confidence motion due to rebellion among councillors, in places where the councils have completed three years of their five-year tenure. The Municipal Act, 2019 allows this. The government amended the Act in September 2022 increasing this period to four years but the Governor is yet to grant approval. If the Governor approves the amendment Bill, the councillors will have to wait another year to move no-trust motions. The teacher recruitment process under a unified board has halted with the Governor keeping approval of the Bill pending. Education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy had visited Raj Bhavan along with officials to clarify the doubts raised by the Governor in November last year. The government granted private university status to few educational institutions, but it could not be implemented due to the pending Telangana State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Amendments Bill. The drug dealer who headed the cocaine delivery service that left three dead of fentanyl overdoses in one day was convicted in Manhattan court on Monday. Billy Ortega, 36, was working as a dispatcher of sorts for the on-demand drug service back in March of 2021. Ortega directed fellow drug dealer Kaylen Rainey to transport cocaine to several Manhattan addresses, according to federal prosecutors. Rainey, who pleaded not guilty, then allegedly sold fentanyl-tainted cocaine to attorney Julia Gharamani, Credit Suisse trader Ross Mtangi, and social worker Amanda Scher. Each of the working professionals would die of an overdose on March 17. Julia Ghahramani, 26, a first year attorney died in March of 2021 after taking cocaine laced with fentanyl Ross Mtangi, a trading executive at Credit Suisse Group AG, died on the same day in March after taking cocaine from the same dealer Amanda Scher, 36, a social worker, was the third victim that day after ordering cocaine from the service run by Ortega On Monday, Ortega was convicted by a Manhattan federal jury of one count of narcotics conspiracy resulting in death, three counts of narcotics distribution resulting in death, and one count of use and carrying of a firearm in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty and has not yet been sentenced, but is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and could be looking at life behind bars, according to federal authorities. Two of Ortega's alleged runners, Rainey and William Drayton, are awaiting sentencing. Drayton pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on the 17th of next month. According to text messages between the dealer and the victims, Ortega had touted a 'new batch' of drugs that his crew was selling that day. He specifically warned Scher that the batch was particularly potent after she asked about its quality. US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement following Ortega's conviction, 'Billy Ortega ran a drug delivery service that delivered fentanyl, killing three victims on a single day. 'Worse yet, Ortega was fully aware that a customer had previously overdosed from the deadly fentanyl Ortega laced into his product, yet continued sending the drugs to his victims. 'As a unanimous jury determined, Ortega will now be held accountable for the victims tragic and untimely deaths,' he said. It takes just a tiny dose of fentanyl to cause an overdose. Two milligrams - the equivalent of five grains of salt - is enough to cause death. Because it is cut into other popular drugs, many people who die of overdoses (including Scher, Mtangi, and Ghahramani) do not know they are taking fentanyl. Fentanyl has been partially blamed for America's sharp decline in life-expectancy over the past three years. Drayton (left) pleaded guilty to acting as a drug runner for the service operated by Ortega. He will be sentenced next month. Rainey (right) entered a not guilty plea Pictures of Rainey allegedly delivering drugs from the government's case against the three dealers On March 17, Gharamani, who was back at her Avenue B apartment following a stay at her family's Connecticut home, sent a text to a phone that prosecutors say belonged to Ortega, asking: 'Can u come thru?' The number then texted back: 'I'll send them right now if you want.' 'That would be great, thank you, really appreciate it,' she replied. 'No worries, we family,' came the response. After getting the text, prosecutors say, Ortega sent Rainey to Ghahramani's address with instructions to collect $200. Just about nine minutes later, Rainey could be seen on surveillance footage buzzing her apartment. Six hours later, she received two text messages that she never responded to. They read, 'Hey,' and 'Hey, you there.' Ghahramani also received seven calls on her phone through the night and into the next morning from the delivery service number. By the time her mother woke up that morning, the Wall Street Journal reports, her mom knew something was wrong because she had not heard from her daughter. A friend then went to check in on her, and found her dead still holding her phone. On the table, the complaint says, was a credit card and a rolled up piece of paper with white residue on a plate. Rainey was caught on surveillance footage in the elevator of Ghahramani's apartment before he rang on the door and allegedly delivered the drugs Dealers have been cutting fentanyl (pictured) into cocaine to make it more potent and addictive The same day, prosecutors say, Amanda Scher texted a number stored in her phone as 'Jason Melissa.' Prosecutors say Ortega sometimes used the name Jason. She proceeded to order some drugs, but asked if it was the same as she got on Sunday 'because that was not good, lol, had to get rid of it.' The dealer on the other end replied: 'No new... Batch.' About two hours after Rainey was once again caught on surveillance camera delivering the drugs, she texted back that it was 'def better.' She then counseled a private patient online from 8 to 9pm before sitting down on the sofa and turning on the television. Soon, texts came in from the service number saying: 'Hey, try not to do too much because it's really strong. 'Hey boss lady you heard?' 'Lol.' Three FaceTime audio calls to her phone went unanswered that night, and she later received another message from 'Jason Melissa' saying: 'Hey can you give me a call back I need to ask you something real fast?' The next morning, her dog walker found her dead on the sofa. Prosecutors say the texts and calls to Ghahramani and Scher after the deliveries showed a consciousness of guilt. And, they say, just one day after the deliveries, Rainey sent Ortega screenshots of home drug testing kits, and Ortega switched to a different phone. They then continued to sell drugs until their arrests, prosecutors allege. Deaths caused by fentanyl in the US surged in the 2010s. At the start of the decade, 2,666 Americans died of a fentanyl overdose. This figure shot up to 19,413 by 2016. Covid made the situation worse, with a record 72,484 deaths recorded in 2021 Already In the first weeks of 2023, dozens of overdose deaths have occurred in King County, Washington, according to local outlets. Pictured: A man in Seattle smokes fentanyl The fentanyl crisis has helped fuel the steep drop in American life expectancy in recent years. Americans now live 76.4 years on average, down from 78.8 years in 2019. In the UK, which suffered the Covid pandemic just as the US did, but does not suffer a fentanyl crisis, life expectancy slightly increased from 81.3 years in 2019 to 81.52 in 2021. The US remains in the throes of the catastrophic fentanyl epidemic that is causing an eye-watering number of deaths and tearing the fabric of American society apart. The synthetic opioid being cut with virtually every street drug in the country killed a record 75,000 Americans in 2021, the equivalent of 1,500 lives lost every week. Fentanyl - which is 100 times more potent than morphine - started off as a cheap alternative to heroin and was used by only the most hardcore drug addicts in the US, who mainly injected it or smoked it through a pipe. But its cheap manufacturing costs and potency have made it the go-to cutting agent for cartels and drug dealers in and out of the US looking to stretch their supply. It's now found in everything from cocaine to molly and street benzodiazepines like Xanax. Fentanyl has infected virtually every major city in America, turning once-thriving streets in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia into wastelands. Scenes of zombified addicts shooting up or smoking the drug in front of children are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life in America's major metropolitan areas. A marriage celebrant has recalled the incredible moment she reunited a beachgoer with her wedding ring found at the bottom of the ocean during her daily swim. Meggan Brummer was snorkelling at Sydney's Balmoral Beach on Friday. A frantic woman approached her, explaining that her wedding ring had fallen off her finger and slipped through the pier's wooden slats into the sea. Ms Brummer offered to help and, after several 3-4 metre dives, found the precious ring among seaweed and algae at the bottom of the ocean 20 minutes later. She rose to the surface and returned the ring to relieved beachgoer Paola, who revealed the band's sentimental value. A delighted Paola (right) was grateful to be reunited with her beloved wedding band retrieved from the bottom of the ocean by Meggan Brummer (left) 'She explained how her husband gave it to her when they got married 13 years ago at a time where they didn't have much money,' Ms Brummer told Daily Mail Australia. 'Her husband eventually upgraded the ring, but the opal fell off and was expensive to repair. Paola had just started wearing the original wedding ring again when it fell off last Friday.' Paola was beside herself after the ring was miraculously found. 'She ran up to me and gave the biggest hug,' Ms Brummer recalled. 'It meant everything to her. Had it happened the next day, I would have never found it as the water wasn't as visible.' The Mosman resident has been a marriage celebrant for more than a decade, including dozens of ceremonies at Balmoral. 'Who knows, she and her husband could be doing renewing their vows with me in the future!' Ms Brummer joked. 'Maybe we could even do it down at Balmoral.' Avid snorkeler Meggan Brummer also retrieved an Apple phone from the water at Balmoral last week which has since been returned to its owner Simon and Meggan Brummer have retrieved dozens of lost treasures at Balmoral from wedding and eternity rings to Fitbits, phones and Apple watches The remarkable discovery was found days after Ms Brummer found an Apple phone from the water and has since tracked down its owner to return it. The phone was still working after two days after it was accidentally dropped in the water after it was soaked in rice to dry it out. Just two weeks ago, Ms Brummer's husband found a young woman's eternity ring which had been a Christmas present from her boyfriend. Two years earlier, Mr Brummer searched and retrieved a man's wedding ring also lost in the water. The story brought back vivid flashbacks for the grateful owner when Ms Brummer recalled her recent retrieval on a Mosman community Facebook page on Monday. 'Lightening does strike twice! Thank you and your husband for your amazing work finding my wedding ring at Balmoral 2 years ago! I was beyond stoked!' the man posted. Marriage celebrant Meggan Brummer (pictured) goes down to Balmoral almost daily to swim, dive and snorkel with her family where they often come across lost treasures Other group members were touched by Ms Brummer sharing the story behind her heartwarming gesture. 'Wow what an incredible story and beautiful act of kindness, compassion and determination demonstrated by you in her time of need,' one local commented. Another added: 'What a wonderful story and a beautiful thing to do for a stranger.' The Brummers have found dozens of lost treasures at Balmoral this summer alone, including phones, several Apple watches and an expensive Fitbit. 'My greatest finds have been an Apple Phone, a wallet and someones car keys which I managed to return because the owner just happened to still be at the Boathouse two hours later,' Ms Brummer said. 'It gives me absolute joy and satisfaction to find lost treasures and return them to their owners.' Meggan's husband Simon also found a lost wedding ring at Balmoral two years ago, which brought back fond memories for the owner when she shared her story this week 'It was just so wonderful to be able to return her ring to her': Meggan Brummer describes the moment she found woman's wedding ring On Friday I found this womans wedding ring at the bottom of the harbour!! I was at snorkelling at Balmoral around the nets when this woman on the pier asked me how deep it was. She quickly followed up with the bombshell ... her wedding ring had just fallen between the boards into the depths below. Right at the back of the baths. I started driving down looking for it. We then worked out it was probably on the outside of the shark net. So I climbed out and jumped over. Im not really good at diving down too deep, and today it mustve been over 4m, but I was determined to find her ring. I wasnt having much luck. Id been down quite a few times and could only hold my breath for a few seconds with each dive. So I decided that instead of swimming around when I got down, I would just stare at the ground immediately in front of my eyes. And so I did. And then there was! Right in front of my eyes! Despite all the seaweed and algae down there, the ring had fallen straight on the sand. It was just so wonderful to be able to return her ring to her. Paola was just beside herself with relief. And she couldnt believe it when I told her Im actually a marriage celebrant! Lol! Perhaps its time for her & hubby to renew their vows. Advertisement . A man at the center of an intense police search in Oregon after a violent kidnapping last week was released from custody in October 2021 by Nevada officials on the same day he arrived at the prison. Benjamin Obadiah Foster, 36, faced decades behind bars in Nevada after he was charged in 2019 with five felonies, including assault and battery. But a deal with Clark County prosecutors allowed him to instead plead guilty to felony and misdemeanor battery, and a judge sentenced him in September 2021 to serve between one and two-and-a-half years in a state prison. William Quenga, a spokesperson for the Nevada prison system, told the Associated Press in an email that Foster arrived on Oct. 18, 2021, at a prison intake facility but was released the same day, because the judge had factored into Foster's punishment the 729 days he had spent in jail awaiting trial. That means Foster had served his minimum sentence behind bars but was a half-year from serving the maximum time given by the judge. Foster is now on the run and after he allegedly 'bound and severely beat' victim Jessie Siemens until she was unconscious inside her home on Shane Way, Grants Pass, Oregon, last week. She was hospitalized in critical condition and has not regained consciousness since then, said Grants Pass Police Lt. Jeff Hattersley. Undated photo (left) provided by the Grants Pass Police Department shows Benjamin Obadiah Foster, accused of torturing Jessie Siemens (right), whom he held captive in Oregon Siemens was found inside her home (pictured) in Grants Pass, Oregon, last week Authorities say Foster forced his former girlfriend to eat lye while holding her captive in her Las Vegas apartment for 16 days before she escaped in 2019 The case has rattled residents of Grants Pass, a town of some 40,000 in southwest Oregon next to Interstate 5. Grants Pass Police Chief Warren Hensman told AP that it is 'extremely troubling' that Foster wound up being sought for attempted murder in Oregon instead of still being behind bars in Nevada. Foster narrowly eluded a police raid Thursday in the nearby unincorporated community of Wolf Creek, Oregon, and may have changed his appearance by shaving his beard and hair or changing his hair color, police said. Police initially released a photo of Foster showing him with shoulder-length brown hair, but he had cut it and grown a thicker beard since the photo was made. He may have altered his appearance further since then, Hattersley said. 'We're getting all kinds of calls about people walking along I-5, they have long beards and long hair,' Hattersley said. 'We have a feeling that's not really what he is looking like at this point.' Police offered a $2,500 reward Friday for information leading to Foster's arrest and prosecution. None of the 50 or so tips that have come in, mostly by phone, since then has been solid enough to lead to Foster, who is charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault, according to Hattersley. Grants Pass police announced Friday that Foster was using online dating applications to contact unsuspecting people to lure them assisting with his escape. They also said he had likely cut his long hair and beard to change his appearance Siemens was hospitalized in critical condition following her kidnapping last week and has not regained consciousness since then, said Grants Pass Police Lt. Jeff Hattersley The Thursday night raid in Wolf Creek, some 20 miles north of Grants Pass, involved Grants Pass police, sheriff's deputies, an Oregon State Police SWAT team, and federal agents. Foster, who had been staying on the family property there, slipped away. Forested mountains surround the community, but investigators believe that instead of disappearing solo into the wilderness, Foster had help getting out of the area. Grants Pass police announced Friday that Foster was using online dating applications to contact unsuspecting people to lure them into assisting with his escape or to potentially find new victims. Hattersley said Monday that investigators no longer believe Foster was trying to find more victims but could have been seeking an unwitting person to help him avoid the intensive police manhunt. 'That's why we put that out there,' he said. 'We don't want someone to unknowingly think that they're meeting some great guy that's actually a wanted felon that's trying to get away.' Before moving to Oregon, Foster held his then-girlfriend captive inside her Las Vegas apartment for two weeks before she managed to escape in October 2019. Police said the woman suffered seven broken ribs, and two black eyes and had been choked to the point of unconsciousness during her captivity. Foster was released from custody two years later after reaching his deal with Clark County prosecutors. Former President Donald Trump is suing longtime journalist Bob Woodward over publication of his Trump Tapes audiobook claiming he has copyright ownership and asking Woodward and Simon & Shuster to fork over $49 million in damages. Trump, who can be heard on the tapes calling Woodward 'a great historian' and 'the great Bob Woodward' in their recorded on-the-record chats, is nevertheless incensed at Woodward's audio publication. He had earlier called Woodward 'very sleazy' and threatened to sue. On Monday, he finally did so in Florida, drawing a Pensacola judge who is battling terminal prostate cancer and who once issued a ruling that struck down Obamacare. His new lawyer was born in Britain, and is licensed to practice law in Florida and New York as well as to appear in court as a barrister in the U.K. and as he revealed to DailyMail.com has done voiceover acting for Wendy's, Panera Bread, and other clients in a variety of accents. Trump took part in 19 interviews with Watergate journalist Bob Woodward. He is suing for $49 million in damages after publication of The Trump Tapes Trump's lawyers claim the former president, who spoke to Woodward while he was in office in repeated interviews which Woodward recorded 'for the sole purpose of a book.' 'This case centers on Mr. Woodward's systematic usurpation, manipulation, and exploitation of audio of President Trump,' according to the suit. Trump had done the interviews during the pandemic, as Woodward penned Rage, his follow-up to his 2018 book critical of Trump, Fear. Trump participated in 19 interviews with Woodward. He has been accused of forum shopping in the past, and of using the courts to make political points. Days ago, he dropped a second suit against New York AG Letitia James. Trump filed suit in Florida after the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago looking for classified material, drawing a judge he appointed who ruled in his favor and appointed a 'special master' to sort through the material. An appeals court later struck down the ruling. His attorney, Robert Garson, denied any kind of forum shopping. 'He's a Florida resident,' Garson told DailyMail.com. He also said the suit was not meant to make a political statement. 'I don't bring suits for headline grabbing. I'm not that sort of guy,' he said. Garson, who has won awards for his voiceover work, has a 'remarkably versatile voice anchored in the British accent range,' and has done work in Scottish, Irish, and American accents. He says he hasn't repped Trump previously. Trump himself is a former TV pitch-man, and famously once served McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King at the White House. Woodward published The Trump Tapes after conducting multiple interviews with Trump Lawyer Robert Garson says he has not represented Trump previously His suit bases the $49 million damages figure based on selling 2 million copies at $24.99 each, as Bloomberg reported, noting that all three judges in the division of the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida where Trump filed are GOP appointees. Trump last week dropped his $250 million lawsuit against James, after a judge hit him with $1 million in fines over a suit that he called a 'political manifesto outlining his grievances against those that have opposed him.' An 'aggressive' husky could be seen writhing around in pain while being tasered to death by police in California following reports the pet had been chasing a family with young children. The disturbing incident which occurred in Lodi, south of Sacramento, came after the family sought refuge from the animal in their own back yard and were forced to use a piece of wood to protect themselves and their dog until Animal Services arrived. The two-year-old Husky broke free twice when officials attempted to snare the pet as it approached a group of people in front of their home. The dog, named Enzo, ran about half a mile away from its usual home where the showdown with police officers took place, which ended in Enzo's death. The dog, named Enzo, could be seen standing upright before he was tasered by police A loose husky was tasered to death by police officer Timothy Ivey after it chased a family, including young children, into their home and attempted to attack their pet Lodi Police said they used a stun gun on the dog in order for it to be be captured safely Lodi Police were called to assist with officer Timothy Ivey drawing a stun gun on the animal, much to the shock of bystanders who were watching the episode unfold in front of their driveways. Video footage sees the dog standing before a police officer before a taser is fired. Enzo bounces back up and is instantly tased once again with the police office continuing to tase the animal as it howls in pain. The husky can be seen thrashing about on the ground as the electrical charges surge through its body, causing it to become rigid and collapse to the ground. The 'aggressive' husky could be seen writhing around in pain after it was tasered Jordan Kranich from Animal Services could then be seen dragging the dog along the road and into the back of a van Footage from home surveillance cameras sees the dog being dragged along the ground The dog is then dragged away along the ground by Jordan Kranich from Animal Services officers as locals watched on aghast. 'You could have just grabbed him. You didn't have to tase him!' neighbors shouted at the police officers. 'He just attacked a bunch of kids. That's what the problem was,' explained officer Delgado. 'He wasn't attacking us!' the neighbor responded, clearly distressed from what he had just witnessed. 'There's a bunch of kids and he attacked them, then he ran around the corner and attacked some more kids,' Officer Delgado said in an attempt to justify their use of force. 'The taser just stops him running around,' he explained. 'He just attacked a bunch of kids. That's what the problem was,' explained officer Delgado, seen left Lodi officers said they were called after receiving reports of an aggressive dog trying chase a family with young children and bite them. Officers defended their use of a taser stating that it was 'in order for Animal Services the opportunity to safely secure the dog.' The dog died shortly after the incident with its owners, Aline Galeno and her mother Anna Marquez later notified of its death. 'We never put our hands on your dogs or anything. For that to be his last moments getting hurt, I just don't think that's right,' Galeno said to KCRA. Aline and her mother say Enzo was not a vicious dog. 'Please tell his story, that's all I want. Everybody tell his story, spread it around, I want to get those guys fired or sued. I believe Enzo didn't deserve this and I want to get justice for Enzo,' Galeno said. The dog died shortly after the incident with its owners, Aline Galeno and her mother Anna Marquez later notified of its death A tribute has been set up outside Enzo's home following the dog's untimely death A makeshift gravesite has been erected following the dog's demise The debunked Amtrak story that Joe Biden told in Ohio on Friday was the seventh time in the last year-plus - and sixth since entering the White House - that the president repeated the tale. Biden made similar remarks on these occasions. October 12, 2020 Then-candidate Joe Biden spoke to a small group at Cincinnati's Museum Center at Union Terminal on October 12, 2020 During an appearance on the campaign trail in Cincinnati, Ohio, then-candidate Joe Biden repeated the story about his friend, Amtrak conductor Angelo Negri. 'And so I started commuting every day back and forth, and that's how I got involved as sort of Mr. Amtrak,' Biden said. 'Because when they publish that, they keep fastidious records on how many miles you travel on government aircraft when your vice president. 'And I had traveled a little over, I think it was a 1,400,000 miles. 'It was on the front page of the paper, but I used to like to take the train home on Fridays still as Vice President because it costs a lot of money to take that small plane back. 'But in addition to that, the Secret Service felt much more secure if I wasn't on a train, but they humored me and let me go home on Fridays sometimes. 'My mom was living at my home as she was passing. 'And I remember getting on the train and a guy named Angelo Negri, I got to know their families, all the conductors and all the people all those years. 'And he came up to me and he grabbed me and he said, 'Joey.' He grabbed my cheek. 'I thought the Secret Service was going to shoot him. I said, 'No.' I said, 'He's okay.' 'It's a true story. 'And he said, 'I just read, Joey, 1,400,000 miles on Air Force Two, big deal. The boys, we were checking. We had our retirement dinner. Went up to New Jersey for the dinner. You know how many miles you traveled on Amtrak?' 'I said, 'No, Ang, I don't.' 'He said, 'Joey,' he said, 'we figure 117 days a year, 36 years, and then X number of days as Vice President, you've traveled 2,100,000 miles on Amtrak.' 'I think I hold the record, other than a conductor.' April 30, 2021 Delivering an April 30 speech in Philadelphia commemorating the 50th anniversary of Amtrak, Biden launched into the tale of reaching 1.5 million miles on the service Delivering a speech in Philadelphia commemorating the 50th anniversary of Amtrak, Biden launched into the tale of a certain conductor congratulating him on reaching the milestone as he traveled to visit his sick mother. Biden said the incident occurred in his 'fourth or fifth year as vice president', or around 2014-2015, at which time the conductor he named had been retired for 20 years and had passed away, inconsistencies first pointed out by Fox News. Biden, who served in the Senate for 36 years, famously commuted by Amtrak to Congress from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, racking up many miles on the train service. 'When I became vice president, one of the Capitol Hill newspapers estimated that I had taken more than 7,000 round trips on Amtrak over my career,' he explained in his speech on Friday. 'I think that's an exaggeration. I'm going to rely on those two conductors one of them was a guy named Angelo Negri,' he continued, launching into the anecdote. 'There was an article, I guess my fourth or fifth year as vice president, saying Biden travels 1,300,000 miles on Air Force One [Two]. I used to the Secret Service didn't like it but I used to like to take the train home,' he continued. 'My mom was sick and I used to try to come home almost every weekend as vice president to see her. I got on the train and Angelo Negri came up and he goes, 'Joey, baby,' and he grabbed my cheek like he always did. I thought he was going to get shot. I'm serious. I said, 'No, no, he's a friend,' Biden recalled. 'He said, 'Joey, what's the big deal? 1,300,000 miles on Air Force Two? Do you know how many miles you traveled on Amtrak?' 'I said, 'No, Angie, I don't know.' 'He gave me the calculation and he said you traveled 1,500,000 miles on Amtrak. 'The fact is, I'd probably take Angie's word before I'd take the word of what the article said,' Biden said. June 29, 2021 Biden told the same story during a June 29 speech at La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility in La Crosse, Wisconsin President Biden made an appearance at La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to tout his bipartisan infrastructure framework. During his remarks, he once again told the story of being 'Mr. Amtrak.' 'Now, I know I'm 'Mr. Amtrak',' the president said. 'I've traveled over 2 million miles on Amtrak. I commuted every day. I get it. 'I know you think I'm nuts. But after my wife and daughter were killed, I decided to commute back and forth to Delaware. 'It was a 257-mile roundtrip.' Biden continued: 'I'll tell you a real quick story. I shouldn't bore you with it. 'But, you know, the Secret Service - they're the best in the world - doesn't like you taking Amtrak because it stops too many times - the train. 'They want me flying home in the small jets that were available as Vice President. 'And that cost a lot of money, so I would go home on Fridays, you know, because my mom was passing away. 'I'd go home on Amtrak. And they published - they keep fastidious record of the miles you travel in an air- in a Air Force aircraft as President and Vice President. 'And toward the end of my term, a headline came out in all of the papers: 'Biden travels' I think it was 1.3 or 1.7 million miles on Air Force planes. 'And so, I'm getting on the train on that Friday, and these guys who all became my family - all - the conductor. 'And a guy named Angelo Negri came up, and he goes, 'Joey, baby!' 'Grabs my cheek like that. And I thought they were going to shoot him. I really did. 'I said, 'No, no, no, no, no, no, no. He's a friend.' 'He was like, 'What the hell.' 'And he said, 'Big deal, Joey. A million' - whatever it was - 'three-hundred thousand miles. You know how many miles you've traveled on Amtrak, Joey?' 'And I said, 'No, Ang. I don't.' 'And he said, 'At that retirement dinner, we calculated it. We estimated 127 days a year, 250 miles back and forth, 3 36 years, then as Vice President. ''Joey, you traveled more on Amtrak.' 'Well, I - and when they named a station after me in my city, someone complained that Biden is using his influence. 'I said, 'Hell, they should name the whole Northeast Corridor after me.' 'I've [traveled] more than anybody else.' September 21, 2021 President Joe Biden holds a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Oval Office at the White House on September 21. Biden relayed the same story to the British premier The president told the same story during a one-on-one meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Oval Office of the White House. At the beginning of their meeting, Biden and Johnson exchanged pleasantries and joked about their shared love of trains. The prime minister took the Amtrak train down from New York City, where he was at the annual UN General Assembly meeting, to meet with Biden at the White House. 'They love you,' Johnson told Biden of Amtrak. 'You are a living deity on Amtrak, I can tell you.' The president bragged how he had ridden over 2 million miles on the nation's train system. 'Well, they should. I've traveled more on Amtrak,' he said. 'If I were conductor I'd be number one in seniority.' Biden then shared the oft-repeated story with Johnson. 'I got to tell you a quick story that has nothing to do with anything,' Biden told the British premier. He told Johnson that 'the Secret Service didn't like me traveling on Amtrak because there were too many options for people to cause trouble along the way. 'But I insisted I do it.' 'One day,' Biden continued, 'they put in the newspaper: 'Biden travels 1 million ' - and I think - don't hold me to the exact number - I think it was - ' 350,000 miles on Air Force Two'.' The president then told Johnson that whenever he hopped on the train home to Delaware, he was met by 'a guy, who was the number three guy from New Jersey in seniority as a conductor, [who] walked up and grabbed me and he goes like this: 'Joey, baby!' [and] grabs my cheek. 'I thought the Secret Service was going to shoot him.' October 20, 2021 The president recalled the encounter with Angelo Negri during an appearance touting his 'Build Back Better' infrastructure plan in his native hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In this retelling, Biden explained that when he was vice president, government officials kept track of the mileage that he traveled via air. He then said that 'seven years into my tenure as vice president,' he was informed that he had surpassed the 1 million mile mark in flying on Air Force Two - which is the vice president's official aircraft. According to Biden, after reaching the milestone, he was accosted by an old friend, Amtrak conductor Negri, who was adamant that his Amtrak milestone was far more impressive. 'Joey, baby!' the president recalled Negri telling him. 'I thought the Secret Service was going to shoot him.' Biden says he told Secret Service agents: 'No, no, no, he's good. He's good.' After Biden flew some 1.2million miles, the president claims Negri sarcastically told him: 'Big deal!' 'You know how many miles you did Amtrak?' Negri is said to have told then-Vice President Biden. 'No, Ang, I don't have any idea, pal,' Biden says he responded. Biden says Negri told him that the president amassed more than 2 million miles on Amtrak going back to his days as a US senator representing Delaware. December 8, 2021 In the sixth retelling, at an event in Kansas City, Missouri, Biden the encounter happened when he visited his sick mother, who died in January 2010, less than one year after he became vice president, contradicting the at least three other occasions, Biden said it happened much later in his second term. A listing for a four-bedroom home that recently went on the rental market conveniently left out the fact a brothel sits right upstairs. The property on Elizabeth Street in Waterloo, Sydney's inner city, was listed as both residential and commercial, and has a car space, a kitchen and one bathroom. The entire property has tiled floors but looks more like an office space with a run-down kitchen than a family home. The bathroom also looked dated with one photo showing several large cracks in the shower screen. The property was listed for $1,000 a week and has since been leased out for commercial purposes. But as exposed in a TikTok by comedian Jordan van den Berg, the house also has the same address as a working brothel. The property on Elizabeth Street in Waterloo, Sydney's inner city, was listed as both residential and commercial, and has a car space, a kitchen and one bathroom. Those viewing the listing were not made aware of the brothel running upstairs 'Our ladies are very talented and capable to fulfill your pleasure requirements,' the brothel's website reads, with customers charged a minimum of $90 for 30 minutes and $150 for an hour. 'They offer services according to your personal taste and needs, TLC are provided by our ladies.' One listing for the property said it was an operating laundromat with both 'front and rear access'. Photos of the front of the building also show the name of an accountancy - making it confusing as to which or how many businesses are being run from the site. The Century 21 Masterpiece agent listed with the property claimed she didn't know about the intimate encounters happening upstairs when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. 'I have no idea, I just took (prospective tenants) inside to have a look,' she said. The property was listed for $1,000 a week and has since been leased out for commercial purposes The entire property has tiled floors but looks more like an office space with a run-down kitchen than a family home She then claimed the brothel was separate to the listing as it was upstairs. Photos of the front of the home show a mysterious purple stairway leading up to the second floor while one of the blinds down on the second storey window is also purple. Mr Van Den Berg guessed the real estate agents looking after the listing would definitely have 'had a clue' about what goes on at the address. 'Sex work is real work and that isn't the issue, it's the lack of disclosure on the listing,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'When I asked (the agent) about the other business at the address, they were really hesitant about providing any details about it, even though I hadn't even mentioned the brothel. 'One of the agents was really happy to chat until I told her the address. You're not that standoffish otherwise.' The director of Century 21 Masterpiece Real Estate was contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment. A restaurant owner fears her new business will be tainted after she received backlash for naming the new breakfast joint Woke. Carmen Quiroga opened her tiny breakfast shack in Coventry earlier this month anticipating to sell loads of crepes, eggs and bacon - but instead was met with contention. Coventry residents assumed the local cafe was named after the political term 'woke' that was originally meant to mean aware of prejudice and injustice, but is now often used to explain progressive behavior people find performative and extreme. But Quirgo says that's untrue, and that the name is just a reference to people starting their day and seeking out breakfast at establishments like hers. Quiroga worries nasty Facebook posts about her the restaurant would immediately ruin business without a fair shot. 'They dont give me the opportunity to try my food and my work,' Quiroga told WTNH. Carmen Quiroga's new cafe has angered many with it's name - WOKE - which she insists is just part of its breakfast-theme, and not an attempt to wade into the culture wars Carmen Quiroga was scrutinized for naming her breakfast cafe Woke. Some locals assumed the restaurant was named to reference the political term often used to explain progressive behavior people find performative and extreme Quiroga recently opened the cafe and feared it her business would be tainted Quiroga saw the cruel comments on a private Facebook page for the town. Several people were quick to bypass the true meaning behind the name which is to 'wake up and have a coffee,' according to the news outlet. She claimed she had no idea what the political definition of 'woke' meant. The cafe owner was left her in tears while reading the comments that have since been discouraged on the page. 'Just a word of warning, any more ridiculous comments about the name of the new breakfast place in town will be deleted,' the page admin wrote. Several people rushed to Woke's Facebook page to support Quiroga's new business following the news about the negative backlash. Photos displaying the cafe's breakfast offerings were flooded with promising comments to support Quiroga's business. 'I saw your story on the news in Boston and Im so sorry people brought negativity to a simple and fun name,' one person wrote. 'If we ever come to Connecticut we will be eating breakfast at Woke!' 'That looks absolutely delicious,' one person commented under photos of the cafe's pancakes. 'Wish I lived closer. Congrats on the new business and glad to see. People are giving you the support you deserve.' Others left encouraging reviews after eating at the cafe while others expressed their excitement at trying out the food. Quiroga saw the cruel comments on a private Facebook page for the town. The contention led to the page admin having to step in and warn against foul comments Quiroga explained the Facebook contention didn't represent the town of Coventry. Locals echoed her statement and appeared to be unbothered by the name. 'To me, when I hear Woke as a breakfast restaurant, it just means waking up, so Im not personally offended by it,' resident Benjamin Kieso told the news outlet. 'Its a catchy name,' Brian Pope added. There may be drama in the llama community as one New Mexico animal just booted out a fellow creature to become the oldest living llama in the world. Dalai Llama celebrated his 27th birthday over the weekend, officially surpassing the current Guinness World Record holder at 26 and going way beyond the typical lifespan of a llama, which is about 20 years. Dalai's owners, the Strait family of Albuquerque, have already started the application process to get him into the record books. The previous holder, Rapper, a llama in Olympia, Washington, was 26 years and 258 days old at the time of certification. This is Dalai Llama who celebrated his 27th birthday over the weekend The family threw Dalai a full birthday party, inviting friends to come celebrate The one-eyed llama is owned by Andrew Thomas and Kee Straits, along with their daughter Samibah 'Sami' Straits. The family, who told local media Dalai is 'definitely a part of' their family, threw the llama a party on Saturday and even invited some of their friends. According to the Albuquerque Journal, guests were fed ribs, burgers and chocolate cake, and donned party hats and decorations. Dalai, however, ate a personal alfalfa 'cake' with candles reading '27.' Also in attendance was Dalai's best friend, Gelato, a Nigerian dwarf goat. Thomas said they are so close that Gelato cries when Dalai leaves the pen. The pair also sleep together, the owner said. 'It's the cutest thing,' Thomas told the Journal. 'This llama is bringing everyone together,' said Shannon Fleg, a family friend of Thomas and Straits who attended the party. Fleg brought a sign and a carton of apples as a gift. The llama worse this colorful beaded sash on the day of his party Party attendees got the chance to 'play' with Dalai The family, who told local media Dalai is 'definitely a part of' their family, threw the llama a party on Saturday and even invited some of their friends Say cheese! Dalai is now the oldest living llama in captivity Kee Strait (left) and Andrew Thomas (right) with Dalai Llama The Straits have owned Dalai since 2007. 'He's definitely a part of our family. He means a lot to us. My daughter and I were both born in Peru, and llamas, you know, we highly regard them because we live so closely with llamas traditionally,' said Kee Straits. For perspective, Dalai has been with the family longer than the couple's 13-year-old daughter Sami has. Sami grew up riding on Dalai's back and continues to have a soft spot for the llama. 'He was so proud when he put on the saddle,' Sami said. The young girl told the Journal she wants to be a vet one day. The llama is older than the family's daughter, Sami, who is 13 This chocolate cake was a treat for the human guests This is a sign brought by one of the family friends who attended the party The family also owns multiple other animals on their property including guinea pigs, Navajo churro sheep and chickens. Their love of animals, they say, comes from their heritage. Kee Straits is Peruvian and Quechua while Thomas is Navajo. 'We've grown up so interdependent with each other,' Kee Straits said. 'In Peru, our llamas are part of our ceremonies, and we celebrate them they're a livelihood.' Unfortunately, representatives for Guinness were unable to attend the party but guests who did show up can act as witnesses to prove the claim. This is the actual Dalai Llama, who Dalai the llama is cheekily named after Kee Straits, who is Peruvian, said llamas are embedded in her culture Llamas are native to Peru Guinness will also require the animal's 'birth certificate.' It generally takes weeks or months for Guinness to certify a world record. Llamas generally live between 15 and 20 years. A father and daughter have been captured in a uniquely Australian moment as they bickered while removing ticks from the father's pet snake. The Tasmanian father, a certified snake handler, and his daughter were filmed while squabbling as she became afraid of the extremely venomous tiger snake he had pinned to a table. Video of the interaction was posted to the TikTok channel, ebbs1987, on Sunday, captioned 'he loves them [snakes] more than his own children'. A father and daughter have been recorded bickering while removing ticks from a deadly snake (pictured) The video shows the Akubra-wearing daughter nervously searching for ticks in between the snake's scales. 'That's quite a big one there,' she says. 'You ain't seen nothing yet,' the father replies, while pinning the animal down. The woman then appears to pull off one of the snake's scales instead of a tick, the beast opening its mouth and sharply turning towards the woman. 'Oh f*** dad,' the woman yells in shock. The father, shirtless and unfazed by the experience, mutters 'I'd be crabby with you too'. The two then become frustrated with each other, taking the time to exchange insults while handling the potentially deadly animal. 'Just look what you're doing, will you,' the father chides. 'A snake nearly f****** bit me,' the woman replies. The daughter was frightened after her dad's pet tiger snake turned to strike her after she accidentally hurt it while pulling out a 'big' tick 'It did not,' the father bickers back. After some more squabbling, the snake then twitches again as the woman makes another attempt to dislodge the tick, freaking her out once more. 'Oh my gosh mum you're such a baby,' the woman's son says from behind the camera. The two then reconvene and return to treating the snake. TikTok users quickly took to the post, commenting on how Australian the situation was. 'This is typical Aussie drama, absolutely love it,' one commenter wrote. Tiger snakes (pictured) have an extremely potent venom that inhibits the central nervous system, but also causes muscle damage and affects blood clotting 'This is the most Kath and Kim thing ever,' a second commenter wrote. 'This was like me and my dad when he fed his carpet snake without tongs and needed him removed from his arm,' another user commented on the video. The tiger snake has an extremely potent venom that inhibits the central nervous system, but also causes muscle damage and affects blood clotting. They have been attributed to 17 per cent of identified snakebite victims in Australia between 2005 and 2015, with four deaths recorded from 119 confirmed envenomations. Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan. (File Photo: DC) Hyderabad: Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan's Republic Day address drew sharp reactions, including critical remarks, from BRS leaders here on Thursday. Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy found fault with the Governor while minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav came down heavily for Dr Soundararajan for delivering a 'political speech' on Republic Day. He said the state government would write to President Draupadi Murmu complaining against the 'unconstitutional functioning' of the Governor. "Her comments were unwarranted. It is unfortunate that the Governor chose to breach norms on the day when our Constitution came into force in 1950," Yadav said. MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha "thanked" the Governor for what she called echoing the vision of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao." In a Twitter reaction to the Governors address, she wrote, "Choosing countrys infrastructure over Central Vista during the pandemic, is what we demanded. Choosing farmers, labourers, unemployed youth over focusing on wealth generation for a few is exactly what we have been fighting for. Thank you for echoing the vision of CM KCR Garu (sic)." Sukhender Reddy, while referring to the Governor's call to protect democracy in the state, said, "There is no threat to democracy in Telangana. Those who are criticising the state government or question what it has achieved should also tell about what the Centre has done in the last eight years. When questioned, they talk of laying national roads. We cannot help if someone fails to notice the development achieved by Telangana in the last eight years. It's not proper to criticize farmhouses and construction of new buildings." Srinivas Reddy said those holding constitutional positions should talk more responsibly. It's not proper to criticise someone just to show their presence, he said. A senior Republican promised to hold the Biden administration to account on Monday amid a fresh report that weapons abandoned to the Taliban during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan had made their way to another conflict. Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir claimed that Pakistan-linked militants have been seen with M4s, M16s and other American arms that have rarely been spotted before in the decades-long conflict. Rep. Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret, said it was the predictable result of the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. 'House Republicans warned this would happen yet there was zero oversight or investigation into Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan under Nancy Pelosi,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Rest assured, we will be holding hearings and looking into the consequences of leaving so much military equipment behind.' Rep. Mike Waltz, of the House Armed Services Committee, said he had long warned that weapons left behind in Afghanistan would make their way into the hands of the Taliban and then on to other militant groups in other parts of the world Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir claim that U.S. weapons have been used by Pakistan-linked militant as part of their struggled to take territory The U.S.-backed Afghan government had $7.1 billion of weapons when it collapsed in August 2021. The Taliban swept into the capital Kabul filling a void left by Afghan security forces who simply melted away when U.S. troops left. At the same time, American forces had to abandon vehicles, helicopters and stocks of their own weapons, which they said were mostly made inoperable. Most are though to have ended up in the hands of the Taliban. But Waltz, who is expected to take over as chair of the House subcommittee on military readiness, last year that the group's ties to Pakistan's intelligence agencies meant weapons could be transferred to fighters in another Pakistani target: Kashmir. The region has been disputed ever since India was split at independence in 1947 to create a separate Muslim-majority country in the form of Pakistan. Both sides claim the Himalayan region as their own, and it has been the trigger for wars, battles and skirmishes ever since. The U.S. weapons have been reportedly seen in the hands of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pakistan-linked Jihadist movements that are designated as terrorist groups by the U.S. A propaganda video released last year by the People's Anti-Fascist Front, a new militant grouping, apparently showed U.S. weapons, such as this M249 light machine gun Analsyts believe the People's Anti-Fascist Front is a cover name for Jaish-e-Mohammad The U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover triggered chaotic scenes at Kabul airport. In one iconic photo, an infant is seen being handed to a U.S. Marine. House Republicans are demanding answers from the Biden administration about what went wrong A Taliban fighter poses with a US-made Afghan air force Blackhawk helicopter at Kandahar airfield in August 2021, as weapons fell into the hands of the country's new rulers Lt. Col. Emron Musavi, an Indian army spokesperson in Srinagar, the capital of Indian Kashmir, said the two groups had used Afghanistan for training. 'It can be safely assumed that they have access to the weapons left behind,' he told NBC News. Last year, local police said they had seized an M4 carbine rifle after a firefight with JeM militants. It is not the first time that American weapons have been spotted in Kashmir. Last year the Peoples Anti-Fascist Front thought to be a front for JeM released a video that showed members training with an arsenal of new weapons. Analysts identified militants wielding an M249 light machine gun, which was used extensively by American troops in Afghanistan, and which was supplied to the Afghan National Army, as well as M4 rifles (which have previously been seen in the hands of the Taliban.) Taliban forces showed off their new military hardware during a victory parade in Kandahar in 2021 as they celebrated the retreat of U.S. forces and their capture of Afghanistan The Taliban last year released propaganda footage of body armour-clad 'special forces' with night vision goggles, which may have come from abandoned Afghan army stores Also spotted was the L85A2, used by the British Army. Some may have been captured in battle. But Indian officers said they may have been left by Americans in Afghanistan. 'From the weapons and equipment that we recovered, we realized that there was a spillover of high-tech weapons, night-vision devices and equipment, which were left by the Americans in Afghanistan, were now finding their way toward this side,' Major General Ajay Chandpuria was quoted as saying by Indian media. He said some had been recovered along the Line of Control, which separated Pakistan-controlled territory from Indian-controlled territory. Republicans are already promising far reaching investigations into Biden's decision to withdraw and the way it was handled. They want to know why the rapid advance of the Taliban, and the fragility of the Kabul government, was not predicted. 'It has been over a year since the Biden administration's botched Afghanistan withdrawal and the American people have not received any answers about this national security and humanitarian catastrophe,' said Republican Rep Rep. James Comer wrote to the Pentagon, White House and State Department last year, before becoming chair of the House oversight committee. 'U.S. servicemen and women lost their lives, thousands of Americans were abandoned, billions of taxpayer dollars are still unaccounted for, military equipment fell into the hands of the Taliban, progress for Afghan women has stalled, and the entire region is under hostile Taliban control. 'Under a Republican majority, the Biden administrations obstruction of this investigation will be met with the power of the gavel.' Ministers must stop online porn from warping young minds, a major report warns today. Children as young as nine are being exposed to graphic adult material on the internet, a survey of 1,000 young people found. Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said the pornographic material was having a devastating impact on real-life teenage relationships by 'normalising' sexual violence. The research found four in ten of those aged between 16 and 21 believe girls 'enjoy' aggressive sex, such as strangling and slapping. Children as young as nine are being exposed to graphic adult material on the internet, a survey of 1,000 young people found (file image) Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said the pornographic material was having a devastating impact on real-life teenage relationships by 'normalising' sexual violence And nearly half admitted they had personally experienced a degrading sex act with frequent porn users most likely to have done so. Children are 'frequently exposed' to violent pornography most of it perpetrated against women, the report reveals. And one in ten children have viewed porn by the age of nine, rising to nearly half of 13-year-olds. Dame Rachel said the research proved the 'urgent' need for the Government's Online Safety Bill, which will enforce age checks on platforms hosting pornography. But she warned age verification would not be a 'silver bullet' and that teachers and parents had a vital role in educating and supporting children to have 'healthy, safe and consenting relationships'. The Children's Commissioner said top-shelf adult magazines which parents may have read in their youth were 'quaint' in comparison to today's online pornography. Nowadays, 'depictions of degradation, sexual coercion, aggression and exploitation are commonplace and disproportionately targeted against teenage girls', she added. Dame Rachel said: 'I will never forget the girl who told me about her first kiss with her boyfriend, aged 12, who strangled her. He had seen it in pornography and thought it normal.' Rather than adult websites, Twitter was the site where the highest proportion of young people 41 per cent accessed sexual content. Despite allowing users to set up an account aged 13, it is one of the few social media giants to still allow adult content, provided it is marked sensitive. Some 79 per cent of respondents to the survey had seen sexual violence in pornography by the time they had reached 18, while more than a third had sought it out. The report said it was 'of perhaps greatest concern' that young people were discussing 'the influence of pornography in informing real-life sexual aggression and coercion'. It added: 'A young age of first exposure and frequent consumption of pornography were predictors in the likelihood of actively seeking out violent content for sexual gratification.' The Online Safety Bill reaches the House of Lords tomorrow for its second reading tomorrow, giving peers their first chance to debate it. Lord Bethell of Romford is bringing forward an amendment that would force adult websites to introduce strict age checks within six months of the Bill becoming law. Backed by 14 charities, including the NSPCC and Barnardo's, he warns the Bill is too weak in its definition of age verification and leaves too much to codes of practice and guidance being drafted later. The NSPCC said the survey's findings showed Britain 'cannot underestimate the sheer number of children of all ages being exposed to online pornography on a daily basis'. Richard Collard, the charity's associate head of child safety online policy, said: 'The negative and long-lasting impact this can have on children and their views on sex and healthy relationships is deeply worrying and it is essential that the Government implements strong measures in the Online Safety Bill to protect them from seeing this type of content.' He said it's the people whose houses have names who are against his farm shop No sooner has the dust settled on Jeremy Clarksons controversial attack on Meghan Markle than he stirs up another hornets nest by accusing people who live in houses with names rather than street numbers of being social-climbing Nimbies. Clarkson, 62, says that its the snobby types whose houses have names who are dead against his Diddly Squat farm and shop in Chadlington, Oxfordshire which has been inundated with visitors after being the subject of a hugely popular Amazon Prime Video series whereas locals who live in numbered houses tend to be more tolerant. Its split pretty neatly between those who have a house number you know, 22 Oak Avenue or 3 Grove or whatever who tend to support us, because we bring business to the area and jobs for their kids, says the former Top Gear presenter. If theyve got a house name, they tend not to like us, because they tend to have moved here from London quite recently, and they dont want crowds of people coming to the farm shop, so that seems to me to be the split. Broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson pictured at his Diddly Squat farm shop in West Oxfordshire Clarkson, 62, says that its the snobby types whose houses have names who are dead against his Diddly Squat farm and shop in Chadlington, Oxfordshire Actually, Clarkson doesnt mention snobby types but thats what hes getting at. And, while, in the grand (or not remotely grand) scheme of things it doesnt matter a jot if your house has a name or just a number, it matters hugely when it comes to the minutiae of class distinctions for which Britain remains justly famous around the world. House names were rare until late Victorian times because single-family homes were not common in the strict meaning of the word. Even a century ago, nine in ten homes were privately rented, but by 1939 a quarter of homes were owner-occupied. With the surge in homeowners came a rise in home-namers. But the name you chose for your home spoke volumes about your status and was a social minefield. Still is. Call your house a manor when its clearly just a modest family dwelling and youre a social climber. Conversely, a citation in the Oxford English Dictionary for the word naff says: It is naff to call your house The Gables or Mon Repos. Clarkson said: If theyve got a house name, they tend not to like us, because they tend to have moved here from London quite recently, and they dont want crowds of people coming to the farm shop, so that seems to me to be the split' But there is no doubt that the name of a house somehow can elevate those who live in it. After all, people with wealth, or who regarded themselves as members of the landed gentry, or socially superior in some way, have for centuries called their homes a manor, hall, castle, or even grove. And we can all probably agree that the expression to the manor born has more of a ring to it than to 27 Elm Tree Walk born. Mind you, there are house names that carry an air of grandeur and then there are those that can easily lead you down a naff cul-de-sac. Meadow View, Tree Tops, Sunnyside, Oak Barn and Primrose Cottage are all in the top 20 house names, according to The House Nameplate Company. But none has quite the same cachet as a Dartington Hall, Hartley Wintney Hall, or even more ubiquitous monikers such as The Old Rectory or The Vicarage. Indeed, there is even a special members organisation for people who live in a rectory or vicarage. Founded in 2006, its called The Rectory Society and it has The Lord Chartres (former Bishop of London) as its Ecclesticial Patron and former editor of the Daily Telegraph Lord Moore of Etchingham as its Chairman of Trustees. The dust has only just settled on Jeremy Clarksons controversial attack on Meghan Markle I may be wrong but it seems unlikely that theres a similar grouping for those who live in a Tree Tops or Meadow View. My own Berkshire childhood home had a name. It was called Foudry House, after a local brook, and, although Grade II-listed, it overlooked a busy road and wasnt particularly posh. My grandparents, on the other hand, lived in a stately home at the end of a long drive in the Scottish Borders called Manderston, which was so grand that, like King Charless Highgrove in Gloucestershire, or the Prime Ministers official country residence, Chequers, its name told you everything you needed to know. Clarkson said: Its split pretty neatly between those who have a house number you know, 22 Oak Avenue or 3 Grove or whatever' According to Alexander Gibson estate agents in Harrogate, Yorkshire, buyers are prepared to pay up to 40 per cent more for a house with a name When I first married, my wife and I lived at 35 Broxash Road in South London, a small terrace house with what estate agents called potential. I suppose we could have called it Broxash House to set it apart from all the other near-identical homes in the street, but that would have been laughably pretentious. And, yet, according to Alexander Gibson estate agents in Harrogate, Yorkshire, buyers are prepared to pay up to 40 per cent more for a house with a name, and, according to one survey, some 85 per cent of people said they prefer a house with a name rather than just a number. But attaining such an ambition is largely the preserve of rural dwellers. Many city slickers can only dream of a day when they will live in a house with a name attached but, in the country, its the norm rather than the exception. In some villages up to 95 per cent of homes have names rather than numbers. And this makes them a bane of the emergency services. One former copper reacting to Clarksons comments online said: When I was in the police we had a road about five miles long in one village [with] no numbers just names try finding blogs villa at night in an emergency. To make matters worse, some villages have more than one property with the same name. A colleague tells me that a postman friend delivers to a village with three Yew Tree Cottages. You can, of course, have both a name and a number. My wife and I have just finished building a little house in the High Street of a Wiltshire village. There used to be a bungalow on the site called Glenafon and so it was assumed that our house would adopt the same name. But Joanna wanted to change it to Bend In The River, in part because we can just about see a bend in the River Kennet from our bedroom windows and because one of her favourite books is V.S. Naipauls A Bend In The River. So for a fee of around 80, Wiltshire Council let us change the name. Trouble was that the postmen and delivery drivers had no idea where Bend In The River was on the High Street. The solution was to revert to Glenafons actual house number, which happens to be 55B. I fear my late grandparents would be looking gravely on such a social descent and so now weve opted for the best or worst of both worlds. Our house is called Bend In The River, 55B High Street. The postman is pleased but Im not sure that long-standing residents of the village approve of us London escapees dismissing a name thats been part of the community for nearly 100 years. Mark Palmer, Daily Mail The letter after our number might indicate that we live in a flat rather than a house. But who cares? The answer is plenty of people. There are those whose aspirations stretch no further than losing that tell-tale letter on their street address. After all, there is no greater sign of urban advancement than living at number 12 rather than 12B, a sure sign that one occupies a house rather than an apartment. Some who escape to the country go down the humorous route, which, as it happens, is what Clarkson has done by calling his farm Diddly Squat. Its like cab drivers who retire to Essex and rename their houses Dunroamin. Or the couple called Dave and Trisha who named their house Daverisha. Elsewhere, Ive come across an East London semi called Erseandmyne, a country house named Windy Bottom and another, whose owners presumably are not planning to sell any time soon, called Bog View. Theres also a holiday cottage in Wales called Llamedos, which should be read backwards. I suspect theres a smugness about the house name camp in general but its worth remembering that arguably the grandest address in the entire country has a number, namely Number One London, which looks out across Hyde Park Corner towards Buckingham Palace. It was acquired by the Duke of Wellington from his brother in 1817, two years after the generals victory at the Battle of Waterloo, as a London pied-a-terre. Actually, just like my own little Wiltshire abode, it has a name, Apsley House, as well as a number. So Im in exalted company. A real estate ad encouraging investors to 'cash in' on rural Australia's housing crisis has infuriated people struggling to find a place to live as house prices and rests soar. Cooktown Real Estate listed the three-bedroom home in the far north Queensland town for $520,000 - but it was the description of property which drew anger. 'Cash in on Cooktown's housing shortage and purchase this excellant (sic) rental investment,' the ad reads. 'This modern home is in a central location with an existing government tenant. 'With limited properties for sale and severe rental shortage, well built homes are in demand.' The ad then lists the features of the home, including its 'sturdy rendered concrete'. An ad (above) by Cooktown Real Estate for a $520,000 home encourages investors to 'cash in' on the rural community's housing crisis The listing was shared to Reddit where users said they were struggling to find a home because of 'astronomical' prices. Cooktown is about 330km north of Cairns and about 80km off the main highway to the tip of Cape York. With fewer than 3,000 residents, many commenters said that homes should be cheap and plentiful. 'I'm shocked they have houses going for $520,000 to be honest. Not the kind of place you'd even buy a shack!' one person wrote. 'Cooktown is in the middle of nowhere, I would have thought rental oversupply because nobody wants to live there,' another commenter said. A third wrote: '520k in Cooktown, tell 'em they're dreaming.' Many commenters underneath a post calling out the ad said they don't understand how the home (above) could be worth $520,000 Locals said a lack of homes in the area is driving the housing market to 'astronomical' prices (pictured, the $520,000 Cooktown home) Other commenters called out the real estate agency for its thoughtless ad. 'Real estate people are vile and obviously this person can't even spell,' one said. 'Trying to find a house or even a bloody rental in Australia might actually kill me,' another person said. A third commenter wrote 'F**king scumbags', while another added: 'Scum of the earth some might say.' However, at least one commenter was happy to defend the realtor, writing: 'At this stage we have to stop attacking real estate agents. 'I can't stand real estate practices, but to be honest this isn't really one of the sh***y ones. 'They're not a charity, everyone knows what's going on with the housing market, it would be mad not to use it to sell houses.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Cooktown Real Estate for comment. An exclusive floating nightclub in Melbourne has gone up in flames in a 'suspicious' fire after neighbours complained about the noise. Police are investigating the cause of the fire at ATET after a ball of flames was spotted erupting from the roof of the club around 4.30am on Tuesday. The club, moored to North Wharf in the Docklands, only opened in August but has been marred by noise complaints since opening. A Victoria Police spokesman told NCA NewsWire that emergency services were called to the fire after onlookers on the Bolte Bridge spotted the blaze. He said nobody was on the boat when crews arrived. Emergency crews have battled an intense blaze on a Melbourne party boat that was moored at Docklands. Picture: 7 NEWS ATET (pictured) was a popular spot for Melbourne clubbers Fire Rescue Victoria commander Mitch Simons told 3AW the fire was being treated as 'suspicious' because of how late it started and the raft of noise complaints that the venue had been the subject of. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control in six minutes but the damage was significant. The club operated between 4pm and 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am on Saturdays to 1am on Sundays. The ATET boat was damaged after an intense blaze was discovered on Tuesday. Picture: 7 NEWS The floating nightclub had showcased a sold-out show on Saturday and was docked when the fire started. Police will investigate the cause of the fire and anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers. ATET has been contacted for comment by NCA Newswire. Workers being able to access their full pay rate while on domestic and family violence leave is being touted as a game-changer. The new laws come into effect on Wednesday and give full-time, part-time and casual workers up to 10 days of paid leave. The new arrangements will cover at least seven million workers, expanding the five days of unpaid domestic violence leave they're currently entitled to. Tess Oxley, a paramedic in southwest Sydney, said the leave applying to millions of workers meant she no longer has to ask women what their entitlements are when they're at one of their lowest moments. Two people are charged with manslaughter after the death of a child in their care in Queensland 'When I go to women, I go to them at one of the most frightening, disempowering moments of their life,' she said. 'Now I can start to give back the power to them. I can let them know that every single woman can make the decision to get help, to get help for their children.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was remarkable that people suffering from domestic violence had to choose between financial security and physical safety. 'This is a day, frankly, which we wish we didn't have to have, but we do,' Mr Albanese told a meeting of union workers and advocates on Tuesday. 'Let us hope that in putting in place this measure it's used less and less in the future.' The prime minister said tackling domestic violence required bringing the topic out into the open and breaking the cycle, which involved women, men and children. 'Those children often who are having to watch these tragedies occur in their homes then go on to be traumatised and have difficulty having what are respectful relations,' he said. 'So this is a policy that is about women and their children, but it's also about men. It's about changing behaviours. It's about sending that message.' Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said the measures needed to include casuals and loading rates to ensure the safety of workers. 'Normally we don't give leave entitlements to casuals, but if you don't on this, then a whole portion of the workforce is going to have to choose between their safety and their pay,' he said. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the reforms are fundamental in reducing violence against women across society. 'Many people in this country don't realise how difficult the lives of women are. We bear the brunt of the violence,' she said. 'It is the beginning of turning that back and saying to victim-survivors, 'you deserve your pay when you're making these big choices'.' Small businesses have been given a grace period until August 1 to enact the changes. The leave will not appear on the workers' payslip for privacy reasons. One woman in Australia dies at the hands of a former or current partner every 10 days, and police deal with an average of 5000 domestic violence incidents each week. It's estimated one in five women have taken time off due to violence from a previous partner, and one in 11 due to a current one. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Sydneysiders have been queueing for hours to get a taste of the cult pastries from the American bakery chain Cinnabon. The store opened in central Sydney's Darling Square on January 7 and has seen wait times of up to two hours, with people prepared to queue down the block. Cinnabon's signature item is an instore-baked scroll coated with the distinctive-tasting Makara cinnamon from Indonesia and topped with sweet white icing, which is best served warm from the oven. DOES CINNABON LIVE UP TO THE HYPE? DAVID SOUTHWELL SHARES HIS VERDICT American stand-up comedian Louis CK described Cinnabon rolls as 'a six-foot high cinnamon swirl cake made for one sad fat man'. As with many American servings, Cinnabon pastries are big by Australian standards, which can lead to deep regret about life choices about two-thirds of the way through. I'd had the standard-sized Cinnabon roll before but on this occasion I had four smaller ones in a sample pack. They weren't as sweet as I anticipated, if anything the icing was fairly thinly applied in places. The inside glaze spread on the thick dough also counteracted the sweetness with a slightly sour taste that reminded me of golden syrup. Two was all I could manage warm, which is the way to eat them. Once cold they congeal into pretty solid lumps. They are worth trying and sharing but perhaps not if the wait is longer than 10 minutes. Advertisement Such has been the demand, the Sydney store's website advises customers to expect a wait of 60 to 90 minutes and warns that queues will be cut off before closing time. On the day Daily Mail Australia visited, those edging forward into the front third of the queue had been waiting for around 30 minutes. Gyuri and Yuna had been waiting said they were keen to try the pastries, after waiting half an hour, because friends had recommended them. Joan, who had been waiting patiently towards the back of the queue for 15 minutes, said she had visited on a weekday because the line had been 'crazy' on the weekend. Sydneysiders have been waiting patiently for the cult US pastries served up by Cinnabon Lines have been particularly long on weekends sometimes extending near the length of Darling Square 'They promoted it and some people were waiting about two hours all the way down the back for this,' she said. Having seen it 'all over the streets' and promoted by social media influencers, she was intrigued to try the new taste. 'This new to me,' she said. 'I can smell the aroma from a distance but I am not sure what the taste will be like. 'I think it is just going to be sweet, like its got that sugar taste to it.' The scrolls are baked instore and have a distinctive-tasting cinnamon glaze Dina was queuing despite having already tried Cinnabon pastries in her native Egypt. 'I used to eat it back home and I am very much looking forward to have it again,' she said. 'It's so good. I hope it's the same here, so I am waiting here to see.' Cinnabon, which also has six stores in Queensland and one in Victoria, has become well known to Australian fans of critically acclaimed TV crime drama Better Call Saul, which is the prequel series to the award-winning Breaking Bad. Friends Gyuri and Yuna had never tried Cinnabon but were prepared to put in the waiting time In Better Call Saul, the shady lawyer Jimmy McGill, who practised under the name Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad, has adopted the identity of Gene, a Cinnabon store manager, to escape his misdeeds. The show was the reason Annie waited in line with her 10-year-old daughter Ava. Despite being a worldwide franchise, Cinnabon scrolls are only available in three Aussie states 'I am a Better Call Saul fan,' Annie said. 'It was the best series. 'You feel for him as a human being but he continues manages to make bad decisions that aren't ethical so you struggle to relate to him. 'I am hoping Saul will be there.' The promotion of the new Sydney store on social media had convinced some people to give it a try The store's owner, Helen, said there were queues every day but the largest had been on the opening Saturday - almost a four-hour wait. 'It's because we bake them fresh every day,' she said. 'All our rolls are handmade and you can tell, we roll the whole thing and bake so it takes time. 'I can understand it is frustrating to wait but we just want to deliver as fresh a product as we can.' The store has sent out samples of its drinks for customers to try while waiting on particularly hot days and has also limited the number of rolls customers can buy. The critically acclaimed US crime drama Better Call Saul (pictured is Bod Odenkirk playing lead character Saul Goodman) has prompted a lot of interest in Cinnabon 'At the beginning, we tried not to sell with our limit but if we don't sell with our limit, and people were prepared to buy a lot more, the wait would be a lot longer,' Helen said. She said she hoped demand would remain strong but slow to the extent of not making people wait for long periods. 'We try our best to accommodate everyone,' Helen said. Despite doing the same job as the fictional Saul Goodman, Helen admitted she hadn't watched the hit TV series. 'This show advertised for us very well,' she said. The benefits of Brexit will be used to empower communities and businesses, Rishi Sunak pledged last night. Ahead of the third anniversary of Britains departure from the EU today, he promised a renewed focus on exploiting the flexibilities and freedoms offered by no longer having to follow the Brussels rule book. The Prime Minister, who backed the Leave campaign, said the UK had already made huge strides in harnessing the freedoms unlocked by Brexit, including the vaccine rollout and new trade deals. Talking tough: Rishi Sunak yesterday during a visit to Durham Weve forged a path as an independent nation with confidence, he added. Were cutting red tape for businesses, levelling up through our freeports, and designing our own, fairer farming system to protect the countryside. This is just the beginning of our plans and Im determined to ensure the benefits of Brexit continue to empower communities and businesses right across the country. Mr Sunak has committed to reviewing more than 4,000 EU-derived laws this year and repealing those not suited to the UKs needs. A half-eaten stingray has terrified Perth locals after it washed up on the shore of a river with massive bite marks taken out. Graphic images were shared online of the decimated stingray near Minim Cove jetty on the shores of the Swan River. Fisherman Liam Kenny reeled in the dead animal while fishing at the spot on Sunday morning. A fisherman pulled the creature up on Sunday 'It's easily the craziest thing I've seen (while fishing) and the biggest ray I've caught,' he told 7NEWS.com.au. Mr Kenny believes a bull shark had taken it's fill of the stingray before discarding the carcass in the water. A person shared the 'gruesome' images to social media which attracted a barrage of messages from terrified Reddit users. 'Old mate pulled this stingray out of the Swan River that has three large bites freshly taken out of it.,' he wrote. 'The stingray is one metre across for reference.' People were disturbed by the find 'Far out ... that's an epic picture and story,' one user wrote in the comments. 'I'm scared and second-guessing paddle-boarding at the moment.' A father-of-two was lucky to survive a violent bull shark attack just a few kilometres further along the Swan River in 2021. Cameron Wrathall had been swimming at Blackwall Reach when the three-metre shark attacked him with so much force it broke his hip. A woman who was a victim of domestic violence and was headbutted in the mouth by her ex-husband causing her to lose her front teeth has also lost her job at a convenience store chain for breaching the store's 'smile policy'. Rose Marie Counts had been working at Sheetz in Circleville, Ohio for a month when she was summoned into the manager's office for breaking the company policy that forbids 'obvious missing, broken, or badly discolored teeth.' Counts was told she would no longer be allowed to work for the company until her her smile was fixed - a process that could take as long as nine months while she waited for swelling to subside to have a proper denture fitting. The company, based in Pennsylvania, has about 650 locations and says it is now reviewing its unusual policy which states: 'applicants with obvious missing, broken, or badly discolored teeth (unrelated to a disability) are not qualified for employment with Sheetz.' Rose Marie Counts was a victim of domestic violence and lost her front teeth after her ex-husband headbutted her has been fired from her job at a convenience store The company, based in Pennsylvania, has about 650 locations and says it is now reviewing its unusual policy which states: 'applicants with obvious missing, broken, or badly discolored teeth (unrelated to a disability) are not qualified for employment with Sheetz.' Pictured, the Sheetz gas station and convenience store at 1395 S Court St. in Circleville, Ohio Counts shared her despair at unfairly losing her job on her Facebook page. 'I was asked to come to the office at work. I was nervous having only been with the company for about a month. When I walked in the office the manager had the company policy pulled up to were it talks about employees appearances. I was informed that policy states all Sheetz employees must have and remain with a perfect beautiful warm welcoming smile. If you are an employee with this company and you break a tooth you have 90 days to have it fixed,' Counts wrote online. Then, in a heartbreaking conversation that was secretly recorded and posted to social media, Counts was told she would no longer be allowed to work for the company. The conversation starts with her manager appearing to show some understanding over Counts' position who had a new set of top front teeth and was about to embark on a new set of bottom teeth - a lengthy and painful process in and of itself. Counts shared her despair at unfairly losing her job on her Facebook page PIctured, the inside of the Sheetz gas station and convenience store in Circleville, Ohio The Circleville, Ohio Sheetz store where having a nice smile was a job requirement 'If you can type out a letter - a written plan in detail including a time, duration and cost to get it fixed. I know you said you were going to get some work done,' the manager asks. 'I had my top ones done and my appointment for my bottom ones is later this month. My insurance will not pay for me to have temporary teeth so it will be three months for the swelling to go down and then they'll make them which can take up to six month,' Counts explains. 'So nine months total?' the manager replies, showing signs of exasperation. 'So if you can, and I appreciate you being understanding...' In the company handbook, Sheetz appearance policy dictates: 'The timeframe for resolving issues such as this should not typically exceed 90 days. In the event a current employee develops a dental problem that would limit their ability to display a pleasant, full, and complete smile, we cannot permit this situation to go on indefinitely,' it states. Counts explains on Facebook that when she started the job she had no upper teeth with plans in place for her lower teeth already scheduled, but her insurance will not pay for a temporary denture while her new teeth are fashioned 'Sheetz believes that an employee's smile during interactions with customers and coworkers is critical to creating the sense of hospitality in our stores that we strive for,' the company explains. Counts explains on Facebook that when she started the job she had no upper teeth with plans in place for her lower teeth already scheduled, but her insurance will not pay for a temporary denture while her new teeth are fashioned. 'I was hired this way,' Counts responds. 'I feel like I will seek other employment because if my job performance is not enough and it's based on part of my looks it's not a company I want to be associated with. 'This company has no idea what i've been through. I lost my front teeth because my ex-husband head butted me because I forgot to turn the hall light out. So it's not like I was a drug user and things happened that way. It was legit,' she continues. 'But I feel like my job performance alone should be enough. I don't feel like I should have to justify myself because of my looks. I am not a materialistic person. I am very nice to the customers,' Counts says calmly. Rose Marie Counts says she is having issues working at Sheetz because of her dental work, because the company policy is to hire people with perfect teeth. She is shown here with her fiance, Shawn Chapman 'And I have heard wonderful things about you,' her manager responds in an attempt to show empathy. There is a momentary pause before Counts makes the decision before the manager can formally dismiss her. 'Maybe this isn't the line if work that I am supposed to be in. I've always done health care and wanted something different. I've loved it. 'I don't want to be here anymore,' she says, her voice breaking. On Facebook, Counts went into greater detail on her conversation with her unnamed boss. Travis Sheetz, President & CEO of the Sheetz chain of gas stations/convenience stores which has stated the company's policy is to change 'Even though I am good at my job I can no longer be a frontline employee with the company because of my smile,' Counts detailed online. 'The company defines my smile as unbeautiful because I still have work that needs to be done on them. So I went to work today and I left work today crying.' 'To get told based on my looks that my job is in jeopardy. And that maybe I should fill out paperwork and maybe the company will help me if I tell them my story. I will not spend one red penny at Sheetz!!! 'This is in my opinion one of the biggest forms of discrimination that there can be. Who are they to decide what beauty is? So I leave this job feeling like I'm not good enough again.' Other former workers have also spoken out about the so-called 'smile policy'. 'I hate the policy,' one former employee in North Carolina said to Insider. 'It's really disgusting and kind of classist, especially when the majority of people you're employing are going to be lower-income,' the former employee said. Following Insider's questioning about the policy, it appears things are finally under review. 'The inquiry has prompted a more specific review to ensure our policies are aligned with Sheetz's commitment to foster a culture of respect,' Nick Ruffner, a public-relations manager for Sheetz stated. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi and other leaders during an all-party meeting ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday. PTI New Delhi: On the eve of Parliaments Budget Session, the government made it clear it was willing to discuss all issues under the laid-down rules and sought cooperation from the Opposition parties for the smooth functioning of both Houses. The first day of the Budget Session, which starts on Tuesday, will begin with the maiden address of President Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of both Houses. The Economic Survey will be tabled after the presidential address. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the last full-fledged Union Budget of the Narendra Modi government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on February 1. The first part of the session will conclude on February 14. Parliament will reconvene on March 12 for the second part of the Budget Session. Seeking the cooperation of all parties at the all-party meeting today, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said: "We seek the Oppositions cooperation in running the proceedings smoothly." Even as the government has sought their cooperation, the Opposition parties are gearing up to corner the Centre on issues ranging from the caste-based census, womens reservation, unemployment, price rise, and the conduct of governors in Opposition party-ruled states, among other issues. Sources said the K. Chandrashekhar Rao-led BRS was apparently reaching out to the Opposition parties for boycotting the Presidents address. The Congress, however, went unrepresented as all the top leaders were busy with the partys Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar. Congress floor leaders are expected to meet the parliamentary affairs minister on Tuesday before the House commences. During the all-party meeting, the BRS and the DMK raised the conduct of governors in Opposition-ruled states. The YSR Congress, meanwhile, demanded a nationwide caste-based economic census. The YSR Congress felt that it was important to know the economic status of backward castes which are "lagging behind" across the country. YSR Congress leader Vijaysai Reddy said the backward castes are over 50 per cent of the countrys total population and the census "will help track their economic status". Besides the YSR Congress, the JD(U) and RJD have also demanded a caste census. The YSR Congress also demanded passage of the womens quota bill. The TMC and the BJD also supported the demand. The 14-year-old is in a wheelchair and non-verbal The outraged parents and carers of a teenage girl who suffers from a rare medical condition have slammed a nail salon for refusing to do nails 'for people like her'. Queensland couple Jade Maberly-Stenner and Darren Corea were furious when their daughter Shiloh was turned away from a Gold Coast nail salon due to her disability. Shiloh's grandmother Kim Maberly-Stenner and support worker Keya Woodland took the teen to Rainbow Nails at Robina Town Centre in late December to have her nails done for Christmas. Shiloh (pictured) was born with open-lip bilateral schizencephaly - an extremely rare birth defect which causes slits or clefts in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain - leaving the teen 'missing half her brain' and in a wheelchair The 14-year-old was taken to Rainbow Nails in Robina Town Centre (pictured) by her grandmother and carer but was denied service because of her disability The 14-year-old was born with open-lip bilateral schizencephaly - an extremely rare birth defect which causes slits or clefts in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain - leaving the teen 'missing half her brain' and in a wheelchair. 'They essentially said, "no we can't, we don't do nails for people like her",' Shiloh's mother Jade told the Gold Coast Bulletin. 'They were like, "we've had someone with a disability complain in the past, so now we just have a company policy that we don't do people with disabilities". 'It's just truly infuriating. It's 2023 and I can't believe this is still happening.' Shiloh's grandmother was 'gobsmacked' by the nail salon's justification and said the ordeal made her non-verbal granddaughter burst into tears. 'I was shocked, I couldn't believe that somebody actually said that,' Kim said. 'It was heartbreaking, it was just horrible, it was just terrible. It made me cry, it upset me that much.' Shiloh's mum Jade Maberly-Stenner (pictured getting her nails done with Shiloh on another occasion) said the ordeal was 'infuriating' Shiloh's support worker Ms Woodland said she was unable to comprehend the salon's reasoning and asked the worker three times for an explanation. 'I was completely just blown away, I was in shock, couldn't comprehend what they were actually saying, it did take me a moment to process it,' Ms Woodland told the Bulletin. 'I asked her again why she couldn't do her nails and she said "because she has a disability and we don't do anybody with a disability". 'I asked her about three times if she could explain to me why and she said, "My manager said no".' Ms Woodland told the worker that refusing to do Shiloh's nails was discrimination. She believes businesses need more education on how to treat people living with a disability. Under the the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their disability. Shiloh's carer explained to the nail salon that refusing to do the 14-year-old's nails was discrimination Shiloh's father Darren said it was 'extremely upsetting' that a business in Australia would discriminate against his daughter. 'The fact a company would have a policy discriminating against persons with a disability in a first world country is extremely upsetting,' he said. 'Being Latino myself and having experienced discrimination on multiple occasions, it really hurts for my daughter to go through this as well.' Shiloh's parents help run a charity in Vietnam for orphaned children with disabilities and hope the discrimination experienced by their daughter does not happen to other disadvantaged children. A Robina Town Centre spokesperson told Daily Mail the complaint was discussed with Rainbow Nails. 'The comfort and safety of our entire community is very important to us,' Robina Town Centre said. 'We can confirm we have approached the retailer and these concerns have been discussed.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Rainbow Nails for comment. Actresses can either be funny or beautiful on British TV but are not allowed to be both, writer Nick Hornby claims. The About A Boy author says women never get to play attractive characters who also get laughs. While Lucille Ball paved the way for generations of US female comedians, British stars did not have the same early role models. Writer and executive producer Nick Hornby in New York City in 2019 We didnt have that until Pamela Stephenson and French and Saunders came along, he told the Radio Times. Hornbys 2016 novel Funny Girl, about a young woman attempting to launch herself as a comedian in the 1960s, has been adapted into a Sky series starring Gemma Arterton. Beautiful women dont often get to play comedians, and even less so in the Sixties, so Sophie [Miss Artertons character] is sort of throwing over her beauty in order to mug up and allow herself to be funny, he said. Gemma Arterton stars as Barbara Parker in Hornby's best-selling novel Funny Girl Hornby, 65, joked that Sophie would probably would have ended up being a Bond girl as was Miss Arterton. The actress, 36, has said she regrets playing agent Strawberry Fields opposite Daniel Craig in 2008s Quantum Of Solace. Hornby says he was inspired to write Funny Girl by Rosamund Pike, who starred in his 2009 film adaptation of Lynn Barbers An Education and told him: No one ever lets me be funny. A man has been charged with the alleged murder of his mother after she was reported missing from her Gold Coast home. The body of Wendy Sleeman, 61, was found in a garage at a unit block in the inner-northern Brisbane suburb of Windsor on Thursday. Police had been searching for her after she had been reported missing since January 24, when she called police from her home. The body of Wendy Sleeman, 61, was found in a garage at a unit block in the inner-northern Brisbane suburb of Windsor on Thursday Her son, Slade Murdok, 30, was arrested the day before her body was found and charged with a number of offences including her alleged kidnapping. Murdok was denied bail on Thursday, hours before his mother's body was found after appearing in court in Brisbane on charges of unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Police allege pools of blood were found in Ms Sleeman's Elanora home. Emergency crews were called to Ms Sleeman's Gold Coast home at 3.30pm on Tuesday after she reported a potential break-in. Her son, Slade Murdok, 30, was arrested the day before her body was found and charged with a number of offences including her alleged kidnapping Officers believe Ms Sleeman may have been inside a blue Honda Jazz that sped away from her home as police arrived. Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith told reporters on Thursday the garage where Ms Sleeman's body was found had been hired by Murdok, with the owner unaware of who he was. 'It would appear there's an innocent party involved in the ownership of the garage,' supt Smith said. He said 'forensics examination of electronic devices have led to us coming here'. Murdok was charged with murder on Tuesday. His lawyer, Rodney Keyte, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on his client's behalf. The matter was adjourned to Southport Magistrates Court for committal mention on February 14. Scott Pape - better known as the Barefoot Investor - has shared his advice on how Australians could save up to $5,400 each year by selling belongings they no longer need. Pape used his latest newsletter to reveal corporate giants across the globe spend $1trillion dollars annually on marketing and ads in a bid to convince consumers to purchase their brand new products. 'Now guess how much money is spent trying to get you to buy something second-hand,' Pape wrote. 'The answer is $0.' Figures from online sales site Gumtree reveal the average Australian family has $5,400 worth of belongings they no longer use lying around their house. Scott Pape (pictured) - better known as the Barefoot Investor - has used his latest newsletter to advise Australians on how to save thousands of dollars Pape said it would take just five minutes to find items to turn into cash online. 'Then you'll use the money you get to buy what you really want,' he said, noting that his advice was specifically for teenagers but applicable to anyone. 'First, set an alarm for five minutes. With the clock ticking, I want you to go on a treasure hunt around your house. You're searching for two or three things you no longer use. Place whatever unused treasure you've found on the kitchen table. 'Then ask your parents for permission to sell this stuff. They are in control, so what they say goes (and if you haven't found anything, you could ask for their suggestions).' If buying used items doesn't appeal, the Barefoot Investor points out that it will take a lot less time to save up the money to buy something second-hand. He added that the only real difference between new and second-hand is the packaging - as soon as you buy something it's already second-hand. Pape gave the example of a teenager saving money from their weekend job to buy a bike. 'A new bike costs $300, and it could take you well over a year to save up for it,' he said. 'Here's what you do. Start searching online and find the same bike as good as new for $50, listed on an online marketplace. The Barefoot Investor's advice is specifically aimed at teenagers (pictured) saving to buy what they most desire, but it is applicable to anyone looking to save some money 'You might find one at a garage sale or an op shop. $50 . . . this means you'll be able to buy the bike in the next few months - not next year.' 'Buying something second-hand and using it again is awesome for the environment. 'Less stuff needs to get made. Less pointless packaging. Less stuff thrown out, rotting in a rubbish tip.' Pape said people need to be smart about how they shop by comparing the price of new and second-hand good with online searches. He gives the example that while a new guitar might cost $300, a second-hand version of the exact same brand might only be $100, meaning a $200 saving. 'Once you see for yourself how much the price drops straight after you buy it, you will never again be sucked into advertising that tries to make you spend all your hard-earned cash on new stuff,' Pape said. 'Nearly everything you want is right now sitting in someone else's house gathering dust.' A new bike (pictured) costs $300 or more, but you could get a perfectly good second-hand one for $50, Scott Pape said Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay are good places to look for and sell second-hand goods online, but there are often better bargains to be had by going to an op shop or a local garage sale. Buying something local also saves on the cost of shipping items bought online. 'Stop thinking about what you're giving up - the stuff in your cupboard gathering dust - and start thinking about the things you really want,' Pape said. Scott Pape, also known as the Barefoot Investor, is pictured with his wife Liz. His latest financial advice could save you thousands An Oxford University student who stole more than 2millon worth of cryptocurrency has been jailed for four and a half years. Wybo Wiersma set up a bogus website for people investing in online currency lota, and stole millions from more than 100 victims in the process. All the victims of the 40-year-old Dutchman logged onto the same site to generate passwords with what they thought was a random string of 81 characters including capital letters and the number 9. But all the passwords had been predetermined and allowed Wiersma to transfer their 'tokens' to cryptocurrency trading accounts. Some victims lost their inheritances and businesses as a result. Wybo Wiersma (pictured) set up a bogus website for people investing in online currency lota, and stole millions from more than 100 victims in the process The Oxford University student stole more than 2millon worth of cryptocurrency from over 100 victims Wiersma was arrested in Oxford on January 23 2019 and regional crime squad officers seized a number of devices. But when he was released on bail, Wiersma fled to the Netherlands. He was extradited back to the UK on April 7 2021 and appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court the following day. He admitted the theft of 2,156,000 at Oxford Crown Court following a five-year investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). Judge Michael Gledhill KC slammed Wiersma for his 'greed and dishonesty' as he handed down a four-and-a-half year sentence behind bars. He also deprived Wiersma of all his digital devices which had been seized by the court and made a confiscation order of 2,156,000. Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Bryant, of SEROCU, said: This was a particularly complex investigation involving more than 100 victims worldwide. Wiersma deprived people of their money which they had invested in cryptocurrency, moving it through a web of trading accounts and causing some to lose businesses and life savings. On 19 January 2018 and in the days that followed there were numerous reports of the theft of Iota tokens from the owners. Wiersma was arrested in Oxford on January 23 2019 and regional crime squad officers seized a number of devices. For some people this had a devastating effect and meant losing significant amounts of money - their savings and businesses. SEROCU took on this highly complex and intricate investigation from police in Germany - Hesse State Criminal Police - Cybercrime Investigations team, which I would like to thank for working in collaboration with us. I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Europol for their assistance. Wiersma has now admitted his involvement and will have time to reflect upon his actions in prison. Meanwhile SEROCU will use all available legislation to ensure that as much of the money seized from his cryptocurrency wallets is returned to its rightful owners. More than four in ten of us believe police are more interested in 'wokeness' than catching criminals, a survey suggests. The public are under the impression that barring murders and traffic offences officers do not treat crimes seriously enough, the poll found. Voters blame woke policing and the cost of living squeeze for driving up crime, according to the study from consultancy Public First and think-tank More in Common. The focus groups surveyed agreed that boredom drove young people to crime and blamed the closure of youth centres and community spaces for increased offending in deprived areas. The public are under the impression that barring murders and traffic offences officers do not treat crimes seriously enough, the poll found (file image) The survey also found that 68 per cent believe the police have given up on trying to solve crimes such as shoplifting and burglaries altogether. And 81 per cent of the public think the police need to be held more accountable for bad behaviour. The National Police Chiefs' Council previously announced that officers in England and Wales would attend every burglary. Home Office figures show just 3.2 per cent of 200,000 sexual assaults resulted in a charge. But the latest Crown Prosecution Service figures show that the volume of suspects charged with rape has risen in five consecutive quarters. The study found support for more on-the-spot fines for people found guilty of antisocial behaviour such as vandalism or drug-taking. And respondents also indicated support for community schemes for the perpetrators of antisocial behaviour with bespoke punishments that made them responsible for the damage caused by their actions. The most popular of these were instant fines, and making people pick up litter or clean graffiti. Focus groups in red-wall seats largely said the levelling up agenda was pointless without a robust plan to tackle crime. Just 43 per cent of those surveyed trust the Conservative Party over Labour to reduce crime, with this lead narrowing in Red Wall seats to 49 per cent trusting the Conservatives and 51 per cent Labour. Mercenaries for Russia's infamous Wagner Group will be aided by 'secret drones' thanks to a secretive arms deal with Chinese intelligence services, it has been revealed. The drones are tipped with explosives and could be mobilized in large numbers to attack civilian and army targets. The deal, led by Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, is at odds with the Chinese government's claims that it is not involved in the Ukraine war, The Mirror reports. Beijing is understood to have already transported over 2,500 DJI Mavix2 drones to Moscow. Mercenaries for Russia's infamous Wagner Group will be aided by 'secret drones' thanks to a secretive arms deal with Chinese intelligence services (Pictured: a thermal power plan heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike) Emergency personnel work at the site in Dnipro, Ukraine, where an apartment block was heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike An intelligence report stated: 'The group is attempting to develop a swarm platform for coordinated autonomous drone orchestration using the 2,500 delivered from China. 'The communications channel between the Wagnerites and the Chinese Communist Party is in two cloaked networks, one in Russia and one in China. 'The network is responsible for the clandestine shipments of war materials being ued against Ukraine, regardless of how much the Chinese deny it.' Wagner reportedly has a 'bot farm' in St Petersburg, dedicated to IT research and new drone tech. Yevgeny Prigozhin set up the armed militia during the Syrian conflict in 2014 when his men were deployed to look after Russian interests in the country. Now, the Kremlin has ordered Prigozhin to send troops to support the Russia's stalled offensive in Ukraine, where the mercenaries have been accused of murdering civilians. Reports suggest Prigozhin has been recruiting men from Russian prisons, offering them pardons if they complete their military service. Russian mercenary company the Wagner Group has registered as a company for the first time in Russia, pictured, Wagner boss Yevheny Prizgozhin, left, with Russian president Vladimir Putin Prigozhin, pictured, registered the firm as a 'management consultancy' as running private military contractors in Russia is illegal According to The Telegraph, ChVK Wagner Centre has been registered as a company in Russia which is primarily focused on 'management consultancy'. It is illegal under Russian law to operate a mercenary company. Wagner is currently recruiting in Serbia, even running adverts on local media seeking volunteers to join the fight against Ukraine. Serbia and Belarus are the only two countries in Europe not to have joined in with sanctions against Russia. However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has condemned the recruitment drive. The criticism marks a rare public rebuke from the Serbian leader toward Russia - a steadfast ally of the Balkan country. The controversial advertisement appeared earlier this month in the Russian state media outlet RT's Serbian affiliate. Small numbers of Serbians have fought alongside Russian-backed forces in Ukraine since fighting first broke out in the country in 2014. The exact number of Serbs who fought in Ukraine has never been disclosed by officials. The controversial company's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin set up the armed militia during the Syrian conflict when his men were deployed to look after Russian interests in the country Serbia has long been a reliable ally to Moscow, with shared Orthodox heritage, mutual hatred of NATO, and military alliances during several wars strengthening their relations. Serbia remains the only European country - apart from Belarus - that did not join Western sanctions against Moscow. On Tuesday, Russia's RIA news agency published footage apparently showed two Serbian citizens participating in a weapons training course in Ukraine. The Wagner mercenary outfit founded in 2014 - which has been involved in conflicts in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East - shot to prominence after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Tens of thousands of Russians have relocated to Serbia since the outbreak of war, where most have been warmly welcomed. Despite the arrival of dissident Russians fleeing the conflict, Serbians by and large remain ardent supporters of the invasion of Ukraine, with pro-Kremlin rallies held in the capital Belgrade. Defence chiefs have launched an urgent investigation after workmen allegedly used glue to repair broken bolts inside a nuclear reactor chamber on one of Britain's Trident submarines. The unsuitable repairs to the bolt heads, which had sheared off after being over-tightened, were discovered during a routine check aboard HMS Vanguard, The Sun reports. Repair work was being undertaken as part of a dry dock refurbishment at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, which is behind schedule by four years and 300million over budget. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is said to have demanded 'assurances about future work' carried out on the 15,900-ton vessel by established contractor Babcock following the discovery. Defence chiefs have launched an investigation after workmen allegedly repaired broken bolts inside a nuclear reactor chamber on board HMS Vanguard (pictured) by using glue Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is said to have demanded 'assurances about future work' carried out on the 15,900-ton vessel by contractor Babcock following the discovery One Navy source said the situation was 'a disgrace', adding: 'Standards are standards. Nuclear standards are never compromised.' Former sub captain Cdr Ryan Ramsay added that such repairs made him wonder 'what else has been done poorly'. As a result of the delayed works, the UK's other Trident submarines - HMS Vengeance, HMS Victorious and HMS Vigilant - have had to endure lengthy patrols. All four will be replaced by the Dreadnought class, which will carry the Trident missile deterrent, from 2028. The submarines, whose name derives from the motto 'Fear God and dread nought', carry nuclear missiles and are designed to remain at sea undetected for months. They will be larger than the current class at 16,900 tons and measuring 500ft, with an expected lifespan of 30 years. HMS Vanguard is one of the UK's four nuclear submarines, alongside HMS Vengeance, HMS Victorious and HMS Vigilant, which will be replaced in 2028 by the Dreadnought class A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'As part of a planned inspection, a defect was found from work done in the past when HMS Vanguard was in dry dock. 'It was promptly reported and fixed. 'In light of the issue, the Secretary of State spoke directly with the Chief Executive Office of Babcock to seek assurances about future work.' It's understood at least seven glued bolts had been uncovered. They were used to hold insulation in place on coolant pipes which prevent a nuclear meltdown. Babcock, which is responsible for the maintenance of Britain's fleet of boats, insisted safety remained its 'most important priority'. 'Any quality related issue is a huge disappointment, but our own robust inspection processes discovered the issue, and we have taken immediate action to resolve it,' a company official told MailOnline. 'Safety remains our most important priority and we can confirm there was no safety or operational impact from the work. 'We will continue to work closely with our customer, as we have throughout this most complex and critical of programmes.' Back in the 1970s, when I was a teenager, my family lived on the Surrey/Hampshire border, which was also the border between two ITV companies, Southern and Thames. This was a huge advantage to those of us who were addicts of Crossroads, the daily soap opera. First, you could watch it on Southern and then, the second it was over, you could watch it again on Thames, though weirdly, Thames was six months behind, so the Crossroads Christmas party always took place in July. With these double doses, I became something of an expert on the comings and goings at Crossroads Motel. As far as I know, I am still the only castaway to have chosen the theme tune as one of my Desert Island Discs. I mention all this because Nolly, a drama about the sacking of the Crossroads lynchpin Noele Gordon (played by Helena Bonham Carter), is being screened this week. Helena Bonham Carter as Crossroads star Noele Gordon alongside Mark Gatiss as Larry Grayson in the new ITVX drama Nolly On the Graham Norton Show, Nolly writer Russell T. Davies observed that Noele Gordon had once been one of the most famous women in the country, but nowadays her name means nothing to those below the age of 50. TV is an amnesiac medium. People who were, in their day, huge TV stars Robert Robinson, Hughie Green, Fanny Cradock, Johnny Morris ring no bells with the under-50s. Even David Frost, who was once on every programme, has just about evaporated from our memory, and he died only ten years ago. Luckily, I still have Noele Gordon's 1975 autobiography, My Life At Crossroads, to help jog my memory. It comes with a foreword by Mary Wilson. 'Mary who?' younger readers will ask. The clue lies in the address at the bottom: 10 Downing Street. Mary was the wife of Harold Wilson, who was then Prime Minister. 'I am sure many women see Noele Gordon in the character of Meg Richardson as the type of woman they themselves would like to be understanding, sensible, able to cope with any situation,' writes Mrs Wilson. The real Noele Gordon as Meg Richardson on the 1960s ITV soap opera Crossroads Yet, in reality, Crossroads was comically rackety, and My Life At Crossroads unwittingly confirms this. The skinflint producers hated recording more than one take: if actors fluffed their lines or an accident occurred, the cameras would keep whirring. Noele Gordon recalls shooting a kitchen scene when the actor who played her son, Sandy, 'noticed that the toaster had caught fire and that flames were coming out of the machine . . . 'Put it out, Sandy,' I told him. We all swung into action, still acting the scene and saying the lines we were supposed to say as we coped with the flaming toaster.' Another time, a tea cloth caught fire. 'The director at the time not only covered the whole incident with his cameras but he also gave instructions to the floor manager as to what he should do if the whole set went up in flames. 'Evacuate the studio,' he said, 'But keep one camera on just for the Midlands News.' ' Actress Ann George, who played the busybody Amy Turtle, regularly forgot her lines. She would simply repeat whatever the actor before her had just said. If her fellow actor had said: 'I see it's raining again,' she would look startled, and then say, 'It's raining again'. Helena Bonham Carter at the BFI preview of Nolly at BFI Southbank earlier this month My own favourite episode involved the actor who played Chris, Noele Gordon's on-screen stepson. One week, Chris set off for Switzerland. Months later he returned, played by an entirely different actor. 'Welcome back, Chris!' said Noele. 'Your holiday seems to have done you the world of good!' The wonderful comedian Kate Robbins, who played a cleaning lady, remembers hoovering in the reception area while Noele Gordon was talking on the phone. The vacuum cleaner made such a loud noise that Noele was forced to shout to make herself heard. Eventually, the exasperated director yelled: 'Cut!' and stormed over to Kate, asking what on earth she was doing. 'The script says 'Kate hoovers in the background',' she replied. The director glared at the script. 'It's a typing error!' he snapped. 'It should read: 'Kate hovers in the background!' Another volume I treasure is my Crossroads Cookbook (1977). In my next column, I shall examine its recipes, which also seem like relics from a long-forgotten land. A plan to overhaul Medicare will be considered by leaders later this week as pressure mounts on the federal government to reform the 'broken' health system. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the report by the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce will be handed to the national cabinet when it meets on Friday. 'We need to talk through the hospital system, the way that it works as a whole,' Mr Albanese said. 'It's not surprising that people will always argue for increased funding.' Anthony Albanese confirmed the report by the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce will be handed to the national cabinet when it meets on Friday A plan to overhaul Medicare will be considered by leaders later this week as pressure mounts for the federal government to reform the 'broken' health system (stock image) The states and territories have been lobbying the federal government to increase its share of funding for hospitals. Despite acknowledging Medicare is in 'worst shape it's been in its 40-year history,' the federal health minister is reluctant to throw more money at the problem. 'Simply putting more money into the existing structures is not going to deliver the type of care modern Australia needs,' Mark Butler told ABC's RN. 'We don't just need to add more money to the existing systems, we need to change the existing system.' What the Medicare reform will look like is yet to be decided, however the government is considering sharing the load of primary care between other health practitioners in a 'blended' system. The need for urgent reform comes after bulk billing rates plummeted by seven per cent in the past year, and are continuing to fall as general practice surgeries are left with no choice but to charge higher fees to supplement Medicare rebates. Other options before the government include increasing the rebate to make seeing a GP more affordable. In its pre-budget submission, it called for bulk billing incentives to triple and increase patient rebates for longer and complex consultations. Fresh analysis undertaken by the Australian Medical Association revealed only three of 201 public hospitals delivered care in the recommended time frames. What the Medicare reform will look like is yet to be decided, however the government is considering sharing the load of primary care between other health practitioners in a 'blended' system (stock image) Ahead of Friday's meeting, AMA president Steve Robson indicated he wanted to see the federal government up its share of hospital funding. 'We're suggesting 50-50 Commonwealth state and territory funding,' he said. 'We need to scrap the artificial cap and we need to look at a return to pay-per-performance so that hospitals that perform well are rewarded.' Meanwhile, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have warned the gap between rich and poor will widen unless access is improved. In its pre-budget submission, it called for bulk billing incentives to triple and increase patient rebates for longer and complex consultations. Funding for enhanced primary care for the over 65s and support for patient follow up following an unplanned hospital visit is also on the RACGP agenda. 'We're continuing to call on government to reinstate patient rebates for longer telephone consults, for mental health and GP management plans,' president Dr Nicole Higgins said. 'These services were unfairly taken away from patients and new research has found it's hurting the most disadvantaged, those who are poorer, elderly, vulnerable and in need of complex care.' 'Without urgent action to stem the bleeding and improve access to care for Australians, inequality, and the gap between rich and poor will get much worse.' Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (Twitter) Hyderabad: Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has won the second round of battle against the state government in less than a week. First, it was on the issue of the Telangana state government not holding the Republic Day celebrations and police parade last week. This time, it was on the issue of the state government doing away with the customary Governor's address to the joint session of Legislature for the Budget session set to begin on February 3. On both these occasions, the state government suffered setbacks in the High Court and had to reverse its decisions. The Governor had written to the state government to clarify its decision on holding the Republic Day celebrations and the police parade that were stopped in 2021 and 2022. However, due to the ongoing tussle between the Governor and the state government for the last two years on several issues, the government did not respond to the Governors letter and kept the issue pending. However, it later responded informing the Governor that it had no plans to hold the Republic Day fete as well as the police parade citing the Covid-19 pandemic. Finally, the matter reached the High Court when a petition was filed by K. Srinivas, a city resident, who contended that the BRS government was not following the conventions and protocols by not holding the Republic Day Celebrations at Parade Ground in Secunderabad. Hearing the arguments, the High Court found fault with the state government's decision and issued an interim order on January 25 directing the Telangana state government to conduct the Republic Day Celebrations, including the Parade, by following union ministry guidelines. With regard to the Budget session from February 3, the Governor's office wrote to the state government on January 22 to clarify whether arrangements had been made for the Governor's customary address in the Assembly. If so, a copy of the Governor's speech was sought for verification. However, there was no response from the state government. The state government had commenced the Budget session without the Governor's address in 2022 and decided to continue the same this year too by not proroguing the House. To avoid Governor's address, the state government has been convening the Assembly sessions since September 2021 as continuation of previous sessions. If the Assembly is prorogued, the subsequent session will be treated as a new session and as per norms, the new session of Assembly in the new year should begin with the Governor's address. The Governor too kept her approval pending for Budget presentation in the Assembly to the request sent by the state government on January 21. As the February 3 deadline for the Budget session neared, the state government approached the High Court seeking a direction to the Governor to approve the Budget presentation. Following the High Courts intervention, the state government agreed to have the Governor's address in the Budget session and the issue got resolved. Had the government responded to the Governor's letter on January 22 and agreed to have the Governor's address, the issue would not have reached the court. The state government could have avoided an embarrassing situation on both these occasions. He is currently being held on $5 million bail A man in a Tesla who has been terrifying parts of Southern California with bursts of violent road rage was arrested Sunday night by the California Highway Patrol. The EV-driving lunatic had made headlines previously after being linked to several vehicle attacks that occurred on SoCal freeways, including one in June in West Hollywood that involved an altercation between the man and a woman who was in the car with her 93-year-old mother. The alleged road rage-aholic has been identified as 36-year-old Nathaniel Radimak. He was booked and is being held on $5million bail for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon as well as two outstanding arrest warrants. He is allegedly responsible for a handful of LA-area attacks that always involved him getting out of his Tesla with a metal pipe and approaching a vehicle before pounding on the doors and windows, and then getting back into his car and driving away. Footage shows Radimak hopping out of his black Tesla Model X and approaching several other vehicles with a metal pipe he proceeds to use to beat the cars, before getting back in his car and zipping off Police say Radimak is responsible for at least two such incidents that occurred on January 11. In one of the incidents, the man was captured on video, hopping out of his black Tesla Model X and running toward the victim's car before striking it multiple times with the pipe. The victim in that specific incident said he began recording after he saw the Tesla driver behaving erratically and targeting another victim before turning his focus on him. The victim, who remained anonymous when speaking with a local outlet about the encounter, said: 'Initially you think, 'Should I pin him to the wall with my car?' 'Should I run him down?' 'What should I do?' 'And I tried to stay focused and think, 'I dont want to go from victim to criminal in an instant.'' Video of the incident captured Radimk stopping his Tesla next to a white sedan on an exit shoulder of the freeway. He then gets out of his car and sprints toward it, attempting to strike it before the sedan quickly drives off. 'He gets back to his car and he notices that Im taping him, so he follows me,' the victim continued to explain. 'At some point, he cuts me off, slams the brakes and starts beating on my car,' said the victim back in January, when he was still hoping an arrest would be imminent. CHP arrest Nathanial Radimak on Sunday after connecting him to a string of road rage incidents around the Southern California area Radimak apparently attempted to pull the same criminal stunt one to many times Once apprehended, Radimak's name was linked back to several outstanding warrants and a history of alleged domestic abuse and other crimes The Tesla driver who's been on a one-man road rage rampage across SoCal has been ID'd. The suspect targets women and the men who come to their aid, smashing cars with pipes and punching victims. So who is he, and where is he? Tonight at 11 from ABC7 https://t.co/5vlnn2tKD3 pic.twitter.com/9DJAyRCkof ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) January 21, 2023 CHP authorities said that several leads and dash camera videos led to Radimak's eventual arrest. The WeHo Times dug up Radimak's previous run ins with the law and found that the hot-tempered man has an extensive history with the law. In 2022, there were two allegations of domestic violence against the same woman. In 2021, there is a charge of 'possession for sales of methamphetamine.' And in 2017, there are two vandalism charges under his name. The heartbroken family of a five-year-old girl who tragically choked to death on a snack during a car ride have been targeted by callous trolls. Imogen Lennon, from Canowindra in Central West NSW, died on January 16 when she choked on a deli frankfurt as she chatted to her mother on the way home from swimming lessons. Family friend Tamara Harrison told Daily Mail Australia she has been bombarded with 'nasty' emails since launching an online fundraiser to help Imogen's parents, Samantha and Bill Lennon, pay for funeral costs. The five-year-old, from Canowindra, in Central West NSW, died on January 16 after choking on a deli frankfurt as she chatted to her mother on the way home from swimming lessons. Mrs Harrison said strangers had sent her messages and posted comments online saying the family did not deserve to have money raised on their behalf, and that they must not have done enough to save Imogen's life. But Mrs Harrison said that could not be further from the truth. 'Imogen was sitting in the back of the car and has taken in a big breath of air as she was eating and began choking,' Mrs Harrison said. Imogen Lennon, 5, tragically died after choking on a deli frankfurt on January 16 Some strangers said online Imogen's parents should have known first aid - despite Mrs Lennon being trained and applying all of the skills she had learnt 'Sam pulled over straight away. She is a first aid officer - her sister is also a nurse. She knew what to do in that situation. She did everything she could. 'Imogen even bit her hand when she tried to get the frankfurt out of her throat.' The GoFundMe plea has so far raised more than $28,000. Despite the cruel taunts, Mrs Harrison said her 'strong, brave' friend knew she did everything she could to save Imogen, who was due to start kindergarten this week. Just seven days before death, the 'loud and energetic' little girl, who lived with a hearing impairment, was fitted with her first hearing aid. It was the first time she had ever heard her own voice. 'She put it in, and she said "Is that my voice mummy?",' Mrs Harrison recalled. 'And her mum said: "Yes, yes it is".' Instead of getting ready for her first year of school, Imogen's devastated family faced the daunting task of laying her to rest at the local church on Saturday. Her older brothers Bailey and Hayden held hands and were comforted by friends as they said their last farewell. Mrs Harrison said it was devastating to see the five-year-old's small, white coffin adorned with pink flowers and cowgirl boots loaded into the back of a hearse. 'Imogen was meant to start kindergarten this year,' she said. Tamara Harrison (left) and Bec Haddow (right) comfort Samantha Lennon at Imogen's funeral Imogen was farewelled by loved ones at St Edward's Catholic Church (pictured) on Saturday Imogen's older brothers Bailey (left) and Hayden (right) comforted each other at their sister's funeral 'She never got to live her life. 'Something like that shouldn't have happened.' Mrs Harrison is now working alongside the Lennons to set up a foundation in Imogen's honour to ensure no one else feels the pain they are experiencing. Mrs Harrison, a nurse who works with children, said she was shocked to recently learn of an American-made airway clearance device, called the LifeVac, that is available for sale in Australia. She said she and other colleagues who have completed first aid training had never heard of the device - which has been approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods - despite its potential life-saving benefits. As part of the foundation, Mrs Harrison and the Lennons are seeking to raise awareness about the LifeVac, have it made readily available to the public, and increase education about choking hazards for both parents and children. The LifeVac is a portable suction apparatus which features a mask attached to a plunge-like lever. In an emergency, the plunge is pushed down toward the victim's face then pulled upwards to create a vacuum effect to dislodge anything blocking the airway. Her coffin was adorned with pink flowers, cowgirl boots, a pink 'Ringers Western' snapback cap and pictures of butterflies and unicorns The service pamphlet was filled with photos of Imogen and her loved ones together during happier times According to statistics released by LifeVac on Tuesday, the medical device has so far saved 657 lives, including 395 children, since its release in 2012. Mrs Harrison said rolling out the medical device in first-aid kits was crucial, as was the need for parents to reinforce the importance of chewing food to children. Mrs Harrison said she only recently learnt about the LifeVac (pictured), an American-made device used to clear airways The Lennons, who Mrs Harrison described as 'kind-hearted' dairy farmers, told her if they manage to save just one person from the same fate as their daughter, they will have made the world a better place. The family have received some donation offers from members of their tight-knit community to help launch the foundation, but Mrs Harrison said they were seeking further sponsorship. As the family learns to live without their little girl, Mrs Harrison said they have already made plans for what would have been Imogen's sixth birthday. 'For her birthday this year, Imogen wanted to go bowling,' she said. 'So on May 24, that is what they will all be doing.' Survivors of child sex abuse have started tying ribbons to Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral in a final protest against George Pell's legacy as his body arrives in Australia for burial. Pell died in Rome on January 10 at the age 81 from hip replacement surgery complications and was Australia's most senior Catholic member. His legacy has remained shrouded in deep controversy since he was jailed for, and later acquitted of, several historic child sex abuse offences. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have both denied the former archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney a state burial. Silent advocates for child sex abuse survivors have started tying colourful ribbons to the gates of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney in protest of his requiem mass and private burial service, to take place on Thursday. Controversial Catholic Church figure George Pell (above) will be buried in the crypt of Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Thursday Child sex abuse survivors have began tying colourful ribbons (above) to St Mary's gate in hopes of forcing the church to recognise Pell's controversial legacy However, Ballarat child abuse survivor Paul Auchettl said church employees and 'staunch supporters of George Pell who believe we are desecrating the church' have been removing the ribbons. 'They hold George Pell in such high regard. That's okay because he did do good things, but we believe to honour him properly we have to be able to talk about the legacy he's left,' he told the ABC. 'So many people, as reported by the royal commission, have been harmed by his inaction and inability to move on the offenders he was constantly warned about.' A royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse found Pell was aware of child abuse by clergy in the 1970s but did not take proper action to stop it. Pell rejected the finding. He was the Vatican's top finance minister before he left to face the charges in Melbourne in 2017. His successor as archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, will be the principal celebrant for Pell's requiem mass on Thursday at 11am. Advocate Paul Auchettl said church employees and 'staunch supporters of George Pell who believe we are desecrating the church' have been routinely removing the ribbons (above) ahead of Thursday's service The service will be livestreamed on YouTube, however, Pell's burial in the crypt of St Mary's will be kept private. His body will lie in state at the cathedral from Wednesday morning, The Guardian reported. St Mary's Cathedral dean Father Don Richardson said thousands of mourners from around the world were expected to attend Thursday's mass. 'Cardinal Pell left a remarkable legacy for the Catholic church in Australia and this will undoubtedly be one of the most significant funerals ever held at the cathedral,' he said in a statement on January 17. 'Cardinal Pell was also known and highly respected by many overseas due to his numerous roles in the Vatican over many decades.' Screens will be placed at the front of the church on Thursday so crowds outside can watch the service. Masses for Pell will also be held on Wednesday at 1.10pm and 8pm for those unable to attend the main service. Popular Australian writer Natalie Fornasier has died at the age of 28 after battling melanoma The husband of Australian writer Natalie Fornasier who recently lost her battle with melanoma has revealed the powerful note she left behind for him. Ms Fornasier, from Sydney, passed away on January 14. She was diagnosed with stage III metastatic melanoma at the age of 20 and dedicated much of her life to raising awareness of the dangers of skin cancer. Her husband Alexander shared an emotional post to her Instagram page on Tuesday, writing 'our beautiful Natalie moved on from this life'. He then included a piece of life advice his wife had written down. 'Be confident. Embrace your disability. Don't hide it or lessen its existence,' the message read. 'It's one piece of your puzzle and each time you share it, it is an opportunity to define yourself by your own standards. Because telling your story has power, and not only is it powerful to you, but to others as well.' Alexander said Ms Fornasier had and will continue to have an 'immeasurable' impact on the lives of those around her, even those she did not know personally. 'As I'm struggling to find words, I can't help but think of how Natalie would just laugh out loud over my clumsy composition,' he wrote. 'Looking at me with this sparkle in her eyes, full of love and amusement. Words are her gift. How lucky we are to have been touched by the magic she created. 'I'd always call her my 'beautiful girl', and by that I wasn't even talking about those big, emerald and hazel eyes. I wasn't even talking about her immaculate skin, perfected by a curated 12-step-skincare-routine. 'I wasn't even talking about the smile that lit up a room and made me feel home. 'I was talking about her beautiful soul. The soul of a writer, a poet, someone who seemed to have lived many lives. The beautiful soul I fell in love with. That I was so incredibly privileged to have crossed paths with. 'I love you Natalie, always, forever.' Ms Fornasier's husband Alexander shared an emotional post to her Instagram page on Tuesday, writing 'our beautiful Natalie moved on from this life'. He ended the post with another message from Ms Fornasier: 'Love as much as you can'. He had moved to Australia from Germany to be with Ms Fornasier after the pair met while travelling through Europe in 2018. The 28-year-old's battle with cancer began when she noticed a mole on her toe had changed shape. In December last year she told her 35,000 Instagram followers that her cancer had become terminal - and shared a heartbreaking update from palliative care. 'The last four months have been brutal. At the end of July, I received the news that my cancer was now terminal and had months left to live,' she wrote. 'I've cried myself hoarse about the fear of death. I've screamed for the children I would never have, growing old, my friends, the life I was supposed to live. Ms Fornasier was able to walk down the aisle with her husband Alexander The 28-year-old provided updates to her 35,000 followers about her cancer battle 'At 28 years old everything about it feels wrong. 'The conversations I've had to have, the plans I've had to make, the places my thoughts have gone and are still going - none of it is natural. It's painful. 'I've fallen into oblivion crying for (husband) Alexander, the heartbreak, and the love I would be leaving - for the life we were supposed to have. I've cried for my family. 'My one goal in life was to love. I've experienced a love that is all consuming - something so deeply precious and powerful and soul changing that I know that even though I'm leaving this earth, that energy and love will never die.' Her final Instagram post from December 21 feature an image of bouquet of flowers she had been given in hospital - and a reminder that time is precious. 'It's one minute at a time for me right now - and I'm so thankful that, that is still a possibility. 'If my time here has taught me anything - it's that time moves like a river,' she said. 'You're unable to see the beginning or the end but you can feel it - so you better make the most of it.' The writer had dedicated her life to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer Ms Fornasier married her partner Alex while battling her illness Melanoma symptoms Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which usually occurs on the parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. Often melanoma has no symptoms, however, the first sign is generally a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new spot. These changes can include: colour - a mole may change in colour or have different colour shades or become blotchy size - a mole may appear to get bigger shape - a mole may have in irregular border or may increase in height elevation - the mole may develop a raised area itching or bleeding Source: Cancer Council Advertisement It came during Ms Fornasier's fourth week in palliative care and she had more than three weeks to go. 'It's absurd it's been that long - time is so fluid, it feels like none has gone by but the calendar says otherwise,' she wrote at the time. Ms Fornasier detailed the simple things about her home she missed before detailing the severe toll her melanoma had taken on her body. 'I can no longer walk without aids, my legs are filled with fluid, my whole body aches 24/7 and the tumour burden is intense,' she wrote. 'My pain is increasing slowly, day by day I can feel my body slow just that little bit more which is such a bizarre thing to witness - especially when you can physically feel it too. 'However these yellow tinged walls with creaky old doors is the best place for me to be - it's safe (and fully stocked with all the meds I need!). 'People often misunderstand palliative care and what it means - but basically the weight of medical care is lifted off Alexander's shoulders and looked after by nurses and doctors who want nothing but you to be pain free.' The 28-year-old had candidly opened up to her followers about her cancer battle The writer announced to her followers in December her cancer had become terminal Loved ones set up a GoFundMe for Ms Fornasier's family and husband before her death. It has raised more than $110,000. Ms Fornasier was just 20-years-old when she woke up one morning to find her legs covered in bruises during a holiday in Greece. She initially thought she'd been sleep walking until she realised the mole on her toe, in which she had since birth, had changed shape. It wasn't until two weeks after returning home that she was told she had advanced melanoma. She had her toe amputated and the lymph nodes in her groin removed. Ms Fornasier - who's the ambassador for a social media campaign called #CallTimeonMelanoma - had urged young women to get their skin checked and to be more cautious with sunbaking. He plans to make Texas 'undesirable' for hundreds of thousands of illegal border crossers His primary focus will be to 'respond to Joe Biden's open border policies' Texas, a state on the frontlines of the ongoing illegal migrant crisis facing America, has appointed a new border czar who plans to make the state the 'least desirable place' for delinquent crossers to end up. Retired US Border Patrol agent Michael Banks was named to the job on Monday. He will report directly to GOP Governor Greg Abbott and be tasked with handling surges at the border - like the one that notably impacted the city of El Paso in December. His duties will also including attempting to convince private landowners to give the state of Texas access to their property to continue adding miles to its border wall. Michael Banks (right) discusses his new role as Texas' border czar alongside the state's Governor Greg Abbott (left) on Monday January 30, 2023 When asked about his new role, Banks told the press that his 'number one priority is to make the State of Texas the least desirable place for illegal immigrant to cross.' Abbott said that Banks' only responsibility will be responding to the current administration's 'open border policies.' Abbott announced the creation of the position Banks now holds in the border town of San Benito. Recent data from US Customs and Border Patrol showed approximately 2.4million encounters with migrants attempting to illegally cross the US border during the last fiscal year. That figure is the highest on record. US Border Patrol forces remain focused on the embattled city of El Paso, which in the last several weeks has become the single busiest border crossing location in the country. In the last three months alone, officers in El Paso have encountered some 162,603 migrants attempting to enter the country - more than triple the amount encountered during the same time period last year. The number of migrants crossing over the US southern border since January 2021 when the Biden administration took over the White House has surge Most of the foreigners attempting to enter the country arrived from a handful of South and Central American points of origin - Nicaragua, Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia. Sixty-four percent of the migrants arriving were single adults. Nearly a third were families with children, and another 8,000 were unaccompanied minors. Four-hundred Texas National Guard troops, as well as Texas state troopers were dispatched to El Paso to assist the overwhelmed Border Patrol agents. El Paso Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez said: 'The first quarter of FY2023 demonstrated the complexity of the southwest border, with the recent migrant influx, and the challenges that our agents and migrants face during these times.' Banks' new job has been described as a response to Joe Biden's 'open border policies' Texas Governor Greg Abbott spoke about the ongoing need to secure the US border on Monday as he announced the appointment of his state's new border czar The Mayor of El Paso Oscar Leeser (2nd R) is led away as President Joe Biden (2nd L) walks along the US-Mexico border fence in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 2023. - Biden went to the US-Mexico border earlier this month for the first time since taking office Extensive lines of illegal immigrants waiting for the next bus out of town have taken shape Migrants queue near the border fence, after crossing the Rio Bravo river, to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico January 5, 2023 Asylum-seeking migrants from Haiti walk before crossing the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves in to U.S Border Patrol agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas last spring So far in fiscal year 2023, there have been 863,929 total documented Customs and Border Patrol encounters. The figure indicates that the true number of attempted crossings is well into the millions. In the final month of 2022, there were 225,797 unique individuals encountered by the CBP at the border across the country - the highest number for a monthly total on record and a 10 percent increase over November figures. Biden's migration headache EXPLODES: a record 242million people across Latin America now want to leave, many eyeing the US, as border crisis intensifies Share of would-be migrants jumped from 18 to 37 percent this past decade Latin America now on par with sub-Saharan Africa for numbers seeking an exit Survey comes after record 251,487 encounters at southern border in December The number of people in Latin America and the Caribbean who wish to migrate has jumped this past decade to 242 million, many eyeing the US, heightening fears about the border crisis. In 2011, only 18 percent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean wanted to permanently leave their homes. By 2021, that had risen to 37 percent of the region's 655 million people, Gallup polling shows. The desire to migrate rose faster in South America than anywhere else in the world. By the end of 2021, the share of Latinos wishing to migrate was on a par with those in poverty-wracked sub-Saharan Africa. In some South American nations Honduras, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic as much as half of the total population expressed a desire to move and live abroad permanently. In 2011, only 18 percent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean wanted to permanently leave their home countries. By 2021, that had risen to 37 percent of the region's 655 million people, a Gallup survey shows The survey comes amid record numbers of migrants trying to enter the US irregularly from Mexico, with Republicans criticizing President Joe Biden, a Democrat, over what they call his 'loose' or 'open' border. Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a right-leaning advocacy group, said the survey revealed 'enormous pent-up demand' to migrate north to the US. 'We can see how President Biden has created a dangerous and volatile situation as every month, millions more formulate the intentions and plans to try to move,' Stein told DailyMail.com. Migrants come from South America and the Caribbean in search of a better life for them and their families. Many are fleeing corrupt and inept leftist governments in such nations as Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. But border locals and critics of the immigration policy view the current numbers as unsustainable and balk at the prospect of hundreds of millions more also laying plans to head north. Globally, the desire to migrate has reached 'decade-high levels' in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and other regions, said Gallup, which polled 127,000 people aged 15 and older across 122 countries last year. The US remains the favored destination for the world's migrants, though the share eyeing America has fallen slightly this past decade to 18 percent In some South American nations Honduras, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic as much as half of the total population expressed a desire to move and live abroad permanently Asylum-seeking migrants from Venezuela cross the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves in to US Border Patrol agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas, late last year President Biden, in the White House this month, is under fire over his border policy Still, not everyone with a desire to migrate is able to do so, researchers added. The US remains the favored destination for the world's migrants, though the share eyeing America has dropped slightly to 18 percent this past decade. Canada, Germany, Spain and France round out the top five destinations. In previous surveys, Gallup has found that America was the favored end point for more than a third of Latin America and the Caribbean's would-be migrants. The survey was released on Tuesday amid a surge of Cubans and Haitians traversing the Caribbean by boat to reach Florida's shores, and record flows of people trying to cross the southwestern border. The border city of Yuma, Arizona, is at breaking point with the unprecedented flow of migrants leaving the community at the brink of collapse and hospitals and food banks overloaded, local officials say. Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines has slammed the Biden administration for its handling of the border crisis and said his county will crumble as it can't support the cascading flow of migrants. Customs and Border officials say there were 251,487 migrant encounters at the border in December. That's the highest figure for a single month ever, and brings the latest three-month total up to 717,600. Immigrants line up to present themselves to U.S. Border Patrol agents after spending the night camped alongside the U.S.-Mexico border fence on December 22, 2022 Thousands of Venezuelans rallied against the government of Nicolas Maduro and demanded salary increases in Maracaibo this week. Millions have spilled across the country's borders in recent years Military police frisking a group of men at a checkpoint during a special operation against criminal gangs in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, last month. Many people wish to escape poverty and insecurity across Central America Last month saw a surge in unauthorized immigration due to uncertainty over Title 42, a Trump-era policy that has expelled migrants at the border since the start of the pandemic. Some 5 million migrants have crossed over the US southern border since January 2021 when the Biden administration took over the White House, according to the agency. The Biden administration has launched new schemes to allow more Latinos into the US legally and advised unauthorized migrants to stay at home, but Republicans still blame him for unruly scenes at the US-Mexico frontier. Stein said Biden's plan to 'parole in more people' was no solution. 'That merely incentivizes more to come until conditions in the US replicate those of the sending nations,' he told DailyMail.com. Melissa Caddick's Dover Heights mansion has sold for $9.8million. Bruce Gleeson of Jones Partners - the receivers of Caddick's companies - said on Tuesday that the sale was 'a good outcome given the current market conditions.' The funds from the sale of the five bedroom house will go toward repaying investors who were fleeced out of millions of dollars by the missing conwoman. The settlement for the home successfully took place on January 27 2023 after being sold on October 28 2022. It was previously thought the home would sell for a price in the region of $12million. Melissa Caddick lived in the Dover Heights home with her husband, Anthony Koletti (pictured together) The home was expected to sell for over $10 million. NSW.Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer It's believed that liquidators were hoping to receive $10million from the sale of the home. 'We believe the sale price achieved is a strong result, given the current market conditions and will make a significant contribution towards the pool of funds available for Investors,' Mr Gleeson said at the time of the sale. 'We are very pleased with the outcome of the sales campaign and the interest received from prospective purchasers.' There was high interest in the home due to Caddick's notoriety, with a refundable $10,000 deposit needed just to enter the property for an inspection in a bid to deter sticky beaks. The home sits on 390sqm of land and boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms, study, a double garage, a heated pool and views of the city skyline. According to the listing, published online last year, the luxurious home has a 'soothing palette of cocooning colours and luxurious materials'. The home boasts harbour views, a pool and a wine cellar. NSW.Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer Last year, Caddick's husband Anthony Koletti submitted a statement to the Federal Court claiming a cut of the sale of the house. He told the Federal Court that he saw 'no purpose' in receivers having access to the Dover Heights home. 'I need all the money that I can get,' he said at the time. However, the claim was rejected. The receivers have also sold jewellery, artworks, and designer goods before Christmas 2022. The jewellery and luxury goods pulled in around $806,000 at auction in November while her paintings sold for a combined $48,000. An 18-carat white gold necklace with 13 black sapphires surrounded by diamonds by Stefano Canturi called 'Stella' sold for $130,000. Caddick purchased the necklace for $307,000 in 2015. Caddick was last seen at the residence (pictured) in the early hours of November 12, 2020 Meanwhile her collection of twelve handbags sold for $35,000, almost triple their estimated price. 'We have also received from Christian Dior Australia documents and funds they had been holding on behalf of Melissa Caddick,' Mr Gleeson said. Now Mr Gleeson's attention will be focused on the remaining property owned by Ms Caddick. 'Regarding the remaining items of Receivership Property, our efforts will be focused on the Edgecliff Property, and ultimately the distribution of the funds held by us to Out-of-Pocket Investors.' 'We will shortly be providing Investors with an update on the Receivership and Liquidation generally and holding an Investor Meeting around late February 2023.' Caddick was last seen at the residence in the early hours of November 12, 2020, just one day after her home was raided by ASIC agents and federal police officers. Her foot washed up on a beach on the NSW south coast in February 2021. An online booking site has revealed the world's top 10 most welcoming tourist destinations - and only one Australian city has made the cut. Online travel agency Booking.com released its 2023 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth list on January 24 for keen travellers looking for a friendly escape. The list, which is released yearly, compiled more than 232million customer reviews of local hotels, hire car companies and airport taxi suppliers. The Gold Coast ranked 10th on Booking.com's list of most welcoming cities on earth for 2023 and is the only Australian city listed The online travel agency labelled the Gold Coast 'the ultimate playground' for travellers of all ages (pictured, Warner Bros Movie World at the Gold Coast) Scraping into the 10th spot was the Gold Coast for its sun, surf, sand and theme parks, making it the 'ultimate playground for every traveler of any age'. Booking.com Chief Marketing Officer Arjan Dijk said cities were considered 'welcoming' based on the hospitality and effort they showed towards travellers. 'Its that personal attention to detail when checking in or sharing helpful recommendations to explore the destination like a local that demonstrates how our partners show up and shine for travellers,' Mr Dijk said. 'These awards are our way of thanking them for their dedication to making everyone feel welcome and to going out of their way to create incredible experiences for our customers. 'Whether its a friendly greeting from a taxi driver at the airport, sharing some local driving tips at the car rental counter or a thoughtful note waiting in the room, our passionate partners help make every trip more special.' Polignano a Mare in Italy (pictured) was ranked the most welcoming on earth. It is the second year in a row that a city in Italy has taken out the top spot This year's most welcoming places on Earth spans five continents. Hualien City in Taiwan (pictured) ranked second on the list Closing out the top three spots was San Sebastian located in the north of Spain This year's most welcoming places on Earth spans five continents, with Polignano a Mare in Italy taking top spot, while Taiwan's Hualien City and Spain's San Sebastian closed out the top three. European cities featured on the list with Dresden in Germany, Klaipeda in Lithuania, and York in the United Kingdom taking fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively. Seventh and eighth place went to two South American cities - Ushuaia in Argentina and Porto De Galinhas in Brazil, while Mexico City edged above the Gold Coast in ninth place. The online agency also ranked Australia's 'friendliest' cities - with the coastal town of Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria topping the list. Port Campbell had a number of 9 out of 10 ratings for accommodation reviews. The coastal town of Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Rd in Victoria took out the top spot as the most welcoming tourist town in Australia for 2023 (pictured, The Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Victoria) Halls Gap in Victoria made second place for its spectacular hiking views and waterfalls. In third place was Port Lincoln in South Australia, which is known for its pristine beaches and great white shark cage diving. Queensland was the most represented with three cities - Toowoomba, Montville and Maleny - ranking fourth, fifth and sixth on the list. The remaining spots went to two cities in Western Australia and one city in both New South Wales and Tasmania. New features include access to drivers licence and census The govt has flagged a series of changes to the portal There are 25million accounts on govt website, MyGov Registration of births and deaths, access to your driver's licence and enrolling to vote are just some of the new features expected in a major revamp of the government services portal, MyGov. The government has flagged the changes along with a huge funding boost following an expert panel review into the much-maligned service led by former Telstra executive, David Thodey. MyGov has experienced a boom in user numbers and online activity since the Covid pandemic with more Australians using government services online. There are 25million MyGov accounts, with 1.4million people using the website everyday and daily usage tripling in the past five years. An expert panel review into MyGov has highlighted a series of changes to improve the government services website (stock image) What changes have been recommended for MyGov? * Access to more government services * Registration of births and deaths * Helping people respond to disasters * Access to drivers licence, Medicare card, senior card and occupational licence * Access to the census * Allow users to enrol to vote * Allow users to renew their passport Advertisement The review included a survey that discovered 75 per cent of Aussies felt MyGov - notoriously difficult to log into - needed improvements. A series of recommendations have been highlighted in a report, which has been handed to the Albanese government. The findings propose the Commonwealth work closely with state and territory governments to bring more services to MyGov so Australians have access to more services in a single online location. New features recommended in the report include registering births and deaths, providing assistance for people in responding to natural disasters and better access to services related to drivers licences, Medicare cards, seniors cards, occupational licences and other forms of ID. It was also suggested that the government look into allowing people to enrol to vote, renew their passport or complete the census through MyGov. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said the changes in the report would be considered by the Albanese government over the coming months. 'It's a matter for negotiating with our comrades-in-arms at the state governments, and getting various federal departments on board,' he said. 'This (report) is the blueprint, and what we want to do - what I would like to do - over the next 12 months is articulate a calendar where we can start dropping cards in.' Government services minister Bill Shorten (left) said the commonwealth would consider the recommendations outlined in the report that was led by former Telstra executive, David Thodey (right) The report also suggested increased funding for MyGov, recommending a budget of $132million per year. Mr Shorten said this significant funding boost could be in the federal government's May budget. He stressed that the service urgently required additional funding to sufficiently operate going forward. Access to the Medicare card is expected to be introduced to the MyGov app in March. A shocking brawl broke out in a western Sydney bank on Monday between several teenage boys - before their mothers got involved and started trading blows. Incredible footage shows a group of women throwing punches at each other outside a St.George Bank in the Bankstown Central Shopping Centre. At one stage, a woman was knocked to the ground with two others climbing on top of her and appearing to rain down punches. It is unclear what sparked the brawl, though witnesses have suggested there was a fight between teenage boys before their mothers got involved. The footage shows up to 15 people involved in the fight, which is said to have lasted about 10 minutes. It is unclear what sparked the brawl, though witnesses have suggested there was a fight between teenage boys before their mothers got involved At one stage, a woman was knocked to the ground with two others climbing on top of her and appearing to rain down punches One woman, 52, was taken to hospital after suffering a lip injury in the melee. Video of the chaos was captured by onlookers and shared widely on social media. Screaming can be heard throughout the footage as workers attempt to separate the fighters. One witness, Haya Tallawi, told 9News she heard one of the women yell 'don't touch my son'. 'I was hearing bad screaming and when I looked up there was there a million people and then two women fighting together,' she said. NSW Police confirmed they attended the scene and are currently investigating the brawl. No arrests have yet been made. A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'About 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 30 January 2023), officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre on North Terrace, Bankstown, following reports of a brawl. NSW Police confirmed they attended the scene and are currently investigating the brawl Screaming can be heard throughout the footage as workers attempt to separate the fighters 'A 52-year-old woman sustained an injury to her lip during the incident. 'She was taken to Bankstown Hospital for treatment. 'Upon arrival, some of those involved left the scene. Investigators are urging those who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information about those involved to contact police immediately. A speeding Staten Island driver found out his pregnant 23-year-old fiance and their unborn child had died in a horror car crash - moments before he appeared in court charged with their manslaughter. Adem Nikeziq, 30, broke down on Monday when he was told Adriana Sylmetaj was dead after he crashed a Dodge Challenger while driving at around 100mph early Sunday morning. Nikeziq appeared in court weeping, wearing a hospital gown and sitting in a wheelchair, photos obtained by The New York Post showed. 'No one told him that his fiance and baby had passed,' lawyer Mark Fonte told the news outlet. 'When I told him, he broke down crying, sobbing. He was at first completely in disbelief.' Nikeziq was charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence, criminally negligent homicide and vehicular assault. Adriana Sylmetaj and her unborn baby were killed at 4.45am on Sunday morning after her fiance drove into a pole. Adem Nikeziq, 30, wept in court after discovering his fiance had died in the crash Nikeziq was allegedly drunk when he crashed the car while traveling at more than 100 mph Prosecutors explained in court how Sylmetaj's body was found at the scene when police arrived. 'She was found at the intersection,' Nicholas Agostino, assistant district attorney, said. 'Her severed leg was found 20 feet past her body. Her unborn child, ripped from her body, was found 20 feet past her leg.' Nikeziq claimed that a car had cut him off when he plowed into a utility pole at around 5am on Sunday morning, causing the vehicle to break into three parts. Agostino alleged Nikesiq was drinking when the crash occurred, and he was driving at a high speed. He asked for $500,000 cash bail or $750,000 bond, because the driver had a prior felony for driving without a license. He also asked that Nikesiq's passport be seized if he posted bond, SI Live reported. Nikesiq's attorney railed at prosecutors for insinuating his client was at risk of fleeing the country. 'Maybe [it's because] Mr Agostino can't pronounce his last name,' Fonte said. 'In the blink of an eye, he loses his girlfriend, he loses his child, he loses his liberty - and his life turned upside down. Let him mourn, let him grieve.' Nikesiq's bond was ultimately set at $400,000 cash bail and he is expected to return to court on Thursday. Sylmetaj and Nikesiq were expecting a daughter in April. The brother of Adriana Sylmetaj said how excited his sister was to become a mother. 'She was excited when she learned she was going to be a mother. It was something new to her. She couldn't wait to see the baby born,' Al Sylmetaj, told the New York Daily News. 'They were thinking on names but I don't think they came to any decision,' he added. 'They were planning on a baby shower.' Images emerged of the mangled car after the pregnant woman was killed. Prosecutors explained in court how Sylmetaj's body was found at the scene when police arrived Adriana Sylmetaj was ejected from the car when it collided with a utility pole at around 5am on Sunday morning, causing the vehicle to break into three parts The brother of Adriana Sylmetaj, 23, who died alongside her unborn daughter in a high sped car crash in Staten Island, has spoken of his sister's excitement over her pregnancy Nikeziq has a checkered driving history, including a 2017 arrest for drunk driving and driving with a suspended license, police sources told the Daily News. In 2019 he was also arrested for driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. Sylmetaj's brother said Nikeziq seemed untrustworthy and was often drunk after his father past away. 'I had this feeling the outcome was going to be this way,' Al said. 'Every time he presented himself, he was under the influence - not that he was uncontrollable, but how he articulated himself. 'He would always ask if I wanted to go have a drink,' he said. 'My birthday just passed and he was inviting me to go out to have a drink but I just said no thank you.' Sylmetaj and Nikesiq, who was often drunk, her brother says, were expecting a daughter in April The Albanian couple were traveling southbound on Hylan Boulevard in New Dorp at 4.44am when Nikesiq lost control. The vehicle hit a barrier wall before spinning out and crashing into a wooden utility pole, police said. 'He's going away for the rest of his life and that's still not good enough for that piece of s**t,' one grieving relative of Sylmetaj told the Post outside her home on Sunday. 'They couldn't save the baby,' he said. 'We're never going to be OK. None of us. We've experienced a terrible tragedy.' 'I don't understand how the [utility] pole is still standing,' Mario Basso, 31, owner of H20 Auto Spa near the site of the crash told The Post. 'It was hit so hard.' The severity of the impact caused Sylmetaj to be ejected from the car. She was pronounced dead at the scene The scene in the aftermath of the fatal crash, The collision happened as the couple was traveling at more than 100 mph Legislative Affairs Minister Vemula Prashant Reddy invites Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan to address the Budget Session on Monday. (Twitter) Hyderabad: The state government invited Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan to address the joint session of the Legislature on February 3 as the stalemate between the state government and the Governor over the approval of the state Budget was resolved with the intervention of the High Court, which refused to be drawn into the controversy while advising counsels of the two parties to hold deliberations. Minister for legislative affairs Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Special Chief Secretary of finance K. Ramakrishna Rao and legislature secretary V. Narasimha Charyulu met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and invited her to address the Budget session of legislature while requesting her to give her approval for introducing Budget in the legislative Assembly and legislative Council. The Governor responded positively, sources said. Further, the Governor was requested to give approval to prorogue Assembly and Legislative Council to enable commencement of new Assembly session in the new year to facilitate the Governor's customary address to Legislature for Budget session. The governor agreed to prorogue both the Houses. The government is reworking the Budget session schedule to accommodate the Governor's customary address to the joint session of the Legislature. Sources said the Governor is likely to address the Legislature on February 3, and the Budget is likely to be presented in the House on February 6 or 7 by finance minister T. Harish Rao. As per earlier plan, the government was supposed to present the Budget on February 3 without the Governor's address. However, it is now being proposed to have the Governor's address on February 3, discussion on motion of thanks to the Governor's address in both the Houses on February 4 or 6, and the Budget presentation on February 6 or 7. The Governor's speech will be drafted by the government and will be approved by the Cabinet. It remains to be seen whether the Governor sticks to the speech copy sent by the government or makes changes as Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao earlier alleged that the Governor had included some contents in her speech praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government at the Centre which were not approved by the Cabinet. A Met Police officer who used duct tape to restrain his female housemate then said 'who are you going to tell, I'm the police' has been sacked. PC Sam Grigg, 36, tied up Natasha Rabinowitz by taping her wrists together behind her back, taping her ankles together and gagging her mouth in the kitchen of their shared home in Twickenham, south west London on December 2, last year. He told the victim, in her 20s, he was doing it 'because it's funny,' according to the Telegraph. Having left her restrained for a period of time, he cut her free using a knife, cutting her in the process, the Met said. Grigg, who was attached to the South West Basic Command Unit, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared via video-link at Kingston Crown Court earlier this month. Scotland Yard said that an accelerated misconduct hearing at Westminster Magistrates on Monday found that Grigg breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of 'discreditable conduct' and he has been dismissed without notice. Sam Grigg will now be added to the barred list held by the College of Policing During the hearing John Howey, defending, said: 'Mr Grigg accepts that he tied up the complainant. He takes no issue with anything she says.' The Met said Ms Rabinowitz suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment. Grigg was off duty at the time of the offence. Judge Georgina Kent ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the sentencing hearing to February 10 at the same court. The incident was reported on December 6 last year and Grigg was charged two days later. After the misconduct hearing, Commander Jon Savell, in charge of the Met's professional standards department, said: 'PC Grigg's behaviour was totally unacceptable and I know it will cause concern among members of the public. 'He's let down the Met and his colleagues who are committed to keeping the people of London safe. 'We took immediate action to suspend him from duty when his offending came to light and have now removed him from the organisation. 'We are determined to have a Met that the public can trust, with officers that people feel comfortable to approach. 'When someone fails to meet these standards, we will take action to remove them from our organisation.' Grigg will now be added to the barred list held by the College of Policing. Anyone who appears on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. The arrest of two parents after their seven-year-old daughter died has sparked fury in the community. The couple from Stoke Newington, north London were arrested on suspicion of child neglect on Saturday. Neighbours say that the man and woman were taking care of their daughter, who it is claimed has a 'debilitating illness'. They said that the pair 'do not deserve' to be in this predicament. The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girl's death, previously calling the arrests 'necessary'. The arrest of two parents after their seven-year-old daughter died has sparked fury in the community. The couple from Stoke Newington, north London were arrested on suspicion of child neglect on Saturday. The child was found dead at a home on the street pictured above One neighbour told MailOnline: 'They are the most beautiful family. They took care of her so well and never complained or disturbed anyone. She was always dressed so well and was so looked after. 'I am so sad. They do not deserve this.' Another neighbour, who has been friends with the mother for around 30 years, said: 'They are a wonderful family. The social services got involved I think because she wasn't gaining weight, but when she went to hospital she couldn't gain weight either.' Locals said the girl was born with an extremely debilitating illness. It is not known what the girl's ailment was. 'It wasn't the parents doing anything wrong - it was part of her condition,' another neighbour said. 'She was extremely unwell. 'I think it was because something happened when she was born at the hospital, she didn't get enough oxygen or something.' They added: 'Everyone is outraged as they have been going through it for so long and they gave their daughter everything. 'I went round often and I saw her always interacting with her and saw her devotion. 'Whenever she had to go to hospital she was would cry so much.' Police have circulated a memo to members of the community in a bid to calm the situation Girl, seven, is found dead at house in north east London: CLICK HERE TO READ MORE The Metropolitan Police says the parents were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of child neglect and then bailed pending further enquiries Advertisement Currently there is no coroner's report indicating how the girl died. A friend of the family said: 'What I am angry about is that there is no Coroner's report, so there is no evidence, so how can they say all this? 'It's all speculation... I don't like that the story is is so one-sided.' Another neighbour echoed those sentiments, saying: 'They couldn't be a nicer family. 'The family did everything they could for her. They were so dedicated and attached to her. 'They tried the best they could.' According to the memo which is being circulated in the community, the Met was called to the property by London Ambulance Service and Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer emergency medical service that operates in North London. Police confirmed a 49-year-old man and 50-year-old woman have been arrested as a result of an incident on Friday, which saw the young girl pass away. In the notice the force said: 'There has been some concern amongst the orthodox Jewish community as the arrests were made during Sabbath. 'The arrests were necessary due to the seriousness of this tragic incident and needs of the investigation.' In a statement released Sunday, the Met said: 'They were taken into custody and have since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in late April. 'Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.' MailOnline contacted Met Police today and was told 'there are no updates at this time.' Police are attempting to block LGBTQI protests from being held outside the funeral of Cardinal George Pell, citing concerns for community safety. The former archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney died in a Rome hospital last month from heart complications following hip surgery and was given a traditional cardinal's funeral by the Vatican at St Peter's Basilica. He was 81. Protest group Community Action for Rainbow Rights applied to demonstrate outside the funeral at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on Thursday. 'However, despite attempted negotiations with organisers, safety concerns associated with their proposed assembly cannot be adequately mitigated without amendments to the proposal,' NSW Police said. Cardinal George Pell (pictured) died in a Rome hospital last month from heart complications following hip surgery NSW Police are trying to block LGBTQI protests from being held outside Cardinal Pell's funeral at St Mary's Cathedral (pictured) in Sydney 'As such, the Commissioner will apply to the NSW Supreme Court to prohibit the assembly. 'The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, the first priority is always the safety of the wider community.' A solemn reception has been planned for Cardinal Pell on Wednesday morning, with two masses followed by a vigil where mourners are invited to pay their respects. The Sydney-based protest group planned their demonstration for Thursday, when a requiem mass will be held before the cardinal is buried in a private ceremony at St Mary's crypt. The group said it would go ahead with a peaceful march on Thursday morning timed with the funeral, despite the police order. 'We need everybody to come out and protest on Thursday,' it said on Facebook. 'We can't let the police get away with denying us our right to protest.' Protest group Community Action for Rainbow Rights had applied to demonstrate outside the funeral Survivors of sexual abuse have tied coloured ribbons to the fences of St Mary's Cathedral, which symbolise sexual abuse perpetrated by the clergy The Catholic ceremonies are expected to attract thousands and screens will be put up in the cathedral's exterior forecourt to accommodate the mourners. It comes as survivors of sexual abuse tie coloured ribbons to the fences of St Mary's Cathedral in central Sydney, which symbolise sexual abuse perpetrated by the clergy. Cardinal Pell was the Vatican's top finance minister before leaving Rome in 2017 to stand trial in Melbourne for child sexual abuse offences. The following year, he was convicted of molesting two teenage choirboys in the sacristy of St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne while archbishop in 1996. He maintained his innocence and in 2020 his convictions were quashed by the High Court. Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin has boasted he is turning convicted killers into 'real cannibals' after they were released from prison to join his feared mercenary group. Prigozhin was seen in a video at a special training ground for his private paramilitary fighters in the village of Molkino in the Krasnodar region, southern Russia. Prigozhin's mercenary group consists of around 50,000 prisoners including rapists and murders who will be pardoned and free to live in society no matter how heinous their crimes if they survive six months of war. The Wagner chief boasted he is turning the prisoners into 'real cannibals' before they are deployed to Ukraine. Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin has boasted he is turning convicted killers into 'real cannibals' after they were released from prison to join his feared mercenary group Prigozhin was seen in a video at a special training ground for his private paramilitary fighters (pictured) in the village of Molkino in the Krasnodar region, southern Russia Ukrainian BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles drive in a convoy down an icy road in the Donetsk region on Monday 'This is a supplementary training base for our fighters,' Prigozhin said in the video, as Wagner troops conducted combat drills behind him. 'The primary training is in Molkino [Krasnodar region], and here experienced fighters are given additional training in their specialties. 'So they raise young eagles there [in Molkino]. And here they make real cannibals.' Prigozhin, himself a former jail inmate after assaulting and robbing a woman, has become a billionaire under Putin's rule, and he also runs troll factories pumping out Russian propaganda on social media. He mocked his foes who criticise him as running a private army with appalling losses at the frontline. Prigozhin was seen in a video at a special training ground for his private paramilitary fighters (pictured) in Molkino Ukrainian servicemen fire a mortar on a front line, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Bakhmut, on January 27 He slammed those who 'were once in the army' or 'once wore the shoulder straps of a general' in the 'distant past'. He said: 'Live in the present. [This is] a war unlike anything that has happened, in the previous century or this one - except WW2.' It was reported earlier that Wagner recruited at least one 'maniac' killer convicted of cannibalism and 'hundreds of murderers' to fight in Putin's war. Olga Romanova, from human rights group Russia Behind Bars told Mozhem Obyasnit media outlet: 'We have started to hear that he has begun taking rapists, too. 'They have also taken a maniac from [a jail in] Saratov region, who has cannibalism in his 'portfolio'.' Meanwhile, Putin is said to have turned against Prigozhin after he 'failed to take the hint' and kept on bragging that his forces were achieving more success than Russia's army. And the Wagner chief has risked further angering the Russian President by dismissing Moscow's generals as 'a bunch of clowns'. Prigozhin is increasingly seen as posing a rising threat to the Kremlin leader with his daily grandstanding and outspoken boasts. Last week, he claimed his ragbag fighters have achieved heroics greater than Soviet soldiers at the Battle of Stalingrad, a key military turning point in the Second World War. He has also openly mocked General Valery Gerasimov - the Russian commander-in-chief - who ordered that Russian soldiers should shave off their beards as part of a discipline drive in the armed forces. Russia's defence chiefs were 'a bunch of clowns' seeking the 'glamorisation of the army', raged Prigozhin, a Soviet-era jail inmate who came to fame arranging banquets and managing online troll factories for Putin. 'Female war correspondents go into the absolute heat of [war],' said Prigozhin. 'Jail inmates fight better than units of the Guards. Servicemen with broken spines pass on their military experience at training camps, moving around like robots. 'And a bunch of clowns try to teach fighters exhausted with hard military labour how many times they ought to shave and what kind of perfume they must use to greet high commanders.' Alec Baldwin is set to be formally charged with felony charges of involuntary manslaughter today over the shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The actor, 64, will be charged alongside the film's weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed over the death in October 2021 during on on-set rehearsal for the Western movie. The 30 Rock star, who was pictured looking somber on Sunday as he took a stroll in New York carrying his phone and paperwork while wife Hilaria unloaded their car, could face trial this year over the killing. Hilaria, 39, admitted she doesn't 'feel so strong' after a state prosecutor announced on January 19 that her husband would face charges. Alec Baldwin is set to be formally charged with felony charges of involuntary manslaughter today over the shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (pictured in New York on Sunday) She said on a recent episode of her podcast Witches Anonymous: 'It's been an emotional time for my family. And I do so want to express to you how grateful I am for your support and your kindness and your reason. 'Quite honestly, without it, we would crumble. So, thank you so much for being our rock right now because I don't feel so strong.' In recent weeks, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has outlined two sets of involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting against Baldwin and film set weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. The district attorney said through a spokeswoman Monday that her office will release charging documents and a statement of probable cause outlining the evidence. Hutchins' death already has led to new safety precautions in the film industry. Involuntary manslaughter can involve a killing that happens while a defendant is doing something lawful but dangerous and is acting negligently or without caution. Special prosecutor Andrea Reeb has cited a pattern of 'criminal disregard for safety' on the set of Rust. The 64-year-old actor took a solo walk carrying some paperwork and bundled up in a navy blue puffer jacket Hilaria Baldwin, 39, was pictured unloading her car by the family home after a short trip away Baldwin is set to be formally charged with felony charges of involuntary manslaughter today Hilaria, 39, admitted she doesn't 'feel so strong' after a state prosecutor announced on January 19 that her husband would face charges Prosecutors also said they will release the terms of a signed plea agreement with assistant director David Halls, who oversaw safety on the set. Participants in the un-filmed rehearsal have given conflicting accounts of who handed the gun to Baldwin. Halls has agreed to plead guilty in the negligent use of a deadly weapon, they said. Previous witnesses have said that Halls handed Baldwin the gun and that he declared it a 'cold gun' despite the presence of live ammo in the chamber, according to a search warrant. Alec and Hilaria are pictured last week leaving the city as he prepares to face a potential trial Hutchins was the cinematography director of the film and is shown here on her Instagram page 'Cold gun' is a term used on sets to notify that live ammo isn't being used. In a December deposition with the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, Halls denied giving Baldwin the gun, saying he gave it to Gutierrez-Reed. He also accused Gutierrez-Reed of declaring 'cold gun.' Halls also compared the death of Hutchins as comparable to a plane crash in that it wasn't any one person's fault but rather 'a system failure.' Halls told the deposition that he had no 'recollection' of saying 'cold gun' adding, 'I have recollections of Hannah saying it.' 'Its just like what they say about an airplane crash. Its like its just not one thing, yknow. It's a system failure.' The assistant director is even expected to testify against Baldwin if it goes to trial. Heather Brewer, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said in a statement Monday that prosecutors are 'fully focused on securing justice for Halyna Hutchins' and 'the evidence and the facts speak for themselves.' Baldwin, also a co-producer on Rust, has described the killing as a tragic accident. In November, Baldwin had launched a lawsuit against Halls, in addition to other production staff David Halls, the first assistant director on the set of Rust, is likely to testify against Alec Baldwin The 64-year-old actor said he was told the gun was safe and has sought to clear his name by suing people involved in handling and supplying the loaded .45-caliber revolver. In his lawsuit, Baldwin said that while working on camera angles with Hutchins, he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled back and released the hammer of the weapon, which discharged. Defense attorney Jason Bowles, who represents Gutierrez-Reed, said the charges are the result of a 'flawed investigation' and an 'inaccurate understanding of the full facts.' Involuntary manslaughter linked to negligence is a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law. The second set of manslaughter charges allege recklessness with a provision that could result in a mandatory five years in prison because the offense was committed with a gun. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film set's armorer, will also be charged with involuntary manslaughter Once charges have been filed with the court, Baldwin will be issued with a summons - but he won't have to go New Mexico to honor it in person. Instead, he will be allowed to appear before a judge virtually. The hearing is the first step in long judicial process. A judge must then review the evidence that the prosecutors have compiled, and rule on whether or not the case can proceed to trial. That is known as a probable cause hearing. If Baldwin pleads not guilty, which he is expected to do, the case will move to trial. If convicted, Baldwin has the right to an appeal and it's likely he would file one. Sentencing would likely be put on hold until then. Baldwin faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison of convicted of involuntary manslaughter with the firearm enhancement that prosecutors discussed today. The involuntary manslaughter charge also carries a $5,000 fine. The key questions that remain UNANSWERED as prosecutors prepare to formally file charges over Rust shooting Alec Baldwin and Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. But even though prosecutors say they are responsible for the accidental death, two key questions remain unanswered. Namely, how did live bullets end up on the film set to begin with? And did Alec Baldwin pull the trigger? Why were live bullets on the set of Rust? Baldwin was handed the gun by Assistant Director Dave Halls, who'd been handed the gun by weapons supervisor Gutierrez-Reed. She has always insisted she is not to blame, and doesn't know how a live round ended up mixed in with dummy rounds on the set. It remains unclear how they came to be on the ranch. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed allegedly brought the live rounds to the set and was to blame, according to Baldwin Seth Kenney, the owner of the prop shop which supplied the dummy rounds for Rust, had both live and dummy rounds in his shop. He told police that Gutierrez-Reed had been firing live rounds on the set - but he didn't say where she obtained the bullets from. That is the question that Baldwin believes is at the heart of the investigation. He has always argued that whoever brought those rounds onto the set and mixed them with dummies is to blame, and his fans agree. Did Alec Baldwin pull the trigger or not? The shooting happened while Baldwin was rehearsing, so he insists he did not pull the trigger. He says he pulled the gun from his holster and held it facing Hutchins, director Joel Souza and the rest of the crew. Crucially, he has always maintained that it was 'cocked' - but says he did not fire it. Those comments were undermined by an FBI report released in August which said it was impossible for the gun to fire while cocked unless the trigger had been pulled. The same report said that it was possible for the gun to fire without the trigger being pulled if the gun was not cocked. Baldwin's attorneys however slapped down that report. They said it was based on testing that wasn't extensive. They are expected to pick that apart at trial. Footage has emerged of a survivor of the suicide bombing at a mosque in north-western Pakistan who was discovered under the rubble almost 10 hours after the attack. The worshipper was miraculously pulled out alive by rescuers last night. Video shows the man blinking, with his face discoloured by the dirt, as rescuers work to pull him from the ground. The death toll from the attack has risen to more than 90, officials said on Tuesday. Footage has emerged of a survivor of the suicide bombing at a mosque in north-western Pakistan who was discovered under the rubble. The worshipper was miraculously pulled out alive by rescuers last night At least 170 people were injured in the attack on a Sunni mosque inside a major police facility in Peshawar, which was one of the deadliest on Pakistani security forces in recent years. Some 300 worshippers were praying in the mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest on Monday morning. The blast ripped through the building, killing and injuring dozens of people and also blowing off part of the roof. What was left of the roof then caved in, injuring many more, according to police officer Zafar Khan. Rescuers had to remove mounds of debris to reach worshippers still trapped under the rubble. More bodies were retrieved overnight and early on Tuesday, according to Mohammad Asim, a government hospital spokesman in Peshawar, and several of those critically injured died. 'Most of them were policemen,' he said of the victims. Rescue workers search for victims amid debris a day after a suicide bomb blast at a Mosque in Police Lines, in Peshawar, KPK province, Pakistan, on January 31, 2023 The blast ripped through the building, killing and injuring dozens of people and also blowing off part of the roof Chief rescue official Bilal Faizi said rescue teams were still working at the site on Tuesday as more people are believed to be trapped inside. Mourners were burying the victims at different graveyards in the city and elsewhere. It was not clear how the bomber was able to slip into the walled compound in a high-security zone with other government buildings and get to the mosque. An investigation will show how the terrorist entered the mosque, said Ghulam Ali, the governor in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the capital of which is Peshawar. He said it was a 'security lapse'. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited a hospital in Peshawar after the bombing and vowed 'stern action' against those behind the attack. 'The sheer scale of the human tragedy is unimaginable. This is no less than an attack on Pakistan,' he tweeted. Security personnel and rescue workers search for victims amid the debris of a damaged mosque a day after a blast inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on January 31, 2023 Rescue workers carry the remains of the blast victims from the debris on January 30, 2023 He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying their pain 'cannot be described in words'. Authorities have not determined who was behind the bombing. Shortly after the explosion, Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander for the Pakistani Taliban - also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP - claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Twitter. But hours later, TTP spokesman Mohammad Khurasani distanced the group from the bombing, saying it is not its policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places, adding that those taking part in such acts could face punitive action under TTP's policy. His statement did not address why a TTP commander had claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistan, which is mostly Sunni Muslim, has seen a surge in militant attacks since November, when the Pakistani Taliban ended their ceasefire with government forces. Security officials gather for funeral prayers of police officers who were killed in the suicide bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan on January 30, 2023 Mourners gather at the funeral of a policeman a day after the mosque blast on January 31, 2023 Earlier this month, the group claimed one of its members shot and killed two intelligence officers, including the director of the counter-terrorism wing of the country's military-based spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. Security officials said on Monday that the gunman had been traced and killed in a shootout in the north-west, near the Afghan border. The TTP is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, who seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops pulled out of the country after 20 years of war. It has waged an insurgency in Pakistan in the past 15 years, seeking stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of its members in government custody and a reduction in Pakistani military presence in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province it has long used as its base. The Pakistani Taliban are the dominant militant group in the province, and Peshawar, which is close to the border with Afghanistan, has been the scene of frequent attacks since November, when the militant group ended their cease-fire with government forces. In 2014, a Pakistani Taliban faction attacked an army-run school in Peshawar and killed 154, mostly schoolchildren. The regional affiliate of the Islamic State group has also been behind deadly attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Overall, violence increased since the Afghan Taliban seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan in August 2021, as US and Nato troops pulled out of the country after 20 years of war. The Pakistani government's truce with the TTP ended as the country was still contending with unprecedented flooding last summer that killed 1,739 people, destroyed more than two million homes, and at one point submerged as much as a third of the country. The Taliban-run Afghan Foreign Ministry said it was 'saddened to learn that numerous people lost their lives' in Peshawar and condemned attacks on worshippers as contrary to the teachings of Islam. A wounded policeman gets treated at a government hospital a day after the mosque blast inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on January 31, 2023 Men move an injured victim, after a suicide blast in a mosque, at hospital premises in Peshawar, Pakistan on January 30, 2023 Pakistan's army soldiers patrol outside the police headquarters a day after a mosque blast in Peshawar on January 31, 2023 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a visit to the Middle East, tweeted his condolences, saying the bombing in Peshawar was a 'horrific attack'. 'Terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible,' he said. Strong criticism also came from the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, as well as the US Embassy, which said the 'United States stands with Pakistan in condemning all forms of terrorism'. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the bombing 'particularly abhorrent' for targeting a place of worship, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan also expressed his condolences, calling the bombing a 'terrorist suicide attack'. Sharif's government came to power in April after Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Khan has since campaigned for early elections, claiming his ousting was illegal and part of a plot backed by the US, but Washington and Sharif have dismissed his claims. The suicide bomb attack collapsed a mosque roof and killed worshippers in Pakistan. Around three hundred people are believed to have been praying in the mosque when the bomb exploded An injured man is stretchered away from the bomb site. The death toll from a suicide bombing at a mosque in north-western Pakistan has risen more than 90, officials said on Tuesday Security forces near the site of the attack in Peshawar, Pakistan. It is believed that the targets of the bomb were police officers At least 170 people were injured in the attack on a Sunni mosque inside a major police facility in Peshawar, which was one of the deadliest on Pakistani security forces in recent years Rescue workers carry the remains of the blast victims from the debris of a damaged mosque after a blast inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on Monday Police officers shift their injured colleague to a hospital after the blast at a Mosque to a hospital in Peshawar on Monday An injured victim of a suicide bombing talks on his mobile phone after getting initial treatment outside a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday Peshawar police chief Muhammad Ijaz Khan estimated that between 300 and 400 officers usually attended prayers at the mosque. After the blast, bloodied survivors emerged limping from the wreckage, while bodies were ferried away in ambulances as the rescue operation continued. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the police and the rescuers scrambled to rush the wounded to hospitals. Security officials said the bomber was sitting in the front row of the mosque as people lined up to pray. Provincial governor Haji Ghulam Ali said on Monday that rescue workers did not know exactly how many people remained trapped under the rubble. Local police officer Zafar Khan said several of the wounded were listed in critical condition at a hospital and there were fears the death toll would rise. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (centre) and Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir (left) meeting a wounded police officer at a military hospital following the mosque blast Senior officials have condemned the attack. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and ordered the best possible medical treatment for the victims A mourner at the site of the blast in Peshawar, northwest Pakistan Rescue workers gather to remove the rubble to look for survivors at the site of the bombing in Peshawar Hundreds of people are thought to have been in the vicinity at the time of the blast, including police officers and worshippers Riaz Mahsud, a senior local government official, said: 'We cut three main beams of the building and efforts are underway to cut the remaining one.' One survivor, 38-year-old police officer Meena Gul, said he was inside the mosque when the bomb went off. He said he doesn't know how he survived unhurt. He could hear cries and screams after the bomb exploded. Shahid Ali, a policeman who survived, said the explosion took place seconds after the imam started prayers. 'I saw black smoke rising to the sky. I ran out to save my life,' the 47-year-old said. 'The screams of the people are still echoing in my mind,' he added. 'People were screaming for help.' Rescue workers at the scene of a blast at a Mosque, in Peshawar, on Monday. The blast ripped through the walls and roof of the mosque (pictured) A frantic rescue mission is now underway at the mosque as emergency personnel search for survivors amongst the rubble (pictured) A police officer, who was injured in a blast at a Mosque, is helped by worshippers to a hospital in Peshawar in the wake of the attack Police officers help injured victims of the suicide bomb attack to a hospital in Peshawar Volunteers carry the coffin of a man, killed in the suicide bombing inside a mosque, at a hospital, in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday Security officials and rescue workers search for bodies at the site of suicide bombing in Peshawar on Monday The impact of the explosion collapsed the roof of the mosque, which caved in and injured many, according to Zafar Khan, a local police officer The attacker appeared to have passed through several barricades manned by security forces to get into the 'Red Zone' compound that houses police and counter-terrorism offices in the volatile northwestern city of Peshawar, police said. 'It was a suicide bombing,' Peshawar Police Chief Ijaz Khan told Reuters. Many of the 170 wounded people were in critical condition, he said. The bombing happened a day before an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Islamabad to initiate talks on unlocking funding for the South Asian country's economy, which is enduring a balance of payments crisis. Cash-strapped Pakistan faces a severe economic crisis and is seeking a crucial instalment of 1.1 billion US dollars (888.5 million) from the IMF - part of its six billion dollar (4.9 billion) bailout package - to avoid default. Talks with the IMF on reviving the bailout have stalled in the past months. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victims. He also vowed 'stern action' against those who were behind the attack. 'The sheer scale of the human tragedy is unimaginable,' Sharif said. 'This is no less than an attack on Pakistan. The nation is overwhelmed by a deep sense of grief. I have no doubt terrorism is our foremost national security challenge.' A man mourns for a dead relative, who was killed in the suicide bomb attack on Monday Rescue workers extract the body of a victim of the mosque blast as they desperately search for survivors underneath the rubble People gathered around the damaged buildings to help look for survivors in the hours after the explosion The Prime Minister appealed for members of his own party to donate blood to help survivors. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the bombing, calling it a 'terrorist suicide attack' in a tweet online. Khan wrote: 'My prayers & condolences go to victims families. 'It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.' Last April, a mosque in Imam Saheb was the target of another bombing, which killed dozens in Sunni Mawlawi Sekandar Mosque. Injured people are being carried to ambulances at the site of the suicide bomb attack in Peshawar on Monday Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victims Some worshippers are being treated outside the mosque while others in critical condition are being rushed to hospital In the capital Islamabad Police issued a security high-alert and said security at all entry and exit points to the city had been increased In the capital, Islamabad Police issued a security high-alert and said security at all entry and exit points to the city had been increased. The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, has waged an insurgency in Pakistan over the past 15 years. It seeks the stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of their members who are in government custody and a reduction in the Pakistani military presence in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that it has longed used as its base. The suicide bombing had catastrophic affects on the mosque and its worshippers and has caused the roof to collapse Brave onlookers and survivors risked their lives to help save their fellow worshippers The building falling apart after the suicide bomb attack on Monday The government's truce with the TTP ended as Pakistan was still contending with unprecedented flooding that killed 1,739 people, destroyed more than 2 million homes, and at one point submerged as much as one third of the country. Mohmand, of the militant organization, said a fighter carried out the attack to avenge the killing of Abdul Wali, who was widely known as Omar Khalid Khurasani, and was killed in neighbouring Afghanistan's Paktika province in August 2022. Sharif's government came to power last April after Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Khan has since campaigned for early elections, claiming his ouster was illegal and part of a plot backed by the United States. Washington and Sharif have dismissed Khan's claims. The United Kingdom has been given its worst ever score in a global corruption report, which blamed public spending and ministerial misconduct. The closely watched study by anti-graft organisation Transparency International said most of the world's countries were failing to fight corruption, finding 95 percent have made little or no progress since 2017. The report ranks countries on a scale from a 'highly corrupt' 0 to a 'very clean' 100. Denmark is seen as the least corrupt this year with 90 points, and Finland and New Zealand both follow closely at 87. Somalia ranked worst, with 12 points. The United Kingdom, meanwhile, was given a score of 73 - placing it 18th on the list, alongside Belgium and Japan - its lowest score since the index began in 1995. The closely watched study by anti-graft organisation Transparency International said most of the world's countries were failing to fight corruption, finding 95 percent have made little or no progress since 2017. Pictured: A map showing how countries were ranked in the report Transparency International's 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which measures the perception of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople, found that governments hampered by corruption lack the capacity to protect the people, while public discontent is more likely to turn into violence. 'Corruption has made our world a more dangerous place. As governments have collectively failed to make progress against it, they fuel the current rise in violence and conflict - and endanger people everywhere,' said Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chairperson of Transparency International. 'The only way out is for states to do the hard work, rooting out corruption at all levels to ensure governments work for all people, not just an elite few,' she added. Strong democratic institutions and regard for human rights made the top countries some of the most peaceful in the world, the report said. However, the report also found that while western Europe remains the top-scoring region (a 66 average), some of its countries are showing worrying signs of decline. The United Kingdom dropped five points to 73 - its lowest ever score - and fell from 11th place in 2021 (when it had 78 points) to 18th in 2022. The report said a number of scandals from public spending to lobbying, as well as revelations of ministerial misconduct, have highlighted woeful inadequacies in the country's political integrity systems. Public trust in Britain's politics is also worryingly low, it said. A recent flash point has seen Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sack Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi for breaching the ministerial code over his tax affairs. Last year, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned after a string of scandals resulted in over 50 ministers - including Sunak and Zahawi - quitting government. This led to Liz Truss being chosen as the next Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister, who herself resigned just 49 days in to her tenure, before being replaced by Sunak in October. He now says he is taking steps to clean up the government. Public trust in Britain's politics is worryingly low, Transparency International's report said. A recent flash point has seen Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sack Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi (left) for breaching the ministerial code over his tax affairs. Meanwhile, Baroness Michelle Mone (right) is under investigation by the National Crime Agency as part of a fraud investigation into a Covid supplies company UK's Corruption Perceptions Index scores since 2012 Year / Score / Rank 2022 - 73 - 18 2021 - 78 - 11 2020 - 77 - 11 2019 - 77 - 12 2018 - 80 - 11 2017 - 82 - 8 2016 - 81 - 7 2015 - 81 - 7 2014 - 78 - 7 2013 - 76 - 8 2012 - 74 - 8 Advertisement In terms of public spending scandals, questions have been raised in particular over the government's procurement of PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was reported last week that a further 6billion of taxpayer's money was 'wasted' on Covid-era equipment in 2022, meaning Department of Health has lost 14.9billion on over-priced, faulty or unused PPE, tests and drugs since the pandemic began. In one case, Baroness Michelle Mone is under investigation by the National Crime Agency as part of a fraud investigation into a Covid supplies company. The report described the UK's score as having 'dropped significantly' since 2021. 'This sharp fall in the UKs score is a powerful indictment of a recent decline in standards in government and controls over the use of taxpayer money. These findings should set alarm bells ringing in Downing Street,' said Daniel Bruce, Chief Executive of Transparency International UK. 'The underlying data clearly indicate that business executives and other experts are concerned about insufficient controls on the abuse of public office and increasingly view corruption and bribery as a real issue in Britain. This is the strongest signal yet that slipping standards are being noticed on the world stage' Transparency International UK called on the British government to take three key steps to improve its CPI score for 2023. These included supporting the Public Service (Integrity and Ethics) Bill - currently in the House of Lords - appointing an influential anti-corruption champion, and protecting the taxpayer's money by disclosing all Covid-19 'VIP lane' transactions and by introducing new rules around government emergency contracting powers. 'The UK's sharp fall paints a bleak, if not unexpected picture. The good news is that changes can be made to reverse the decline,' Bruce continued. 'Restoring the confidence of business to begin rebuilding Britain's CPI score will not be easy it demands comprehensive action as well as words in order to make good on the Prime Minister's commitment to lead a government of integrity and accountability.' Countries like Switzerland, at 82, and the Netherlands, which scored 80 points, are showing signs of decline amidst concerns over weak integrity and lobbying regulations - even though their scores remain high compared to other nations. In eastern Europe, which with central Asia scored an average of 35, corruption is seen as remaining rampant as many countries reached historic lows. Russia in particular was highlighted as a glaring example of corruption's impact on peace and stability. The report ranks countries on a scale from a 'highly corrupt' 0 to a 'very clean' 100. Denmark is seen as the least corrupt this year with 90 points. Ukraine scored 33 points, but the report noted the country was taking steps to fight corruption, as it also fights Russia's invasion. Pictured: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during a visit to Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, 30 January 2023 The country's invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago was a stark reminder of the threat that corruption and the absence of government accountability pose for global peace and security, the report said. It added that kleptocrats in Russia, which is at 28 points, have amassed great fortunes by pledging loyalty to President Vladimir Putin in exchange for profitable government contracts and protection of their economic interests. 'The absence of any checks on Putin's power allowed him to pursue his geopolitical ambitions with impunity,' the report concluded. 'This attack destabilized the European continent, threatening democracy, and has killed tens of thousands.' Before the invasion, Ukraine, which scored 33 points, had a low score but was undertaking important reforms and steadily improving. Even after the outbreak of the war, the country has continued to prioritise anti-corruption reforms. However, wars disrupt normal processes and exacerbate risks, the report pointed out, allowing corrupt actors to pocket funds meant for recovery. Earlier this month investigations exposed alleged war profiteering by several senior officials. The index rated 180 countries and territories. Somalia was at the bottom with 12 points; South Sudan tied with Syria for second-to-last with 13. The report also pointed out how after decades of conflict, South Sudan is in a major humanitarian crisis with more than half of the population facing acute food insecurity - and corruption is exacerbating the situation. In Yemen, with a score of 16, where complaints of corruption helped spark civil war eight years ago, the report said that the state has collapsed, leaving two-thirds of the population without sufficient food in what has become one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. As a region, sub-Saharan Africa scored the worst average with 32. The Middle East and North Africa scored an average of 38, the Americas 43 and Asia Pacific 45. Only eight countries improved last year, among them Ireland with 77 points, South Korea with 63, Armenia at 46, and Angola at 33. Compiled since 1995, the index is calculated using 13 different data sources that provide perceptions of public sector corruption from businesspeople and country experts. Sources include the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and private risk and consulting companies. Ministers have promised a crackdown after a surge in the number of affairs between prison staff and inmates - with criminals exploiting illicit relationships to smuggle contraband into jails. There has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of workers exposed for inappropriate relationships since 2017 to more than 40 a year, according to figures released under Freedom of Information laws. Better external security, such as x-rays, sniffer dogs and baggage checks, has made criminals more likely to try to corrupt staff to bring in contraband such as mobile phones, which can be worth 1,000 behind bars. Insiders say offenders try to identify and target officers' weaknesses, such as debts and inexperience. Ayshea Gunn was pictured kissing inmate Khuram Razaq in HMP Berwyn near Wrexham. She was later jailed One source told the Telegraph: 'It normally starts with the blurring of boundaries, small requests around being out of the cell for a bit longer or an extra breakfast pack.' A new anti-corruption unit involving 20 police officers from regional organised crime units seeks to snare inmates and the staff they have enticed to bring in contraband - and sometimes even help run their criminal empires. Staff are also receiving training to identify tactics prisoners use to lure them into relationships which can make them vulnerable to blackmail. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab vowed that the 'newly bolstered Counter-Corruption Team' would continue to 'root out' corrupt officers. The unit now has 140 staff and has carried out 'hundreds' of investigations into suspect staff and prisoners. One of its first successes saw prison health worker Megan Woodham jailed for six years for sneaking ketamine into HMP Risley for drugs baron Daniel Doran. Prison nurse Elyse Hibbs, 25, had a 'fling' with 'manipulative' inmate Harri Pullen, 25 Justice Secretary Dominic Raab (pictured today) has vowed that the 'newly bolstered Counter-Corruption Team' would continue to 'root out' corrupt officers Jurors also heard the crooked jail worker also used her Wigan home as a 'safehouse' for a wider, multi-million pound cocaine ring. In another notorious case at HMP Berwyn near Wrexham, three prison officers were jailed for affairs with inmates over four years, with some caught having sex in cells. The number of female prison staff has risen by 27 per cent to 15,000 since 2017 as part of a diversity drive, with women now accounting for 42 per cent of the total. Last year, it emerged there had been a sixfold increase in the number of prison officers convicted on corruption charges since the specialist investigation unit was set up. In 14 months to January 2022, there were 65 convictions of staff out of 143 cases, with 42 jailed. There were just ten successful prosecutions of 123 cases in the year after the unit was formed with 29 staff in April 2019. Offences include supplying Class A drugs to prisoners and smuggling in banned items. John Podmore, former governor of HMP Belmarsh, said: 'It's the tip of the iceberg. The number of investigators is key. The more you have, the more you'll catch.' A Prison Service spokesman said: The overwhelming majority of Prison Service staff are hard-working and dedicated, and we will not hesitate to punish those who break the rules. French workers took to the streets today as they protest against Emmanuel Macron's plan to push the state pension age from 62 to 64. Transport blockages and mass strikes are threatening to bring the country to a standstill for the second time this month over the policy. The situation contrasts dramatically with the UK, where ministers are currently mulling speeding up the increase in the retirement age to 68 by the mid-2030s - even though life expectancy is lower on most metrics. Mr Macron has vowed to push ahead with his drive to reduce the burden on state pensions despite a million people being expected to join protests. Under the proposals the minimum age for claiming the full state pension - assuming you have accrued enough working years - would increase to 64 from 2030. Some 11,000 police have been mobilised across the country, with 4,000 deployed in Paris. French workers took to the streets today as they protest against Emmanuel Macron's plan to push the state pension age from 62 to 64. Pictured, French high school students block the access to the Lycee Turgot in Paris Transport blockages and mass strikes are threatening to bring France to a standstill for the second time this month over the policy Mr Macron (left) has vowed to push ahead with his pension reforms despite the protests. Meanwhile in the UK, Jeremy Hunt (right) is said to be pushing for the state pension age to rise to 68 by 2035 - potentially affecting huge numbers currently in their early 50s and 40s Analysis by think-tank the King's Fund has found that life expectancy at birth was 85.3 years for women and 79.2 for men in France in 2020. The equivalent figures for Brits were 82.4 and 78.4 years. Most Paris metro and suburban rail services are severely restricted and just one in three high-speed trains are expected to run. On January 19, some 1.1million took to the streets to rally against the shake-up - the largest protests since the last major round of pension reform in 2010. Meanwhile, in the UK - where the system is slightly different - ministers are engaged in a furious split over making millions more Brits work until they are 68. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is said to be pushing for the state pension age to rise to 68 by 2035 - potentially affecting the retirements of around 10million people currently between 45 and 55. The dramatic move could help with the battle to stabilise the government finances in the wake of Covid and the Ukraine war. However, ministers have been warned they are 'playing with fire' - and Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is believed to be pushing for a later date. The government announced its intention to raise the retirement age to 68 by the end of the 2030s after the Cridland review was carried out in 2017. But Mr Stride is said to be worried that advances in life expectancy have fallen short of the predictions used in that study - meaning that people will not enjoy as long in retirement. That would suggest that the schedule should actually be slowed down, rather than brought forward to 2035. Analysis by think-tank the King's Fund has found that life expectancy at birth was 85.3 years for women and 79.2 for men in France in 2020. The equivalent figures for Brits were 82.4 and 78.4 years. Zoran Milanovic said Western support for Ukraine would only 'prolong the war' Ukraine's foreign ministry criticised Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Tuesday for saying Crimea would never return to Ukrainian control, describing his comment as 'unacceptable'. In remarks on Monday detailing his objection to Zagreb providing military aid to Kyiv, Milanovic said it was 'clear that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine'. 'We consider as unacceptable the statements of the president of Croatia, who effectively cast doubt on the territorial integrity of Ukraine,' Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko wrote on Facebook. Milanovic on Monday declared it is 'mad' to think that Russia can be defeated in a conventional war and criticised western nations for supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks and other weapons. Croatian president Zoran Milanovic has railed against the West's provision of military aid and weapons to Ukraine, despite his nation being a part of NATO The US are to send some 31 of their M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, US President Biden announced on 25 January 2023. The move comes as Germany agreed to send its Leopard 2 tanks and allow other countries with stocks of Leopard 2s to do the same Milanovic told reporters in the Croatian capital Zagreb that the military aid provided by Western nations to Kyiv is futile and will only extend the conflict. 'I am against sending any lethal arms there, it prolongs the war,' Milanovic said of the West's bid to help Ukraine end Putin's illegal and unprovoked invasion. 'What is the goal? Disintegration of Russia, change of the government? There is also talk of tearing Russia apart. This is mad,' he added. Milanovic also declared that Crimea - the peninsula annexed from Ukraine by Russia in 2014 - would never be returned to Kyiv. What the West is doing about Ukraine 'is deeply immoral because there is no solution (to the war),' Milanovic told reporters during a visit to military barracks in the eastern town of Petrinja. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to restore Ukrainian rule over Crimea, arguing the peninsula belongs to Ukraine and that the annexation was not recognised by most countries. Milanovic won the presidential election in Croatia in 2019 as a left-leaning liberal candidate, a counterpoint to the conservative government currently in power in the European Union and NATO member state. But he has since made a turn to populist nationalism and criticised western policies towards Russia as well as the Balkans. Milanovic has built a reputation of being a supporter of Russian president Vladimir Putin, something he has routinely denied. Yet in recent months, he has openly opposed the admission of Finland and Sweden into NATO, and has also refused to host training of Ukrainian troops in Croatia. In December, Croatian lawmakers rejected a proposal that the country join a European Union mission in support of the Ukrainian military, reflecting deep divisions between Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. After months of hesitation, the US said last week it would send 31 of its 70-tonne Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine. Milanovic (left) is seen shaking hands with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in December 2020 Milanovic today declared: 'It is clear that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) has vowed to restore Ukrainian rule over Crimea Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video-linked meeting with the Vologda region governor at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on January 30, 2023 Berlin will initially supply at least 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine (file image), allowing other nations with stocks of Leopard 2s to do the same READ MORE: Vladimir Putin is set on 'big war' with NATO to bring back the Iron Curtain says top Russian political scientist A high-ranking Ukrainian official said it is 'no secret' that Russia are preparing for a new wave by February 24 - the first anniversary of their invasion Advertisement Germany announced it would dispatch 14 Leopard 2 tanks and allow other countries to do the same. The ramping up of military aid in the form of heavy armour came after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to send a battalion of Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv. But the move was hotly contested by Milanovic despite his allegiance to all three countries via NATO. He appeared to complain that the United States could send military aid to Kyiv without repercussions, while European nations are forced to carry the burden. 'From 2014 to 2022, we are watching how someone provokes Russia with the intention of starting this war,' he said today. 'What is the goal of this war? A war against a nuclear power that is at war in another country? Is there a conventional way to defeat such a country?' 'Who pays the price? Europe. America pays the least. A year has passed and we are only now talking about tanks,' Milanovic continued. 'Not a single American tank will go to Ukraine in a year. Only German tanks will be sent there.' Although the presidential post is mostly ceremonial in Croatia, Milanovic is formally the supreme commander of the armed forces. Ukraine had been relying on Soviet-era T-72 tanks but its military will be modernised with the shipment of Nato vehicles His latest anti-western outbursts have embarrassed and irritated the country's government which has fully supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression. Milanovic criticised Western countries for using double standards in international politics, saying Russia would invoke what he called the international community's 'annexation of Kosovo' as an excuse for taking parts of Ukraine. Milanovic was referring to Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 following a 1998-1999 war in which NATO countries bombed rump-Yugoslavia, comprising Serbia and Montenegro, to protect Albanian-majority Kosovo. 'We recognised Kosovo against the will of a state (Serbia) to which Kosovo belonged,' he said, cautioning that he was not questioning Kosovo's independence but the concept of Western double standards. The Croatian president's stance against continued Western support for Ukraine came as Russian officials today warned their country is on the 'verge of a direct collision with the US and NATO'. Russia today warned it is on the 'verge of a direct collision with the US and NATO' and it is 'very possible' there will be no nuclear arms control treaty with America after 2026 due to Washington's efforts to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Moscow in Ukraine (launch of a Russian Sarmat nuclear-capable missile is pictured) Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Washington's decision to supply Kyiv with 31 of its fast-moving M1 Abrams tanks (pictured) was an 'extremely destructive step' which 'escalated' the war in Ukraine They said it is 'very possible' there will be no nuclear arms control treaty with America after 2026 due to Washington's efforts to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Moscow in Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Washington's decision to supply Kyiv with 31 of its fast-moving M1 Abrams tanks was an 'extremely destructive step' which 'escalated' the war in Ukraine. Ryabkov claimed Washington's apparent insistence to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Russia means that the future of the nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Moscow is in doubt. He warned that the last remaining pillar of the treaty could therefore expire in 2026 without a replacement. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (PTI) PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the BJP and said that he would "accept death but will never join hands with the BJP again". He accused the BJP of deliberately levelling charges and implicating Lalu Prasad Yadav in multiple cases and termed his decision to revive his alliance with the party a "mistake". "I would rather choose to die than to get into an alliance with the BJP. These are bogus things. The question of returning to the BJP doesnt arise. Dont you all know how they implicated him (Tejashwi) and his father in cases", the chief minister said, pointing at his deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav who was standing at his side. Mr Nitish Kumar also mocked the BJP for claiming that it would win 36 out of 40 seats in Bihar during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He said: "They are worried. They will not get anything this time. Earlier our supporters, including Muslims, used to give them votes because we were in an alliance, they should remember all this". He sought to remind the BJP of the fewer number of seats it won in 2015 when the BJP and JD(U) fought the Lok Sabha polls separately. He also claimed that the BJP now was very different from what it used to be when Atal Behari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. Mr Kumars comments come a day after the BJP called him an "unpopular leader" and said that it would not get into an alliance with him in the future. Earlier, while speaking on the issue, BJP state chief Sanjay Jaiswal said: "We have sought to stamp out rumors among our party cadre about such realignment. Everyone is aware of his nature and tendency to swing like a pendulum. We are not going to be cheated again". The BJP leader claimed his party was aiming to win about 35 out of the states 40 seats in Lok Sabha polls. He referred to the 2020 results, claiming that the poor performance in the Assembly elections was due to Nitish Kumars falling graph and unpopularity. The BJP lost power in August last year when Nitish Kumar snapped ties with NDA and forged an alliance with the RJD, Congress, and five other Opposition parties in Bihar. The move prompted the BJP to accuse Nitish Kumar of violating the peoples mandate for his national goals. Nicola Sturgeon struggled to explain her policy on violent transgender prisoners last night as she was quizzed about why she barred a rapist from a women's prison despite previously allowing in a child sex attacker. The First Minister squirmed and deflected as she was asked why she intervened to block the transfer of Isla Bryson last week, having done nothing in the case of 6ft 5in Katie Dolatowski. Back in 2018, the 22-year-old, who was born male but identifies as female, assaulted a 10-year-old girl in the lavatory of Morrisons supermarket in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Her transfer to Cornton Vale the same all-female prison from which Bryson has just been removed - sparked protests in December. But she remains at the unit. But twice asked by Channel 4 about why she did nothing in that case, the First Minister was unable to provide an answer, saying: 'I'm not going to comment on decisions that have been taken in the past by the prison service on the basis of risk assessments that they have carried out.' The First Minister squirmed and deflected as she was asked why she intervened to block the transfer of Isla Bryson last week, having done nothing in the case of 6ft 5in Katie Dolatowski. But twice asked by Channel 4 about why she did nothing in that case, the First Minister was unable to provide an answer, saying: 'I'm not going to comment on decisions that have been taken in the past by the prison service on the basis of risk assessments that they have carried out.' 'We have seen in recent days and, you know, that's just a fact of life, a heightened degree of public concern around these issues and what we have done is set out clarity that, in many respect, is giving clarity about decisions that the prison services in all likelihood would have reached through the normal procedures anyway. And I think that is important and I think it is the right thing to do, pending the broader review that is underway.' It was the second interview this week in which the First Minister has struggled to explain her policy on trans prisoners. Last night JK Rowling took another swipe at her after she stumbled her way through an awkward ITV interview. The SNP leader admitted that trans women will be treated differently to born women, which prompted the Harry Potter author to tear further holes in the explanation. JK Rowling has taken another swipe at Nicola Sturgeon as the Scottish First Minister stumbled her way through an awkward TV interview on trans offenders being put in women's prisons The Harry Potter author took to Twitter to tear further holes in the Scottish Minister's explanation over trans offenders being treated differently to those who are born women She tweeted: 'I don't know about you, but excluding women from women's prisons just because they've got penises, male pattern baldness and have committed a couple of rapes seems awfully TERFy to me.' The term 'Terf' is an acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist and is defined as a person whose views on gender identity are considered hostile to transgender people. Ms Rowling, 57, has herself been called a Terf over previous tweets about gender and sex, which some deemed as transphobic. Her latest Twitter statement comes just days after an extraordinary attack on Nicola Sturgeon in which she branded her Orwellian, after the First Minister accused critics of her transgender Bill of being misogynistic, homophobic and racist. Ms Rowling claims that Ms Sturgeon must now also move Dolatowski who tried to covertly film, abduct and rape schoolchildren. He's been banned by the Church of England until 2030 for the 2018 complaint These included sharing an anti-Semitic article entitled 9/11: Israel did it Rev Dr Stephen Sizer was found guilty of 4 acts of anti-Semitism by a tribunal A Church of England vicar who peddled an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Israel was behind the 9/11 terror attacks has been barred from ministry for 12 years following a disciplinary hearing. The Board of Deputies of British Jews made 11 allegations against the Rev Dr Stephen Sizer which claimed his conduct in incidents between 2005-2018 was 'unbecoming or inappropriate' in that he 'provoked and offended' the Jewish community and/or engaged in anti-Semitic activity. The tribunal found he engaged in anti-Semitic conduct with respect to suggesting Israel's responsibility for 9/11. In total, the tribunal found Dr Sizer's conduct was 'unbecoming to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Order' in that he provoked and offended the Jewish community and/or engaged in antisemitic activity with respect to four out of 11 allegations. Reverend Dr Stephen Sizer, 68, has been prohibited licensed ministry until 2030 Four out of eleven allegations against the former vicar were upheld by the tribunal Dr Sizer, former vicar of Christ Church in Virginia Water, Surrey, admitted the 'factual basis' of all allegations against him but disputed that his conduct was unbecoming or inappropriate and denied provoking and offending the Jewish Community and/or engaging in anti-Semitic activity. He was given a 'penalty judgment' under the Clergy Disciplinary Measure 2003. This will prohibit the retired vicar from licensed ministry in the Church of England for 12 years - which will take into account time served since the Board of Deputies of British Jews 2018 complaint. This means he will be free to practise again in 2030. Throughout the process, the former vicar of Christ Church in Virginia Water, Surrey denied anti-Semitic behaviour but admitted the factual basis of all 11 claims. In a rare move, Dr Sizer chose to hold his tribunal in public in a bid to clear his name, arguing that his actions were political and aimed at the state of Israel, not Jewish people. However, the tribunal eventually found that Dr Sizer's conduct had been 'unbecoming to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Order' in that he provoked and offended the Jewish community and/or engaged in anti-Semitic activity with respect to four out of 11 allegations. In 2006, Dr Sizer met 'senior Hezbollah commander' Sheikh Nabil Kaouk in a secret location near Tyre, Lebanon - however he claimed he did not instigate the meeting. Regardless, the tribunal decided it was 'unacceptable' for an ordained minister to make an 'unauthorised visit' to a senior commander of the military wing of Hezbollah other than in an official capacity and found Dr Sizer's conduct unbecoming and inappropriate in that he provoked and offended the Jewish community. It also concluded, however, that he was not engaging in anti-Semitic activity. Dr Sizer met the senior Hezbollah commander Sheikh Nabil Kaouk in summer 2006 (pictured together) and is accused of promoting the idea that Israel was behind the September 11 attacks by posting an article entitled: '9/11: Israel did it' Dr Sizer denied his actions were anti-Semitic arguing they were political and aimed at the state of Israel, not Jewish people. (Above, Dr Sizer in Tehran in 2014) In September 2010, Dr Sizer posted a link to an article entitled The Mother of All Coincidences, which pushed the conspiracy theory that 9/11 was an Israeli plot. The tribunal said an ordained minister should not have given 'the oxygen of publicity' to such an article and found his conduct was unbecoming and inappropriate in that he provoked and offended the Jewish community, although not engaged in anti-Semitic activity. Dr Sizer was also accused of promoting the idea that Israel was behind the September 11 attacks by posting an article entitled: '9/11: Israel did it' in 2015. Alongside the article he wrote that it 'raised so many questions'. The tribunal rejected the vicar's assertion that the article raised 'serious issues' that needed to be talked about and labelled it 'virulently anti-Semitic', fulfilling 'all the tropes of antisemitism'. It concluded that Dr Sizer's conduct was unbecoming on the grounds that he provoked and offended the Jewish community and that by posting the link he was engaging in anti-Semitic activity. The ex-vicar was also accused of anti-Semitism for attending a range of events in the same period where attendees included Holocaust denier Fred Tobin and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorist Michael Hoffman. In respect of these seven allegations, the tribunal found it was not proved that Dr Sizer's conduct was unbecoming or inappropriate for an ordained minister nor that he was engaging in anti-Semitic activity. Speaking in his defence at his tribunal, Dr Sizer claimed his views had been 'routinely misrepresented and distorted' and that he 'repeatedly and unequivocally repudiated racism, antisemitism and Holocaust denial in his lectures, books and website articles.' Commenting on the tribunal's findings, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: 'I note the findings of the Bishop's Disciplinary Tribunal for the Diocese of Winchester regarding the Revd Dr Stephen Sizer and his subsequent prohibition from licensed ministry in the Church of England. It is clear that the behaviour of Stephen Sizer has undermined Christian-Jewish relations, giving encouragement to conspiracy theories and tropes that have no place in public Christian ministry and the church. 'I renew my call for the highest possible standards among ordained ministers of the Church of England in combatting antisemitism of all kinds.' MailOnline has reached out to Dr Sizer's representatives for comment. A huge brawl broke out at a shopping centre in Alice Springs - the latest shocking spate of violence to strike the troubled Outback town. Footage recorded at Yeperenye Shopping Centre on Tuesday shows a group of young people throwing chairs and chasing after each other to exchange blows. The violence sent staff and shoppers scurrying for cover as it spread through the busy mall. It is unclear what sparked the chaos or exactly who was involved - though dozens appeared to be caught up in the violence. Footage recorded at Yeperenye Shopping Centre shows a group of young people throwing chairs and chasing after each other to exchange blows It is unclear what sparked the chaos or exactly who was involved - though dozens appeared to be caught up in the violence Daily Mail Australia has contacted NT Police for comment. The incident is just the latest in a string of violent attacks in the Outback town, which is plagued by gangs of youths trashing businesses and robbing homes. Partial alcohol bans are also in place in the town - despite grumbles from locals. 'No Grog today but this aint going away, one person posted on social media. Another wrote: Our town is at breaking point! What an absolute disgrace. The AFP needs to be brought in to restore order, this is absolutely unacceptable, a third said. Other locals stated they are now too terrified to visit the area. Sorry store owners of Yeperenye - no go zone for me until things improve - just not worth the trauma - so sad for everyone, one person wrote. Another added: Seeing and hearing about Alice, I'm so close to cancelling all my plans to visit in April. l have elderly people with me and I don't think I want them to be confronted with this.' On Monday afternoon in a separate incident, a teenager was set upon by axe-wielding youths in a horrific broad daylight attack. Alice Springs Hospital worker Namfon Fon, who moved to the town from Thailand to be with her partner, posted a warning on Facebook following the assault of her son near Sammy's Pizza. Ms Fon's 16-year-old son was walking in the Alice suburb of Braitling when three young persons attacked him. 'They have an axe and hit him multiple times in his face, stomach, leg and other parts of his body,' she said. The violence sent staff and shoppers scurrying for cover as it spread through the busy mall Alice Springs police have confirmed to Daily Mail Australia a teenage boy who allegedly struck Ms Fon's son with 'an edged weapon' has since been arrested. Disturbing video of the assault shows three young males one wielding an axe or hatchet laying into the teenager, hitting and kicking him as he cowers in a park. Video of the attack, which is believed to have taken place in Rhonda Diano Oval, shows two males in black T-shirts and an axe-wielder grunting as they beat the 16-year-old. Ms Fon said it was 'very sad to end up in ED after you get attacked by your own community'. 'This town has become a nightmare for everybody,' she said. 'Stay safe.' Despite violence and crime being part of Alice Springs life, the situation has worsened in the 10 months since the Northern Territory Government lifted alcohol restrictions. A campaign by a local baker and activist Darren Clarke gained national headlines this week, forcing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to make a flying visit and impose partial alcohol bans. During the brief visit to the town last week, Mr Albanese also promised $48.8 million over two years for programs to address the crime problem. The incident is just the latest in a string of violent attacks in the Outback town Meanwhile, police have charged two males for a home invasion of a 75-year-old woman who was robbed while being threatened with a blunt weapon. Alice Springs Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Kent said it was 'absolutely disgusting that vulnerable members of our community have been preyed upon in this manner'. A child care centre was also smashed up, forcing it to close down while forensic police attended the crime scene and tradespeople repaired the damage. This comes a day after video emerged of a town pub battlefront on one of Alice Springs's main streets last Saturday night with locals under siege by belligerent teenagers and adults. Preston Hemphill has been suspended but was spared criminal charges The only white officer involved in the horrific beating and death of Tyre Nichols was 'shielded and protected' by the Memphis Police Department, the family's attorneys have claimed. Preston Hemphill was suspended with pay pending a hearing, but has so far been spared the criminal charges filed against his five police colleagues. Hemphill, 26, who joined the force in 2018, wore the body-camera that captured the first of four videos released by authorities on Friday of the traffic stop and violent confrontation that followed. In the video, Hemphill is seen 'violently pulling Nichols from his car while hitting him on the ground with a taser, later saying, "I hope they stomp his a**" after Nichols ran away', the family's lawyers said. Preston Hemphill has been suspended with pay pending a hearing, but was spared criminal charges Hemphill then said on the radio to a dispatcher, 'Taser was deployed,' later telling another officer later, 'One of the prongs hit the b*****d.' The officer was not present at the second scene where Nichols was brutally punched, kicked and beaten while lying defenseless on the floor. Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, lawyers who are defending the Nichols family, slammed the police for appearing to give Hemphill special treatment, the only white officer involved. They said in a joint statement yesterday: 'The news today from Memphis officials that officer Preston Hemphill was reportedly relieved of duty weeks ago, but not yet terminated or charged is extremely disappointing. 'Why is his identity and the role he played in Tyre's death just now coming to light? 'We have asked from the beginning that the Memphis Police Department be transparent with the family and the community this news seems to indicate that they haven't risen to the occasion. Tyre Nichols, 29, was brutally beaten like a 'human pinata' by five Memphis, Tennessee, police officers , who were all African American, on January 7 and died three days later in the hospital from kidney failure and cardiac arrest Five officers were fired on January 20 before being arrested and charged with Nichols' murder as well as kidnapping, assault and misconduct on January 26 Ben Crump, pictured alongside Mr Nichols' mother RowVaughn Wells, has called for Hemphill to be charged Protesters march over the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police 'It certainly begs the question why the white officer involved in this brutal attack was shielded and protected from the public eye, and to date, from sufficient discipline and accountability.' A seventh officer who was not immediately identified has also been relieved of duty without pay, the police department said. Police Chief Cerelyn Davis has said an unspecified number of officers besides the five initially implicated remained under investigation for policy infractions stemming from the arrest of Nichols. The five officers dismissed on January 20 - Justin Smith, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean - were charged Thursday with second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping, official misconduct and oppression in the fatal beating of Nichols. Lee Gerald, Hemphill's attorney, said: 'As per departmental regulations officer Hemphill activated his bodycam. Shocking bodycam footage shows the suspect being brutally beaten by a team of violent cops The body cam and surveillance footage of his January 7 interaction with five Memphis police officers was released on Friday night 'He was never present at the second scene. He is cooperating with officials in this investigation.' Three members of the Memphis Fire Department who responded to the fatal police confrontation were also dismissed on Monday after investigators found he was beaten and left handcuffed on the ground without medical attention for nearly 15 minutes. According to a fire department statement, emergency medical technicians Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge failed to assess Nichols' condition when they arrived, while fire Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker, who drove them to the scene, remained in her vehicle. An internal review of their conduct found that all three fire department employees 'violated numerous (fire department) policies and protocols,' the agency said in a statement issued by Fire Chief Gina Sweat. According to a fire department timeline of its response to an incident originally dispatched as 'a person pepper sprayed,' Long and Sandridge 'failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment' when they reached Nichols at 8.41pm, minutes after the beating. JaMichael Sandridge (left) and Robert Long, both EMTs with the fire department, were fired on Monday after they failed to attend to the dying Tyre Nichols Lieutenant Michelle Williams was also fired on Monday night: She remained in the fire truck when they arrived on scene Instead, after an initial 'interaction' with Nichols, the two EMTs called for an ambulance team, who arrived on the scene at 8.55pm and 'initiated patient care,' the fire department said in its statement. Nichols was transported to a hospital a short time later. The 'actions or inactions' of Long, Sandridge and Whitaker 'on the scene that night to not meet the expectations of the Memphis Fire Department,' Sweat said. In addition to the seven police officers and three fire department personnel implicated in the Nichols encounter, two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have also been relieved of duty pending an internal review, Sheriff Floyd Bonner said last Friday, after the video was released. The Shelby County district attorney's investigation is examining the roles played by all individuals involved in the Nichols traffic stop and its immediate aftermath, including Hemphill Memphis Fire Department personnel and 'those responsible for documenting the incident,' the office said in a statement. The specialized Scorpion police unit that included the five Memphis officers charged with murder in the case was disbanded on Saturday by the city. It was not immediately clear if the sixth and seventh officers under investigation belonged to that unit. Davis has said investigators have not substantiated the claim Nichols was driving recklessly when he was pulled over, as some of the officers involved asserted at the time. Dog owners have been told to stay 'vigilant' after new cases of a life-threatening canine disease have been reported across Britain. Veterinary specialist clinic Anderson Moores has warned owners after two new cases of Alabama rot were reported this year. It comes after a Berkshire couple were left 'heartbroken' when their dog died after contracting the deadly disease. Grace, a three-year-old Labrador, died after catching cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) - better know as Alabama rot. Grace, a three-year-old Labrador, died after catching cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) - better know as Alabama rot All breeds are at risk, but those which have been worst hit are Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Whippets, Flatcoated Retrievers, Hungarian Vizlas and Border Collies. What is Alabama rot? A Labrador called Lulu who caught the disease and suffered skin lesions in 2017 Alabama rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a disease that affects dogs. It damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, which causes visible sores on the skin and can lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure. What causes Alabama rot? The cause of the disease is currently unknown, though research is on-going. Since December 2012, a small number of cases have been seen throughout the UK. Most reports come from pet owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and most cases are reported during winter and spring. Generally, cases are rare in the summer months compared to the colder months. What are the symptoms of Alabama rot? Skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury. These skin lesions typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen. Changes in appetite - reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury. The majority of visible skin lesions will not be caused by Alabama rot disease, and most cases of kidney failure will be a result of another cause. Can I do anything to avoid Alabama rot? While it's extremely difficult to give advice about how to avoid Alabama rot, the RSPCA recommends washing off all mud following a wet and muddy walk, especially through woodland. What should I do if my dog is showing signs of Alabama rot? If you're concerned that your dog may be suffering, we urge that you contact your vet immediately for further advice. If it is Alabama rot, early recognition and aggressive management are likely to have the best results. Source: RSPCA Advertisement Simone, the owner of Grace the Labrador, said: 'Grace was like a daughter to us, so it isn't easy to accept she's gone and gone so suddenly and tragically. 'She was young, only three years old, she was fit and she was powerful but this is such a dangerous disease and everything happens so fast. 'One morning she was a little bit lame and while we were brushing and combing her we discovered a lump on her chest which was very sore. 'We took her straight to our local vets and they gave her pain relief and antibiotics, but the lump grew bigger and she started to decline very quickly.' Scientists don't know exactly how Alabama rot is caught, or how to prevent or cure it. Vets have no way of testing for the disease when a dog is alive. It can only be confirmed during a post mortem. What is known is that the disease was first spotted in greyhounds in the U.S. state of Alabama hence the name in the Eighties. For decades, Britain's dogs were safe. But in 2012, Alabama Rot took its first UK victim. Since then, increasing numbers of dogs have been killed. Most cases have been on the south coast of England, but plenty have been confirmed in the North-West. London's Royal Veterinary College said all breeds are at risk, but those which have been worst hit are Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Whippets, Flatcoated Retrievers, Hungarian Vizlas, and Border Collies. Most dogs initially have an unexplained skin lesion or sore which is often below the elbow or knee and may involve the paw. It may appear as a patch of red skin with or without a defect like an ulcer in the skin. Dogs can then go on to develop kidney failure and symptoms including vomiting, tiredness and no appetite. The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest. Anderson Moores veterinarian Josh Walker said: 'We're incredibly sorry to have to confirm Grace was a victim of CRGV. 'We have been at the forefront of research into CRGV for almost a decade and have witnessed first-hand the often-devastating effects of the disease. 'Treatment largely revolves around management of the sudden onset of kidney failure and, sadly, with our current understanding of the disease, is only successful in around 10 per cent of cases.' 'We're advising owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.' Vet Fiona MacDonald, added: 'Walking dogs on muddy ground seems to be the common factor. 'Owners who have been in such areas should hose their dogs down with cold water after every such walk. 'They won't like it, but it might save them. 'There is currently no known cure for Alabama Rot, but the best chance for survival is if the condition is diagnosed early.' Is there Alabama rot in your area? Is the virus in your area? Reported cases of Alabama rot across Britain in 2022/23 According to Anderson Moores, this is the full list of areas in the UK which have recorded a case of the disease: 2023: Romsey, Hampshire Stanford Dingley, West Berkshire 2022: Ashstead, Surrey Bolton, Manchester Emersons Green, Bristol Godstone, Surrey Kingsbridge, Devon Lambourn, Berkshire Ledbury, Herefordshire Plymouth, Devon St Albans, Hertfordshire Warminster, Wiltshire Wokingham, Berkshire Source: alabama-rot.co.uk Advertisement Now prosecutors believe suspect murdered victim in bid to fake her own death She allegedly dumped victim's body in her Mercedes in August last year hahraban K, 23, is accused of stabbing Khadidja O, also 23, around 50 times A 23-year-old woman allegedly tracked down her lookalike on social media and murdered her in a bid to fake her own death. The suspect, identified by police as Shahraban K, is accused of stabbing Algerian beauty blogger Khadidja O 50 times in the German city of Ingolstadt, her face completely disfigured from the number of stab wounds. Shahraban K, who is also a beauty blogger, then allegedly dumped Khadidja's body in her Mercedes in a ploy to make it look like she was the one who had been murdered in August last year, prosecutors now believe. German police officers had initially identified the body, located in the parked Mercedes, as Shahraban K, a beautician of Iraqi descent. But suspicions about the body's identity rose following an autopsy and the victim has since been identified Khadidja, who is also 23 and has the same dark hair and complexion as Shahraban K. The suspect, identified by police as Shahraban K (pictured), is accused of stabbing an Algerian beauty blogger to death Algerian beauty blogger Khadidja O (pictured) was stabbed 50 times in the German city of Ingolstadt, her face completely disfigured from the number of stab wounds Now, prosecutors believe that Shahraban K murdered Khadidja, from the city of Heilbronn, in an attempt to fake her own death and go into hiding because of a 'family dispute'. The 23-year-old is suspected of setting up fake Instagram accounts to try and meet other women resembling her - and Khadidja fell into her trap. Shahraban K began speaking to Khadidja online and allegedly offered her a set of beauty products. The suspect and her boyfriend, named as Sheqir K, 24, then allegedly picked the unsuspecting Khadidja and drove her to a forest in Ingolstadt and stabbed the victim 50 times. Shahraban K allegedly made a point to disfigure Khadidja's face with the knife in a rouse to make it difficult for investigators and her family to identify the victim. Shahraban K had told her parents she was going to Ingolstadt to meet her ex-husband but when she didn't return to their Munich home, they went out searching and they found what they believed to be their daughter's body in the back of her Mercedes. But police later identified the body as Khadidja O and nvestigators were perplexed as to why the victim looked so like Shahraban, who owned the car. Khadidja (pictured), is also 23 and has the same dark hair and complexion as Shahraban K But investigators have now looked at Shahraban K's social media and have found that she had been speaking to dozens of women who looked like her in the week before the murder. Veronika Grieser, an Ingolstadt prosecutor, told the Bild newspaper: 'It has been confirmed that the accused had contacted several women via Instagram before the act who seemed to look similar to her. 'It can be assumed that the suspect wanted to go into hiding, due to internal disputes with her family, and fake her own death.' A police spokesman said the killing had been carried out for 'base motives'. The spokesman said: 'During the return journey, the victim was lured out of the vehicle as planned under a pretext and killed in a wooded area with a large number of stabs in the body. 'The accused then continued their journey to Ingolstadt, where the body was found on the evening of Aug 16th. It was found lying in the vehicle.' Another police spokesperson told the German newspaper: 'The murder weapon has still not been found but the burden of proof is overwhelming. 'The victim was killed with more than 50 stab wounds and her face was badly injured. That was brutal in the extreme. 'It was an extraordinary case that required all the investigators' skills. We don't have a case like this every day, especially with such a spectacular twist. On the day we found the body, we did not expect it to develop like this.' Shahraban K and Sheqir K were arrested on Friday and they face life in prison if convicted of murder. This is the shocking moment a Russian couple were detained for speaking out against Vladimir Putin's war while having a family dinner in a restaurant. Armed officers from the country's national guard handcuffed Olesya Ovchinnikova, 42, and her husband Alexey Ovchinnikov, 40, forcing them to the floor. Their private conversation was evidently reported to the police by a staff member at restaurant Na drovakh - or On Firewood - in Krasnodar. After they were handcuffed by the officers, Ovchinnikova defiantly made clear her full support for Ukraine in a video that may see her jailed for up to five years under draconian laws forbidding criticism of Putin's war. Olesya Ovchinnikova (R), 42, and Alexey Ovchinnikov (L), 40, are pictured on another occasion. Armed officers from the country's national guard handcuffed and arrested them, forcing them on the floor After they were handcuffed, Ovchinnikova defiantly made clear her full support for Ukraine in a video that may see her jailed for up to five years under draconian laws forbidding criticism of Putin's war 'I'll go all the way,' she said, undaunted, getting up from the floor while handcuffed. 'Hail to Ukraine! 'No, I will not shut my mouth. I won't shut my mouth. 'Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes! Glory to Zelensky.!' Olesya Ovchinnikova and Alexey Ovchinnikov were detained in Krasnodar, Russia for talking together of their support for Ukraine while they ate a restaurant Olesya Ovchinnikova and Alexey Ovchinnikov are pictured on a family holiday She mocked the young officer as he filmed the video as evidence against her. 'Bunny, take the film, your mum will be proud of you, you're so ******* good.,' she told him in footage released by the authorities. 'You're a superhero.What else can I say? 'I know you're ashamed [detaining us for this], I know how ******* ashamed you are. 'I know at your young age how ******* ashamed you are of everything you do.' Restaurant Na drovakh - or On Firewood - in Krasnodar. The couple's private conversation was evidently reported to the police by a staff member Pictured: Alexey Ovchinnikov and his children. The family were having a private conversation during a family meal when they were arrested 'I'll go all the way,' Olesya Ovchinnikova said, undaunted, getting up from the floor while handcuffed. 'Hail to Ukraine! The couple - who have two underage daughters - were hauled to a police station after their arrest in the restaurant. Next day a court detained her husband for 15 days, said the couple's lawyer Alexey Avanesyan. She was fined 1,000 rubles [12]. But she will also face future action after law enforcement drew up a protocol against her for allegedly discrediting the Russian army with her comments in support of Ukraine. The maximum penalty is five years in prison. Olesya Ovchinnikova (L) and Alexey Ovchinnikov (R) were hauled to a police station after their arrest in the restaurant Alexey Ovchinnikov with his daughter. Ovchinnikov was detained for for 15 days, said the couple's lawyer Alexey Avanesyan. She was fined 1,000 rubles [12], but she will also face future action after law enforcement drew up a protocol against her for allegedly discrediting the Russian army Putin's former speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov said the episode was proof that Russia is sinking into totalitarianism. 'An important difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism is that in the first case, the public expression of oppositional sentiments can be banned, but no one cares about the personal opinion expressed in private conversations,' he said. 'Under totalitarianism, even words spoken in a personal conversation and not intended for other people's ears are punishable. 'Russia is moving towards totalitarianism.' He forecast witch-hunts with people blaming anyone they disliked for being anti-war. 'Judging by what happened in the Krasnodar restaurant, anyone can be declared a 'critic of the regime' based only on a private statement of some vigilant citizen'. The daughter of actor Sir Michael Caine failed to avoid a six months driving ban despite claiming that a disqualification would affect her ability to help care for her famous 89-year-old father. Dominique Caine, 65, of Fossebridge, Glos, received the ban at Cheltenham Magistrates Court yesterday after she admitted speeding in a Range Rover on the A436 in the Cotswolds on May 3 last year. She was caught doing 64mph in a 50mph zone at Lineover Wood - between Seven Springs and Shipton Sollars, Glos - and the minimum three penalty points imposed on her licence took her to 12, making her liable to a six months ban under the 'totting up' rules. Despite her plea that a ban would make it more difficult to get to London to see her father, and that it would hit a struggling horse eventing business in which she is involved, district judge Nicholas Wattam imposed the full six months ban. He also fined her 200 plus costs of 90 and a surcharge of 34. Michael Caine and wife Shakira Caine with daughter Dominique, who admitted speeding Ms Caine's relationship to one of Britain's best known and most successful actors emerged during the hearing when the judge looked at a letter of support from her mother, Shakira Caine. Judge Wattam asked defence lawyer James Findon 'Are we dealing with a famous name? I have a number of letters of support from Shakira Caine. Therefore are we talking about Sir Michael?' Mr Findon replied: 'We are.' Judge Wattam pointed out: 'So money isn't really an issue with this family?' Mr Findon replied: 'The issue isn't financial. The issue is the flexibility with which she is able to assist in providing care for her father. 'She provides care to her father, who is based in London. If she was deprived of her ability to drive it would necessitate the use of three trains and two buses. The travel time would be in excess of eight hours.' He said Ms Caine also needed to be able to drive so she can continue to help a woman who is struggling to run an eventing business. The daughter of actor Sir Michael Caine claimed that a disqualification would affect her ability to help care for him - here Mr Caine is pictured with his wife Dominique Caine, 65, was caught doing 64mph in a 50mph zone at Lineover Wood - here she is pictured (left) with actress mum Shakira The business owner believes that without Ms Caine's help and input she would not be able to keep afloat, he said. Judge Wattam said 'The only way that somebody with 12 or more points on their driving licence who wants to avoid being banned is to demonstrate that exceptional hardship will be caused. 'Inconvenience and difficulties surrounding a driving ban do not amount to exceptional hardship.' Mr Findon stated: 'I think the effect on the eventing business would be exceptional for the lady, who may struggle to keep it going. 'The loss of Ms Caine's help and support will affect the people who have horses at the stables, and ultimately affect her ability to pay her bills.' Judge responded : 'I accept that a driving ban may have an impact, but it does not demonstrate exceptional hardship. What about the use of taxis? ' Dominique Caine, of Fossebridge, Glos, received the ban at Cheltenham Magistrates Court yesterday (stock image) Mr Findon replied: 'It would be impossible to try and get to and from the stables by taxi. These journeys would be at sporadic times, and being in a rural location, it's not a realistic option. 'Additionally if Ms Caine is travelling to an event at the weekend this would not in fact work. The taxi driver would not hang around all day.' The judge then suggested that Ms Caine could employ a driver. Mr Findon said that was something he and Ms Caine had discussed. 'Drivers these days are a scarcity, especially when dealing with unusual and anti-social hours,' he said. 'Ms Caine is at the stables at 6am and is still there at 10pm so, again, the driver is not going to wait around all day. It just wouldn't work.' After retiring to read all the documentation provided by the defence in support of Ms Caine's plea not to be disqualified for the mandatory six months, Judge Wattam told her that she had a bad driving record and already had nine penalty points on her licence. 'You pleaded guilty to speeding at 64mph in a 50mph zone and you will be fined 200 for this,' Judge Wattam said. 'Your driving licence will be endorsed with three penalty points which, because you already have nine points recorded on it, makes you a 'totter' for which you have to be banned from driving. 'I am unable to find exceptional hardship in your case and therefore I must disqualify you from driving for the next six months.' Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine is nowhere near ending, and will continue to drag on and get even more bloody, the former head of the Royal Navy has warned. Speaking to MailOnline, Admiral Lord Alan West said the Russian despot does not care about his people dying in his desperate attempt to seize the country, which he said has also thrown the world economy into chaos. The former security minister and Cold War commander was speaking as Ukraine braces itself for a Spring offensive which is expected to see some of the most brutal fighting since the war began on February 24, 2022. Ukraine has surpassed expectations with its fierce defence of Kyiv and subsequent counteroffensives, but West - the former First Sea Lord - said were it not for the supply of western weaponry, Kyiv's armies would already be getting pushed back. Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine is nowhere near ending, and will continue to drag on and get even more bloody, the former head of the Royal Navy Admiral Lord Alan West has warned. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers ride armoured vehicles down an icy road in the Donetsk region Speaking to MailOnline, Admiral Lord Alan West (pictured arriving for a service at Westminster Abbey, file photo) said the Russian despot does not care about his people dying in his desperate attempt to seize the country 'I'm afraid it will be much longer and bloodier. I think if we hadn't given any weapons to Ukraine then I think they would have start being pushed back. This means they won't be,' Lord West said. 'Even then it will be a stalemate. The casualties will go on. Putin doesn't care about his people dying. He couldn't give a s**t about them. 'It's totally unacceptable what he is doing. He is a loathsome chap. He has thrown a complete blight to the world. People are starving, the world economy has been thrown into chaos - he is an absolutely dreadful man.' His comments alluded to attempts by Russia, and specifically the Wagner mercenary group, to take the key town of Bakhmut in the eastern Donbas region, a city in the north that has been the main focus of Russia's offensive for months. Wagner has crashed wave upon wave of convict soldiers against Ukraine's defences in what has been likened to a First World War meat grinder of a battle. Both sides have suffered heavy losses, but reports have said Russia in particular has been using the Wagner prison mercenaries as canon fodder to try and make inroads. After Ukraine's Western allies announced they would send main battle tanks to Ukraine to aid in its defence against a new major offensive by Russia, Moscow seems desperate to make as much ground as possible. Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg warned that Russia is massing at least 200,000 more soldiers for the new assault, and ominously said that there is 'no sign' the Russian president is preparing for peace. Ukraine has surpassed expectations with its fierce defence of Kyiv and subsequent counteroffensives, but West - the former First Sea Lord - said were it not for the supply of western weaponry, Kyiv's armies would already be getting pushed back. Pictured: A boy stands on a destroyed Russian tank displayed in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, January 31 Speaking in South Korea, he warned Russia is preparing for 'more war'. Intelligence in the West, Ukraine and in Russia is suggesting Putin and his generals are intending to mount a new blitzkrieg-style onslaught to take Kyiv. Ukraine fears this new assault on the capital, with the intention of winning the war, could coincide with February 24 - the first anniversary on Putin's invasion. He said the world must 'prepare for the long haul' and said it is 'extremely important that Putin doesn't win'. A Russian victory would only empower other dictators and make the world a 'more dangerous' place, he said. Stoltenberg and Lord West's comments came as Britain said a large Russian force has advanced hundreds of metres in a major new assault on a Ukrainian-held bastion in southeastern Ukraine this week, but it added it is unlikely to force a significant breakthrough in the region. Russian officials claimed the advance had secured a foothold in the coal-mining town of Vuhledar. Kyiv has acknowledged heavy fighting there but says it has repelled the push so far while inflicting heavy losses on the attackers. In an intelligence update offering rare battlefield detail, the British ministry said Russia was attacking the town with a force at least the size of a brigade, a unit normally comprising several thousand troops with a full range of capabilities. A Ukrainian serviceman uses his foot to brush snow off the top of a BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle in the Donetsk region on January 30, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine So far, the Russians had likely advanced from the south several hundred metres beyond the Kashlahach River, which it said had marked the front line for months. The small river flows on the edge of the town of Pavlivka, about two kilometres south of Vuhledar. 'There is a realistic possibility that Russia will continue to make local gains in the sector. However, it is unlikely that Russia has sufficient uncommitted troops in the area to achieve an operationally significant breakthrough.' It said Russian commanders were probably trying to develop a new axis of advance, as well as to divert Ukrainian forces from Bakhmut. Vuhledar lies at the southern-most end of the eastern front in Ukraine, overlooking railway lines that supply Russian forces on the adjacent southern front. Ukraine has repelled several Russian attacks on the town since the start of the war eleven months ago. The Russian assault there comes after Moscow made significant advances around Bakhmut over the past two weeks, its biggest gains since Ukraine took back large chunks of territory in the second half of 2022. Momentum has swung towards Russia in recent weeks after front lines were frozen in place since November. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers carry a coffin during the funeral ceremony of Vitaly Svintsitskyi at the Latin Cathedral in Lviv, January 30, 2023. Svintsitskyi was a deputy of the Lviv City Council, who from the first days of the war joined the ranks of the 80th brigade Military experts say Moscow is determined to make gains in Ukraine in the coming months, before Kyiv receives hundreds of newly pledged Western tanks and armoured vehicles for a counter-attack to recapture occupied territory this year. Bakhmut, a city which once held 100,000 people, looks increasingly vulnerable after Russia captured the salt-mining town of Soledar to its north around a week ago. Moscow says it has made substantial further gains both on the northern and southern outskirts of Bakhmut; Kyiv says the city itself is not yet in danger of falling, but the fighting there is hard. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Russia's assault in the east as an attempt to exact 'revenge' for its earlier losses. 'And I think that they will not be able to provide their society with any convincing positive result in the offensive. I am confident in our army. We will stop them all, little by little, destroy them and prepare our big counteroffensive,' he said on Monday. Kyiv says the Russian assaults of recent weeks have come at huge cost, initially mostly relying on mercenaries, including thousands of convicts recruited from Russian prisons and sent into battle in human waves without proper training or equipment. But Russia's call-up of hundreds of thousands of reservists late last year means Moscow has now been able to reconstitute regular military units exhausted or depleted earlier in the war. The British defence ministry statement said the assault on Vuhledar was led by a unit of Russian naval infantry that had tried and failed to attack the town in November. He is accused of intentionally driving his wife and kids off a cliff in his Tesla Dharmesh A. Patel, 42, has been transferred to jail after three weeks in hospital The wife of a Pasadena doctor charged with the attempted murder of his family told paramedics who rescued them that her husband intentionally drove their Tesla off a 250ft cliff. Dharmesh A. Patel, 42, was booked into San Mateo County's Maguire Correctional Facility in California and is facing first degree attempted murder and child abuse charges. Patel's wife, who remains hospitalized, told paramedics: 'He intentionally tried to kill us' after they rappelled down the sheer cliff face to rescue the family, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. 'She said very simply this was not an accident. We do believe the evidence establishes the necessary intent to kill,' Wagstaffe told the San Francisco Chronicle. The wife of Dharmesh A. Patel, 41, told paramedics he intentionally drove their car off a cliff in California with the whole family inside Patel's transfer to jail comes after he spent three weeks in hospital, having been seriously injured in the crash. He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday but his lawyer asked for a delay until February 9, which the judge granted. The judge also granted the prosecution's request for no bail and ordered that Patel stay away from his family. Patel's attorney Josh Bentley did not respond to request for comment from AP. Patel is accused of intentionally driving his white Tesla Model Y off a cliff known as Devil's Slide near San Francisco on Monday, during a trip north. Miraculously, all four members of the family - Patel, his wife Neha and their two children aged four and seven - survived without any serious injuries. Although he has been accused of attempted murder, last week prosecutors were seeking to rule out the possibility the car's brakes had malfunctioned. Speculation the Tesla may have been in self-driving mode was also ruled out. 'Did the brakes fail? Were the brakes working? Were there any other mechanical malfunctions that would have led to him not being able to stop the vehicle?' Wagstaffe said to the LA Times. 'We're having the car looked at from top to bottom'. The wreckage of the Tesla is pictured at the bottom of the cliff The DA's office was still in the early stages of the investigation, he added. Patel was arrested after California Highway Patrol investigators 'developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,' the agency said. Wagstaffe said his office was still trying to determine why Patel drove off the cliff. Patel has not spoken to investigators since the January 2 crash, Wagstaffe said. 'We're looking into what led up to this. Was there depression or anything else?' Wagstaffe said. 'It wasn't just that he was trying to kill them, he was trying to kill himself too.' Miraculously, the family of four survived the plunge to the water's edge without sustaining life-threatening injuries. The mangled Tesla Model Y is pictured after the smash The car was traveling northbound on Highway 1 near San Francisco at around 10am on Monday, January 2 Sheriff's deputies work to free the car after the family was airlifted to safety Patel is being held in a California correctional facility Patel works as a radiologist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Pasadena. He has since been transferred to San Mateo Medical Center, Wagstaffe said, but he was not to be formally booked until he finished receiving treatment. Troopers were dispatched at around 10am on January 2 to reports that a vehicle had veered off the cliff on Highway 1, around 20 miles south of San Francisco. The steep, rocky, winding coastal area is known as Devil's Slide. Fire Chief Brian Pottenger told reporters: 'We go there all the time for cars over the cliff and they never live. This was an absolute miracle.' The car was initially said to have flipped multiple times. However, experts have since raised doubts, arguing the heavy batteries located in the floor of the Tesla would have stopped it from rolling. There was no guardrail at the spot where the sedan went off the cliff, officials said. Patel was seen driving at speed northbound on Highway 1 and he is speculated to have performed a sharp turn before reaching the Tom Lantos Tunnel, which is where the Tesla veered off the road, first onto a dirt area and then down the cliff. Robin Johnson, who called 911 after seeing the crash, recalled: 'Wow, he's driving extremely fast to take that exit. You're not even supposed to be going up that way. 'And I can see in my rear-view mirror this car just go over the edge and straight down.' The huge drop from the highway to the scene of the crash. The family members were airlifted to safety Rescue teams had to abseil down the side of the cliff while others used helicopters to try to reach the family About 30 to 50 rescuers arrived at the scene, where it was initially assumed that anyone in the car must have been dead. A helicopter and specialist teams were required to rappel down the cliff to the car. It was not until hours later that rescue teams discovered the four family members conscious and alert in the car. The children were pulled out first, through a back window, and hauled up the cliff by hand in a rescue basket using a pulley. The doctor and his wife were more seriously injured and had to be hoisted out by helicopter and were then flown directly to hospital. Neighbors expressed their shock after learning the allegations against Patel, describing their family as 'idyllic'. Roger Newmark, who lives several doors down from the family on a leafy Pasadena street, told CBS: 'They're the sweetest couple and they have the greatest two little kids.' The hospital where Patel works as a radiologist also released a statement after the crash. 'Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is deeply saddened to learn of a traffic incident involving one of our physicians and his family,' it said. 'We are extremely grateful there were no serious injuries. We will not respond further, as this incident is under investigation.' According to an online profile, Patel graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan and has been practicing for more than a decade. 'RRR' is a fictional take on the younger days of celebrated freedom fighters, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharama Raju. (Photo: Twitter/@RRRMovie) I saw the movie RRR on Netflix the other evening. It was everything I expected it to be. Extremely well made and lavishly mounted. The story was, of course, completely absurd and the distance from reality was of solar proportions. Its abuse of history was vulgar. The early part of the movie is set Hyderabads old Adilabad district, populated in those days by mostly Gond Adivasis. Hyderabad, being a princely state, had no British administrators. The only British officer serving in the Nizams government was the revenue member in the Executive Council. At about the time of the movie it would have been W.V. Grigson, ICS, a man who if anything had loved the Gonds. He was the author of the masterful anthropological study The Maria Gonds of Bastar (1938), which is still the last word on them. The movie depicts a very cruel and despotic British rule where an English family shanghaies a young Gond girl to Delhi. The first part of the movie is about one of the heroes (NTR Jr), who goes to the imperial capital to rescue her. The Nizams administration was mostly Muslim. In 1941, a report on the Civil Service revealed that of the 1,765 officers, 1,268 were Muslims, 421 were Hindus and 121 others, presumably Christians, Parsis and Sikhs. Of the officials drawing a salary of between Rs 600-1,200 per month, 59 were Muslims, 38 were "others", and a mere five were Hindus. The Nizams Hyderabad was a Muslim state imposed on a predominantly Hindu population, so if there was to be an officer out on a wild bloodthirsty shikar, the odds would have been that it would have been a Muslim. Nowhere in our history or collective memory have we had such vile and blatant cruelty by the bureaucracy. We have had bad governance, corrupt and communal officers, but cruelty of this sort is reserved for the movies. What I find unpardonable about RRR is that it borrows two genuinely heroic personalities from our pantheon Kumram Bheem and Seetharama Raju and then distorts their life stories and struggles to make them the protagonists of a comic strip tale. I met a granddaughter of Kumram Bheem, the legendary Gond leader who revolted against the plains peoples rule in Nizam Osman Ali Pashas time, just last month. She lives in a small hut near the huge concrete memorial and museum dedicated to Kumram Bheem. She works as a cook in the nearby Adivasi school. I wonder if Rajamouli and his cinematic band had thought of asking Jangubais permission to so misuse her grandfathers life and personality? Forget about paying any kind of royalty! Alluri Seetharama Raju (4 July 1897-7 May 1924) was an Andhra revolutionary, who had waged an armed campaign against the British colonial rule in India. Andhras Rajus are a small community of landed gentry, and anthropologists describe them as "higher caste of traditional warriors and rulers; the Kshatriyas". He is reported to have been born in the coastal town of Bheemunipatnam, 40 km north of Vizagapatnam in the old Madras Presidency. His father was a professional photographer. As a college student he began visiting tribal areas and was deeply affected by their condition. He became involved in opposing the British in response to the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which restricted the free movement of Adivasis in their forest habitats, and prevented them from practising their traditional form of agriculture called "podu". Rising discontent towards the British led to the Rampa Rebellion of 1922, in which Alluri played the major role as its leader. He was captured and executed by the British on May 27, 1924 at Chintapalli, now in a district that bears his name, where even today the troubles relating to the Adivasi lands continue. Kumram Bheem (22 October 1901-27 October 1940), was a Gond Adivasi with an activist streak in him from his youth. In 1920, he killed an official of the local Velama jagirdar Laxman Rao called Siddique and fled to the traditional seat of the Gond rajas at Chandrapur. From there he fled to Assam, where he worked in the tea plantations, beginning an acquaintance with trade unionism which landed him in prison. Bheem escaped from prison and settled in the village of Bhabejhari near Jodeghat where he began organising Adivasis to fight for their rights. He coined the slogan "Jal, Jangal, Zameen". This inevitably brought him into conflict with the Nizams administration, resulting in a protracted low-intensity rebellion against the feudal set-up all through the 1930s, which in turn culminated of the Telangana rebellion of 1946. He was killed in police action in Jodeghat on October 27, 1940 at the age of 39. Thus, even the timelines and geographies of Bheem and Raju hardly overlap. The movie was made with utter disregard to the life and times of our two heroes, the history and sociology of their times, cruelly exploits their personalities with the callous disregard of upper castes even now. The movie credits do say its a fictional work. But when you appropriate the lives and personalities of two genuine heroes for a tawdry commercial excess, it doesnt absolve the makers of distortion. They too have behaved just as badly as the British depicted in the movie. Perhaps they can make amends somewhat but committing a part of their earnings to the Adivasi cause? What amazes me most about RRR is how a team whose movie projects white people in such cruel and vile terms, so cravenly seeks the approval of those very same white people? They managed to pick up a Golden Globe for NNN. But who awards the Golden Globes is another story. How they are awarded is an even bigger one. It will suffice to state that the New York Times, in damning expose of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), found that there were no black members in the 87-strong voting body, and that relatively few members worked full-time for notable foreign publications. I have no comments on the quality of the song Naatu, Naatu, Naatu! which is in the running for an Oscar this year. Possibly my tastes are of a different time? Advertisement It was one of the worst natural disasters in British history, but most people now have no idea it even happened. The Great North Sea flood, which claimed 326 lives on land when it struck Britain's east coast on this day in 1953, prompted an overhaul of the nation's flood defences, and ultimately led to the construction of the Thames Barrier. The set of movable barriers, operational since 1982, has been used more than 200 times to protect London - which only just emerged unscathed from the surge of 1953 - in nearly 40 years of operation. Essex's Canvey Island, where 58 people were killed, was one of the worst hit parts of the country, with 41 dying in Felixstowe in Suffolk and another 37 dying in the village of Jaywick, also in Essex. Parts of Kent, including Whitstable, were also hit, whilst parts of the Norfolk coast were hammered as well. Whilst the episode has largely faded out of living memory, survivors on Canvey Island still vividly recall it, with one saying in a BBC programme about the disaster how all he could hear was 'people shouting and screaming' as water surged around them. It was one of the worst natural disasters in British history, but most people now have no idea it even happened. Essex's Canvey Island was one of the worst affected parts of the country, with 58 people losing their lives. Above: A policeman carries a child to safety in Canvey Island Fifteen people died in King's Lynn, Norfolk, after water levels rose ten feet higher than the 22feet that had been predicted. Above: King's Lynn residents after the flood Residents in Whitstable are seen cautiously walking across planks from their upstairs window in the aftermath of the flooding How the Thames Barrier works The Thames Barrier has two types of gates: Falling Radial Gates that sit above the river and Rising Sector Gates which rest on the river bed. Individual gates can be closed in ten minutes but the whole barrier takes around an house and a half to close completely. When fully raised, the barrier creates a solid steel wall that stops water flowing upstream towards the capital. The Thames Barrier can only be reopened once the water level upstream of the barrier matches the level downstream. Once a decision has been made to reopen it, a controlled amount of water is passed under the gate and up the Thames. Advertisement The unprecedented event was caused by the combination of an unusually high spring tide and a storm that swept across the North Sea, creating a huge surge of water. Flood defences that had been neglected since the Second World War were overwhelmed, with water sweeping some six feet above them in some places. At its peak, the storm surge was recorded at 18.4ft (5.6metres) In Scotland, a further 19 people were killed, and the storm had an impact beyond British shores too. In the Netherlands, more than 1,800 people died, and 28 people lost their lives in Belgium. Away from land, the ferry the MV Princess Victoria sank in the sea east of Belfast, killing 133 people, whilst the 15-man crew of fishing trawler the Michael Griffith also perished when the vessel was overwhelmed by water. The first part of the country to be affected was the Norfolk coast, before cyclonic winds moved south towards Essex. One survivor in Norfolk told how water first trickled in to his home, before it reached as high as nearly five feet in the space of 15 minutes. Members of the US Air Force, posted at RAF Sculthorpe, helped to rescue residents in Hunstanton. Airman Reis Leming was awarded the George Medal after helping 27 people to safety. However, 31 people did die in Hunstanton, including 16 US service personnel who were lodging in wooden homes. MailOnline reader John Harrison, who remembers the disaster, told how his grandmother 'lost everything' in the flood when it hit Mablethorpe on the Lincolnshire coast. 'At the time of the flood I was 5 years old, and the reason I can remember it so well is because my grandmother owned a boarding house on Wellington road,' he said. 'It was devastating for her, she lost everything. It was also blamed for her partial blindness afterwards. 'We as a family lived in Nottinghamshire and we moved her nearer to us in around 1954 or 55.' Canvey Island was by far the worst hit, with the whole area deluged and 11,000 homes affected. More than 13,000 residents had to be evacuated. Speaking in BBC Radio 4 programme Learning from the Great Tide, survivor Graham Stevens, who was aged 10 when the flood struck, said: 'I was downstairs, and I looked up to the top of the road and it was dry. The Thames Barrier became operational in 1982 but was officially opened in 1984. It has been used more than 200 times to protect London - which only just emerged unscathed from the surge of 1953 - in nearly 40 years of operation. Above: The Queen and Prince Philip attend the opening ceremony of the barrier An aerial view shows the extent of flooding in Canvey Island, Essex. It was the worst-hit part of the country, with 58 people losing their lives The Queen is seen visiting American servicemen in Hunstanton with her husband Prince Philip during their tour of flooded areas The Queen talks with survivors from the flooding in King's Lynn in Norfolk. She was said to have been 'extremely distressed and upset' by what she saw A total of 41 people lost their lives in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Above: Flooding around Langer Road, Felixstowe on the day after the storm Many of the homes in Canvey Island were poorly constructed, made from cheap materials such as wood. Above: Partially submerged 'pre-fab' homes are seen in Canvey Island Survivors from the floods at Canvey Island are pictured boarding a bus to Benfleet after their ordeal Canvey Island residents are seen arriving at a school in nearby Benfleet, after being taken there in the back of an ambulance Residents in East Anglia are seen in the aftermath of the flooding, as a boat carries survivors - who are swaddled in blankets - to safety Members of the military are seen using a ladder to help residents in a home in Norfolk in the aftermath of the flood Thirty-seven people lost their lives in the village of Jaywick, in Essex. Above: A boat is seen being helped on its way, with flooded homes in the background Wrapped in blankets, children and adults are ferried by boat through the flood waters at Jaywick, near Clacton, Essex An aerial photograph shows the extent of the flooding in Jaywick, which was devastated by the storm in 1953 The flooding prompted this herd of cows in Foulness, Kent, seek refuge around an abandoned farm house, which had somehow just survived the flood water Sutton-on-Sea, in Lincolnshire, was also hit by flooding. Above: The wreckage of the Beach Hotel in the village is seen surrounded by debris and flood water In place of traffic and pedestrians, a solitary boat holds the stage in the main street of flooded Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire Royal Air Force personnel herd sheep into a truck to save them from flooding on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent The Thames Barrier is seen in October 2021, when it was closed for the 200th time since becoming operational in 1982 The Thames Barrier is seen under construction in 1975. The system of flood defences took nearly a decade to be built The Thames Flood Barrier is seen under construction in 1980, two years before it became operational and started protecting London 'I turned round, looked back again and it was a bright moon, but the bright moon wasn't in the sky, it was on the ground. 'Because the water had just come in, all I was looking at was the reflection of the moon on to the water as it has come in. 'And all of a sudden, my feet were freezing and, all of a sudden... the water came through the floorboards.' Another survivor, Rod Bishop, said: 'All I could hear was people shouting and screaming. But that has always stuck in my mind. 'Every day my father used to come back onto the island because he had a shop on the high street. And he was helping to lay people out. And he was identifying a lot of the bodies because they were mostly his customers.' In the aftermath of the flood, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret came to visit survivors in Canvey Island, whilst the Queen - who was in her Coronation year - comforted people in Norfolk with her husband Prince Philip. In the aftermath, Prime Minister Winston Churchill - in his second term in Downing Street after leading Britain to victory in the war - promised that 'all the resources of the state' would be made available to help. The police, fire service, army, Royal Navy and RAF were all involved in rescuing survivors and cleaning up in the flood's aftermath. Members of the US Air Force, posted at RAF Sculthorpe, helped to rescue residents in Hunstanton. Airman Reis Leming (pictured left in a safety suit on the day of his heroics) was awarded the George Medal after helping 27 people to safety. Right: The airman after receiving the George Medal Away from land, the ferry the MV Princess Victoria sank in the sea east of Belfast, killing 133 people. Above: The ship A total of 170 people were on the MV Princess Victoria when it sank. Above: Survivors are seen being brought ashore in County Down, Northern Ireland Many of the UK's sea walls were raised to the height of the 1953 surge, while Canvey Island ended up being well protected. Walls of up to 20 feet now protect the island. Above: A stretch of sea wall in Canvey Island is seen in 2020 Canvey Island residents are seen in September 1953 - seven months after the disaster that claimed 58 lives in the town - building a sea wall The country also saw a return of the 'blitz spirit' that had seen Britons come together to help after the devastation wrought by German bombs in the war, with neighbours banding together to help those in need. The disaster prompted the Government to establish a departmental committee on coastal flooding. The Waverley Committee, named after its chairman, produced a report that contained a list of 26 recommendations. They included proposals for a national warning system for flooding and the overhaul of flood defences. Many of the UK's sea walls were raised to the height of the 1953 surge, while Canvey Island ended up being well protected. Walls of up to 20 feet now protect the island, making it a safer place to live. As a consequence, the area's population has nearly quadrupled to around 40,000 today. One of the key questions that came out of the report was the need to defend London, which narrowly avoided being affected in 1953. The ultimate result was the Thames Barrier, built near Woolwich in East London. Construction started in 1974 and the project was officially opened in 1984, but became operational two years earlier. The moveable barrier is made up of 10 gates attached to 39-metre tall cofferdam piles, which are buried nearly 80 feet into the river bed. The barrier can hold back up to 9,000 tonnes of water and - when fully raised - creates a solid steel wall preventing water flowing. The Daily Mail's coverage on February 2, 1953 was extensive. The paper's headline that day read: 'Sea Invasion Disaster'. It added: 'Giant wall of water smashes over the East Coast, brings death and injury to hundreds' Squalid conditions at an Evri delivery depot have been laid bare after photographs reveal piles of half-opened packages, overflowing bins of rubbish and a kitchen covered in grime. It comes amid claims that workers at the processing centre in Slough West, Berkshire, 'smoke weed' while at work. Images show hundreds of damaged and ripped open parcels, with their contents as well as cardboard and wrapping, strewn over the dirty warehouse floor. The pictures reveal a 'disgusting' grime-covered bathroom which had not been cleaned in two years, whistleblowers claimed. Photographs reveal piles of half-opened packages spilling out onto the dirty floor at the Evri depot in Slough West, Berkshire Images show 'disgusting' toilet facilities including this one with toilet paper overflowing from the bin and spilling onto the dirty floor Another showed a filthy urinal and overblowing bins of toilet tissues. A source told the Sun: 'The whole thing is a mess and if anything, it's got worse since changing its name from Hermes. 'There's damaged and opened parcels which have been mistreated everywhere. It's a dump. 'The bathroom is so disgusting that you can't even use the toilet as it hasn't been cleaned in two years. 'Bosses claim their budget has been cut but really it's a lack of management. They need to hire more qualified people. It's unfair on customers.' It comes amid allegations that employees 'smoke drugs' while at work, with Evri launching an investigation More rubbish piling up at the Evri depot centre in Slough West, Berkshire The source claimed that packages were piling up amid huge backlogs caused by employees turning up for work late. Meanwhile, just one nightshift worker is said to have started at 5am to begin processing the parcels, meaning they are late to be delivered. During the festive period, there were concerns that huge backlogs meant Christmas presents would not arrive on time. Customers have hit out at the delivery firm, which rebranded from Hermes last year, over lost and damaged items. The company, which has a zero-tolerance drugs policy, has launched an investigation into staff smoking cannabis, a class B substance, while at work in Slough West delivery centre. Squalid conditions at an Evri delivery depot have been laid bare after photographs reveal piles of half-opened packages During the festive period, there were concerns that huge backlogs meant Christmas presents would not arrive on time Pictures emerged of staff making the roll-up joints inside the warehouse before smoking them with drivers outside. The whistleblower added: 'Evri needs to take responsibility. These are the people who are meant to be running the show. 'I've seen employees smoking weed multiple times. 'Shamefully these people are doing drugs at work and giving customers terrible service.' Evri said it had invested more than 130million to improve its UK service over the past two years. A spokesman said: 'We take the issues raised very seriously and can confirm that we are currently carrying out a full investigation at our Slough West depot.' A mother had chills down her spine after claiming to have captured a ghost with a bullet hole through its head appear 'out of thin air' in front of York's iconic castle. Robbie Natasha Walker was on a trip to York earlier this month on 10, January, when she quickly snapped some photos of Clifford's Tower, a 13th-century castle keep in 'Britain's most haunted city'. But when the 28-year-old was later looking through her photos back at the hotel, she had an adrenaline rush and was taken aback when she spotted what appeared to be a ghostly figure. Eerie images captured by the HR officer reveal what appears to be a black handless figure with a hole in its head stretching out its arms before it fades and 'disappears into thin air'. Robbie Natasha Walker quickly snapped some photos of Clifford's Tower, a 13th-century castle keep in 'Britain's most haunted city' when she spotted what appeared to be a headless figure in her images The following day, the mother-of-one went to speak to a local historian who filled her in on the landmark's dark history - being the site of one of the worst anti-Semitic massacres of the Middle Ages. Consequently, Robbie believes she could have snapped the ghost of a 'past protestor' killed by a bullet wound to the head. Robbie said she can't seem to find any other justification for the peculiar figure not being a ghost, given it appears to be missing body parts and she didn't see anyone approach the tower. Robbie, of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, said: 'I thought 'oh my God. Is this my phone? What's going on here?'. 'I was confused but was quite excited. When you watch certain ghost videos you can quite clearly see that it's been staged, and people are forever trying to capture this kind of stuff. The mother-of-one visited the castle on a trip to York earlier this month on 10, January Slide me Eerie images captured by the HR officer reveal what appears to be a black handless figure with a hole in its head stretching out its arms before it fades and 'disappears into thin air' 'But I guess I kind of felt special and excited - like I'd been ghost hunting and I'd been successful. 'I had an adrenaline rush, was quite shaky, felt chills and was a bit frightened, but also excited. 'At first glance I thought it was a figure of someone. The historian mentioned there were a lot of protests and mass killings at the tower. This sounds really morbid, but it looks like someone got shot in the head and that's the ghostly figure of them protesting. 'I believed in ghosts before this happened. I asked my fiance if he now believed in them. He said 'no, however, I wouldn't rule out if it was a ghost. It's made me think twice about it'.' Robbie said she visits York every year and always gets a picture of the historical landmark. Robbie said: 'I took the pictures because the clouds next to it looked cool.. I got my phone out and I have a baby, so I wasn't taking too much interest in the picture itself. She initially thought it was protestor on the photographes until she realised the figure appeared to slowly fade away across her photographs 'I pressed the camera shutter three times, snapped them and put the phone in my pocket, that was that. 'I'd been taking pictures throughout the whole day and when we got back to the hotel I was going through them all and looked at the first picture of Clifford's Tower and it was a bit blurry but because I knew I took three I looked at the second one, and I spotted the figure. 'I showed them to my family and they were trying to find explanations for it because they don't believe in this kind of stuff or ghosts. They said 'it could have been someone popping up from underneath a bush' or a person walking around the building. 'I'm trying to justify it in my head thinking 'maybe they're right, maybe it is a person' but then I think there's just no way. 'I feel like when you compare both justifications and the opinions we had as a collective, you had my opinion who believes in ghosts and theirs who don't, I feel like based on the images alone, not the beliefs, mine are more justified.' The following day, Robbie said she spoke to a historian who provided her with a run down of the landmark's haunting past. It is the largest remaining part of York Castle, which was once the centre of government for the north of England. The 11th-century timber tower on top of the earth mound was burned down in 1190 after York's Jewish communitywere besieged there by a mob. Many chose to commit suicide rather than be murdered or forcibly baptised by their attackers It's the largest remaining part of York Castle, which was once the centre of government for the north of England. The 11th-century timber tower on top of the earth mound was burned down in 1190 after York's Jewish community, some 150 strong, were besieged there by a mob. Many chose to commit suicide rather than be murdered or forcibly baptised by their attackers. Robbie shared her spooky snaps online hoping to get other people's verdict on them. Robbie said: 'I took the pictures at quite a distance, if there was a person approaching that spot they would have been seen somewhere else in the images. 'I don't think human shadows have reflections like that, if it was a person, it would be a solid figure. 'I managed to get him to disappear in the shot. In one picture, some of his body is there and some of it isn't. It's quite possible to take a picture of a moving object and it looks distorted but all the body parts are there, but he's missing a lot of his body to justify that that's a person. 'He's even missing his hands, unless his sleeves are just a bit too long for him. In the other picture he's only really got a torso and some arms. 'I can't seem to find any other justification for it [it being a ghost]. People might think that I'm nuts, and that's ok. People will agree or disagree with me, or find and answer because they don't believe, or an explanation if they do. 'I for one believe that it's certainly, based on the history of the place, and the images that I've caught, it may well be a ghostly figure.' A grieving father 'stalked a man with a tracker for days before trying to kill him with a machete because he blamed him for his son's death', a court has heard. Samson Price, 48, is accused of launching a 'pre-planned' attack on Patrick Brown outside a gym in Northwich, Cheshire in September 2021, ahead of the one year anniversary of his son's death. Samson Jnr, 18, drowned in a pond in Wigan in October 2020 after taking the hallucinogenic drug LSD while at a lake with friends. Chester Crown Court heard that the father-of-two was 'very angry' that the police had failed to prosecute Brown, who was 19 at the time, and two others for murder after Samson's death. Samson Price (pictured in handcuffs), 48, carried out an 'eye for an eye' attack on Patrick Brown, 21, who he blamed for the death of his son Samson Jnr Samson Price Jnr, 18, was found drowned in a lake in Wigan in October 2020, after going there with three friends including Brown Brown, who was 20 at the time of the attack, was 'millimetres from bleeding to death' after the machete attack in Northwich, Cheshire, in September 2021 Following his death, three men were arrested on suspicion of murder after the friends had gone to a lake called Westwood Flash in Wigan to take the Class A substane. The jury was told that Brown said they had been camping and Samson Price Jnr had started behaving strangely and had gone missing. He was later found drowned. The jury was told that no charges were brought and police told the Price family in March 2021 that Samson's death was an accident which left the family 'very angry'. Price is accused of lying in wait for Mr Brown outside the PureGym in Northwich after tracking him for days. He is charged with raining five to six blows on his body in broad daylight as horrified gym users looked on. Mr Brown, then 20, was 'millimetres from bleeding to death' but was saved by 'sheer luck' and very prompt medical treatment after gym users called the emergency services. Price and his wife Rosanna (pictured with Samson Jnr) had 'made it clear to the police that they considered the people who had been arrested were responsible for their son's death' Price told his wife that he considered himself to have died after his son's death (pictured Price with his son Samson Jnr) Prosecutor Simon Mills told the court: 'This was a pre-planned attack on Mr Brown as he came out of the gym where Price had been waiting with his weapon concealed on his person. 'He came very close to achieving his aim of killing Patrick Brown. He inflicted numerous blows to his head, face, back and arms. He may well have thought that he had done enough to kill Patrick Brown. 'He ran off and remained at large for three weeks before eventually handing himself in at a police station in Wakefield, Yorkshire. 'The defendant had a motive to carry out this deadly attack. He blames Patrick Brown for the death of his son and he was angry that the police did not prosecute him over it. 'The prosecution contends that this was a case of an eye for an eye.' Price accepted attacking Brown but denied he intended to kill him. He has admitted grievous bodily harm with intent but has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. The plea is not accepted by the prosecution. Samson's parents showed the 'understandable grief and raw emotion of a grieving mother and father' said prosecutor Simon Mills, in messages the couple exchanged in the weeks before the attack Mr Mills said that Price and his wife Rosanna had 'made it clear to the police that they considered the people who had been arrested were responsible for their son's death'. He said that the 'understandable grief and raw emotion of a grieving mother and father' were shown in messages the couple had exchanged in the weeks before the attack. Price told his wife that he considered himself to have died after his son's death. He wrote: 'These feelings are hardest to deal with. Nothing will bring him back. It's the senselessness, the unfairness and the injustice of it.' His wife wrote back: 'We should be rowing and worrying about him going to all these festivals. I cannot get it into my head that he is not here and I will never hear his voice.' Price added: 'We have nothing left to look forward to. I consider myself to have died with Samson and I honestly don't care what happens to me any more.' His wife tried 'to pull him round' by reminding him that their daughter Atlanta needed him. Price replied: 'I am not going to harm myself. I will most likely try to harm others. I don't think I can handle the anniversary. I can't see me coping with that. Not that.' Price denied attempted murder. The trial continues. Ghislaine Maxwell's brother today claimed it would be 'ludicrous' to believe anyone would have managed to have a 'grand old sex time' in the 'very, very small' bath where Prince Andrew allegedly had a sexual encounter with Virginia Giuffre. A photograph on the front page of Saturday's Daily Telegraph showed a man and a woman lying fully clothed in a bath in the former London home of convicted child sex trafficker Ms Maxwell, wearing makeshift masks bearing the faces of the Prince and his accuser. Today, Ian Maxwell repeated his claim that the picture proves the bath is too small to have sex in, telling Times Radio: 'I don't know what your contortions and the ability to have a grand old sex-time in a bath, but that's a very, very small tub. He's a big man. And the guy in the picture is smaller than he is. 'The girl had her back to the taps, hard. It's ludicrous to think that anybody, let alone a prince of the realm knowing allegedly that other people are in the house, are going to have to have this fantastical arrangement in this tiny little room.' Ian Maxwell appeared on Times Radio today to suggest it was 'ludicrous' that 'a prince of the realm' would have had 'a grand old sex-time' in a 'very, very small' bath Friends of Ms Giuffre have poured scorn on the 'bizarre' photo stunt - which is said to prove Prince Andrew's 'innocence' of alleged sex crimes against her. The Duke's accuser has claimed that in 2001 when she was 17, he licked her toes in the bath before they had sex in the bedroom. Proof Prince Andrew photo is not a fake Advertisement She alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew by convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein who died in 2019 awaiting trial for child sex trafficking offences and his close friend, Ghislaine Maxwell. The Duke has repeatedly and vehemently denied Ms Roberts's claims. Today, Mr Maxwell insisted the photo was 'just another example' of Ms Giuffre's 'faulty memory'. 'What it does prove is the reverse of what Miss Giuffre said in her unpublished memoir, which is a court document and was released by the US court, in which she says that the bathroom had a beige marble floor and there was a Victorian tub in the centre of the room,' he said. 'There is no Victorian bath, there is no bath in the centre of any room. And for her to say that there is just wrong. Her memory is wrong, or it never happened. '[The photograph] is designed to say, ''Wait a minute. This lady has been believed, almost without any compunction by everybody''. 'I think that the other side of the story needs to be looked at by the media properly, the allegations need to be investigated thoroughly. We only ever hear one side of the story.' Prince Andrew with Ghislaine Maxwell during Ladies Day at Royal Ascot in 2000 A smiling Prince Andrew, 62, was photographed driving a Range Rover in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Saturday Mr Maxwell said that Prince Andrew could take action after Ms Giuffre dropped her accusations against the lawyer Alan Dershowitz. 'He's got to take a view. Dershowitz has suggested that he should consider all legal remedies now to get his reputation back, try and get his life back on track,' he said. 'The appeal is not about Ghislaine's innocence or guilt. She's been found guilty. That is the position. I can't do anything about it. She's guilty, she's been convicted. 'She's in prison. The appeal is about judicial error, pre trial, in trial, post trial, and also the terrible egregious errors in due process. That is what my sister is appealing against.' Mr Maxwell claimed the photograph could be one step along the way for his sister to overturn her conviction. The comments will infuriate Ms Giuffre's camp, which has already slammed the photo 'stunt' as 'shameful'. One source connected to her told The Mail on Sunday: If this shameful stunt is the best Maxwells side can do in defence of Prince Andrew then its laughable. Its a disgusting attempt to discredit a victim of sexual abuse and would be risible if it were not so offensive. Plus they have their facts totally wrong. Virginia never said they had sex in the bath. Prince Andrew allegedly slept with Ms Giuffre when she was just 17 years old on March 10, 2001 The Maxwell family say the bathtub was too small for the Duke and Ms Giuffre to engage in sexual activity (stock image) Lawyer Lisa Bloom, who represented several victims of Epstein and Maxwells sex trafficking web, added: What a surreal, bizarre photograph. It proves nothing. Virginia said that she and Andrew were in the bath. The photo shows that two full-sized humans can fit in the bath. Virginia said that Andrew began by playing with her feet in the bath. The photo shows that would certainly be possible. Virginia said that she and Andrew then moved into the bedroom where the sexual activity occurred. Nothing in the photo disproves that. Ghislaine and her supporters must be getting desperate. Instead of continuing to attack victims, she should be apologising for the pain she has caused to so many. And lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who also represented victims of Maxwell and Epstein, said: Its absurd. If they want to know how two people can have sex in a bathtub they need to merely google it on the internet. This half-hearted attempt [to discredit Virginia] is laughable. In a 2011 interview, Ms Giuffre claimed she and the Duke got into the bath where he started licking my toes before moving to the bedroom, a story she repeated in a 2019 interview with BBCs Panorama, saying: There was a bath and it started there and then led into the bedroom. Ms Giuffre and lawyer David Boies are pictured in August 2019 at Federal Court in New York In her unpublished memoir, The Billionaires Playboy Club which she admitted was partly fictionalised she wrote about entering the bath: We kissed and touched each other before submersing into the hot water he was adoring my young body, particularly my feet, caressing my toes and licking my arches. After drying off they moved into a nearby bedroom for the longest ten minutes of my life. A longtime friend of Ms Giuffre said: The memoir was never accepted into evidence by the judge because it was never presented by Virginia as a factual account of her experiences. Some of it is fictionalised. But that is besides the point. This is an attempt at victim-shaming at its worst. How arrogant do you have to be to think a photograph like this will in any way help your case? After the Telegraph front page on Saturday, Ms Giuffre's lawyers declined to comment but a source close to her said: This feels like a coordinated attempt to try to discredit her but the truth is the truth. Virginia has consistently told the truth about Prince Andrew and no amount of stunted-up photographs will change that. Meanwhile, a smiling Prince Andrew, 62, was photographed driving a Range Rover in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Saturday and appeared carefree as he later rode through the castle grounds on horseback. Last week, it emerged he has been telling friends that a mystery development will restore his disgraced reputation in the coming months, and that he intends to challenge the multi-million pound settlement he struck with Ms Giuffre last year. Eva Green today admitted she had been 'humiliated' by the release of her foul-mouthed WhatsApps calling the crew of a doomed sci-fi movie 'evil', 'morons', 'total a***holes' and 'sh***y peasants from Hampshire'. The former Bond Girl also spoke about her friendship with Daniel Craig and how he had said he would rather 'slash his wrists' than be 007 again - only to play the British spy once more in No Time To Die. Ms Green told the High Court that she wanted to seize control of the script for A Patriot herself. The actress, 42, is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with the makers of the 4.6million movie, with each side blaming the other for the production's demise in October 2019. She is suing White Lantern Films for her fee of $1million (810,000) - even though the movie was never made. Eva Green arrives at the High Court where she is suing White Lantern Films for her $1million fee for the film A Patriot Ms Green smiled as she entered the High Court's Rolls Building in the City of London, wearing bright red and orange sunglasses, a black velvet jacket and dark jeans and boots Ms Green, 42, is at loggerheads with the makers of the dystopian British sci-fi project, which collapsed amid funding issues. Both sides blame each other Giving evidence for a second day, Ms Green said that she felt 'humiliated' that her WhatsApps were being read out in court. She was asked about one message in which she called the film a 'f***ing nightmare', adding: 'We had to get out'. Ms Green insists she did not sabotage the production of A Patriot or walk out on the film, and told the court: 'I have a very direct way of saying things.' She added: 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Yesterday she said the court should put her rudeness down to her 'Frenchness' - insisting she didn't mean it. Asked about her fruity language in another message today she said: 'I'm not very good with words, Im French first of all'. Cross-examined by Max Mallin, KC, for White Lantern, about what she meant by the 'f***ing nightmare' message, she said: 'Sometimes you say things you don't mean. You hate someone and say I'm going to kill someone, but are you really going to kill that person? No. 'There's the famous example of Daniel Craig saying, "I'd rather slash my wrists than do another Bond movie". But did he slash his wrists? No, he made another Bond movie.' To laughter from the public gallery, Ms Green added: 'I know this story because I know Daniel Craig.' Mr Mallin said that in the message Ms Green made it clear that she did not want to continue with A Patriot because of its executive producer, Jake Seal. The message, which was read out in court stated: 'We have to get out as the main investor (Mr Seal) was a f***ing nightmare, truly mad.' But Ms Green denied this, prompting the lawyer to ask her: 'Are you accustomed to simply lying in casual WhatsApp messages?' In heated exchanges with the lawyer, Ms Green hit back: 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Ms Green claimed that she felt 'trapped' at her involvement in A Patriot and that it was the 'craziest' situation she had experienced. Giving evidence on the second day of her High Court hearing she said: 'It caused me immense stress, I just felt I was trapped. 'I was frustrated and confused; it was the craziest situation I've ever been involved in.' Ms Green told the court that this was caused by the involvement of Mr Seal, whom she did not want to work with, financial problems with the film and the way the project was being run. Bond girl Eva Green, pictured in Casino Royale with Daniel Craig, is at the High Court in a legal battle over the demise of a 4million film Ms Green, who earlier told the court that she feared that A Patriot would be a B s**ty movie insisted that she was prepared to still act in it despite the problems. The court was told that she offered to exchange her 810,000 fee for the script rights so that the film could still be made to the standard that she wanted. Mr Mallin asked her: If you had done this film with Jake Seal, it would have been all over, a 20 year career finished. Theres no way you would have done a B S**ty movie, it would have ruined your career. The actress replied: Yes. I gave so much of my heart and soul to this project, I didnt see why I should have given the money back. It made sense to have the script back. But she insisted: But I would have been forced to do this B s**ty movie because I would not have broken my contract. Mr Mallin insisted that Ms Green wanted the film to fail and that she actively encouraged two senior crew members to resign in a WhatsApp message that was read out in court. She replied: I never did anything to make it fail, they made it fail by their own incompetence. Nothing was ready, nothing was in place. When asked to explain the meaning of the message, she said: Im not very good with words, Im French first of all. Im not as eloquent as you. Ms Green smiled as she entered the Rolls Building just off Chancery Lane in the City of London, wearing bright red and orange sunglasses, a black velvet jacket and dark jeans and boots. Ms Green is suing White Lantern Films for her fee of $1million (810,000) which she claims she is entitled to under a 'pay or play' clause in her contract. The movie was shut down due to funding issues in October 2019. Yesterday she put her rudeness about the production staff of A Patriot in expletive-laden texts and emails down to her 'Frenchness'. She also apologised for 'horrible comments' calling the crew 's****y peasants from Hampshire'. In messages used in White Lantern's claim, Ms Green is said to refer to Mr Seal as 'evil', a 'devious sociopath', 'a liar and a mad man' and 'pure vomit'. She is also said to have called production manager Terry Bird 'a f****** moron' and described the men as 'total a***holes'. She also compared her own safety concerns about the project - including a lack of stunt training - to the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of Alec Baldwin's film Rust. In the dystopian film A Patriot, Ms Green had been due to play the lead role of a soldier, and told the High Court in London that she 'fell deeply in love' with 'one of the best scripts I have ever read'. But things turned sour, the court has heard, with White Lantern Films claiming the star breached her 810,000 contract by making unreasonable demands which undermined its efforts to produce the movie. It has revealed messages sent by the Hollywood star about the film's producers and backers, calling them 'super weak and stupid'. While she apologised for 'inappropriate language' and 'some horrible things' sent by email and text, giving evidence Ms Green said that this was 'my Frenchness coming out this was my emotions speaking'. The Paris-born actress and model, who began her career in French theatre after spending time in London and Ireland, added: 'Sometimes you say things you don't actually mean, of course they are not weak and stupid.' Another text message, sent by one of the film's producers, said that he thought Ms Green would 'rather eat tumours' than make the film with another of the producers whom she disliked. Ms Green, who was an executive producer for the project, dismissed claims from White Lantern that she sought to undermine the film's production, telling the High Court: 'My heart and soul was in making A Patriot.' Actress Eva Green filming near Tower Bridge in October 2019 She said: 'It is one of the best scripts I have ever read. As an actor it was very exciting, it is the role of a soldier which I have not played before. It was about climate change, which is very dear to my heart.' However, the Casino Royale star, who attended court in central London wearing a black roll-neck top with a smart moss green velvet blazer and sunglasses, revealed how she feared A Patriot may become a low-budget 'B-movie' after disagreements behind the scenes with the film's financiers and producers. 'When an actor is in a B-movie, you will be labelled as B-actor,' she told the court, adding: 'It could kill my career... I don't care about the money, I live to make good films, it is my religion.' Mr Mallin has previously claimed that Ms Green had an 'animosity' towards a vision for the project held by Mr Seal. In WhatsApp exchanges with her agent and the film's director, Ms Green claimed Mr Seal was planning to make a 'cheap B-movie', describing him as 'the devil' and 'evil', he said. Mr Mallin asked Ms Green if she remembered sending a different text message suggesting that the film under Mr Seal would be a 'B-s****y-movie'. The actress said she remembered the message. Ms Green added: 'I never wanted this to be a B-movie, but I realised more towards the end that it was going to happen.' The actress, who played Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale and also starred in the BBC1 series The Luminaries, is suing White Lantern for her fee of $1million (810,000), which she claims she is entitled to under a 'pay or play' clause in her contract. The term 'pay or play' is used in the film industry to refer to when an artist is paid whether or not they are called upon to perform. White Lantern is defending the claim and bringing a countersuit. Lawyers for Ms Green say she is being portrayed unfairly as a diva by White Lantern. Edmund Cullen KC, for Ms Green, told the court last week 'this case is designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation'. Instead, Mr Cullen insists that Ms Green bent over backwards to try to complete the project. Detailing accommodations the actress made in order to assist the film, he listed how 'she repeatedly agreed to move back the start date, she agreed to move production from Ireland to the UK, she made repeated offers to use part of her fee to finance the project'. The film was also due to feature The Jewel In The Crown and Game Of Thrones actor Charles Dance and As Good As It Gets star Helen Hunt. Misery star Kathy Bates was also attached to the movie at one point. Director Dan Pringle said the proposed budget had been reduced from the 8million originally discussed with Ms Green to a lower estimate of 4.6million. The trial continues, with Ms Green continuing to give evidence today. The family of George Floyd will be among the mourners paying respect to Tyre Nichols at his funeral in Memphis tomorrow. Several relatives of the Minneapolis security guard, who was murdered by police in 2020, will attend the ceremony at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, attorney Ben Crump told TMZ. The Floyd family have already sent their condolences to the grieving relatives of Mr Nichols, who was savagely beaten to death by cops during a routine traffic stop earlier this month. Among the mourners at what will likely be an emotionally charged service will be four White House aides, as calls grow for more officers to be criminally charged over Mr Nichols' death. George Floyd's daughter Gianna (right) and brother Philonise (second right) are pictured at the White House in May, 2022. Relatives will be in attendance for the funeral of Tyre Nichols tomorrow Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Keisha Lance Bottoms and her colleague Tara Murray, senior advisor Mitch Landrieu, and Erica Loewe, the director of African American media, will travel to the service in Memphis tomorrow. The funeral will start at 10.30am local time and a live stream will be available online. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy, like he did for the funeral service of George Floyd. An estimated 2,500 people will be in attendance with additional security services to control the crowds and the service. Jason Turner, senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, has already been speaking out about Mr Nichols' shocking death. He said: 'We need public safety, right? We need law enforcement to combat pervasive crime. 'Also, we don't want the people who are sworn to protect and serve us brutalizing us for a simple traffic stop, or any offense.' Turner branded the gruesome footage of the police beating 'further proof that our city's and our nation's criminal justice systems are in dire need of change.' In his Sunday service, he addressed the congregation with the sermon: 'Tyre Deserves Answers. Tyre Nichols was savagely beaten to death by cops during a routine traffic stop earlier this month White House Public Engagement Advisor Keisha Lance Bottoms will be among the officials in attendance J. Lawrence Turner, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, will preside over the funeral He told Action News 5: '"What did I do?" He kept asking that over and over again. 'You need answers to heal. And accountability.' During the service, he prayed aloud for a fair investigation into the death which has sparked protests across the country. He said: 'We want his family to know he will not be forgotten, and the fight is not over.' Turner is preparing for the large service tomorrow and is conscious of its political power. He said: 'We want to give them comfort. But we also want to start what is going to be a movement to finally bring police reform to our country.' It comes a day after the parents of Tyre Nichols accepted an invitation to attend President Biden's State of the Union address next Tuesday. Nichols' mother and stepfather will be the guests of the Congressional Black Caucus, which is also calling for a meeting with President Biden in the wake of the 29-year-old FedEx worker's brutal beating on January 7. Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, and chairman of the caucus, said he spoke with the family on Sunday 'to first extend our condolences to them, to let them know that we stand with them, to ask them what they want from us in this moment.' The lawyer representing the family of Tyre Nichols, Ben Crump, has urged Congress to immediately pass police reform laws that ban chokeholds in the wake of his death. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy, like he did for the funeral service of George Floyd The parents of Tyre Nichols have accepted an invitation to attend President Biden's State of the Union address next Tuesday Nichols, 29, died three days after he was admitted to the hospital this month following a brutal beating by five Memphis Police officers Tyre Nichols is pictured handcuffed on the ground surrounded by cops during his violent arrest earlier this month 'Like so many, I was outraged and deeply pained to see the horrific video of the beating that resulted in Nichols' death,' Biden said in a statement on Friday. The president will use his remarks before the joint session of Congress to set the tone for his agenda with two years left in his term and highlight upcoming legislative priorities. Horsford said his caucus would be reaching out to Sen. Tim Scott, the black Republican from South Carolina who spearheaded the failed police reform negotiations last go-around. Scott and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., could not reach agreement on a police reform package after the then-Democrat-led House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in 2021. The bill, which aims to stop aggressive law enforcement tactics, passed the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives in 2021 but stalled in the Senate. Joe Biden on Thursday called on Congress to send the legislation to his desk. 'Shame on us if we don't use his tragic death to finally get the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed,' Crump told CNN's 'State of the Union.' Crump said he and the Nichols family had spoken with President Joe Biden on Friday and urged him to use Nichols' death to galvanize support for the act's passage. Nichols' mother was coping with her son's death by believing he was destined to change the world, Crump said on ABC's 'This Week' on Sunday. 'She believes in her heart Tyre was sent here for an assignment and that there is going to be greater good that comes from this tragedy.' Nichols' death is the latest high-profile example of police using excessive force against black people and other minorities. Almost a thousand of people gathered at the Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland, California, last night for protests A BLM protester projects a 'Defund The Police' sign on to the side of the Oakland Police Department's wall last night Crump (pictured) said he and the Nichols family had spoken with President Joe Biden on Friday and urged him to use Nichols' death to galvanize support for the act's passage Crump said Nichols' death should finally prompt lawmakers to act. 'It is this culture that says it doesn't matter whether the police officers are black or Hispanic or white, that it is somehow allowed for you to trample on the constitutional rights of certain citizens from certain ethnicities and certain communities,' Crump said on CNN. Republican House of Representatives Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, appearing on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' cautioned against rushing into new legislation to create new mandates for police. 'These five individuals did not have any respect for life. And again, I don't think these five guys represent the vast, vast majority of law enforcement. But I don't know if there's anything you can do to stop the kind of evil we saw in that video,' he said. Tyre Nichols was admitted to the hospital in critical condition after being beaten by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7. He died three days later from those injuries All five Memphis cops were fired on January 20 and on January 26 were arrested and charged with Nichols' murder as well as kidnapping, assault and misconduct Five officers, all black, are charged with Nichols' murder after video captured on bodycams and a street surveillance camera showed them violently confronting Nichols on January 7. The Memphis Police Department on Saturday disbanded the SCORPION unit to which the officers belonged, as protests took place in US cities a day after harrowing video of the attack was released. Scorpion stands for Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in our Neighborhoods. The Memphis police chief, Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis, disbanded the unit on Saturday. 'It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,' she said in a statement. Prior to the move by Davis, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said it was clear that the officers involved in the attack on Nichols violated the departments policies and training. 'The world is watching us,' Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. 'If there is any silver lining to be drawn from this very dark cloud, its that perhaps this incident can open a broader conversation about the need for police reform.' Biden joined national civil rights leaders in similar calls to action. 'To deliver real change, we must have accountability when law enforcement officers violate their oaths, and we need to build lasting trust between law enforcement, the vast majority of whom wear the badge honorably, and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect,' the President said. A GoFundMe set up for the Nichols family has already raised more than $1million in donations since it was created on Saturday. Boris Johnson urged Brits to ignore Brexit 'gloom-mongers' on the third anniversary of the UK's EU departure - as former leading Brussels figures trolled the nation. The former prime minister used a Twitter video to claim the rollout of the Covid vaccine proved that leaving the bloc had been worthwhile. His intervention came as senior EU players in the Brexit saga weighed in on the landmark date. The most left-field claim came from whacky former Belgian PM and arch federalist Guy Verhofstadt, who suggested Brexit was to blame for Vladimir Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile former EU negotiator Michel Barnier suggested that the UK had seen 'no added value' from leaving. He also lauded Sir Keir Starmer as 'a European', something the Labour leader may not appreciate as he tries to keep his party happy. Writing on Twitter this afternoon, Mr Johnson, now a backbench MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip in West London, said: 'Time to turn the tables on the gloom-mongers, and exploit the benefits of Brexit. Remember that vaccine rollout! Happy Brexit Day!' The former prime minister used a Twitter video to claim the rollout of the Covid vaccine proved that leaving the bloc had been worthwhile Former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt used the third anniversary of the UK's departure to suggest Russian autocrat Putin would not have dared to act if Britain had voted differently at the EU referendum in 2016 Mr Verhofstadt, a hardcore federalist, told the LBC radio station that Putin was trying to restore the Soviet Union and 'the only difference is that the Communist Party is replaced by his cronies' But in a bizarre moment he added: 'A united Europe, certainly on defence matters, would make an enormous difference. I think maybe that without Brexit, maybe there was no invasion' Earlier this week he trolled the UK on Twitter, saying it was his 'dream' for the UK and Ukraine both to join the EU within the next five years He used a map based on polling by Focaldata and Unherd showing that in all but three of the 650 UK parliamentary constituencies a majority of voters believe Brexit was a mistake In a social media video, he insisted the UK's coronavirus vaccination rollout was as rapid as it was because 'we'd taken back control' of the Medical Health Regulation Agency (MHRA). 'We were able to license that vaccine faster than any other European country and that gave us a crucial edge,' he said. 'So today, on Brexit Day, as we look back at that vaccine rollout, let's also look forward to all the other ways in which we can change our country and our economy for the better.' However, the idea that Brexit allowed the UK to act independently over vaccines has been debunked, as Britain had all the independent legal right to act even when it was a member, according to Full Fact. Mr Verhofstadt used an interview on the landmark day to suggest the Russian autocrat would not have dared act if Britain had voted differently at the EU referendum in 2016. He told LBC radio that Putin was trying to restore the Soviet Union and 'the only difference is that the Communist Party is replaced by his cronies'. But in a bizarre moment he added: 'A united Europe, certainly on defence matters, would make an enormous difference. I think maybe that without Brexit, maybe there was no invasion.' No10 hit back at him this afternoon, saying he was wrong to make such a connection. A spokesman said that Britain's response to the invasion had demonstrated 'the UK's commitment to European security'. Mr Verhofstadt is one of the main cheerleaders for the EU to have its own army. Last week he celebrated Germany's belated decision to send tanks to Ukraine by saying: 'Time to build a real EU defence with jointly procured EU weapons.' Earlier this week he trolled the UK on Twitter, saying it was his 'dream' for the UK and Ukraine both to join the EU within the next five years. He used a map based on polling by Focaldata and Unherd showing that in all but three of the 650 UK parliamentary constituencies a majority of voters believe Brexit was a mistake. He told LBC: 'Yeah, my dream was that I transmitted in a tweet yesterday was to say, let's hope that Britain can rejoin and let's hope that Ukraine can join and why not within five years? 'Maybe it's a little bit optimistic concerning the UK, but my feeling is when the last time when I was in London, that for the first time in the public opinion in Britain, people understand that Brexit was a wrong choice and that it has done a lot of damage to Europe and certainly to the UK.' The poll of 10,000 people found that only in Lincolnshire was there still majority support for Brexit - Louth and Horncastle, Boston and Skegness, and South Holland and the Deepings. The 'benefits of Brexit' will be used to 'empower communities and businesses', Rishi Sunak pledged last night. Ahead of the third anniversary of Britain's departure from the EU today, he promised a renewed focus on exploiting the flexibilities and freedoms offered by no longer having to follow the Brussels rule book. Meanwhile Mr Barnier will use an LBC interview tonight to attack Brexit and former Ukip leader Nigel Farage. 'Nobody, even Mr Farage, has been able along these last five years to give me any proof of the added value of Brexit. The added value to be out of the union, out of the Customs Union, out of the single market. There is no added value to Brexit,' he told Andrew Marr in an interview to be broadcast this evening. Asked about Sir Keir he added: 'I met several times Keir Starmer when he was on the side of the leader of the Labour Party, and I have a respect for him. I wrote my book; on our last meeting he seems to me that he has the capacity to be the Prime Minister of UK... And I think he's a European. 'I think that Keir Starmer as many, many politicians, even in the Tory Party, know that to face some global challenges, we have to work at a European level. Even if UK or Norway or Switzerland... we need to work as a continent to face some global challenges. Better together than alone.' The Prime Minister, who backed the Leave campaign, said the UK had already made huge strides in harnessing the freedoms unlocked by Brexit, including the vaccine rollout and new trade deals. 'We've forged a path as an independent nation with confidence,' he added. 'We're cutting red tape for businesses, levelling up through our freeports, and designing our own, fairer farming system to protect the countryside. 'This is just the beginning of our plans and I'm determined to ensure the benefits of Brexit continue to empower communities and businesses right across the country.' Mr Sunak has committed to reviewing more than 4,000 EU-derived laws this year and repealing those not suited to the UK's needs. A poll published by Ipsos on Monday found 45 per cent thought Brexit was going worse than they expected, up sharply from 28 per cent in June 2021, including just over one in four (26 per cent) of those who voted Leave in the 2016 referendum. Fewer than one in ten (9 per cent) - down six points on 2021 - said it was working out better than expected, while nearly two in five (39 per cent) said it was meeting their expectations, a seven-point drop. Ipsos interviewed 1,000 GB adults aged 18-75 online on January 25 and 26. A senior Tory warned Rishi Sunak not to take a 'snowflakey' approach to bullying claims today as Dominic Raab faces fresh pressure. Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted ministers must be able to make 'reasonable' demands of civil servants and ask whether they are providing 'good service'. The intervention came after reports a senior official has told an inquiry into Mr Raab's behaviour that he was 'very rude and abrasive'. Mr Sunak gathered Cabinet today in the wake of Nadhim Zahawi's sacking for breaching ministerial rules over his multi-million pound tax settlement with HMRC. There are reports a senior official has told an inquiry into Dominic Raab's (pictured today) behaviour that he was 'very rude and abrasive' A senior Tory has warned Rishi Sunak (pictured on a visit yesterday) not to take a 'snowflakey' approach to bullying claims today as Dominic Raab faces fresh pressure Jacob Rees-Mogg told Sky News ministers must be able to make 'reasonable' demands of civil servants and ask whether they are providing 'good service' Deputy PM Mr Raab has insisted he welcomes the probe and believes he behaved properly at all times. He received support from Jacob Rees-Mogg today, with the ex-business secretary warning that ministers must be able to challenge staff. Mr Rees-Mogg told Sky News: 'I think we've got to be slightly careful about the bullying allegations. 'We mustn't be too snowflakey about it. People need to be able to say this job has not been done well enough and needs to be done better. 'It's a very difficult line to judge. It's not a straightforward issue in most cases. It's how did somebody react, what did somebody say, is it reasonable to demand from senior and well-paid professionals a level of good service? And then you have to judge whether that line has been overstepped. But I do worry we're getting a bit snowflakey about this.' He said it is 'completely sensible' for Mr Raab to remain in place while under investigation. Mr Raab is believed to be facing dozens of claims of humiliating civil servants in the workplace. Adam Tolley KC is leading an investigation into complaints over Mr Raab's conduct. Nadhim Zahawi was sacked by No10 on Sunday after an ethics report concluded that he had broken the ministerial code Gillian Keegan and James Cleverly were among the ministers at Cabinet today Mr Raab served as foreign secretary, justice secretary and deputy Prime Minister under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. One civil servant told The Times he was 'very rude and abrasive, sometimes totally randomly' and for 'arbitrary' reasons. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior officials, slammed Mr Rees-Mogg's comments. 'Even by Rees-Mogg's standards this is outrageous,' he said. 'A former leader of the House, trivialising bullying that we know has ruined lives and careers. 'Not only should he be ashamed of himself, but his leader and party should distance themselves from this.' Mr Sunak sacked Mr Zahawi on Sunday after revelations about his personal tax arrangements. Mr Zahawi was fired after a report by the Prime Minister's ethics adviser concluded he had broken the ministerial code. A replacement has yet to be named. Mr Sunak insisted yesterday that he acted 'pretty decisively' since the tax revelations and has tried to recommit his party to 'integrity'. Nearly 100 days after she left Downing Street as Britain's shortest-serving prime minister in history, Liz Truss is reportedly planning a political comeback. The ex-premier made a visit to Washington DC before Christmas to attend a gathering of centre-Right figures from across the globe. It has now emerged, following a series of private meetings while she was across the Atlantic, that the 47-year-old told US politicians she 'remained determined to rouse Britain from economic stagnation'. According to US website Politico, Ms Truss also made it known that she did not trust her successor, Rishi Sunak, to do the job. Liz Truss is reported to have told US politicians she 'remained determined to rouse Britain from economic stagnation' Ms Truss was spotted in Washington in December, when she flew across the Atlantic to attend the International Democrat Union forum The ex-PM is said to have made it known that she did not trust her successor, Rishi Sunak, to do the job Ms Truss's time in No10 was dominated by economic turmoil in the wake of her tax-cutting 'mini-Budget', which has since been almost completely junked by Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. But while it is claimed she acknowledged 'mistakes' in the way she pushed ahead with her economic plans, Ms Truss is not said to have shied away from her low-tax agenda on her US trip. Politico reported that Ms Truss told Kevin Hern, a member of the US House of Representatives, that she wanted to create a similar body to the Republican Study Committee - an influential group in Washington. She expressed a wish for such a faction at Westminster to 'house all of their ideas into a collective group in order to hold the current Prime Minister accountable,' Mr Hern said. He also revealed that Ms Truss floated the 'Conservative Growth Group' as a name. This month, a group of two dozen MPs supportive of Ms Truss were reported to have gathered in Parliament - with the ex-PM in attendance - to form a group of the same name. Another US political figure who spoke to Ms Truss on her December trip told Politico she expressed fears that Britain's Conservative movement could 'disappear entirely' as she warned about the Tories' electoral prospects. Sir Jake Berry, who served as Tory chairman under Ms Truss and who accompanied her on her US trip, told the website that the party had 'failed over a significant period of time' to explain 'why we are Conservatives in a compelling way'. Ms Truss has maintained a longer silence in Parliament after returning to the backbenches than both her immediate predecessors, Boris Johnson and Theresa May Ms Truss's attendance at the International Democrat Union forum in Washington last month was at the invitation of its chairman, ex-Canadian PM Stephen Harper. An ally of Ms Truss told MailOnline that she had used the visit to touch base with other centre-Right figures in a series of private meetings as she reflected on her time in No10. Although she has remained as MP for South West Norfolk, the ex-PM has not spoken in the House of Commons since her last speech as PM. It means she has now maintained a longer silence in Parliament after returning to the backbenches than both her immediate predecessors, Boris Johnson and Theresa May. But the ally said, although she was not yet planning a specific intervention, that she would speak in the Commons chamber as and when an appropriate moment arose. Security officials and rescue workers conduct an operation to clear the rubble and search for bodies at the site of Monday's suicide bombing, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. The death toll from the previous day's suicide bombing at a mosque in northwestern Pakistani rose to more than 85 on Tuesday, officials said. The assault on a Sunni Mosque inside a major police facility was one of the deadliest attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent years. (Photo: AP) A suicide blast at a mosque in Peshawar on Monday was the biggest terror incident in recent months. This one was aimed at the Pakistan establishment as the holy place lies within the heavily guarded police lines where several offices of security and counterterrorism forces are located. The restive capital of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa may have been relatively calm for a while but, as a haven for terrorists of every kind, the region has always been notorious as a hotbed of terrorist activity for nearly four decades now. Tragic as they are in taking lives without making any distinctions, Pakistan has been witness to many such bloody bombings, including one on an army-run public school in the very area in which international fighters have gathered for years together. They came there first to fight the once Soviet-backed Afghan government and the area became more thickly populated with fighters after Imran Khan struck a peace deal allowing Pakistan Taliban fighters back in from Afghanistan. The deal, however, broke down last year. Pakistan has paid a very heavy price for its dalliance with terror and its perpetrators as a State instrument that was used extensively across both the borders with Afghanistan as well as India. Its leaders have often pointed out to the outside world that Pakistan is also a victim of terror. But, given the background of encouragement for disruptive elements who use bombs as a weapon against civilians as well, Pakistan is far from blameless. Police personnel nurse a grievance that, as soft targets, they suffer more though they are a force primarily dealing with civil order. It is not known yet who was behind this latest outrage in the bombing of a mosque at which around 300 persons had gathered to pray. The Pakistan Taliban, which had tried to take responsibility, backed out saying it was not in its playbook to aim at people praying. A branch of the dreaded IS Islamic State Khorasan - operating in the region could be a suspect too. The economy is on the brink with Pakistan desperately negotiating with the IMF to stay afloat amid dwindling foreign exchange resources and the politics is particularly polarised after Imran Khan was ousted from office. With the Taliban returning to power in Kabul in 2021 after the US pulled out, there has been a major shift in the maelstrom environment of the area. The more is the pity as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa resembles a war zone now. He raised concerns of a nuclear alliance between Russia, China and N. Korea NATO today raised concerns of a nuclear alliance between Russia, China and North Korea that would 'challenge the world order'. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden China to potentially invade the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Stoltenberg said China is 'learning lessons' from Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine as he warned: 'What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow.' The NATO chief made the comments during a trip to Japan in which he and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to strengthen ties with the West amid increasing security fears over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its growing military-cooperation with China. NATO today raised concerns of a nuclear alliance between Russia, China and North Korea that would 'challenge the world order'. Pictured: North Korea launches a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, on November 18, 2022 The leaders also raised concerns about Russia's nuclear threats. Pictured: The launch of Russian Sarmat ballistic missile in April 2022 Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands after holding a joint media briefing on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan 'The world is at a historical inflection point in the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II,' Stoltenberg and Kishida said in a statement. The leaders also raised concerns about Russia's nuclear threats, joint military drills between Russia and China near Japan, and North Korea's development of nuclear weapons. It comes after Russia yesterday warned it is on the 'verge of a direct collision with the US and NATO' and it is 'very possible' there will be no nuclear arms control treaty with America after 2026 due to Washington's efforts to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Moscow in Ukraine. Stoltenberg today told reporters a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden China at a time when it is building up its military, 'bullying its neighbors and threatening Taiwan'. 'The war in Ukraine demonstrates that our security is closely interconnected,' Stoltenberg said during his visit at the Iruma Air Base north of Tokyo. 'If President Putin wins in Ukraine it will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians, but it will also send a very dangerous message to authoritarian leaders all over the world because then the message will be that when they use military force they can achieve their goals,' he said. 'So the war in Ukraine matters for all of us.' He added: 'This war is not just a European crisis, but the challenge to the world order. 'Beijing is watching closely, and learning lessons that may influence its future decisions. What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow.' Over the weekend, Stoltenberg gave similar warnings about rising tension with China during a visit to South Korea. It was here that he urged Seoul to increase military support to Ukraine. While the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation groups 30 countries in Europe and North America, Stoltenberg has said its members are affected by global threats. Japan, already a close ally of the United States, has in recent years expanded its military ties with other Indo-Pacific nations as well as with Britain, Europe and NATO amid growing security threat from China and North Korea. Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol became the first leaders from their countries to attend a NATO summit last year, joining as observers. A Ukrainian serviceman uses his foot to kick snow off the top of a BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle in the Donetsk region on Monday Self-governed Taiwan's 23 million people live under the constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China, which views the island as its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary China has previously criticised NATO's efforts to expand its alliances in Asia. Russia, which calls its invasion of Ukraine a 'special operation', has repeatedly cast NATO's expansion as a threat to its security. Late last year, Japan unveiled sweeping plans to beef up its defence capabilities, changes once unthinkable for a pacifist country that will make it the third-biggest military spender after the United States and China. Bolstering its co-operation with NATO in areas from maritime security and arms control to cyberspace and disinformation will further help to respond to the changing strategic environment, the statement added. The meeting comes as Japan prepares to host the annual Group of Seven (G7) summit in May, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is expected to be a major topic of discussion. Kishida is considering visiting Kyiv in February to reinforce his support for Ukraine in the conflict, domestic media have said. It comes as Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the US's decision to supply Kyiv with 31 of its fast-moving M1 Abrams tanks was an 'extremely destructive step' which 'escalated' the war in Ukraine. Ryabkov claimed Washington's apparent insistence to inflict 'strategic defeat' on Russia means that the future of the nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Moscow is in doubt. He warned that the last remaining pillar of the treaty could therefore expire in 2026 without a replacement. Both Russia and the United States still have vast arsenals of nuclear weapons which are currently partially limited by the 2011 New START Treaty, which in 2021 was extended until 2026. What comes after February 4, 2026, however, is unclear, though Washington has indicated it wants to reach a follow-on agreement with Russia. Asked if Moscow could envisage there being no nuclear arms control treaty after 2026, Ryabkov told the RIA state new agency: 'This is quite a possible scenario.' Advertisement This is the moment brave lion cubs had to leap across a swollen river in Kenya before drying off in the sun with their mother. The plucky youngsters lined up by the waters at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy this month. Storms meant that the Ntiakntiak river in the conservancy bordering the Masai Mara was much fuller than usual. The mother and her young cubs were spotted at dawn after killing a warthog. The mother drank from the river, then jumped over to the North bank, while the cubs waited several minutes, with the mum looking on anxiously. They can be seen growling before jumping into the water and struggling to reach the other side. Eventually they succeeded and shook off before joining their mother for some grooming in the sunshine and going to sleep shortly afterwards. Wildlife guide and conservationist Paul Goldstein spotted the plucky youngsters lined up by the waters this month at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy One of the lion cubs looks determined to get to the other side to dry off The mother is pictured bathing proudly in the sun with her cubs after completing the mission One of the cubs is pictured drinking from the river before making the crossing The cubs line up on the rocks with a couple of them looking less than pleased to be making the journey One of the cubs growls at the sight of the river The growling cub leads the way as the other lions prepare to make their way across the river One of the cubs starts with a long jump to stay out of the water for as long as possible A cub appears to be struggling to cross to the other side, but the end is in sight A lion cub makes one last push to get to the rocks on the other side The cub is half-submerged as it makes the arduous trip across the river One of the cubs approaches the bank at the other side of the river at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy A grieving mother whose 23-year-old son died on holiday after taking drugs has issued a plea for ecstasy to be made legal. Keen sportsman and DJ Ben Rees, from Aberdare in South Wales, told his girlfriend 'this has been the best year' just weeks before he died after taking party drug MDMA during a trip to Germany with friends. Ben took the powdered drug that contained a lethal substitute called PMA - that gives similar effects but is cheaper and more poisonous. Now his heartbroken mother Nadia Rees, 59, is calling for ecstasy to be made legal so it is easier to regulate what is inside the substances. Ben Rees, from Aberdare in South Wales, died at the age of 23 after taking a party drug Ben is pictured here second from the left with his parents Huw and Nadia and older brother Alex Nadia said: 'Ben's death has to try and change something so that he didn't die in vain. 'The harm that's been caused in Wales over the past year by illegal or illicit drug use, as they call it, is higher than it's ever been so the law isn't protecting the people who are using these substances. 'You and I might go to the pub, we will have a couple of drinks but we know the content of the alcohol that we are drinking. It's like a game of roulette really, isn't it.' Nadia says her son was a sportsman and a musician who was very sociable. A few weeks before he died he told his girlfriend: 'This has been the best year'. Nadia says her son was a sportsman and a musician who was very sociable A few weeks before he died he told his girlfriend: 'This has been the best year' DJ Ben died while on holiday in Germany with a group of friends - he had taken MDMA Nadia is now working with organisation Anyone's Child - a network of families affected by drugs who are calling for drug laws to be changed. She added: 'I think Ben would be proud of me.' Former undercover police officer Neil Woods believes drugs should be regulated like alcohol and tobacco. He said all the UK deaths from MDMA he's aware of have been because the dosage is too high in the tablet or it contained a more dangerous substance. He said: 'It's because they're dangerous that we need to regulate them'. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 4,859 deaths in Wales and England last year were related to drug poisoning - including legal drugs. The Home Office said tackling drug misuse is a priority. The UK Government has no plans to decriminalise harmful drugs but aims to prevent drug use in communities, support people through treatment and tackle the supply of illegal drugs. A father of six arrested on suspicion of locking his own children in a cellar is the grandson of a notorious Nazi war criminal who established the Mauthausen concentration camp, MailOnline can reveal. Tom Landon, 54, was held by police after he used pepper spray to attack two officials who had come to question him about the living conditions of his family. Neighbours raised the alarm after hearing 'crying' from the cellar of the isolated building where Mr Landon lives with his wife, 40, and their three sons and three daughters, all aged under seven. Officials found three boys and three girls aged between seven months and seven years in the cellar of the house, which had been recently bought by Landon. Tom Landon, 54, pictured above, spent 24 hours in police custody after officials found three boys and three girls aged between seven months and seven years in the cellar of his house. MailOnline can now reveal he is the grandson of a notorious Nazi war criminal Pictured: Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Himmler's second in command, takes the oath before giving evidence in his own defence at the Nuremberg trials. Tom Landon, who hit the headlines over the weekend after being held in custody for 24 hours, has admitted he is the Nazi's grandson He was held in custody for 24 hours before being released without charge, after police stormed the house in Obritz, 60 miles north of the Austrian capital Vienna and close to the country's border with the Czech Republic. Mr Landon - who has self-published more than 30 books and who police called a 'prepper' - has since told MailOnline the incident is all part of a 'vendetta' by the local deputy mayor Erich Greil who disagreed with the family's 'off grid' lifestyle. He is said to be part of the Reichsburger movement, a group of right-wing extremists who believe the German empire still exists as it did prior to World War II and the current German state is insignificant. Police raids recently busted members of the group who were planning to storm the German capitol building and overthrow the government. Mr Landon also confirmed to MailOnline he was the grandson of notorious Nazi war criminal Ernst Kaltenbrunner, who was leader of the feared SS in Austria and later head of police in wartime Germany. Kaltenbrunner was a committed follower of Adolf Hitler to the bitter end, and was one of the main protagonists in the Holocaust. He established the Mauthausen concentration camp, the first of its kind in Austria and where around 90,000 people were murdered. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Mr Landon said: ' Do you know we had police here with guns and a battering ram to get access to my property?' Pictured: An underground tunnel is seen inside his property in Obritz, 60 miles north of the Austrian capital Vienna and close to the country's border with the Czech Republic Pictured: Boxes are seen stacked inside an underground tunnel inside Mr Landon's home According to historians, Kaltenbrunner was present at a 1940 meeting where Hitler and his fellow henchmen Josef Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler agreed all Jews incapable of heavy work should be gassed. The Nazis went on to kill six million Jews in death camps around Europe, along with an additional 11 million people from other groups. Leni Yahil, who wrote 'The Holocaust: The Fate of European Jewry 1932-1945' described how under Kaltenbrunner's command, the 'genocide of Jews picked up pace as the process of extermination was to be expedited and the concentration of the Jews in the Reich itself and the occupied countries were to be liquidated as soon as possible.' During the summer of 1943 Kaltenbrunner was also present when 15 inmates at Mauthausen were selected to demonstrate three grim killing methods for him: killing by gunshot, hanging and gassing. Other historians have described how he was 'committed to Nazism' until the bitter end and a fanatical Hitler loyalist. He was eventually captured four days after World War Two ended by US soldiers hiding in a remote Austrian mountain cabin with two SS soldiers at Altahausse. After being questioned and initially claiming he was a doctor his cover was blown after his mistress called out to him as he was led away from the building and she rushed up and kissed him. He was convicted at the Nuremberg war trials in September 1946, aged 43, of crimes against humanity and executed by hanging - insisting at the end that he was in fact trying to end the Holocaust and he was being wrongly judged. Pictured: The German defendants Hermann Goering, Rudolf Hess, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Wilhelm Keitel, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Alfred Rosenberg, Hans Frank, Wilhelm Frick, Julius Streicher, Walther Funk, Karl Doenitz, Erich Raeder, Baldur von Schirach, Fritz Sauckel Alfred Jodl, Franz von Papen, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, Albert Speer, Konstantin von Neurath and Hans Fritzsche sitting during the Nuremberg Trials. Germany, November 1945 Mr Landon told MailOnline: 'Yes, it's true my grandfather was a Nazi war criminal and he was a terrible man who was punished for what he did. 'My own father was four when my grandfather was executed and I was born in 1968 so I know very little about him other than what is in history books. 'I am not responsible for his actions and the shame of the background made me change my name from Kaltenbrunner to Landon in 1995 when I was trying to become an actor. 'But even now people bring it up and claim that I am a Holocaust denier because of him but I'm not as my maternal grandmother was Jewish.' In 2001, a Dutch holidaymaker found Kaltenbrunner's Nazi security seal in a lake in the Austrian alps where it has been thrown as he escaped the Allies. Mr Landon who has written more than 30 books critical of his country's government this week invited MailOnline inside the six properties he has bought and which he intended to renovate and give one to each child when they were older. 'This has been very traumatic for my wife and children and it's because people like the deputy mayor have been sticking their noses in where they don't need to be,' the father, who lived in London before moving back to his native Austria, said. 'My family is terrified, they won't come back to the house where we lived for nearly a year because they are scared the police may return. Do you know we had police here with guns and a battering ram to get access to my property? 'And all because the deputy mayor doesn't like our chosen lifestyle and wants us out. Do you really think I would be free if I had been keeping my young children in a cellar?' Mr Landon, who lived in London before moving back to his native Austria, has written more than 30 books critical of his country's government Mr Landon said: 'I admit I used pepper spray but it barely touched the people who came here and I was simply defending myself because these people failed to identify themselves' Mr Landon dismissed reports in local media that his family were British, insisting his wife was German and the children Austrian While police marked the outside of each of the properties with red paint so they can be easily identified for any future investigation on child cruelty, the case is expected to be dropped by local prosecutors. 'I admit I used pepper spray but it barely touched the people who came here, and I was simply defending myself because these people failed to identify themselves,' he told MailOnline. 'I saw two men outside looking at my property and they were shouting at me to come out one said 'We have reason to believe you have children in here and they are unsafe and not going to school'. 'I said they were my children, they were perfectly safe and we were teaching them at home, and it was none of their business how we chose to live. 'But they refused to go away and they started to come in and that's when I used the spray, they ran away over the field and then a few minutes later the police were breaking down my door. 'The children were terrified and my wife was in tears and all for nothing, our quiet simple life here is ruined now by busy bodies who have no business interfering. 'They used a special team of policemen to search my house because they thought I had booby traps and explosives here they were dressed like Robocop with body armour and it was all so unnecessary.' During the interview Mr Landon's wife called twice and he was seen smiling, waving and blowing kisses to the children who could be heard laughing in the background. The 54-year-old explained his children were terrified and his wife was in tears when the police raided his property Mr Landon claimed the police used a special team to search the house because they thought he had booby traps and explosives throughout the premises Boxes of toys were neatly placed along the walls and down stairs in the cellar, dozens of dust-covered bottles of wine were piled up in alcoves, as were plastic crates containing tinned food, nappies and medical supplies Inviting MailOnline inside the house where the children were living he pointed out a large bedroom where the children slept and a basement cellar where he told them to hide as police broke down the door to his home. Boxes of toys were neatly arranged along the walls and down stairs in the cellar, dozens of dust-covered bottles of wine were piled up in alcoves, as were plastic crates containing tinned food, nappies and medical supplies. When told by MailOnline this was why police had described him as a 'prepper' a person who prepares for a 'major disaster or cataclysmic event' Mr Landon laughed and said: 'I didn't even know what that meant when they told me. 'Once they explained it I said I was just a family man and a good father who liked to make sure I had everything my children needed, and as for the wine you can help yourself, I don't drink.' Mr Landon invited MailOnline inside the house where the children were living and pointed out a large bedroom where the children slept and a basement cellar where he told them to hide as police broke down the door to his home Mr Landon said: 'I said they were my children, they were perfectly safe and we were teaching them at home, and it was none of their business how we choose to live' Mr Landon dismissed reports that weapons had been found, insisting they were air pistols and a deactivated World War Two gun During his interview Mr Landon's wife called twice and he was seen smiling, waving and blowing kisses to the children who could be heard laughing in the background Mr Landon also dismissed reports that weapons had been found, insisting they were air pistols and a deactivated World War Two gun, adding:' Those guns they found wouldn't hurt anyone.' He added: 'We chose not to register the children but they are all mine and now we will have to go to Vienna to take DNA tests to prove they are ours. If the authorities were so concerned why have they let the children come back to us? 'I bought these six properties for the children and I wanted us all to live together when they were older but now this plan has been ruined because the deputy mayor didn't want us here. 'I think I will lose 120,000 Euros now because my wife and children don't want to come back here but I will try and get some money back by suing the authorities for what they have done to us. 'I have been accused of being the new Josef Fritzl but it couldn't be further from the truth. I am not an enemy of the state, I am a philanthropist and above all a loving father.' MailOnline has approached the deputy mayor Mr Greil but he said he was unable to comment as he was involved in local elections. The Lower Austrian police and local prosecutor were both unavailable for comment. Pictured: A camera watching the cellar on a road where it is believed Tom Landon had brought six children Austrian officials were tipped off about Mr Landon's supposedly erratic behaviour by worried neighbours and on Thursday, and attempted to question him - but it is alleged that he reacted violently and attacked them. Local mayor Erich Greil said: 'There are cameras all over the outside of the buildings where he and his family and below are a series of wine cellars where it is said they were living. Neighbours became worried because they heard children's voices and so the police and social services were called. 'He hasn't been here for very long and he said the building was bought by a British company. He said he had lived in England for a few years before moving to Obritz.' Mr Greil also told local Austrian media that Landon had 'wanted a cellar for each child' and police are now tracing to records to find details on the children who were not registered in Austria. A police source told MailOnline:'The man has been questioned and has now been released. Now with Interpol we are working to identify the children who we believe may have been born in the UK. 'The man and his wife, who is British, had certainly lived in the UK and had connections there. The children have been taken into the care of local authorities temporarily. The prosecutor has also been informed as the man attacked officers with pepper spray and he faces charges for that.' Titles of Mr Landon's books include Red Sow, Dirty Justice, The Judas Principle and The Destructive Effect of Information Technology on Human Intellectual Development. Checks by MailOnline over the weekend revealed Mr Landon to be the director of several companies based in London and involved in information technology and book and software publishing. He has also written a musical about the Austrian rock star Falco known for his 1985 hit Rock Me Amadeus and who died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic. There is no suggestion any of the children were sexually abused, but the investigation has recalled the infamous case of Josef Fritzl, 87, who was jailed for life in 2009 after keeping his daughter Elizabeth in a cellar for 24 years. Millions of Australians may be told to get a fifth Covid jab, despite Anthony Albanese's government saying in November it will not be necessary. Vaccine experts have called for a third booster to be delivered at the same times as the flu jab in April and May, before the virus is expected to be at it's infection peak. Professor Robert Booy, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Sydney, said the effectiveness of the last booster shot the elderly and immunocompromised had six months ago is now 'wearing off'. Millions of Australians may be told to get a fifth Covid jab, despite Anthony Albanese's government saying in November it will not be necessary (stock image) 'I think it's pretty straightforward, to be honest. We've got winter coming. We've got waning immunity against Omicron,' he told the Daily Telegraph. 'We've got vulnerable people who haven't had a booster for six months and a minimum once a year booster is appropriate at the moment that could be delivered in April May at the same time as flu jabs are being rolled out,' he said. 'It's not exactly rocket science to have a commercial availability for those who want to pay. Just as long as that those who are vulnerable get it for free,' Professor Booy's call for the vaccine to be free for those over 65 people with multiple medical problems, disabilities and indigenous Australians has been backed by other academics, including University of Queensland's vaccine expert Professor Paul Griffin. However, in November Health Minister Mark Butler said The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) decided not to recommend fifth dose after 'considering international evidence as well as the local data around.' The ATAGI noted that severe disease and death during a recent wave of the virus in Singapore was very rare for people who had had at least two doses of a Covid shot. Vaccine experts have called for a third booster to be delivered at the same times as the flu jab in April and May, before the virus is expected to be at it's infection peak (a shopper is pictured during the 2021 Covid pandemic in Sydney) Professor Robert Booy (pictured), an infectious diseases expert is urging a third booster to be offered from April. In November Health Minister Mark Butler said ATAGI decided not to recommend fifth dose 'At this point in time, they have said they anticipate new booster recommendations being made in early 2023 in preparation for the southern hemisphere winter,' Mr Butler said at the time. There has been an average of 6500 Covid cases per day recorded in Australia during January. This is a fall from the 15,000 infections reported in December. ATAGI had initially recommended against getting a fifth Covid-19 vaccine shot last November. But that advice was provided after evidence emerged from Singapore that a fifth shot had a 'trivial effect' on virus transmission in the country. The evidence also showed that serious illness or death was rare amongst vaccinated people. A human rights lawyer has prompted outrage after accusing Number 10 of using a 'racial trope' to defend itself over a UN report that called Britain racist. Dominique Day chaired a working group of experts on people of African descent which said there had been a failure to tackle 'systemic' racism in the UK. The government 'strongly' rejected most of its findings and said the report presented a 'superficial analysis' of complex issues. In response, the American attorney claimed the word 'superficial' was an 'upgrade' from 'lazy' - which she said was used in one meeting during her 10-day fact-finding trip - and called it a 'familiar racial trope'. But former Cabinet minister Shailesh Vara, whose family moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s, told MailOnline the Downing Street response was 'not a trope in any way'. Dominique Day chaired a working group of experts on people of African descent which said there had been a failure to tackle 'systemic' racism in the UK In response, the American attorney claimed the word 'superficial' was an 'upgrade' from 'lazy' 'A 10-day tour around England is hardly a proper way to truly understand the situation. Of course it is superficial analysis, it is not a trope in any way,' the Tory MP said. 'The UN report doesn't reflect the UK as it is. The fact that so many people from across the world want to come and live here sends out a powerful message and speaks volumes to rebut the UN analysis.' Ms Day is chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, which visited the UK last week to discover evidence of 'racism, xenophobia and Afrophobia'. She later tweeted: 'When the UK gov't called our 20-pg PRELIMINARY findings superficial (upgrade from ''lazy'' used in one mtg), the familiar racial trope recalled the surreality of confronting anti-Blackness bodied as I am.' The UN group visited London, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, meeting police and government officials. Its members also had a 'robust' discussion with Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, an anti-woke Tory 'rising star' who was born in Nigeria and is touted as a future Prime Minister. Former Cabinet minister Shailesh Vara, whose family moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s, told MailOnline the Downing Street response was 'not a trope in any way' After the visit, it wrote to the government to express 'very extreme concern' about the failure to address 'structural, institutional and systemic racism' against black people in Britain. The group called for an immediate and unconditional moratorium on the use of joint enterprise laws by prosecutions and the use of strip searches by police during stop and searches. 'We have serious concerns about impunity and the failure to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, deaths in police custody, 'joint enterprise' convictions and the dehumanising nature of the stop and (strip) search,' it said in a statement. In preliminary findings, it also claimed that austerity measures had exacerbated racism and racial discrimination for black people. Speaking at a press conference in London on Friday, Ms Day said: 'I've never visited a country before where there is a culture of fear pervading black communities relating to a range of asylum, residency, policing issues. 'An entire community experiences constant and ongoing human rights violations as a routine and normalised part of daily life.' The UN group has a 'robust' discussion with Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, an 'anti-woke' Tory 'rising star' who was born in Nigeria and is touted as a future Prime Minister A Government spokesman said: 'We strongly reject most of these findings. The report wrongly views people of African descent as a single homogeneous group and presents a superficial analysis of complex issues that fails to look at all possible causes of disparities, not just race. 'We are proud that the UK is an open, tolerant and welcoming country but this hard-earned global reputation is not properly reflected in this report. We are not complacent and recognise some people experience racism in Britain, but we are very clear this has no place in our society and must be rooted out. 'The UK government has made great strides in addressing racial and ethnic disparities, most recently with our ground-breaking Inclusive Britain strategy, which is focussed on closing outcome gaps between people from different ethnic backgrounds. Instead of sowing division we must celebrate the fact that this country strives to give everybody, from every community, in every corner of the UK, the opportunity to thrive and succeed.' Prior to the group's visit to Britain, a senior Government source pointed out the UN group had called on the Government to reject a previous study by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities which found there was no evidence of institutional racism in the UK. It had accused the report authors of 'normalising white supremacy'. The source said: 'It would be great if this UN working group noted the great strides the UK has made in addressing racial and ethnic disparities, most recently with the ground-breaking Inclusive Britain strategy. 'However the previous record of this working group with other countries doesn't leave us with much hope.' A pub is set to become a hit with plant-based diners after launching what is believed to be Britain's first vegan carvery. The owners of The Barn in the village of Willey, Warwickshire say visitors are flocking from across the country to try their plant-based Sunday roast. Landlords Sarah Goodchild and Ben Stead-Davis, both 34, have been serving the 13-item roast dinner at their establishment throughout January. The meat-free meal has already proved so popular with hungry vegans that people have been travelling hundreds of miles from as far as Wales and Stoke to try the food. The Barn pub in Warwickshire claims to have the first entirely plant-based vegan carvery in the UK, and perhaps the world The meal has proved a hit with vegans and vegetarians, and comes with a choice of tofu, Seitan (pictured) or a nut roast The 14.95 meal features a choice of 'Tofurky' (Tofu turkey), Seitan, nut roast and plant-based Lincolnshire sausages with all the usual trimmings. Sides include vegan Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, maple glazed parsnips, carrots, mash, roast cabbage, creamy leeks, stuffing and a red wine gravy. The vegan couple believe the plant-based carvery at their quaint village pub and restaurant is the only one of its kind in Britain, and possibly the world. However, their decision to go completely meat-free has received a mixed response from some customers who enjoy the more traditional beef, lamb and turkey combo. Father-of-one Ben, who is co-owner and also head chef, said: 'We are proud to say we are the only restaurant in the UK and even maybe the world doing what we are. 'There are places who will offer vegan alternatives on their Sunday lunch menu - but we don't believe anywhere else is serving a vegan carvery like ours - including vegan restaurants. 'The support we have received has been incredible and for the next few Sundays, our carvery is fully booked. 'On Sunday we had people say they had travelled hours to come and have one of our roasts. 'Now that the whole restaurant is going vegan, I hope we can keep this support. 'We will do lots of things to keep the menu ever-changing and interesting. The vegan meal has been so popular The Barn pub has booked up its Sunday roasts for the next three weeks Customers have travelled from as far as Wales and Stoke to try the plant-based carvery Partners Sarah Goodchild and Ben Stead-Davis, both 34, started working at the pub in 2017 and bought it over in September 'As a chef, I find being vegan easy as I can use my brain to think of something delicious to make. 'You just have to be open-minded, and you can make some great vegan dishes. 'I think people worry about where they are going to get their protein from but what people forget is that beans are very high in protein and tofu actually has more protein in it than steak.' Partners Ms Goodchild and Mr Stead-Davis began working at the pub in 2017, and took over the business in September. The pair expanded the plant-based options on the menu and trialled a vegan roast in November which proved a success with customers before launching their vegan Sunday carvery in 'Veganuary'. The couple have now decided to ditch all meat and dairy products and brand The Barn as an entirely vegan pub. Co-owner Ms Goodchild said she had been 'overwhelmed' with the support their vegan carvery had received so far. The mother-of-one said: 'My partner and I took this restaurant on in September and have since been slowly introducing more and more vegan items on to what has always been a very meat-based menu. Vegan Adam Smith, 25, (right) said: 'It's good to have places available that accommodate us' Melanie Kidd-White, 70, from Rugby, visited The Barn for a vegan roast last weekend. She said: 'I was really excited as I had never been to a fully vegan carvery' The Barn has decided to ditch all meat and dairy products and brand the pub as entirely vegan 'We are finding our little restaurant is becoming increasingly popular among the vegan community and we would like to ask for a little more support to help us succeed as the UK's first fully-vegan carvery. 'Every week we serve up homemade, plant-based roasts along with Yorkshires, cauliflower cheese and all of the trimmings - all vegan. 'Up until now though we've still had to offer meat as well, but this has been served up in the kitchen, out of sight of the customers. 'We have decided that now is the time to try and ditch the meat entirely.' The pub's vegan Sunday roast is fully booked for the next three weeks, and expected to serve more than 130 guests this Sunday. Melanie Kidd-White, 70, from Rugby, visited The Barn for a vegan roast last weekend. She said: 'I was really excited as I had never been to a fully vegan carvery. 'I have been to other carveries like Toby Carvery where they offer vegan options but you still have to look at all the meat joints when you go up. 'I absolutely loved the Seitan. I've had Seitan before and not particularly liked it but the one here today is excellent and a nice alternative to meat. 'I've been vegan for 18 years and vegetarian a lot longer. 'I think the Toby Carvery is a bit cheaper but vegan food is not mass produced so I think you would expect it to be more expensive. 'Being a vegan has got a lot better. When I first became a vegan, it was hard to eat out and food was never an enjoyment but now it is.' Another customer Adam Smith, 25, a software engineer, added: 'It's good to have places available that accommodate us. 'My family has always been vegetarian, and I just transitioned into veganism over the years. 'Most places you'll go will have one or two vegan options on the menu, but at The Barn there are so many options which is why we have decided to come and support this place.' However, one would-be local customer said he was put off by the lack of the meat on the menu and would not return. Daniel Lawley, 37, of Rugby, said: 'You can't have a carvery without any meat. It's not a proper carvery then. 'This just puts me off going there again. I'm all for vegans having options but enforcing their lifestyle on others discriminates against us meat lovers.' Others took to social media, where Rich Davidson commented: 'Carvery is meat... stop this ridiculous charade. 'Don't eat meat fine, stop calling veg after animal parts, and trying to make veg taste like meat.' And Ben Taylor added: 'A village called Willey going meat free, you've got to laugh. 'The Sunday carvery is a staple of British cuisine, and now the vegans are taking that away too? Is nothing sacred anymore!?' A controversial CCTV plan in a quiet Adelaide suburb has been given the green light despite sparking fierce protests. The council for Salisbury, in Adelaide's north, is attempting to introduce a 'Smart Cities' program which would see more surveillance cameras installed in the area. The technology designed to detect people parking and using pedestrian services was slammed by demonstrators who claim it would lead to 'Orwellian' facial recognition technology being used in the area. However, the council insists that there is no facial recognition tech being used and the extra CCTV cameras were to keep 'the community safe'. The proposal was approved on Tuesday, despite close to 100 protesters demonstrating outside Pictured: Protesters are from the No Smart Cities Action Group. The group delivered tens of thousands leaflets throughout Salisbury to criticise the plan The final vote on the plan was set to take place on Monday but a blackout forced the Council to reschedule to Tuesday. The meeting went ahead despite up to 100 angry protesters rom the No Smart Cities Action Group demonstrating outside. The group delivered tens of thousands leaflets throughout Salisbury to criticise the plan, which it said was like an 'open-air prison' without privacy. There had been fears that Monday's meeting could be stormed by the protesters, in scenes reminiscent of the chaos on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 6 when Donald Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building. Its website previously called for a 'massive presence' at the Salisbury Council protest. One of the protest members, Matilda Bawden, is also the mother a councillor and bizarrely claimed that the local government body had been 'infiltrated' by the World Economic Forum, though she denied allegations she was a conspiracy theorist. Her daughter and serving councillor Grace previously criticised the plan. 'These technologies, the smart technologies, have a capability for facial recognition,' she said. 'As long as there's a capability for it, it can be used at any time. We don't have policy in place; that is the point of council to put in a policy to protect the public.' There had been fears that Monday's meeting could be stormed by the protesters, in scenes reminiscent of the chaos on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 6 Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge (pictured) said she was disappointed by the spread of misinformation about the plan According to ABC, local resident Alvin Warren also criticised the plan. 'One of my concerns is the financial burden that is going to be placed onto residents for the implementation of this system and its continuing annual maintenance,' he said. 'We are looking at the data records of this stuff, where is it going to be stored? Is it going to be onshore, is it going to be offshore, who's going to get access to this stuff?' Despite misgivings, the proposal was passed with all but two councillors expressing their disapproval. The council also ruled out the use of facial recognition technology. Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said she was disappointed by the spread of misinformation about the plan. 'It's about looking after the community the best we can,' she said. 'I think it's sad that 52,000 households which is 150,000 people were given something and they actually believed it even though it was signed, there's no phone number to ring to find out whether it was true or not. 'It scared a lot of people and I think that's so sad, a lot of elderly people are frightened.' A YouTuber who described himself as the 'foremost expert in penis enlargement' has died suddenly aged 34 in mysterious circumstances, sparking a police probe. Laith Abdallah Algaz, better known as Leo Rex, was discovered by cops in his ransacked Pattaya apartment Monday. The health vlogger, whose YouTube channel was called Leo and Longevity, was found naked apart from a black shirt, lying face down with blood leaking from his mouth and nose and a bruise on his left eye, police said. Laith's clothes had been scattered everywhere and the shelves and toilet in the bathroom had been destroyed in an apparent raid, officers added. Laith Abdallah Algaz, better known as Leo Rex, has been found dead aged 34 in a ransacked Thai apartment. His YouTube channel was called Leo and Longevity The influencer, from Colorado, was pronounced dead at the scene when police arrived. Officers said they discovered various drugs, including anxiety tablets, sleeping pills, steroids, cannabis and antidepressants at the scene. Laith's friend, American national Charles Anthony Hughes, 40, had visited the house after the YouTuber failed to answer his calls. Upon opening the door he was shocked to find Laith already lifeless, and frantically called the police. Charles said Laith would often stay at home using his computer while taking cannabis. The influencer's YouTube channel Leo and Longevity had 123,000 subscribers. He often posted about exercise and food supplements. The health vlogger was found naked apart from a black shirt, lying face down with blood leaking from his mouth and nose with a bruise on his left eye, police said The influencer, from Colorado, was pronounced dead at the scene when police arrived His most viewed videos were about penis enlargement. In the video, he describes how he used a system of pumping and weights to extend the length to his genitals. Other than bizarre sexual advice, Laith's content included videos on steroids, bodybuilding and bogus health information. Friend Aicha Humera Rattanaphan, 25, said: 'The dead body was found by his friends after they were unable to contact him. The door was locked so they used the spare key to get inside before finding the body. 'He lived alone in this room. He didn't have many visitors.' Police Captain Sombat Kaewmulsuk said officers were checking CCTV and interviewing potential suspects. Officers said they discovered various drugs, including anxiety tables, sleeping pills, steroids, cannabis, and antidepressants He said: 'We will be interrogating the victim's friends, and a woman who had stayed with him before he died. 'We urge the public not to jump to any conclusions until a complete examination has been done.' Police Captain Sombat said today that foul play had not been ruled out of their investigation. He said: 'The room looked like there had been a disturbance so it's possible somebody else was with him before he died or the victim was distressed in some way.' Laith's body was taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for a post-mortem examination. The US Embassy in Bangkok was also informed of their countryman's death in order for his relatives to be contacted. A children's author is fighting a court battle with retail giant John Lewis over claims it pinched her idea about a lonely, fire-sneezing dragon for its iconic Christmas ad campaign. Fay Evans is suing over John Lewis Plc's 2019 Christmas advert campaign, featuring a clumsy young dragon said to be 'very similar' to the hero of her own book, 'Fred the Fire-sneezing Dragon'. Under the spotlight in the High Court clash are the Yuletide ad and its 'spin-off' book 'Edgar the Excitable Dragon,' which was published by John Lewis. Ms Evans, who is claiming damages for breach of copyright, had self-published her own dragon-themed illustrated book in 2017 and insists there were 'striking similarities' between her creation and the John Lewis dragon. Fay Evans, 49, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, released the self-published picture book Fred the Fire-Sneezing Dragon in September 2017 She claims the 2019 Christmas campaign advert bears a 'striking similarity' to her book about a fire-breathing dragon Both Fred and Edgar begin their stories as sad, lonely dragons, who annoy humans by torching trees and melting children's snowmen, only to end up making friends by cooking meals using their fiery breath. But lawyers for John Lewis say her case is 'misconceived' and that she had released her book in 2017, a year after its creatives began pitching ideas for a 'lonely dragon' advert. Her case hinges around proving that those behind the advert had 'access' to Fred the Dragon before they started brainstorming ideas, said John Lewis barrister Michael Hicks. 'But the defendants' evidence is that those responsible for the Christmas ad and Excitable Edgar did not see or even know of the existence of Fred the Fire-sneezing Dragon at the time,' he said. 'Therefore, they could not have copied anything from Fred the Fire-sneezing Dragon.' Her case hinges around proving that those behind the advert had 'access' to Fred the Dragon before they started brainstorming ideas, said John Lewis barrister Michael Hicks John Lewis said it will 'robustly' defend itself against the claims, saying the concept for their advert was presented to them in early 2016 - a year and seven months before Ms Evans published her book The High Court battle began in London this week, with Ms Evans' barrister, Kendal Watkinson, sketching out a series of alleged similarities, which she claimed were evidence of copying. Both creatures are presented as 'cute and loveable', explained Ms Watkinson, although adding: 'but they are depicted as being sad and forlorn at the start due to the fact that they all accidentally emit fire, which is something they are unable to control'. 'The dragons in issue are lone dragons integrated in human society, but they irritate the humans due to their uncontrollable fiery emissions.' Each storyline shared 'various destructive fire-breathing incidents', said Ms Watkinson, including the demolition of a snowman built by children and trees being scorched. And each plotline wrapped up with the dragons in question using their flame breath to cook food for grateful humans, with Edgar the Dragon firing up a Christmas pudding, she told Judge Melissa Clarke. 'There is a constructive fire-breathing incident at the end, in which the setting is a gathering of people eating around a table and involves the dragon in issue cooking food for the people with his fiery emissions, much to their delight,' she said. The John Lewis ad - produced in partnership with Waitrose - depicts Edgar's troubles as he accidentally melts an ice rink and sets fire to a Christmas tree. He feels shunned by humans due to his fire-breathing accidents, but he and the local villagers finally hit it off when he uses his incendiary powers to cook up the festive pudding. Ms Evans, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, says she was 'gobsmacked' when she first saw the disputed advert in 2019, commenting in an earlier interview: 'I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing unfold before me'. After the ad's launch, she was 'inundated with messages expressing shock over the similarities between the claimant's book and the Christmas advert', her barrister also explained. The John Lewis advert, produced in partnership with sister company Waitrose, follows Edgar as his excitement about festivities in his village sees him accidentally melt the ice-rink, reduce a snowman to a puddle and set fire to a Christmas tree Ms Watkinson said the advert and 'Excitable Edgar' were 'not alleged to be an exact reproduction of the whole or part of Ms Evans' book'. The alleged similarities were at 'various levels of generality', she said, but claimed that John Lewis 'have copied elements of the expression of intellectual creation contained in Ms Evans' book'. But Mr Hicks, for John Lewis, took issue with claims of any 'striking similarities' between the two friendly monsters, adding that many other authors have dreamt up similar plot lines involving lonely outcast dragons. 'She seems to ignore the existence of commonplace perceptions as to what dragons look like or that the Christmas ad and Excitable Edgar need to have a child-friendly appearance,' he argued. Edgar finally shuts himself away in despair, but his friend Ava encourages him to rejoin the village with the gift of a Christmas pudding, which allows him to put his fire to perfect use 'Furthermore, others have had the idea of a story about a dragon that for one reason or another can't control its fire.' On top of everything else, there was no reason for John Lewis or the ad agency it used to borrow from Ms Evans, as they deployed their own teams of award-winning creatives, said the barrister. 'Her case faces the significant problem that there is no rational reason why the defendants would want or need to copy anything of hers,' added Mr Hicks. 'Although Ms Evans' claim is misconceived, she has lost no opportunity to publicise her complaint, to garner publicity for herself as an author and her book on the back of her claim and to attack the defendants,' he added. Ms Evans says she produced the first draft of her rhyming dragon story in 2015, with illustrations by Lisa Wilson. Her book was performed live for the first time at a networking event in January 2017, and offered for sale at its official launch in September 2017. During this time, she also did live readings at 75 primary schools across England, drawing in a total audience of around 9,000. Ms Evans is suing for damages, but the size of the payout she is seeking has not been disclosed. The trial continues. Clouded leopard Nova was found hours after she first vanished on January 13 Police are investigating all three instances of missing or harmed animals Two monkeys are the latest animals to go missing in mysterious circumstances at Dallas Zoo after a string of bizarre incidents. Police are investigating after two emperor tamarin monkeys were 'deliberately' taken from their enclosure with authorities suspecting that the fences were cut in order to take the primates. No arrests have been made in connection with the missing monkeys, and police are refusing to say if the incident is linked to the death of an endangered vulture and a clouded leopard going missing. The Zoo was closed on January 13 for a day after the big cat called Nova went missing and was eventually found near her habitat. Police are investigating after two emperor tamarin monkeys were 'deliberately' taken from their enclosure A string of 'unusual' incidents at the Zoo over the past two weeks spawned a third police probe after what appears to be a campaign against the zoo Police said that a tool had been used to cut an opening in its fencing, as well as in an enclosure of langur monkeys though none escaped. On January 21, a 35-year-old endangered vulture named Pin was found dead, with the zoo issuing a statement saying that its death did not appear to be 'natural.' Zoo President and CEO Gregg Hudson said the vulture had 'a wound', and that the 'circumstances of the death are unusual'. Dallas Police Department was again alerted, with the zoo admitting they contacted authorities because of 'recent incidents'. In a statement referring to the missing monkeys, the zoo added: 'Emperor tamarin monkeys would likely stay close to home - the Zoo searched near their habitat and across Zoo grounds and did not locate them. 'It was clear the habitat had been intentionally compromised. Based on the Dallas Police Department's initial assessment, they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.' The search for missing clouded leopard Nova shut down the Dallas Zoo as police helped search for the animal that officials described as not dangerous Zoo officials discovered after Nova's escape that her habitat had been cut - along with that of a langur monkey enclosure on January 13 On January 21, a 35-year-old endangered vulture named Pin was found dead, with the zoo issuing a statement saying that its death did not appear to be 'natural.' After the death of Pin, the vulture, the zoo added that they had added additional cameras throughout the Zoo and increased onsite security patrols. They said that they would continue to 'expand' safety and security measures' to 'keep animals and staff safe'. Nova, the clouded leopard, was discovered to be missing by staff speaking a big cat hunt on the property. Officials initially feared the rare beast could be out in the community but were unsure whether she was stolen or not. They earlier said they believed the leopard - who is up to 25lbs - was not dangerous and originally thought she was hiding on the site, a theory that proved correct. However, Dallas Police are continuing to investigate the incident, with Nova appearing to also have her enclosure cut open. Authorities suspect that the fences were cut to take the primates deliberately after the string of incidents Police cars outside the Dallas Zoo as workers as cops hunted for the missing cloud leopard earlier this month The zoo also boasts lions, tigers, and cheetahs among its predators, as well as elephants and crocodiles, which could cause a stir if they escape. Novas enclosure is right next to where the monkeys have been taken from, in the north of the zoo, while the vulture was killed in the Wilds of Africa exhibit. Ed Hansen, chief executive of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, said he could not recall a zoo facing similar incidents with such frequency. 'It appears that somebody really has an issue with the Dallas Zoo,' Hansen said. Hansen, who described the Dallas Zoo's reputation as 'excellent' within the industry, said accredited zoos have double-perimeter fencing and that a zoo as large as Dallas' would have a security patrol. Animals have escaped enclosures from the Dallas Zoo before. Most notably, a 340-pound (154-kilogram) gorilla named Jabari jumped over a wall in 2004 and went on a 40-minute rampage that injured three people before police shot and killed the animal. The Dallas Zoo has asked for aid from the local police department in investigating the death of one of its vultures - an occurrence deemed 'suspicious' by officials He is already serving life sentence for raping another devotee, who was 16 An Indian spiritual guru with millions of followers was today jailed for life after he was convicted of raping one of his devotees who he kept prisoner for five years. Asaram Bapu, 81, was yesterday found guilty of sexually abusing the woman several times between 2001 and 2006 at his monastery in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Today, a court in Gandhinager sentenced Asaram to life in prison and ordered the self-styled guru to pay a fine of 23,000 rupees (228) and also 50,000 rupees (496) as compensation to the victim. Asaram is already serving a life sentence after he was convicted of raping another devotee, who was 16 at the time, at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2018. Asaram Bapu was today jailed for life after he raped one of his devotees who he kept prisoner for five years. Pictured: Asaram in 2016 outside court The guru raped the 16-year-old while her parents waited outside his room chanting prayers as he 'cured' her. He threatened to kill the girl's parents if she told anyone. In the latest case, a woman told police in 2013 that Asaram raped her several times at his ashram in the city of Motera where he kept her prisoner for five years before she managed to escape. Today, Asaram, who has millions of followers and more than 400 ashrams in India, was convicted of the woman's rape and wrongful detention. In 2019, Asaram's son Narayan Sai was sentenced to life in prison for raping and illegally confining the same woman's younger sister. The woman came forward in 2013 to report the rape to police after Asaram was arrested in a separate case of sexual assault. Asaram Bapu, 81, (pictured in 2013) was found guilty of sexually abusing the woman several times between 2001 and 2006 at his monastary in the western Indian state of Gujarat In that separate case, two of Asaram's followers accused him of raping their 16-year-old daughter. They said the guru had forced the daughter to perform sex acts on him in his ashram in the city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and threatened to kill her family if she told them of the abuse. Asaram was sentenced to life in prison in 2018 for raping the teenager in 2013. He has been at the centre of a series of controversies over the years. In 2013, he sparked outrage after he said that Jyoti Singh, who was gang-raped by six men on a bus in New Delhi in 2012 before dying of her injuries, was partly responsible for her own attack. Asaram said the 23-year-old medical student, whose gang-rape sent shockwaves through India, was as 'guilty as her rapists'. He added that she should have been more friendly to her attackers if she wanted to preserve her own life. 'The victim is as guilty as her rapists,' he said at the time. 'She should have called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop.' The Princess of Wales brushed off being wolf-whistled as she visited Yorkshire today. Kate appeared to hear the distinctive two-note greeting as she waved and smiled to crowds who gathered at Leeds Kirkgate Market to see her. The wolf-whistle appeared to register with the future queen but she politely ignored it and kept walking past the stalls to the launch of her new early years campaign. The royal did not seem offended, but the incident came just weeks after it emerged that wolf-whistling could be made illegal under a new offence of harassing people in the street - with sentences of up to two years in prison. This is the moment the Princess of Wales heard a wolf whistle aimed at her today in Leeds Kate continued to talk to the official on her left but appeared to hear the cat-call The Princess of Wales in Kirkgate Market in Leeds, West Yorkshire, for the launch of the Shaping Us campaign The Princess of Wales pictured touring the iconic market in Leeds this morning. She wore a longline green coat, dark brown suede boots and a cream dress Poll SHOULD WOLF-WHISTLING BE MADE ILLEGAL IN THE UK? Yes No SHOULD WOLF-WHISTLING BE MADE ILLEGAL IN THE UK? Yes 501 votes No 1747 votes Now share your opinion Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced the move as she insisted perpetrators who stop women feeling 'safe' will face the 'consequences they deserve'. She then spoke to market vendors to mark the launch of her Shaping Us project aimed at highlighting the significance of the formative years of a child's life. The long-term initiative, launched on Tuesday by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, is said to be Kate's 'life's work', which she hopes will influence attitudes towards children in the early years period of their lives. Later the princess will join a discussion with market sellers and local people to hear about their experiences of early childhood. Ministers' crackdown on street harassment The Home Secretary announced at the end of last year that she would be introducing harassing people in the street as an offence - with sentences of up to two years in prison. Suella Braverman unveiled the move as she insisted perpetrators who stop women feeling 'safe' will face the 'consequences they deserve'. The change is expected to come into force later this year year, after a consultation that found overwhelming support. It will cover behaviour or 'gestures' that deliberately harass, alarm, or distresses someone a public space on the basis of their sex. This will include catcalling and stalking, however Home Office minister Sarah Dines clarified that behaviour such as 'low-level' wolf-whistling would not necessarily meet the threshold for the new offence. Advertisement The Princess chose to visit Leeds today as part of the city's ongoing ambition to become the best place in the UK for young people and children to grow up in. In 2012, the city launched Child Friendly Leeds with the belief that by investing in and supporting children, young people and their families, the whole city will see immediate and longer-term social and economic benefits. Leeds City Council, working with partners to deliver enrichment programmes to improve outcomes, has seen a safe reduction in the number of youngsters being taken into care, more teenagers going into education, employment and training, and better school attendance. Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and is home to hundreds of local independent businesses covering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, and fishmongers, to a Community Library, cookery school and Volunteer Centre. During the BAFTA screening last night, the Princess of Wales described the Shaping Us programme as her 'life's work'. It will 'explore in more depth the importance of a child's social and emotional world' and the significance of relationships, 'surroundings and experiences'. Earlier today, the Princess appeared in a new video which was shared on her official social media pages, donning a smart green blazer with a black scoop neck top underneath. She said: 'Our early childhood, the time from pregnancy to the age of five, fundamentally shapes the rest of our lives. The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she spoke with staff at Kirkgate Market. She paired her cream dress with an emerald green Alexander McQueen coat and gold hoop earrings The Princess of Wales laughed as she waved to royal fans during her tour of the Leeds Kirkgate Market Kate pictured waving to the crowds after her tour of Kirkgate Market in Leeds, West Yorkshire this morning The Princess of Wales styled her hair in a bouncy blow-dry and opted for a brown smokey eye for this afternoon's engagement The Princess of Wales speak with vendors who have worked at the market for over 30 years and members of the public about their reflections on the film The Princess of Wales pictured waving to a young royal fan ahead of the launch of her new campaign, which focuses on the early childhood years As she toured around the iconic market, the Princess politely ignored a wolf whistle from a royal fan The royal mother-of-three spoke with a young royal fan and their mother as they toured the market in Leeds The mother-of-three opted for minimal jewellery and styled her hair in a bouncy blow-dry for today's engagements marking the launch of her new campaign The Princess of Wales matched her emerald tailored coat with an old favourite suede handbag by Manu Atelier The Princess of Wales pictured arriving at Kirkgate Market in Leeds this morning. She politely ignored a wolf whistle from an adoring royal fan The Princess of Wales teamed her emerald coat with a pair of dark brown suede boots as she arrived at Kirkgate Market in Leeds this morning The Princess of Wales was elegant in an emerald blazer today as she appeared in a new video to launch her new campaign to shine a spotlight on the crucial 'early years' of childhood The project, which is launching today, is a long-term project of the Princess's, beginning with how a child develops and the importance of the formative years Last night, Kate made a stylish splash in a red trouser suit as she launched the campaign in London, where she called it her 'life's work' Kate, who was accompanied by her husband, Prince William , looked effortlessly elegant in her Studio 54-inspired suit with flared trousers, vertiginous heels and chandelier -style earrings 'But as a society we currently focus much more of our time and energy on later life.' Kate explained she is now launching the Shaping Us campaign, adding: 'To raise awareness of the life changing impact we can have, when we build a supportive, nurturing world around children and those who care for them. 'By focusing our collective time, energy and resources on these most preventative years, we can make a huge difference to the physical and mental health and happiness of generations to come. In the clip, the royal swept her hair into a bouncy blow dry style, tucking part of it behind her shoulder. Introducing the film last night at a BAFTA screening, the Princess said: 'The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become. 'During this time we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. And it is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live. 'This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults.' Democrats are now going after Joe Biden as the Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to 'stonewall' the Senate Intelligence Committee from reviewing classified documents found at Biden, Donald Trump and Mike Pence's homes. While the Biden administration was anticipating the slew of House Republican probes, it was not prepared for the Democrat-controlled Senate to also target the White House. The DOJ sent a letter to the Senate panel over the weekend trying to make nice with Senate Democrats, but Intelligence Chairman Sen. Mark Warner said the communication isn't enough to satisfy the committee. 'I appreciate the communication,' Warner told Punchbowl News on Monday night. 'But the subject of the communication doesn't give me clarity on how and when we're going to be able to fulfill our obligation.' Democrats in the Senate are now at war with President Joe Biden's administration as the Justice Department continues to 'stonewall' the Senate Intelligence Committee from viewing the classified documents found at his residence The U.S. senator from Virginia also said that he has been pushing the Biden administration for months to provide a briefing and damage assessment even saying that he has made these requests with the caveat that no information be shared that would compromise ongoing criminal probes. Biden shrugged off a question about whether he would testify in his classified documents investigation if the special counsel asked him. 'Oh, I don't even know about the special counsel,' he told reporters at the White House with a dismissive wave. Special counsel Robert Hur, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland on January 12, will begin this week his probe into how and why Biden had documents with classified markings in his possession. DOJ legislative affairs chief Carlos Uriarte sent the letter promising to cooperate and work closely with the Director of National Intelligence to respond to the Senate Intelligence Committee's request 'without harming the ongoing special counsel investigations.' The Senate Intelligence Committee's main role is to provide oversight of the U.S. intelligence community. This 'obligation,' as Warner puts it, is usually a routine and nonpartisan issue on Capitol Hill. Democrats have joined Republicans on the panel demanding they are able to review the classified documents found in recent months at the homes of President Biden, former President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. Senator Marco Rubio, the Senate committee's top Republican, said the DOJ letter was 'ridiculous.' GOP Senator Marco Rubio (right) and Democrat Mark Warner (left) had a joint interview Sunday to discuss the Biden classified documents scandal, among other issues at the top of the Intelligence Committee's to-do list Biden waved off questioned Monday when asked if he would testify before the in his classified documents investigation if the special counsel asked him. 'Oh, I don't even know about the special counsel,' he told reporters at the White House 'We're not going to sit around here for weeks getting the Heisman from these guys,' the Florida lawmaker said. Rubio claimed that the committee likely already has access to the information from the documents and said his patience is wearing thin with Biden's DOJ. Warner and Rubio first asked for a briefing and damage assessment from Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines' office in August just days after the FBI raided Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. They are livid that they were put off for more than five months now. Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner said 'the notion that we're going to be left in limbo, and we can't do our job, that just cannot stand' Rubio, the Intelligence panel's ranking member, lamented that even the press have seen more of Biden's classified documents than his Senate Committee Senator Ron Wyden, a senior Democratic member of the Intel Committee, said the letter is a 'complete non-starter' and an attempt to 'stonewall' the panel. 'Just from a counter-intelligence standpoint one of the most important aspects of national security you've got to be able to see the documents,' Wyden told Punchbowl. 'This is not a close call.' Republicans have threatened to block nominees and legislative action if the Biden administration continues this tactic. However, Democrats, who are getting increasingly impatient with the Biden administration, will make the final call on how to proceed since they control the upper chamber. 'We have a right as overseers to see [the documents],' Rubio said. 'And if we don't get it and they're keeping us from doing our jobs, then we'll have to take appropriate measures.' 'As of now, we're hoping to find a resolution that doesn't lead to that. But sometimes it doesn't work out that way and you gotta do stuff,' he added. 'I don't want to do stuff. But we will do stuff.' Both Warner and Rubio are furious that even the press has more information about the documents than their panel. At least 25-30 documents with classified documents were found at Biden's Wilmington, Delaware home and at his think tank in Washington, D.C. Some documents were found in boxes in Biden's garage at his Delaware residence In a joint interview, Warner said 'the notion that we're going to be left in limbo, and we can't do our job, that just cannot stand.' 'There isn't a day that goes by that there isn't some media report about what was found where, what some sort of characterization of the material in the press,' Rubio detailed. 'I just saw one this morning again.' 'So somehow, the only people who are not allowed to know what was in there are congressional oversight committees,' the Florida Republican senator added. 'But apparently, the media leaks out of the DOJ are unimpeded in terms of characterizing the nature of some of the materials that were found, plus whatever the individuals involved are telling the media. So it's an untenable situation that I think has to be resolved.' Rubio called it 'absurd' in the pre-recorded sit-down interview with CBS's Margaret Brennan, which aired on Face the Nation on Sunday morning. Warner, for his part, said the argument that the material may be too old to matter since it stems from Biden's time as a U.S. senator 'doesn't hold water.' In fact, the Virginia senator noted that it's further proof that there is an issue within the Senate with classified documents making their way outside Congress. Former President Donald Trump is also under special counsel following allegation of mishandling classified information Discovery comes just a few months after hundreds of classified materials were found in an FBI raid at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida Even former Vice President Mike Pence found classified documents in his Indiana home Since the Senate is still Democrat-controlled, Rubio serves as the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Warner is the chairman. Both leaders want to see the 300 documents with classified markings found at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as the few dozen found at Biden's home in Wilmington, Delaware and at his Washington, D.C. offices of his think tank the Penn Biden Center. 'This committee has had a long bipartisan history of doing its job,' Warner noted while sitting beside Rubio. 'And our job here is intelligence oversight.' 'The Justice Department has had the Trump documents about six months, the Biden documents about three months, our job is not to figure out if somebody mishandled those, our job is to make sure there's not an intelligence compromise,' he noted. Around 25-30 documents with classified markings were found by Biden's attorneys at the president's Wilmington home and his think tank offices in D.C. over the last few months. They were turned over to the Justice Department starting in November, but were not revealed to the public until January well after the 2022 midterm elections. The discovery of the documents came after hundreds were found at Trump's Florida residence in an FBI raid in August were thousands of documents and materials were seized. Former Vice President Mike Pence also disclosed that such materials were found at his Indiana home. The recent revelations have led to whispers among the National Archives that they might require searches of all living former presidents and vice presidents. Those in the intelligence community, however, note the bigger problem that the discovery could indicate with politicians at all levels of government being able to take documents with classified markings out of secure locations. Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine was involved in a furious clash today after she praised Nicola Sturgeon amid the row over transgender prisoners in Scotland. The Edinburgh West MP used a TV interview to claim the Scottish First Minister was 'doing a good thing' by ordering a review of the management of transgender prisoners. But, challenging the politician, TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer insisted it was not a 'complicated issue'. 'You don't need to do a risk assessment - look down his pants,' the broadcaster told Ms Jardine in a heated exchange. Ms Sturgeon has come under severe pressure over the cases of two transgender prisoners - Tiffany Scott and Isla Bryson. Christine Jardine used a TalkTV interview to claim Nicola Sturgeon was 'doing a good thing' by ordering a review of the management of transgender prisoners The Scottish First Minister has come under severe pressure over the cases of two transgender prisoners - Tiffany Scott and Isla Bryson It was recently reported how Scott (right), who had been convicted of stalking a 13-year-old girl before her transition, was due to be sent to a female unit. This came days after Bryson (left) was revealed to have been held at Cornton Vale women's prison while awaiting sentencing for raping two women while she was a man It was recently reported how Scott, who had been convicted of stalking a 13-year-old girl before her transition, was due to be sent to a female unit. This came days after Bryson was revealed to have been held at Cornton Vale women's prison while awaiting sentencing for raping two women while she was a man. Amid an outrage over the two cases, Ms Sturgeon has been forced to prohibit any newly convicted transgender person with a history of violence against women from being placed in a female prison. Her Scottish Government has also put a halt on any transgender prisoner with a history of violence against women from being moved from a male to a female prison. These measures will be in place until an 'urgent' review of the Bryson case and a wider review of the management of transgender prisoners are completed. Ms Sturgeon's SNP-led administration in Edinburgh has taken the action amid a broader row over controversial gender identity reforms in Scotland. These are set to be blocked by Westminster, despite being passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. Referring to the measures on transgender prisoners announced by the Scottish Government on Sunday, Ms Jardine told TalkTV: 'Women are in women's prisons, men are in men's prisons. 'What we have in Scotland, the issue is about the risk assessment of all sexually violent and violent prisoners and that is what Nicola Sturgeon has looked at and called for a review. 'And I think that's a good thing that she's reviewing the risk assessment because I know that there are genuine concerns that people have and these concerns need to be addressed.' But, taking issue with the MP's comments, presenter Hartley-Brewer said: 'You don't need to do a risk assessment - look down his pants, "oh look, he's a man, he doesn't go in a prison cell with a woman". It's not complicated.' In her reply, Ms Jardine added: 'You missed the fact that I actually said Nicola Sturgeon was doing a good thing. 'I thought you would think that was the strangest thing you have ever heard. 'But Nicola has called for a review of the risk assessment - what you're talk about is the risk. 'The risk of putting a sexually violent trans woman in with other women. 'That is the risk assessment and that is what they are looking at. You cannot get away from the fact they are trying to address concerns, genuine concerns.' Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, while off to a lackluster start for the bombastic former president, is reportedly winning more support on Capitol Hill. Freshman Republican Senators JD Vance of Ohio and Eric Schmitt of Missouri are backing Trump's third White House bid after his support helped them over the line last November, according to Politico. Schmitt told the outlet that the 'popular' Trump has his 'support' in 2024. 'Hes been somebody thats gotten the support of Missourians by big margins a couple times,' he said. Vance is reportedly telling people in his circle that he'll roll out an endorsement of the former commander-in-chief at some point as well. Donald Trump's campaign has been slow to gain momentum so far, something Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville reportedly suggested was by design Trump had caused some confusion during Schmitt's 2022 Republican primary when he dropped an endorsement for 'Eric' - the name of both GOP candidates in the race. But he later made a video in October declaring that Schmitt had his 'complete and total endorsement' in the looming Senate race to replace retired GOP Sen. Roy Blunt. Vance, who was also competing in an open race to replace an outgoing longtime lawmaker, got Trump's backing much earlier. It helped push him over the line in a crowded seven-way primary. He paid tribute to Trump in May when he won that race, telling supporters, 'Thanks to the president for everything, for endorsing me.' But the former leader's name was absent from his victory speech after he defeated Democratic House Rep. Tim Ryan - though Vance thanked Trump for his help in subsequent statements. JD Vance of Ohio (right) and Eric Schmitt of Missouri (left) are the two latest Republican senators reportedly getting behind Trump With their reported endorsements of Trump, Vance and Schmitt join two other GOP senators in supporting his 2024 campaign. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham eagerly threw his support behind Trump on Saturday, when the former president held one of his first official campaign events in his state. He defended his decision during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday night. 'I'm for Donald Trump because I know what I'm going to get. We need somebody that, on day one, can get this country back on track,' Graham said. 'That can secure our border and bring order out of chaos. Somebody that the Russians and the Chinese fear. Somebody that can take the fight to the terrorists.' But others, particularly within Senate GOP leadership, have been less eager to embrace Trump. Senate Minority Whip John Thune of Nebraska, the No. 2 to Trump's Republican arch-rival Mitch McConnell, reportedly told Politico that he expects 'alternatives' to Trump to emerge. Alabama Sen. Tuberville, who also endorsed Trump, suggested the campaign's slow initial burn was part of the former president's plan. He reportedly said Trump told him: 'Were gonna do small ones early and kind of build our momentum, build our teams in each state.' But on the topic of Trump's high-level endorsements, he reportedly conceded: 'Im gonna be disappointed in the summertime if we dont have more.' 'Right now, its no big concern,' Tuberville added. Brewdog boss James Watt has announced he has been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The chief executive of Britain's biggest craft brewer said he sought specialist help after he was described as 'semi-autistic' in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards staff. The 40-year-old has been diagnosed with ADHD - which causes people to be restless and impulsive - and Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Watt has been at the centre of a string of misconduct accusations in recent years after being accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women at work and abuse of power. Brewdog boss James Watt has announced he has been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Brewdog, Britain's biggest craft brewer, has been valued at more than 1 billion and was founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie, who were at school together in Aberdeenshire Revealing the diagnosis, he said the conditions make it difficult for him to read social cues and express empathy. Watt said he will continue to work with medical experts to develop coping strategies to allow him to manage his conditions while still leading the Aberdeenshire-based company. He said: 'Working with the specialist was really eye opening and after a series of consultations and tests I was diagnosed not only with High Functioning Aspergers (which is on the autism spectrum) but also ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). 'As a CEO and business leader I am far from alone in being on the autism spectrum - Elon Musk has Asperger's. 'The diagnosis gives the me opportunity to continue working with an amazing specialist on fully understanding the implications of my own neurodiversity and specifically on working hard on the associated blind spots (such as reading social cues or expressing empathy) whilst sharpening the gifts that also come with autism and ADHD such as focus, creativity and analysis. 'Understanding the condition also means I can build practices into my daily life which help me better manage occasions, settings and experiences that I may find more challenging than others. 'I am still in the early stages of my journey here and I intend to continue sharing thoughts and insights that may help other neurodiverse business leaders and entrepreneurs on their journeys too. 'I am confident that working with fantastic specialists I can work within the confines of ASD and ADHD to continue to improve how I approach the leadership of BrewDog as well as how I approach life overall.' A spotlight has been thrown on ADHD this month after comedian Johnny Vegas, 52, became the latest in a wave of celebrities to announce they have been diagnosed with ADHD. Others include comedian Rory Bremner, chef Heston Blumental and TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Sue Perkins. Watt said he had always thought of himself as an 'odd fish' who was uncomfortable in social settings and preferred being alone. He put his behaviour down to having an analytical brain and did not seek help until last year when he decided to get assessed. He added: 'I have always struggled with anything emotional and I am terrible with social cues. I have always needed significant amounts of time by myself to be able to function well as a human. 'I would often be more terrified in simple social settings than I would be facing huge storms in my days on the high seas of the north Atlantic. I have always accepted these character imperfections and viewed them as a kind of trade off with other characteristics - my analytical ability, my work ethic and my ability to focus on tasks like a demented mother f***er. 'It's just how I am' is pretty much what I always thought.' It comes after more than 15 ex-staff previously spoke out against Mr Watt with some claiming he made female bartenders feel 'uncomfortable' and 'powerless'. They were even advised by colleagues on how to avoid unwelcome attention from Mr Watt, according to an investigation by BBC Scotland's Disclosure programme. Watt previously told Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast that he 'pushed people too far' BrewDog's Old Street outlet in east London (pictured) Katelynn Ising, who worked at a BrewDog bar in Ohio, US, said female staff would dress down when they knew Mr Watt would be in their bars. She said: 'We would make a point to warn new girls... like, 'Hey, just so you know, James Watt's coming to town. Just kind of, like, leave after your shift, don't really hang around [and] don't always do your hair and make-up that day, like don't catch his attention'.' Other former staff claim Mr Watt was witnessed by staff kissing an intoxicated customer on a roof terrace at another US bar. Mr Watt has said the allegations are false and denies behaving inappropriately. Last year, some of Watts' disgruntled former employees shared a scathing open letter slamming the company for its 'toxic attitudes' and accusing it of fostering a 'culture of fear' among staff. Penned by a group called 'Punks With Purpose', the letter featured a list of 63 names of people who used to work for the firm, and takes aim at the Scotland-based brewery's founders James Watt and Martin Dickie. It claimed the company is 'built on a cult of personality' and alleged that it left some staff feeling 'burnt out, afraid and miserable', adding that 'a significant number of people have admitted they have suffered mental illness' as a result of working there. Writing collectively as a group called 'Punks With Purpose', the letter featured a list of names of people who used to work for the firm, and takes aim at the Scotland-based brewery's founders It went so far as to claim being treated like a human being 'was sadly not always a given' for those employed by BrewDog - trashing the image of the hipster company which offers 'pawternity leave' if a staff member gets a dog and pays employees 500 to quit if they don't feel they're a good fit. At the time, Mr Watt subsequently issued an 'update' on the Punks With Purpose open letter, describing it as 'so upsetting, but so important'. He said: 'Our focus now is not on contradicting or contesting the details of that letter, but to listen, learn and act.' Brewdog, which has been valued at more than 1 billion, was founded by Watt and Martin Dickie, who were at school together in Aberdeenshire. They started the firm in 2007 with a bank loan and a grant from the Prince's Trust because they could not find anything they wanted to drink. After receiving criticism for its marketing campaigns and work environment, it has since sought to overhaul its culture by introducing a shared profit scheme, three company-wide employee representative groups, a diversity forum, a confidential ethics hotline, and increasing investment in learning and development. A Russian-born former dominatrix accused of trying to kill her doppelganger with a cheesecake laced with poison as part of an identity theft plot appears to have shrugged off the accusations with a smile in court. Viktoria Nasyrova, 45, has a twisted past which has become media fodder - as stories of running from the law after the murder of a woman in Russia in 2014 emerged among accusations of targeting men on dating websites, drugging and robbing them. Her crime spree came to a charging halt, however, after she was tracked down by a private detective employed by the daughter of the woman she's believed to have killed in Russia. The 45-year-old is now again before the courts, appearing at the Queen's Supreme Court on Monday for opening statements in which it's been alleged that she left a trail of DNA evidence and spoke of the accusations in several jailhouse interviews. Russian-born former dominatrix, Viktoria Nasyrova, is accused of trying to kill her doppelganger with a cheesecake laced with poison as part of an identity theft plot and appeared to shrug off the accusations with a smile in court Prosecutors said these media interviews, which took place in the wake of her arrest, are likely to be a focus in the trial, and if convicted of her crimes, could see Nasyrova face up to 25 years in prison. The Russian fugitive, once lived a glamorous lifestyle, and was known for having a taste for the finer things in life including diamonds and furs. Nasyrova was arrested in May of 2016 for stealing two furs worth $532 from a Century 21, but wasn't flagged as an international fugitive at the time. A gruesome murder charge hung over the 45-year-old who is said to have fled to New York following the brutal slaying of her neighbor in 2014, Alla Alekseenko, 54. Assistant District Attorney Konstantinos Litourgis painted a picture to jurors on Monday of what they could expect to learn throughout the trial, although her sordid past crimes in Russia did not appear to make the cut, according to Fox News. 'The DNA that was on that container belongs to Viktoria Nasyrova,' Litourgis said in his opening statements. 'So, on top of everything you're going to hear from civilian witnesses, you're going to learn that there's a cheesecake container that had [tranquilizer] Phenazepam in it and also had the defendant's DNA on it.' Litourgis continued, referring to the alleged victim Olga Tsvyk, that Nasyrova has been specifically asked about the crimes, and appeared to show no remorse. 'She was asked this specific question: 'There is a woman named Olga who looks a lot like you who said that you poisoned her with a piece of cheesecake in order to steal her identity,''Litourgis said. 'You know what this defendant did when she was asked that question? She smiled. And you know what her answer was? 'I can tell you I know this person. I know who you mean. I did not force her to eat the cheesecake.' 'This is not a joke. It's not just a story. It's not an accident and it's not a mistake. This defendant intended to kill this woman and steal her identity.' Nasyrova appeared in a black turtleneck top, glasses with her hair pulled back into a ponytail during the court appearance For the most part, the 45-year-old kept a fairly neutral disposition, but appears to be smiling and speaking to someone behind her in photos that were taken on the day Nasyrova appeared in a black turtleneck top, glasses with her hair pulled back into a ponytail during the court appearance. For the most part, the 45-year-old kept a fairly neutral disposition, but appears to be smiling and speaking to someone behind her in photos that were taken on the day. Tsvyk, an eyelash stylist, also testified on Monday telling the court that Nasyrova had arrived at her home in Forest Hills, Queens, August 2016 in desperate need of her services. Nasyrova had been a client for six months before the attack, and bizarrely trekked to the Queens salon despite living in Brooklyn. 'She told me, 'I'm right now in Brooklyn. I want to bring you some famous cheesecake from a famous bakery.' I told her, Viktoria, that's not needed, just come over,' Tsvyk said. After arriving at her home, Nasyrova ate two slices of cheesecake offering a third slice, that prosecutors say had been laced with Russian tranquilizer Phenazepan, to Tsvyk. Tsvyk told the court that she started to feel sick about 20 minutes after eating the cake. 'I started to look to lie down on the bed,' Tsvyk told the jury. Assistant District Attorney Konstantinos Litourgis painted a picture to jurors on Monday of what they could expect to learn throughout the trial saying the 45-year-old left a mess of DNA evidence behind Prosecutors claimed that Nasyrova then stole Tsvyk's passport, cash and other belongings and tried to make the incident appear to look like a suicide 'I started to look for a pillow. I was realizing that I was losing consciousness and I said to her, 'Vika, I'm feeling really bad.' I started feeling very nauseous. I wanted to vomit. I started to vomit right by my bed onto the floor. Prosecutors claimed that Nasyrova then stole Tsvyk's passport, cash and other belongings and tried to make the incident appear to look like a suicide by scattering pills around the victim's body. 'Everything was done in this case very carefully and very methodically by this defendant not only did she poison Olga in order to impersonate her she also staged her bedroom to make it look like suicide,' Litourgis said. Tsvyk similarly wore a black turtle neck, her hair out, and appeared relieved to be leaving the courtroom as she briskly walked to the elevators among a throng of reporters. When asked how she had been feeling following her statements, she replied softly, 'not good.' A mess of DNA evidence appeared to have been left on the cheesecake box according to Litourgis who added that this and additional evidence proves that she tried to kill Tsvyk. The prosecution said they plan to call another witness during the trial, who claims that Nasyrova had drugged him after they met on a Russian dating site in 2016. Litourgis said that the man ate fish and vegetables cooked by the 45-year-old and woke up in hospital three days later. Tsvyk similarly wore a black turtle neck, her hair out, and appeared relieved to be leaving the courtroom as she briskly walked to the elevators among a throng of reporters When asked how she had been feeling following her statements, she replied softly, 'not good' 'His symptoms almost mirrored that of Olga's,' Litourgis said, noting that the man's watch and cash had been stolen. Nasyrova's attorney, Christopher Hoyt, told jurors that the current case wasn't as 'open and shut' as prosecutors have claimed. In 2019, Nasyrova pleaded guilty in a separate case in which she had been charged with attempted larceny in Brooklyn Supreme Court, following other allegations that she had drugged and robbed men that she met on dating apps. But the most notorious of her alleged crimes took place before she reached the United States. Alekseenko remains were found burned and buried two miles from her home in Krasnodar, in southern Russia. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed images of the victim's body in the front seat of Nasyrova's car by traffic cameras in 2017, investigators at the time saying, money was the motive for the heartless homicide. Nasyrova fled to America and began a new life as masseuse with 'experience in upscale spas and beauty salons,' according to an ad for 'quality massage at home' she posted shortly after arriving in the Big Apple. It's been reported she was allegedly able to escape Russia by having sex with a local police officer. Interpol then issued a red notice for her arrest for murder. Police said Nasyrova enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of diamonds and furs, paid for by the men she lured into her life. A dark picture of her past has been painted since her arrest Stories of running from the law after the murder of a woman in Russia in 2014 among accusations of targeting men on dating websites, drugging and robbing them, also emerged about Nasyrova But, her sordid past was to follow her, when Alekseenko's horrified daughter learned that the wanted Russian beauty was now living just miles away from her in Brooklyn. The victim's daughter, Nadezda Ford, said she got a text message from her missing mother shortly her disappearance, saying 'Sweetie, don't worry about me, I'll notify you about where I am soon enough.' Herman Weisberg, a retired NYPD detective, had been approached by Alekseenko's daughter, after the horrified woman learned that her mother's suspected killer was living near her The message came after traffic camera footage appeared to show her mother's lifeless body in passenger's seat of Nasyrova's car on the day that she disappeared, October 5, 2014. Alekseenko's body was found months later, badly burned and reduced to a skull and a few bones identifiable only through dental records. Investigators found $17,000 in cash and jewelry missing from the her home. By November of 2014, Nasyrova had slipped out of Russia, despite a warrant out for her arrest on Interpol. A private detective in New York played a key role in bringing Nasyrova to justice. Herman Weisberg, a retired NYPD detective, had been approached by Ford after the horrified woman learned that her mother's suspected killer was living near her. A gruesome murder charge hung over the 45-year-old who is said to have fled to New York following the brutal slaying of her neighbor in 2014, Alla Alekseenko, 54 Alekseenko's body was found months later, badly burned and reduced to a skull and a few bones identifiable only through dental records 'A Good Samaritan who knew the daughter of the murdered Russian woman got in touch with me and told me the story,' Weisberg told DailyMail.com at the time. 'She offered to pay whatever cost for me to track her down and bring her to justice.' Ford 'was living in fear of this woman,' and had already moved once and was heartbroken over the loss of her mother,' said Weisberg. The intrepid detective discovered that Nasyrova was still regularly using Facebook under a different name, and found her secret profile. 'After poring over pictures I realized the stitching on the leather car seat in one of her selfies was unique to a high-end Chrysler. I then had my surveillance team scour Sheepshead Bay until we found the vehicle,' he said. The team found the vehicle, a Chrysler 300, and began a stakeout. Weisberg's discovery paid off - they'd located the mysterious fugitive. On top of the Russia murder, Nasyrova was also wanted by NYPD on suspicion of drugging and robbing at least three men she met via a New York dating website. The Russian fugitive, once lived a glamorous lifestyle, and was known for having a taste for the finer things in life including diamonds and furs. Nasyrova was arrested in May of 2016 for stealing two furs worth $532 from a Century 21 Nasyrova fled to America and began a new life. It's been reported she was allegedly able to escape Russia by having sex with a local police officer. Interpol then issued a red notice for her arrest for murder NYPD Chief of Detectives Bob Boyce said: 'She's a con artist who meets people online through a dating site and then drugs them at some point, and takes their property from them and flees'. She was arrested by the NYPD Warrant Squad on an open warrant for the alleged seduction robberies after Weisberg alerted investigators to her location, since Russia doesn't have an extradition treaty with the U.S. 'She embarked on a life of crime here, and we don't have the whole story yet. We only have bits and pieces', Boyce added. 'What's incredible is that Nasyrova wasn't living like she was on the lam we pictured her out shopping for a 50-inch widescreen TV,' said Weisberg. 'We think she was empowered by her previous arrest for shoplifting, which didn't pick up the fact she wanted by Interpol for this murder.' 'It would have made her feel like she had slipped the net,' said Weisberg. 'Not now.' A trial into the fresh crime allegations continues. New York City Mayor Eric Adams denied claims that a Brooklyn shelter set up to house at least 1,000 male migrants is a prison, nearly a dozen of whom have refused to be to leave the hotel they have been living in for the past few months. Several of these migrants who were bused up to New York City from Texas told DailyMail.com they thought the shelter set up at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood resembled a 'jail.' 'Left-wing activists' have now helped those refusing to leave the $450-a-night Watson Hotel in Brooklyn by setting up tents on the sidewalk. But in a new public service announcement, Eric Adams tries to show off some of the amenities of the shelter at the Brooklyn terminal as he poses with a Venezuelan migrant named Wilson, who thanks New York City for its efforts. Some asylum seekers are refusing to leave the Watson Hotel in Brooklyn under Mayor Eric Adams' plan to relocate migrants to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal In a tweet Monday night, the New York City mayor touted the city's efforts to accommodate the migrants In the video posted to Twitter, Eric Adams says the migrants in New York City are trying to live the American Dream, as he boasts about the city and state's efforts to accommodate the thousands of migrants who have arrived in recent months. He also showed off some of the amenities at the shelter, including a ping pong table and a buffet. 'It doesn't matter if it's Ellis Island or the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal or it's any of our ports,' the mayor began. 'It's all rooted in the American Dream. You pursue the dream here.' He then went on to say: 'I just had to come here when I started hearing all the rumors about "it was cold," my brother got shorts on, it's warm inside' pointing to Wilson wearing shorts as he chuckles, 'about the food not being here. 'You know, healthy food is present. Even the snacks are healthy,' Adams said as he held up an orange. 'We just need to stop the anxiety,' the 62-year-old New York City mayor told the public, claiming he has spoken to several of the migrants who have said '"We want to come here, we want to work, we want to pursue the American Dream. We're thankful to the people of New York City." 'I heard that over and over again.' Adams then used the opportunity to tout the city and state's efforts to accommodate the influx of migrants from Latin America, saying: 'We are doing our job. We need the national government and Congress to do their job. 'This is how you get through a crisis, together.' He added in a tweet: 'The asylum seeker crisis is a national problem that needs a national solution. 'New York City is proud to have welcomed tens of thousands of asylum seekers and given them shelter, food and resources. But we can't do this alone.' In a public service announcement, Mayor Eric Adams said the migrants are trying to live the American Dream He insisted in the video posted to Twitter that there is healthy food, holding up an orange The mayor's video also showed off a buffet at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook Other accommodations set up for the migrants are a ping pong table The video came as Brooklyn residents and mutual aid organizations descended on the area outside the Wilson Hotel to provide the migrants with tents, clothes, and food. They used Twitter to fundraise, writing, 'PULL UP, SUPPORT ASYLUM SEEKERS,' and telling activists to send money to a specific account. The funds, they said 'will go to tents, food, warm clothing, and supplies to keep everyone warm as they keep each other safe.' As Andy Ngo, editor of The Post Millennial claimed: 'Overnight, dozens of male migrants refused to be transferred to a shelter in Brooklyn after being put up in a midtown Manhattan hotel paid by taxpayers. 'Far-left activists swarmed the area, providing the men with material to build an encampment.' Tents lined the sidewalk outside the Wilson Hotel on Monday as migrants refused to leave Some male asylum seekers were seen keeping warm by wrapping themselves in blankets and sleeping bags Some of the migrants camped out in sleeping bags when they refused to leave The migrants have voiced concerns non-optimal conditions at the pop-up facility, which some Monday likened to a jail A sign on a pole describes how the migrants 'need help, please' and need a place to sleep Under Adams' plan for the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal which is set near the southern end of the East River between Brooklyn and Governors Island 1,000 male migrants who have been shacked up at the Wilson Hotel free of charge would be relocated to the shelter. Announcing his intentions, Adams said his office planned to replace the displaced single male migrants with the families - many of whom are already being put up at the $700-a-night hotel in Hell's Kitchen. He had given those staying at the Watson a deadline to move out by Monday, saying the men will be replaced by asylum-seeking families. That spurred several migrants to take up residence outside the building Sunday night in protest of the mayor's declaration - with many outright refusing to relocate, citing privacy concerns and non-optimal conditions at the pop-up facility. By Monday, as several found themselves locked out of their respective rooms at the Watson, the predominantly Latin American procession remained, setting up camp directly outside the luxury building in direct defiance of Adams' order. Photographs taken Monday morning showed dozens of tents lining the sidewalk on 57th street directly outside the hotel, while some male asylum seekers were seen keeping warm by wrapping themselves in blankets and sleeping bags. They were reportedly removed from their rooms one by one, with others returning to their rooms Monday telling reporters they were not being allowed back into their rooms to retrieve their belongings. Migrants grab donated supplies while camping out in front of the Watson after being evicted The single mom said that the group of displaced men grew even more disruptive by morning, after local residents gifted them tents and tables full of food as they refused to relocate. The outdoor encampment then surfaced sometime before 4am, spurring officers from the NYPD to arrive on the scene just a few hours later. The displaced asylum seekers could be seen protesting their prospective transfer to the cruise terminal - which, unlike the Watson, offers migrants only a single, army-style cot as opposed to an actual bed - by painting a massive banner to be hung on the scaffolding outside the Watson Hotel. 'Hogares permanentes!' a spray-painted message read, translating to 'Permanent homes.' The call for alternative housing was accompanied by another demand, this one written in English, that besieged New York officials to 'cancel rent.' The photos show a mass of roughly 1,000 of cot-style beds, all in close proximity to one another A photo provided by one of the migrants shows rows of beds set up at the terminal Speaking to DailyMail.com outside the Watson Monday, one of the migrants, 32-year-old Labrador, lamented his and others' situation but remained adamant that he would not relocate to the Brooklyn shelter, comparing it to jail. They want to take us to a place like a jail,' said Labrador, who is from Venezuela and served in the country's Special Forces. 'They dont show us the real pictures and video but I have them and will show everybody,' the migrant said, producing photos that have been circulating on social media showing the interior shelter. The photos show a mass of roughly 1,000 cot-style beds, all in close proximity to one another. 'The cots are lined up next to each other,' the asylum seeker pointed out, before complaining that he and others 'have to cross the street to take a shower.' He then asked, 'How can they let us live like this?' referring to Adams and other city officials. 'We want answers,' he said. 'The city needs to send people to talk to us. We will sleep right here again tonight.' Erika Quintero, a single mom who lives across the street from the encampment with her young son, told DailyMail.com she's been forced to carry pepper spray just to make it through the rowdy mass to her building, producing the cannister as proof The outdoor encampment surfaced sometime before 4am, spurring officers from the NYPD to arrive on the scene just a few hours later. As of Monday afternoon, several officers remained at the scene The Watson, seemingly to monitor the situation But the migrants' presence has already made some in the area anxious, with a single mother saying she now feels the need to carry pepper spray when she walks home. Erika Quintero, who lives across the street from the tent-laden encampment on West 57th street, told DailyMail.com that the migrants have already been 'disruptive' in the few hours since they set up camp. Last night there was so much noise,' said Quintero, who lives alone with her 9-year-old son in the residential building. Speaking to DailyMail.com just a few feet from the mass of migrants - who are all men - she said that she and her son have lived at the residential building for years, during which time she and her family were subjected to the hordes of homeless who had been housed at the hotel during the pandemic, in another effort from Adams. Revealing that her husband passed away just six months ago, the single mom said that the group of displaced men grew even more disruptive by the morning after local residents gifted them tents and tables full of food as they refused to relocate. 'Loud music, people screaming,' she said. 'My son was trying to take a class on zoom. Its very frightening.' Others in the neighborhood also told DailyMail.com that members of the camp have been seen cat-calling female citizens while smoking marijuana and drinking beer. 'Look at me I am carrying pepper spray,' Quintera said, producing a canister from her purse as proof. She proceeded to question the city's handling of the ongoing migrant issue, as well as Adams' offices' apparent hesitance to break up the procession. 'Why is the city doing this to us?' the frustrated mother asked. The asylum seekers said that they are hoping their noncompliance spurs Adams to reconsider his offices plan to relocate them to the Red Hook ferry terminal (pictured), citing non-ideal living conditions at the somewhat isolated facility The new shelter at the terminal, meanwhile, is somewhat isolated, far away from accessible medical care and opportunities to work - one of the many concerns voiced Monday by the migrants who spoke to DailyMail.com. As City Council member Gail Brewer explained 'almost 100 percent of the migrants who were at the hotel are working as dishwashers or doing deliveries,' and are unhappy that they will now 'have to come to Manhattan from Red Hook.' 'It's a long way,' she said. 'It's about a 20-minute walk to the subway. It's near the ferry boat and there is a bus, but I'm not sure how long. When asked what the city's plans are to address the migrants who refuse to relocate and plan to continue to sleep on the street, she responded, 'I don't know the answer to that.' She added that the migrants most likely will be in the Red Hook shelter until April, about the time when cruise ships first start to arrive. Alex Murdaugh's defense this morning grilled the cop who claimed he heard the legal scion saying, 'I did him so bad', three days after the murder of his wife and son. Defense attorney Jim Griffin ripped special agent Jeff Croft over why - if he heard a statement which sounded like a confession - 'you never followed up on that?' Griffin even played the audio back to jurors at 1/3 speed and claimed that the cop had actually misheard his client say: 'They did him so bad.' 'Why didn't you ask him right then and there, when he said "I did him so bad", why didn't you ask him, "What did you mean by that, Alex?"' Croft claimed he 'made a mental note of it' but Griffin told jurors that in a subsequent interview the detective never asked Murdaugh to clarify what he meant. Murdaugh, 54, yesterday shook his head defiantly and told his legal team, 'I did not say that,' as Croft told the prosecutor what he heard. The disgraced attorney is accused of shooting his wife Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, at their 1,700-acre hunting lodge in Islandton, South Carolina, on June 7, 2021. Scroll down for video. Alex Murdaugh pictured with his wife Maggie and their two sons Paul (left) and Buster Cross-examining Croft this morning on the 'I did him so bad' interview, Griffin continually asked him why - if Murdaugh was so central to the investigation - such a 'significant statement' did not attract an immediate response from investigators. Croft replied: 'It was early in the investigation, it was more of an information gathering interview and we did not at that particular time have any evidence to challenge anything that Alex would have told us.' TIMELINE: NIGHT OF THE KILLINGS Alex Murdaugh, 54, is accused of shooting his wife, Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, at the family's hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on the night of June 7, 2021. Here are the key events in the timeline laid out by prosecutors: At 7.56pm, Paul sent a Snapchat video to friends showing the 22-year-old riding around the estate with his father. At 8.15pm, Murdaugh's wife Maggie arrived home and the trio ate dinner together. Autopsies showed similar stomach contents in Maggie and Paul. About 8.30pm, Paul's phone starts moving towards the kennels. Then at 8.44pm, a second video taken by Paul at the kennels - soon to become a murder scene - allegedly proves that Maggie, Paul and Alex were together. At 8.49pm, the prosecution say Paul's phone locked and went silent forever, never to send another text or make another call. Between 9pm and 9.30pm, Paul and Maggie were killed - according to the coroner. At 9.06pm, Murdaugh's car is fired up. The alleged killer said he went to go visit his mother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, in Almeda - around a 15-minute drive. At 10.07pm, Murdaugh called 911 claiming he had arrived home a to find his wife and son shot dead. Advertisement But Griffin stated 'you never followed up on that', telling jurors that in a subsequent police interview on August 11 it was never raised by Croft or his colleagues. In fact, during the June 10 interview with Croft and another agent, they go on to discuss funeral arrangements with an Agent Owens appearing to sympathize with Murdaugh over media intrusion. '[Murdaugh] just said "I did him so bad", and the response to that was 'they [the media] don't deserve to be there'', Griffin said. In a final salvo, the defense played the recording at 1/3 speed, stressing that Croft must have misheard their client. 'Did you hear 'they' then?' Griffin asked. But Croft said: 'No sir, I did not.' Griffin began questioning Croft this morning on the evidence he gave about weapons and ammunition seized from the Murdaugh estate, known as Moselle. Griffin asked: 'Have you ever found the murder weapons to your knowledge?' 'Not that I am aware of,' the cop replied. Griffin questioned Croft about whether any steel shot shotgun ammunition - 'the shot that blew Paul's head off' - was recovered from Moselle. Croft confirmed that he found no steel shot during his search of the estate on June 8 or afterwards. Alex Murdaugh's firearms dealer cousin John Bedingfield later took the witness stand and described the legal scion's relationship with his sons as 'always good.' Murdaugh had gone to Bedingfield for guns for his sons for Christmas in 2016, paying $9,188 for two .300 Blackout rifles. The patriarch went to his cousin again in April 2018 about a third .300 Blackout rifle because Paul had lost his. This time the new gun set him back $875, because it did not have a thermal scope or suppressor. It was Paul's mother Maggie who picked up the guns when they were ready. PAUL'S FRIEND ROGAN GIBSON'S LAST TEXTS TO MAGGIE AND PAUL: Gibson texted Paul about his dog who was being cared for at the Murdaugh kennels at 8.49pm following a conversion they had on the phone. That message went unanswered. Gibson then messaged Maggie at 9.34pm, saying: 'Tell Paul to call me' Murdaugh weeps inside a detective's car during his second police interview on June 10 - three days after the killing Overhead view of the hangar and kennels at Moselle where Maggie and Paul were shot dead The prosecution began discussion of cell phone data this afternoon, starting with analysis of Maggie's phone. It showed calls throughout the evening of June 7, including one at 9.04pm which went to voicemail. Murdaugh told cops he tried calling his wife before he drove to his mother's home. His car was fired up at 9.06pm. Lt Brett Dove, who assessed the cell phones, told jurors that Maggie had five missed calls from Alex, a missed call from Buster and two from John Marvin. On Monday, jurors heard Murdaugh's second interview with cops. The first time he was questioned was on the night of the murders when he broke down in sobs and described in harrowing detail how he saw his son's brains. Murdaugh's sole surviving son Buster, 25, arrived at court Tuesday - as he has throughout the trial - with his girlfriend Brooklynn White, Alex's brother John Marvin and their sister Lynn. Buster - who was staying at his girlfriend's near Charlotte at the time of the killings - is on the defense witness list, as is John Marvin who Murdaugh called on the night of the murders. Murdaugh arrives at court Tuesday with his jacket draped over his handcuffed wrists on day seven of his trial at Colleton County Court in South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division agent Jeff Croft holds a .300 Blackout rifle in court Tuesday. Defense attorney Jim Griffin asked: 'Have you ever found the murder weapons to your knowledge?' 'Not that I am aware of,' the cop replied. Monday started with cross-examination of another state agent who testified at length about evidence collected from the Murdaugh home and property. Similarly to the previous days of testimony, officers and crime scene technicians presented evidence to the jury that investigators will likely later explain in more detail. Prosecutors described their case as a puzzle in last week's opening statement. While cross-examining witnesses, though, defense attorneys have asked questions suggesting the metaphorical puzzle pieces either aren't clear or prosecutors aren't putting them all on the table. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) special agent Melinda Worley testified Friday about photographs of the bodies, shotgun pellets and DNA swabs from the scene as well as clothes and fingernail clippings from the autopsies. In Monday's cross-examination, defense attorney Dick Harpootlian honed in on several items, including identifying footprints, one of Worley's specialties. She told him one of the footprints in blood near where Murdaugh's son was shot came from a deputy. 'Is that the preservation of the scene that your standards require?' Harpootlian asked. 'Not exactly, no,' Worley responded. Buster Murdaugh (right), his girlfriend Brooklynn White (black mac), Alex's brother John Marvin behind with his wife Liz Buster in court and Alex's sister Lynn Harpootlian also had Worley come off the stand and work on a rough diagram of the angles of the shots fired at Paul and Maggie, pointing out a significant disparity between the directions the shots at each victim came from. Worley said that can happen when a shooter is moving. 'One explanation would be movement. One explanation would be two shooters,' Harpootlian said. Murdaugh continued to rock and dab his eyes during more graphic testimony, including when Harpootlian showed a photo of his wife's body to ask Worley if there could have been a shoeprint on his wife's calf that was not formally documented as the scene was examined. Worley said she could not be certain. Croft was one of the chief agents investigating the double killings and also testified about guns, ammunition, and fired casings gathered from the Murdaugh home after the killings, showing at least four different shotguns and rifles to the jury and testifying that the Murdaughs kept the weapons loaded in their gun room. NIGHT OF THE MURDER: Murdaugh in a clean white t-shirt speaking to the first officer on the scene on the night of the murders WHERE MAGGIE DIED: A pool of blood is seen outside the kennels near the doghouse where Maggie Murdaugh was shot dead with two AR bullets to the head WHERE PAUL DIED: Blood spatters on the floor inside the storage room at the kennels where Paul Murdaugh was shot dead. He was killed with a shot to the chest and a second to the head. Two shotgun shells were recovered by cops - two 12-gauge shells, two different brands - one Federal, the other Winchester MURDAUGH GUN CABINET: During his interview with cops, Murdaugh said that there were probably 25 guns on the estate. He said that in addition to the camo shotgun officers took off him when they arrived there were 'all kinds of rifles.' He added: 'I mean you name 'em, we have 'em' MURDER SCENE: Paul's body lies outside the storage room, while Maggie lies just outside the kennels by the doghouse In his second police interview, Murdaugh told Croft that his son was unfocused and would stay with family and friends across the state, leaving his possessions behind instead of bringing them home. 'He did that with clothes, he did that with guns he did that with my boats,' Murdaugh said. Prosecutors in their opening statement said the guns that killed Paul and Maggie have not been found, but markings on casings found around the home that may have been used for target practice matched casings found at the scene. The trial is taking place at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, a sleepy, rural town 50 miles west of Charleston in a low-lying region of South Carolina over which the Murdaugh family has wielded immense judicial and political power. Indeed, in the courtroom where Murdaugh faces judgment a portrait of his late grandfather - legendary longtime 14th Circuit Solicitor Buster Murdaugh Jr. - had hung on the wall before it was removed ahead of the trial. Prosecutors have said Murdaugh killed his wife and child to generate sympathy and distract from his financial crimes, an alleged motive that Murdaugh's lawyers have argued doesn't make sense. The defense theory is that somebody killed Paul and Maggie in revenge for the boating accident in February 2019 that left 19-year-old Mallory Beach (pictured) dead. The defense theory is that somebody else killed Murdaugh's wife and son in revenge for a boat crash (the Murdaugh boat Sea Hunt is pictured) during which Paul had been driving under the influence, killing a 19-year-old woman, in February 2019 Bottles and cans of beer found aboard the boat which Paul Murdaugh was driving under the influence But he has adamantly insisted from the moment he found the bodies of his wife and youngest son shot multiple times that he was not the killer. Following the murder trial, Murdaugh will have to face more than 100 additional criminal charges, ranging from drug trafficking to allegations that he stole nearly $9 million from clients and other attorneys. Prosecutors say Murdaugh lured his wife and son to their 1,700-acre hunting lodge and shot them dead. The state also claims that his life was spiraling out of control amid years of opioid addiction and ballooning debts. Murdaugh pleaded not guilty in June, and the blockbuster trial is expected to include wild allegations of dark family secrets, financial ruin and hedonistic excess. In total, over 220 people could testify against Murdaugh in the trial. Murdaugh claimed he had been visiting his elderly mother who suffers from Alzheimer's and arrived home to find Maggie and Paul dead near the estate's dog kennels he vanished from her Gold Coast home two days earlier Wendy Sleeman was found dead in the boot of her car QLD man Slade Murdok has been charged with matricide The man charged with the murder of his mother, remembered by her family as clever and caring, is struggling to understand what is happening, his lawyer says. Slade Murdok, 30, has been charged with the kidnapping and murder of his mother Wendy Sleeman, who disappeared from her Gold Coast home on January 25. The 61-year-old's body was found in the boot of her car parked in a Brisbane unit block two days later. Mr Murdok was arrested the day before her body was found and charged with a number of offences, including kidnapping. On Tuesday, he was charged with her murder. Slade Murdok's lawyer Rodney Keyte (pictured) told reporters his client is struggling behind bars Wendy Sleeman (pictured), 61, disappeared from her Gold Coast home on January 25 'He's going through his own struggles and being charged with matricide; he's trying to figure this all out in his head,' lawyer Rodney Keyte told reporters outside court in Brisbane on Tuesday. 'It's going to take a long time for him to process that information, as it would anyone.' Mr Murdok has spent the past six days in the Brisbane watch house after he was refused bail last week. Mr Keyte said Mr Murdok has asked him to look at whether a second application for bail could be submitted in the Supreme Court. 'I have received instructions and we're going through those instructions at this stage,' he said. 'This is very early stages; his instructions to me is that he has not had any participation or knowledge of this incident.' Mr Keyte appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on his client's behalf on Tuesday to request a delay in him providing DNA swabs and fingerprints. 'He's (taken) injury to his hand which is making him struggle to give his fingerprints,' Mr Keyte told the court. (The request is) one that would enable him to not give a fingerprint until his hand has healed, but I advised him I don't think the court can do (that).' The request was denied. Mr Murdok also faces charges of unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The body of Ms Sleeman was discovered in the boot of her own car parked in a Brisbane unit block (pictured, the location of where Ms Sleeman's body was found) Murdok was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged over his mother's disappearance Ms Sleeman's brother and sister have asked people to remember her as gentle, funny and caring. They described Ms Sleeman as a clever woman, with a strong love for labradors, and asked that those who wished to make donations in her memory do so to the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland. Mike Sleeman and Meg Sleeman have thanked police for their efforts in the murder investigation. 'We acknowledge the tireless work of the Burleigh Heads CIB in this case,' the pair said in a statement. 'We can now lay our beloved sister to rest. We are profoundly saddened by Wendy's death. 'In accordance with Wendy's wishes, there will be no funeral service. 'We will miss our beloved sister forever and ask for you to respect our privacy at this terrible time.' Ms Sleeman's brother and sister have asked people to remember her as gentle, funny and caring Police noticed a blue Honda Jazz speeding away from Ms Sleeman's home, that was allegedly driven by her son, when they arrived in response to her report of a potential break-in Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday afternoon, regional crime coordiantor Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said it appeared Ms Sleeman had been subjected to traumatic violence but said providing further details would be unfair to her family. He said Queensland Police had a strong case against Mr Murdok, who has been 'maintaining his right to silence' during investigations. 'We've found some physical evidence, electronic evidence and other evidence,' Superintendent Smith said. The matter has been adjourned to Southport Magistrates Court for committal mention on February 14. Police allege pools of blood were found in Ms Sleeman's Elanora home. Emergency crews were called to Ms Sleeman's Gold Coast home at 3.30pm on Tuesday after she reported a potential break-in. Officers believe Ms Sleeman may have been inside a blue Honda Jazz that sped away from her home as police arrived. Police are now searching for a white Ford Laser, which they believe was used by Mr Murdok to travel to the Gold Coast and kidnap her. Officers are appealing to members of the public who may have seen the vehicle with a registration plate of 483ZPG to alert authorities. A Hawaii family was given a rude awakening over the weekend when a massive boulder crashed through their $1 million home, narrowly missing a woman inside. Caroline Sasaki, 65, was getting ready to watch TV before bed at around midnight Saturday when the 5-foot by 5-foot rock flew down a nearby hill, plowed through a concrete wall and car before landing in her Palolo home. While Caroline was miraculously unscathed, the giant boulder left a trail of damage in its wake after it crashed through the second story of the home before eventually stopping in a bedroom. 'If I took one more step, I probably wouldn't be here,' she told KITV4. Hawaii woman Caroline Sasaki narrowly missed a runaway boulder as it plowed through her family home just before midnight on Saturday The Palolo home was left with a gaping hole and considerable damage after the rock flew down a nearby hill and crashed into the second floor Following her close shave, the 65-year-old said: 'If I took one more step, I probably wouldn't be here' 'All I heard was the boom when the glass cracked on the sliding glass door, so then I backed up and I guess it passed right through'. Sasaki revealed that the close shave came just a week after her family moved into the newly built $1 million Hawaii property, which now features a gaping hole across its second floor. She added that she suffers from a bad leg, which may have actually helped her avoid the boulder's path as she can only walk slowly. Following her brush with death, Sasaki admitted that the runaway boulder moved so quickly she barely even saw it. She told Hawaii News Now: 'Apparently the boulder passed right in front of me, which I didn't know, as I didn't see it. 'All I heard was a boom, and then somebody asking me if I was okay.' A steep hill near the home in Palolo, Hawaii has undergone drastic changes in recent years, and locals believe construction work may be to blame for dislodging the massive boulder It is unclear what exactly caused the giant boulder to break free, but locals are pointing the finger at a nearby construction project on the hill outside their home. Sasaki told KHON2: 'I was in fear of this happening, from when they started (the project). 'We have lived in this same location. We just knocked down the old house and rebuilt it, and it's never happened before. Heavy rain and hurricane warnings, nothing. The massive 5-foot by 5-foot boulder plowed through a concrete wall and damaged a car before eventually coming to rest in a second floor bedroom Sasaki said she has lived in the area for a long time, but has never encountered anything like the destruction until construction work began on a nearby hill Shocking footage of the incident shows the giant boulder barely missing the 65-year-old woman, who said after that she is lucky to have been left unscathed 'No rocks ever came down. We've had some issues with them carving the mountain, and I don't know if that's the cause. 'Department of permitting and planning, the Department of Emergency Management, the mayor, the councilman, they should all get involved because peoples lives are at stake,'. Another resident also reportedly suffered a similar incident recently, as a smaller rock roughly 2-feet by 2-feet also crashed into the home of one of Sasaki's neighbors. However, the construction development's owner Binging Li believes his project is not to blame for the damage. He said: 'Not at all, this is from way above, I looked at one of those rocks about 50 feet away from on top of the property and landed over there and then made its way down here. 'So it hit one of the cables that was supposed to stop it and the cable snapped. That took a lot of energy away otherwise this damage would be way more.' Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, Director of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), also responded to claims the development is to blame. They said: 'The neighboring landowner submitted applications to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for demolition, grading and building permits for a proposed two-story, two-family detached residence. 'DPP reviewed those applications, including the plans, scope of work and compliance with pertinent codes and ordinances. 'As a result of the recent rock fall event, DPP sent out inspectors to determine whether the developer exceeded the permitted scope of work and plans, and complied with all codes and ordinances. 'DPPs investigation is ongoing, and the city is unable to determine any wrongdoing by the developer at this time. 'It would be irresponsible and premature to point any fingers at any particular party, landowner or event without knowing the full details of what has occurred. 'We will provide more details as they develop.' Actor and funnyman D.L Hughley has insinuated that he believes the five cops charged over Tyre Nichols' death were arrested so quickly because they are black. Memphis officers Justin Smith, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III, Demetrius Haley and Tadarrius Bean were charged with second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping, official misconduct and oppression over Nichols' death. Police Chief Cerelyn Davis has said an unspecified number of officers remain under investigation for policy infractions stemming from the arrest of Nichols - who was treated like a 'human pinata' on January 7. One white officer Preston Hemphill was just suspended with pay - and has so far been spared the criminal charges filed against his five police colleagues. Filling in for recently departed Trevor Noah, Hughley hosted The Daily Show last night and heavily implied that the reason the five cops were charged so quickly is because of their skin color. Comedian D.L Hughley, who was hosting The Daily Show last night, implied that the African American community were not shocked to see the five Memphis cops arrested and charged so quickly because they are black Nichols can be seen wrestling with the two officers, who demand he lies down in the clip. He was beaten by the officers after a traffic stop on January 7, and died three days later in hospital. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the US, however comedian D.L Hughley implied that for black people, the actions of the police were not so shocking Five officers were fired on January 20 before being arrested and charged with Nichols' murder as well as kidnapping, assault and misconduct on January 26. From top left to right: Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III. Bottom row from left: Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith Preston Hemphill has been suspended with pay pending a hearing, but was spared criminal charges. Many, including lawyers defending the Nichols family, believe that the white officer received special treatment while the five black cops were charged over Nichols' death Speaking about the clip, he said: 'You know who wasnt shocked by that? Black people. It's pretty commonplace for us...it's hard to be shocked. 'I can tell you what I did find shocking, how fast those cops got arrested. They got arrested so fast they didn't even give us time to riot. These cops got arrested so fast, I have to wonder, why?' As he looked at the five black men on screen, he sarcastically added: 'There's something about them that looks fast-arrest worthy. I can't put my finger on it, but I want to arrest them myself.' The comedian continued talking about the 71 different orders that the cops barked at Nichols while he was being beaten - including shouting at him to 'get on the ground' when he already was. And he compared how the brutal beating of a black man at the hands of the police was so expected that being 'shocked' would be just like 'watching a porno and going "he's going to stick it in where?"' Tyre Nichols, 29, was brutally beaten like a 'human pinata' by five Memphis, Tennessee, police officers , who were all African American, on January 7 and died three days later in the hospital from kidney failure and cardiac arrest In the horrific clip of Nichols' arrest, white officer Hemphill is seen 'violently pulling Nichols from his car while hitting him on the ground with a taser, later saying, "I hope they stomp his a**" after Nichols ran away', the family's lawyers said. Hemphill - who is yet to be charged for his involvement - then said on the radio to a dispatcher, 'Taser was deployed,' later telling another officer later, 'One of the prongs hit the b*****d.' The officer was not present at the second scene where Nichols was brutally punched, kicked and beaten while lying defenseless on the floor. Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, lawyers who are defending the Nichols family, slammed the police for appearing to give Hemphill special treatment, the only white officer involved. Timeline of medical aid for Nichols 8.36pm: The police beating concludes and Nichols is in handcuffs. 8.41pm: Paramedics arrive on the scene. 8.47pm: Paramedic asks Nichols what drugs he took. Nichols is unable to speak and gurgles in response. For another 10 minutes they stand by as he twitches on the pavement. 8.57pm: Paramedics begin rendering some kind of aid, appearing to bandage Nichols. 9pm: Ambulance arrives to transport Nichols Advertisement They said in a joint statement yesterday: 'The news today from Memphis officials that officer Preston Hemphill was reportedly relieved of duty weeks ago, but not yet terminated or charged is extremely disappointing. 'Why is his identity and the role he played in Tyre's death just now coming to light? 'We have asked from the beginning that the Memphis Police Department be transparent with the family and the community this news seems to indicate that they haven't risen to the occasion. 'It certainly begs the question why the white officer involved in this brutal attack was shielded and protected from the public eye, and to date, from sufficient discipline and accountability.' A seventh officer who was not immediately identified has also been relieved of duty without pay, the police department said. Meanwhile, three members of the Memphis Fire Department who responded to the fatal police confrontation were also dismissed on Monday after investigators found he was beaten and left handcuffed on the ground without medical attention for nearly 15 minutes. According to a fire department statement, emergency medical technicians Robert Long and JaMichael Sandridge failed to assess Nichols' condition when they arrived, while fire Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker, who drove them to the scene, remained in her vehicle. An internal review of their conduct found that all three fire department employees 'violated numerous (fire department) policies and protocols,' the agency said in a statement issued by Fire Chief Gina Sweat. According to a fire department timeline of its response to an incident originally dispatched as 'a person pepper sprayed,' Long and Sandridge 'failed to conduct an adequate patient assessment' when they reached Nichols at 8.41pm, minutes after the beating. The beating of Nichols was caught on camera - showing the gang of officers beat, kick, and hit the black man as he dipped in and out of consciousness on the floor Instead, after an initial 'interaction' with Nichols, the two EMTs called for an ambulance team, who arrived on the scene at 8.55pm and 'initiated patient care,' the fire department said in its statement. Nichols was transported to a hospital a short time later. The 'actions or inactions' of Long, Sandridge and Whitaker 'on the scene that night to not meet the expectations of the Memphis Fire Department,' Sweat said. In addition to the police officers and three fire department personnel implicated in the Nichols encounter, two Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have also been relieved of duty pending an internal review, Sheriff Floyd Bonner said last Friday, after the video was released. The Shelby County district attorney's investigation is examining the roles played by all individuals involved in the Nichols traffic stop and its immediate aftermath, including Hemphill Memphis Fire Department personnel and 'those responsible for documenting the incident,' the office said in a statement. The specialized Scorpion police unit that included the five Memphis officers charged with murder in the case was disbanded on Saturday by the city. Lieutenant Michelle Whitaker was also fired on Monday night: She remained in the fire truck when they arrived on scene Britain says it will refuse a request from Ukraine for advanced fighter jets with which it can battle Russia, saying it is not 'practical'. No10 said today it was not planning to send RAF Typhoon or F-35 fighters to Volodymyr Zelensky's forces because it would take too long to train pilots to fly them. The Ukrainian air force is currently equipped with Soviet-era Russian fighters, mainly the Mig-29, which first flew in 1977. But President Zelensky is seeking newer western fighter jets that can reach speeds of more than 1,200mph - adding to nearly $30billion in military and security assistance since Russia's invasion on February 24. But the Prime Minister's official spokesman said today it was 'not currently practical' to send RAF jets. No10 today said it was not planning to send RAF Typhoon or F-35 fighters (above) to Volodymyr Zelensky's forces because it would take too long to train pilots to fly them 'The UK's Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly. Given that, we believe it is not practical to send those jets into Ukraine,' he said 'Obviously we will continue to provide and accelerate our military support to Ukraine and listen carefully to their requests.' Pentagon officials want to send American F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to fight Putin, after Zelensky's army secured tanks from Germany and the US. The contentious discussion on whether to send the jets to Ukraine has been ongoing as the Biden administration, which has so far rebuffed Kyiv's requests, must approve the transfers. Deputy national security adviser Jonathan J Finer claimed this week that while there was no set decision the possibility was not off the table - but top brass are said to be keen. Any such donation of F-16s would further infuriate Vladimir Putin, and likely inflame the badly damaged relationship between Russia and the West. President Emmanuel Macron has said France does not exclude sending fighter jets to Ukraine, but laid out multiple conditions before such a significant step might be taken. France has sent Ukraine air defence systems, rocket launcher units, cannons and other military equipment and has pledged to send armoured surveillance and combat vehicles, but has stopped short of sending battle tanks or heavier weaponry. Asked at a news conference in The Hague on Monday whether France was considering sending warplanes, Mr Macron said 'nothing is excluded' as long as certain conditions are met. After completing a review, the Prime Minister told his Cabinet on Tuesday that a 'prolonged stalemate' in the war in Ukraine 'would only benefit Russia' and President Vladimir Putin, according to No10. He said they must seize an 'opportunity to accelerate UK support' to give Ukraine 'the best chance of success and make the most of the window of opportunity where Russian forces were on the back foot'. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace shared US estimates that 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured in the year-long invasion. That is compared to around 15,000 killed during the decade-long war in Afghanistan. The Ukrainian air force is currently equipped with Soviet-era Russian fighters, mainly the Mig-29, which first flew in 1977 The Kremlin has also lost two-thirds of its tanks, Mr Wallace said, according to Downing Street's account of the Cabinet meeting. A national security official said Russian forces are suffering from equipment and munition shortages and have seen 'significant attrition among some of their most capable fighting forces and officer corps'. Other Western officials were more cautious in their casualty estimates, suggesting both sides have lost more than 100,000 killed and wounded - with the Russians sustaining a higher proportion of fatalities. 'The Russians have been attacking and that means they have suffered more fatalities than the Ukrainians have,' one official said. The Prime Minister said his new strategy will be accompanied by 'greater diplomatic efforts and planning work' with Ukraine 'on how to rebuild' once the conflict is over. But it does not include sending the advanced fighter jets Kyiv is demanding, which No10 said was not discussed at Cabinet. Paris-born actress Eva Green has prompted outrage in her native France after blaming a series of insults directed at film producers on her 'Frenchness'. The former Bond girl, 42, is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with the makers of the 4.6million movie 'A Patriot', with each side blaming the other for the production's demise in October 2019. She is suing White Lantern Films for her fee of $1million (810,000) - even though the movie was never made. When several of her vitriolic WhatsApp messages about the film's director, producers and production staff were read out before the court, Green retorted: 'I have a very direct way of saying things... It's my Frenchness coming out sometimes.' Her declaration that her unpleasant messages - in which she referred to production crewmembers as 'sh***y peasants' and called a production manager 'a moron' and a 'complete a***hole' - were down to her French roots angered many of her compatriots. French actress Eva Green arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, 31 January 2023 Green was pictured yesterday arriving at the Rolls Building, London, for her High Court legal action over payment for a shuttered film project. She later blamed a series of insulting messages about various members of the film crew on her 'Frenchness' 'The worst excuse in the world. It's like people who justify their faults based on their star sign,' one person quipped. 'I am French and do not insult anyone publicly! This is down to respect and education! Sorry Marlene Jobert (Green's mother)...' said another disgruntled French user. 'Thanks for the international image,' added Frederic Says from Radio France. Other enraged users piled vile insults on Green, with one promptly asking that she in turn excuse their 'French side'. Green today admitted she had been 'humiliated' by the release of her foul-mouthed WhatsApp messages, and also spoke about her friendship with Daniel Craig. She pointed out that people often say things they don't mean, citing Craig's onetime assertion that he would rather 'slash his wrists' than be 007 again. The British star, 54, made the comment in a 2015 interview after breaking a leg filming his penultimate 007 movie Spectre. Mr Craig later accepted he appeared 'ungrateful' but said the remark was made in jest. Craig went on to play the British spy once more in No Time To Die, completing a run of five films. Green insists she did not sabotage the production of A Patriot or walk out on the film, and told the court: 'I have a very direct way of saying things. 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Green's assertion that her 'Frenchness' was to blame for her vitriolic messages enraged many of her countrymen (these tweets have been translated from French) Eva Green arrives at the Rolls Building on January 31, 2023 in London, England Green insists she did not sabotage the production of A Patriot or walk out on the film, and told the court: 'I have a very direct way of saying things. 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Cross-examined by Max Mallin, KC, for White Lantern, about one message in which she called her experience of working on the film a 'f***ing nightmare', she said: 'Sometimes you say things you don't mean. You hate someone and say I'm going to kill someone, but are you really going to kill that person? No. 'There's the famous example of Daniel Craig saying, 'I'd rather slash my wrists than do another Bond movie'. But did he slash his wrists? No, he made another Bond movie.' To laughter from the public gallery, Green added: 'I know this story because I know Daniel Craig.' French actor Eva Green (R) departs the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Britain, 30 January 2023 alongside her lawyer Edmund Cullen. Green is suing White Lantern Films production company over unpaid salary which she claims was due for the film 'A Patriot' after the movie was eventually cancelled Green's barrister Edmund Cullen KC (pictured left behind Green) said that the legal battle was 'designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation' At the start of the trial on Thursday, Mallin claimed that Green had an 'animosity' towards a vision for the film held by one of the film's executive producers, Jake Seal. The barrister said that in exchanges with her agent and the film's director, Green also branded production manager Terry Bird as a 'f****** moron', and local crew members as 'sh***y peasants... from Hampshire'. However, Green's barrister Edmund Cullen KC said that the legal battle was 'designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation'. Cullen later said that the messages 'must be seen in context' of negotiations over buying the rights to the script. Green earlier claimed she had hoped it would be possible for her to acquire the script rights in return for her forgoing her fee so the film could be made elsewhere with a different team. But she said she knew she would have no choice but to go ahead with the film otherwise. Describing the film as a 'passion project', Cullen said the actress 'bent over backwards' to make the film but 'the financial plan was never going to work'. Green also alleged the production team were cutting corners, including on stunt training, prompting her to draw comparisons to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins last year on the set of Alec Baldwin film Rust. Green told the court in London that producer Seal had cut down her stunt training for the film - where she was set to play a soldier - from four weeks to five days. Actress Eva Green filming near Tower Bridge in October 2019 Giving evidence, Ms Green referred to a fatal shooting on the set of Alec Baldwin's film Rust (right), in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (left) lost her life 'You can't make a quality film by cutting corners,' Green said. She continued: 'You look at what happened with Alec Baldwin on the movie Rust, the producers were cutting corners, no safety measures and a young woman got killed.' In her written evidence to the court, Green said no personal training or stunt training was arranged for her, despite her efforts to follow this up with the production team. She also said she 'fell in love' with the film, in which she was cast as soldier Kate Jones, after reading writer and director Dan Pringle's 'brave and daring' script. She said in her witness statement: 'As I have said repeatedly, I fell deeply in love with this project - not only the role, but also the message of the film. 'I couldn't imagine abandoning the film, as it would have been like abandoning my baby. 'It still feels that way.' The actress denied the allegations that she was not prepared to go ahead with the project, saying: 'In the 20 years that I have been making films, I have never broken a contract or even missed one day of shooting.' A transgender social media influencer arrested for the brutal stabbing death of her father last month committed the murder following an argument over a laptop, prosecutors have revealed in court. The Monday hearing saw Nikki Secondino, a 22-year-old Instagram model from New York, sent back to Rikers Island where she has been held without bail since killing 61-year-old Carlo Secondino late last year. Along with the fatal attack on her father, Secondino is also accused of critically stabbing her 19-year-old sister Liana in the back, head, and stomach sometime before 6am on December 29. A six-count indictment unsealed during Monday's hearing now reveals that Secondino not only stabbed her dad, but bludgeoned him to death as he slept on a couch in the family's Brooklyn home. She initially claimed two men broke into their home and committed the horrific crime - before confessing she was the one responsible. Nikki Secondino, the transgender daughter of Carlo Secondino, is seen in an Instagram photo The December 29 incident saw Secondino kill her father Carlo, 61, and critically wound her sister, 19-year-old Liana, who is currently undergoing rehab at Maimonides Hospital The heinous acts, prosecutors wrote, stemmed from an argument the influencer had with her father over a laptop prior to Secondino's stabbing spree. 'This defendant is charged with brutally killing her own father and then stabbing her younger sister, allegedly following an argument over a laptop,' Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement. 'My office will vigorously prosecute this horrific case and seek justice for the victims.' Prosecutors kept mum on the exact details of the argument, but proceeded to provide gut-wrenching new details on the sordid case. Police had initially suspected the incident was connected to a home invasion, due to an account provided by Secondino at the time. Secondino, who has amassed almost 16,000 followers on Instagram, was seen smiling at reporters following her December arrest Secondino claimed that two men broke into the Bensonhurst home demanding money from a safe, before fatally attacking her father and stabbing her sister. She also claimed the pair sexually assaulted her. However, investigators in Monday's indictment wrote that Secondino - who was at first hospitalized but later arrested - fabricated the story as a ruse to shift blame away from her. Prosecutors wrote how Secondino first ran outside to meet cops that she herself had called to the scene. Secondino had a successful career as a social media influencer, with several paid partnerships The crime took place on 17th Avenue near 82nd Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn (pictured) At first, she was hospitalized, but officers wrote that she was soon put into custody. Following her arrest, Secondino was interrogated, and soon admitted that she had lied. She proceeded to offer detectives a disturbing confession, in which she admitted to wanting her family dead following the argument. 'I came out of the bedroom, and I saw my father sitting on [the] couch sleeping, and I bashed [his] head in with [a] hammer,' she allegedly told investigators during the December sitdown. 'I grabbed my favorite German steel knife and stabbed the s**t out of him,' she said, according to the complaint. Carlo (pictured) reportedly supported his daughter, who began to transition when she was just five years old. He was pronounced dead at the scene, after being bludgeoned with a hammer and stabbed with his eldest daughter's 'favorite German steel knife' Liana, who just turned 20, was left with 'multiple' stab wound on her body, hands and face, prosecutors wrote in the indictment. She required surgery but survived. Prosecutors wrote it was her account that helped them discern the story her sister initially told them had been a lie 'My sister came out of her bedroom and tried to stop me,' she added of Liana, who had recently started school at Leigh University in Pennsylvania. 'I stabbed her in the back, head and stomach. I wanted them dead,' she said. The sister was left with 'multiple' stab wound on her body, hands and face, prosecutors wrote in the indictment. She required life-saving surgery but survived. Prosecutors wrote that it was her account, delivered from her bed at Maimonides Hospital, that helped them discern that the story her sister initially told them had been a fabrication. When cops arrived at the scene around 5.30am, officials wrote that a wounded Liana was the first to meet the arriving officers. Still conscious and spewing blood, according to the complaint, the then teen - who was days away from her 20th birthday - told police: 'My sister stabbed me.' Heartbreakingly, she went on to add: 'Have you seen my dad?' Carlo, meanwhile, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had supported his daughter and her transgender journey, Secondino said in a interview with the United We Rant podcast in 2020. Secondino initially tried to cover up the alleged crime as a home invasion, calling 911 to report a break-in The unsealed indictment went on to note that cops soon became suspicious of Secondino, upon noting the absence of a safe in the home and the lack of serious wounds on the fashion influencer, who had a successful career on social media and several paid partnerships with multiple fashion and beauty brands. They would later take her into custody following a brief hospitalization, and manage to garner a confession. Prosecutors further revealed that police had been called to the household multiple times in the past, with the most recent incident coming this past September. Police sources said that cops called to the house heard that Carlo slapped Secondino. Friends of the family, meanwhile, said that the suspect was lazy and had often frustrated her father, who wanted her to get a more conventional job. Two months earlier, cops were called to the residence after Carlo allegedly threatened to kill Liana. In a separate incident that same months, Liana was charged with assault and criminal mischief for ripping off her family's living room blinds during a fight with Secondino. The incident saw the influencer - who sports several sultry pics on her social media accounts - file a temporary order of protection against her family. At the time, Secondino told police that her father was in 'the mob.' A judge who signed off on the order later said that Carlo was not believed to be connected to the Mafia. With her next hearing slated for April, Secondino is facing charges of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon for the incident, which could carry 50 years to life in prison. Liana, meanwhile, remains hospitalized, and is currently undergoing rehab after a successful surgery. Friends have raised more than $100,000 for the college sophomore to help with her recovery. Britons already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis are being warned to brace themselves for a fresh financial blow amid fears fuel prices could soon balloon. Soaring oil prices have already seen the cost of petrol and diesel at UK forecourts start to creep up this week. The average price of a litre of petrol on Monday was 148.8p - up from 148.4p the week before, figures from data firm Experian have shown. Although this is still considerably lower than the record high of 191.5p in July 2022, industry bosses have predicted fuel costs could soon rocket further, driven by a surge of demand in China when the country reopens after its latest wave of Covid. Fuel prices are already on the rise. But industry officials have warned they could balloon even further amid fears soaring demand in China, when it reopens after its latest Covid outbreak, could drive up prices. Pictured are drivers at a Tesco petrol station in Slough on January 15 The RAC said the 'slight rise' in the average cost of petrol that's already hit forecourts had been caused by smaller retailers 'passing on increased costs' when bringing in new supply. Simon Williams, fuel spokesman for the RAC, added there had been 'no indications' supermarkets had upped their prices - yet. 'We hope this will remain the case, but drivers are likely to see pump prices rise gradually this year as oil is predicted to be go up due to growing demand from China as it reopens after its Covid restrictions,' he said. 'But while the price of petrol has clearly bottomed out, diesel is still too expensive based on its wholesale cost.' Diesel averaged 170.4p a litre on Monday, having fallen to 170.3p on Wednesday and Thursday last week. It hit a record of 199.1p last July. Oil had dropped below 78 US dollars (63.33) a barrel at the start of January but was valued at 86-88 US dollars (69.83-71.45) last week, sparking rises in the wholesale cost of fuel. AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said: 'After a fall of close to 43p a litre since the summer record, drivers feared that a rebound in petrol prices would eventually happen. 'So far, pump price averages have risen only slightly. Fuel prices pictured at a petrol station in Ickenham, London, on January 21 'But today's price is only 0.9p below the average price at the start of the Ukraine war on February 24 when pump prices surged.' A report by competition watchdog the Competition and Markets Authority published in December said drivers were the victim of 'rocket and feather' pricing - when pump prices quickly reflect rising wholesale costs but are slow to fall when costs drop - in 2022. News of the latest price rise comes as a group of 30 MPs today backed calls to introduce a new 'pump pricing watchdog' to tackle soaring fuel costs. The project, coordinated by Tory MP Jonathan Gullis and Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, is calling on Business Minister Grant Shapps to take action. Craig Mackinlay MP and chairman of the Fair Fuel all-party parliamentary group said motorists were being 'fleeced by the fuel retailers'. While Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, added: 'We should be seeing fuel price signposts across the country, at least 10-20p per litre lower for petrol and diesel. The fact they are not, shows just how greedy the fuel supply chain continues to be.' California's controversial reparations panel is pushing for the state's legislature to close ten prisons, in addition to ensuring current inmates also receive fair wages and be eligible to vote. It was earlier reported that the panel was seeking to pass laws creating a wealth tax, mansion tax and/or a property tax in order to fund the billion dollar reparations. The purported figure being mentioned per person is $223,000. At their meeting in San Diego this weekend, where expert members of the public testified about various issues including prison reform, the panel preliminary approved recommending that ten prisons be shuddered while debating what should be done with the sites. California state prisons house some of the most notorious prisoners in the country, including serial killers and lifelong gang members. The savings made from closing the prisons will be used to fund the work of the new government agency being set up to dispense the reparations, the California American Freedman Affairs Agency. The group has recommended more cushy treatment for current inmates, that includes eliminating certain types of punishment and paying them more money for work done while incarcerated. The panel's report recommended removing the right to cancel visits as a form of punishment. The report also recommended developing safe spaces for prisoners to spend time with their children 'in non-institutional, non-punitive setting.' The report wants to allow inmates to be able to choose what programs and jobs they undertake while in prison as well as providing more funding for educational opportunities for prisoners. The names and locations of the prisons was not established in the report. California has 34 active state prisons. A speaker at the weekend's meeting claimed that black people are not being 'rehabilitated' in California's prisons An activist who spoke about the prison system told the panel: 'There's no way we are getting rehabilitated in these jails today and I heard you guys say: "Let's train 'em better...," No, no, no.' He continued: 'If you guys want to be serious about reparations, let the last for first on this one...I lost one brother in 2011 in the penitentiary. He died from a staph infection. Four years ago, my older brother got sentenced to 27 years to life for manslaughter which only carries up to 11 years. 'They still doing it to us today! Let's stop this.' The task force has yet to establish the amount of money that will be dispensed nor have they established what pre-requisites recipients will have to meet. At the most recent meeting, a California residency was mooted as the only pre-requisite. Task force member, Cheryl Grills, said this past weekend: 'We want to be as inclusive as possible, because the harm is everywhere. Its omnipresent and it touches all Black folks.' Kamilah V. Moore, the taskforce chairperson, said that the panel may support allowing those who were 'harmed' in California but moved to another state subsequently to apply. The only states in the union that currently allows inmates to vote are Maine and Vermont, which counts socialist Senator Bernie Sanders among its representatives. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, 28 percent of California's 90,000 inmates are black while 20 percent of those in county jails are also black. Career criminal Marion Suge Knight, left, founder of Death Row Records, is not due for parole until 2034. Vile pedophile and killer Marcus Wesson, right, is on death row after being found guilty of killing nine of his children Killers such as the infamous Golden State Killer could be about to receive more money for prison work Other recommendations included giving the right to vote to inmates, allowing inmates to paid at a fair-market rate for work done while in prison, eliminating the death penalty, more college scholarships for black high school graduates and making zero-interest loans available for black-owned businesses. The task force also voted to extend their work until July 2024, the group was originally supposed to wrap up their efforts in July of this year. Speaking to California Black Media, Moore said: 'The task force supports, in spirit, the extension of the life of the task force, by another year, July 1, 2024, for implementation purpose only. 'We do not authorize or write legislation, but all agreed as a task force the idea of continuing this work to ensure that reparations become a reality in California.' Among the inmates who could be afforded the right to vote, include Death Row Records founder and career criminal criminal Marion 'Suge' Knight or Marcus Wesson, who is on death row after being convicted of murdering nine of his children in addition to 14 counts of rape as well as Chester Turner, who was convicted of murdering 10 women in 2014,and Michael Hughes, who killed at least ten women in the early 90s. The reparations committee held a meeting that lasted for over 15 hours over a two day period this weekend California's notorious San Quentin prison where some of the state's most notorious inmates are housed In 2022, the committee made the controversial decision to limit reparations to descendants of Black people in the United States as of the 19th century, either as freed or enslaved people. In September, economists started listing preliminary estimates for what could be owed by the state as a result of discriminatory policies. But they said they need more data to come up with more complete figures. Moore said at the time that he group had not decided on any dollar amounts or what form reparations could take, nor where the money would come from. Calls for reparations to compensate black Americans for the damage caused by slavery are nothing new, but left-leaning states and cities have recently run into problems when they have tried to put those ideas into practice. Many proposals have been controversial, with questions about who gets paid, how much and by whom proving divisive. The other the suggestion brought up at the California reparations task force meeting on Friday were proposals to tax the rich, such as through a state estate tax or a mansion tax; incentivizing wealthy people to help fund reparations by providing tax breaks; or helping all taxpayers below the median wealth line by means of a tax credit, MarketWatch reports. Their suggestions were all based on the notion that current United States tax code favors the wealthy who they say are more likely to be white. 'Our tax laws as written have a disparate impact,' Dorothy Brown, a tax professor at Georgetown Law and author of the book The Whiteness of Wealth: How the Tax System Impoverishes Black Americans & How We Can Fix It testified. Kamilah V. Moore, the taskforce chairperson, said that the panel may support allowing those who were 'harmed' in California but moved to another state subsequently to apply 'Black people are likely to pay higher taxes' she said, because they are less likely to gain access to the same tax breaks as their white peers. She said the best idea to fund reparations would be 'a wealth tax credit applicable to all taxpayers in households with below-median wealth. 'Given the racial wealth disparity, this will result in a disproportionate percentage of black households receiving the credit,' she said. Two estate planners, meanwhile, introduced the idea of taxing 'swollen' wealth to replace what they called 'stolen' wealth. Sarah Moore Johnson and Raymond Odom claimed that the racial wealth gap widened after 1981, when then-President Reagan implemented the largest tax cut in American history. The two cited Federal Reserve data from 2019 that showed the average white household had $812,000 more than the average black household. They proposed creating a state estate tax, a mansion tax or a graduated-property tax although they noted it may not be possible in California, because Proposition 13 taxes properties based on their value when they were sold. Moore Johnson and Odom even proposed a tax on the 'metaverse.' And in her testimony, Moore Johnson, a founding partner at Washington DC-based Birchstone Moore, also proposed implementing a reparations tax fund that could receive charitable donations. House Republicans are scrambling to figure out a way to kick Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar off the Foreign Affairs Committee after several GOP members said they'd vote against the move if there was a floor vote. The Washington Times reported Monday that a 'backdoor' strategy is being explored - such as having only House Foreign Affairs Committee members take a vote, if the House Rules Committee determines such a move is suitable. Democrats, however, could push to reverse the committee's action with their own floor vote, however House Speaker Kevin McCarthy could block such a motion. Over the weekend, Omar continued to defend herself for past comments she made about Israel, which were branded as anti-Semitic - the justification Republicans are using to potentially give her the boot from the prominent committee assignment. 'I certainly did not or was not aware that the word 'hypnotized' was a trope,' the Minnesota progressive said on CNN. 'I wasn't aware of the fact that there are tropes about Jews and money. That has been a very enlightening part of this journey.' House Republicans are scrambling to figure out a way to kick Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar off the Foreign Affairs Committee after several Republicans said they'd vote against the move if there was a floor vote House Speaker Kevin McCarthy remained determined to remove Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, however it looked like he might not have the votes to do it with a full floor vote During a press conference last week, Omar also pointed out that the comments were made in the early weeks of her Congressional tenure - in 2019 - and she's since apologized. 'I have addressed it, I've apologized. It's been two and a half terms ago,' Omar said. McCarthy remained determined, however, to boot her from the committee. 'Now Congresswoman Omar, the thing she has said, as a member of Congress, she said, people only love Israel for the Benjamins. She said on 9/11, 'Something happened here.' She equated the U.S. military and the Israeli security forces equal to Hamas are even going further, and claiming it to others inside the Middle East,' McCarty told The Washington Times. But it looks more and more likely he doesn't have the votes. Republican Reps. Nancy Mace, Victoria Spartz and Ken Buck have all indicated they'll vote against removing Omar. 'I think that we should not engage in this tit-for-tat,' Buck said on Meet the Press NOW Friday. 'I am opposed to the selection or the removal of Congresswoman Omar from [the] committee.' Additionally, Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who practically derailed McCarthy's speakership bid, said he was 'undecided' in a TV interview Monday night. 'The reason I think a lot of Republicans want to kick Ilhan Omar off of the Foreign Affairs Committee is because they don't like what she has to say,' Gaetz said, adding that this was not a good enough reason. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, kicked off committees herself last Congress for comments she made, said that some of her colleagues shared 'First Amendment concerns.' 'This is actually a national security issue,' Greene said. When pressed by DailyMail.com to define her national security concerns, Greene explained: 'If she has those types of views towards our ally Israel thats a big, big problem.' Majority Leader Steve Scalise noted to reporters that Omar was being removed for comments she made in Congress, while Democrats last Congress removed stripped Greene of her committees for comments made before she took office. 'Even if Omar were to be removed from the foreign affairs committee, she'd still be allowed to serve on other committees. So a lot of these big differences,' Scalise, R-La., explained, adding that Omar herself voted to remove Greene from committees. McCarthy also won't have the vote of Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican who recently fell off a ladder cutting trees at his home and is recovering from multiple injuries. As part of Republicans' anti-COVID protocols sentiment, the new House GOP majority voted as part of their rules package to end proxy voting and allowing members to participate in committee meetings via Zoom. Last week, McCarthy unilaterally removed Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee, a move that didn't need a full House vote. This is the moment passengers screamed in terror as a plane was hit by extreme turbulence while flying over China. Air China flight CA8524, travelling from Xi'an to Wenzhou, encountered strong air currents while flying at high altitude. In footage taken during the flight, passengers' cries can be heard in the cabin as the plane shakes. One traveller told local media that he could see the plane wings vibrating as the plane bumped up and down. Air China flight CA8524, travelling from Xi'an to Wenzhou, encountered strong air currents while flying at a high altitude Air China said an investigation showed that the plane experienced short-term turbulence due to strong air currents, according to local media. The company said the plane crew dealt with the situation efficiently and according to the procedures, which prevented further incidents during the flight. They said that with the cooperation of the passengers, the flight landed normally at Wenzhou Longwan Airport. No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. A passenger told local media that he could see the plane wings vibrating as the plane bumped up and down Air China said that it will continue its mission to deliver safe and efficient services. The video gained a lot of comments on Douyin, a video-sharing platform in China. One user wrote: 'You suddenly turned your phone sideways, I thought it was going to turn over.' Another said: 'In this situation, don't be nervous, take a deep breath, calm your mind, don't think wildly, and bite your ID card in your mouth.' Turbulence is a sudden and sometimes violent change in airflow. Irregular motions in the atmosphere create air currents that can cause passengers to experience bumps during a flight. Security Council extends mandate of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Xinhua) 10:25, January 31, 2023 Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Jan. 30, 2023. The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for 12 months, till Jan. 31, 2024. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for 12 months, till Jan. 31, 2024. Resolution 2674, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, approves an extension of 12 months for the first time instead of the past practice of six-month renewals. The resolution affirms the Security Council's intention to continue to closely monitor the situation in Cyprus and its readiness to review the implementation of this resolution after six months and to consider any adjustments or other actions as necessary. The resolution expresses the Security Council's serious concern and alarm at the continued violations of the military status quo along the cease-fire lines and urges the sides and all involved parties to respect UNFICYP's mandated authority in, and delineation of, the buffer zone. It urgently calls on both sides to respect the integrity and inviolability of the buffer zone, to remove all unauthorized constructions and to prevent unauthorized military or civilian activities within and along the cease-fire lines. It stresses that UNFICYP's mandated authority extends throughout Cyprus, calls on all parties to continue to cooperate with UNFICYP and strongly urges full respect for UNFICYP's freedom of movement throughout Cyprus and the cessation of all restrictions on the mission's movement and access. The resolution deeply regrets the lack of progress on an effective mechanism for direct military contacts between the sides and the relevant involved parties, and urges flexibility and engagement by the sides and the relevant involved parties to develop a suitably acceptable proposal on the establishment of such a mechanism and its timely implementation. It calls on the sides to reduce existing barriers to intercommunal contact, emphasizes the importance of effective communication for risk mitigation and trust building between the communities, and urges the sides to agree and implement further confidence-building measures that can contribute to a conducive environment for settlement. The resolution fully supports the UN secretary-general's ongoing engagement with the sides and encourages further rounds of informal talks and reiterates the importance of the sides and all involved participants approaching this process in the spirit of openness, flexibility and compromise and showing the necessary political will and commitment to freely negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement under UN auspices. It continues to urge the sides to engage actively and without further delay with the secretary-general and his team to this end, and further urges the sides to reach an agreement regarding the proposal of the secretary-general to appoint a UN envoy for Cyprus. After independence in 1960, the tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots increased. UNFICYP was set up by the UN Security Council in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the two sides. Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus in 1974 in reaction to a coup by Athens-backed Greek Cypriots, splitting the country into two. The Security Council mandated the force to perform additional functions after 1974. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. A man has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her friend by slitting their throats in separate attacks within weeks of being released from jail. 'Warped and angry' Lee Peacock, 50, has been found guilty of murdering Sharon Pickles, 46, and Clinton Ashmore, 59, in separate attacks in Westminster over two days. He killed Ms Pickles before wrapping her body in a duvet and hiding it under the bed at her home in August 2021. Peacock then went to the home of Mr Ashmore and slit his throat too. He claimed Mr Ashmore was part of a gang he blamed for exploiting Ms Pickles while he was in jail by selling her drugs. The Old Bailey heard Peacock was out to 'punish' his partner and her friend during a two-day violent spree. The self-confessed burglar and thief turned the 4cm-long knife on himself when police tracked him down to a houseboat on the Grand Union Canal after a five-day manhunt. Lee Peacock has been found guilty at the Old Bailey of the double murder of his girlfriend and an associate Lee Peacock has been on trial over the murders of Sharon Pickles, left, and Clinton Ashmore, right, at separate addresses in central London, hours apart, last August Peacock, who had only been released from prison on June 4, 2021, admitted killing the pair who he claimed were having a relationship while he was in jail, but denied it was murder. He claimed the death of his 'other half' was a 'pure accident' and that Mr Ashmore 'went mental' and punched him in the head after Peacock confessed to killing Ms Pickles. A jury retired at the Old Bailey on Tuesday and deliberated for two hours and 20 minutes to find Peacock guilty of the double murder. Five members of the victims' families celebrated and cried as the verdicts were delivered, while Peacock showed no emotion. Ms Pickles' father David Pickles said in a victim impact statement that losing his daughter had had a devastating effect on him, only two years after the death of his wife in 2019. He said: 'It left me numb, I have found it impossible to celebrate birthdays or even Christmas because my daughter wasn't at rest and had no peace. 'It doesn't feel real that Sharon is gone, I miss her more than words can describe.' Her brother Robert Pickles said: 'When details started emerging about Sharon's death I couldn't comprehend what had happened. 'The last 17 months have taken a toll mentally and psychically. The hardest part was listening to someone trying to excuse and justify their actions.' Ms Pickles left behind a daughter. Mr Ashmore's sister Claire Ashmore said: 'Clint had a great life and met people from all over the world. 'We loved him dearly. No words can share the pain caused, our world is shattered and changed forever. 'We had to tell our elderly frail mother her son had been killed, the worst news to tell a parent. We had to watch her bury her first-born son. 'Souls like Clint are rare, the kindest soul ever, he was not only our brother but our friend, someone who shone brightly in this world and his life was cruelly put out by someone who gave no thought or care for his actions.' Jurors viewed CCTV images of Peacock - it shows Lee Peacock at North Wembley Station on the evening of August 19 The last sighting of Sharon Pickles before she was found dead at her flat in Marylebone. Image released by the Met Police Peacock had previously told jurors: 'I know I'm not a monster. I never wanted to harm my partner. Clinton, I'm sorry but he caused it. 'He moved in on my woman and then told me that he did and with a rain of punches.' He had an appalling criminal record for multiple burglaries and thefts before he even met Ms Pickles in 2004. Peacock told jurors he came from a good family in Hertfordshire and went to school in St Albans. But he started smoking cannabis when he was 14, before progressing to LSD, Ecstasy, MDMA, cocaine and eventually crack. He was released from prison just two months before the killings but said: 'I've never been violent up until what happened, I wasn't even violent in the 15 years I'd been with her. 'Obviously for chunks I was in jail, but she was my princess, not a hair on her head would ever get hurt, by me, or if I was around.' Ed Brown, KC, prosecuting, said Peacock murdered Ms Pickles when she laughed at him and said he did not have the courage to kill anyone. In the days before the incident Ms Pickles had texted Peacock and said: 'I'm done with you... leave me alone. It's evil what you're doing to me... we both know it's over... you're wicked.' Ms Pickles sent another message which read: 'Do not come in this house, put the key on the table outside and leave me alone you two-faced piece of s***.' On August 18, Peacock texted family to say he was in 'serious trouble' adding: 'My time on this earth is very limited.' He said: 'After this conversation with me you will never hear from me again... I will never be released from prison. 'My hand has been forced after what he did last night.' On the evening of August 19, 2021, Peacock's father alerted police that his son had visited him and confessed to being a killer. Jurors heard he had turned up at the property with Ms Pickles' kitten in his rucksack. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley said: 'Lee Peacock had recently been released from prison and was determined to blame others for his partner, Sharon, having moved on with her life while he was incarcerated. He was ruthless, murderous and had decided he was going to kill people. 'Peacock is a violent and murderous individual who has taken the lives of two people for no better reason than satisfying his own craving for violence. 'His not guilty plea meant that the families of the victims had to endure the anguish of hearing the horrific details of his offences in court. My thoughts are with them all today.' Mr Justice Murray adjourned sentencing until Wednesday morning. Furious parents revealed today they still don't know if their children's schools will be shut tomorrow because of the teachers' strike - with some claiming they won't be told until the morning. The UK faces the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade as teachers join walkouts from university staff, train drivers, civil servants, bus drivers and security guards. However, not every school in England and Wales will be closing completely as a result of the strikes and a number are yet to communicate with parents and guardians. The confusion has left families frustrated - with many now unsure whether they need to change their own working or childcare arrangements. The UK faces the biggest day of industrial action in more than a decade tomorrow as teachers join walkouts from university staff, train drivers, civil servants, bus drivers and security guards. Pictured: Teachers on the picket line in Scotland last week Have you been left in limbo ahead of the strikes tomorrow? Email: tom.pyman@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement One social media user wrote: 'My granddaughter's school said they would inform people Wednesday morning whether the school or a particular class is open or not. That's not good enough. If there's a doubt about whether it can open or not, err on the side of not.' Another said: 'What is irresponsible is my grandchildren's school will not confirm if they are officially closed until the actual morning of the strike. How does that work?' A third added: 'My niece's school won't commit til tomorrow morning because they're only worried - nay obsessed - with their attendance record. They're not in the dark. They just think attendance records come above everything else. Strikes. Illness. It's mad.' A fourth said: 'Eldest's school sent out an email saying they would be shut, 'pre-recorded subject videos' provided. Youngest's will make decision on whether they are open around 7.30(!!) tomorrow morning. 'I don't understand what's taking them so long, they must know how many teachers are in the specific union taking action. I'm lucky as childcare won't be an issue but for people who work that's just unfair.' It comes as it emerged today that tens of thousands more teachers have joined the country's largest education union to take part in tomorrow's strikes. Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said ministers should be concerned about the 40,000 new sign-ups to the union since the teacher strikes were announced a fortnight ago. He said the new members, of which the vast majority are teachers, are joining the union 'because they want to be part of the action'. The NEU also today urged children to make banners and snack boxes for their teachers taking part in tomorrow's action. Mr Courtney said: 'That's a very big conscious decision to make, to join us at this moment. If I was the Government, I'd be worried about that.' READ MORE: Now union barons drag children into strike row as they urge them to make snack boxes for teachers while millions of parents scramble to arrange childcare The National Education Union has shared one image of a schoolgirl holding a 'my teacher is worth more' placard with food for teachers going on strike Advertisement Downing Street has conceded that Wednesday's mass strike action will be 'very difficult' for the public. Walkouts by teacher members of the NEU in England and Wales, which threaten disruption to 23,000 schools, are the first of seven days of strikes by the union in February and March amid a pay dispute. Some parents will be forced to work from home and take leave to look after younger children on Wednesday. Jonathan Broadbery, director of policy at the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), has warned that the strike could have 'quite a serious knock-on effect' for nurseries as staff may struggle to find childcare. But Mr Courtney said parents have been largely supportive of the strikes - with some expected to join demonstrations on Wednesday - as they can see 'schools have been run down' and have teacher shortages. He added: 'It's a strike against disruption in education. We want the strike to be effective because we want to concentrate the Government's mind on solving the issue.' Education Secretary Gillian Keegan met the general secretaries of unions representing teachers and headteachers on Monday, but the talks failed to find a resolution. Some 300,000 teachers and support staff were asked to vote in the NEU ballot - and more than 127,000 teacher members in England and Wales backed strike action. In addition, new sign-ups to the NEU have nearly doubled in a week, from 22,000 on Tuesday last week to 40,000. Mr Courtney said: 'I think it will be very likely that all the yes voters and all the new joiners will take action, but that more will take action. Some of the no voters and some of the non-voters will take action as well.' Kevin Courtney (left) and Mary Bousted, joint general secretaries of the National Education Union speak to the media outside the Department of Education in London yesterday READ MORE: List of schools closing in England and Wales because of teacher strikes with walkout set to hit up to 4.5million pupils tomorrow Teachers gathering to strike in Scotland last week, with their counterparts in England and Wales set to do the same tomorrow Advertisement The NASUWT teachers' union failed to achieve the 50% ballot turnout required by law for its members to go out on strike over pay in England, but it is advising members not to cover the work of NEU members who are striking. In a message to parents on Wednesday, Mr Courtney said: 'The strike will disrupt their child's education and we regret that, and it will disrupt their home life and their work life and we regret that. 'We sincerely regret it, but we're pointing to disruption that is happening every day in schools. If we don't persuade Government to invest in education that disruption just carries on.' The NEU is required by law to provide schools with the number of members that it is calling on to take strike action in each workplace, but the union does not have to provide the names of members. Headteachers and academy trust bosses are unlikely to know about any extra staff who have joined the NEU in order to strike since the results were announced just over two weeks ago. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: 'School leaders will not necessarily know who is going to be available for work until the day itself.' He said heads 'are prioritising in their planning students who are taking vocational exams scheduled that day and mock exams in preparation for GCSEs and A-levels, as well as vulnerable students, while for other students there is likely to be a mixture of on-site provision and learning from home'. Seamus Murphy, the CEO of Turner Schools, which runs five schools in Folkestone, said three of the schools will not have all year groups in on Wednesday due to the strike action. Pupils in years 3, 4 and 5 at one of the primary schools will be at home unless they are children of key workers or vulnerable, and in the two secondary schools years 8, 9 and 10 will have online learning. Mr Murphy told PA: 'There's a real challenge here for the Government and I recognise the climate they're in and the economic circumstances, and obviously from a personal point of view I am concerned about the level of disruption to children's learning. 'But actually our longer term challenge is around recruiting staff who want to join and stay in a profession which is challenging.' Leaders in the northeast United States are warning of persistent crossings over the Canadian border as migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and Romania traverse the snow in sub-freezing temperatures. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, assured that state and local officials can deal with the influx of migrants at the northern border without the help of President Joe Biden's administration. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas is scheduled to meet with White House Domestic Policy Council Director Susan Rice on Wednesday to discuss border security in the southwest, according to Politico. Northern leaders are warning of increased crossings over the Canadian border into the U.S. in sub-freezing and harsh winter conditions Migrants from South America, Central America and Europe are flying to Canada and crossing illegally onto private property in the U.S. Images captured by Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia for the Swanton Sector posted security images of migrants crossing in 26-29 degree conditions with persisting snow It comes as the administration continues to face backlash for failing to successfully address the southern border crisis and massive influx of migration since Biden took office in January 2021. Much of the attention has remained in the south where thousands of migrants cross daily, but the northern sectors are bringing awareness to migrants crossing in some of the harshest winter conditions. Sununu explained that migrants are now flying to Canada and crossing the border in the north into private land in the U.S. 'I tell you that, everything from Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, over the past year, increased border crossing in New York and Vermont and making their way to New Hampshire,' Sununu noted to Fox News in a Tuesday morning interview. The sector covering New York, Vermont and New Hampshire saw a 173 percent increase in migrant apprehensions and encounters at the end of 2022 compared to a year earlier. 'My job is to make sure New Hampshire doesn't become a corridor,' Sununu said. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said Tuesday that local and state officials and leaders can address the migration crisis without the help of the Biden administration In the last three days, 29 migrants were apprehended in the northeast border area coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and Romania Trudging through the snow, these migrants flew from their home countries to Canada to cross into northeastern states like New York, Vermont and New Hampshire The New Hampshire governor added while federal agents are 'doing a great job' they are limited by the 'pull-back on resources from the federal government.' 'For a decade, New Hampshire had local law enforcement to partner with them to assist in illegal border crossings, that personnel has been pulled back. We've asked for more funding and it has been pulled back,' he added. 'We are taking our own steps to protect the border.' Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia for the Swanton Sector in Vermont posted security camera images of migrants wearing large parkas and lugging bags through the snow in 20-degree temperatures. Garcia noted that in the span of three days, agents apprehended 29 migrants from Central America, South America and Europe. All four images were distorted by persisting snow, and one showed a single migrant dragging a roller suitcase through the snow, unable to wheel it on the terrain. 'Undeterred by hazardous weather: despite recent snowstorms, illegal border crossings have continued into the harshest #NorthCountry months,' Garcia tweeted with the images. Temperatures are sub-freezing as migrants are seen in parkas crossing into the northern U.S. 'Over the past 72 hours, our #BorderPatrol Agents braved the weather & apprehended 29 subjects from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, & Romania.' While lawmakers have called on the Biden administration to intervene in the migration crisis, Governor Sununu is saying that state and local leaders and officials can take moves to address the issue independently. 'Engaging with ICE delegation agreements and basically saying if you don't have resources, empower us and our state police and sheriffs to patrol the border,' he said. Sununu told Fox that the border issues shouldn't fall to the National Guard to address. 'This is not a National Guard issue, it is lack of human resources we can help provide,' he said, adding that the issues should be addressed by local police departments, sheriffs and state police. 'We can fund opportunities and that is where we're going to go,' he said. 'We'll do our part and hopefully Vermont and New York follow suit. You reported yesterday 40,000 northern border crossings in the last quarter. There are pathways to make up for the federal government failing.' 'Hope we can be an example.' President Biden is planning to press Speaker Kevin McCarthy to offer a solid commitment that the U.S. would not default on its debt obligations and turn up the heat on Republicans to release their own budget. A memo, circulated ahead of Biden's Wednesday meeting with the California Republican, said the president will put two questions to McCarthy, one asking him to 'commit to the bedrock principle that the United States will never default on its financial obligations.' The second question asks McCarthy for a solid date when the public can expect his budget plan. Biden is expected to release his own on March 9. Biden's budget is due in early February, but presidents often blow through that deadline. Republicans shot back that their budget would be released by their April deadline, unlike the White House's. GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise knocked Biden for refusing to negotiate on the debt ceiling. President Biden is planning to press Speaker Kevin McCarthy to offer a solid commitment that the U.S. would not default on its debt obligations 'He just wants to spend more money - said he wouldn't even have a conversation with Speaker McCarthy,' Scalise said in a news conference. 'That's an untenable position. It's a recklessly irresponsible position for President Biden to take. ' In an interview Sunday McCarthy already dismissed the idea of a debt default. 'We're not going to default,' McCarthy said on 'Face the Nation' on CBS. 'This won't come to fruition until sometime in June.' 'There will not be a default,' McCarthy added. 'But what is really irresponsible is what the Democrats are doing right now, saying we just raise the limit.' The U.S. hit its borrowing limit of $31.4 trillion weeks ago and the Treasury said it adopted 'extraordinary measures' that would keep the government functioning until June. In an interview Sunday McCarthy already dismissed the idea of a debt default. 'We're not going to default,' McCarthy said on 'Face the Nation' on CBS Biden and House Republicans remain at an impasse as the White House says it will not negotiate on spending cuts and will only accept a clean debt limit raise. Republicans say they will only agree to raise the debt ceiling if they can rein in spending. 'Any serious conversation about economic and fiscal policy needs to start with a clear understanding of the participants' goals and proposals,' National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and Budget Director Shalanda Young wrote in a memo. 'Speaker McCarthy and his Caucus need to transparently lay out to the American people their fiscal and economic proposals in the normal budget process.' The memo also cites comments from former Presidents Trump and Reagan and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell. Meanwhile the U.S. plans to borrow $932 billion during the first quarter of January 2023, while Treasury officials warn even a looming debt ceiling battle can preemptively damage the economy. 'Even just the threat that the U.S. government might fail to meet its obligations may cause severe harm to the economy by eroding household and business confidence, injecting volatility into financial markets, and raising the cost of capital among other negative impacts,' Ben Harris, Treasury's assistant secretary for economic policy, said in a statement. McCarthy laid out his hopes for his meeting with Biden on CBS on Sunday: 'I want to sit down together, work out an agreement that we can move forward to put us on a path to balance and at the same time not put any of our debt in jeopardy The defense lawyer for a Texas man accused of murdering his DJ girlfriend in Colombia has resigned from the case because his life has been threatened - while the court interpreter also stepped down over inaccurate translations. Martin Riascos, who has been representing American John Poulos, 35, made the shocking request to resign prior to the start of Tuesday's hearing in Bogota. Riascos said the threats began shortly after Poulos was formally charged by the prosecution for killing Valentina Trespalacios, 23, whose body was found inside a suitcase after he allegedly tossed it into a dumpster on January 22 and fled to Panama the same day. 'Since last Wednesday, January 25, 2023, on my social networks, in person, by phone calls and by all means, I have received threats,' Riascos told the judge. 'So much so that I have decided not to answer my phone or open messages from unknown people.' Poulos also told the judge that he 'would like to change interpreters' after the court's appointed translator, Martha Morales, struggled to accurately perform her role, stumbling on legal terms and mispronouncing words - a problem which could nullify the case. Martin Riascos (pictured) appeared during Tuesday's hearing and announced he would no longer be the attorney representing John Poulos because he had received death threats An autopsy report showed that Colombian DJ Valentina Trespalacios was strangled and beaten John Poulos (center) is facing charges of femicide and concealment of evidence in connection to the death of his Colombian DJ girlfriend, Valentina Trespalacios, whose body he allegedly stuffed in a suitcase and abandoned in a dumpster January 22 after beating and strangling her On Tuesday, lawyer Riascos said: 'Ironically, I asked for security only for who up to that moment was my client, but neither the judiciary nor anyone else thought about all the problems that all this was causing me and my personal life.' Riascos added that Poulos had also asked him to step down as his representative. Defense attorney Juan Fallas has now taken over his legal representation. According to Riascos, Poulos' decision drop him as his lawyer was not a ploy from the accused said to delay the proceedings. Poulos is facing aggravated femicide and concealment of evidence charges in a case that has shocked the South American nation. John Poulos (center) attended Tuesday's hearing, which was adjourned to Wednesday after court appointed interpreter Martha Morales (right) quit. Juan Fallas (left) was introduced Tuesday as Poulos' new attorney after Martin Riascos stepped down due to death threats Interpreter Martha Morales has encountered problems with the simultaneous translations for all parties involved during the first two hearings because Poulos is not fluent in Spanish. Her role was to provide translations for the judge, prosecution and for the attorney's representing Poulos and Trespalacios. But in both live hearings viewed online by DailyMail.com, it was clear that Morales has been unable to provide an accurate translation. On multiple occasions she has taken long pauses to gather her thoughts, often fumbling the legal terms, and has constantly mispronounced words. There have been several instances where she asked the judge to stop because she did not know how to properly translate. Attorney Ricardo Burgos told Caracol TV on Monday that he feared that Morales' inability to translate could hinder the case going forward. He slammed the court for pausing the hearings several times to provide Poulos a summary of that has just been said despite Morales' translations. 'The Supreme Court of Justice has established that translations to a person must be comprehensive and that this clearly violates constitutional rights and that it nullifies everything from the moment they happened,' he said. Valentina Trespalacios (pictured), a DJ in Bogota, Colombia, was allegedly murdered by her Texas boyfriend, John Poulos. Her body was found in a suitcase that was tossed into a dumpster allegedly by Poulos on January 22, the same day he purchased a flight to flee from Colombia to Panama Former House Speaker Paul Ryan with Ashley Poulos (left), Jackson Poulos (center) and John Poulos (right) in 2018 A homeless man was searching through a waste container in the Bogota neighborhood of Los Cambulos when he discovered the suitcase with Valentina Trespalacios' body on January 22 During Friday's hearing John Poulos (center) sat alongside his former lawyer Martin Riascos (left) and the court appointed interpreter, Martha Morales (right) Poulos, the father of one boy and two girls in the United States, declined to plea guilty to one count of aggravated femicide and another of concealment evidence of a crime scene during last Friday's hearing. 'I am aware of my decision, and do not accept the charges,' he said. Poulos, who was planning on marrying Trespalacios and living in Colombia full time, arrived in Colombia on January 19 and met the following day with the electronic music DJ. One of the mugshots of John Poulos shows that he has a large scratch on the left side of his face, perhaps a sign that his girlfriend, Valentina Trespalacios, fought for her life before she was killed Colombian electronic music DJ Valentina Trespalacios was found dead in a dumpster on January 22 Video footage showed Poulos pushing a supermarket cart containing the suitcase in which he reportedly concealed Trespalacios' body the morning of January 22. He was seen placing the suitcase into the trunk of a Volkswagen Voyager in the garage of the Bogota north side apartment building and then driving away. He drove to the south side of Bogota, where he tossed the luggage bag inside a dumpster next to a park, and drove towards El Dorado International Airport. Lead prosecutor Daniel Gomez said that Poulos threw away Trespalacios' cellphone at the airport. Poulos' plan to avoid capture included the additional cash purchase of two airplane tickets, one from Panama City to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to throw off the Colombian National Police's international manhunt and a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, where he would connect to a plane to Montenegro, where there is no extradition treaty with Colombia. Panamanian immigration agents and the Interpol arrested him January 24 night at Tocumen International Airport moments before he was about to board Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Poulos told authorities in Panama that the defunct Medellin Cartel was behind Trespalacios' murder and wanted to kill him. The Long Island liar, Rep. George Santos, told his Republican colleagues Tuesday morning that he will recuse himself from House committees, as the fallout from his fabricated biography continues. 'He just felt like there was so much drama really over the situation, and especially what we're doing to work to remove Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee,' fellow Republican, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, told reporters upon leaving the meeting. 'But Mr. Santos' statement in there was just saying that he spoke with Speaker McCarthy and made this decision on his own.' Santos announced in a GOP conference meeting that he would be stepping down from his assignments on the Science and Small Business committees, reportedly telling his colleagues that he felt he was a 'distraction.' The Long Island liar, Rep. George Santos, told his Republican colleagues Tuesday morning that he will recuse himself from House committees after he fabricated a large part of his biography Santos has been under fire since December, after reports emerged that he had lied on his campaign website about where he attended college, and that he had worked for high-powered financial institutions including Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. His carefully constructed back story unraveled from there, including reports that he had been a drag queen in Brazil - claims he denied. Polling from Newsday and Siena College showed that 78 percent of Santos' New York constituents now believe he should resign. While lawmakers can be expelled from Congress, the more typical punishment for members behaving badly has been to strip them of their committee assignments. During the last Congress, Democrats voted to remove Greene and Paul Gosar from committees after their social media posts showed violence against Democratic members including then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. As the new GOP-led Congress kicks off, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unilaterally removed Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee. He justified the action by saying that Schiff, the former chairman of the Intelligence Committee, had lied about Russiagate and Hunter Biden's laptop, while he pointed to Swalwell's entanglement with an alleged Chinese spy. Schiff said he was being punished for his role in former President Donald Trump's first impeachment. The Republicans are also trying to push Omar, one of the members of the so-called progressive 'squad,' from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over past comments she made about Israel that were widely interpreted to be anti-Semitic. In all three cases, Democrats said it was hypocritical to go after their members and allow Santos to serve on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Small Business. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, who endorsed and fundraised for Santos, was asked Tuesday morning whether she regretted that decision. The New York congresswoman noted that Santos had voluntarily removed himself from committees while he 'goes through this process' but would not say whether she had regrets. 'Ultimately, voters make this decision about who they elect to Congress,' Stefanik told reporters. Pressed on whether he should resign, she said again: 'This process is going to play itself out.' 'Ultimately voters are going to make a decision.' A group of California police officers shot and killed a double amputee on Thursday as he tried to run away from them on his stumps after jumping out of his wheelchair. The three cops from Huntington Park Police Department were filmed firing at least eight shots at Anthony Lowe Jr., a 36-year-old father-of-two. His family say he lost the lower halves of his legs recently after an altercation with police in Texas. Lowe Jr. had just stabbed someone unprovoked, according to the police department, and was trying to run away from two officers on Thursday. First, they tried to Tase him, chasing him as he ran down the sidewalk, away from the wheelchair he had leaped from. The three cops from Huntington Park Policed Department were filmed firing at least eight shots at Anthony Lowe Jr., a 36-year-old father-of-two Lowe jumped out of his wheelchair and was trying to flee the officers when they opened fire Lowe Jr is shown lying on the sidewalk after being shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene Lowe, 36, lost his legs recently, according to his family. They say he was murdered He turned and tried to hurry away from them, clutching a large butcher's knife in one hand. A second police car arrived, from which a third cop emerged. Within 15 seconds of the third officer arriving, they fired multiple shots, shooting Lowe in the upper torso. Once he was on the ground lying on his stomach, they placed him in handcuffs. 'The suspect was tased at least twice by Huntington Park Officers but the deployment of the taser was ineffective. 'The suspect attempted to throw the butcher knife at the officers again, at which time an officer involved shooting occurred,' the LA County Sheriff's Office release said. Lowe Jr. later died at the scene. His family is now demanding answers from the police department. The officers involved have not yet been named. Lowe Jr. was carrying a large knife which the cops say he had just used to stab someone. After failing to subdue him with their Tasers, the officers said they feared he was going to throw the knife at them A different view of the incident shows Lowe Jr. on the ground as the third officer arrived. He was clutching a large 'butcher's knife', which the cops say he threatened to 'throw' at them Lt. Hugo Reynaga of the LA County Sheriff's Office said the cops involved had been placed on leave 'for a few days' but that no official disciplinary action had been taken. The LA County Sheriff's Office is now investigating the incident, which comes three weeks after unarmed 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by a different group of police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. 'They murdered my son, in a wheelchair with no legs. They do need to do something about it,' his mother, Dorothy Lowe, said at a press conference on Sunday. The family told The LA Times that he lost the lower half of his legs recently following a different altercation with police in Texas. He had been living with his mother as a result of the injury. On the day of his death, she says he'd told her he was going to McDonald's. It's unclear who he is alleged to have stabbed, or what that person's condition is now. Family and friends of Anthony Lowe Jr hold a news conference to demand an investigation into his death outside of the Huntington Park Police Department in Huntington Park, California Footage has captured a chimp hurling a bottle through the air at a zoo in south China, hitting the girl who was filming. The video shows the chimpanzee in his enclosure at Nanning Zoo shortly before the attack jumping up and down before throwing the item. The girl's mother said she had been enjoying the zoo visit until the mineral water bottle thrown by the chimp caused an injury to her daughter's eye. The girl, whose age is unknown but is said to be minor, reportedly started bleeding from the blow, although there was no further update on her condition. The video shows the chimpanzee in his enclosure at Nanning Zoo shortly before the attack jumping up and down before throwing the item. The girl's mother, who was not named, said he had been enjoying the zoo visit until incident, which caused an injury to her daughter's eye by the mineral water bottle thrown by the chimp The phone screen broke when the camera fell to the ground, according to local media. Nanning Zoo told local media they are investigating the case and cannot comment before the report is finished. The incident caused a heated debate on social media, with some accusing the tourists of tormenting the ape. Others said the creature posed a threat to humans and asked for him to be locked up. Recently, another incident was recorded with an ape in the same zoo. The incident caused a heated debate on social media, with some accusing the tourists of tormenting the ape. Others said the creature posed a threat to humans and asked for him to be locked up The girl, whose age is unknown but is said to be minor, reportedly started bleeding from the blow, although there was no further update on her condition. The phone screen broke when the camera fell to the ground, according to local media As a woman stood outside the safety fence, the ape hurled mud bombs at her as she walked around the perimeter. He missed, but footage shows that he caught someone else who did not duck in time. The woman, named Ms Tan in local media, said the ape seemed to follow her around the enclosure. Eventually, believing she was safe behind the wall, she started filming a selfie with the ape in the background. However, she had to hide under the wall and almost got struck again. Dr. Dale Caldwell said that there was 'no indication' that the 29-year-old woman was not in fact a 15-year-old teenager based on her appearance The President of a Board of Education in New Jersey has defended their failed vetting of a woman who snuck into class for four days and pretended to be a high school student. Hyejeong Shin, 29, was arrested after New Brunswick High School discovered her true age. But during the stint, she took part in lessons, exchanged phone numbers with teenagers, and spoke with guidance counselors. She was posing as a 15-year-old girl - when in fact she was a Rutgers University graduate who fabricated her birth certificate to enroll as a high schooler. Despite teenagers who came into contact with Shin revealing their discomfort with the situation and questioning their safety, the Board's President Dr. Dale Caldwell stood by their lack of prior vetting. Caldwell said that there was 'no indication' that the 29-year-old woman was not in fact a teenager, as she 'didn't look like a grandmother.' Neither police nor school officials have said if Shin has explained why she wanted to enroll in high school. Hyejeong Shin, 29, was arrested after after New Brunswick High School discovered her true age. She was pretending to be a 15-year-old and frauded her birth certificate to get in, cops say Dr. Dale Caldwell, New Brunswick's Board of Education President, said there were not physical factors that alerted people to think that the fake student was in fact aged 29 Hyejeong Shin, 29, was arrested last week after attending classes at New Brunswick High School for four days before her true age was discovered, officials said He added that you 'can't make judgements' about people's age or deny people the opportunity to sign up. Dr. Dale Caldwell told TAPinto: 'It wasn't like you could look at her and she looked like a grandmother. So, there really was no indication. 'Some of the students said, "Well, you should start looking at people." 'Well, my dad marched in the Civil Rights Movement to fight that thing that people look at you because you're Black or you're short or you're tall or you're old and make judgments of you. 'You can't do that. There's some kids in the school who look very, very old, but some kids look very, very young.' According to reports, Shin was a political science major and also studied Chinese during college. DailyMail.com has reached out to Rutgers for comment. Officials said Hyejeong Shin, 29, fraudulently enrolled in high school Caldwell added: 'Its import to remember that public schools are for the public. We cannot deny anyone the chance to sign up, but we have to make sure they are legit, theyre telling the truth. 'So we actually did that process incredibly in four days.' New Brunswick Police Department clarified: 'Although a school district might request documents such as a birth certificate to verify a childs age, a school district may not prevent or discourage a child, including an unaccompanied child, from enrolling in or attending school because he or she lacks a birth certificate or has records that indicate a foreign place of birth, such as a foreign birth certificate.' Officials said Shin attended classes at New Brunswick High School (above) for four days before her true age was discovered Some of the students who encountered the 29-year-old at the school previously told CBS News they got text messages from the woman asking to hang out, making them fear she had ill designs. 'Some of the girls I know, the girl did ask them to hang out at Commercial Avenue, but they never showed up, and she started acting weird with them,' one student said. 'It's scary because you never know what could happen.' New Brunswick Public School District Superintendent Aubrey Johnson said at a school board meeting that Shin attended several class for four days before the scheme unraveled. 'By filing false documents, an adult female posing as a student was able to be enrolled in our high school,' Johnson said at the meeting, according to a video posted by New Brunswick Today. Shin was charged with one count of providing a false government document with the intent to verify one's identity or age, after police said she provided a false birth certificate. 'I was in class with this woman, and talked to her, walked her from point A to point B, and never expected this to happen,' one student, Tatianna (center), told New Brunswick Today But much about the case remains unclear, including the date of Shin's arrest and her current custody status. Superintendent Johnson said that much of the woman's time during the four days she was enrolled was spent with guidance counselors, who were attempting to learn more about her background and needs. But he added that she had attended at least three classes, and several students spoke out about interactions they'd had with Shin during her fraudulent enrollment. 'I was in class with this woman, and talked to her, walked her from point A to point B, and never expected this to happen,' one student, Tatianna, told New Brunswick Today. 'Not knowing she was a 29-year-old woman makes me question how safe I am in this building,' the student added, saying she had given her phone number to Shin and now feels 'taken advantage of.' Shin reportedly told school officials that she was 15, but raised suspicion when she was unclear about the identity of her her legal guardians. The scheme is said to have unraveled when Shin tried to sign herself out for the day, but was prevented from doing so as a minor. Frustrated, Shin allegedly revealed that she is actually 29. Shin's current custody status is unclear, and it was not immediately clear whether she had an attorney to speak on her behalf. It was the beleaguered stationery giant that struggled to compete with wallet-friendly rivals and had been blasted for 'going woke' by customers. And now, almost 55 years since its first store opened in Kensington, London, Paperchase looks set to become the latest victim of Britain's high street implosion. The company was brought today by Tesco, hours after Paperchase announced it had fallen into administration following years of plummeting sales and soaring costs. But the purchase looks unlikely to save any of the company's 106 shops, which aren't included in the takeover - with 800 jobs now in the firing line. High street stationery chain Paperchase has fallen into administration, risking 820 jobs Tesco said it had bought the Paperchase brand and intellectual property, with new products expected to rollout in its stores in the UK. But the grocer had no interest in buying the brick and mortar assets, which look set to be axed. Fears High Street faces ANOTHER bloodbath after mass closures in 2008 and 2020 as firms struggle to cope with soaring bills and slump in sales because of cost of living crisis Advertisement The deal came after Paperchase was unable to find a buyer for the whole business after putting itself up for sale several weeks ago. Founded in 1968 by art students Judith Cash and Eddie Pond, the firm has been struggling for years, going through a form of insolvency proceedings four years ago to cut stores and hack back costs. It was then bought out of administration in 2021 during the pandemic in a rescue deal that saw around 500 jobs axed. As well as the firm's financial difficulties, Paperchase has also seen itself embroiled in a series of public rows in recent years. In 2017 it enraged customers after caving into demands from an anti-press freedom group to not advertise in the Daily Mail. Social media users moaned over the one-off advert, with left-wing Stop Funding Hate leading demands to boycott the stationery business. Bowing to online pressure at the time, Paperchase took to Twitter and declared: 'Weve listened to you about this weekends newspaper promotion. 'We now know we were wrong to do this - were truly sorry and we wont ever do it again. 'Thanks for telling us what you really think and we apologise if we have let you down on this one. Lesson learnt.' But the move was met with a furious backlash at the time, and branded as 'bloody absurd' by journalists, with Piers Morgan tweeting: 'I hope @FromPaperchase understand that British people dont like snivelling little cowards who let themselves get bullied into virtue-signalling bulls**t. Ill buy my cards from @ClintonsTweet in future.' And with Tuesday's announcement that the Paperchase had now collapsed into administration, people took to social media to mock the firm, saying: 'Go woke, you go broke'. Paperchase ignited fury after bowing to pressure from left-wing anti-press groups to not advertise with the Daily Mail More recently, the high street store had faced mounting criticism from artists for allegedly not paying for designs. Angela Chick, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, claims she was left more than 22,000 out of pocket after Paperchase stopped paying its invoices for her designs. She started supplying the firm in 2020 and said her hand-drawn cards had proved a hit, having previously sold at the likes of Selfridges, Next and House of Fraser. But the small business owner claimed that multiple emails to the Paperchase, demanding payment, went unanswered. Then news broke in January 2021 that the company was going into administration. Speaking to The Guardian in May 2022, Angela said the whole ordeal had been 'immensely stressful'. 'I was going through this, and having people sending me photos of my cards still in their stores that were available for sale. It was like, "Hang on a minute. Somebodys making money off these, but I havent".' 'Most customers have no idea,' she added. 'Nothing changes in the shops; its still the same Paperchase.' Paperchase is the latest victim to be wiped from Britain's high street. Pictured is a store logo in London on January 31, 2023 Angela was part of a group of artists from across the UK demanding for increased protection for small firms after they were hit by the collapse of Paperchase in 2021. Some were initially offered a proportion of the cash they had lost as a 'goodwill gesture' by the firm - 15 per cent in Angela's case. But the small business owner claimed this offer was on the condition of them working with the new owners. 'I couldnt risk that happening again, so I refused,' she added. 'I was thinking Id just hold out because I might end up getting something. But I was very wrong about that.' At the time, Paperchase said: 'The cumulative effects of lockdown one, lockdown two - at the start of the Christmas shopping period - and now the current restrictions have put unbearable strain on retail businesses across the country.' At the same time, the company was competing with the rise of wallet-friendly firms like Card Factory, which claimed to be the largest card retailer by volume in the UK in 2021. Card Factory said it had managed to 'bounce back' following pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 when non-essential shops were shut. While Paperchase admitted it had struggled to recover after the pandemic. Paperchase's demise is yet another blow to Britain's high street, which has faced a punishing few years, following the likes of Joules, Debenhams, Monsoon and the Arcadia Group in shutting up shop for good. Department stores used to be commonplace on high streets but in recent years they have been moving away from the centres of towns and cities The number of tattoo parlours and piercing studios on High Streets has increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic Since the Covid pandemic forced businesses to close in March 2020, Britain's main shopping hubs have become increasingly dominated by hairdressers, tattoo parlours and cafes. While the likes of department stores, clothes shops and banks have seen significant drops in numbers following the two years of lockdowns and trading restrictions. The changing composition of Britain's High Street's was revealed in analysis by the BBC in December based on data from Ordnance Survey. Between March 2022 and March 2020 there was a decrease of 9,300 retail outlets as shoppers decided to use online stores. Paperchase: growing from a dream by a pair of art students to a British high street giant Paperchase opened its first store in Kensington, London, in 1968. It enjoyed years of success, opening concessions at Selfridges, Next and House of Fraser as well as in train stations such as London Euston. 1968 The very first Paperchase store open in Kensington, London. 1988 Paperchase opened its first 'stationery-at-the-station' store at London Euston. 2008 The first Paperchase in the Middle East opens. 2010 Paperchase launched their website. 2013 Paperchase opened their 100th standalone store, as well as its third flagship store in Glasgow. 2015 Paperchase opened its first London Underground store. 2020 Ireland's first standalone Paperchase store open in Dundrum, Dublin. 2021 Paperchase collapses into administration with PwC. Advertisement The data also shows that Britain's High Streets are becoming places where people do things rather than buy things - as highlighted by a large rise in the number beauty salons and cafes. The number of clothes shops operating in Britain is down 4,300 since March 2020 and there are more than 800 fewer High Street banks. But there are 350 more tattoo studios, 700 more pubs and bars, 2,000 more cafes or tea rooms and 4,600 more fast-food outlets. Before being bought by Tesco, Paperchase had appointed administrators from Begbies Traynor to oversee the insolvency process. The administrators said: 'On January 31, Mark Fry, Kirstie Provan and Gary Shankland, of Begbies Traynor, were appointed as joint administrators of Aspen Phoenix Newco Limited, which trades as Paperchase. 'Unfortunately, despite a comprehensive sales process, no viable offers were received for the company, or its business and assets, on a going concern basis. 'However, there has been significant interest in the Paperchase brand and attendant intellectual property. 'The joint administrators will continue trading the company's operations in the short term, with all stores remaining open and trading as normal.' Speaking after announcing it had Tesco had bought the intellectual rights to the company, Jan Marchant, managing director of home and clothing the grocer, said: 'Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we're proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK. 'We have been building out plans to bring more brands and inspiration to the ranges we currently offer, and this will help us to take those plans further. 'We look forward to sharing more with our customers in due course.' In January 2021 the Paperchase went into administration with PwC and was sold weeks later in a pre-pack deal, saving around 1,000 jobs when newly formed company Aspen Phoenix Newco took control of the firm. But the company was then sold again in August last year to a private investment firm led by the retail investor Steve Curtis. Begbies said it would continue to 'monitor trading' in Paperchase's stores and provide further updates on the business's future soon. A Government minister has refused to tell MPs whether she has a smart speaker in her own home as she cited 'cyber security' reasons. Julia Lopez, a minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, insisted she would not 'divulge' what devices she has personally. It came as she quizzed about Government efforts to ensure smart and connected technology is safe and secure for households. Ms Lopez warned that 'any device' connected to the internet 'creates a level of risk'. But, despite refusing to say if she had a smart speaker herself, she dismissed any suggestion ministers had been told by security chiefs not to use them. Julia Lopez, a minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, insisted she would not 'divulge' what devices she has personally Despite refusing to say if she had a smart speaker - such as an Amazon Echo (pictured) - herself, Ms Lopez dismissed any suggestion ministers had been told not to use them In November, the Government announced restrictions on the use of Chinese-made security cameras in 'sensitive' areas amid fears about snooping via devices connected to Whitehall networks. Appearing before House of Commons' Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee this morning, Ms Lopez was asked if the National Cyber Security Centre had advised ministers not to use smart speakers. 'On a personal level? I've never been told don't have a smart speaker,' she said. Quizzed on whether she had a smart speaker herself, Ms Lopez then replied: 'I wouldnt divulge my security arrangements for my personal life and I dont think I should divulge exactly which devices I have in my home just as a sort of cyber security measure. 'I'm not the best when it comes to connected tech, I have to admit. But I think that's just because I question the use of it in my life, rather than anything else.' She added: 'Is it ever wise for a politician to declare what is in their house, how they are secured, and so on? Probably not.' In response to the minister, Tory committee chair Damian Green said: 'I would hate to be putting your security at risk. 'Im not sure, frankly, whether you have got a smart speaker or not does that.' Ms Lopez was later pressed on what the risks to households were from smart devices and connected technology. 'Any device connected to the internet creates a level of risk to your overall network,' she said. 'There are a range of security risks that can come from internet-connected devices and it's for us as a Department to try and mitigate some of those risks.' In March last year, a separate committee of MPs looking at proposed new laws on connected technology heard from a cybersecurity expert who revealed she would not 'trust' a smart speaker, such as an Amazon Alexa, in her own home. 'I do not trust them. There we go. I will not have one, because I do not trust it,' said Professor Madeline Carr, of University College London. Eva Green today insisted the crew on her doomed sci-fi film 'made it fail by their own incompetence' and again blamed her foul-mouthed WhatsApps about colleagues on being French. The former Bond Girl is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with the makers of climate change thriller A Patriot, with each side blaming the other for the production's demise in October 2019. She is suing White Lantern Films for her fee of $1million (810,000) - even though the movie was never made. Ms Green, 42, told the High Court yesterday that her 'Frenchness' was to blame for abusive messages she sent branding bosses of the 4.6million movie 'weak and stupid'. The actress then doubled-down during today's hearing when it was put to her that she wanted the film to fail and actively encouraged two senior crew members to resign in a WhatsApp message that was read out in court. Eva Green departs the Rolls Building, London, where she is suing production company White Lantern Films, over payment for the shuttered British film project A Patriot Eva Green arrives at the High Court where she is suing White Lantern Films for her $1million fee for the film A Patriot She replied: 'I never did anything to make it fail, they made it fail by their own incompetence. Nothing was ready, nothing was in place.' When asked to explain the meaning of the WhatsApp message, she said: 'I'm not very good with words, I'm French first of all. I'm not as eloquent as you.' The court heard earlier how she had wanted to seize control of the script for A Patriot herself. Ms Green, who claimed she feared the picture would be a 'B s**ty movie', insisted today that she was prepared to still act in it despite the problems. The court was told that she offered to exchange her 810,000 fee for the script rights so that the film could still be made to the standard that she wanted. Mr Mallin said that in the message Ms Green made it clear that she did not want to continue with A Patriot because of its executive producer, Jake Seal. Mr Mallin asked her: 'If you had done this film with Jake Seal, it would have been all over, a 20 year career finished. 'There's no way you would have done a B S**ty movie, it would have ruined your career.' The actress replied: 'Yes. I gave so much of my heart and soul to this project, I didn't see why I should have given the money back. It made sense to have the script back.' But she insisted: 'But I would have been forced to do this B s**ty movie because I would not have broken my contract.' Ms Green had earlier said that she felt 'humiliated' that her WhatsApps were being read out in court. She was asked about one message in which she called the film a 'f***ing nightmare', adding: 'We had to get out'. The Casino Royale star insists she did not sabotage the production or walk out on the film, and told the court: 'I have a very direct way of saying things.' Ms Green, 42, is at loggerheads with the makers of the dystopian British sci-fi project, which collapsed amid funding issues. Both sides blame each other She added: 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Cross-examined by Max Mallin, KC, for White Lantern, about what she meant by the 'f***ing nightmare' message, she said: 'Sometimes you say things you don't mean. You hate someone and say I'm going to kill someone, but are you really going to kill that person? No. 'There's the famous example of Daniel Craig saying, 'I'd rather slash my wrists than do another Bond movie'. But did he slash his wrists? No, he made another Bond movie.' To laughter from the public gallery, Ms Green added: 'I know this story because I know Daniel Craig.' Mr Mallin said that in the message Ms Green made it clear that she did not want to continue with A Patriot because of its executive producer, Jake Seal. The message, which was read out in court stated: 'We have to get out as the main investor (Mr Seal) was a f***ing nightmare, truly mad.' But Ms Green denied this, prompting the lawyer to ask her: 'Are you accustomed to simply lying in casual WhatsApp messages?' In heated exchanges with the lawyer, Ms Green hit back: 'I was not expecting to have my WhatsApp messages exposed in court. It's already very humiliating.' Ms Green claimed that she felt 'trapped' at her involvement in A Patriot and that it was the 'craziest' situation she had experienced. Giving evidence on the second day of her High Court hearing she said: 'It caused me immense stress, I just felt I was trapped. 'I was frustrated and confused; it was the craziest situation I've ever been involved in.' Ms Green told the court that this was caused by the involvement of Mr Seal, whom she did not want to work with, financial problems with the film and the way the project was being run. Bond girl Eva Green, pictured in Casino Royale with Daniel Craig, is at the High Court in a legal battle over the demise of a 4million film Ms Green smiled as she entered the Rolls Building just off Chancery Lane in the City of London, wearing bright red and orange sunglasses, a black velvet jacket and dark jeans and boots. Ms Green is suing White Lantern Films for her fee of $1million (810,000) which she claims she is entitled to under a 'pay or play' clause in her contract. The movie was shut down due to funding issues in October 2019. Yesterday she put her rudeness about the production staff of A Patriot in expletive-laden texts and emails down to her 'Frenchness'. She also apologised for 'horrible comments' calling the crew 's****y peasants from Hampshire'. In messages used in White Lantern's claim, Ms Green is said to refer to Mr Seal as 'evil', a 'devious sociopath', 'a liar and a mad man' and 'pure vomit'. She is also said to have called production manager Terry Bird 'a f****** moron' and described the men as 'total a***holes'. She also compared her own safety concerns about the project - including a lack of stunt training - to the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of Alec Baldwin's film Rust. In the dystopian film A Patriot, Ms Green had been due to play the lead role of a soldier, and told the High Court in London that she 'fell deeply in love' with 'one of the best scripts I have ever read'. But things turned sour, the court has heard, with White Lantern Films claiming the star breached her 810,000 contract by making unreasonable demands which undermined its efforts to produce the movie. It has revealed messages sent by the Hollywood star about the film's producers and backers, calling them 'super weak and stupid'. While she apologised for 'inappropriate language' and 'some horrible things' sent by email and text, giving evidence Ms Green said that this was 'my Frenchness coming out this was my emotions speaking'. The Paris-born actress and model, who began her career in French theatre after spending time in London and Ireland, added: 'Sometimes you say things you don't actually mean, of course they are not weak and stupid.' Another text message, sent by one of the film's producers, said that he thought Ms Green would 'rather eat tumours' than make the film with another of the producers whom she disliked. Ms Green, who was an executive producer for the project, dismissed claims from White Lantern that she sought to undermine the film's production, telling the High Court: 'My heart and soul was in making A Patriot.' Actress Eva Green filming near Tower Bridge in October 2019 She said: 'It is one of the best scripts I have ever read. As an actor it was very exciting, it is the role of a soldier which I have not played before. It was about climate change, which is very dear to my heart.' However, the Casino Royale star, who attended court in central London wearing a black roll-neck top with a smart moss green velvet blazer and sunglasses, revealed how she feared A Patriot may become a low-budget 'B-movie' after disagreements behind the scenes with the film's financiers and producers. 'When an actor is in a B-movie, you will be labelled as B-actor,' she told the court, adding: 'It could kill my career... I don't care about the money, I live to make good films, it is my religion.' Mr Mallin has previously claimed that Ms Green had an 'animosity' towards a vision for the project held by Mr Seal. In WhatsApp exchanges with her agent and the film's director, Ms Green claimed Mr Seal was planning to make a 'cheap B-movie', describing him as 'the devil' and 'evil', he said. Mr Mallin asked Ms Green if she remembered sending a different text message suggesting that the film under Mr Seal would be a 'B-s****y-movie'. The actress said she remembered the message. Ms Green added: 'I never wanted this to be a B-movie, but I realised more towards the end that it was going to happen.' The actress, who played Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale and also starred in the BBC1 series The Luminaries, is suing White Lantern for her fee of $1million (810,000), which she claims she is entitled to under a 'pay or play' clause in her contract. The term 'pay or play' is used in the film industry to refer to when an artist is paid whether or not they are called upon to perform. White Lantern is defending the claim and bringing a countersuit. Lawyers for Ms Green say she is being portrayed unfairly as a diva by White Lantern. Edmund Cullen KC, for Ms Green, told the court last week 'this case is designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation'. Instead, Mr Cullen insists that Ms Green bent over backwards to try to complete the project. Detailing accommodations the actress made in order to assist the film, he listed how 'she repeatedly agreed to move back the start date, she agreed to move production from Ireland to the UK, she made repeated offers to use part of her fee to finance the project'. The film was also due to feature The Jewel In The Crown and Game Of Thrones actor Charles Dance and As Good As It Gets star Helen Hunt. Misery star Kathy Bates was also attached to the movie at one point. Director Dan Pringle said the proposed budget had been reduced from the 8million originally discussed with Ms Green to a lower estimate of 4.6million. The trial continues. A British tourist had part of her finger bitten off by a Russian woman after an argument broke out over a beanbag on a beach in Thailand. The 42-year-old victim, identified by German media as Angelina H, was attacked by the Russian tourist while she was on holiday on Ko Phangan Island. The pair had argued over whether Angelina could use a free beanbag on the beach when the Russian woman, identified as Vavara G., 32, grabbed the Briton's hand and bit the tip of her middle finger off. Angelina's friend, former German fencer Monika Sozanska, 39, was with her at the time and watched the attack unfold, describing it as 'like something out of a horror movie'. The British tourist had part of her finger bitten off by a Russian woman after an argument broke out over a beanbag on a beach in Thailand The 42-year-old victim, identified by German media as Angelina H, was attacked by the Russian tourist while she was on holiday on Ko Phangan Island Sozanska said she and Angelina had been looking for a free spot at a beach on the Thai island when they found an empty bean bag chair next to a nearby couple. Sozanska, who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, told Bild newspaper: 'It was 1.30pm on Saturday when we and Angelina's dog were looking for a spot at the beach club 'Koh Raham' to enjoy a fresh coconut. 'Then we noticed a vacant beanbag next to a young couple.' She said the situation escalated when Vavara G. dismissed Angelina's request to use the bean bag. Angelina was only allowed to take the bean bag with her after a waiter intervened. Sozanska explained that Vavara G. then ran at Angelina and attacked both her and her dog before the Briton fought back. Sozanska said: 'Angelina hit her in the forehead. The woman disappeared briefly, only to come back angrier.' 'She grabbed Angelina's hand and bit it. Then she spat out the bitten phalanx and smiled. The blood just splattered. It was like something out of a horror movie.' Angelina's friend, former German fencer Monika Sozanska, 39 (pictured), was with her at the time and watched the attack unfold, describing it as 'like something out of a horror movie' The pair had argued over whether Angelina could use a free beanbag on the beach when the Russian woman, identified as Vavara G., 32, (pictured) grabbed the Briton's hand and bit the tip of her middle finger off. While Sozanska was trying to dig the fingertip out of the sand and comfort her petrified friend in the meantime, Vavara G. and her partner, who has not been named, attempted to escape but they were immediately caught by police who were nearby. Vavara G. only had a photo of her passport with her so police officers told her to bring her documents from her hotel to a local station. But the couple had already fled away by plane to neighbouring Malaysia. Angelina was was rushed to a hospital on the neighbouring island of Koh Samui, but was soon flown to Britain for reattachment surgery. Monika said: 'The doctors are now trying to save the finger and avoid amputation using a special procedure called wrapping.' Dentistry professor Florian Beuer, 48, from the University Hospital of Charite in Berlin explained that humans transmit less force with their front teeth in contrast to their side ones. He then suspected that biting off the fingertip must have been painful for the Russian woman as well. Beuer said: 'Our teeth are not designed for such forces.' The opening of a new terminal in New York's Grand Central station last week was marred after a stone plaque featuring a quote from the artist Georgia O'Keeffe was found to include a misspelling of her name. City officials that oversaw the construction of the hugely delayed LIRR terminal apologized for the mistake and assured New Yorkers a new plaque is in the works. 'One can't paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt,' read the plaque, which attributed the 1928 quote not to O'Keeffe but to 'O'Keefe'. The Long Island Rail Road terminal was finally unveiled last Wednesday after more than a decade of delays and a total cost of around $11billion - more than thrice initial forecasts. It became the costliest rail project in the world, by mile of track installed. The opening of a new terminal in Grand Central station was marred after a stone plaque featuring a typo misspelling the name of artist Georgia O'Keeffe was unveiled. O'Keeffe is spelled with two Fs, not one O'Keeffe was an American painter famous for creating close-up depictions of flowers and Manhattan skyscapes 'We clearly f-ed this one up and it's being fixed,' Tim Minton, a spokesperson for the MTA, told Bloomberg. O'Keeffe was an American painter famous for creating close-up depictions of flowers and Manhattan skyscapes. The plaque in Grand Central notes beneath the quote that it was made in 'reaction to criticism of her skyscraper series of paintings'. The Georgia O'Keeffe museum, based in New Mexico, where she eventually died in 1986, was quick to point out the mishap, sharing news of the misspelling on Instagram, saying: 'Don't take spell check for granite!' The artist's quote appeared etched into a stone concourse wall in the new terminal, alongside other quotes from New York City greats including Toni Morrison and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The opening on January 25 was attended by Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA chairman Janno Lieber. On the day a train began its inaugural journey into the new terminal from Queens, stopping 21 minutes later in Grand Central on the east side of Manhattan. Historically the Long Island Rail Road train would not stop until Pennsylvania Station on the west side. Initially service to the new terminal, officially named Grand Central Madison, will only be available from the LIRR station in Jamaica in Queens, with trains running to and fro every half an hour. Full service to Long Island will not be rolled out for at least three weeks, officials said. Construction on the tunnel providing access to the east side began back in 2001, and it was initially estimated the project would be completed in 2009 Historically the Long Island Rail Road train would not stop until Pennsylvania Station on the west side of Manhattan The new terminal attached to New York's Grand Central station (pictured) did not pass a spell check. The new terminal, officially named Grand Central Madison, will only have service initially from the LIRR station in Jamaica in Queens Construction on the East Side Access project began back in 2001, and it was initially estimated to be completed in 2009. Hochul celebrated the occasion last week, which she had previously promised would take place in December. 'This has been a phenomenal, phenomenal accomplishment,' she said during a press conference on the day. 'There were so many roadblocks and challenges and detours along the way,' she added, acknowledging the ten-year delay. 'I'm literally talking about something that started under eight of my predecessor governors,' she added. 'People lived and died never seeing this come to fruition, until now, until this very moment.' Tracks, which connect to tunnels under the East River were started in the 1960s but left unfinished for decades, according to the New York Times. Edward Hand, 66, of Brentwood in Long Island attended the opening last week. 'I'm excited to ride the train. I've always been a train buff,' he told the Times. 'But as I've always said, it was proposed 50 years ago and it's 50 years late.' Russia on Tuesday claimed it had made major advances in Ukraine and captured a village on the northern outskirts of Bakhmut, which has been the focus of some of the fiercest fighting since the war began. Moscow, which is attempting to surround the city in a big push for what would be its biggest prize in Ukraine since last summer, claimed it had captured the village of Blahodatne. Kyiv said it had been able to repel an attack on a nearby main road. It came three days after the head of Russia's Wagner Group said the mercenary force had seized the village in an attack Kyiv said it had repelled. The claim came as both the UK and the US expressed their reluctance to send Kyiv fighter jets, amid fears that doing so would result in Russia dramatically escalating the war, and as Ukraine said it expected the delivery of between 120 and 140 tanks. Russia on Tuesday claimed it had made major advances in Ukraine and captured the village of Blahodatne on the northern outskirts of Bakhmut. Pictured: Ukrainian BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles drive in a convoy down an icy road in the Donetsk region on January 30, 2023 Both the UK and the US expressed their reluctance to send Kyiv fighter jets, amid fears that doing so would result in Russia dramatically escalating the war. Pictured: A F-16 fighter jet launches a missile (file photo) Britain said on Tuesday that it would not supply Ukraine with its RAF Typhoon and F-35 fighters because it would take too long to train the country's pilots, while US President Joe Biden ruled out sending F-16 fighters on Monday. France said later on Tuesday that it had discussed training Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly French fighter jets, but no decision had been taken yet. Poland also refused to rule out the possibility of sending F-16s to its embattled neighbour. As Kyiv has pushed for the supply of more western weaponry, Moscow and the Wagner mercenary group has made clear, if gradual, advances around Bakhmut - notably capturing the salt-mining town of Soledar to the city's north. Were Putin's armies to force Ukraine to withdraw from the city that once held 75,000 people, it would be Moscow's first big prize since it took the similarly-sized cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk in July. Blahodatne, which sits on one of the main roads into Bakhmut, about 3 miles north, was captured with the help of aerial support, Moscow's defence ministry said. But while Russia claimed it had taken the town, Ukraine said Russian troops had been unable to cut off the road leading from the town Chasiv Yar to Bakhmut. 'Russian troops could not cut off the road which is used for supplying the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian army in Bakhmut is supplied with everything necessary,' military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevaty said in televised comments. He said Bakhmut remained one of the main focuses of Russian attacks, including artillery strikes and infantry assaults. During the fighting for Bakhmut, two civilians, a boy and a 70 year-old-man, were killed in a Russian artillery attack on Tuesday, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said. Four others were wounded in the attack, he said. Separately, a large Russian force has launched an assault against the Ukrainian-held bastion of Vuhledar this week, further south along the same eastern front. Russian officials have claimed to have gained a foothold there, while Kyiv says it has largely repelled that attack so far. Britain's Ministry of Defence said the Russian force in the new Vuhledar assault was at least the size of a brigade, a unit typically comprising several thousand troops. The Russians had advanced hundreds of metres across a river toward Vuhledar and could make more localised gains there, the ministry said in an unusually detailed daily intelligence update. It said the assault on Vuhledar was unlikely to lead to a significant breakthrough, but could be intended to draw Ukrainian effort away from defending Bakhmut. As Kyiv has pushed for the supply of more western weaponry, Moscow and the Wagner mercenary group has made clear, if gradual, advances around Bakhmut - notably capturing the salt-mining town of Soledar to the city's north. Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers return from the front line in Bakhmut, Ukraine on January 29, 2023 Despite weeks of intense trench warfare that both sides have compared to a meat grinder, frontlines in eastern Ukraine had largely been frozen in place since November after Kyiv recaptured swathes of territory in the second half of 2022. But momentum has lately swung back towards Russia, making substantial gains for the first time since the middle of last year. Military experts say Moscow appears determined to push forward in the coming months before Kyiv receives hundreds of newly pledged Western tanks and armoured vehicles for a counter-attack to recapture occupied territory this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Russia's assault in the east as an attempt to exact 'revenge' for earlier losses. 'And I think that they will not be able to provide their society with any convincing positive result in the offensive. I am confident in our army. We will stop them all, little by little, destroy them and prepare our big counteroffensive,' he said on Monday. Kyiv says the Russian assaults of recent weeks have come at huge cost, initially mostly relying on Wagner mercenaries, including thousands of convicts recruited from Russian prisons and sent into battle in waves with little training or equipment. But Russia's call-up of hundreds of thousands of reservists late last year means Moscow has now been able to reconstitute regular military units exhausted or depleted earlier in the war. Western military experts say Bakhmut is not by itself of major strategic importance. But it is is one of just a handful of substantial cities in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region that are still under Ukrainian control, and Moscow now says capturing the full Donbas is a main objective of the 'special military operation'. A Ukrainian serviceman looks through a blown-out wall, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine January 27, 2023. The city has seen weeks of intense trench warfare that both sides have compared to a meat grinder Since winning the Western pledge for tanks after months of lobbying, Kyiv has pressed on with further requests for arms, including calls for jet fighters such as U.S. F-16s. Neither side has been able to secure control of the skies over Ukraine. The West has so far refused to send weapons that could be used to attack deep inside Russia, a line countries still seem unwilling to cross. US President Joe Biden responded with a flat 'No' when asked by reporters at the White House on Monday if Washington would send F-16s. Still, Ukraine has held out hope. Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov was due in Paris on Tuesday to meet President Emmanuel Macron, who told reporters in The Hague on Monday that 'nothing is excluded' when it comes to military assistance. Macron said any move to send jets would depend on factors including the need to avoid escalation and assurances the aircraft would not 'touch Russian soil'. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also did not rule out a possible supply of F-16s to neighbouring Ukraine, in response to a question from a reporter before Biden spoke. Morawiecki said in remarks posted on his website that any such transfer would take place 'in complete coordination' with NATO. Poland has long pushed for more aggressive military support for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesperson said on Tuesday London did not believe its own jets would be useful. 'The UK's ... fighter jets are extremely sophisticated and take months to learn how to fly. Given that, we believe it is not practical to send those jets into Ukraine,' the spokesperson told reporters. A wreckage of a far car is seen under a pile of debris in Bakhmut, Ukraine on January 28, 2023 Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Tuesday it is expecting to receive between 120 and 140 heavy tanks after its Western allies agreed to supply Kyiv. The number is less than half of what Kyiv has said it needs, with Ukraine's commander in chief saying last year that his military would require 300 tanks - along with hundreds more pieces of equipment - to win the war in a matter of months. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the 120 to 140 modern battle tanks would be made up of three different Western models: the German-made Leopard 2, the British Challenger 2, and the Ameircan M1 Abrams. Kyiv is also hoping to be sent the French-made Leclerc tanks as well. Speaking on Tuesday, Kuleba said twelve countries have so far agreed to send tanks to help Ukraine in its fight against Vladimir Putin's invaders. Intelligence suggests the Kremlin is plotting another major offensive with the goal of capturing Kyiv and overthrowing the government in the Spring, and could coincide with February 24, which will mark the one year anniversary of Putin's 2022 invasion. 'Ukraine's armed forces will receive between 120 and 140 modern Western tanks,' Kuleba told reporters, describing the figure as the 'first wave of contributions.' 'These are Leopard 2, Challenger 2, M1 Abrams,' Kuleba said, without specifying a timeline for the deliveries. 'We are very much counting on the Leclerc, too,' he said, referring to the French battle tank. Ukraine's most senior diplomat also said that Kyiv was in negotiations to receive Western fighter jets and long-range missiles. 'These are not weapons of escalation,' he said. 'These are weapons of defence and deterrence of the aggressor.' After weeks of diplomatic wrangling, the US and Germany announced last week the deliveries of their heavy Abrams and Leopard tanks to Ukraine, a step seen as a breakthrough in efforts to support Ukraine. Speaking in December, commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces Valery Zaluzhny said to 'get to the lines' by February 23 (in other words, for the Ukrainian military to retake all the territory held by Ukraine before the invasion) Kyiv would need 300 tanks as well as 600 to 700 infantry fighting vehicles and 500 howitzers. Wife killer Russell Causley who refused to reveal where he hid his victim's body nearly four decades ago will be released from jail after the murderer became the first prisoner to receive a public parole hearing. He made UK legal history last year when he became the first prisoner to face a public parole hearing. Causley was handed a life sentence for killing Carole Packman, who disappeared in 1985, a year after he moved his lover into the family home in Bournemouth, Dorset. Earlier this month the Parole Board said he was suitable to be released from prison again. Russell Causley became the first prisoner to face a public parole hearing and was handed a life sentence for killing Carole Packman (pictured left) The murderer never revealed where he hid his wife's body after murdering her At the time, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab - who described Causley as a 'calculated killer' who 'callously prolonged the suffering' of Ms Packman's loved ones by 'refusing to reveal the whereabouts of her body' - said he was 'carefully' considering whether to appeal against the decision. On Tuesday the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirmed it would not ask the Parole Board to reconsider the ruling because there were no grounds to do so. A MoJ spokeswoman said: 'We have thoroughly examined the Parole Board's decision but detailed legal advice concluded there were no grounds to ask them to reconsider their decision. 'We know this will be incredibly difficult for Carole Packman's family, but Russell Causley will be under close supervision for the rest of his life and can be recalled to prison if he breaches the strict conditions of his release. Carole Packman disappeared in 1985, a year after he moved his lover into the family home in Bournemouth, Dorset Ms Packman's daughter Samantha Gillingham (pictured above), from Northamptonshire, previously said she was 'disappointed' by the decision to free him again and branded the parole process a 'tick-box exercise' What happened to Carole Packman? Carole Packman disappeared in 1985, a year after Causley moved his lover into their home in Bournemouth Carole Packman disappeared from her family home in Bournemouth in 1985. Her daughter Sam Gillingham, then 16, came home from school to find a note, supposedly from her mother, along with her wedding ring. The letter said that she was leaving their family. The year before, Causley moved his lover Patricia Causley into the house and later changed his surname to hers. It was not until 10 years later, when Causley was jailed for two years for trying to fake his death in a boating accident that he was found guilty of her murder. He allegedly made a jail cell confession, telling of the 'perfect' murder of his 'b**** wife'. Police reopened their investigation into his wife's disappearance. Causley was convicted of murder in 1996, but it was quashed in 2003. In 2004, he was found guilty at a retrial after his sister said she had heard him admit the killing. Now aged 79, he was the first killer in British legal history to be found guilty without his victim's body ever being found. Advertisement 'Our parole reforms will stand up for the rights of victims in cases like this, making public safety the overriding factor in parole decisions and adding a ministerial veto on release of the most serious offenders.' The Justice Secretary can only challenge Parole Board decisions if there is an error of law or if there is evidence the process has been followed incorrectly, the same threshold as for judicial reviews. Causley and Ms Packman's daughter Samantha Gillingham, from Northamptonshire, previously said she was 'disappointed' by the decision to free him again and branded the parole process a 'tick-box exercise', adding: 'There's nothing that I can do about it ... We still don't know where my mother is.' She still hopes meet her father, after decades of asking to confront him about her mother's disappearance. The Parole Board said reviews are carried out 'thoroughly and with extreme care' and protecting the public was the 'number one priority'. Causley will be subject to 'strict' licence conditions, including being required to live at a certain address as well as facing restrictions on his movements, activities and who he contacts. He was freed from prison in 2020 after his sixth parole review and spending more than 23 years behind bars for the murder. However Causley was sent back to jail in November last year for breaching his licence conditions, the public hearing was told. He failed to answer a phone call from his probation officer and disappearing from his bail hostel overnight without his phone or wallet. The hearing, which took place in a prison, began with relatives, members of the public and journalists allowed to watch the proceedings on a live videolink from the Parole Board's offices in Canary Wharf, London. Causley's behaviour was said by a member of prison staff to have been 'exemplary' since he has been back in jail. Asked about the period during which he was released from prison in late 2020, he said that he got on well with staff at the hostel where he was living and viewed them 'more as friends', but 'could have had a better rapport' with his probation officer. He spent his time reading, doing crosswords, walking and shopping, Causley told the panel. In the report documenting his release decision, the Parole Board Decision Summary stated: 'The panel was mindful of Mr Causleys capacity to lie, deceive and manipulate, and was not entirely convinced by his explanations for his intentions and conduct that day after he left the designated accommodation.' Ron DeSantis brushed off criticism from Donald Trump, claiming the 'verdict has been rendered' that his leadership, especially his Covid-19 response, is popular with the people who voted to reelect him. Trump repeated his new nickname for DeSantis 'DeSanctimonious' in Truth Social posts on Monday, after saying Saturday it would be disloyal if the GOP governor made a bid for the White House in 2024. The former president also claimed DeSantis' team is trying to rewrite history on the coronavirus response, and slammed him for keeping Florida's shutdown longer than other states. But the Florida governor was unruffled at a press conference on higher education Tuesday, saying, in response to Trump's comments: 'I roll out of bed, I have people attacking from all angles, It's been happening for many, many years.' Florida Governor Ron DeSantis brushed off recent criticism from Donald Trump, who has called him 'disloyal', employing the new moniker 'DeSanctimonious' Donald Trump is ramping up attacks against DeSantis as he appears increasingly nervous that the popular Republican leader will launch his own presidential campaign. Pictured: Trump speaks from South Carolina for the first day of high-profile campaigning on the 2024 trail He added: 'If you look at the good thing about it though, is like if you take a crisis situation like Covid, the good thing about it is when you're an elected executive, you have to make all kinds of decisions, you've got to steer that ship. 'And the good thing is that the people are able to render a judgment on that, whether they reelect you or not. 'So I would say, that verdict has been rendered by the people of the state of Florida,' DeSantis concluded, referring to his massive reelection victory in the 2022 midterms. DeSantis earned the ire of Trump after his increasingly popular policies in Florida led to national notoriety and whispers that he could seek a White House bid. The former president - whose 2024 campaign is gaining more support after a lackluster start - lambasted Florida's governor as 'Ron DeSanctimonious' on Sunday night, punctuating the end of a weekend that saw Trump go in hard against his potential 2024 Republican rival. DeSantis only earned his spot in the governor's mansion in 2018 after Trump swooped into the neck-and-neck race. The endorsement saw DeSantis jump in the polls by double-digits. On Saturday, Trump branded DeSantis as 'very disloyal' for reportedly considering a run for the White House. 'Ron would have not been governor if it wasn't for me,' he told reporters aboard his plane on Saturday, en route to South Carolina for a campaign event. 'So then when I hear he might run, I consider that very disloyal,' the ex-president lamented. Trump kicked off his 2024 bid with stops in early primary contest states of New Hampshire and South Carolina on Saturday. As Trump kicked off his 2024 White House bid on Saturday, he took a jab at DeSantis by claiming it would be 'very disloyal' if he launched a White House primary bid against him He also slammed DeSantis for closing Florida for a 'long period of time' during the Covid-19 pandemic when other Republican states did not, claiming the governor and his team are 'trying to rewrite history.' In a pair of posts on his Truth Social app, Trump wheeled out the 'DeSanctimonious' nickname twice as he accused DeSantis of being a 'globalist' and having 'shut down Florida and its beaches' during the pandemic. His return to using the moniker is a sign that the ex-president is ready for all-out political warfare against his rival. DeSantis has not formally declared a White House bid, but his refusal to rule one out has infuriated Trump. Trump first used the 'Ron DeSanctimonious' line during a rally in Pennsylvania just three days before the midterm elections - and was promptly criticized by top Republicans for attacking the governor on the eve of his re-election bid. He initially backed off, and even encouraged people to vote for DeSantis the next day, before steadily upping his attacks once again. In the first of two posts on Sunday night, Trump issued rare praise for the media over press coverage of his first two campaign events, which took place in New Hampshire and then South Carolina on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on his campaign plane that day, he issued a public warning to DeSantis that it would be 'disloyal' for him to run in 2024. He wrote on Truth Social hours later: 'The revelations about Ron DeSanctimonious doing FAR WORSE than many other Republican governors, including that he unapologetically shut down Florida and its beaches, was interesting, indeed. Trump added, referring to himself in the third person: 'DJT leading BIG!!!' In the second post, made just after midnight on Monday, Trump went on a bizarre tangent against conservative group Club For Growth - and somehow, DeSantis was caught up in the mix. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' refusal to rule out a White House bid thus far has infuriated the former president, who was the first Republican to throw his hat in the ring for 2024 The influential organization has been at odds with Trump since the 2022 midterm season, when it clashed with him on two high-profile Republican Senate primaries in Ohio and Pennsylvania. It also undercut his November 15 presidential announcement by releasing an early 2024 poll the day before that which showed Trump losing to DeSantis. 'The Club For No Growth is a GLOBALIST group that I have been taking to the cleaners for years. We worked together for a period, but they couldn't get away from China, Europe, Asia, and part's unknown,' Trump wrote on Truth Social in the early hours of Monday morning. 'They know I won't play that game, I am America First all the way. That's the ONLY way we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. 'Ron DeSanctimonious, who I made Governor in BOTH the Primary & the General, is also a Globalist, & so are his donors.' He also tried to link DeSantis to Jeb Bush, the former Republican governor of Florida who Trump soundly defeated for the GOP nomination in 2024 - despite the former's place in one of America's foremost political dynasties. In his first of two Truth Social posts wheeling out his 'Ron DeSanctimonious' line, Trump accused the Florida governor of shutting down his state during the pandemic In the second post, Trump also took aim at conservative group Club For Growth DeSantis has so far been unwilling to take on Trump in public, a strategy that's appeared to pay off for him up until now. He's seen his GOP star rise throughout the Biden administration with his vocal opposition to the president's progressive policies. He's also made a name for himself with Trump's MAGA base by wading into the culture wars with LGBTQ-targeted legislation and taking on Critical Race Theory in schools. But through it all, DeSantis has repeatedly insisted that his focus is on Florida, when asked about his 2024 ambitions. It's done little to quell the buzz, especially among fellow Republicans. 'Obviously, DeSantis and Trump are the two candidates, right, whether he's declared or not,' New Hampshire's GOP Gov. Chris Sununu said on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. More than 400 inmates in Alabama, including rapists and murderers, will be released from prisons early after a new law allowed them to finish sentences under supervision. Prisoners being housed at correctional facilities across the state will be freed as early as January 31 after a bill was passed by state legislature in 2021 in a bid to ease overcrowding. A total of 412 incarcerated people - some of who committed violent, heinous crimes as appalling as raping minors and murdering family members - will be fitted with an ankle monitor as part of their release terms. On the list of inmates set to be freed, seen by DailyMail.com, there are 29 murderers and 21 rapists. Many will be leaving prison a whole year before their sentence is up. The freed inmates will be transported to local bus stations after leaving prison with no phones or money, and authorities have already warned law enforcement agents to be prepared for overcrowding at popular stops. Hollis (left) was jailed in 1999 for murdering his wife Mitzi Loretta Hollis, 33, in 1998. Jimmy Don Rodgers (right) was 29-years-old when he ran over and killed cyclist Kenneth Kiefer near Scottsboro, Alabama, in September 2003 Gary Lou Mims (left) was jailed for sodomizing and raping a teenage girl multiple times in 2007. Kenneth Dwight Sylvester Jr (right) took a manslaughter plea deal after admitting to killing Donnie Gise in Florence, Alabama. He beat her to death in January 2008. Among those benefitting from the new law is Charles Dewayne Hollis. He was jailed in 1999 for murdering his wife Mitzi Loretta Hollis, 33, in 1998. He killed her after just one month into married life, and buried her body in a shallow grave in Lamar County, Alabama. Wife murderer Hollis was meant to serve another six months in jail. Another inmate on the list to be released is Cartravious Collins. He shot four people, killing one, when he was just aged 15. He was jailed in 2009 for one count of manslaughter and three counts of assault. Jywan Moss is grandson of former Auburn City Councilman Arthur Dowdell - and he was jailed for rape in 2013. The sexual assault happened at the politician's home while he was away. Moss was aged 18, and the female victim was 15-years-old. Moss was sentenced in 2016 for six months, but then was re-sentenced for second-degree rape in 2020 for 10 years, and for criminal possession of a forged instrument for two years. It's unclear if he will be released in regards to the latest count of rape. Another released prisoner will be Jimmy Don Rodgers, who was convicted and jailed for manslaughter in 2005 after he mowed down a cyclist while he was under the influence. He was 29-years-old when he killed cyclist Kenneth Kiefer near Scottsboro, Alabama, in September 2003. He's now served 19 years in prison, and was denied parole in 2021. Angela Gay Dearman was jailed for murder in 2006 after she killed her son's karate instructor Wilburn King in September 2003 in Decatur, Alabama. King was found dead in his office, with a shotgun wound in his chest. He had worked at the karate studio for two decades. Dearman has at least eight months left on her 20-year murder sentence. Bruce Anthony Newburn (left) was jailed for 10 years for sending obscene material to a child and for 'electronic solicitation of a child' in 2011. His parole was denied in 2021, after being sent to prison in 2018 for the crimes. Angela Gay Dearman (right) shot and killed her son's karate instructor Wilburn King in September 2003 in Decatur, Alabama Jywan Moss: The grandson of Auburn City Councilman Arthur Dowdell was jailed for rape in 2013. The sexual assault happened at the politician's home while he was away. Moss was 18, and the female victim was 15-years-old. He was being held in a Lee County, Alabama jail Cartravious Collins shot four people, killing one, when he was just aged 15 Speaking to DailyMail.com, Everette Johnson, Alabama State FOP President, said that the mass release has created a sense of 'danger' in the community. He said: 'We face a dangerous time here in the state of Alabama with the implementation of Act 2021-549. This bill allows inmates to be released into our communities while being electronically supervised by Pardons and Paroles. 'The bill does not stipulate the eligibility for early release other than for sex offenders of children. It is solely based on time served. 'There are many of these released inmates that were convicted of violent felonies, yet that does not seem to be standard for continued incarceration. Many of the victims of these violent offenders have not been notified of the early release which is supposed to be done based on this law. 'We all want safe communities and homes. We also want to ensure that victims of crime receive justice, especially if they are victims of violent crimes.' In Alabama, just 10 percent of inmates who qualified for consideration in the last year were granted parole - and Governor Ivey recently tightened restrictions making it even harder for prisoners to fit the criteria. Garvis Snedecor was imprisoned on two counts of murder, and two of attempted murder in 2005 John Hamm and Cam Ward are being sued by Attorney General Steve Marshall over the early release of the prisoners Bus stations in Montgomery, Mobile and Birmingham were filled with the released criminals today - who may be 'waiting for some time' depending on bus schedules. Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward confirmed that on Tuesday, 92 prisoners were released - as the hundreds of others still need to have their victims notified. The notice sent this morning was 'to ensure law enforcement agencies in these areas are aware' the inmates 'may necessarily congregate in these areas.' In the statement, Ward also added: 'The law was passed in 2021 and we will follow it as it is written. We did not advocate for it, but until we are told otherwise by a judge, we will enforce the law as written.' The change to the law was recommended by a criminal justice policy group in 2020 - and notably when the bill passed House by a vote of 77-23, it was Republican lawmakers who cast all the no votes. All of those who will be released as part of the law change had three to 12 months left of their sentence to serve. The law was passed and touted as a public safety measure designed to make sure inmates are monitored when they leave prison. William Brent Sigler: Prison records say that he was in jail for second-degree rape, but this registered sex offender was charged with the murder of his wife Angela Lee Sigler in April 2020. He is now on the release list for his rape charge - while he awaits trial for allegedly killing his wife Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (pictured) lodged a lawsuit following the mass release of prisoners on January 31, 2023 And lawmakers have said the reforms are generally part of a solution to solve Alabama's problems with overcrowding and understaffed prisons, reports AL.com. In response to the move, Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit against two heads of Alabama's prison bureau late last night. Marshall filed against Cam Ward, Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, and John Hamm, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner over the early release of the criminals. The suit said the complaint 'seeks to prevent the early release of inmates currently in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) to the supervision of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) until such time as (Hamm) provides the statutorily-required notice to the inmates' victims.' According to the Attorney General, victims of the inmates who are scheduled to be released on January 31 have not been notified. Attorney General Marshall was a vocal opponent of the bill in 2021: 'This bill mandates the early release of dangerous individuals with only the possibility of electronic monitoring and without the assurance of other resources necessary to safely supervise those initially released.' This will be the staunch antivaxxer's second appearance on the show since 2021 Lindell is back on the proviso he does an interview from an arcade claw machine MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell said he's prepared to be humiliated on Jimmy Kimmel tonight adding that what he has to say, in his second appearance, will 'help save the country.' Lindell, who is a staunch antivaxxer, boarded a private plane from Minnesota on Monday night and even took a COVID test - determined to make the interview where he will argue once again that Trump's election was stolen. Kimmel made the announcement on Monday night, saying that the Trumpworld figure had 'repeatedly asked to return' and granted him his wish on the proviso he does the interview from a giant claw machine - typically found in arcades. Speaking to the Daily Beast, Lindell said he looks forward to being placed inside the claw machine adding that it's likely safer inside with 'everybody shedding.' MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell said he's prepared to be humiliated on Jimmy Kimmel tonight adding that what he has to say in his second appearance on the show since 2021 will 'help save the country' 'He said I can come, but I got to go in the claw game because I'm not vaccinated,' Lindell told the Daily Beast. 'I am trying to save our country,' he added and said he'd be 'safer in the claw game with everybody shedding, right?' 'Shedding' is an unproven theory often touted by the far right centered around the belief that those with the COVID-19 vaccine could infect others with a live virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said: 'None of the vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. contain a live virus.' Kimmel told viewers seeing Lindell do an interview from inside a giant claw machine, which has featured actress Kristen Bell stuck inside for previous skits, would be a good way to start the show's 21st year on air. 'I said if you get in one those, I'll do the interview, and good news, it looks like it's happening tomorrow night,' he said. 'I've finally found my purpose.' Kimmel made the announcement on Monday night, saying that the Trumpworld figure had 'repeatedly asked to return' He granted Lindell his wish under the proviso he does the interview from a claw machine, typically found in arcades, and previously used on the show in a skit with Kristen Bell In exchange for taking a dive into the claw machine Lindell said that he told the comedian he wouldn't call him 'Kimmbel anymore, I would take the 'B' out and call him Kimmel.' When speaking to the Daily Beast Lindell added that he anticipates it could be a 'humiliating' experience but isn't worried. 'Sure, it is. But I am willing to be humiliated to help save our country,' he said. 'I don't know how big it is,' Lindell said about the possibility of the experience being claustrophobic 'It could be' he finished. Lindell was also required to take a COVID test to get on the late-night show to which he said, '100 percent I am going to do that.' This will be Lindell's second appearance on the show after making a cameo in April 2021. This will be Lindell's second appearance on the show after making a cameo in April 2021 The interview quickly descended into accusations of wrongdoing in the 2020 election, Lindell insisting he has evidence to prove his theory pointing to allegations about Dominion Voting machines The interview quickly descended into accusations of wrongdoing in the 2020 election, Lindell insisting he has evidence to prove his theory pointing to allegations about Dominion Voting machines. The right-wing businessman was being sued by Dominion Voting Systems for pushing Trump's claims that the company's machines, which were used throughout the country on Election Day 2020, were rigged in favor of President Joe Biden. In October last year, the Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch bid by Lindell, who is among former U.S. President Donald Trump's most loyal 2020 election deniers, to fend off a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit. In its decision on Lindell, the Supreme Court is deferring to a lower court decision that allowed the lawsuit to proceed made in August 2021. Last year Lindell rejoined Twitter more than one year after he was banned from the site for promoting election misinformation The right-wing businessman was being sued by Dominion Voting Systems for pushing Trump's claims that the company's machines, which were used throughout the country on Election Day 2020, were rigged in favor of President Joe Biden Dominion sued Lindell in February 2021, and lodged similar lawsuits against former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. Lindell has been embroiled in controversy over his outspoken rants on politics and business. Early last year, he rejoined Twitter more than one year after he was banned from the site for promoting election misinformation. But the businessman was quickly suspended again just a few hours later when social media bosses realized he had rejoined. Lindell was banned from Twitter in late January 2021 for promoting unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential election results were fraudulent. The social media company said at the time those tweets violated its civic integrity policy it implemented in September 2020 to fight disinformation online. No time to visit NYC's migrants, Joe? President Joe Biden flew into New York City on Tuesday to tout a $292 million mega grant that will be used to help build a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, but didn't find the time to drive-by or acknowledge NYC's burgeoning migrant housing crisis in midtown Manhattan - a mere 10-minute car ride away. With temperatures near freezing, scores of migrants have set up pop-up tents on the sidewalk outside the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan to protest being relocated to a Brooklyn shelter - a symptom of a much bigger problem facing NYC as the flow of migrants overwhelms city resources. Biden was joined by the state's Democratic political powerhouse consortium: Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, amongst others, The money is part of $1.2 billion in mega grants being awarded under the 2021 infrastructure law. The yearslong modernization of the Hudson project started in 2013 but stalled as Trump all but blocked Schumer over funding for the project in exchange for his support for his wall at the southern border - something that Schumer refused to do. President Joe Biden speaks about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide funding for the Hudson River Tunnel project, at the West Side Rail Yard in New York City on January 31, 2023. Only a 10-minute car ride away from Hudson Yards, President Biden did not take the opportunity to drive past the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan where a migrant crisis is unfolding Biden is greeted by Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., as he arrives to speak at the construction site of the Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 The current Hudson Tunnel Project is to repair 113-year old infrastructure which goes under the Hudson River was completed in 1910. In addition to age, the tunnels were damaged by saltwater during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 The Senate Majority Leader took aim at Trump for 'sabotaging' the long-running Gateway Program. 'The former president was shoveling you know what,' said Schumer with a wry smile. Biden's recent trips along the East Coast corridor amount to a form of counterprogramming to the new House Republican majority as GOP lawmakers seek deep spending cuts in exchange for lifting the government's legal borrowing limit, saying that federal expenditures are hurting growth and that the budget should be balanced. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Biden are scheduled to officially meet at the White House on Wednesday to talk about the looming debt ceiling. The freshly minted Republican Speaker will press his case for spending cuts even though White House officials say Biden won't negotiate over the need to increase the federal debt limit. 'I don't think there's anyone in America who doesn't agree that there's some wasteful Washington spending that we can eliminate,' McCarthy told CBS News on Sunday. Mitch Landrieu, the White House senior adviser responsible for coordinating implementation of the infrastructure law, told reporters on Tuesday that if Republicans are looking to 'take away money from projects, they ought to, I think, identify which projects they don't want.' 'And then you can have that discussion with the American people,' Landrieu added. President Biden (middle) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (right) arrive at Wall St Heliport in New York City flanked by NYPD and Secret Service. The immigrants, mostly from Venezuela and other Latin American countries, had been living in the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan until recently, when they were told to leave the temporary shelter. NYC is trying to move some of them from the Watson Hotel in Manhattan to a new shelter at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, but many of the men gathered outside the hotel said they wouldn't leave. The city sent MTA buses, but many of the people said they wouldn't board them, adding they were concerned about the conditions at the new shelter. To some in the Biden administration, the Hudson Tunnel Project demonstrates what could be lost if spending cuts are put into place. In total, the construction is projected to result in 72,000 jobs, according to the White House. The project will renovate the 1910 tunnel already carrying about 200,000 weekday passengers beneath the Hudson between New Jersey and Manhattan, a long-delayed upgrade after decades in which the government underfunded infrastructure. 'We cannot lead the world in this century if we depend on infrastructure from early in the last one,' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. The grant would be used to help complete the concrete casing for an additional rail tunnel beneath the river, preserving a right of way for the eventual tunnel. In total, the project is expected to cost $16 billion and help ease a bottleneck for New Jersey commuters and Amtrak passengers going through New York City. Biden made the case the project is critical far beyond greater New York. 'If this line shuts down for just one day it would cost our economy $100 million,' Biden said. 'And the current Hudson River rail tunnel can be a major chokepoint.' Other projects to receive mega grants include the Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Ohio; the Calcasieu River Bridge replacement in Louisiana; a commuter rail in Illinois; the Alligator River Bridge in North Carolina; a transit and highway plan in California; and roadways in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Not everyone has been pleased by the mega grant program. Some Republican lawmakers in Arizona say it gave preference to mass transit and repair projects over expansion and new construction. Schumer criticized Trump for slowing the project during his term as he feuded with the Democrats. 'Get on the Joe Biden Express now because we are not stopping,' Schumer said. 'For four years, the former president was shoveling you know what and now we're going to put real shovels in the ground, wielded by real American workers.' A trio of winter storms moved toward the country's center on Sunday, generating travel concerns for the rest of the week as the Upper Midwest is trapped in the bitter cold and wind chills that could reach negative 50 degrees. The weather forecasting company predicted three storms would bring ice and snow from Sunday to Thursday. Saturation from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler air moving south will feed the storms, according to USA Today. AccuWeather predicts that the rain will be steady for many days during the US winter weather in specific locations. Senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said, "cold air will plunge" deep down south to set up a "weather battle zone" for most of the week. He noted that a glaze of ice might make driving hazardous from eastern Oklahoma through northwest Arkansas and southern Missouri during the winter weather alert. The US winter weather may be extreme in specific locations per winter weather alert. Forecasters from the National Weather Service office in Pocatello, Idaho, have warned that Sunday's highs could not even make it beyond -10 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter how small, Icy patches pose a serious threat to drivers and pedestrians. A quarter-inch of ice is crucial during ice storms, per Fox Weather. Read Also: US Debt Ceiling Update This Week's Weather Predictions Memphis, Tennessee, and the neighboring regions in Arkansas and Mississippi will be under an ice storm warning beginning Monday evening. Potentially hazardous winter weather is anticipated for a wide swath of the US today through at least mid-week. Check for the latest at https://t.co/VyWINDkBnn and ensure that you and your family are #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/fMRkCtvHXr National Weather Service (@NWS) January 30, 2023 With the alert in effect until Wednesday afternoon, travel may be "nearly impossible," according to the advisory. Austin, Dallas, and Oklahoma City are under winter weather warnings until Wednesday as freezing precipitation continues through Tuesday, according to a CNN weather report. Heavy rain and flash flooding worries grow in eastern Texas by Tuesday, with a slight danger of heavy rainfall from eastern Texas to northwest Louisiana Wednesday during the US winter weather. Related Article: James Webb Space Telescope's Latest Discovery @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. It was a fairytale day fit for the pages of Vogue - with a side of Hollywood family drama. But in addition to her wedding dress spat with mother-in-law Victoria Beckham, there was all sorts of trouble brewing behind the scenes of Nicola Peltz's Palm Beach wedding to Brooklyn Beckham. Nicola, the 28-year-old daughter of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, went through three different sets of wedding planners, two of whom failed to meet the 'scale' of her plans. There was a last-minute scramble to book musicians, and a 'day of reckoning' with one event designer who was reduced to tears by the stress of the project. Those new details emerged yesterday - along with texts written by Nicola to one of the planners - in a lawsuit filed by her father, a punchy and tenacious businessman who is vying for a seat on the board of Disney. He is suing Nicole Braghin, the tearful party planner, and her partner, Arianna Grijalba, claiming they are refusing to refund him the $159,000 deposit he gave them. Nicola Peltz with Brooklyn Beckham during their wedding weekend in Palm Beach in April Peltz and his wife Claudia made contact with Braghin and Grijalba through their firm, Plan Design Events, in March 2022, after getting rid of their first planner, celebrity-adored Preston Bailey. It's unclear why exactly Bailey wasn't fit for the job. In his legal filing, Peltz, 80, says Bailey encountered 'challenges' while planning the enormous event, which took place at the family estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 9 and reportedly cost around $3.5million. 'The guest list included more than five hundred people, including numerous celebrities, athletes, dignitaries and other influential individuals, who travelled from all around the globe to attend Bailey, who planned Ivanka Trump's wedding to Jared Kushner, did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries about why he stood down. The Peltz family had grand plans for the three-day extravaganza for their daughter, who they describe as a 'world-famous actress'. 'Nicola is a world-famous actress who has starred in blockbuster movies and television shows, including, among others, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Bates Motel and The Last Airbender. 'The guest list included more than five hundred people, including numerous celebrities, athletes, dignitaries and other influential individuals, who travelled from all around the globe to attend,' the lawsuit reads. On March 1, 2022 - six weeks before the wedding - the Peltz family had hoped Braghin and Grijalba would be able to pick up where Bailey left off. But nine days later, after forking out a $159,000 deposit, they decided not to move forward with the pair, who they said couldn't handle the VIP guestlist. 'The celebrity of the wedding couple combined with the anticipated attendance of many high-profile guests required that the wedding planner have the expertise and staffing to plan, coordinate and execute a wedding event of the expected caliber and complexity,' Nelson's lawyers say in the lawsuit. The issue now at hand is the deposit, which Peltz sued for in Miami this week. In the process of trying to get his money back, he has revealed some of the intimate details of the star-studded event. He included screenshots of a group text between him, the planners and Nicola. Wedding planner #1: Preston Bailey, the designer to the stars who planned Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's wedding Wedding planners #2: Arianna Grijalba and Nicole Braghin were contacted by the Peltz family in March 2022, six weeks before the wedding. They worked for the Peltz family for nine days before being told they weren't up to scratch Wedding planner #3: Michelle Ragos got the job done in the end - but charged the Peltz family an escalated fee because of the tight turn-around In some, Nicola told the planners she was 'tired of catching' their repeated mistakes. In an exchange about F1 star Lewis Hamilton, who the couple had invited to the bash, Nicola wrote: 'Lewis Hamilton did NOT RSVP. So explain why his names on the list please. 'We spoke to him. He can't come so explain why you said he rsvpd yes,' she demanded in one text. The wedding planner tried to explain that she wasn't familiar with the virtual guest list and needed more time to get to grips with the technology. 'I need time to do this. I'm going to take a moment to learn the app and send you the information, | hate looking like a fool but | hate the most not giving you what you need ASAP. I will be back soon,' she said. Nicola appears to be getting frustrated with the wedding planners as her message - in the blue bubbles - say: 'Lewis Hamilton did NOT RSVP. So explain why his names on the list please. We spoke to him. He can't come so explain why you said he rsvpd yes.' The planner then responded - in the gray bubbles - saying: 'I need time to do this. I'm going to take a moment to learn the app and send you the information, | hate looking like a fool but | hate the most not giving you what you need ASAP. I will be back soon.' Texts between Nicola, Nelson and the wedding planners reveal Nicola's frustration that they couldn't manage the RVSP list The text chain shows Adrianna sharing a tally of guests for the welcome party, the wedding and the wedding brunch as well as a list of non-attendees Nicola, 28, shot back: 'That's not true. He didn't rsvp AT ALL.' In his lawsuit, Peltz also makes the suggestion that the wedding planners were abusing alcohol. 'References to alcohol use and possible abuse were not unusual,' his attorneys wrote in their lawsuit. In one message sent around a week before the RSVP conversation, Arianna posted in the chat that she was 'going for a tequila before her head exploded', to which Nicola replied: 'Yes queen!!!!' In a separate conversation around a week before the chat about Lewis Hamilton, Arianna said that she was 'going for a tequila before her head exploded', to which Nicola replied: 'Yes queen!!!!' The Peltz family say the pair of wedding planners oversold their abilities, promising them they could handle the event - which was the 'opportunity of a lifetime'. 'Peltz had presented them with the opportunity of a lifetime to have their names associated with the wedding of two world-famous celebrities, which would undoubtedly propel PDE into wedding planning stardom. 'In reality, however, it later became clear that PDE viewed this is as an opportunity to take advantage of Peltz by making material misrepresentations on both their website and in person regarding their experience, expertise, and capability of planning the wedding,' his attorneys wrote. On March 4 - what Peltz's attorneys describe as the 'day of reckoning', he called the pair to let them know they'd lost the gig. 'Peltz had presented them with the opportunity of a lifetime to have their names associated with the wedding of two world-famous celebrities, which would undoubtedly propel PDE into wedding planning stardom' the lawsuit reads, referring to Nicola as a 'world-famous actress' David and Victoria Beckham at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding in Palm Beach in April last year Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his family also attended the star-studded wedding 'During their nine days of negotiations, PDE failed to book a single new wedding vendor, failed to finalize the terms of any agreements with any of the vendors that had previously been selected by Peltz and his family and failed to attend previously scheduled meetings with Peltz. Nelson Peltz with son-in-law Brooklyn 'Admitting that they lacked the skills to perform as promised, PDE recommended hiring an additional wedding planner.' Two days later, they begged Nelson and his wife Claudia not to spread negative gossip about them, writing in an email: 'In order to avoid negative gossip, we would appreciate that in the case you are asked to comment on our departure, that your answer reflects the work and good attitude we put into the process, and no professional reason for our detachment. 'We will say: we are under NDA and cannot comment. This keeps us both in a very good place. 'We really wish you and the family a fantastic event... we are sure as you even said that our paths will cross in the future as I truly feel we had a great connection with you and Claudia.' The family ended up hiring Michelle Rago of Michelle Rago Destinations, who pulled the event off seamlessly. But because of the tight time frame, Peltz claims he had to pay Rago a 'substantially higher fee than what the Rago Destinations would have charged under normal circumstances'. He says he asked for his deposit back from Planned Design Events multiple times in the following weeks, but that they refused to return it. Peltz is also suing the pair for legal fees. Investigators from the FBI searched the office that President Biden used to maintain at a DC think tank days after his own lawyer identified classified material there, it was revealed Tuesday. The White House and the Justice Department did not disclose the search, which was reported by CBS News, despite the White House's claim of 'transparency' over the rolling discoveries of classified material. It was not immediately known if any additional documents marked classified were uncovered during the search, which took place in mid-November. On November 2, days before the mid-term elections, a Biden attorney discovered 10 documents marked 'classified,' then contacted the National Archives, which alerted the Justice Department. News of the FBI search comes as the Biden administration faces new pressure from Democrats to disclose the contents of classified material found at his home and office. Investigators from the FBI searched the Penn Biden office for classified material back in November, it was revealed Tuesday A January 14 statement from Biden lawyer Bob Bauer did not acknowledge the government search, only flagging the government's 'inquiry, including taking possession of any documents and reviewing any surrounding material for further review and context.' A January 12 statement by White House counsel Richard Sauber noted that the president's lawyers and DOJ were 'coordinating closely' in the search of the president's Wilmington home. 'Following the discovery of government documents at the Penn Biden Center in November 2022, and coordinating closely with the Department of Justice, the President's lawyers have searched the President's Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, residences the other locations where files from his Vice-Presidential office might have been shipped in the course of the 2017 transition, Sauber said in a statement. That search turned up classified materials in a garage and one in an adjacent room. On Friday, January 20, the FBI searched Biden's Wilmington home, uncovering additional classified material. Top Republicans have called on the government to search the president's Rehoboth, Delaware, beach house, where Biden's team says no classified documents were uncovered in its own search. The White House had fielded questions last week about whether such a search might happen this past weekend, when Biden was at Camp David and in Wilmington, but there are no indications it happened. 'There has not been a limit of transparency,' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this month during a particularly feisty White House press briefing. The repeated disclosures come after months of reporting on Donald Trump's own resistance to government demands to return documents and the FBI's discovery under a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago of hundreds of documents marked 'classified.' The search at the Penn Biden center in Washington, D.C. came days after the initial document discovery The FBI carried out a search of Biden's Wilmington, Delaware, home, where classified materials were discovered in a garage and private library The same garage is home to Biden's classic Corvette Stingray along with some boxes and a lampshade The news broke as Biden visited New York to tout infrastructure improvements The president has faced repeated questions about the documents, sometimes scolding reporters, sometimes defending his conduct Former Barack Obama advisor David Axelrod is among prominent Democrats who have called out the Biden White House for insufficient transparency, in an op-ed where he faulted the team for violating a mantra of crisis communications to 'fully disclose all the facts' as quickly as possible. Bauer's statement following the Wilmington search this month made clear that the Justice Department took part in the search. DOJ 'took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry, including six items consisting of documents with classification markings and surrounding materials, some of which were from the President's service in the Senate and some of which were from his tenure as Vice President,' Bauer said in a statement at the time. He said investigators also took handwritten notes from Biden's time as vice president. The walls may finally be closing in on America's favorite, newly elected fabulist - George Santos. Just last week, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pledged to remove the freshman representative from Congressional committees if an ethics investigation finds he broke the law. But on Tuesday, the disgraced Long Island delegate saved McCarthy the trouble. He voluntarily resigned his committee posts, after reportedly telling GOP members behind closed doors that he felt that he'd become a 'distraction.' He's now the focus of New York State and federal prosecutors and complaints to the Federal Election Commission and the House Ethics committee, to name a few. Then last week, Santos made a series of bizarre amendments to his own sworn campaign finance records. So, could this truly be the beginning of the end? He is a man who campaigned for Congress as the 'full embodiment of the American Dream,' and the few who glanced through official biography could fault that description. There was something for everyone in his endlessly fascinating and impressive life story. He was blisteringly high-achieving: the son of Brazilian immigrants who went to a public college in New York via one of the city's brainiest private schools, earned an MBA and then had a lucrative Wall Street career working for two of the financial industry's most illustrious names. There was the stuff that tugged at the heartstrings - his equally impressive mother had been killed in the 9/11 terror attacks while working in her office in the south tower of the World Trade Center. His grandparents had survived the Holocaust and fled persecution during WWII. And, in case anyone was thinking he was playing down his homosexuality, he pointed out that he'd lost four employees in the 2016 mass shooting at Orlando's gay Pulse nightclub. The walls may finally be closing in on America's favorite, newly elected fabulist - George Santos. The list went on and on. Was there anything missing in this litany of likeability? Truly, he was one of the world's most interesting men. Except, there was one title that he would not claim being a Brazilian cross dresser. 'I was not a drag queen in Brazil, guys,' he told reporters on Saturday, after pictures emerged showing a glamorous young man in a sparkling red dress bearing a remarkable resemblance to him. 'I was young and I had fun at a festival,' he continued, sounding far less categorical. 'Sue me for having a life' Well, someone may sue or worse. DailyMail.com can now reveal the full devastating dossier of George Santos' deceits from his early life in the Niteroi, Brazil drag scene to his curious campaign financing... EARLY, GENDER-FLUID LIFE George Santos is probably 34 years old and was probably born and brought up in New York that much at least appears to be true. His name is more of a mystery. Many of those familiar with Santos know him as Anthony Devolder (a combination of his middle name and his mother's maiden name) or any combination of George, Anthony, Santos and Devolder. A veteran of the Brazilian drag scene says she knew him as 'Kitara Ravache.' Santos has dismissed claims that from his late teens he was a drag queen in Niteroi, a city near Rio de Janeiro, but this jaw-dropping allegation has legs. Politico discovered a Wikipedia page accessed by a user named Anthony Devolder, in which someone wrote that Devolder 'started his 'stage' life at age 17 as a gay night club DRAG QUEEN and with that won several GAY 'BEAUTY PAGENTS.' It could just be someone else other than Santos who created the biography but it's unlikely. They would had to have used the same alias and same biographical details as him a dozen years ago, all for a page nobody was likely to see anyway. In fact, it tallies with the testimony of another drag queen, named Eula Rochard, who appeared in a photo next to 'Kitara' and has said that Santos never really had what it took to be a professional performer. Santos' sudden international notoriety has also attracted the attention of Brazilian police, who say they want to resurrect fraud charges against him dating back to 2008. Another drag queen, named Eula Rochard, appeared in a photo next to 'Kitara' and has said that Santos never really had what it took to be a professional performer. He would have been around 19 years old at time. According to police, Santos confessed to forging signatures in a stolen check book that was in his mother's possession but had belonged to a dead man. Then Santos reportedly disappeared forcing authorities to suspend the investigation. SCHOOL DAZE He didn't go to the smart, $59,800-a-year, Horace Mann School in the Bronx, Baruch College in New York City or New York University's Stern School of Business, as he claimed. He later admitted to these lies, explaining them as 'a little bit of fluff' on his resume. Like many of his responses to revelations about his mendacity, his initial flat denials gradually morph into admissions. This invented educational background may help explain why he was able to boast a couple of years ago that he has no student debt, while decrying the state of today's young people. 'I hate looking at youth today and seeing them sitting on their behinds and acting like, 'Ugh, this is so hard,' he said on a 2020 podcast. 'I put myself through college and got an MBA from NYU and I have zero debt,' claiming that his parents helped him when they could, but they were struggling with bankruptcy. He didn't go to the smart, $59,800-a-year, Horace Mann School in the Bronx (above), Baruch College in New York City or New York University's Stern School of Business, as he claimed. Reporters have not been able to locate any such bankruptcy records. Santos said he actually got into Baruch on a volleyball scholarship and embellished this impressive story by relating how his team - on which he was a star player - went on to 'slay' Harvard and Yale, and how he 'sacrificed' his knees for the sport and needed to get them replaced. Whether his knees are man-made or not remains to be proven, but certainly his academic pedigree is artificial. FAMILY LIES Santos said his mother, Fatima Devolder, was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 - a claim he didn't take back even as he amended his biography following other revelations of lying. She didn't die there (that, after all, would have been easy to check) but was killed by cancer 'a few years later', he says. In fact, she wasn't even in New York on 9/11 as she'd lost her green card and was stuck in Brazil. Records show she died in 2016. And neither was his mother the 'the first female executive at a major financial institution' that he claimed. According to the New York Times, she described herself on immigration papers as 'a housekeeper and home aide'. Santos said his mother, Fatima Devolder (right), was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 - a claim he didn't take back even as he amended his biography following other revelations of lying. Nor were his grandparents Hungarian Jews who came as refugees to the US after surviving the Holocaust. This is likely to be remembered as one of his most shameless lies as his grandparents were born in Brazil which, noted sceptics, made it very unlikely they fell foul of the Nazis. Santos also publicly described himself in campaign literature as a 'proud America Jew' and, on his election last November, proclaimed that his election meant that 'now there will be three' Jewish Republican members of Congress'. He subsequently insisted he'd actually never claimed to be Jewish and was Catholic, adding: 'Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background, I said I was 'Jew-ish'.' Everybody, he complained, 'wants to nitpick me'. Finally, Santos claimed that his family held an impressive-sounding real estate portfolio of 13 properties. But his grand boasts of a property empire contrast sharply with his far less glamorous residential reality: he's twice - in 2015 and 2017 - been evicted from homes in Queens for not paying rent. He has not provided any evidence of the 13 properties and even his claim that he was mugged on his way to pay back rent to a landlord during one of the eviction cases was fictitious. TANGLED LOVELIFE Was his homosexuality - which no secret to those who knew him - another facet of Santos he wanted to hide? Friends in New York were shocked in 2012 when he said he was returning to Brazil to marry a woman. Her name was Uadla and Santos would introduce her as a friend although court records show they divorced in 2019. He might well have passed her off as just a friend because in 2014 he invited friends to celebrate his engagement to a man. 'Good evening everyone! As you all may already know Pedro and I have decided to join our toothbrushes! ' he wrote in a 2014 Facebook 'engagement dinner' invitation. 'Lol and a very few friends have been selected to share this special moment with us!' WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING His work experience as laid out on his resume, sadly, was also not nearly so star-studded. He said he worked for both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup - but he didn't. In 2011, he was working not on Wall Street but in a call center in a remote corner of Queens, New York. A colleague, Barbara Hurdas, remembers him boasting about coming from a rich family in Nantucket but wondered, why then, he was working with her for $12 an hour. In one of his many hilariously phrased clarifications, he admitted saying he worked for the two financial giants had been a 'poor choice of words'. His work experience as laid out on his resume, sadly, was also not nearly so star-studded. He said he worked for both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup - but he didn't. A veteran of the Brazilian drag scene says she knew Santos as 'Kitara Ravache.' But he did have ties to Harbor City Capital, a Florida-based investment firm where he went to work in 2020. Unfortunately for his resume, that business now stands accused by the SEC of running a Ponzi scheme. Santos insists he wasn't involved in it and he isn't mentioned in the SEC case. Former friends say Santos didn't limit his career ambitions - and fantasies - to finance, telling them he was a model and was going to be in Vogue, or that he was a reporter for a Brazilian TV station. THE BIG LIE CAMPAIGNS Santos turned his attentions to politics in 2018, offering to volunteer for a far-right activist in Queens who was running for state office. Aides told New York magazine he was ineffectual, doing little to help other than be affable and enthusiastic. Others were unimpressed with him but not Santos - the following year he started telling Republican officials in Queens that he wanted to challenge Democrat Congressman Tom Suozzi, despite his having won by a convincing margin of 18 points in 2018. He lost in 2020 by nearly 50,000 votes, which - of course - he then decried as the result of electoral fraud at where else - President Donald Trump's Stop the Steal rally that immediately preceded the January 6th storming of the Capitol. Santos later insisted that while Trump was at 'full awesomeness' at the rally, he didn't follow the mob into the Capitol. As if Santos' exaggerated past wasn't enough, he padded his resume with phony and possibility fraudulent philanthropy. He lost in 2020 by nearly 50,000 votes, which - of course - he then decried as the result of electoral fraud at where else - President Donald Trump's Stop the Steal rally. New York is a city of pet owners and Santos had something for them too. His family-owned businesses apparently included an animal rescue charity that had saved more than 2,500 dogs and cats. Santos has claimed that Friends of Pets United is a tax-exempt organization, but the IRS has found no record of this. However, two New Jersey veterans say Santos promised in 2016 to raise money for life-serving surgery for a service dog, only to run off with the cash. Richard Osthoff and Michael Boll, a retired police sergeant, say Santos - using the name Anthony Devolder - closed the GoFundMe fund for ailing pit mix Sapphire when it reached $3,000. Mr Osthoff, a disabled vet who relied on Sapphire for support while living in a tent inside an abandoned chicken coop, said that when they caught up with Santos, he claimed the dog, who had a stomach tumor, hadn't been suitable for surgery so he was going to use the money to help other animals. Sapphire had to be put down. SECOND CHANCE AT STARDOM His 2022 Democrat opponent Robert Zimmerman has claimed his campaign unearthed various 'red flags' about Santos soon after he announced his second bid for Congress in June 2022, but it didn't have the time or resources to investigate properly. Regardless, and not surprisingly, the Santos campaign did a good job of raising new questions on its own. Last September, as a congressional candidate, he filed his personal financial disclosure report, claiming his assets were worth as much as $11 million - a huge increase on his 2020 campaign, as was his stated earnings, up from $60,000 to $1 million. He claimed it all came from the 'Devolder Organization', a company he owned and which worked as a middle man between 'high-net-worth individuals' he knew who wanted to sell valuable possessions (he mentioned a $20 million super yacht as an example). He hasn't identified any of its clients. A watchdog group, the Campaign Legal Center, has complained to the Federal Election Commission, saying the Devolder Organization had lent Santos's campaign $700,000. It suggested that 'unknown persons provided money to Santos disguised as income' from his company. Documents that Santos filed to Federal Election Commission on Tuesday show that he is now amending his sworn declaration and is longer claiming that two loans of $500,000 and $125,000 to his campaign came from his personal funds. Richard Osthoff (above) and Michael Boll, a retired police sergeant, say Santos - using the name Anthony Devolder - closed the GoFundMe fund for ailing pit mix Sapphire when it reached $3,000. The source of the half-a-million dollar has not yet been disclosed. A top elections lawyer told the New York Times, 'If the candidate's personal wealth wasn't the source of the loan, then what was?... If a bank wasn't the source of the funds, then the only alternatives are illegal sources.' In 2022, the Santos campaign spent more than $40,000 on air travel - way more than the usual - as well as $30,000 on hotels across the US and $14,000 on car services. The campaign also forked out $11,000 to rent a house in suburban Huntington, Long Island, on the grounds it was to accommodate staff. But neighbors claim they saw the great man himself living there. And that is illegal under rules banning candidates spending campaign money on personal expenses. It's also emerged that scores of campaign expenditures were listed in disclosure forms at $199.99, just below the $200 threshold where receipts are required. This is now the focus of a complaint filed to the FEC. Santos has also landed in trouble for some of his recent fund-raising ideas. For donors willing to pay $100 to $500, he offered a bus trip to Washington, followed by lunch, his 'swearing-in ceremony' and a tour of the 'Capitol grounds'. The latter appears not to be the actual Capitol building itself but the public - and freely accessible - space surrounding it. Experts say the invitation, while unusual, didn't necessarily constitute a violation as it didn't specify the money was for a paid 'tour' and not, additionally, of the Capitol itself, which would potentially breach ethics rules. It's now emerged that he told a Brazilian podcast last month that he survived an assassination attempt, something he's oddly never mentioned until now. Ditto his accompanying claim that he was once mugged on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and had the shoes stolen off his feet, while bystanders watched. HOUSE OF CARDS CRUMBLE As it was, Santos' epic house of cards didn't start to tumble until the New York Times claimed in mid-December that he'd lied about his resume. His lawyer dismissed the story as 'defamatory' and a smear campaign by the left-wing paper. A week after the Times story came out, Santos conceded that he may have embellished his resume and that he was sorry although he insisted, he hadn't committed any crimes. Of course, many politicians are caught out for being a little creative in their resumes - an over-burnished record of academic or business excellence here, a strangely omitted career faux-pas there - but Santos' reinvention of himself is utterly wholesale and almost comically shameless. Santos' epic house of cards didn't start to tumble until the New York Times claimed in mid-December that he'd lied about his resume. He has even managed the seemingly impossible by distracting attention from the far more significant scandal over President Biden's growing collection of home-stored top-secret documents. Aware of how much damage he's doing to their party, six Republican congressmen in New York have called for him to resign as did a majority of New York voters in a new Siena poll. Even party leaders, desperate to hold on to a narrow majority in the House, now appear to be coming around to the reality of the question: how long can the charade continue? After winning his New York seat in November, Santos was asked why he thought he'd won and he pointed to Jewish voters. 'We're fed up with being lied to.' Priceless. Olivia was let out of her 8 by 8 foot room only to do chores for the family and the abuse had been reported to school counselors by one of her adopted siblings Olivia Atkocaitis, 19, claims Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis, kept her in a 'dungeon, forced her to use a toilet as a bucket, and treated her like a slave' A Chinese-born teen is suing her adoptive parents and several New Hampshire government agencies over years of abuse she suffered in their home A Chinese-born woman has filed a lawsuit against New Hampshire government agencies and her adoptive parents claiming they used her as a slave and subjected her to confinement and abuse for years. The lawsuit was filed in New Boston, New Hampshire, last week and names Olivia Atkocaitis, 19, as the plaintiff and her parents, Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis, as the defendants. Olivia was kept in a 'dungeon' and beaten, starved, and forced to work for years, according to the 70-page lawsuit which also names the New Boston police, a nonprofit Massachusetts adoption agency, and the local school district. This is the 8-by-8 foot room Olivia Atkocaitis was kept in inside the home's 'dungeon' Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis were arrested in 2018 on abuse charges Olivia's suit claims the agencies cited ignored her situation even after one of her siblings, one of the Atkocaitis' biological children, reported the abuse in the home. In 2011, one of the couple's teenagers told a school counselor Olivia - who was eight at the time - had been whipped, starved, and pushed down the stairs. Olivia, the suit states, was the only child not permitted to go to school. Police were sent to the home and photographed the 8-by-8 foot room where the girl was kept and the incident was reported to the Division for Children, Youth and Families. The couple's teenager was removed from the house but Olivia remained. 'It did not offer the same protections to Olivia, a younger child, a girl, a racial and ethnic minority, even after Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis admitted to police that they had locked her in a basement dungeon,' the lawsuit reads. Denise Atkocatis in a Facebook photo Thomas and Denise were initially arrested and charged in 2018 after Olivia escaped. At the time, authorities said the New England couple locked the girl in the 'dungeon' room that was rigged with an alarm if she tried to escape. The small room had less than 100 square feet and one window that was covered with chicken-wire mesh. Olivia was let out only to do chores for the family, including caring for the animals on the property and cleaning their manure. The girl was permitted to attend school for only one day and was forced to use a bucket as a toilet, a fact that her siblings told school officials. 'When Olivia attempted to escape, as she did repeatedly as a child, local police hunted her down, reprimanded her for escaping, and returned her to servitude. During her last effort at escape, the police used dogs to track her,' the suit states. This is the New Boston, New Hampshire home where the alleged atrocities took place The lawsuit, filed by Michael Lewis on behalf of Olivia, alleges the girl's 13th Amendment rights were denied inside the New Hampshire home. The 13th Amendment was passed in 1865 and is most closely associated with the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolishment of slavery. 'Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction,' the Amendment states. It was this verbiage that led Lewis to file the suit. 'In my view, the state permitted slavery to exist in its jurisdiction, and the state did nothing about this,' said the attorney. The suit, filed Monday in the Merrimack County Superior Court, also alleges racism from the agencies listed. In 2018, Denise pleaded guilty to a felony criminal restraint and managed to avoid prison time. Thomas pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child endangerment and received a minimal jail sentence, the lawsuit states. Thomas purportedly moved to Maine while Denise moved to Georgia and their family home where the alleged atrocities took place was sold in October 2019. In the new suit filed by Olivia and her attorney, the pair blames Wide Horizons for Children who placed her in their care. Olivia was kept in a 'dungeon' and only allowed out to do the family's chores Before she had been placed in the home, officials had been told by one of the Atkocaitis' biological children that their father had beaten them with a belt. Wide Horizons did report this to the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, the suit claims, but the agency never investigated. After Olivia had been given to the Atkocaitises, the family was noted as 'devoted to their children, and they are raising them in a loving, Christian home, where each child is thriving,' in a post-placement investigation. Olivia's lawsuit is one of many filed in recent years claiming neglect by the Division of Children, Youth, and Families. 'We are reviewing the filing and will respond as appropriate in court in the ordinary course of litigation,' said Michael Garrity, a spokesman for Attorney General John Formella, in an email to local media. He will face trial along with his wife, daughter and a doctor at the Old Bailey Nigeria's former deputy senate president and his wife appeared in court on Tuesday ahead of their trial for conspiracy to arrange the travel of a 21-year-old with a view to exploitation for organ harvesting. Ike Ekweremadu, 60, appeared at the Old Bailey court wearing a grey tracksuit top, speaking only to say 'Yes, miss' when asked to confirm his name. He is accused along with his wife Beatrice, daughter Sonia and a doctor of bringing a 21-year-old man from Nigeria to have his kidney removed. Prosecutors said the defendants allegedly planned to have a kidney removed from the man so that it could be given to Sonia. Ike Ekweremadu, 60, is accused along with his wife Beatrice, daughter Sonia and a doctor of bringing a 21-year-old man from Nigeria to have his kidney removed Prosecutors said the defendants allegedly planned to have a kidney removed from the man so that it could be given to Sonia (pictured together) She was unable to attend court as she is currently in hospital with an unspecified condition. Her defence team have also submitted a psychological report, claiming she is not fit to stand trial. The court adjourned soon after convening in order for prosecutors to read the report. The accuser is said to have raised the alarm after refusing to consent to the procedure, following preliminary tests at a north London hospital. Charges were brought after the man went to the police. The Ekweremadus were arrested in June last year at London's Heathrow airport after flying into the UK. Beatrice and Sonia (pictured) were both granted bail, while it has been refused for Ike Another man, Obinna Obeta, a 50-year-old doctor from south London, was arrested at a later date. The trial has been brought forward from a planned date in May. Ekweremadu is a senator for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for Enugu state in southeast Nigeria. The Ekweremadus and the doctor are accused of conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, under UK legislation on modern slavery. The offence is alleged to have taken place between August 2021 and May 2022. Ike Ekweremadu had his bail plea rejected. Obeta was also detained. Beatrice and Sonia Ekweremadu are on conditional bail. Beatrice, dressed all in black, sat next to her husband in the dock during the brief session on Tuesday morning. It came less than a day after she spoke out about the charges for the first time Hilaria Baldwin took to social media Tuesday to thank supporters of her embattled husband as he is set to be charged with involuntary manslaughter today - more than a year after the accidental shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. The impassioned post featured a photo of 64-year-old Alec with the couple's seven school-aged kids, and accompanied with a heartfelt caption that hailed the A-lister for his parenting. It came less than a day after the 39-year-old model addressed the charges against her husband for the first time, nearly two weeks they were announced by the Santa Fe District Attorney's Office. The couple has managed to keep a low profile since, only venturing out of their Manhattan apartment a handful of times. The impassioned post featured a photo of 64-year-old Alec with the couple's seven school-aged kids, and accompanied with a heartfelt caption that hailed the A-lister for his parenting 'I hope you understand how much your support and kindness to Alec and our children mean,' the post began, before going on to thank Baldwin himself. The couple were seen departing the Lower Manhattan luxury building on Tuesday - the same day the actor is expected to be formally slapped with the manslaughter charge - which could see the 30 Rock star put behind bars for five years. Hours later, Hilaria - who is also a yoga-instructor, activist, and podcaster - posted to Instagram to express her gratitude towards those still in her husband's corner. 'I hope you understand how much your support and kindness to Alec and our children mean,' the post began, before going on to thank Baldwin for attempting to keep a brave face in front of his family. 'Thank you for being our community and our village,' Hilaria wrote, before going on to call Hutchins' 2021 death a 'tragedy.' 'You are helping us to be stronger parents and partners during this unimaginable time,' she wrote. 'Please know that I hear all of your outspoken words and each and every one of you reminds me daily that there is kindness in the world and we are not alone.' The actor was seen departing the Lower Manhattan luxury building on Tuesday - the same day the actor is expected to be formally slapped with the manslaughter charge The couple has managed to keep a low profile since the charges were announced by the Santa Fe DA's Office, only venturing out of their Manhattan apartment a handful of times. They were photographed Tuesday leaving the luxury building just a few hours before Hilaria's post Hilaria's post surfaced just a few hours before charges against the actor are expected to be formally filed, and shortly after the pair were photographed leaving their home on Tuesday morning. Baldwin, who stands accused of involuntary manslaughter and a further fire enhancement charge for Hutchins' accidental death on the Santa Fe set of his film Rust, appeared worse for wear ahead of the anticipated filing. Looking somber, the actor appeared to ignore camera crews as he and Hilaria exited the building and entered the family's SUV. Baldwin, who stands accused of involuntary manslaughter and a further fire enhancement charge for Hutchins' accidental death, appeared worse for wear ahead of the anticipated filing Once the charges are filed later the today, Baldwin reportedly could face trial as soon as this year. The sighting comes as the star has kept a low profile the past few days, in the wake of Santa Fe DA Mary Carmack-Altwies's decision to pursue a criminal case against the actor. 'He doesn't actually have to touch each projectile, each piece of ammunition', Santa Fe County's district attorney said upon announcing the charges against the actor in January 19. 'He has an absolute duty to know that what is in the gun that is being placed in his hand is safe.' Baldwin and Hutchins on the set of Rust last year. He maintains he never pulled the trigger The saga surrounding Hutchins' wrongful death stems from an incident during filming for the film on the outskirts of Santa Fe, where Baldwin accidentally shot both Hutchins and Director Joel Souza with a single bullet. Baldwin had been practicing drawing a revolver from his holster when a round was fired and pierced Souza's shoulder after traveling through Hutchins' chest. The actor insisted during an interview with police that he had been told the gun was 'cold' when it was handed to him and, crucially, that he did not pull the trigger. Baldwin has refuted an FBI report which claims he must have pulled the trigger for the gun to fire. The District Attorney's office, which is similarly charging the armorer on set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, remained confident it could prosecute both Baldwin and the 25-year-old film staffer. Since the announcement on Thursday, Baldwin has made himself scarce. Last week, he seen going into an office building in New York, where he tried to cover his face with letters after emerging from the vehicle Both face a maximum of five years in prison if convicted. The manslaughter charges carry a maximum 18-month sentence and the firearm enhancement clause behind bars for an additional three-and-a-half years. Since the announcement, Baldwin has made himself scarce - only appearing every few days to make a panicked dash to a car from his apartment, where he lives with Hilaria and their seven children - Carmen, 9, Rafael, 7, Leonardo, 6, Romeo, 4, Eduardo, 2, Lucia, 1, and 3-month-old Ilaria. Last week, he seen going into an office building in New York, where he tried to cover his face with letters after emerging from the vehicle. Hilaria, meanwhile, has looked markedly more unbothered during the sightings, stopping to pose for photos and even smiling at reporters. Hilaria holds an umbrella and wears sunglasses as she's spotted standing next to a black SUV as Alec hoists himself inside On Monday the model offered a first glimpse into her mindset the past several days, opening up during a taping of her podcast Witches Anonymous, where admitted she doesn't 'feel so strong' since learning that her husband would face charges That said, on Monday, in anticipation of Tuesday's formal filing, the model offered a first glimpse into her mindset the past several days, opening up during a taping of her podcast Witches Anonymous, where admitted she doesn't 'feel so strong' since learning that her husband would face charges. She conceded during the taping: 'It's been an emotional time for my family. And I do so want to express to you how grateful I am for your support and your kindness and your reason. 'Quite honestly, without it, we would crumble. So, thank you so much for being our rock right now because I don't feel so strong.' Dave Halls, meanwhile, the unreleased film's Assistant Director who handed Baldwin the gun that killed Hutchins, avoided jail time after reaching an 11-th hour plea deal with New Mexico prosecutors, which saw him plead guilty to the charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. Several lawsuits have been filed in civil court including one filed by Hutchins' widower, Matthew Hutchins, against Baldwin and the rest of the production, this time in California. As part of the behind-closed-doors agreement, Matthew will now serve as a producer on the film, once it resumes production later this year. The two smeared vegan cakes topped with shaving foam in the waxwork's face Two Just Stop Oil protesters must pay Madame Tussauds 3,500 in compensation after smearing vegan chocolate cakes in the face of a waxwork of King Charles. Eilidh McFadden, 20, and Tom Johnson, 29, were found guilty of criminal damage on Tuesday after Westminster Magistrates' Court heard they targeted the model 'in the manner of a slapstick comedy using custard pies'. The activists slapped the cakes, which were topped with shaving foam, in the model's face, before quoting Charles's own words on climate change on October 24 last year. His waxwork needed to be repainted after the substances were cleaned off following the stunt at the popular London tourist destination, while its jacket, shirt and bow tie needed to be dry-cleaned. Eilidh McFadden (second left), 20, and Tom Johnson (second right), 29, were found guilty of criminal damage on Tuesday after they slapped cakes topped with shaving foam in the face of the waxwork of King Charles on October 24 last year The model, along with those of the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales - which can cost between 75,000 and 200,000 to make - were removed from display until the following morning. McFadden and Johnson denied causing 3,500 of criminal damage, with the costs said to have been incurred by the repainting, as well as the cleaning of clothes and real hair wigs of the waxworks, and the royal set, including a red throne. The court heard some staff had to work an extra five hours, while admission was halted for almost an hour, which could have prevented up to 900 people entering during the busy half-term holiday. Johnson said they had rejected the idea of using hot soup, while McFadden told the court she had practised the cake stunt with another person. Eilidh McFadden (right) and Tom Johnson (left) denied causing 3,500 of criminal damage. Pictured: the pair at Westminster Magistrates Court January 31, 2023 'The substance was carefully chosen to inflict as little damage as possible,' said Johnson. McFadden added: 'Shaving foam on a waxwork is nothing compared to the damage we see from the climate crisis.' However, prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said: 'Your actions have done nothing whatsoever to help those persons effected by climate change, have they?' He added: 'Putting a custard pie on a waxwork model of King Charles is not going to convince anyone about climate change, it is a totally trivial action.' District Judge Neeta Minhas convicted them of causing 3,500 of criminal damage, telling the pair she was satisfied the damage was 'significant' and 'not minor or temporary'. 'If the damage is significant, even within a peaceful protest, it would not be disproportionate to have a conviction and I find you both guilty,' she said. The judge gave self-employed artist Johnson, who has no previous convictions, a 12-month conditional discharge but ordered him to pay 1,750 compensation and 250 costs. The activists slapped the cakes, which were topped with shaving foam, in the model's face, before quoting Charles's own words on climate change on October 24 last year The King's waxwork needed to be repainted after the substances were cleaned off following the stunt at the popular London tourist destination, while its jacket, shirt and bow tie needed to be dry-cleaned McFadden, who has three previous convictions for aggravated trespass, was ordered to pay the same amount of compensation and costs, and handed a 12-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work. Opening the case, Mr Bryan said: 'Mr Johnson and Ms McFadden, like thousands of others, went into and made their way through the room in which models of the royal family were on display - four figures including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate. 'However, Mr Johnson and Ms McFadden weren't there simply to enjoy the display and take some photos for their friends, they were climate protesters from Just Stop Oil. 'They removed their outer clothing to reveal Just Stop Oil T-shirts they were wearing underneath. 'They took out a cake, topped with some sort of foam and each in turn slapped the cake into the face of the model of King Charles rather in the manner of a slapstick comedy using custard pies.' A couple left their baby at an Israeli airport check-in while attempting to board a Ryanair flight after refusing to buy a ticket for the child. Two parents with Belgian passports were detained by police after leaving their baby at the check-in at the Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to the Jerusalem Post. The couple attempted to board a Ryanair flight from Tel Aviv to Brussels, but they didn't have a ticket for their baby. They refused to pay for one and seemed to have left their baby in the stroller as they walked to passport control. Two parents with Belgian passports were detained by police after leaving their baby at the check-in at the Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv Airport staff noticed what had happened and contacted the police, who found the parents and took them in for questioning. The manager of the Ryanair desk said everyone was in shock and told the Jerusalem Post: 'We've never seen anything like this. We couldn't believe what we were seeing.' According to the Israel Airports Authority, what happened was that the couple arrived late to Terminal 1 after the check-in counter was closed. They wanted to go through to deal with security and simply left their baby on the conveyor belt at the area. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will make his first public speech since leaving office in Miami on Friday. Details emerged a day after his lawyer said Bolsonaro had applied for a new US visa to stay in the country for another six months, even as investigators at home probe any role he may have played in violent protests that erupted in his country's capital earlier this month. He will be introduced by conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Friday evening, deliver a speech and then sit for a question and answer session, according to an organizer. Bolsonaro has kept a low profile since arriving in Florida at the end of last year. In the meantime President Joe Biden has come under increasing pressure to send the populist leader and ally of Donald Trump back to Brazil. Jair Bolsonaro has been staying in Florida since flying out of Brazil. On Friday, his lawyer applied for a new visa that would allow him to stay for another six months Bolsonaro will deliver a speech on Friday with an introduction by Charlie Kirk It means his words will be parsed for any thoughts on the violence that erupted on Jan. 8 when his supporters went on the rampage, claiming the election was stolen. They attacked congress, the supreme court and presidential palace triggering immediate comparisons with the way Trump supporters ransacked the U.S. Congress two years earlier, and calls for Bolsonaro to be sent home. It ended a period of calm, while he lived in a quiet Orlando suburb. He left Brazil for Florida on Dec. 30, days before his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was due to be inaugurated. Since then supporters have gathered outside the villa where he is staying and occasional sightings, such as a KFC visit, have gone viral. Bolsonaro will be introduced by Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Miami on Friday Democrats are heaping pressure on President Joe Biden, saying the U.S. cannot become a 'refuge' for Bolsonaro or other Brazilian officials trying to flee investigations at home On Friday, he applied for a new visa that would allow him to stay in the U.S. for another six months, according to his lawyer. 'I think Florida will be his temporary home away from home,' Alexandre Felipe Alexandre, founder of AG Immigration, told the Financial Times. 'Right now, with his situation, I think he needs a little stability.' Bolsonaro was president when he arrived in Florida and had been travelling on an A-1 visa used by diplomats and heads of state. But it expired when he left office, giving him 30 days to obtain a new visa or leave. In the meantime, the Biden administration has come under pressure not to allow him to stay. Dozens of House Democrats wrote to the White House urging officials to examine Bolsonaro's status and revoke his visa if necessary. Supporters of Bolsonaro clashed with police on Jan. 8 in the capital Brasilia The violent protests immediately provoked comparisons with Donald Trump, Bolsonaro's close populist ally, and the way his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol two years earlier Bolsonaro poses for photos with his supporters outside the home he is staying in at Encore resort at Reunion on January 22, 2023 in Kissimmee, Florida It also urged the administration to cooperate with investigations in Brazil over the Jan. 8 violence. 'We must not allow Mr Bolsonaro or any other former Brazilian officials to take refuge in the United States to escape justice for any crimes they may have committed when in office,' said the letter, signed by 46 lawmakers. The State Department has said repeatedly its policy is not to discuss specific visa cases. Brazilian authorities have moved aggressively against the rioters, making more than 1000 arrests in the days after the violence. The country's supreme court also said it would investigate Bolsonaro's role in inspiring the mob. One of its justices said Bolsonaro had questions to answer for questioning the country's electoral system and his attacks on the nation's institutions. At the time, the former president's lawyer said: 'President Jair Bolsonaro vehemently repudiates the acts of vandalism and depredation of public property committed by those infiltrating the demonstration. 'He has never had any relationship with or participation in these spontaneous social movements carried out by the population.' The pharmaceutical company producing the arthritis drug Humira made billions off patients and taxpayers by tying up competitors in lawsuits for years after its patent was due to expire in 2016. Drug company AbbVie raked in at least $114billion over the last seven years by setting up a complex series of patents around Humira, and suing any competitors that tried to enter the market with knockoffs known as biosimilars. Prices were expected to drop significantly for patients in 2016, but using its patent tactics AbbVie managed to raise prices by 60 percent, costing some users up to $80,000 per year. Relief could finally be in sight as next week the first biosimilar of the drug is due to hit the market - Amjevita from Amgen, first approved to enter the market nearly seven years ago - with a wave of other brands that have spent years tied up by AbbVie's efforts coming close behind. Some experts have cautioned patients not to expect significant changes, explaining price cuts might only benefit insurance companies and middlemen and leave patients with minimal discounts. Offices for the drug company AbbVie located in Mettawa, Illinois Humira treats rheumatoid arthritis, along with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and a number of other autoimmune conditions. It is also used to treat psoriasis Humira was first approved for use in 2002 as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Since then, it has been used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and a number of other autoimmune conditions. It is also used to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions. AbbVie has raised the price on Humira 30 times since it entered the market, and made at least $208billion, according to The New York Times - more than half of that was made since 2016. That year AbbVie's patent on the drug expired, and biosimilars - drugs with similar effects but different processes and ingredients - were due to enter the market reduce prices for patients. AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez blamed the Medicare system for shackling customers with exorbitant prices A syringe of Humira. It was first approved for use in 2002 But AbbVie applied for a litany of patents - at least 311, 165 of which were granted - surrounding Humira's processes and formulas in an effort to extend patent protections. Whenever a biosimilar attempted to enter the market after 2016, AbbVie bombarded the companies with lawsuits and allegations that their patents had been violated. Since 2016, AbbVie settled lawsuits with at least 10 biosimilar companies, according to The Times, each of which agreed not to enter the market until 2023. Operating with near impunity, AbbVie jacked its prices up on customers who desperately turned to Medicare for help, in turn saddling taxpayers with the cost. One study found that between 2016 and 2019 Medicare paid $2.2billion more than it would have had biosimilars made it to market in 2016 as they were supposed to. Since 2016, AbbVie settled lawsuits with at least 10 biosimilar companies, according to The Times, each of which agreed not to enter the market until 2023. Humira can cost some patients up to $80,000 per year AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez. Executive at the company have openly spoken about using the patent system to keep competitors out AbbVie executive Bill Chase openly admitted to manipulating patents to control the market during a conference in 2014, saying the company used patents to 'make it more difficult for a biosimilar to follow behind.' The company has previously said its methods operate perfectly within the law, and Federal Courts have routinely upheld challenges to the company's tactics. Testifying before a congressional committee investigating drug pricing in 2021, AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez blamed the Medicare system for shackling customers with exorbitant prices. Countless other drug companies - including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen and Merck - have also fortified their positions with patents, but experts said AbbVie's methods with Humira helped pave the way. 'Humira is the poster child for many of the biggest concerns with the pharmaceutical industry,' drug pricing expert from Washington University, Rachel Sachs, told The Times. 'AbbVie and Humira showed other companies what it was possible to do.' Despite biosimilars finally entering the market next week, AbbVie is poised to continue profiting off its tactics, as many of the companies it settled with in recent years agreed to pay royalties to the company which could be as high as 10 percent of net sales. Experts have cautioned that patients may not see much of the discounts from biosimilar drugs, pointing out that they will likely be given to insurers and employers to lower medical costs, and not passed on to patients. 'The bottom line is its feasible that even if prices for Humira and biosimilars go down, this could be in the form of higher rebates to PBMs rather than actual lower prices that are passed onto patients,' said Benjamin Rome, a Harvard Medical School drug pricing researcher. A sixth Memphis police officer was relieved from duty amid shocking developments related to the death of Tyre Nichols. He was arrested for reckless driving and later lost his life due to injuries he sustained from the encounter with law enforcement personnel. Now, widespread protests urging for justice come as many are demanding more criminal charges against police officers involved, and there are calls for nationwide police reform. In a statement on Monday, Memphis police Maj. Karen Rudolph said that the sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, was relieved of duty along with the other personnel. Sixth Officer Involved in Tyre Nichols' Death Separately, Memphis police spokesperson Kimberly Elder said that Hemphill had been placed on administrative leave since the beginning of the investigation into Nichols' death. However, she declined to say if the officer was being paid or if other officers were placed on leave. Thanks to body camera footage, it was found that Hemphill used a taser stun gun on the victim while being heard saying, "One of them prongs hit the bastard." Afterward, the officer could be heard telling one of his colleagues at the scene, "I hope they stomp his ass," as per CNN. The other five police officers have already been fired and charged with criminal activity, including second-degree murder in relation to the beating death of the Black man. On the other hand, Hemphill has not been charged because his attorney, Lee Gerald, said he was not present at the scene of the second part of the incident, which escalated into a beating of Nichols. Meanwhile, attorneys representing Nichols' family have begun to wonder why authorities were quick to fire five Black police officers and charge them with murder but stayed relatively quiet about Hemphill, who is white, and his involvement in the encounter. In a Monday statement, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, representing the victim's family, questioned why it had taken so long for Hemphill's role in the incident to come to light. They said it begs the question of why the white officer was shielded and protected from the public eye. Read Also: Memphis Police Chief Abolishes 'Scorpion Unit' Ongoing Investigation Gerald said that under departmental regulations, Hemphill activated his body cam but was never present at the second scene and was cooperating with officials in the investigation. On the other hand, Nichols' stepfather, Rodney Wells, said on Friday that every active police officer in the case should be charged, according to ABC News. Steve Mulroy, the Shelby County district attorney, said that the investigation is still ongoing and noted that more charges could be filed in the near future. The DA's office said that they were looking at all the people involved in the incident leading up to, during, and after the beating of Nichols. The five other police officers involved in the death of Nichols were previously identified as; Tarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III, and Desmond Mills Jr. They have all been charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault-acting in concert, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of misconduct, and one count of official oppression, said NPR. Related Article: Memphis Police Makes Key Change Following Tyre Nichols Death @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 2,000-pound white rhinoceros has been shot and killed at a Florida safari park after it 'aggressively' escaped from its enclosure - staff claiming it could have 'killed other animals.' Bodycam footage in the moments after the shooting shows Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park general manager Jordan Munns explaining that the behavior of the rhino indicated it was going to cause harm to other animals, forcing staff to stop it. 'The way he was acting inside the pen, he was going to burn through a couple animals, kill them, and then get out, and there was no chance we're going have that,' he said. The three-year-old mammal was killed in September last year, a day before it was brought to the park for its scheduled debut of their new rhino exhibit. Staff deployed 15 rounds, using three different calibers, before the colossal beast dropped dead, then dug a huge hole to bury it in. A 2,000-pound white rhinoceros calf has been shot and killed at a Florida safari park after it 'aggressively' escaped from its enclosure - staff claiming it could have 'killed other animals' Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a report obtained by News 6 that they'd received an anonymous tip about the shooting which launched a probe into the incident. Munns said the next morning, he and other staff members watched as the animal worked to escape from its secondary enclosure, once free, it ran into a grove of cypress trees inside the park. 'We were so close to catching him that we didn't want to shoot him right on the spot, but I said if four feet touch the ground on the other side of this wire, he's done,' Munns was heard telling investigators. 'We came up flying up here, he was still maybe 10 or 12 trees in, and we started shooting.' Munns said that staff used 'the biggest guns' they had and that they had 'three guns going at one time.' While the calf had been only three, it took about 15 rounds and three different calibers to finally kill the rare animal. 'Out of fear that a helicopter might spot the rhino, they dug a hole, placed the rhino in it and covered it most of the way, leaving a portion of the head exposed for us to observe upon our arrival,' FWC investigators wrote. 'We did everything we could to not have to kill this animal,' Munns was heard telling investigators. '[But] that's what it came down to.' There are currently only 18,000 white rhinos in existence, according to the World Wildlife Federation and they're considered 'near threatened' and the only rhino species not classified as 'endangered.' Bodycam footage in the moment after the shooting shows Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park general manager Jordan Munns explaining that the behavior of the rhino indicated it was going to cause harm to other animals, forcing staff to stop it Staff deployed 15 rounds, using three different calibers, before the colossal beast dropped dead, then dug a huge hole to bury it in In comments of a Facebook post made by Wild Florida, most users appeared to be understanding of the decision but some were disgusted given how close the animal is to extinction. One user said: 'This is an endangered animal. One that is practically blind (yes. White rhinos can't see very far in front of them) and poses little threat to people and other animals. 'With the proper enclosures and procedures this shouldn't have happened. As a zoo it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of the animals and visitors. And both seemed to have been compromised.' Another user said, boycotting the park: 'I am disturbed by this entire situation. The rhino had been in the park approximately 24 hours, so was most likely anxious. 'With time and a better enclosure, he might have settled. The optics are bad. It appears he was hunted down and shot. Is this 'humanely euthanized'? Was a veterinarian consulted to consider options like sedation? Could he have been transferred to a zoo or wildlife park equipped to handle him? 'There are only 18,000 white rhinos left in the world. They are a threatened species. I have been to Wild Florida, and enjoyed it. I will not return.' Meanwhile some questioned why tranquillizers weren't considered before killing the animal, a similar sentiment which emerged when beloved 400-pound Gorilla, Harambe was shot and killed in 2016. A user said: 'No tranquilizer guns? No safety protocol put in place before this animal was brought in? Disgusting failure to uphold your responsibility to these creatures.' The FWC determined that no state law had been violated but urged Munns to report the incident to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which enforces the Federal Animal Welfare Act. 'Our rules don't prohibit you from doing what you did,' an FWC investigator was heard saying in the body worn camera footage. 'So, from a lethal take of the animal from a public safety point-of-view, the FWC rules don't prohibit that.' Staff deployed 15 rounds, using three different calibers, before the colossal beast dropped dead, then dug a huge hole to bury it in. Here is a photo the FWC took showing the exposed head of the dead beast Wild Florida has received an official warning from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in relation to a separate incident in March last year involving the escape of four Aoudads, or Barbary Sheep News 6 discovered that Wild Florida has received an official warning from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in relation to a separate incident in March last year. An inspector told the outlet that the escape of four Aoudads, or Barbary Sheep, were the reason. 'In January 2020, seven Aoudads were released onto the facility's property without closing the appropriate gates,' the report obtained by News 6 read. 'Four Aoudads managed to escape; two were killed by hunters and two were eventually killed by the licensee after chemical immobilization attempts failed.' The official warning stated: 'If APHIS obtains evidence of any future violation of these federal regulations, APHIS may pursue civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or other sanctions for this alleged violation(s) and for any future violation(s).' The USDA told News 6 that Wild Florida were inspected in Dec 2022, but a spokesperson did not confirm whether an investigation into the rhino shooting had taken place. In a statement posted online Wild Florida wrote: 'For more than 12 years, Wild Florida's mission has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.' 'Unfortunately, we are sometimes faced with unforeseen situations and circumstances that require an immediate response to ensure the continued safety of visitors, staff, neighbors, and, most importantly, animals in our care. It comes years after beloved 400-pound Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla, Harambe, was fatally shot after a four-year-old boy crawled past the railing of his enclosure and fell 15ft into the gorilla exhibit moat The public mourned Harambe, who many believed had been 'acting protecting' the young boy, the zoo director at the time confirming that the boy was not under attack 'In September 2022, a new rhino began to pose an imminent danger to the park at large, and after consultation with leadership and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal. 'As an organization, Wild Florida will continue providing the best care for our animal family and promote the importance of conservation through our educational programs.' DailyMail have contacted Wild Florida, FWC and USDA for comment. It comes years after beloved 400-pound Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla, Harambe, was fatally shot after a four-year-old boy crawled past the railing of his enclosure and fell 15ft into the gorilla exhibit moat. The public mourned Harambe, who many believed had been 'acting protecting' the young boy, the zoo director at the time confirming that the boy was not under attack. Video of the incident emerged showing the boy reaching for Harambe's arm the pair briefly holding hands. Many have blamed the boy's parents for 17-year-old Harambe's death and the Zoo's director commenting at the time that tranquilizer would have taken too long with the possibility of agitating the animal even more. Assouline was boarding a plane last February when she fell from her wheelchair Gaby Assouline, 25, died after fighting for her life in hospital for 11 months A disabled woman has died eleven months after falling from her wheelchair while boarding a Southwest Airlines plane. Her family say she was refused proper help by airline staff. Gaby Assouline, 25, was boarding a flight from Fort Lauderdale Airport in February 2022 when her family say her electric wheelchair hit a junction in the jet bridge which caused her to be thrown from the chair. Assouline landed on her head which broke her neck and damaged her spinal cord, paralyzing her from the neck down and leaving her unable to speak. After battling for her life in hospital for the last 11 months, her family have revealed she died this month. 'It's with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our precious daughter and sister Gabrielle on Sunday, January 22,' they said. Gaby Assouline, 25, has died eleven months after falling from her wheelchair while boarding a Southwest Airlines plane Assouline suffered a spinal cord injury and was left paralyzed after being ejected from a wheelchair while boarding a Southwest flight on February 25 in Florida 'Gaby's life was tragically interrupted 11 months ago but she put up the greatest fight with grace, friends, laughter and the strong belief that she would leave the hospital and come home very soon,' they wrote in a GoFundMe page. 'Unfortunately, complications robbed Gaby of that ending.' In a lawsuit filed in March, Assouline's family alleged that Southwest Airlines and its contractor were careless and refused to provide her with proper help while boarding the plane. The airline addressed Assouline's death, saying in a statement: 'Southwest offers its sincere condolences to Ms. Assouline's family, friends and all whose lives she touched.' 'We have a more than 51-year commitment to caring for our People and Customers and remain engaged with the parties involved,' it added. Gaby Assouline was diagnosed with a genetic disorder at 12 that made it difficult to walk long distances but otherwise allowed her to be highly functional In a lawsuit filed in March, Assouline's family alleged that Southwest Airlines and its contractor were careless and refused to provide her with proper help while boarding the plane The accident last February left Assouline unable to speak due to her paralysis. Her parents explained that they were learning to read her lips Assouline was diagnosed with a genetic disorder at 12 that made it difficult for her to walk long distances. She was boarding the plane to visit her sister in Denver when the accident occurred last February. As she was traveling along the jet bridge something caused her to be 'thrown' from the wheelchair, according to the lawsuit. 'We believe something in that jet bridge caused her to be ejected,' Robert Solomon, the family's attorney, told Local 10 News. Her death came just two weeks after her father Felix wrote on the GoFundMe page that her condition was worsening. 'Now more than ever, Gaby needs our prayers like never before. We were given some heart wrenching news about her condition that we never expected,' he said on January 9. Assouline's mother said that despite her daughter's genetic disorder, which is called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), it never stopped her from living her life Assouline's mother said the last time she saw her daughter before the accident was when she dropped her off at the gate to board the plane 'She's a prisoner in her own body,' Solomon told CBS News after the accident. 'I mean it's, you see her, she's with it, she understands, but she's just literally sitting there fighting for her life. It really rips your heart out.' 'That's why I told the family, I said, 'We'll do everything in our power to get you guys justice.' Because there's no plausible explanation that you drop your child off at an airport, you take them all the way to the gate, and then you get a phone call that your child fell and broke their neck.' Assouline's mother Sandra told Local 10 that the last time she saw her daughter before the accident was when she dropped her off at the gate, which she was able to do with a pass. 'The next thing I got was a call from BSO (Broward County officer on the scene) [saying] my daughter was involved in an accident and she broke her neck,' she said. Assouline's parents explained in the post that due to her paralysis and inability to speak they were learning to read her lips. 'It's unfathomable; I just think about it,' said her father Felix. Assouline's mother said on the fundraising site that despite her daughter's genetic disorder, which is called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), she always lived her life to the fullest. 'Gaby is a fighter,' Sandra wrote of her daughter as she was in hospital. 'She is smart, passionate, hilarious, creative, and so resilient. She makes everyone around her better, simply by being her witty, brilliant self. She is taking online college classes, and is an advocate for making life more accessible for people with disabilities.' A man confessed to a police officer searching for a missing woman and her child that he killed the 25-year-old, a court has heard. Andrew Innes was accused at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday of murdering Bennylyn Burke and Jellica Burke, two, at a house in Dundee, Scotland, between February 20 and March 5, 2021. The court heard PC Gavin Burns was sent to the house after the pair had been reported missing and Innes, 52, told him: 'I killed her (Bennylyn). She's under the floor. We got into a fight and I killed her.' The trial was told Innes admits killing the pair, but denies murdering them and has lodged a special defence to the murder charges of absence of responsibility and diminished responsibility. Bennylyn Burke, 25, originally from the Philippines, and her daughter Jellica, two, died at a house in Dundee, Angus, Scotland, between February 20 and March 5, 2021 Giving evidence, Jellica's father, Lexington Burke, 65, said he reported the pair missing. He met Ms Burke, originally from the Philippines, online in 2015 and they were married in 2018. Mr Burke told the court their relationship encountered difficulty and there was a court order stipulating when he could see Jellica. When she went missing, and after fruitless attempts to contact her, he alerted the authorities. Avon and Somerset Police tracked down the only car which had travelled between Bristol and Dundee, and Pc Burns was sent to the registered keeper's address of Troon Avenue in the hunt for them. At the address was the car and a small skip with debris and mattresses inside, PC Burns, speaking via a remote link, told Advocate Depute Alex Prentice. After speaking to Innes on the doorstep, they entered the home which Pc Burns told the court was in a 'state of disarray' and looked as if it was being renovated. Giving evidence, Jellica's father, Lexington Burke (pictured), 65, said he reported the pair missing. He met Ms Burke, originally from the Philippines, online in 2015 and they were married in 2018 In the kitchen, under which the bodies of Ms Burke and Jellica would later be discovered, the police officer said he saw concrete. Pc Burns said when he started taking notes, Innes told him Ms Burke was under the kitchen floor and that he killed her following a fight. The court was told Innes started to ask what the jail term for murder was but then said: 'It wasn't pre-meditated.' In the joint minutes, a document which states agreed facts in the case, it was revealed Innes met the woman on an online dating app in 2021 and drove her from Bristol to Dundee on February 18 that year. The document states he stabbed Ms Burke and hit her head with a knife handle and a hammer. A post-mortem examination revealed that Ms Burke, who weighed 5st 7lb, suffered a single stab wound to her chest, as well as head injuries, with pathologists having said the combined effects of internal bleeding and the injuries to her head caused her death. The toddler was asphyxiated by means unknown, the court was told, with a post-mortem examination revealing that there had been pressure on the girl's mouth and neck. The court was told Innes wrapped a rubble bag, blanket and tarpaulin around the head of Ms Burke and hid her beneath the kitchen floor. The court was told he also put the body of the two-year-old under the floor. Innes, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2021, was also diagnosed with having autism spectrum disorder. The trial, before judge Lord Beckett, continues. Lying New York Congressman George Santos was spotted brimming with excitement after being quizzed on the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race. After chasing the embattled rep through the corridors of the Capitol, one keen TikTok user quickly grabbed his attention by asking: 'Who do you think is going to win Drag Race this season?' Santos, who has previously denied accusations he used to be a drag queen, appeared visibly elated to be asked about the show - which sees drag queens compete to win a cash prize of up to $150,000. Despite admitting he hadn't found the time to watch it, the 34-year-old then added: 'I said THIS season, I haven't watched yet.' Embattled congressman George Santos visibly lit up after he was quizzed about his favorite to win this season's RuPaul's Drag Race The Republican congressman has previously denied claims he used to be a drag queen. Santos is allegedly pictured here in a photograph of him dressed in drag, when he went by the name 'Kitara' Although he appeared relaxed in the halls of the Capitol, there are many who feel his days in office may be numbered following a string of scandals that have upended his weeks-long career. One such scandal came after acquaintances of the GOP congressman claimed he performed as a drag queen in Brazil over a decade ago. After denying the accusations, he was quickly caught in yet another lie when a video emerged hours later that purported to show Santos in drag in 2005. In the clip, Santos responds to a question about whether he did 'presentations' by listing off venues prominent for hosting drag shows. 'Im doing a presentation at 1140 in Jacarepagua, in Cascadura at Egito place,' he said according to a DailyMail.com translation of the report. 'Ive already done one at Cabana Casa Nova, at Gloria (downtown) and at Le boy in Copacabana.' Lying New York Congressman George Santos was spotted lighting up after being quizzed on the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race Santos is facing growing pressure to resign after being caught out in numerous lies about his past since he was elected In the clip Santos goes on to praise the LGBTQ event as 'very organized.' 'I liked it,' he added. After the footage came to light, he told the Post that it was: 'Absolutely false and just another bit of nonsense from the pile on effect Im dealing with.' Associates who claim to have known Santos from his drag queen days also say he performed as a character named Kitara back in 2008. Santos was later identified in a 15-year-old photo depicting two drag queens that appears to show him as Kitara. A Brazilian drag queen named Eula Rochard told independent journalist Marisa Kabas that she was the other person in the photo and named Santos, now 34, as her friend alongside her. Rochard described Santos as having an 'outgrown sense of grandeur' and said he lied frequently, in an interview with NBC News. The congressman has slammed the claims as 'false' and alleged that the media is chasing 'outrageous' stories about him. The GOP congressman has faced growing calls for his resignation, with an overwhelming 78 percent of his constituents wanting him out of office according to a recent poll Santos has slammed the media for chasing 'outrageous' stories about him following a string of scandals Santos' approval rating among his Long Island constituents has plummeted, with a recent poll finding that a mammoth 78 percent want him to resign. And on Tuesday he told his Republican colleagues he will recuse himself from his House committee assignments, feeling that he had become a 'distraction'. As the fallout from his fabricated biography continues to unravel his time in office, some see Santos' most egregious offence as an allegation that he stole more than $3,000 from a fundraiser for a disabled veterans' dying dog. A report earlier this month on local news site Patch revealed bombshell claims from disabled veteran Richard Ostoff, who claims Santos swindled him out of thousands intended for his sick dog Sapphire. After attempting to save his pet, Ostoff says he was connected with a man named 'Anthony Devolder' who ran a pet charity named Friends of Pets United. However, the charity turned out to never truly exist, and was revealed as one of the GOP congressman's alleged scams last month by the New York Times. Santos has been filmed introducing himself using the alias and admits it's a name he's gone by - with texts shared by Ostoff showing a series of bizarre exchanges he had with 'Devolder' appearing to lead him on before abruptly saying Sapphire was not fit for funding. Despite successfully raising the funds for the dog's surgery, Santos then reportedly deleted the fundraiser before disappearing with the money. Ostoff accused the GOP freshman of leading to his dog's death because the delay led to her tumor rapidly growing, with the pooch eventually passing away a few months after the scam. COP CLAIMS MURDAUGH SAID: 'I DID HIM SO BAD' In his second interview with cops on June 10, 2021 - three days after the killings - Murdaugh was asked about the 'traumatic picture' he encountered on finding Maggie and Paul. Jurors on Monday were played the audio in which Murdaugh can be heard saying: 'It's just so bad, I did him so bad'. Prosecutor Waters paused the video to ask special agent Jeff Croft to clarify what Murdaugh said. Croft repeated: 'It's just so bad, I did him so bad.' But Murdaugh shook his head defiantly in court as he reacted to Croft's interpretation of the audio and appeared to tell his lawyers: 'I did not say that.' However, his legal team did not object and the recording continued to play. Detectives at the time did not seize on the alleged admission as Murdaugh continued to tell them of Paul: 'He was such a good boy too'. MURDAUGH TELLS COPS ABOUT BOAT ACCIDENT Murdaugh told 911 about Paul's boat accident claiming that his son had 'been threatened for months.' The first cop to arrive said Murdaugh 'immediately started telling' him about the February 2019 accident that left 19-year-old Mallory Beach dead. 'I know that's what this is,' he said. At the time of Paul's death, the 22-year-old was facing trial for driving under the influence in the boat crash. The defense theory is that somebody killed Maggie and Paul Murdaugh as revenge for the accident. Prosecutors claim Murdaugh deliberately made the comments to divert suspicion away from himself. MURDAUGH DID NOT CRY The first responders so far have all agreed that Murdaugh was not crying. Although he appeared and sounded upset, police officers and firemen have stated that there were no tears in the attorney's eyes. Murdaugh's demeanor will play a central role in the case. Prosecutor Creighton Waters told jurors on the opening day to watch the body worn footage 'closely.' 'Watch those closely. Watch his expressions. Listen to what he's saying and what he's not saying,' Waters said. Murdaugh sounded lucid throughout his dealings with officers that night, even greeting one by saying: 'How ya doin?' The defense has argued that Murdaugh was distraught after the killings and had just hours before been having a 'bonding experience' with his son as captured in a Snapchat video taken by Paul with his father. NO VISIBLE BLOOD ON MURDAUGH - BUT T-SHIRT REVEALS TRACES Murdaugh had no visible blood on his white t-shirt, first responders have told the court. Police described seeing pools of blood under the bodies of Maggie and Paul. His defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, described to jurors how Paul's head 'literally exploded ... like a watermelon.' Murdaugh earlier told 911 he had checked his wife and son's pulses - but when cops arrived they saw no blood on him. Jurors heard Friday from Detective Laura Rutland who said Murdaugh was 'clean' from head to toe. Rutland added that it looked like Murdaugh had changed following the murders, noting that she found it odd the defendant was sweating but his clothes were 'dry.' Later, forensic expert Melinda Worley said Murdaugh's white t-shirt and khaki shorts reacted positive to a test for blood. However, she admitted that the test can also be triggered by bleach and rust. GRUESOME GUN WOUNDS OF MAGGIE AND PAUL Horrifying body cam footage of the 'butchered' bodies of Maggie and Paul has been played to jurors. The 12 men and women have covered their mouths at times while Murdaugh has hunched forward to weep. Fire chief Barry McRoy told the court that when he arrived Paul's 'brains were down by his ankles' and that he checked neither victim because 'both had injuries that were incompatible with life.' The defense argue that given the brutality of these execution-style killings, it is simply 'not believable' that Murdaugh - a 'loving' husband and father - could have carried them out. DEFENSE SUGGESTS TWO SHOOTERS KILLED MAGGIE AND PAUL Harpootlian claimed on Monday that 'one reasonable explanation' for the distance between the shots that killed Paul and Maggie was that there were two shooters. 'There are two people there, there are two guns there, one's a shotgun, one's an AR,' he told the court. Harpootlian suggested that Paul could have been shot by one perpetrator, while another who was acting as 'the lookout' was surprised by Maggie. Worley looked bemused, saying 'I wasn't there,' before agreeing with Harpootlian that his theory could be 'one explanation' - not 'the explanation.' FOOTPRINTS AND TIRE TRACKS 'NOT PRESERVED' Murdaugh's defense team have attacked several first responders already over their failure to preserve footprints and tire tracks found at the scene. Sgt. Daniel Greene even noted there were multiple tire tracks in the wet grass which were incompatible with the number of vehicles at the property. He said he did not inform SLED (state law enforcement) about the evidence because it was 'not part of my job description'. Harpootlian tore into Greene for failing to take photographs and put anything on his feet to preserve the blood and brains spattered on the ground. He later ripped another officer for the same reason, telling him: 'You don't know what you're doing.' Despite his failure to preserve evidence, Greene told the attorney he was 'not aware' of any evidence being destroyed or contaminated. MURDAUGH'S CELL PHONE DATA In the body-worn footage, Murdaugh is heard telling the first cop on the scene that he head been visiting his mother with late stage Alzheimer's. He said Maggie and Paul had been at the kennels when he left. But Waters told jurors that data from 'cell phones are going to show otherwise.' The prosecution say that the timeline established by phone pings places Murdaugh at the property when his wife and son were killed. The prosecutor stressed that phone records will be critical in the case and the jury will hear that the Murdaughs were 'prolific' cell phone users. MURDAUGH SOBS AS HE TELLS DETECTIVES HIS WIFE MAGGIE WAS 'A WONDERFUL GIRL' Murdaugh's second police interview on June 10, 2021 - three days after the killings - was played to jurors Monday. In it Murdaugh broke down in sobs as he described Maggie as 'a wonderful girl, wonderful wife, great mother'. Murdaugh told cops 'she always said it was her job to take care of me and the boys, she did everything, she did absolutely everything.' He said their relationship was 'as good as it could be' and arguments between the pair were rare - but when they would clash it was over the amount of time they spent with her family. Murdaugh said he and the boys would rather stay at their home than visit his in-laws. Asked about times of friction in his relationship with Paul, Murdaugh said that he would sometimes have to discipline his son over 'irresponsibility.' Paul had a tendency to have his belongings 'strung out' everywhere, including clothes and guns. 'He would leave anything anywhere, and it was not unusual for there to be guns out there,' he said. Murdaugh said his son would go visit friends without packing because he had clothes left everywhere. AMMUNITION FOUND AT MURDAUGH PROPERTY MATCHES THAT USED TO KILL MAGGIE AND PAUL SLED agent Jeff Croft was called to the stand where he held aloft an AR-15-style rifle and two 12-guage shotguns recovered from Murdaugh's formidable collection. The guns are not alleged to have been used in the killings - no murder weapons have ever been identified - but the types of ammunition discovered with the guns corresponds to the shells and rounds by Paul and Maggie's bodies. The ammunition contained in the rifle - Sellier & Bellot .300 AAC BLK - was the same type used to kill Maggie, Croft told jurors. The agent also described finding 12-gauge ammo boxes at the home - among them, Federal and Winchester, the same brands as the two shells found near Paul's body. The defense objected to the evidence, arguing that showing the series of weaponry to jurors was prejudicial to their client. 'There's no evidence linking these guns to the crime,' Murdaugh attorney Jim Griffin said. Prosecutor Creighton Waters argued that they were showing how the search for weapons was conducted and how the weapons were tested thoroughly. Judge Clifton Newman sided with the state and overruled the objections. GUN RESIDUE ON SEATBELT OF MURDAUGH'S CAR In his opening, Waters said gunshot residue was found on the seatbelt of Murdaugh's car, as well as on a raincoat discovered at his mother's home. Murdaugh says he arrived home to find his wife and son shot dead after visiting his elderly mother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. However, Murdaugh was in possession of a shotgun when police arrived - which he said he had grabbed from the house because he feared the killers were still 'out there.' In earlier court filings, the defense argued the amount of residue found was 'inconsistent' with the prosecution theory that Paul was shot at close range. The defense say that the prosecution relies solely on circumstantial evidence. In his opening, Harpootlian told jurors: 'There's no direct evidence. There's no eyewitnesses. There's nothing on camera. There's no fingerprints. There's no forensics tying him to the crime. None.' New DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran have unveiled their plans for a revamped and newly unified DC Universe of films and television series. Dubbed 'Chapter 1' of a planned decade-long DCU storyline, the slate included a new Superman film in 2025 that won't star Henry Cavill, a Batman movie that won't star Robert Pattinson, and a Swamp Thing origin film. In all, Gunn and Safran laid out plans for five new films and five new TV series in a presentation Tuesday, outlining their bid to bring cohesion and fresh creativity to the DCU after years of fitful success and some much-maligned duds. Last year, Warner Bros axed its $90 million Batgirl movie, starring Leslie Grace, with Gunn and Safran calling the decision 'bold' because it was 'not releasable'. 'It would not have been able to compete in the theatrical marketplace, it was built for the small screen,' Safran told Variety. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU slate will launch with Superman: Legacy on July 11, 2025, described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing Last year, Warner Bros axed its $190 million Batgirl movi , starring Leslie Grace, with Gunn and Safran calling the decision 'bold' because it was 'not releasable'. 'It would not have been able to compete in the theatrical marketplace, it was built for the small screen,' Safran said New DC Studios bosses James Gunn (above) and Peter Safran have unveiled their plans for a revamped and newly unified DC Universe of films and television series 'The history of DC is pretty messed up,' said Gunn, who previously directed the Guardians Of The Galaxy movies for rival Marvel Studios, and was tapped last year to revamp DC Studios alongside veteran producer Safran. 'We're going to promise that everything from our first project forward is going to be unified,' he added. New DC Universe slate Creature Commandos: Animated series currently in production. Waller: TV series staring Viola Davis as director of the Suicide Squad. Superman: Legacy: Film set for release July 11, 2025. Superman's casting has not been announced, but Gunn said Henry Cavill will not star. Lanterns: Series featuring multiple Green Lanterns, described as similar to the show True Detectives. The Authority: Movie about an ensemble of superheroes with extreme methods. Paradise Lost: Series set on the island of Wonder Woman's birth, Themyscira The Brave and the Bold: Batman movie reboot, featuring Bruce Wayne's son with supervillain Talia al-Ghul as Robin. Booster Gold: TV series based on little-known character from the 1980s. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow: Movie featuring a 'much more hardcore' Supergirl. Swamp Thing: Horror film on the origins of Swamp Thing. Advertisement The first chapter of the new DCU, dubbed 'Gods and Monsters,' uses some of the DC Universe's best-known super heroes to introduce audiences to a new generation of characters. Gunn said he worked with a team of five writers to sketch out one connected story. The first phase will launch after several inherited projects that are set to debut in the next two years - including The Flash, with Ezra Miller, which Gunn said 'resets the entire DC Universe'. Gunn remained cryptic about Miller's future in the DCU following the actor's guilty plea in a criminal trespassing case earlier this month, saying there is 'nothing that prohibits' any previously cast actors from reprising their roles in the new universe, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Gunn and Safran's DCU slate will launch with Superman: Legacy on July 11, 2025, which Gunn is writing, and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. No casting has yet been announced, though Henry Cavill has departed the role despite a recent cameo in 2022's Black Adam - a sequel to which also isn't part of Gunn and Safran's plans despite Dwayne Johnson's impassioned lobbying. Gunn insisted that Cavill 'was never cast' in the film. 'For me, it's about, Who do I want to cast as Superman, and who do the filmmakers we have want to cast? And for me, for this story, it isn't Henry,' he told The Hollywood Reporter. 'I like Henry, I think he's a great guy. I think he's getting d****d around by a lot of people, including the former regime at this company. But this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons.' An uncast in-universe Batman film is also coming at an unknown date: The Brave and the Bold, a Batman and Robin tale inspired by Grant Morrison's comic series, focused on Batman's son with supervillain Talia al-Ghul as Robin. Another planned film is The Authority, about an ensemble of superheroes with extreme methods. Also coming is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, based on Tom King's comics, and a big-screen standalone for the Swamp Thing. Television plans include Lanterns, an eight-hour detective series, scheduled to stream on HBO Max. Other TV projects include Waller, with Viola Davis reprising her Suicide Squad role as Amanda Waller, and Paradise Lost, the origin story of Themyscira, the island where Wonder Woman was born. The DCU reboot also includes an animated television series, Creature Commandos, in which Waller, also voiced by Davis, forms a black ops team out of monstrous prisoners, is in production. An uncast in-universe Batman film is also coming at an unknown date: The Brave and the Bold, a Batman and Robin tale focused on Batman's son with supervillain Talia al-Ghul as Robin Television plans include Lanterns, an eight-hour live action detective series featuring multiple Green Lanterns, scheduled to stream on HBO Max Another planned film is The Authority, about an ensemble of superheroes with extreme methods At the same time, the studio will release stories that fall outside this central DC Universe narrative, dubbed DC Elseworlds, as with the comic books. One example is Joker: Folie a Deux, the sequel to the 2019 Oscar-nominated drama. Robert Pattinson's Batman will also return in Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II, opening October 3, 2025 -- another Elseworlds film outside the main continuity. Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates also is working on a script for a Superman project in which a black actor portrays the man of steel, as a DC Elseworlds project. Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav is hoping to reap the financial rewards of a reinvigorated DC franchise. The media company's shares have fallen 43 percent in the past year as the company aims to deliver $3 billion in savings from combining Warner Media and Discovery Communications. 'The stakes are enormous,' said Safran, who has produced two 'Aquaman' films and two 'Shazam' movies. 'It's a brand that was in somewhat chaos, and it's an opportunity to build an extraordinary stand-alone studio.' Live-action shows for HBO Max include Waller starring Viola Davis (left) returning as Suicide Squad mastermind Amanda Waller (right, from the comic books) Swamp Thing will get a big-screen standalone horror film as part of the first phase While Marvel has become the highest-grossing film franchise in history, DC Studios has had mixed results. A dark 'Joker' film became an Oscar nominee and billion-dollar hit, but 'Black Adam' and 'Justice League' struggled to generate superhero-sized returns. Four DC film projects that were completed before Gunn and Safran took over the studio will be released to theaters this year: Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Zaslav cut some costs by scrapping plans for a third Wonder Woman film and a $190 million Batgirl movie that was headed to streaming. The movie division also has cut jobs in marketing and distribution. Safran said the film had 'a lot of incredibly talented people in front of and behind the camera' but it was 'not releasable'. 'I actually think that Zaslav and the team made a very bold and courageous decision to cancel it because it would have hurt DC. It would have hurt those people involved,' he told Variety. 'It would not have been able to compete in the theatrical marketplace, it was built for the small screen. So, again, I think it was not an easy decision, but they made the right decision by shelving it.' 'We didn't fire him!' DC Studios bosses deny booting Henry Cavill as Superman and claim he 'was never cast' and was 'd****d around' with false promises before they took over New DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran have defended their decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman as they reboot the DC Universe with a new over-arching storyline. 'We didn't fire Henry. Henry was never cast,' said Gunn during a presentation to reporters announcing plans for five new DCU films and five new TV series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Cavill, who was widely expected to return as the man of steel after appearing in a credits teaser for Black Adam in October, last month announced the 'sad news' that Gunn and Safran did not plan to bring him back. Gunn explained: 'For me, it's about who do I want to cast as Superman and who do the filmmakers we have want to cast. And for me, for this story, it isn't Henry.' 'I like Henry, I think he's a great guy. I think he's getting d****d around by a lot of people, including the former regime at this company. But this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons,' he added. 'We didn't fire Henry. Henry was never cast,' said DC Studios boss James Gunn of the decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman in their DCU reboot Cavill's shock announcement in December that he would 'not be returning as Superman' was one of many signs that Gunn and Safran planned major shakeups to the DC franchise. Following the merger that created new parent company Warner Bros. Discovery in April, DC's $90 million Batgirl movie was scrapped in the final stages of production, and plans for Wonder Woman 3 were cast aside last month. Gunn is the writer-director who made the Guardians of the Galaxy household names for Marvel and revived The Suicide Squad for DC, before signing on to revamp DC Studios last year. Safran has produced many films for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, including Gunn's The Suicide Squad as well as Aquaman, Shazam and the horror films in The Conjuring universe. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn (left) and Peter Safran (right) have defended their decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman as they reboot the DC Universe In their announcement on Tuesday, Gunn and Safran laid out their vision for the first phase of a planned decade-long DCU storyline, which they dubbed 'Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.' The first film of the new phase will be Superman: Legacy, tentatively set for release on July 11, 2025. Gunn is writing the Superman movie, which is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. No casting decisions have been announced, aside from the exclusion of Cavill, a well-liked actor who starred as the man of steel in three DC films prior to the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery last year. Gunn remained cryptic about Ezra Miller's future in the DCU following the actor's guilty plea in a criminal trespassing case earlier this month The first phase of the DCU will launch after several inherited projects that are set to debut in the next two years - including The Flash, with Ezra Miller, which Gunn said 'resets the entire DC Universe'. Gunn remained cryptic about Miller's future in the DCU following the actor's guilty plea in a criminal trespassing case earlier this month, saying there is 'nothing that prohibits' any previously cast actors from reprising their roles in the new universe, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Safran said that following Miller's involvement in a series of criminal investigations and scandals, studio executives are focused on supporting the actor, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. 'Ezra is completely committed to their recovery. We are fully supportive of that journey they are on right now,' said Safran. 'When the time is right, when they are ready to have that discussion, we will all figure out what the best path forward. But right now, they are completely focused on their recovery. And in our conversation with them, in the last couple of months, it feels like they are making enormous progress,' he added. Firebrand GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia on Tuesday downplayed the gruesome killing of Tyre Nichols while suggesting a probe into the death of January 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt, in her first committee appearance since House Democrats stripped her of her assignments in the last Congress. Speaking at a House Oversight Committee hearing today - one of two powerful panels she scored seats on this month - Greene called on its chair Rep. James Comer of Kentucky to probe 'civil rights abuses' of people jailed for storming the US Capitol in 2021. Meanwhile she denounced Nichols' police killing as 'tragic' but pointed out that Memphis, the city he died in, is 'Democrat-controlled.' Greene also denied that racism played a role in the 29-year-old's death because the five officers charged in the matter were black. 'I watched the video and it was tragic and extremely difficult to watch,' the congresswoman said. Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene made her first public committee appearance of the 118th Congress on Tuesday 'I would also like to point out that that city is Democrat-controlled, and the five officers who have been arrested and charged are black, and I think that this isnt an issue of racism or anything like that.' She added, 'I think that the judge and the jury and the trial needs to work out what happened there.' Greene then pointed out that Babbitt's mother was sitting in the committee room. Babbitt was killed while at the front of a mob trying to break into the Speaker's Lobby of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. She was shot by a police officer while trying to climb through broken glass just feet away from where lawmakers were fleeing the chamber. The Air Force veteran was a fierce supporter of Donald Trump's, and have become a martyr of sorts for the hardline right and members of the former president's orbit who have since sought to downplay the riot. 'Theres a woman in this room whose daughter was murdered on January 6. Ashli Babbitt. And Ashli Babbitt has - theres never been a trial. As a matter of fact, no one has cared about the person that shot and killed her,' Greene said. She claimed 29-year-old Tyre Nichols' death as result of being brutally beaten by Memphis police was not about race because the five officers charged with his death are black MTG suggested she'd want this Congress to look into the death of Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt on January 6, 2021, as well as 'civil rights abuses' of others who have been jailed for storming the Capitol that day Insurrectionists loyal to then-President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The officer who shot Babbitt was cleared of wrongdoing by an internal US Capitol Police investigation. Greene signaled she wanted to look further into it when she stated, 'no one in this Congress has really addressed that issue.' She went on to repeat her previous denunciations of the treatment of those Trump supporters who have been charged and jailed for illegally entering the Capitol complex that day. 'I believe that there are many people that came into the Capitol on January 6 whose civil rights and liberties are being violated heavily,' Greene said. 'And this committee will, I hope, Mr. Chairman, look into those civil rights abuses, because theyre happening in a jail right here in this city.' It's an explosive start to Greene's tenure on the Oversight Committee as well as the Homeland Security Committee. She got the two valuable assignments after being instrumental in helping House Speaker Kevin McCarthy win the gavel through 15 grueling rounds of voting. House Democrats had stripped her of her committee assignments on the Education and Labor panels in early 2021, over her inflammatory social media presence before coming to Capitol Hill. She had promoted 'false flag' conspiracy theories about school shootings and promoted posts calling for the death of prominent Democrats. That vote had fallen largely on party lines, 230 to 199, with 11 House Republicans voting with Democrats to demote Greene. Coles has announced major changes to its national trading hours, with the delis at some stores set to close even earlier. Some deli counters will now close at 8pm, even if the store itself is open later. 'We know that most of our customers prefer to shop at our delis before 8pm,' a Coles spokesman said. 'As a result, we are tailoring the opening hours of some of our delis to when our customers shop the most. 'Customers will still be able to buy their deli favourites including sliced meats, cheeses and antipasto as part of our convenient pre-packaged range often located near the deli department. Coles has announced changes to its deli opening times at some stores 'Customers are urged to check with their local store if they are unsure of their deli opening hours.' It comes just months after the supermarket giant's rival Woolworths made a similar move. In August, a Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that all Fresh Service delis would now be trading from 7am to 8pm every day of the week. The seafood and meat counters will trade from 9.30am to 7pm during the week, and 9am to 7pm on weekends. 'We've made a change to the trading hours of our fresh service counters nationwide, due to a shift in customer shopping behaviour. This includes our meat, seafood and deli counters,' the spokesperson said. It is believed a suspect cut through the fences surrounding the monkeys following a similar incident with a snow leopard at the zoo earlier this month Authorities say he might have information about the theft of two emperor tamarin monkeys , but is not currently a suspect Dallas cops are searching for a man caught snacking on a bag of Doritos as they continue to investigate a string of mysterious incidents at the local zoo. Authorities asked the public in a tweet Tuesday afternoon to help identify the man caught on surveillance footage in a dark blue sweatshirt, dark pants, and a beanie. He was apparently seen eating the Doritos at around the same time two emperor tamarin monkeys were 'deliberately' taken from their enclosure Sunday. But officers told TMZ he is not currently a suspect in their theft, in which police believe someone cut through the fences surrounding the monkeys in order to take the primates. It remains unclear whether the incident is linked to the death of an endangered vulture at the zoo and a clouded leopard that also escaped its enclosure. Dallas police are searching for this man believed to be in the area when two monkeys were stolen from the zoo on Sunday Police are investigating after two emperor tamarin monkeys were 'deliberately' taken from their enclosure on Sunday Authorities have said the man is not currently a suspect, but may have information The string of mysterious incidents at the Dallas Zoo began on January 13, when police say someone cut an opening in the fencing around a snow leopard's habitat, as well as in an enclosure of langur monkeys though none escaped. The snow leopard, Nova, was later found near her habitat. Then on January 21, a 35-year-old endangered vulture named Pin was found dead, with the zoo issuing a statement saying that its death did not appear to be 'natural.' Zoo President and CEO Gregg Hudson said the vulture had 'a wound,' and that the 'circumstances of the death are unusual.' Dallas police were again alerted to the scene on Monday after discovering the emperor tamarin monkeys missing, with zoo officials admitting they contacted authorities because of 'recent incidents.' Zoo officials added in a statement: 'Emperor tamarin monkeys would likely stay close to home - the zoo searched near their habitat and across zoo grounds and did not locate them. 'It was clear the habitat had been intentionally compromised. Based on the Dallas Police Department's initial assessment, they have reason to believe the tamarins were taken.' They noted that, following Pin's mysterious death, they added more security cameras and increased onsite security patrols. Zoo officials now say they will continue to 'expand' safety and security measures' to 'keep animals and staff safe.' A search for missing clouded leopard Nova (pictured) shut down the Dallas Zoo on January 13 as police helped search for the animal. Authorities now believe her fence enclosure was cut open On January 21, a 35-year-old endangered vulture named Pin was found dead, with the zoo issuing a statement saying that its death did not appear to be 'natural' Police were again called to the scene of the Dallas Zoo on Monday to investigate the disappearance of the two emperor tamarin monkeys Nova, the clouded leopard, was discovered to be missing by staff speaking of a big cat hunt on the property. Officials initially feared the rare beast could be out in the community but were unsure whether she was stolen or not. They earlier said they believed the leopard - who is up to 25lbs - was not dangerous and originally thought she was hiding on the site, a theory that proved correct. However, Dallas Police are continuing to investigate the incident, with Nova appearing to also have her enclosure cut open. Her enclosure sits right next to where the monkeys have been taken from, in the north of the zoo, while the vulture was killed in the Wilds of Africa exhibit. Police cars are pictured outside the Dallas Zoo as workers as cops hunted for the missing cloud leopard earlier this month Officials initially feared the rare leopard could be out in the community but were unsure whether she was stolen or not. She was later found near her enclosure Ed Hansen, chief executive of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, said he could not recall a zoo facing similar incidents with such frequency. 'It appears that somebody really has an issue with the Dallas Zoo,' Hansen said. Hansen, who described the Dallas Zoo's reputation as 'excellent' within the industry, said accredited zoos have double-perimeter fencing and that a zoo as large as Dallas' would have a security patrol. But animals have escaped enclosures from the Dallas Zoo before. Most notably, a 340-pound gorilla named Jabari jumped over a wall in 2004 and went on a 40-minute rampage that injured three people before police shot and killed the animal. Anyone with information about the Doritos' eater's identity or whereabouts is encouraged to call (214) 671 -4509. More than 80 firefighters battled a blaze in Melbourne after a Supercheap Auto burst into flames. About 25 fire trucks rushed to the Epping Homemaker Centre, in the city's north, in response to a fire at the car supply store at about 5 am on Wednesday. Firefighters were still working to put out the blaze at 7 am, with authorities warning people living and driving in the area to close their windows due to toxic smoke. People who are particularly sensitive to smoke were advised to turn off their heating and cooling systems. A fire at a Supercheap Auto store in Epping, Melbourne, has been burning for two hours (pictured, firefighters at the scene early Wednesday morning) More than 80 firefighters battled against the fire, which started at about 5 am on Wednesday (pictured, the store's burnt front) Units from Fire Rescue Victoria and the state's Country Fire Authority attended the scene. The fire caused significant traffic delays and motorists were advised to avoid the area by using Edgar Rd or Dalton Rd. Roadblocks around the intersection of High St and Cooper St remained in place at 8.30 am. Fire and Rescue Victoria said a 'second hand goods retailer' was also alight. Vic Emergency declared the fire 'under control' shortly before 8.30 am. More to come. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Israel and meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, urging calm with Palestine amid rising violence in recent weeks. The United States official on Monday spoke with Netanyahu of an enduring bond between their two countries despite a deepening conflict that puts that unity under pressure. Blinken, during his remarks, pleaded with Israelis and Palestinians to stop a long-running cycle of retribution. Antony Blinken's Israel Visit The American official's request comes after months of elevated violence that exploded recently with a bloody Israeli military raid conducted in the West Bank and terrorist attacks within Jerusalem that left more than 20 people dead. Furthermore, Israel has been facing mass protests as roughly 100,000 demonstrators attended in Tel Aviv on Saturday. People of the nation who oppose a re-elected Netanyahu and his objective of gaining more political control over the country's judiciary have joined the protests. The situation warns of a potential right-wing threat to Israel's democratic foundations, something the Biden administration is also concerned about. Last month, the new Israeli coalition was formed and was viewed as the most right-wing and religious in the country's history, as per the New York Times. Blinken nodded to the disagreements during his one-on-one talk with the Israeli prime minister after expressing the United States "steadfast support" for Israel. The American official reiterated his country's support for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. It is a goal now seen as more distant than ever under Netanyahu's governance. The Israeli prime minister's current coalition government was established with the support of ultranationalist figures with hard-line positions toward Palestinian rights. They also encouraged increased Israeli settlement in the West Bank. The US secretary of state also spoke about the importance of "core democratic principles and institutions." It was an apparent reference to the proposed judicial changes of the Netanyahu coalition. He also reminded the prime minister of the value of governing by consensus. Read Also: Ukraine Renews Calls for Weapons Assistance Rising Violence in Palestine Blinken's visit to Israel, which has been in the works for the past few weeks, came as both Palestinians and Israelis suffered bloodshed in recent days, resulting in fears that the situation could go out of control, according to CNN. On Thursday, the deadliest day for Palestinians in the last two years was observed in the occupied West Bank. That incident was followed by a shooting near a Jerusalem synagogue on Friday night, which Israeli officials considered one of its worst terror attacks in past years. Blinken's visit to Israel was expected to be controversial because it was the secretary of state's first visit to the country since Netanyahu's re-election. The American official now carries the burden of trying to cool rising tensions between Israel and Palestine. However, despite the secretary of state's visit and urging for calm between Israel and Palestine, he did not offer any solution to calm the violence. Furthermore, it was not immediately clear from his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu if the Biden administration would propose any such ideas, said the Associated Press. Related Article: Russian-Ukraine War Update @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being stabbed in the abdomen and leg outside a school. Police were called to Clarkes Lane, which is on the same road as The Phoenix Collegiate, West Bromwich, at about 2.30pm today, January 31. The teenager's injuries are not thought to be life-changing or life-threatening, police said. No one has been arrested yet. Police were called to Clarkes Lane (pictured), which is on the same road as The Phoenix Collegiate, West Bromwich, at about 2.30pm today, January 31 Locals reported seeing police, paramedics and a helicopter outside the school after the incident. A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: 'We are investigating after a boy was stabbed in West Bromwich. 'Officers were called to Clarkes Lane shortly after 2.30pm today. 'A 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being stabbed in the abdomen and leg. His injuries are not considered life-changing or life-threatening. 'Enquiries are now ongoing to identify suspects. 'Anyone with information can get in touch via Live Chat on our website or via 101 quoting incident 20/109913/23. 'Alternatively, information can be passed on confidentially to Crimestoppers.' A group representing more than 2,000 rabbis are affirming their support for keeping Representative Ilhan Omar off the Foreign Affairs Committee as a 'step' toward snuffing out antisemitic speech in the US. In a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the rabbis wrote requesting the House 'follow through' on Republicans' pledge to remove the Minnesota Democrat from the committee on which she currently serves. The communication from the Coalition for Jewish Values comes as some GOP members of the House have expressed they would not back McCarthy's plans to strip Omar of her panel assignment. 'This is not a political matter, but one of moral conscience, and a necessary step to quell the rising tide of antisemitic speech and violence now impacting Jewish communities across America,' the group wrote in Monday's letter. A group of more than 2,000 rabbis are demanding House Republicans follow through on Speaker Kevin McCarthy's efforts to boot Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) off of the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee The letter, signed by the group's President Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld and Managing Director Rabbi Yaakov Menken, noted that they have sent three other letters to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the 117th Congress, which went ignored. House Republicans are scrambling to figure out a way to kick the progressive representative off of the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, considering several GOP members said they'd vote against the move if it comes to the floor for a vote. Coalition for Jewish Values President Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld sent a fourth letter to Congress urging the removal of Omar to help 'quell the rising tide of antisemitic speech and violence' The Washington Times reported Monday that a 'backdoor' strategy is being explored - such as having only House Foreign Affairs Committee members take a vote, if the House Rules Committee determines such a move is suitable. Democrats could push to reverse the committee's action with their own floor vote, however House Speaker Kevin McCarthy could block such a motion. Over the weekend, Omar continued to defend herself for past comments she made about Israel, which were branded as anti-Semitic - the justification Republicans are using to potentially give her the boot from the prominent committee assignment. 'I certainly did not or was not aware that the word "hypnotized" was a trope,' the Minnesota progressive said on CNN. 'I wasn't aware of the fact that there are tropes about Jews and money. That has been a very enlightening part of this journey.' During a press conference last week, Omar also pointed out that the comments were made in the early weeks of her Congressional tenure - in 2019 - and she's since apologized. 'I have addressed it, I've apologized. It's been two and a half terms ago,' Omar said. The letter sent Monday comes after the group sent three letters to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the 117th Congress, which they said went ignored McCarthy remained determined, however, to boot her from the committee. 'Now Congresswoman Omar, the thing she has said, as a member of Congress, she said, people only love Israel for the Benjamins. She said on 9/11, "Something happened here." She equated the U.S. military and the Israeli security forces equal to Hamas are even going further, and claiming it to others inside the Middle East,' McCarthy told The Washington Times. But it looks more and more likely he doesn't have the votes. Republican Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Victoria Spartz of Indiana and Ken Buck of Colorado have all indicated they'll vote against removing Omar. 'I think that we should not engage in this tit-for-tat,' Buck said on Meet the Press NOW Friday. 'I am opposed to the selection or the removal of Congresswoman Omar from [the] committee.' Additionally, Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who practically derailed McCarthy's speakership bid, said he was 'undecided' in a TV interview Monday night. 'The reason I think a lot of Republicans want to kick Ilhan Omar off of the Foreign Affairs Committee is because they don't like what she has to say,' Gaetz said, adding that this was not a good enough reason. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy remained determined to remove Omar. But House Republicans are scrambling to figure out a way to do this after several GOP lawmakers said they'd vote against the move if there was a floor vote Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, kicked off committees herself last Congress for comments she made, said that some of her colleagues shared 'First Amendment concerns.' 'This is actually a national security issue,' Greene said. When pressed by DailyMail.com to define her national security concerns, Greene explained: 'If she has those types of views towards our ally Israel that's a big, big problem.' Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana noted to reporters that Omar was being removed for comments she made in Congress, while Democrats last Congress removed stripped Greene of her committees for comments made before she took office. 'Even if Omar were to be removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee, she'd still be allowed to serve on other committees. So, a lot of these big differences,' Scalise, R-La., explained, adding that Omar herself voted to remove Greene from committees. McCarthy also won't have the vote of Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican who recently fell off a ladder cutting trees at his home and is recovering from multiple injuries. As part of Republicans' anti-COVID protocols sentiment, the new House GOP majority voted to end proxy voting and allowing members to participate in committee meetings via Zoom. Last week, McCarthy unilaterally removed California Democrats Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee, a move that didn't need a full House vote. Alec Baldwin was formally charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter for shooting dead Halyna Hutchins on the set of their movie Rust in October 2021. Prosecutors in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stated he was 'distracted' during firearm training and shortly after the incident admitted to officers he had fired the weapon - something he would later vehemently deny. Mary Carmack-Altwies, the Santa Fe district attorney, reported that the Oscar-nominated actor and producer of the film was not present for firearms training prior to the start of filming - and when an hour-long training session was scheduled, he appeared uninterested and was on his cell phone. Her team found 'reckless deviation from known standards and practice and protocol', noting that Hutchins was killed during an unscheduled rehearsal, during which the standard two safety checks were not carried out, and for which a plastic gun should have been used. 'Today we have taken another important step in securing justice for Halyna Hutchins,' said Carmack-Altwies in a statement. 'In New Mexico, no one is above the law and justice will be served.' Baldwin, pictured on Tuesday outside his New York City home, has vowed to fight the charges Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter Baldwin has vowed to fight the charges. He has stated repeatedly he never pulled the trigger, and said it was a tragic accident - emphasizing that he relied on the firearms experts hired to be on set. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has also been charged. Among the papers filed on Tuesday is a ten-page probable cause affidavit - divided into two sections. One notes Baldwin's actions as the lead actor, and another explores his role as the film's primary producer. Prosecutors note that Baldwin was absent from an initial firearms training session. Gutierrez-Reed set up an hour-long subsequent session for Baldwin, but they only completed 30 minutes. 'According to Reed, Baldwin was distracted and talking on his cell phone to his family during the training,' the prosecutors stated. The affidavit claims Baldwin gave 'inconsistent accounts' about how the shooting happened - first telling police he 'fired' the gun, then insisting he did not pull the trigger. Prosecutors state that 'photos and videos clearly show Baldwin, multiple times, with his finger inside the trigger guard and on the trigger.' They add: 'Baldwin approached responding deputies on the day of the shooting, wanting to talk to them because he was the one who 'fired' the gun.' Among the documents filed with the court on Tuesday are a ten-page probable cause affidavit that describes Baldwin putting his finger 'inside of the trigger guard and on the trigger' on the day of the shooting, and moments beforehand Baldwin and his wife Hilaria in New York City on Tuesday. He will not have to travel to New Mexico for his first court appearance Hilaria Baldwin wrote on Instagram: 'I hope you understand how much your support and kindness to Alec and our children mean,' before going on to thank Baldwin himself The impassioned post featured a photo of 64-year-old Alec with the couple's seven school-aged kids, and accompanied with a heartfelt caption that hailed the A-lister for his parenting They state: 'Photo and video evidence from inside the church on the day of the shooting show some of the rehearsal up to and including moments before the shooting. 'The photos and videos clearly show Baldwin multiple times with his finger inside of the trigger guard and on the trigger, while manipulating the hammer and while drawing, pointing and holstering the revolver. 'Baldwin knew the first rule of gun safety is to never point a gun at someone you don't intend on shooting,' the document continues. Baldwin claimed in interviews after the shooting that he did not pull the trigger. He believes the fault lies with the armorer, who he says should have checked the gun was safe before it was handed to him. Yet the probable cause statement against Baldwin referred to the FBI's previous analysis of the firearm, which 'clearly showed that the weapon could not 'accidentally fire.' The document also said Baldwin failed to demand 'at least two (2) safety checks between the armorer and himself' prior to the shooting. Prosecutors said: 'If Baldwin had not pointed the gun at Hutchins and Souza, this tragedy would not have occurred. 'This reckless deviation from known standards and practice and protocol directly caused the fatal shooting.' Halyna Hutchins, 42, was shot and killed on the movie set on October 21 Baldwin's attorney said the decision to charge his client was deeply misguided. Speaking earlier this month, when the charges were announced, he said: 'This decision distorts Halyna Hutchins' tragic death and represents a terrible miscarriage of justice. 'Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun or anywhere on the movie set. 'He relied on the professionals with whom he worked, who assured him the gun did not have live rounds. We will fight these charges, and we will win.' SAG-AFTRA, an organization that represents approximately 160,000 actors and other professional entertainers, also objected to the charges. 'The death of Halyna Hutchins is a tragedy, and all the more so because of its preventable nature. It is not a failure of duty or a criminal act on the part of any performer,' the group said in a statement. 'The prosecutor's contention that an actor has a duty to ensure the functional and mechanical operation of a firearm on a production set is wrong and uninformed. 'An actor's job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert. Firearms are provided for their use under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm. 'In addition, the employer is always responsible for providing a safe work environment at all times, including hiring and supervising the work of professionals trained in weapons.' Mickey Rourke, 70, was among those who sprung to Baldwin's defense, insisting he should not have been charged. Mickey Rourke (left) insisted Alec Baldwin (right) should not be charged over the October 2021 shooting of camerawoman Halyna Hutchins Halyna Hutchins, a 42-year-old married mother of a young son, died in hospital in New Mexico after the accidental shooting Rourke, who appeared on Baldwin's podcast in 2016, said it was wrong to prosecute the Oscar-nominated actor. 'I usually never put my 2 cents in about what happens on someone's movie set,' he wrote on Instagram. 'It's a terrible tragedy what happened to a cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 'But no way in hell actor Alec Baldwin should be charged with any negligence whatsoever.' Rourke claimed it was wrong to expect Baldwin to manage the gun safety aspects of the set. The gun from the set of Rust, which was accidentally fired, killing Hutchins She was shot just moments after the crew entered a church set to rehearse a scene (above) Alec Baldwin is seen on October 21, 2021, after speaking to investigators about the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin's phone is now being sought by the team probing Hutchins's death A devastated Baldwin is pictured bent over outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office after speaking to investigators 'Most actors don't know anything about guns especially if they didn't grow up around them,' he continued. Poll Do you agree with Mickey Rourke that actors aren't responsible for weapons handed to them on set? Yes No Do you agree with Mickey Rourke that actors aren't responsible for weapons handed to them on set? Yes 458 votes No 1302 votes Now share your opinion 'Alec didn't bring the gun to the set from his house or his car, when weapons are involved on a movie set, the guns are supposed to he handled only by the 'weapon armor'. 'In some cases the 1st AD might pass a gun to an actor, but most of the time the gun is handed to the actor directly by the 'gun armor'. 'There's what 'armor's job is on the set. To have an expert around any type of dangerous weapon.' Rourke said actors could then either 'dry fire the gun' or check the barrel themselves. He said the decision to charge Baldwin was 'terribly wrong.' 'I am sure Alec is already suffering enough over what happened. But to lay a blame on him is terribly terribly wrong.' The set of Rust, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside of Santa Fe Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (center) died after being shot by Baldwin during a rehearsal on October 21, 2021 in New Mexico An aerial view of the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, where the movie was being filmed Alec Baldwin, 63, spoke to George Stephanopoulos for an interview which aired in December 2021 Baldwin in December 2021 gave a televised interview to ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, and insisted he was not responsible for Hutchins' death. He said that the gun just 'went off' while in his hands. 'I let go of the hammer, bang. The gun goes off. Everyone is horrified. They're shocked. It's loud,' he said. He also revealed he didn't know she'd died until hours later at the end of his police interview, when he was photographed in the sheriff's parking lot in Santa Fe. And he said that he had been told by people 'in the know' that it was 'highly unlikely' he would face criminal charges. 'Someone is responsible for what happened, and I can't say who it is, but it's not me,' he said. 'Honest to God, if I thought I was responsible I might have killed myself. And I don't say that lightly.' The mayor of an outback town in the grips of a violent crime wave has said the most important point of action is to get youths off the streets. Alice Springs in the Northern Territory has recently descended into chaos with locals now spotting people strolling down the streets armed with machetes and knives in broad daylight. Mayor Matt Paterson said the problem had become so severe that residents were now afraid to go to sleep in fear of intruders breaking into their homes in the middle of the night. The Prime Minister recently made a short visit to the town where he announced $48.8million in funding would go towards programs to address the crime issue over the next two years. Alcohol restrictions were also implemented but Mr Paterson said booze was just one of the many problems Alice Springs was facing. 'There is so much anti-social behaviour and domestic violence going on in our community that it really needs to be on a national stage,' he told The Today Show on Wednesday. Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson said alcohol was just one of the problems the outback town was facing Mr Paterson said as many as 80 children could be roaming around the streets on any night. 'That's the reality because for these kids it's safer for them to be on the streets than at home,' he said. 'So we need to start having conversations around why these kids are there and where do we take them because the longer we leave these kids on the street, the longer we're setting them up for failure.' The mayor said he would be looking into a report made at the request of Anthony Albanese that was being handed down on Wednesday. Alice Springs in the Northern Territory has recently descended into chaos with locals now afraid to go to sleep in fear of home intruders The Prime Minister recently made a short visit to the town where he announced new alcohol restrictions As many as 3,000 locals - 10 per cent of the town's population - turned out to a community meeting on Tuesday to discuss the escalating crime wave. 'That's a town at breaking point,' Mr Paterson said. 'We can't continue to live the way we're living and feel like prisoners in our own home. 'It's getting awfully difficult to live here. You get people who are scared to go to bed at night because they're not sure what's going to happen while they're asleep.' Another issue the mayor pointed to was the lack of police, adding that health services were also pushed to their limits. Following Mr Albanese's visit to the town, booze restrictions now include a ban on takeaway alcohol sales on Monday and Tuesday as well as limits on bottle shop opening hours. Fury had erupted when the town's grog ban was controversially lifted in July last year, further impacting an already suffering town. On Monday afternoon a teenager was set on upon by axe-wielding youths in a horrific broad daylight attack. The 16-year-old boy was walking in the Alice Springs suburb of Braitling when three young people attacked him. 'They have an axe and hit him multiple times in his face, stomach, leg and other parts of his body,' his mother Namfon Fon wrote on Facebook. Alice Springs police have confirmed to Daily Mail Australia a teenage boy who allegedly struck Ms Fon's son with 'an edged weapon' has since been arrested. Disturbing video of the assault obtained by Daily Mail Australia shows three young males one wielding an axe or hatchet laying into the teenager, hitting and kicking him as he cowers in a park. Ms Fon said 'luckily' her son did not appear to have been cut by the axe's blade, but that he ended up in hospital after police and paramedics arrived. He has since been discharged. The mugshot of a California doctor accused of trying to kill his wife and children by driving off a 250-foot cliff has been released, one day after he appeared in court for the first time. Dharmesh Patel, 42, was booked into San Mateo County's Maguire Correctional Facility and is facing first-degree attempted murder and child abuse charges. He appeared disheveled wearing a red shirt with a bloody eye in a new mugshot from the prison, where he is being held without bail. Prosecutors say Patel intentionally drove his Tesla off the deadly Devil's Side Cliff in California, with his wife allegedly telling paramedics: 'He tried to kill us.' Dharmesh Patel, 42, was booked in the San Mateo County's Maguire Correctional Facility as he faces first degree attempted murder and child abuse charges His wife allegedly told paramedics he intentionally drove their car off a cliff in California with the whole family inside Patel, who works as a radiologist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Pasadena, was transferred Monday to the San Mateo jail after he spent three weeks in a local hospital, having been seriously injured in the crash. He is accused of intentionally driving his white Tesla Model Y off a cliff known as Devil's Slide near San Francisco on Monday, during a trip north. Prosecutors point to comments made by his wife, who remains hospitalized. She allegedly told paramedics 'he intentionally tried to kill us' after they rappelled down the steep cliff to rescue the family. 'She said very simply this was not an accident. We do believe the evidence establishes the necessary intent to kill,' San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told the San Francisco Chronicle. Patel was arrested after California Highway Patrol investigators 'developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,' the agency said. But Wagstaffe said his office is still trying to determine why Patel drove off the cliff, noting that Patel has not spoken to investigators since the January 2 crash. 'We're looking into what led up to this. Was there depression or anything else?' Wagstaffe said. 'It wasn't just that he was trying to kill them, he was trying to kill himself too.' Last week, prosecutors were seeking to rule out the possibility the car's brakes had malfunctioned. Speculation that Tesla may have been in self-driving mode was also ruled out. 'Did the brakes fail? Were the brakes working? Were there any other mechanical malfunctions that would have led to him not being able to stop the vehicle?' Wagstaffe said to the LA Times. 'We're having the car looked at from top to bottom'. He noted, though, that the DA's office is still in the early stages of its investigation. Sheriff's deputies work to free the car after the family was airlifted to safety on January 2 The wreckage of the Tesla is pictured at the bottom of the cliff The car was traveling northbound on Highway 1 near San Francisco at around 10am on Monday, January 2 when it plummeted off the side of the Devil's Side cliff Troopers were dispatched at around 10am on January 2 to reports that a vehicle had veered off the cliff on Highway 1, around 20 miles south of San Francisco. The steep, rocky, winding coastal area is known as Devil's Slide. Fire Chief Brian Pottenger told reporters: 'We go there all the time for cars over the cliff and they never live. This was an absolute miracle.' The car was initially said to have flipped multiple times. However, experts have since raised doubts, arguing the heavy batteries located in the floor of the Tesla would have stopped it from rolling. There was no guardrail at the spot where the sedan went off the cliff, officials said. Patel was seen driving at speed northbound on Highway 1 and he is speculated to have performed a sharp turn before reaching the Tom Lantos Tunnel, which is where the Tesla veered off the road, first onto a dirt area and then down the cliff. Robin Johnson, who called 911 after seeing the crash, recalled: 'Wow, he's driving extremely fast to take that exit. You're not even supposed to be going up that way. 'And I can see in my rear-view mirror this car just go over the edge and straight down.' The huge drop from the highway to the scene of the crash. The family members were airlifted to safety Rescue teams had to abseil down the side of the cliff while others used helicopters to try to reach the family About 30 to 50 rescuers arrived at the scene, where it was initially assumed that anyone in the car must have been dead. A helicopter and specialist teams were required to rappel down the cliff to the car. It was not until hours later that rescue teams discovered the four family members conscious and alert in the car. The children were pulled out first, through a back window, and hauled up the cliff by hand in a rescue basket using a pulley. The doctor and his wife were more seriously injured and had to be hoisted out by helicopter and were then flown directly to the hospital. Neighbors expressed their shock after learning the allegations against Patel, describing their family as 'idyllic'. Roger Newmark, who lives several doors down from the family on a leafy Pasadena street, told CBS: 'They're the sweetest couple and they have the greatest two little kids.' The hospital where Patel works as a radiologist also released a statement after the crash. 'Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is deeply saddened to learn of a traffic incident involving one of our physicians and his family,' it said. 'We are extremely grateful there were no serious injuries. We will not respond further, as this incident is under investigation.' According to an online profile, Patel graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan and has been practicing for more than a decade. He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, but his lawyer asked for a delay until February 9, which a judge granted. A number of Senate Republicans are urging President Biden to rethink swatting away at Ukraine's request for F-16 fighter jets. Sen. John Cornyn suggested the Biden administration should not take the warplanes off the tables. 'I think this is something we ought to consider carefully,' he told DailyMail.com. 'We ought to be supplying the Ukrainians with anything they can effectively use to defeat the Russian invasion,' the Texas Republican added. 'The administration has been a little slow to provide them what they need.' He said the U.S. shouldn't worry about upsetting Russia. 'The Russians, they claim that these moves are "escalatory" for over a year now, everything we do. At some point we have to realize they're just kind of bluffing.' Asked on Monday if the U.S. would send over the warplanes Kyiv is pushing hard to receive, Biden answered with a simple 'no.' On Tuesday Biden said he was 'going to talk' to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Ukraine's latest request for sophisticated weapons, after just last week agreeing to send 31 Abrams tanks he once said could result in World War III. Ukraine said it would continue lobbying for the planes, noting the U.S. had said no to providing other weapons such as tanks before relenting over time. 'All types of assistance at the beginning went through the 'no' stage. This means 'no' as of today,' said Oleksii Reznikov, the defense minister. Biden also said 'I'm not sure' when asked if he would take a trip to Europe next month to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion on February 24. Biden did say he'd visit Ukraine-adjacent Poland, but he didn't know when. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who was at the front of the push to send F-16s to Ukraine, tweeted that Biden's comment marked 'another example of not seizing the moment.' On Tuesday Ukraine's Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnaht was quoted by Ukrainian outlet as saying that Kyiv needs up to 200 multi-role fighter jets - such as F-16s - to defend its skies. A number of Senate Republicans are urging President Biden to put the breaks on taking Ukraine's request for F-16 fighter jets off the table He said that Russia's warplanes currently outnumbered Ukraine's by five or six to one. Last week, before Biden's remarks deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said in an interview with MSNBC the U.S. would be discussing fighter jets 'very carefully' with Kyiv and its allies. 'We have not ruled in or out any specific systems,' he said. Asked about Biden's ruling out the fighter jets, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told DailyMail.com: 'I think it would be ill-advised to leave that off the table for a future possible move.' He added that senators had not gotten a briefing yet after the U.S.'s about-face on tanks and other offensive weapons, but he questioned what comes next in the 'appropriate sequence' of aiding Ukraine to win the war. 'We've got a lot of things moving over there we're talking about tanks, we're talking about armored personnel carriers, plussing up some of the missile defense systems, HIMARS, patriots,' said Tillis. 'I generally think we need to keep the discussion going but the question is based on best military advice from our Department of Defense on what is the appropriate order and timing to have the best impact.' Sen. Josh Hawley, who has been vocal about wanting the U.S. to focus less on Ukraine and more on China, told DailyMail.com of Biden taking F-16s off the table: 'I have no earthly idea what his policy is.' Hawley decried that the U.S. had agreed to send the Abrams tanks - acquiescing to Germany's insistence that it not be the only Western country to commit to providing tanks. In the weeks leading up to the announcement on U.S. tanks, Biden had pleaded with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to free up the nation's Leopard 2 tanks for shipment to Ukraine. Kyiv's forces were convinced that if Western tanks weren't on the front lines come spring, Ukraine would be unable to fight off the coming Russian offensive and launch one of their own. Germany did not want to bear the brunt of Russia's ire by becoming the first to offer Ukraine the major new weapons system. Biden's announcement of the Abrams tanks came in tandem with the announcement Germany would send 14 Leopard 2 Tanks. The US is also providing 500 armored vehicles as part of the package. Almost one year ago Biden said sending in tanks would cause World War III. 'The idea that we're going to send in offensive equipment and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews, just understand that's called World War III, okay? Let's get it straight here, guys,' he said last March. 'We will not fight the third world war in Ukraine.' 'Our message to the Germans above all and the Europeans generally ought to be: You need to take the lead in Europe and we'll take the lead with China,' said Hawley. 'The Biden administration is sending a message that we'll be on the hook for the lead in Ukraine's defense, we'll be on the hook for what's to come in the proxy war with Russia and the Europeans can sit back. So it is such an array of mixed messages.' Sen. Marco Rubio, top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned whether it would be effective to use F-16s in Ukraine given the 'range and reach' of Russian anti-aircraft systems, and whether Ukrainian pilots could be trained to use them quickly. 'Bigger problem here is no one can tell you what the plan is the long-term plan for Ukraine,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Part of that plan would tell you what you need and what you don't need.' Two Memphis brothers say that Emmit Martin III, one of the cops accused of beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols to death in the city, pulled a gun on them after he found the pair smoking pot while armed, the officer told one of them: 'I'll blow your face off.' Brothers Demarius Hervey, 27, and Glenn Harris, 24, made their claims in a new interview with NBC News, days after the shocking video was released showing Martin and four other officers viciously assaulting Nichols following a traffic stop on January 7. Nichols was hospitalized and died on January 10. Martin has been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in relation to Nichols' death alongside Desmond Mills Jr., Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith. A sixth officer, Preston Hemphill, has been relieved of a duty in relation to the incident. Brothers Demarius Hervey, 27, and Glenn Harris, 24, went to a lawyer about the incident but were told that internal affairs would likely not take any action Officer Emmitt Martin III has been fired and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in relation to Nichols' death alongside Desmond Mills Jr., Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith Hervey and Harris say that they were smoking pot and were in possession of a legal firearm when they found themselves surrounded by Memphis cops at a gas station in August 2020. Panicked, Hervey and Harris said that they jumped into Harris' car and took off. The chase lasted for around two miles until Harris crashed. When he got out and attempted to flee again, that's when he found himself tackled to the ground by Martin, 30. The pair's mother, Stacy Harris, confirmed the brother's version of events, adding that all of her sons have had run-ins with the law. Their attorney, Arthur Horne, told NBC that a few days after the run-in, he told Harris that he could make a complaint to internal affairs but it's unlikely any action would be taken. Tyre Nichols succumbed to injuries sustained during the vicious assault on January 7 In the wake of the release of the Nichols' video, Horne said that they family were unsure if they were going to follow-up with a formal complaint. In 2020, Harris was accused of driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident and evading arrest. Hervey did not face charges but NBC News reports that officers did find a baggie of marijuana on his person. The network, quoting from the complaint, said that Harris 'had over $2960 dollars on his person' as well as a gun with 15 rounds. Speaking about Martin, Harris said: 'He was in the wrong, he wasnt supposed to pull a gun on me.' The damage from the car chase that Harris led the police on in August 2020 Greg Harris was later charged with having a gun while under the influence A WMC report from the time said that the incident occurred around 1:00 am on a Sunday morning. The report said that: 'The crash sent several decorative planters flying down the road.' It also mentions that Harris was charged with having a gun while under the influence. Martin had been with the Memphis Police Department since March 2018. His lawyer William Massey, has said that his client intends to plead not guilty. Massey told reporters: 'No one out there that night intended for Tyre Nichols to die. No one. No one.' He added: 'I would just imagine police officers have a very difficult and dangerous job, and sometimes a thankless job. And it's probably one of their worst fears that something like this would happen on their watch.' Video of the beating, which was released publicly last week, shows that many more people failed to help Nichols beyond the five officers charged in his death. All five cops were fired on January 20 and on January 26 were arrested and charged with Nichols' murder as well as kidnapping, assault and misconduct Six officers were part of the so-called Scorpion unit, which targeted violent criminals in high-crime areas. Other Memphis residents who say they also were 'brutalized' by officers in the unit will speak, according to a statement from Crump. Police Chief Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis said after the videos release that the unit has been disbanded. Nichols death was the latest in a string of early accounts by police about their use of force that were later shown to have minimized or omitted violent and sometimes deadly encounters. Memphis Police Department officers used a stun gun, a baton and their fists as they pummeled Nichols during the nighttime arrest. Video shows Nichols running away from officers toward his house after he was pulled over on suspicion of reckless driving. The video footage released Friday shows the 29-year-old father calling for his mother and struggling with his injuries as he sits helpless on the pavement. The five officers chatted and milled about for several minutes as Nichols remained on the ground, but other authorities were on the scene. Two Shelby County sheriffs deputies also have been suspended without pay while their conduct is investigated. Crump (pictured) said he and the Nichols family had spoken with President Joe Biden on Friday and urged him to use Nichols' death to galvanize support for the act's passage RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, the mother and stepfather of Nichols, have accepted an invitation to attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address from Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, who is chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, according to Vincent Evans, a spokesperson for the group of Black lawmakers. Horsford told MSNBC Tuesday: 'I have invited the Nichols family as guests of the Congressional Black Caucus so they will be there on that day to hear from the president and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to hear how we will finally take action to keep our communities safe.' A three-vehicle crash in regional Victoria has left a man dead and a young child in a critical condition. The three cars collided on the intersection between Traralgon-Maffra Road and Farmers Road in Glengarry, Gippsland, at 3:49pm on Tuesday. The 35-year-old driver, a man from Glengarry, died at the scene while his passenger, a six-year-old boy, was airlifted to The Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne. He is in a critical condition with upper body injuries. A three-car crash in Glengarry (above) killed a 35-year-old man and critically injured a six-year-old boy A second driver, a 22-year-old man from nearby Traralgon, was taken to Traralgon Public Hospital and treated for minor injuries. He is assisting in police inquiries. The four people inside the third vehicle were not injured in the crash. Victoria Police officers from the Major Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene. 'The exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing,' police said in a statement. Anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Australia's Foreign Minister has urged the United Kingdom to confront its colonial past in the Indo-Pacific as Britain pushes ahead with a tilt towards the region. Penny Wong also warned that all nations must work to prevent a 'catastrophic' war in the region, which she said was becoming 'more dangerous and volatile'. Ms Wong and the Defence Minister, Richard Marles are in the UK for strategic talks with their British counterparts James Cleverly and Ben Wallace. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) has urged the UK to confront its colonial past in the Indo-Pacific In a speech at King's College in London, Ms Wong highlighted the deep links between Australia and the UK, saying many Australians continued to also think of themselves as British after federation in 1901. 'But as the nature of our nations, our regions and indeed our world has changed, so too has the character of our relationship,' Ms Wong said. 'Today, as a modern, multicultural country - home to people of more than 300 ancestries and the oldest continuing culture on Earth - Australia sees itself as being in the Indo-Pacific, and being of the Indo-Pacific.' Ms Wong welcomed the UK's increased involvement in the Indo-Pacific, saying it recognised a war in the region would have impacts across the world. 'If conflict were to break out in the Indo-Pacific, it would be catastrophic - for our people and our prosperity.' Defence Minister Richard Marles (pictured) said 'We want to see a Great Britain which is engaged in our region' She added that it was 'up to all countries to ask ourselves how can we each use our national power, our influence, our networks, our capabilities, to avert catastrophic conflict'. 'I have put Australia's view on this directly to my Chinese counterpart, when I made the first Australian ministerial visit to China in three years just before Christmas,' said Ms Wong. Her travels in the region 'rendered crystal clear that one of the most important ways our countries can modernise our relationships is in the story we tell the world about who we are,' she said. The senator also pointed to her personal history as a descendant of British colonists in Australia and Chinese immigrants to modern-day Malaysia. '(That) other side of my family had a very different experience of British colonisation,' she said. Australian ministers Penny Wong (left) and Richard Marles (right) are in the UK for strategic talks with their British counterparts James Cleverly and Ben Wallace Ms Wong said many people from the same Chinese clans as her father laboured in tin mines and plantations for the British North Borneo company, while others - including her grandmother - worked as domestic servants for British colonists. 'Such stories can sometimes feel uncomfortable - for those whose stories they are, and for those who hear them,' she said. 'It gives us the opportunity to find more common ground than if we stayed sheltered in narrower versions of our countries' histories.' The Foreign Minister added that Australia had not always listened to the countries of south-east Asia and the Pacific as carefully as it could have, but the government was working to change that. She said she had visited 24 Indo-Pacific countries in her first six months in office and that the government was taking an approach 'that puts listening above lecturing'. Ms Wong said Australia was looking for common ground with neighbouring nations on issues such as food security, economic development, climate and infrastructure. She said helping countries tackle poverty was 'the right thing to do' and would also increase security because 'stability and prosperity are mutually reinforcing'. Understanding the past brought the opportunity to find more common ground than if 'we stayed sheltered in narrower versions of our countries' histories,' Ms Wong added. Mr Marles said the Foreign Minister was making the critical point that acknowledging the past allowed for deeper relationships. 'It's really important for all countries to think about their past in terms of that providing a gateway for meaningful engagement in the future,' he told ABC TV. 'We want to see a Great Britain which is engaged in our region and they certainly seek to be that, because if Britain is engaged in the Indo-Pacific it will help provide stability ... and that's really important.' An SUV was seen lodged in the side of a two-story house after being catapulted several feet in the air Sunday night. The unusual scene was photographed by several passersby on the usually quiet stretch of road in Hyattsville, Maryland, with one social media user calling it the 'craziest' he had ever witnessed. Footage filmed moments after the accident, which occurred just before 8:30pm, shows firefighters assessing the damage as well as the structural integrity of the savaged home. It further shows how the 3,500-lb. Honda CR-V was left wedged in the domicile completely upside down, and the massive hole left behind once removed. Thankfully, police said, the house was unoccupied at the time - but perhaps most surprisingly, the car's driver managed to walk away unscathed. Scroll down for video: A full-size SUV was seen lodged in the side of two-story house after being catapulted several feet in the air Sunday night, leaving residents in Hyattsville, Maryland, awestruck The 3,500-lb. vehicle was left wedged in the domicile completely upside down, and left a massive hole behind once removed Were at the 6900 block of Riggs Road in Chillum, Md., where a car smashed through a home. You can see its upside down. Video courtesy of Felix Osorio: pic.twitter.com/S0G6g8KvwB Christian Flores (@CFloresNews) January 30, 2023 'CAR DRIVES UP HILL & FLIES *INTO* HOUSE UPSIDE DOWN,' the tweet from Christian Flores, a journalism student called to the house on Riggs Road, read. 'Amazingly, occupant was able to self-extricate,' he went on to reveal. 'He drove up a hill, got some air-time, and ended up inside of a house. Craziest scene I've been on.' Flores was among several citizens to flock to house Sunday night to lay witness to the awe-inspiring scene, which left a massive hole in the home, and somehow no one injured. The motorist, police said, was able to exit the vehicle without assistance, finding himself inside the empty house after the scary crash First responders who arrived on the scene just after 8:30 pm were then tasked with removing the car, after the driver had already managed to exit it on his own accord. According to Flores, the motorist, who was not named, told authorities that he had only been driving 40 miles per hour, and somehow lost control of the vehicle as it made its way up a hill before hitting the impacted house. After roughly two hours, officers managed to remove the careened car, leaving behind the massive hole. Police have since cleared the scene, but some images of the aftermath: pic.twitter.com/6rymVL0FYA Christian Flores (@CFloresNews) January 30, 2023 A tweet from the The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, posted at 10:12 pm, said that the department and other first-responders had initiated a collapse investigation amid concerns over the home's structural integrity. The original tweet from Flores covering the scene has since been retweeted nearly 500 times. Flores, who also works as a reporter for ABC-affiliate 7News, managed to document firefighters' struggle to remove the obstruction from the vacant home, using a crane to pull it on a flat bed, The unusual scene was photographed by several passersby on the usually quiet stretch of road in Hyattsville, Maryland, with one social media user calling it the 'craziest' he had ever seen Despite police successfully clearing the scene, the crash's devastating aftermath remained - with images snapped by Flores and other citizens showing strewn debris, the homes devastated back porch, and, of course, the SUV-sized hole. Prince George's County have yet to confirm whether or not the home belongs to anyone, or if the unnamed driver will be deemed responsible for the damages. The motorist, police said, was able to exit the vehicle without assistance, after finding himself inside the empty house inside the crashed car. Police in Prince George's County confirmed the driver did not receive 'any serious injuries.' The department said that it is currently investigating the incident. A grand jury is set to review the evidence presented by Manhattan prosecutors on Monday regarding former United States President Donald Trump's alleged hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to cover up an extramarital affair. The payments were allegedly made during the Republican businessman's 2016 presidential campaign, said people familiar with the matter. The development will bring prosecutors one step closer to potentially filing criminal charges against the former president, marking a significant escalation in the case. Trump's Hush-Money Payment to Stormy Daniels The entire situation between Trump and Daniels began in 2018 after a bombshell report by the Wall Street Journal that claimed Michale Cohen, who was previously a long-time attorney for Trump, made a $130,000 payment to Daniels a month before the 2016 election to keep her silent about the former president's alleged affair. Later, Cohen admitted that he made the payments to the adult film actress in violation of campaign finance laws. Authorities also sentenced him to three years in federal prison. On the other hand, Trump has denied that he directed his former attorney to pay Daniels off, saying that the payments did not come from his campaign, as per Yahoo News. Another report by the New York Times said that one of the witnesses in the incident, former National Enquirer published David Pecker, was seen entering the Manhattan building where the grand jury had assembled on Monday. Pecker's tabloid was responsible for helping broker the deal with Daniels. He received immunity in 2018 in exchange for testifying about the former president's knowledge regarding the payments to the adult film star. Furthermore, prosecutors have been in contact with several individuals who worked on Trump's 2016 campaign, said sources. The hush-money case is only one of the many criminal cases the former president faces. Read Also: Tyre Nichols Death Gets Shocking Development A Slew of Criminal Investigations Prosecutors are now preparing to reconstruct the events related to the payments for grand jurors to review. According to the New York Times, they are also seeking to interview several witnesses, including Dylan Howard, the tabloid's former editor, and two employees from the former president's company. Despite the accusations, a conviction of the former president is not set in stone because the case is based on proving that Trump and his company falsified records to hide the payments days before the 2016 elections. Furthermore, it is a low-level felony charge that would be hinged on a largely untested legal theory. However, the latest development in the case comes as the former president is already moving forward with his 2024 campaign run. It also comes as a district attorney in Georgia could seek to indict Trump for his alleged attempts to overturn his 2020 loss in the state. The Trump Organization was also convicted of criminal tax fraud and other offenses late last year. Furthermore, District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is pursuing an inquiry related to potential insurance fraud by the company. On the other hand, the former president has denied any wrongdoing and argued that the probe by Bragg, a Democrat, is politically motivated. A spokeswoman for the district attorney's office and a lawyer for the former president, Ronald Fischetti, declined to comment on the matter, said the Wall Street Journal. Related Article: Trump Kicks Off 2024 Campaign Run @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran have defended their decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman as they reboot the DC Universe with a new over-arching storyline. 'We didn't fire Henry. Henry was never cast,' said Gunn during a presentation to reporters announcing plans for five new DCU films and five new TV series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Cavill, who was widely expected to return as the man of steel after appearing in a credits teaser for Black Adam in October, last month announced the 'sad news' that Gunn and Safran did not plan to bring him back. Gunn explained: 'For me, it's about who do I want to cast as Superman and who do the filmmakers we have want to cast. And for me, for this story, it isn't Henry.' 'I like Henry, I think he's a great guy. I think he's getting d****d around by a lot of people, including the former regime at this company. But this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons,' he added. 'We didn't fire Henry. Henry was never cast,' said DC Studios boss James Gunn of the decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman in their DCU reboot Cavill's shock announcement in December that he would 'not be returning as Superman' was one of many signs that Gunn and Safran planned major shakeups to the DC franchise. Following the merger that created new parent company Warner Bros. Discovery in April, DC's $90 million Batgirl movie was scrapped in the final stages of production, and plans for Wonder Woman 3 were cast aside last month. Gunn is the writer-director who made the Guardians of the Galaxy household names for Marvel and revived The Suicide Squad for DC, before signing on to revamp DC Studios last year. Safran has produced many films for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, including Gunn's The Suicide Squad as well as Aquaman, Shazam and the horror films in The Conjuring universe. In their announcement on Tuesday, Gunn and Safran laid out their vision for the first phase of a planned decade-long DCU storyline, which they dubbed 'Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.' The first film of the new phase will be Superman: Legacy, tentatively set for release on July 11, 2025. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn (left) and Peter Safran (right) have defended their decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman as they reboot the DC Universe Gunn remained cryptic about Ezra Miller's future in the DCU following the actor's guilty plea in a criminal trespassing case earlier this month Gunn is writing the Superman movie, which is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. No casting decisions have been announced, aside from the exclusion of Cavill, a well-liked actor who starred as the man of steel in three DC films prior to the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery last year. The first phase of the DCU will launch after several inherited projects that are set to debut in the next two years - including The Flash, with Ezra Miller, which Gunn said 'resets the entire DC Universe'. Gunn remained cryptic about Miller's future in the DCU following the actor's guilty plea in a criminal trespassing case earlier this month, saying there is 'nothing that prohibits' any previously cast actors from reprising their roles in the new universe, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Safran said that following Miller's involvement in a series of criminal investigations and scandals, studio executives are focused on supporting the actor, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. 'Ezra is completely committed to their recovery. We are fully supportive of that journey they are on right now,' said Safran. 'When the time is right, when they are ready to have that discussion, we will all figure out what the best path forward. But right now, they are completely focused on their recovery. And in our conversation with them, in the last couple of months, it feels like they are making enormous progress,' he added. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU slate will launch with Superman: Legacy on July 11, 2025, described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing Following the 2025 Superman movie, an uncast in-universe Batman film is also coming at an unknown date: The Brave and the Bold. It is billed a Batman and Robin tale inspired by Grant Morrison's comic series, focused on Damian Wayne, Batman's son with supervillain Talia al-Ghul, as Robin. Another planned film is The Authority, about an ensemble of superheroes who protect the planet with extreme methods. Also coming is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, based on Tom King's comics, and a big-screen standalone for the Swamp Thing. Television plans include Lanterns, an eight-hour detective series, scheduled to stream on HBO Max. Other TV projects include Waller, with Viola Davis reprising her Suicide Squad role as Amanda Waller, and Paradise Lost, the origin story of Themyscira, the island where Wonder Woman was born. New DC Studios bosses James Gunn (above) and Peter Safran have unveiled their plans for a revamped and newly unified DC Universe of films and television series An uncast in-universe Batman film is also coming at an unknown date: The Brave and the Bold, a Batman and Robin tale focused on Batman's son with supervillain Talia al-Ghul as Robin The DCU reboot also includes an animated television series, Creature Commandos, in which Waller forms a black ops team out of monstrous prisoners, is in production. At the same time, the studio will release stories that fall outside this central DC Universe narrative, dubbed DC Elseworlds, as with the comic books. One example is Joker: Folie a Deux, the sequel to the 2019 Oscar-nominated drama. Robert Pattinson's Batman will also return in Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II, opening October 3, 2025 -- another Elseworlds film outside the main continuity. Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates also is working on a script for a Superman project in which a black actor portrays the man of steel, as a DC Elseworlds project. Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav is hoping to reap the financial rewards of a reinvigorated DC franchise. The media company's shares have fallen 43 percent in the past year as the company aims to deliver $3 billion in savings from combining Warner Media and Discovery Communications. 'The stakes are enormous,' said Safran, who has produced two 'Aquaman' films and two 'Shazam' movies. 'It's a brand that was in somewhat chaos, and it's an opportunity to build an extraordinary stand-alone studio.' A man has been clocked driving at 253km/h on a major highway - when cops discovered he was a learner driver. Officers were doing speed checks on the North-South Motorway at Waterloo Corner in Adelaide's north when a 2009 black Holden ute rocketed past on Monday. The 20-year-old man behind the wheel was allegedly driving 143km/h over the speed limit. Police caught up with the 20 year old after his vehicle suffered mechanical failure and discovered the motorist was a learner driver (pictured, the black Holden ute he allegedly drove) He had been driving 143km/h over the speed limit and was driving with a passenger who also did not have their full licence Police caught up with the Smithfield man after his vehicle suffered mechanical failure and discovered the motorist was an L-plater. The man allegedly clocked the highest speed ever recorded on South Australian roads while in a 110km/h zone. He allegedly tested positive for drugs. The sample was sent to Forensic Science SA for more analysis. The learner driver was reported for aggravated extreme speed, driving in a dangerous manner, breaching his learner's permit, and driving an unregistered motor vehicle. He lost his licence on the spot for 12 months and his vehicle was impounded for 28 days - he will appear in court at a later date. Ministers are considering putting a cancer warning on all breast implants a decade after women had a cocktail of chemicals intended for mattresses put into their bodies. Experts and MPs are calling for tighter regulation and better support after the PIP faulty breast implant scandal left women including breast cancer survivors suffering and dying in silence. Health minister Maria Caulfield pledged on Monday to consider a so-called black-box warning on breast implant packaging like in the US. She said women need to be informed that any breast implant has the potential to cause a very rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Horror experience: Yvonne Murphy (pictured) said the years of anxiety and health issues that followed getting PIP implants in 2008 was 'the worst experience of my life' It came during a debate on the faulty breast implant scandal which saw 47,000 British women given ticking time bomb implants made by Poly Implant Prothese (PIP). 'They gave me years of health problems' Mother of four Yvonne Murphy was given PIP implants in 2008. The 47-year-old said the years of anxiety and health issues that followed had been the worst experience of my life. When the scandal surfaced she tried to have them removed, but the private company who put them in Hospital Medical Group told her shed have to pay 3,500 for replacements. Ms Murphy, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, said: I remember the first year of it all breaking in the news [2010] I wasnt sleeping, I wasnt eating. I still had the implants in and I had no clue what they were doing to me. She turned to the NHS and had them taken out in August 2012, but by then a lump had formed in her lymph node and she had to have emergency surgery. Ms Murphy said it took a year for doctors to say that the lump had been caused by silicone leaking from the implant in her medical notes. Since, she has had four cancer scares and has been registered disabled with pain condition fibromyalgia. She believes her continuing problems are linked to the PIP implants, but says doctors refuse to confirm it. Advertisement PIP implants were outlawed in 2010 when they were revealed to be made with substandard silicone and up to six times more likely to rupture. Victims of the scandal have reported a wide range of serious side-effects as experts say they are linked to a raft of health problems including the new form of cancer. Co-founder of the PIP Action Campaign Jan Spivey, 61, was given the implants as part of reconstructive surgery after breast cancer. She said: I thought the reconstruction would be part of the procedure to save my life I didnt think that I would be looking at eight additional surgeries relating to my PIP implant, and then in my last surgery I would be facing massive internal bleeding requiring another emergency surgery and suffer a pulmonary embolism that nearly killed me. Dr Henry Dijkman, who has studied the impacts of a wide range of silicone implants, said: We know that there are between 50 to 80 symptoms because silicone is toxic and can really trigger the immune system. Cancer is the most severe symptom. Silicone creates stress to the cell and when a cell has a lot of stress, it can lead to mutations, and then eventually you can get cancer. Anyone with a PIP implant can officially apply to have it removed by the NHS, but Labour MP Fleur Anderson said: Many applications have been turned down, leaving women with a ticking time bomb in their body. They are unable to afford to get their implants removed privately, are worried that they will rupture further, and are experiencing clear side-effects. The MHRA acknowledged the risk of cancer for all breast implants but said PIP implants are not at greater risk than any other. Since 2012 Ms Murphy has had four cancer scares and has been registered disabled with pain condition fibromyalgia A spokesman said: PIP implants do have a higher risk of rupture which may lead to unpleasant symptoms, but ruptured implants do not pose a serious health risk. We continue to monitor the safety of all breast implants, including PIP breast implants. We continually review adverse events reported to us, as well as published literature and other data sources, to determine if reports may indicate any increased or previously unrecognised risks. If further risks are identified, we will take appropriate action to ensure these are communicated to patients so they can make informed choices. If you are a patient or healthcare professional, please report any issues associated with PIP implants to us so we can continue to monitor these closely. The Queen suggested that Prince Andrew devote himself to charitable work as a route back to public life, sources have revealed. Friends of the duke claimed the late monarch believed her son might be able to pursue a Profumo-style path to redemption through low-key good deeds. This was a reference to disgraced minister John Profumo who devoted himself to charity work after being forced to step down from government in the 1960s over his affair with Christine Keeler. Although the idea of Andrew undertaking voluntary work has been raised publicly before, it is the first suggestion Queen Elizabeth was supportive of the idea. The Queen suggested that Prince Andrew devote himself to charitable work as a route back to public life, sources have revealed Friends of the Duke of York (pictured driving at Windsor Castle) claimed the late monarch believed her son might be able to pursue a Profumo-style path to redemption Andrews mother suggested the route forward was taking on a charitable cause, a source told The Independent. Other members of the family agreed and saw it as his only way to rehabilitation. The prince is not believed to have taken up any charity role in recent years. His critics have asked whether organisations would want to be involved with him in the wake of the Epstein scandal and his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, a known victim of the US paedophile, who also accused the prince of sexual assault. He has vehemently denied the allegation and stressed there was no admission of liability as part of their multi-million pound settlement. Despite publicly stripping her so-called favourite son of his patronages and barring him from using his HRH title officially, the Queen was known to be sympathetic to his situation. It was reported that she helped the duke pay the settlement before she died. Andrew is now said to be considering his legal options after Mrs Giuffre dropped a similar sex abuse case against high-profile US lawyer Alan Dershowitz, saying she may have been mistaken in accusing him. Critics have asked whether organisations would want to be involved with Prince Andrew in the wake of the Epstein scandal and his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre (pictured together in 2001, with Ghislaine Maxwell) Although the idea of Andrew undertaking voluntary work has been raised publicly before, it is the first suggestion Queen Elizabeth II was supportive of the idea Disgraced minister John Profumo who devoted himself to charity work after being forced to step down from government in the 1960s over his affair with Christine Keeler Friends say Andrew cuts a lonely figure at Royal Lodge, the Windsor home he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. He is said to hold out hope of a return to royal duties if he is able to overturn the US settlement but the Mail revealed at the weekend that this was considered wishful thinking at Buckingham Palace, regardless of the outcome. Meanwhile, the Queen Consort undertook her first engagement as the new Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. She replaced her brother-in-law Andrew after he was stripped of his public duties. Yesterday Camilla, 75, visited the battalion at Lille Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire. She presented medals to ten soldiers, who had been picked for their exceptional service in Iraq last year, as well as two being honoured for length of service. She announced her estrangement to Nick Fox three years ago, aged 89 Fay Weldon's estranged third husband, who she accused of 'coercive control' did not attend her funeral yesterday. The author dramatically announced her estrangement from Nick Fox three years ago, aged 89, also accusing him of 'financial mismanagement'. He strongly denied this, calling the allegations 'a calumny'. Fox, who is 15 years Fay's junior, said that he heard 'nothing' from her family about the ceremony. 'They have not told me about any funeral. They did not even bother to tell me when she died,' he said. Author Fay Weldon, known for works including The Life And Loves Of A She-Devil and Praxis, died aged 91 on January 4 Her third husband, Nick Fox, who she accused of 'coercive control and financial mismanagement', did not attend the funeral Retired parish priest and former 1980s The Communards star the Rev Richard Coles conducted the committal. The setting a Northamptonshire crematorium might have dismayed many, but not Fay. 'It was sandwiched between a solar-panel farm and a high-security prison,' reflects one mourner. 'She'd have loved it.' While Fox, who divorced from Weldon last summer, adds that he learned of her death from a friend who considered it 'unspeakable' that he had been kept in ignorance. 'It's just as well that he wasn't there,' explains one of the 150 or so of Fay's family and friends who gathered at Nene Valley crematorium. 'I think they would have lynched him.' Instead, the service was as intense and moving as Fay would have wished it. 'She was a committed Christian. Richard [Coles] gave her communion both at her son Nic's house and in the nursing home where she died.' It was at Nic's house, too, that Fay's inimitable life was celebrated afterwards with abundant champagne. Author Fay Weldon has died aged 91 The novelist, playwright and screenwriter's body of work includes more than 30 novels - as well as short stories and plays written for television, radio and the stage including ITV's popular drama Upstairs, Downstairs and the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Following her death a family statement said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Fay Weldon (CBE), author, essayist and playwright. She died peacefully this morning January 4, 2023.' The writer previously told her readers in a statement posted on her website that she had been admitted to hospital with a broken bone in her back and then with a stroke. Fay Weldon pictured with her son Nick Weldon and grandson Felix Weldon in 1998 A family statement said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Fay Weldon (CBE), author, essayist and playwright. She died peacefully this morning January 4, 2023' Author Jenny Colgan led tributes, describing Weldon as 'formidable, fierce and wonderful Author Jenny Colgan led tributes, describing Weldon as 'formidable, fierce and wonderful'. Chocolat author Joanne Harris tweeted: 'RIP Fay Weldon: what a loss, and what a remarkable woman.' The Rev Richard Coles also revealed he took her Holy Communion as he remembered the late author, writing on Twitter: 'So sorry to see news of the death of #FayWeldon. 'I started out as an admirer of her fiction and I ended up taking her Holy Communion. She was amazing. May she rest in peace.' The novelist, playwright and screenwriter's body of work includes more than 30 novels including The Life And Loves Of A She-Devil Born in Britain in September 1931, Weldon was brought up in New Zealand and returned to the UK as a child. She went on to read economics and psychology at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and later received an honorary doctorate from the institution in 1990. Weldon worked briefly for the Foreign Office in London and as a journalist before moving to work as an advertising copywriter. She left this career to focus on her writing and published her first novel, The Fat Woman's Joke, in 1967. Alongside her prolific novel career, she also wrote children's books, non-fiction books and newspaper articles. She was also one of the writers on the popular drama series Upstairs, Downstairs which ran from 1971 to 1975, receiving an award from the Writers Guild of America for the show's first episode. Much of her fiction explores issues surrounding women's relationships with men, children, parents and each other, including the novels Down Among The Women (1971) and Female Friends (1975). Her 1978 novel Praxis was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction and she later chaired the judges' panel for the prestigious award in 1983. A post on the Booker Prizes Twitter account said they were 'saddened' to hear the news as they recalled how she had 'delivered one of the most memorable speeches in Booker history' during her time as a judge for the award. She published a memoir called Auto Da Fay in 2002 when she was 70. Advertisement Police used tear gas and baton charges to beat back pension reform protestors by the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris today. The ugly scenes followed a day of strikes and street demonstrations which saw more than 1.2 million mobilise on Tuesday. 'A Paris march involving hundreds of thousands was peaceful, right until the very end when there were disturbances,' said a local police spokesman. Referring to the national monument where Napoleon is buried, the spokesman added: 'Stones were thrown at officers around Les Invalides, before order was restored in the early evening.' Tens of thousands of people march against the pension reforms on January 31, 2023 in Paris, France Protesters run for tear gas as clashes erupt between police forces and protesters during a march against the pension reforms on January 31, 2023 in Paris, France French riot police use tear gas during clashes on the demonstration against French government's plan to raise the legal retirement age in Paris, France on January 31, 2023 It followed Interior Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin accusing 'champagne socialists' of opposing pension reform. He said 11,000 police were mobilised, as just over 1.2 million showed their opposition to raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Multiple train and metro lines shut down, along with schools, colleges, medical centres, and other public services. In a controversial interview published in Le Parisien newspaper, Mr Darmanin said many of those taking part wanted 'a society without work, without effort'. He said they were 'champagne socialists' who wanted to 'screw up the country' as it struggled to compete in the global economy. Under new government proposals being considered by the Paris parliament, people will have to work two years longer to achieve a full pension. This has been hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as vital to safeguard France's hugely expensive system. He has welcomed 'democratic protest' but said any rioting would be met with 'the full force of the law'. His pension reform ideas have proved deeply unpopular, with 68% saying they are opposed to it, according to an IFOP poll published this month. Protesters gather at Place d'Italie square for a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 A protester holds red flares near the Invalides during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a day of national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 A protester tries to kick a fuming tear gas pellet during a demonstration on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 A man is detained by riot police officers during a demonstration against plans to push back France's retirement age, Paris, France, January 31, 2023 Police detain a protester during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 French police face off with protesters amid clashes near the Invalides during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 French police face off with protesters amid clashes near the Invalides during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 All the country's unions have condemned the measure, as have the Left-wing and Far-right opposition parties in the National Assembly. Mr Macron's Renaissance party does not have a parliamentary majority, so has to rely on the support of around 60 MPs from the conservative Republicans party to get his pension reforms through. With the parliamentary process taking months, Mr Macron faces a rolling campaign of opposition. Most other European countries have taken steps to raise the official retirement age, which in Britain is currently 66. President Macron made an earlier attempt to reform the system in 2019, but scrapped it because of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is the seventh attempted pension reform in France since Socialist president Francois Mitterrand cut the retirement age to 60 in 1982. Every subsequent attempt to reverse that change has led to mass opposition on the street. In 2010, conservative Nicolas Sarkozy raised the retirement age to 62, despite weeks of mass protests. Protestors end the demonstration against plans to push back France's retirement age, at the Invalides monument in Paris, January 31, 2023 French riot police stand in front of protesters with umbrellas as clashes erupt during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 Protesters clash with police on the Place Vauban during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 A protester is detained by police during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 Police clash with protesters on the Place Vauban near the Hotel de Invalides at a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 Protestors hold union flags and smoke flares during a demonstration as part of a nationwide day of strikes and rallies for the second time in a month, Nice, southeastern France, January 31, 2023 Masked protesters react during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a day of national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 The protesters have vowed to take to the streets as often as needed for the government to back down. 'We won't drive until we're 64!' bus driver Isabelle Texier said at a protest in Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast. 'For the president, it's easy. He sits in a chair... he can work until he's 70, even,' she said, adding: 'We can't ask roof layers to work until 64, it's not possible.' 'This is about more than pensions, it is about what kind of society we want,' 59-year-old university professor Martine Beugnetsa said. Opinion polls show a substantial majority of the French oppose the reform, but Macron intends to stand his ground. The reform was 'vital' to ensure the viability of the pension system, he said on Monday. Some felt resigned amid bargaining between Macron's ruling alliance and conservative opponents who are more open to pension reform than the left. 'There's no point in going on strike. This bill will be adopted in any case,' said 34-year-old Matthieu Jacquot, who works in the luxury sector. The pension system reform would yield an additional 17.7 billion euros (15.5 billion) in annual pension contributions, according to Labour Ministry estimates. Unions say there are other ways to raise revenue, such as taxing the super rich or asking employers or well-off pensioners to contribute more. French police face off with protesters amid clashes near the Invalides during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 A protester kicks a tear gas canister during clashes with police on the Place Vauban at a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 French riot police push back protesters as clashes erupt during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 Protesters gather at Place d'Italie square for a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 A protester faces French riot police during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 Protesters demonstrate on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 Protesters light flares and throw fireworks to riot police as clashes erupt during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 French police fire tear gas during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Paris on January 31, 2023 Protesters take pictures of a broken street furniture during a demonstration against French government's pension reform plan in Paris as part of a day of national strike and protests in France, January 31, 2023 The government made some concessions while drafting the legislation. Macron had originally wanted the retirement age to be set at 65, while the government is also promising a minimum pension of 1,200 euros a month. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has said the 64 threshold is 'non-negotiable', but the government is exploring ways to offset some of the impact, particularly on women. France has the lowest qualifying age for a state pension among major European economies. The government has said the changes are necessary to guarantee the future financing of the pension system, which is forecast to tip into deficit in the next few years. But opponents point out that the system is not in trouble, insisting pension spending is not out of control. French riot police push back protesters during clashes on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 Protesters took place across France on Tuesday, from Montpellier (left) to Nantes (right) French riot police push back protesters as clashes erupt during a rally on a second day of nationwide strikes and protests over the government's proposed pension reform, in Nantes on January 31, 2023 The White House continued to defend its transparency and responsiveness on Tuesday even amid the latest drip-drip revelation that the FBI had searched President Biden's former think tank office back in November. That government search came days after Biden's lawyer discovered material marked classified inside his Penn Biden office in Washington, D.C. back on Nov. 2 although his team didn't reveal the information for six weeks. 'We have released multiple statements from the White House and President Biden's personal attorney has released multiple statements over the last month walking through the process and agreeing to be fully, fully cooperative with the Justice Department,' White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield told CNN Tuesday. 'This is a a process that plays out we are responsive to the Justice Department's requests. We have been clear from the outset that the President will cooperate with every request the Justice Department has, and we've put out multiple statements. 'We have released multiple statements,' White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said Tuesday when pressed on the latest document disclosure that the FBI had searched President Biden's former office back in November CNN host Victor Blackwell asked the longtime Biden advisor about the 'trickle of disclosure' and why he was bringing the information to her instead of the other way around following information that was available to insiders back in November. Asked on camera if any additional documents were discovered in the search, Bedingfield responded: 'That's not something I can comment on from here,' and referred the matter to the Justice Department. A source told the network all of the classified material that Biden's team had discovered had already been handed over by the time of the FBI search. That search was voluntary, and did not take place under a search warrant. The defense was only the latest time the White House invoked its own transparency even while being questioned about new information related to the discovery of classified information in Biden's realm first at his office, then at his Wilmington home, and then additional discoveries of material at the home following an FBI search. DOJ has not responded to inquiries about the matter, but its own teams have uncovered additional materials that were not picked up in initial searches. CNN host Vicktor Blackwell pressed the longtime Biden advisor about the 'trickle of disclosure' in the wake of the new reports The FBI search in November came days after Biden's own lawyer identified classified material there, it was revealed Tuesday, in a new detail revealed by CBS News that the White House did not disclose at the time. It was not immediately known if any additional documents marked classified were uncovered during the search, which took place in mid-November with an exact date still not clear late Tuesday. On November 2, days before the mid-term elections, a Biden attorney discovered 10 documents marked 'classified,' then contacted the National Archives, which alerted the Justice Department. News of the FBI search comes as the Biden administration faces new pressure from Democrats to disclose the contents of classified material found at his home and office. Investigators from the FBI searched the Penn Biden office for classified material back in November, it was revealed Tuesday A January 14 statement from Biden lawyer Bob Bauer did not acknowledge the government search, only flagging the government's 'inquiry, including taking possession of any documents and reviewing any surrounding material for further review and context.' A January 12 statement by White House counsel Richard Sauber noted that the president's lawyers and DOJ were 'coordinating closely' in the search of the president's Wilmington home. 'Following the discovery of government documents at the Penn Biden Center in November 2022, and coordinating closely with the Department of Justice, the President's lawyers have searched the President's Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, residences the other locations where files from his Vice-Presidential office might have been shipped in the course of the 2017 transition, Sauber said in a statement. That search turned up classified materials in a garage and one in an adjacent room. On Friday, January 20, the FBI searched Biden's Wilmington home, uncovering additional classified material. Top Republicans have called on the government to search the president's Rehoboth, Delaware, beach house, where Biden's team says no classified documents were uncovered in its own search. The White House had fielded questions last week about whether such a search might happen this past weekend, when Biden was at Camp David and in Wilmington, but there are no indications it happened. 'There has not been a limit of transparency,' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this month during a particularly feisty White House press briefing. The repeated disclosures come after months of reporting on Donald Trump's own resistance to government demands to return documents and the FBI's discovery under a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago of hundreds of documents marked 'classified.' The search at the Penn Biden center in Washington, D.C. came days after the initial document discovery The FBI carried out a search of Biden's Wilmington, Delaware, home, where classified materials were discovered in a garage and private library The same garage is home to Biden's classic Corvette Stingray along with some boxes and a lampshade The news broke as Biden visited New York to tout infrastructure improvements The president has faced repeated questions about the documents, sometimes scolding reporters, sometimes defending his conduct Former Barack Obama advisor David Axelrod is among prominent Democrats who have called out the Biden White House for insufficient transparency, in an op-ed where he faulted the team for violating a mantra of crisis communications to 'fully disclose all the facts' as quickly as possible. Bauer's statement following the Wilmington search this month made clear that the Justice Department took part in the search. DOJ 'took possession of materials it deemed within the scope of its inquiry, including six items consisting of documents with classification markings and surrounding materials, some of which were from the President's service in the Senate and some of which were from his tenure as Vice President,' Bauer said in a statement at the time. He said investigators also took handwritten notes from Biden's time as vice president. Protesters have tied colourful ribbons down the side of Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral as a demonstration against abuse by the clergy, as Cardinal George Pell's body is brought there to lie in state. The 81-year-old former archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney died in a Rome hospital last month from heart complications following hip surgery and was given a traditional cardinal's funeral by the Vatican at St Peter's Basilica. His body has been returned to Sydney for burial and a solemn reception will begin on Wednesday morning with two masses, followed by a vigil later in the day, with mourners invited to pay their respects. A masked protester ties ribbons on the fence of Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral as part of a protest against abuse by the clergy A requiem mass celebrated by Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher will take place on Thursday before the cardinal is buried in a private ceremony at St Mary's crypt. However, a gay rights protest is also expected across the road, with police planning to ask a judge on Wednesday to ban the demonstration. Thousands of mourners are expected to attend the mass and screens will be erected in the cathedral forecourt to accommodate them. Cardinal Pell was the Vatican's top finance minister before leaving Rome in 2017 to stand trial in Melbourne for child sexual abuse offences. The following year, he was convicted of molesting two teenage choirboys in the sacristy of Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral while archbishop in 1996. He maintained his innocence and in 2020 his convictions were quashed by the High Court. Yet for child sexual abuse survivors and supporters, Pell's legacy is one of shame and institutional cover-up. A support group for clergy abuse survivors, Loud Fence, has been tying colourful ribbons around the cathedral's fence as a symbol of solidarity and claims they have been repeatedly taken down by church staff. Paul Auchettl, whose brother was a victim of clerical abuse by a priest under the leadership of Cardinal Pell in Ballarat during the 1970s, is vowing to continue tying memorial ribbons to the fence. Mr Auchettl's brother ended his life some 25 years ago. A hearse which is set to bring Cardinal Pell's body to the scene of the church, above Cardinal George Pell died aged 81 last month following complications from hip surgery 'There are so many who are too angry to be here. We are here because those who are dead can't be here,' he told AAP. 'They are so full of shame, their families hold a painful history'. Mr Auchettl's says the church has left victims and their families in a 'spiritual wasteland'. AAP contacted the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney for comment. Sydney-based LGBTQI group Community Action for Rainbow Rights said it was still going ahead with a peaceful march on Thursday morning timed with the funeral, despite police seeking a court order to prevent it. 'We need everybody to come out and protest on Thursday. We can't let the police get away with denying us our right to protest,' the group said on its Facebook page. Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Nearly 700 convictions for murder given to criminals on probation since 2010 Three murders or serious sex crimes are committed every week by offenders on probation. Nearly 700 convictions for murder have been handed to criminals who were on probation since 2010 an average of one a week. And a further 950 convictions for rape, attempted rape or serious sex assaults including attacks on young children have been secured against known offenders in that time. The figures were revealed as a warped and angry killer was yesterday found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and an associate within weeks of being released from jail. A review published last week found a series of failures in the way probation teams handled violent thug Jordan McSweeney (pictured), who went on to murder Zara Aleena Similar disturbing failures were highlighted in another inquiry, published two weeks ago, into the handling of killer rapist Damien Bendall (pictured) The Labour Party, which obtained the crime figures, said the data showed the probation service was in chaos. It blamed the Government for failing to invest in the system. In total, there were 3,219 serious further offences committed by known criminals on probation in England and Wales between 2010-11 and 2020-21. Some will have been committed by offenders who were on licence after previously committing other serious crimes, while others were deemed to be lower-risk offenders. The convictions included kidnapping, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. In all, there has been an average of six serious further offences a week committed by criminals on probation over the 11-year period. Labour justice spokesman Steve Reed said: Murderers and rapists must not be left to roam the streets and prey on new victims. Thirteen years of Conservative mismanagement has left our probation services in chaos... The service has been left facing a shortage of staff, unmanageable workloads, and morale is at rock bottom. It comes after a review published last week found a series of failures in the way probation teams handled violent thug Jordan McSweeney, who went on to murder Zara Aleena. Freed to slash pair's throats By Daily Mail Reporter A warped killer was yesterday convicted of murdering his girlfriend and a man within weeks of being released from jail. Lee Peacock, 50, cut the throats of his partner Sharon Pickles, 46, and Clinton Ashmore, 59, during a violent two-day spree in west London in August 2021, the Old Bailey heard. The burglar, from Westminster, tried to turn his knife on himself when police tracked him down to a houseboat on the Grand Union Canal after a five-day manhunt. Prosecutor Edward Brown KC said the killings happened while Peacock was out on licence. The defendant had a background of drugs and a significant criminal history, although it was not consistent with a history of offences of violence, the prosecutor said. Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley said Peacock was determined to blame others for his partners decision to move on with her life while he was in jail. He is due to be sentenced this morning. Lee Peacock, 50, cut the throats of his partner Sharon Pickles, 46, and Clinton Ashmore, 59 Advertisement McSweeney should have been recalled to prison six days before the attack but delays meant he was roaming the streets free to kill the 35-year-old aspiring lawyer. Similar disturbing failures were highlighted in another inquiry, published two weeks ago, into the handling of killer rapist Damien Bendall. Errors by probation officers meant Bendall was left free to murder his pregnant partner Terri Harris and three children her 11-year-old daughter Lacey Bennett, her son John Paul Bennett, 13, and Laceys friend Connie Gent, 11. Both McSweeney and Bendall had been wrongly categorised as medium risk rather than high risk. It came as a whistleblower last night claimed probation officers are under organisational pressure to allocate lower risk ratings to offenders. The anonymous source told Channel 4 News: The more complex and riskier cases, the more resources allocated to it. There is some organisational pressure to lower the risk rating because you can pass more cases on to a person if they are less resource heavy. The senior civil servant at the Ministry of Justice, Antonia Romeo, told MPs yesterday she wanted to ensure that were completely learning lessons from everything that has happened so that these appalling crimes dont happen again. The permanent secretary told the Commons justice select committee she was profoundly sorry for the errors in the McSweeney and Bendall cases. Amy Rees, director general of HM Prison and Probation Service, said both cases had been allocated to an inexperienced probation officer. Labour said there was a sharp increase in serious further offence convictions following the botched probation privatisation in 2014. It was renationalised in 2019. A Conservative source said: If the Labour Party were serious about locking up violent criminals, then they would have voted for our Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. Labour have put politics before tackling crime they have consistently voted for weaker jail sentences, fewer powers for the police and less money for our brave police. The Government is investing an extra 155million in probation, including the recruitment of 4,000 probation officers, and has outlined plans to overhaul the parole system. The West must ignore Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, a top advisor to Ukraine's President Zelensky has said. The Kremlin claimed that it would resort to nuclear conflict if Europe and the US increased their supply of weapons and machinery to Ukraine. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, told The Times: 'Putin is not ready to press the red button' as Russia understands the consequences of doing so. This comes after the announcement from military chiefs that some 180,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the start of the war in Ukraine - a far higher estimate than previously thought. The West must ignore Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, a top advisor to Ukraine's President Zelensky has said. Pictured: Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, January 30, 2023 A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk, northwestern Russia, October 26, 2022 Mykhailo Podolyak told The Times: 'Any use of nuclear weapons, even tactical ones, will lead to the inevitable death of most of the Russian political elite. They understand this very well.' Podolyak said that Russia understands the consequences if it were to launch a nuclear strike, whether on Ukraine or any Western ally. He said Moscow understands it would face 'immediate retribution' as other nuclear powers have sent a very 'clear warning'. As western countries committed to sending weapons including tanks to Ukraine, Vyacheslav Volodin, a political ally of Putin and the speaker of the Russian parliament, said the west was risking a 'terrible war'. Western countries last week announced they would send dozens of sophisticated tanks to Ukraine, including pledges from the US, Germany, and UK. Volodin said last week: 'Foreign politicians making such decisions need to understand that this could end in a global tragedy that will destroy their countries.' Former Russian Prime Minister and President Dmitry Medvedev - who is now the deputy chairman of Russia's national security council - also warned that Moscow could use nuclear weapons if its military was defeated in Ukraine. Mykhailo Podolyak told The Times: 'Any use of nuclear weapons, even tactical ones, will lead to the inevitable death of most of the Russian political elite. They understand this very well' Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, told The Times: 'Putin is not ready to press the red button' as Russia understands the consequences of doing so Russia recently tested its nuclear capabilities with a test on its hypersonic Zircon missile in the Atlantic ocean earlier this month. Zelensky's advisor told The Times: 'The Russian political elite wants to frighten other countries but at the same time they want to have a guaranteed life of luxury. 'I would recommend paying less attention to the comments of people like Volodin and Medvedev. Their aim is to sow panic in Europe.' This comes after it was estimated by military chiefs that up to 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the start of the war in Ukraine. The estimate from the Norwegian army is far higher than previously thought. Top US general Mark Milley suggested the toll was around 100,000 last November. It is unclear how many troops Ukraine has lost since the country was invaded on February 24, 2022. Both sides have a policy of not disclosing losses. Vladimir Putin's army is currently making a desperate bid to seize territory before more than 300 Western tanks reach the war zone in Ukraine. Up to 180,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the start of the war in Ukraine, military chiefs have claimed Top US general Mark Milley suggested the Russian army toll was around 100,000 last November Western officials said Russia was attempting to replace lost troops with hundreds of thousands of reservists and a partial mobilisation of civilians, including convicts. They admitted Russia was making 'creeping gains' in eastern Ukraine but insisted Kremlin forces are not large enough to make a strategic breakthrough. Putin's partial mobilisation has 'semi-stabilised' Russia's frontline, which is making progress again after months of retreats and stalling. An official said: 'Russia has achieved some tactical successes but this is a 'sideshow of a sideshow'. Russia has greater mass [than Ukraine] but it is unlikely the reservists brought to the frontline have formed into cohesive groups. Russia is attempting to gain momentum but its forces are falling short of the strategic tasks set for them.' The official predicted that the 'grinding conflict' is likely to continue through this year. On the influx of Western tanks, they said: 'Russia is aware of timescales.' Ukraine is on a defensive footing at the moment as it waits for the tanks. Vladimir Putin's army is currently making a desperate bid to seize territory before more than 300 Western tanks reach the war zone in Ukraine Most will be German-made Leopard 2s following a landmark decision by Berlin to send tanks and lift export restrictions affecting Nato allies. Other tanks include 14 Challenger 2s from Britain and 31 M1 Abrams from the US. Ukrainian crews started training in the UK this week. The troops, accompanied by the British tanks, will return to the country in late March. They are already skilled tank drivers but must adapt to the specific requirements of the Challenger 2. In recent weeks Russian forces have captured towns in Donetsk province. Their aim is to secure the strategically significant city of Bakhmut. Before the invasion it had a population of 70,000. But civilians have fled from the city as Russian forces have closed in. Ukraine may be required to withdraw from Bakhmut a move which would represent a major blow to the country's morale. A Western official said: 'Bakhmut is totemic in the public narrative, which puts both sides under pressure. But military judgment will have to be exercised. 'We are not going to speculate on the outcome. In the past Ukraine has been wise in choosing timing of withdrawals when they redrew their defensive lines. There will be exchanges of territory and the conflict is not going to end soon.' Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened his life with a missile strike following criticism of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Johnson said that the Russian strongman noted that such an act would "only take a minute" and was made after the former UK prime minister warned that the war between Russia and Ukraine would be an "utter catastrophe." Putin's Missile Threat Against Johnson The claim was made during a BBC documentary focusing on the Russian president's interactions with several world leaders in the last few years. In response to the allegations, a spokesman for the Kremlin said that Johnson's assertions were lies. The former UK prime minister previously warned Putin that moving forward with an invasion of Ukraine would lead to Western sanctions and the deployment of more NATO troops along Russia's borders. Furthermore, Johnson attempted to deter the Russian military's action by telling the Russian president that Ukraine would not join the global military alliance "for the foreseeable future." However, he noted that at one point, Putin threatened him, as per BBC. The former prime minister added that based on Putin's relaxed tone and his alleged detachment, he was only playing along with Johnson's attempts at negotiations. He said the Russian president had been "very familiar" during their call. There is no definitive way to verify whether or not Putin's threat to launch a missile strike at Johnson was genuine. However, with Russia's previous attacks on the UK, the most recent being in 2018 in Salisbury, any threat from the Russian president is something that the former UK prime minister would take seriously. Putin's spokesman said that Johnson's claim was either a deliberate falsehood, which begs the question of why he lied, or was not a deliberate lie. This means he needed help understanding what the Russian president was trying to tell him. Johnson has become one of the most impassioned Western supporters of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The documentary where the UK official made the remarks charted the growing division between Putin and the West several years before the invasion, according to France24. Read Also: Ukraine Renews Requests for Weapons Johnson's Support of Ukraine Furthermore, it features Zelensky reflecting on his ambitions, which were pushed back when he tried to have Ukraine join NATO before Russia's military operation. He questioned world leaders that if they knew, for a fact, that Moscow would attack Ukraine, why they would not give the country a way to fight back. In the decades before Russia invaded Ukraine, relations between Moscow and London have continued to sink to their lowest level. This has been due to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in 2018. The former UK prime minister sought to position London as Kyiv's top ally among Western nations. While in office, Johnson visited Ukraine multiple times and called Zelensky quite frequently, said Rappler. In the documentary, Johnson also said that he told Putin that further escalation of relations between Russia and Ukraine would only lead to additional support for Kyiv from Western states. This means that there would be more NATO involvement instead of less, as Moscow wanted. Related Article: Antony Blinken Visits Israel Amid Rising Violence @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Canberra will continue to pursue peace in the Indo-Pacific after a top US general warned Western allies will need to use all possible measures to avoid a war with China. Marine Corps Commandant David Berger said Washington and Canberra would need 'everything in the cupboard to prevent a conflict'. 'We can't slow down, we can't back off, we can't get comfortable,' he told an Australian Strategic Policy Institute briefing. 'The risk then is the other side moves a half step and we've lost the deterrent value that we're after in the first place.' Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia will try to avoid war with China through diplomacy but will continue to build up an arsenal for deterrence His comments come after a four-star US Air Force general wrote a memo warning of an all-out war with China within the next two years. The Pentagon sought to distance itself from the comments, saying they didn't reflect the department's view. Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would continue to pursue a reduction in tensions and a path to peace in the region. 'Specifically in respect of Taiwan, what that means is that we stand for the proposition that there should be no alteration to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait,' he told ABC radio. 'The starting point of that is to make sure that we are active in our diplomacy and that's what we've been doing. 'But it's also about making sure that we get the hard power equation right from an Australian point of view, and we're doing that as well.' The government is poised to announce its choice of a US- or British-designed nuclear-powered submarine as part of the trilateral AUKUS agreement between the three nations. The pathway to receiving the submarines and a plan for plugging interim capability gaps will be made public in March. Mr Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are meeting with their counterparts in London, where the future of the AUKUS alliance will be on the agenda. The pair will also meet with new prime minister Rishi Sunak. Mr Marles said Australia welcomed a greater presence from Great Britain in the Indo-Pacific, adding it would be important for stability in the region. He also hosed down speculation the submarine delivery timeline would be delayed after the US suddenly shut down four repair docks for maintenance. 'We certainly understand the size of the challenge for all three countries and there is an ambitious timeline that will be articulated when this announcement is made,' he told Nine's Today program. Mr Marles is due to meet with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin later this week. President Joe Biden answered a question on ending the three-year COVID emergencies by grabbing a reporter's hand and squeezing himself underneath her umbrella on Tuesday. Before boarding a flight to New York, the 80-year-old walked over to NBC News' Chief White House Correspondent Kristen Welker when she asked: 'What's behind your decision to end the COVID emergency?' She was referring to the move announced Monday night to draw down two COVID national emergencies by May 11, more than three years after they were first announced under Donald Trump. In the bizarre encounter, a smiling Biden moved underneath the umbrella and told her: 'The COVID emergency ends when the Supreme Court ends it'. It was a gesture once unthinkable during the height of the pandemic at the White House when social distancing and mask-wearing were strictly enforced. Two policies enacted under COVID emergencies are in limbo as they are considered by the Supreme Court. Title 42, which lets border officials turn migrants away, will be considered in the coming months and the Biden's massive student loan forgiveness plan is also in flux. President Joe Biden answered a question on ending the three-year COVID emergencies by grabbing a reporter's hand and squeezing himself underneath her umbrella on Tuesday Before boarding his flight to New York, the 80-year-old walked over to NBC News' Chief White House Correspondent Kristen Walker when she asked: 'What's behind your decision to end the COVID emergency?' The smiling Biden moved underneath the umbrella and told her: 'The COVID emergency ends when the Supreme Court ends it' Republicans are calling for an end to the restrictions now, but the White House wants the emergencies to wind down so plans can be put in place. After the encounter with the press, Biden flew to the Big Apple to tout a $292 million mega grant that will be used to help build a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, but didn't find the time to drive-by or acknowledge NYC's burgeoning migrant housing crisis in midtown Manhattan - a mere 10-minute car ride away. With temperatures near freezing, scores of migrants have set up pop-up tents on the sidewalk outside the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan to protest being relocated to a Brooklyn shelter - a symptom of a much bigger problem facing NYC as the flow of migrants overwhelms city resources. Biden was joined by the state's Democratic political powerhouse consortium: Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, amongst others, The money is part of $1.2 billion in mega grants being awarded under the 2021 infrastructure law. The yearslong modernization of the Hudson project started in 2013 but stalled as Trump all but blocked Schumer over funding for the project in exchange for his support for his wall at the southern border - something that Schumer refused to do. President Joe Biden speaks about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide funding for the Hudson River Tunnel project, at the West Side Rail Yard in New York City on January 31, 2023. Only a 10-minute car ride away from Hudson Yards, President Biden did not take the opportunity to drive past the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan where a migrant crisis is unfolding Biden is greeted by Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., as he arrives to speak at the construction site of the Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 The current Hudson Tunnel Project is to repair 113-year old infrastructure which goes under the Hudson River was completed in 1910. In addition to age, the tunnels were damaged by saltwater during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 The Senate Majority Leader took aim at Trump for 'sabotaging' the long-running Gateway Program. 'The former president was shoveling you know what,' said Schumer with a wry smile. Biden's recent trips along the East Coast corridor amount to a form of counterprogramming to the new House Republican majority as GOP lawmakers seek deep spending cuts in exchange for lifting the government's legal borrowing limit, saying that federal expenditures are hurting growth and that the budget should be balanced. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Biden are scheduled to officially meet at the White House on Wednesday to talk about the looming debt ceiling. The freshly minted Republican Speaker will press his case for spending cuts even though White House officials say Biden won't negotiate over the need to increase the federal debt limit. 'I don't think there's anyone in America who doesn't agree that there's some wasteful Washington spending that we can eliminate,' McCarthy told CBS News on Sunday. Mitch Landrieu, the White House senior adviser responsible for coordinating implementation of the infrastructure law, told reporters on Tuesday that if Republicans are looking to 'take away money from projects, they ought to, I think, identify which projects they don't want.' 'And then you can have that discussion with the American people,' Landrieu added. President Biden (middle) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (right) arrive at Wall St Heliport in New York City flanked by NYPD and Secret Service. The immigrants, mostly from Venezuela and other Latin American countries, had been living in the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan until recently, when they were told to leave the temporary shelter. NYC is trying to move some of them from the Watson Hotel in Manhattan to a new shelter at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, but many of the men gathered outside the hotel said they wouldn't leave. The city sent MTA buses, but many of the people said they wouldn't board them, adding they were concerned about the conditions at the new shelter. To some in the Biden administration, the Hudson Tunnel Project demonstrates what could be lost if spending cuts are put into place. In total, the construction is projected to result in 72,000 jobs, according to the White House. The project will renovate the 1910 tunnel already carrying about 200,000 weekday passengers beneath the Hudson between New Jersey and Manhattan, a long-delayed upgrade after decades in which the government underfunded infrastructure. 'We cannot lead the world in this century if we depend on infrastructure from early in the last one,' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. The grant would be used to help complete the concrete casing for an additional rail tunnel beneath the river, preserving a right of way for the eventual tunnel. In total, the project is expected to cost $16 billion and help ease a bottleneck for New Jersey commuters and Amtrak passengers going through New York City. Biden made the case the project is critical far beyond greater New York. 'If this line shuts down for just one day it would cost our economy $100 million,' Biden said. 'And the current Hudson River rail tunnel can be a major chokepoint.' Other projects to receive mega grants include the Brent Spence Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Ohio; the Calcasieu River Bridge replacement in Louisiana; a commuter rail in Illinois; the Alligator River Bridge in North Carolina; a transit and highway plan in California; and roadways in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Not everyone has been pleased by the mega grant program. Some Republican lawmakers in Arizona say it gave preference to mass transit and repair projects over expansion and new construction. Schumer criticized Trump for slowing the project during his term as he feuded with the Democrats. 'Get on the Joe Biden Express now because we are not stopping,' Schumer said. 'For four years, the former president was shoveling you know what and now we're going to put real shovels in the ground, wielded by real American workers.' The trick is to try and force votes and I'm gonna try to do that,' he said 'Both parties - they hate it. Hate it, hate it, hate it,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Mark my words: they'll try to never bring an up or down vote on it' Hawley, a Republican, reintroduced a bill to ban members of Congress and their spouses from owning and trading stocks - the Pelosi Act Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley predicted his colleagues would try to stonewall his congressional stock trading ban so they don't have to answer to the public when it's revealed they don't want to stop getting rich off day trading while they're privy to market-moving knowledge in Congress. Hawley, a Republican, reintroduced a bill to ban members of Congress and their spouses from owning and trading stocks, and used the name of his legislation to troll former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A stock trading ban has had bipartisan support - and quiet opposition - in both parties in both chambers. Hawley said he 'hopes' his legislation will come up for a vote this Congress, but 'the dirty secret here is that members of Congress hate this, they hate this bill.' 'Both parties - they hate it. Hate it, hate it, hate it,' he told DailyMail.com after the Senate GOP caucus lunch on Capitol Hill. 'Mark my words: they'll try to never bring an up or down vote on it.' 'They don't want to vote on it because if they vote on it they have to explain their position, they do not want to do that.' Hawley predicted there would be lots of legislative 'maneuvering' to avoid marking up the bill and putting it up for a vote. 'The trick is to try and force votes and I'm gonna try to do that,' he said. The Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act would give members and their spouses six months after first assuming office to divest any holdings or put them in a blind trust - mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and Treasury bonds would still be allowed. Any members found in violation of the bill would have to 'return their profits to American taxpayers.' Two years after the bill was signed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would conduct an audit of members' compliance. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley reintroduced a bill to ban members of Congress and their spouses from owning and trading stocks, and used the name of his legislation to troll former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 'Members of Congress and their spouses shouldn't be using their position to get rich on the stock market,' Hawley tweeted as he announced the bill. Also on Tuesday Hawley announced he would introduce legislation likely to be less popular with the American public - a bill that would ban TikTok nationwide. The GOP senator previously introduced stock ban legislation under a different name last Congress. Pelosi came under fire for her husband Paul's prolific stock trading throughout her time leading Democrats in the House. In July Paul unscrupulously purchased $5 million in semiconductor chip stock days before a House vote that handed $52 billion to semiconductor producers. He sold the shares at a loss to avoid 'misinformation' - or the appearance of a conflict of interest. The Pelosis have a combined net worth of around $46 million. The former speaker has long maintained that she doesn't discuss stocks with her husband. But video footage from Pelosi's daughter's documentary on the former speaker highlighted just how often Paul is in the room while Pelosi is conducting business by phone. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has long maintained that she doesn't discuss stocks with her husband Banning congressional stock trades has bipartisan support on Capitol Hill - last Congress there were a number of bills introduced in both the House and Senate. Pelosi came under fire for at first saying lawmakers should be able to 'participate in the free market' before nominally supporting a stock ban. Many Americans had hoped to see stock ban legislation last Congress after reports revealed hundreds of lawmakers regularly trade stocks directly related to their work in Congress. In September Pelosi backed a bill to ban congressional stock trades that some government reform advocates said didn't go far enough. She and other Democratic leaders failed to bring a ban up for a vote on the House floor. Nearly 100 House members bought or sold financial assets that intersected with the work of the committees they sit on, according to a New York Times report from September. Of the 435 House members, 183 traded stocks through themselves or their immediate family members from 2019 to 2021. At least 97 bought or sold stocks, bonds or other financial assets through themselves or their spouses that directly intersected with their congressional work. The trades that intersect with committee work are split evenly on partisan lines - 49 Republicans and 48 Democrats. Since 2012, Congress members have been bound by the STOCK Act which requires they report stock transactions of $1,000 or more by themselves or their family members within 45 days. Members of Congress are also supposed to be confined by insider trading laws. As Harry confirms he will attend historic event alone, FEMAIL reveals the royals he may spend time with (and he won't be seeing any of his other pals!) The dodo is one of the most famous extinct creatures on the planet but is there a chance it could be brought back to life? Well, with advances in science and thanks to the first successful sequencing of the flightless bird's entire genome last year, experts think that's a possibility. US startup Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, Texas, has just revealed plans to 'de-extinct' the dodo more than 350 years after it was wiped out from the island of Mauritius in the 17th century. The company will inject $150 million (121 million) into the new project, which will go hand-in-hand with previously announced ventures to bring back the extinct woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger. Reborn? Scientists have launched a project to bring back the dodo using stem cell technology How will it be done? This graphic explains what scientists will need to do to achieve the feat WHY DID THE DODO GO EXTINCT? Little is known about the life of the dodo, despite the notoriety that comes with being one of the world's most famous extinct species in history. The bird gets its name from the Portuguese word for 'fool' after colonialists mocked its apparent lack of fear of human hunters. The 3ft (one metre) tall bird was wiped out by visiting sailors and the dogs, cats, pigs and monkeys they brought to the island in the 17th century. Because the species lived in isolation on Mauritius for hundreds of years, the bird was fearless, and its inability to fly made it easy prey. Its last confirmed sighting was in 1662 after Dutch sailors first spotted the species just 64 years earlier in 1598. As it had evolved without any predators, it survived in bliss for centuries. The arrival of human settlers to the islands meant that its numbers rapidly diminished as it was eaten by the new species invading its habitat - humans. Sailors and settlers ravaged the docile bird and it went from a successful animal occupying an environmental niche with no predators to extinct in a single lifetime. Advertisement To achieve the feat, scientists first had to sequence the dodo's entire genome from bone specimens and other fragments, which has now been done. Next, they will have to gene-edit the skin cell of a close living relative, which in the dodo's case is the Nicobar pigeon, so that its genome matches that of the extinct bird. This genetically-altered cell then has to be used to create an embryo in the same way as Dolly the Sheep in 1996 and brought to term in a living surrogate mother. Scientists hope that the chick that hatches will resemble something between the Nicobar pigeon and the dodo. They're aiming for it to be born within the next six years. However, the expert leading the dodo de-extinction project paleogeneticist Beth Shapiro cautioned that it would not be easy to recreate a 'living, breathing, actual animal' in the form of the 3ft (one metre) tall bird. It was her team that sequenced the bird's entire genome for the first time in March 2022, having spent years struggling to find well enough preserved DNA. 'Mammals are simpler,' said Professor Shapiro, of the University of California, Santa Cruz. 'If I have a cell and it's living in a dish in the lab and I edit it so that it has a bit of Dodo DNA, how do I then transform that cell into a whole living, breathing, actual animal? 'The way we can do this is to clone it, the same approach that was used to create Dolly the Sheep, but we don't know how to do that with birds because of the intricacies of their reproductive pathways.' She added: 'So there needs to be another approach for birds and this is one really fundamental technological hurdle in de-extinction. 'There are groups working on different approaches for doing that and I have little doubt that we are going to get there but it is an additional hurdle for birds that we don't have for mammals.' The dodo gets its name from the Portuguese word for 'fool', after colonialists mocked its apparent lack of fear of human hunters. It also became prey for cats, dogs and pigs that had been brought with sailors exploring the Indian Ocean. Because the species lived in isolation on Mauritius for hundreds of years, the bird was fearless, and its inability to fly made it easy prey. Its last confirmed sighting was in 1662 after Dutch sailors first spotted the species just 64 years earlier in 1598. US startup Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, Texas, has just announced plans to 'de-extinction' the flightless bird more than 350 years after it was wiped out in the 17th century However, the expert leading the dodo de-extinction project paleogeneticist Beth Shapiro (pictured left) cautioned that it would not be easy to recreate a 'living, breathing, actual animal' in the form of the flightless bird. Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal is right Since launching in September 2021, Colossal Biosciences has raised a total of $225 million (181 million) in funding to support its initiatives. Professor Shapiro, who is also the company's lead paleogeneticist, said: 'The dodo is a prime example of a species that became extinct because we people made it impossible for them to survive in their native habitat. 'Having focused on genetic advancements in ancient DNA for my entire career and as the first to fully sequence the dodo's genome, I am thrilled to collaborate with Colossal and the people of Mauritius on the de-extinction and eventual re-wilding of the dodo. 'I particularly look forward to furthering genetic rescue tools focused on birds and avian conservation.' It was Professor Shapiro's team that sequenced the bird's entire genome for the first time in March 2022, having spent years struggling to find well enough preserved DNA History: The dodo gets its name from the Portuguese word for 'fool', after colonialists mocked its apparent lack of fear of human hunters HOW WAS DOLLY THE SHEEP CREATED? Dolly was the only surviving lamb from 277 cloning attempts and was created from a mammary cell taken from a six-year-old Finn Dorset sheep. She was created in 1996 at a laboratory in Edinburgh using a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The pioneering technique involved transferring the nucleus of an adult cell into an unfertilised egg cell whose own nucleus had been removed. An electric shock stimulated the hybrid cell to begin dividing and generate an embryo, which was then implanted into the womb of a surrogate mother. Dolly was the first successfully produced clone from a cell taken from an adult mammal. Dolly's creation showed that genes in the nucleus of a mature cell are still able to revert back to an embryonic totipotent state - meaning the cell can divide to produce all of the difference cells in an animal. Advertisement Colossal today revealed it had received $150 million (121 million) in funding which the company said was enabling it to launch its Avian Genomics Group. 'This will pursue the de-extinction of the iconic Dodo, a bird species that was wiped out of its native ecosystem, Mauritius, as a direct result of human settlement and ecosystem competition in 1662,' the firm added. 'The World Wildlife Fund found that in the last 50 years, Earth's wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69 per cent at the hands of mankind,' said Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal. 'By gathering the smartest minds across investing, genomics, conservation and synthetic biology, we have the opportunity to reverse human-inflicted biodiversity loss while developing technologies for both conservation and human healthcare. 'We are honoured to be backed by a dedicated and diverse group of investors and are excited to work to bring additional species back to the planet.' According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the world's bird population has declined by more than three billion in the last 50 years. The IUCN Red List also now categorises more than 400 bird species as either extinct, extinct in the wild, or critically endangered. Colossal said it was on a mission to 'reverse these staggering statistics through genetic rescue techniques and its de-extinction toolkit'. The company's latest announcement comes less than a year and a half after it announced plans to de-extinct two other famous species: the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger. The latter, also known as the tyhlacine, roamed the Earth for millions of years before being wiped out by human hunting in the 1930s. Once ranging throughout Australia and New Guinea, the Tasmanian tiger disappeared from the mainland around 3,000 years ago. It has long been thought that this was due to competition with humans and dogs. The remaining population isolated on the island of Tasmania was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century and the last known individual died at Hobart Zoo in 1936. Woolly mammoths, meanwhile, could be brought back from extinction within six years in the form of elephantmammoth hybrids, the company has suggested. To bring the dodo back to life, scientists would have to edit the DNA of a living relative. In the dodo's case, its closest relative is the Nicobar pigeon (pictured) There has been a lot of excitement that woolly mammoths could also be created in the lab Colossal Biosciences, a startup based in Dallas, Texas, has announced plans to start the 'de-extinction' of the species, using stem cell technology Having once lived across much of Europe, North America and northern Asia, the iconic Ice Age species went into a terminal decline some 10,000 years ago. The demise of the creatures which could grow to some 1112 feet tall and weigh up to 6 tonnes has been linked to warming climates and hunting by our ancestors. Colossal plans on using mammoth DNA that has been frozen in ice for thousands of years and combining it with modern-day genetic material from Asian elephants in order to create a hybrid animal that most closely resembles the extinct creature. Its team of scientists claim that introducing the hybrids into the Arctic steppe might help to restore the degraded habitat and fight some of the impacts of climate change. In particular, they argued, the elephantmammoth mixes would knock down trees, thereby helping to restore Arctic grasslands which keeps the ground cool. A 35-foot humpback whale that washed ashore on Monday morning on a New York beach has died. The male whale, discovered by locals at Lido Beach West Town Park in Hempstead on Long Island was one of 10 cetaceans that washed ashore over the past two months along the shores of New York and New Jersey. Officials said it was still alive when found but sadly perished a short time later. Crews were forced to deploy a heavy crane to pull the huge animal, estimated to weigh around 32 tons, from the water so it would not be washed back out to sea. The animal showed no obvious signs of trauma, and federal authorities are scheduled to perform a necropsy Tuesday to determine the cause of death. A man walks past a dead male humpback whale on Lido Beach in Hempstead, Long Island, New York A dead male humpback whale that, according to town officials, washed ashore overnight on Long Island's south-facing shore In a picture taken with a drone, emergency crews try to determine how to handle the carcass of a humpback whale that washed up on shore in Lido Beach, New York, USA, 30 January 2023 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for the nation's oceans and fisheries, said 19 humpback whales were stranded last year along the U.S. Atlantic coast. During the first month of this year, there have already been seven of the whales beached from Maine to Florida. But the town of Hempstead hasn't seen one in several years, Town Supervisor Don Clavin told News 12. 'This is by far the largest,' he said. 'The crews that have been here for almost two decades have never seen a whale this size.' He later added: 'It's 35-feet-long. Just pulling it up on the shore, we had to bring in a heavy crane and the wires were snapping because of the tonnage required to bring it to higher ground.' View of a dead male humpback whale that, according to town officials, washed ashore overnight on Long Island's south facing shore in Lido Beach, New York, U.S., January 30, 2023 There have been seven whale deaths in the last few weeks on the beaches of New York and neighboring New Jersey Humpback whales live in oceans around the world but travel incredible distances every year, conducting one of the largest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some populations swim 5,000 miles from tropical breeding grounds to colder, plentiful feeding grounds - this is why it is difficult to estimate population size, according to the NOAA. Of the 14 distinct populations, 12 are estimated to number more than 2,000 humpback whales each, and two are estimated to number fewer than 2,000. Some populations (such as those off eastern and western Australia) are believed to number in excess of 20,000 animalsa remarkable recovery given that the same populations were almost eradicated by whaling almost sixty years ago. By contrast, the smallest known population is one which inhabits the Arabian Sea year round, and may number as few as 80 individuals. No one really knows why whales beach themselves, or why so many whales are washing up on the shores of the East Coast, but there are several theories as to why the animals may end up on the shoreline. The whale was estimated to weigh around 32 tons A dead male humpback whale that, according to town officials, washed ashore overnight, is pictured on Long Island's south facing shore in Lido Beach, New York, U.S., January 30, 2023 A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officer walks past a dead male humpback whale Humpback whales live in oceans around the world. They travel incredible distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet Individual cases are typically put down to sickness or injury where a whale is unable to prevent drifting into shore or actively seeks the shoreline. Navigational errors can also befall older whales or those in unfamiliar territory, as gently sloping coastlines and food-rich ocean currents close to shore confuse the animals and lead them too close to the beach. But human interference is often cited as the primary reason for beachings. Shipping and military sonar interference can disrupt the animal's ability to communicate and navigate, causing distress, disorientation, and even decompression sickness as they swim to the surface. Other threats to humpback whales include a decline in food like Krill due to a combination of climate change and industrial-scale fishing. Humpback whales can also become entangled by many different gear types including moorings, traps, pots, or gill nets. Once entangled, if they are unable to move the gear, the whale may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances, ultimately resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury. A large comet that scientists think may have come from another solar system is currently streaking towards our sun. The 'alien' space rock, which at 3.7 miles (six kilometres) wide is the size of Mount Kilimanjaro, was first spotted in 1986 with the help of a homemade cardboard telescope. Fast forward nearly 40 years and 96P/Machholz 1 is about to make its closest approach to the sun in more than half a decade today (Tuesday), having zipped inside the orbit of Mercury. Experts think it may have been sent on a peculiar orbit after being ejected from its original solar system by the gravity of a giant exoplanet. Unusual: A large comet called 96P/Machholz 1 (pictured) that scientists think may have come from another solar system is currently streaking towards our sun HOW OFTEN DOES 96P/MACHHOLZ 1 APPROACH THE SUN? Machholz 1 has been able to make five close passes to the sun since it was discovered in 1986. It was spotted by the European Space Agency's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017. Its next perihelion will be in 2028. Advertisement A long time later it could have had its trajectory bent following a run-in with Jupiter, astronomers have suggested, which in turn ensnared it around our star. The comet is also unusual because it is low in carbon and contains less than 1.5 per cent of the expected levels of the chemical cyanogen, analysis has revealed, leading scientists to conclude that it could have come from another solar system. Experts now hope to be able to unlock more of the space rock's secrets as it makes its way towards our star once again. It is currently being monitored by the European Space Agency's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, which also kept an eye out when the comet made its perihelion (closest approach to the sun) in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. '96P is a very atypical comet, both in composition and in behaviour, so we never know exactly what we might see,' Karl Battams, an astrophysicist at the Naval Research Lab in Washington DC, told spaceweather.com. A comet known as 96P/Machholz 1 was briefly captured in October 2017 by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), before disappearing again five days later 'Hopefully we can get some beautiful science out of this and share [it] with everyone as soon as we can.' The comet will make its nearest approach to the sun in five years today (Tuesday), when it will be three times closer than Mercury. One of the many fascinating things about Machholz 1 is how its size allows it to survive. Most comets heading in the direction of the sun tend to be smaller than 32 feet (10 metres) wide, meaning they burn up as they approach. But the enormous Machholz 1 is protected from being fully evaporated, so has been able to make five close passes since it was discovered in 1986. Keeping a close eye: The comet is currently being monitored by the European Space Agency's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft (pictured), which also watched the comet make its perihelion (closest approach to the sun) in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017 It was spotted nearly 40 years ago by American amateur astronomer Don Machholz, who is credited with the visual discovery of 12 comets that bear his name. The Virginia native died in August last year at the age of 69, having spent more than 9,000 hours comet hunting during a career spanning over half a century. If the space rock is not alien in origin as in it didn't come from another solar system then scientists say it could have had its cyanogen blasted off by repeat journeys around the sun. According to NASA, Machholz 1 is the SOHO spacecraft's 'most frequent cometary visitor'. The probe has spotted more than 3,000 comets since its launch in 1995, although its primary mission is to observe the sun for coronal mass ejections or solar flares that can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth. Is there anything more adorable than a picture of two baby porcupines? Well yes actually, the fact that they're known as porcupettes. The pair, one male and one female, were born at London Zoo earlier this month to parents Hettie and Henning and spent their first couple of weeks snuggling up to their mum in a cosy indoor den. Your next question might be: 'Isn't it rather painful for a porcupine to give birth, given the spikes and everything?' So cute: Two baby porcupines - named Hector and Hinata - were born at London Zoo earlier this month Keeping warm: The pair spent their first couple of weeks snuggling up to their mum in a cosy indoor den What are Cape porcupines? Cape porcupines are nocturnal rodents, native to central and southern Africa. They are the largest of all the porcupine species and Africa's second largest rodent, with adults capable of weighing up to 33lbs (15kg). Their quills measure up to 17 inches (45cm) the same length as a rounders bat. As expert foragers and diggers, the animals are considered 'ecosystem engineers' but are increasingly under threat because of habitat destruction and hunting. Advertisement Not to worry, zookeeper Veronica Heldt can allay those fears. She said: 'Thankfully for mum Hettie, baby porcupines are born with short, soft quills that harden at about one week of age, so labour wasn't as painful as people might imagine!' Heldt, who discovered the 'spiky bundles of joy' after monitoring the zoo's 'porcupine-cam', added: 'Our new arrivals are developing really well. 'Although they're only two weeks old, the nocturnal little ones are already confidently exploring their surroundings and bonding well with their new family. 'We've named the precious pair Hector and Hinata; all the porcupines in the family have names starting with the letter 'H' so Hector and Hinata join parents Hettie and Henning, nine-month-old Hershey and five-month-old Henry.' The porcupettes have already had their first health check from the zoo's vet team and currently weigh a healthy 1lb 7oz (660g) and 1lb 10oz (750g) respectively. Cape porcupines are nocturnal rodents, native to central and southern Africa. They are the largest of all the porcupine species and Africa's second largest rodent, with adults capable of weighing up to 33lbs (15kg). The porcupettes have already had their first health check from the zoo's vet team and currently weigh a healthy 1lb 7oz (660g) and 1lb 10oz (750g) respectively Cape porcupines are nocturnal rodents, native to central and southern Africa. As expert foragers and diggers, the animals are considered 'ecosystem engineers' but are increasingly under threat because of habitat destruction and hunting Their quills measure up to 17 inches (45cm) the same length as a rounders bat. As expert foragers and diggers, the animals are considered 'ecosystem engineers' but are increasingly under threat because of habitat destruction and hunting. As well as working to protect threatened species around the world, scientists and conservationists from the Zoological Society of London the conservation charity behind London Zoo work with communities to protect and preserve healthy ecosystems. But he was only shown a yellow card for his rash and poorly-timed challenge Liverpool's Fabinho should have received a red card for his ugly challenge from behind on Brighton's Evan Ferguson, the refereeing body have admitted following outrage from fans that the tackle went unpunished. Referee David Coote did not dismiss Fabinho in real time after he sunk his studs into Ferguson during Sunday's FA Cup tie at the Amex Stadium, while VAR Neil Swarbrick did not correct the call from Stockley Park. The PGMOL have now accepted that was an error with new refereeing chief Howard Webb feeling it is important for the organisation to take a transparent approach when major mistakes such as this are made. Fabinho (floor) hacked Ferguson (left) down from behind in Sunday's FA Cup clash with Brighton Fans and pundits believe Fabinho was lucky to keep his place on the pitch after his poor tackle It is felt by Webb that there was enough evidence for Swarbrick to recommend a pitch-side review by Coote, who most likely would have sent off Fabinho upon second viewing of the incident. PGMOL sources say they want to make it clear that this type of challenge should result in a red. Sportsmail columnist Chris Sutton could not believe Fabinho escaped a dismissal on Sunday, saying: 'The guilt was written all over his face. Referee David Coote only showed the Brazilian a yellow card for his rash challenge Fabinho (red) quickly protested his innocence after his challenge on Evan Ferguson 'The sending off for Sheffield United's Daniel Jebbison for next to nothing against Wrexham made this one even worse.' Brighton won regardless of Liverpool keeping 11 men on the pitch with Kaoru Mitoma scoring a stoppage-time winner. COVID-19 was found to be a leading cause of death among children despite having a relatively low mortality rate. The coronavirus was observed to be the underlying cause of death for more than 940,000 people in the United States. This includes 1,300 deaths among children and young people aged 19 years and below. It has, until now, been a mystery how the burden of deaths from the disease compared with other leading causes of death in the same age group. COVID-19 is a Leading Cause of Child Deaths Researchers at the University of Oxford's Department of Computer Science conducted a study that investigated this using data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) databases. The team published the results of their research in the journal JAMA Network Open. Key findings of the study period from Aug. 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022, include COVID-19 ranking eighth among causes of death for children and young people aged 19 and younger. It was also found to be fifth among all disease-related causes of death and first in deaths caused by infectious or respiratory diseases, as per News Medical. The team also found the coronavirus to be the cause of 2% of deaths in children and young people. It had an overall death rate of 1.0 per 100,000 of the population aged 19 and below. This was dwarfed by the leading cause, perinatal conditions, which had an overall death rate of 12.7 per 100,000. However, COVID-19 ranked ahead of both influenza and pneumonia, which combined only to have a 0.6 per 100,000 death rate. Similar to other diseases, the researchers found that COVID-19 deaths followed a U-shaped pattern across the age group. The numbers were the highest in infants younger than one year, with a rate of 4.3 per 100,000, second highest in those aged 15 to 19, with a rate of 1.8 per 100,000; and lowest among kids aged five to nine, with a rate of 0.4 per 100,000. The team also discovered that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people were higher when the Delta and Omicron variants were the dominant strains. This likely reflects the higher number of infected people during these waves. Read Also: FDA Proposes Change in Vaccination Strategy Relatively Low Mortality Rate While the coronavirus is known to amplify the impacts of other diseases, such as influenza and pneumonia, the team focused their study on deaths directly caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Eureka Alert. Despite these numbers, when compared to other age groups, the team found a substantially lower overall risk of death from COVID-19 in children and young people. The researchers suggest that the results show that public health measures, such as vaccinations, staying home, and ventilation, play an essential role in reducing disease transmission and mitigating severe illness among the younger population. The chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, Dr. Sean O'Leary, said that pediatric deaths are rare. He added that it was something that the team did not expect to happen but noted that it was uniquely tragic, said CNN. Related Article: COVID-19 Boosters Reduce Transmission Chances @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. They turned their attention to him after their 70m bid for Caicedo was rejected Arsenal have agreed terms with Chelsea over a deal for Jorginho after focusing all of their attention on the Italian international after accepting Brighton's resistance to selling Moises Caicedo. Arsenal were eager to sign Caicedo, but saw their 70million bid rejected - having previously tabled an offer of 60million on Friday and then 65m plus a further 5m in add-ons on Sunday. Therefore, Arsenal decided to turn their attention to Jorginho and Sportsmail can now reveal that the Gunners have agreed to sign the 31-year-old on an 18 month-deal worth 12million. Arsenal have agreed terms with Chelsea over a deal for Italian midfielder Jorginho (above) Mikel Arteta has been desperate to add a midfielder to his ranks during the January transfer window as both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are currently out injured. Sportsmail previously reported how Arsenal had been deliberating over whether they should make a third offer for Caicedo amid fears they could damage their relationship with Brighton. The Gunners decided to accept Brighton 's resistance to selling Moises Caicedo (above) Mikel Arteta has been desperate to add a midfielder to his ranks during the January transfer window as both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are currently out injured Arsenal believe they have a good relationship with Brighton - having successfully signed Ben White from the Amex Stadium in deal worth 50million - and didn't want to jeopardise it. Therefore, they turned their attention to Jorginho as Chelsea were open to selling the 31-year-old as his contract at the club was set to expire this summer and the potential arrival of Enzo Fernandez would push him further out of the picture. Jorginho arrived at Stamford Bridge from Napoli in 2018, signing a deal worth 50m. He went on feature 213 times for club, score 29 goals and register nine assists. However, the 31-year-old has struggled for form recently - with the Blues currently sitting 10th in the Premier League table. Chelsea were open to selling Jorginho as his contract at the club was set to expire this summer and the potential arrival of Enzo Fernandez would push him further out of the picture Therefore, Todd Boehly has decided to change things up and invest in several new players during the January window. He has brought in the likes of Joao Felix, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhaylo Mudryk. Chelsea are also looking to secure the services of Fernandez before the January window closes this evening. Jorginho's shock deadline day move from Chelsea to Arsenal may have come as a surprise to many, but none more so than Blues defender Marc Cucurella, who was left dumbfounded by the news during an interview on Tuesday. The Gunners announced the signing of Jorginho for 12m on Tuesday evening, with the Italian joining the club on an 18-month deal. Arsenal had initially hoped to lure Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo to the Emirates on deadline day, having tabled a 70m offer to the Seagulls on Monday, but swiftly changed course to recruit the experienced Italian. Chelsea's Marc Cucurella could not hide his shock after hearing of Jorginho's switch to Arsenal Marc Cucurella's reaction when we told him Jorginho was joining Arsenal pic.twitter.com/9j4zIte2Wx GOAL (@goal) January 31, 2023 Despite reading reports of Jorginho's move on Monday, Cucurella was completely taken aback by the transfer news during an interview on deadline day. The Spanish star, who joined Chelsea from Brighton last summer, was asked which team-mate was the 'smartest' within Graham Potter's squad - and his answer prompted a wholesome moment on camera. Jorginho's agent leaked a image of the Italian posing in an Arsenal shirt for the first time on deadline day, confirming the surprise move 'The smartest player in the squad is Jorginho, 100 per cent,' the left-back told GOAL for a forthcoming episode of their Simply the Best series. His response was quickly met by murmurs off-camera, before the interviewers informed him that Jorginho was no longer part of the club. Cucurella was subsequently told that Jorginho had travelled to Arsenal for his medical and that there were already leaked photographs of him in a Gunners jersey on Instagram. 'I read it yesterday, but no,' the Spaniard replied with a dumbfounded expression, before laughing at the shock deadline day move. While Arsenal and Chelsea fans speculated the credibility of the transfer story, the midfielder posed for photographs in his new colours alongside his agent Joao Santos. The image was later leaked by the agent on deadline day and it all-but confirmed Jorginho's switch to the Emirates, marking one of the stories of the window. The picture also showcases Jorginho in tracksuits wearing kit No 20, suggesting that the playmaker will inherit the jersey last worn by left-back Nuno Tavares, who is on loan with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille. Advertisement Take an eye-opening world tour, courtesy of incredible images by some of the best photographers around. Their astounding work, said to 'present a diverse and glorious view of life on our planet', has deservedly been honoured in the 2022 global Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) contest. This year, almost 20,000 images were submitted by amateur and professional photographers from 154 countries. Among the prize winners, there's a heartwarming picture of a pair of polar bears embracing in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, a transfixing image of a cloud passing over 'snow monsters' - snow-covered trees - in Japan, and a shot of a cluster of penguin chicks hiding from predators in Antarctica. However, it's the work of Slovenian photographer Matjaz Krivic that has truly captivated the judges, earning him the title of Travel Photographer of the Year. His winning portfolio comprises poignant photographs of the two last remaining northern white rhinos in the world, as well as extraordinary pictures of a volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands. TPOTY founder Chris Coe said: 'Our latest winners form a fascinating collection of images. From the intensely powerful to the exquisitely subtle, sensitive and beautiful, they reach every corner of the world and cover every facet of travelling with a camera. Conservation and sustainability permeate the collection and illustrate the role that photography can play in creating awareness of the issues facing our planet.' The winning shots can all be viewed in the online winners gallery at tpoty.com. And the photos will go on display outside in Arnos Vale, Bristol, between the Royal Photographic Society and the Martin Parr Foundation between May 1 and May 31. Scroll down to see MailOnline Travel's pick of the winners - with work by gold medal winner Krivic at the very bottom... The overall winner of the 'People's Choice' award and highly commended in the Water category, this fascinating picture by French photographer Romain Miot of a salt caravan a herd of camels ferrying salt across the desert - was captured in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania. Miot says: No roads lead to this place, so we navigated by compass. Hundreds of dromedaries [a type of camel] and their masters were present on this desert plain where nothing lives. Two wells had been dug to water the camels before the caravan left for Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso to sell the salt. Reflecting on how the photo turned out, he says: When I returned from the trip, I realised that this image of a camel owner ordering the dromedaries looked like a conductor with an orchestra A special mention in the Deserts to Rainforests category goes to this stunning photograph of Mount Zao, which lies between the Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. Describing the photograph, native photographer Kazuaki Koseki says: A rare lenticular cloud said to be the sign of bad weather looms over the snow monsters, the snow-covered trees, on Mount Zao as night approaches British photographer John Seager turned his camera on the Cone of Arita, a peak formed by salt and black lava in Argentinas Salar de Arizaro salt flats, for this mesmerising photograph. He describes the Cone of Arita as a spectacular' geological formation that seems to be lost in the vast desert of the salt flats. He adds: Using a drone, I was able to capture the magnificent shadow of Arita on this beautiful, cloudless evening. The shot earns the gold medal in the single image section of the Deserts to Rainforests category A snowy owl flies through falling snow in Connecticut in this spellbinding shot by Yaron Schmid, who says: After watching her for a few hours from a safe distance, she finally flew into the snowstorm.' The U.S photographer describes the picture the recipient of a special mention in the Blue Planet, Green Planet category - as his dream shot Earning a special mention in the Blue Planet, Green Planet category, this photograph shows Adelie penguin chicks finding refuge in an intricate tunnel system formed in icebergs in Antarctica. Australian photographer Scott Portelli explains: Using these passageways to avoid predators, they group together for safety. Leopard seals patrol the surrounding waters, while skuas [predatory seabirds] survey the vulnerable chicks from above This beautiful photograph by Katy Gomez depicts a child of the Baka community in a jungle in southeast Cameroon. Describing this shot, which receives a special mention in the Cultures category, Gomez says: A diminutive, graceful figure appears from the jungle, a faint accent of colour in a vanishing world. She continues: For thousands of years Baka pygmies have lived in harmony with magnificent jungles in southeast Cameroon, but within a generation, much of their unique lifestyle will be gone forever due to deforestation and industrial interests' This majestic photograph of Japans Sogi Falls was captured on a day when temperatures dipped below freezing point, Singaporean photographer Weizhong Deng reveals. He says: I was initially disappointed to see the entire [waterfall] covered with a thick mist upon arriving before dawn fortunately, when the sun rose, it lit up the falls beautifully and cleared away some of the mist. The picture is commended in the Water category This powerful shot by Polish photographer Artur Stankiewicz received a special mention in the 'Art of Monochrome' category. It shows wildebeest crossing the Mara river in northern Serengeti in Tanzania in truly dramatic style, kicking up a massive dust cloud as they rush into the water LEFT: A chimpanzee on Cameroons Pongo-Songo island is the subject of this hypnotising photograph by Spanish photographer Quim Fabregas Elias. He says: Chimpanzees in Cameroon are under constant threat from poaching for bush meat, by deforestation and by the trafficking of the babies. Pongo-Songo island is a sanctuary on the Sanaga river, managed by [conservation group] Papaye International, France, where rescued injured and orphaned chimpanzees are able to roam freely and safely in their natural habitat. The picture received a special mention in the Art of Monochrome category. RIGHT: This arresting picture by Chinese photographer Cui Zhoufan shows a horse in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang that has become panicked by a 'fierce gale' ripping through the landscape. Impressed, the judges have awarded the picture a special mention in the Art of Monochrome category Bagging a special mention in the Art of Monochrome category, this picture shows a distinctive water feature at Dubai's Expo 2020 event, an exhibition that featured immersive displays. Indian photographer Shyjith Onden Cheriyath, who was behind the lens, explains: From the start of Expo 2020 Dubai, this unique water feature became one of the biggest attractions. Visitors stop off to dip their feet in the waterfall that crashes to the ground before disappearing into the stone. The water also dances to music as people frolic in the tumbling stream below Taken by U.S photographer Dana Allen, this shot - a beetles eye view - homes in on the legs of an African elephant among a herd in Zimbabwes Hwange National Park. The picture is part of a portfolio of work that has been named a runner-up in the Art of Monochrome category Israeli photographer Roie Galitz was behind the camera for this emotive shot of two polar bears embracing. Titled White Wedding, it was captured on the Van Mijenfjorden fjord in Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Galitz says: During this honeymoon, a blizzard and a whiteout made it very difficult for humans, but the polar bear couple didnt seem to care. The picture is part of a series that snapped up the top prize in the Art of Monochrome category This striking shot of a heron with its lunch, snared on Kenyas Masai Mara National Reserve, has made Rohan Shah a runner-up for the Young Travel Photographer of the Year 14 and Under award. Shah, 14, explains: The grey heron managed to get hold of a very slimy skink [a type of lizard], by piercing the creatures head. The heron flew away, showing off its large wingspan This atmospheric photograph helped 18-year-old British photographer Cal Cole earn a runner-up accolade for the Young Travel Photographer of the Year 15 to 18 Years award. I feel the contrast between nature and urban is very interesting, Cole says of the image, taken on a foggy evening in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, in woodland that lies next to a busy junction Behold one of the pictures that won Matjaz Krivic the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2022. Captured in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki, Kenya, the poignant shot shows Najin, one of the last two northern white rhinos left in the world, resting in the heat of the afternoon with her caretaker Zachary Mutai. Krivic explains: The northern white rhino is all but extinct. The two last males died several years ago. The two females are still with us, but [theyre] too feeble to bear babies. The photographer explains that the rhinos' eggs are now being artificially fertilised by sperm from the late male northern white rhinos. This is done in hopes that surrogate rhinos from another subspecies can carry the northern white back from the brink After nearly a decade, an abandoned UK airport is set to reopen with bosses aiming to offer budget passenger flights to Europe. Manston Airport, which served as a home to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the World Wars, is undergoing renovations with hopes of reopening in 2026. The estimated 500million could result in affordable flights from Kent to holiday hotspots including the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta, The Sun reported. Airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners want the facility to initially open as a cargo airport, operating five flights per day. If the project proves profitable, owners would like to offer passenger routes by 2028. After nearly a decade, abandoned Manston Airport is set to reopen with bosses aiming to offer budget passenger flights to Europe The estimated 500million could result in affordable flights from Kent to holiday hotspots including the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta Manston will undergo a 'huge renovation' before it is operational again. As the facility has received few updates since the RAF left in 1999, officials need to update the airport's terminals and runways. Crews will also need to demolish existing buildings and create new roads that are better equipped to deal with high-volume traffic. While the airport is years away from offering passenger flights, bosses are said to be in talks budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. Dutch company KLM could also be one of the carriers to return to the facility, records indicate. MailOnline has approached RiverOak Strategic Partners for comment. Manston Airport, which served as a home to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the World Wars, is undergoing renovations with hopes of reopening in 2026 Airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners want the facility to initially open as a cargo airport, operating five flights per day. If the project proves profitable, owners would like to offer passenger routes by 2028 READ MORE: Whether you're a frugal family, a canny couple or a savvy solo traveller, here's how to save money on your next holiday Views for days: The glorious Ocean Hill, in Gran Canaria, offers different board options Advertisement The airport, historically known as RAF Manston, was first used in 1916 during World War I. The facility was utilised again during the Second World War due to its proximity to the English Channel. Almost destroyed and littered with unexploded bombs, Manston suffered some of the worst bombing of any airfield in the 1940s, during the Battle of Britain, and has a rich history of flight. It was regularly used by badly-damaged aeroplanes because it was so close to the front-line and had a long runway, becoming an emergency landing ground for bomber crews on the east coast. There have been persistent rumours of a mutiny at Manston during the Battle of Britain, with claims that ground crew were so angered by constant attacks on the airfield that they lost their morale. It has been suggested that the men refused to come out of their air raid shelter, and only emerged when threatened by an officer with a gun. However, claims of any mutiny have never been proven. The airport also served as the site where Dambusters ace Sir Barnes Wallace carried out tests on the revolutionary bouncing bomb during World War II. Most recently, the site has been used as a filming location and was featured last year in Sam Mendes' Empire of Light. Serial killer Stephen Reid will put himself under even more pressure on Coronation Street next week, as he plots a secret business deal behind Carla Connor's back. In upcoming scenes, Stephen joins forces with Sarah Platt and Michael Bailey to bring in a slew of new clients, even asking Beth Tinker to work through the night to make up some samples. But, Stephen struggles to hide his deal from Carla when she nearly spots the client in the factory... will she realise what he's been up to. SPOILER: Serial killer Stephen Reid will put himself under even more pressure on Coronation Street next week, as he plots a secret business deal behind Carla Connor's back Stephen (Todd Boyce) has been desperate to boost his earnings in recent weeks after killing Teddy Thompkins (Grant Burgin) and his son Leo (Joe Frost) to hide his mounting debts. And next week, Michael (Ryan Russell) and Sarah (Tina O'Brien) agree they need to think big with their designs and bombard all of the retailers on Stephen's list. However, it appears that Sarah's workload could spark tension in her relationship with Adam, as she turns down their dinner plans. Cashing in: In upcoming scenes, Stephen joins forces with Sarah Platt and Michael Bailey to bring in new clients, even asking Beth Tinker to work through the night to make up samples At odds: Sarah's focus on work begins to cause tension in her marriage to husband Adam, admitting that now isn't the right time to try for a baby Joining forces: Having spent all night working on samples, Beth admits to Michael that her machine has jammed, and if Carla sees it she'll realise she's been moonlighting. Admitting she needs to work late again as they're trying to win a big contract, Adam (Samuel Robertson) tells her that they need to make time to talk about having a baby. Sarah admits that now isn't the right time to be thinking about a baby, and in the factory she watches as Beth (Lisa George) works away on new samples. Having spent all night working on them, Beth admits to Michael that her machine has jammed, and if Carla (Alison King) sees it she'll realise she's been moonlighting. Oops! Their secret plans are nearly exposed when Carla arrives at the factory Sarah and Michael meet up with Rufus from Donahues and show him their samples, while Stephen shows him around the factory. However, his cover is nearly blown when Carla returns and Stephen quickly steers Rufus away. In the bistro, Rufus quizzes Stephen, who hastily makes out that Carla is his PA. Deal! Sarah and Michael meet up with Rufus from Donahues and show him their samples, while Stephen shows him around the factory The trio's plans work as Rufus announces that he'd like the exclusive rights to their products. Peter (Chris Gascoyne) proceeds to give him a lift in his taxi and is surprised when Rufus explains that he's here to do a deal with the factory. In The Bistro, Sarah, Michael and Stephen raise a toast to their new successful business... but when Peter reveals that he gave Rufus a lift and apparently he's doing a deal with the factory, will Carla realise what Stephen was up to? Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Lola Pearce will finally learn the identity of her long-lost mother in next week's EastEnders - but their reunion is far from harmonious. In upcoming scenes, the cancer-stricken mum will be called to daughter Lexi's school after reports that an unknown adult had attacked Lexi's school friend Maisie for picking on her about Lola's poor health. But Lola is soon in for a shock when she eventually learns the truth about Emma, while a shock revelation from her mother's past threatens scupper their relationship. The truth is out: Lola Pearce will finally learn the identity of her long-lost mother in next week's EastEnders - but their reunion is far from harmonious As she heads to the school amid the news of Maisie's attack, Lola (Danielle Harold) fears her online presence amid her vlog may be to blame, with the hairdresser then beginning to worry for her and her family's safety. However, later at the salon, her world is turned upside down when she learns the true identity of her client 'Nicole'. Later, Lola gets checked over by a doctor after Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Jay (Jamie Borthwick) grow concerned when she's left overcome with emotion and weak from her gruelling treatment. Drama: Lola is soon in for a shock when she eventually learns the truth about Emma, while a shock revelation from her mother's past threatens scupper her relationship with her mother However, with emotions still high, things are not helped when an unwelcome visitor in the form of Emma (Patsy Kensit) arrives at the doorstep. But as Lola goes on to make a shock discovery about her mum's past, will the bombshell put the breaks on the women forming a relationship? Later in the week, Lola agrees to meet Emma for lunch and brings along a reluctant Jay who has reservations about the meeting. However, it soon becomes clear that Emma is keen to make up for lost time amid her daughter's terminal cancer battle. Trouble: In upcoming scenes, the cancer-stricken mum will be called to daughter Lexi's school after reports that an unknown adult had attacked Lexi's school friend Maisie for picking on her about Lola's poor health Revealed: However, later at the salon, her world is turned upside down when she learns the true identity of her client 'Nicole' As the two take a trip down memory lane and start to bond over old photographs, Lola loses track of time and almost misses Lexi's (Isabella brown) school presentation. Following a chat with Billy and Jay, Lola comes to the conclusion that she is spreading herself too thin and decides to take a step back, scaling down the time she spends with Emma. Will the mother and daughter be able to get back on track before it's too late? EastEnders airs on Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Business is booming for billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes and the Merivale tycoon treated his hard-working staff members to the party of the year on Monday night. Hemmes, who is estimated to be worth $1.06billion, threw a raucous rave at his Sydney CBD club The Ivy to celebrate a successful 2022. Dressed in a silver boiler suit for the space-themed bash, the 50-year-old was joined by his stunning model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, 26. Justin Hemmes threw a raucous rave for his staff members at his Sydney club The Ivy with girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel on Monday Dressed in a silver boiler suit for the space-themed bash, the 50-year-old was joined by his stunning model girlfriend, 26 The blonde bombshell took centre stage in a racy $ 1,390.00 hologram sequin cross over jumpsuit as she danced alongside other scantily-clad partygoers, including a topless woman wearing pasties and man in silver latex mini shorts. Madeline's futuristic outfit was completed with rose-tinted sunglasses, giant heart earrings and a Prada cross-body bag. Meanwhile, Hemmes wore a silver spacesuit with a wolf motif on the back and also covered his eyes with giant mirrored sunglasses. Justin's huge parties for his staff have become folklore at Merivale, and are traditionally held at the end of January after the Christmas period when the hospitality industry is quieter Madeline (far right) took centre stage in a racy $ 1,390.00 hologram sequin cross over jumpsuit as she danced alongside other scantily-clad party goers The couple and his staff enjoyed free-flowing drinks and food all night long as they enjoyed techno and old school house music courtesy of several Merivale DJs. Justin's huge parties for his staff have become folklore at Merivale, and are traditionally held at the end of January after the Christmas period when the hospitality industry is quieter. At one point, Justin was seen dancing on stage inside the club as his staff fist pumped the air around him. The billionaire's sister Bettina also attended the event, wearing a gold sparkly jacket as she proudly embraced her brother. Meanwhile, Hemmes wore a silver spacesuit with a wolf motif on the back and also covered his eyes with giant mirrored sunglasses Madeline showed off some sideboob in her Ava Meridian Nebula jumpsuit teamed with a chic Prada handbag The couple shared a giggle with the man dressed in a robot on Sydney's busy George St as they arrived for the bash Justin returned to the stage later in the evening to thank his staff for the 'best year of his life'. 'I am so grateful to you all and I want you to have the best night tonight. Look around, this is electric, it is magic, and it is all because of you guys. So thank you for the best year of my life and here is to a better year ahead!' he said to rousing applause. While it's not known exactly how long they've been dating, Justin and Madeline have been publicly together for about three years. Madeline previously hinted they'd known each other for much longer. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald in October 2020, she said they had actually met two years before reports emerged of their relationship. 'We have known each other for two years and met when I was modelling in Singapore,' she said at the time. Madeline and his staff enjoyed free-flowing drinks and food all night long as they enjoyed techno and old school house beats courtesy of several Merivale DJs The billionaire's sister Bettina also attended the event, wearing a gold sparkly jacket as she embraced her brother It was also reported that Madeline was living in a penthouse apartment owned by Justin in the beachside Sydney suburb of Coogee. The Aussie couple often show of their lavish lifestyle on Instagram, posting photos while on private jets and yachts. Justin made his debut on the Financial Review Rich List in 2018 with an estimated net worth of $951million. Spacesuits and black latex appeared to be the preferred dress code on the night At one point, Justin was seen dancing on stage as his staff fist pumped the air around him In 2021, the pub baron's net worth grew to $1.2billion, making him the 97th richest person in Australia. He is now worth around $1.06 billion. The billionaire businessman owns a string of lucrative pubs and establishments across the country, including the Lorne Hotel on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, along with The Quarterdeck, The Inlet and The Whale Inn. Justin returned to the stage to thank his staff for the 'best year of his life' Australian Survivor has sparked outrage among viewers over a questionable comment from one of this season's contestants. On Monday's premiere of Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains, wildlife filmmaker Rogue Rubin told her Florida-born tribemate Nina Twine, who is black, that she was 'more African-American' than her, leading to furious backlash on Twitter. Rogue, who is based in Melbourne and the U.S., was born in Cape Town to a Zimbabwean mother and South African father - meaning she is technically African and American - but her background was not explained on the show. Australian Survivor sparked backlash on social media after South African-born contestant Rogue Rubin told American-born Nina Twine, who is black, that she was 'more African-American' than her As most viewers were unaware of Rogue's background, her comment caused a stir on social media and enraged Nina's mother, Survivor legend Sandra Diaz-Twine. 'Feeling for Nina. She's already playing on a cast with little diversity, as the only black person, let alone the only non-Australian, only to have Rogue offensively undermine her identity from the very beginning,' one viewer tweeted. 'I'm shocked Rogue said that to Nina!' exclaimed another, while one fan said: 'I feel like shes being dramatic and saying/asking controversial things to get air time or to get popular with the audience?' Nina is the daughter of Survivor legend Sandra Diaz-Twine (pictured together) Nina's mother had the harshest response to the remark, blasting Rogue in a fiery tweet and Instagram post. 'Rogue b***h, this is outrageous. How are you so ignorant! Didn't you say you had a sense of right and wrong?' Sandra raged. 'B***h please. Adios, mate,' she added. The incident took place while the Heroes tribe were building their campsite. Rogue, who is based in Melbourne, was born in Cape Town to a Zimbabwean mother and South African father, but her background was not explained on the show After Nina explained she was from the U.S. east coast, an unimpressed Rogue replied: 'Because I live there half the time I don't need you to explain it like I'm an idiot.' Seemingly stunned, Nina responded 'gotcha', but Rogue continued talking. 'I work in the U.S. all the time. I'm more African-American than you are, you need to understand that,' Rogue said. 'Because I'm from Africa.' Nina's mother had the harshest response to the scandal, blasting Rogue in a fiery tweet Nina laughed awkwardly but appeared to brush off the comment and continued working on the camp. Rogue is a well-regarded wildlife filmmaker best known for her documentary Lion Spy, in which she went undercover with trophy hunters in Africa. Since the episode aired, Rogue has removed all mention of Australian Survivor from her Instagram account and turned off comments. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Rogue Rubin and Channel 10 for comment. The Shailene Woodley and Betty Gilpinstarring series Three Women will no longer air on Showtime despite having been completed. The network opted to no longer air the series following a reshuffling that will see it renamed Paramount+ with Showtime for both the television channel and the streaming service, according to Deadline on Monday. The show has since been shopped around to other networks and streamers, and at least one offer has reportedly been made to take over the show. The reshuffling with Paramount+ has also led to the cancellation of two other Showtimes series, the vampire drama Let The Right One In and the American Gigolo reboot starring Jon Bernthal. Canceled in advance: Three Women, which stars Shailene Woodley and Betty Gilpin, will no longer air at Showtime despite being completed after the network announced it was rebranding as Paramount+ with Showtime, according to Deadline; Woodley see in April 2022 Both shows had only aired a single season on the premium cable network. Three Women was based on the 2019 non-fiction book of the same name Lisa Taddeo and unrelated to the classic Robert Altman film 3 Women (1977), starring Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek. Woodley, 31, stars as Gia, a stand-in for the author who travels across the US to interview three women who sexual and emotional lives have caused them significant turmoil. Gilpin plays Lina, a homemaker living in suburban Indiana who upends her emotionally inert marriage by carrying on an affair. True to life: Three Women was based on the 2019 non-fiction book of the same name Lisa Taddeo. Woodley stars as a version of the author who interview three women in the US whose sexual experiences upended their lives, including Gilpin (pictured in April 2022) Leading ladies: Gilpin plays an Indiana housewife who shakes up her marriage with an affair, while DeWanda Wise (pictured) plays a woman in an open marriage; seen in May 2022 DeWanda Wise stars as Sloane, is a seemingly happy women in an open marriage with Richard (Blair Underwod). He likes to watch her have sex with other men, but two strangers who enter their relationship threaten to upend it. Rounding out the eponymous Three Women is Maggie, played by Gabrielle Creevy. She plays a student who is thrown into turmoil after she accuses her English teacher of engaging in an inappropriate relationship. Despite releasing a teaser trailer for the series, Showtime has opted to drop it, leaving another entity the chance to pick it up. It is also reportedly shopping around Let The Right One In and American Gigolo in the hopes that another network would buy the properties. Dramatic: Rounding out the eponymous Three Women is Maggie, played by Gabrielle Creevy. She plays a student who is thrown into turmoil after she accuses her English teacher of engaging in an inappropriate relationship Moving on: Showtime had already released a teaser, but it is letting the show be shopped around to other networks to make it a tax write-off. One network has reportedly made an offer Three Women is executive produced by the author Taddeo, along with showrunner Laura Eason, Kathy Ciric and the actress Emmy Rossum, who is not part of the cast. The first two episodes had been directed by Louise Friedberg, who is also executive producing. Showtime seems to be following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. Discovery, which canceled a bevy of new shows to cut costs for its streaming service HBO Max, along with removing several preexisting shows and films from the streamer for tax write-offs. Deadline notes that the futures of other Showtimes series Ziwe and I Love That for You. The former, a talk show starring the comedian Ziwe Fumudoh as she attempts to make viral clips while grilling her guests, is seeking out potential buyers informally, suggesting its future may not be secure. I Love That for You stars former Saturday Night Live actress Vanessa Bayer as a home shopping show host who lies that her childhood cancer has returned in order to hold on to her job. Cutting costs: Showtime is following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. Discovery, which canceled a bevy of new shows to cut costs for its streaming service HBO Max, along with removing several preexisting shows and films from the streamer; Woodley seen in April 2022 Timothee Chalamet expresses his desire to score his own AppleTV+ show or film in his latest Call Me With Timothee Chalamet campaign with the streaming service. While a private chef prepared him a meal in the commercial, the Oscar nominee, 27, can be seen scrolling on an iPad while browsing through the streaming service. 'Alright Apple, you clearly have taste,' he says wistfully of their impressive casting. 'Chris Evans, Jen [Aniston] and Reese [Witherspoon], Maya Rudolph...' Wistful: Timothee Chalamet expresses his desire to score his own AppleTV+ show or film in his latest Call Me With Timothee Chalamet campaign with the streaming service He goes on to marvel at how 'sick' it is that Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Gary Oldman all have AppleTV+ programs. 'But it does feel like youre missing someone,' the Little Women star stated as he stared at a portrait of himself. 'Come on Apple. Let's talk.' Over the past few months, Chalamet has been busy getting preparing to portray the legendary Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic, titled Going Electric, which is still in the works. Dreaming: While a private chef prepared him a meal in the commercial, the Oscar nominee, 27, can be seen scrolling on an iPad while browsing through the streaming service 'Alright Apple, you clearly have taste,' he says wistfully. 'Chris Evans, Jen [Aniston] and Reese [Witherspoon], Maya Rudolph...' Ready for his next project: He goes on to marvel at how 'sick' it is that Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Gary Oldman all have AppleTV+ programs 'But it does feel like youre missing someone,' the Little Women star stated as he stared at a portrait of himself, alluding to himself. 'Come on Apple. Let's talk' 'I havent stopped preparing, which has been one of the greatest gifts for me,' he told Variety in November. The performer continued: 'Its been a wonderful experience getting to dive into that world, whether we get to make it or not,' he continued. Chalamet added: 'But without giving anything away because I dont want to beat anyone to the punch, and obviously things have to come together officially the winds that are blowing are blowing in a very positive direction.' Demanding schedule: Chalamet has been busy getting ready to portray the legendary Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic, titled Going Electric, which is still in the works 'I havent stopped preparing, which has been one of the greatest gifts for me,' he told Variety in November More to come: Before his casting, the New York native had already been honing his singing voice for his role in the upcoming movie musical Wonka Before his casting, the New York native had already been honing his singing voice for his role in the upcoming movie musical Wonka. Though specifics of the film aren't out yet, the movie will reportedly follow 'a young Willy Wonka and how he met the Oompa-Loompas on one of his earliest adventures,' according to the film's IMDb page. Wonka, based on the famed Roald Dahl character of the same name, is set for release in December of this year. Early adventures: Though specifics of the film aren't out yet, the movie will reportedly follow 'a young Willy Wonka and how he met the Oompa-Loompas on one of his earliest adventures,' according to the film's IMDb page (Chalamet pictured 2021) Reprisal: Chalamet has one other film in post-production, Dune: Part Two, in which he will reprise his role as Paul Atreides The Beautiful Boy actor will headline the film alongside Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, comedian Keegan-Michael Key and Mr. Bean actor Rowan Atkinson. Chalamet has one other film in post-production, Dune: Part Two, in which he will reprise his role as Paul Atreides. The first film was a commercial and critical success, grossing more than $400 million worldwide and taking home 10-Oscar nominations and winning six of the awards. The death toll from the Pakistan mosque attack in the nation's northwest climbed to 88 on Tuesday. One of the bloodiest assaults on Pakistani security personnel in recent years occurred at a Sunni mosque within a large police complex. Pakistani police reported that the bomber detonated his explosives vest on Monday morning as more than 300 people were worshipping during the Pakistan mosque attack in Peshawar, and more were on their way. The bomb destroyed part of the mosque's roof and killed and injured hundreds, per AP News. Police officer Zafar Khan said that the remaining roof collapsed, hurting several more people in the Pakistan mosque attack. For the remaining worshipers, rescuers had to dig through piles of rubble. Mohammad Asim, a spokesperson for a government hospital in Peshawar, said that some seriously wounded victims had passed away overnight and early Tuesday. He added that several of the deceased in the Pakistan mosque attack were law enforcement officers. Over 150 people were injured in the Pakistan bombing in 2023 as well. Read Also: COVID-19 Pandemic Update Rescue Efforts Continues The head rescue official, Bilal Faizi, said Tuesday that rescue crews were still working at the location because additional individuals are thought to be trapped within. People from all around the city and beyond were dispersing to various cemeteries to bury the deceased. The umbrella group known as the Taliban in Pakistan, which includes Sunni and sectarian rebel outfits, has denied any involvement in the Pakistan bombing in 2023, according to an earlier report from HNGN. Snipers were posted on key government buildings in the capital of Islamabad, and security was stepped up at all entrances. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Pakistan bombing in 2023 and said anybody who targets Muslims when they are in prayer has no connection to Islam, per Reuters. In the 1980s, Peshawar served as an important base of operations for local and foreign rebels waging war against the Soviet-backed Afghan government on the other side of the border. Numerous Afghans fled to the city as well, according to the New York Times. Related Article: Ukraine Wants Faster Weapons Delivery @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Andy Lee says he is 'interested' in appearing on OnlyFans. The 41-year-old funnyman made the shock admission after an Irish porn star, also called Andy Lee, suggested they co-star on the adults-only platform. The Irishman, who stars in the Stan reality series My Massive C**k, recently described his Aussie namesake as 'handsome'. Andy Lee (pictured) has revealed he would like to appear on OnlyFans. The 41-year-old funnyman made the shock admission after an Irish porn-star, also called Andy Lee, suggested they co-star on the adults-only platform The Hundred star told Nine.com. he thought the offer to appear on the porn platform was 'awesome'. 'I feel pretty intimidated, because I hear that hes got a very large appendage, but thats all right,' Andy said of the Irish plumber. 'Get me on a good day and tell him Im interested. No problems at all.' The Irish Andy Lee, who reputedly has a penis that measures, 10.5 inches (266.7mm), made the proposal during the podcast I've Got News for You in January. The Irishman, who stars in the Stan reality series My Massive C**k, recently described his Aussie namesake as 'handsome' reports Nine.com Pictured: Irish plumber Andy Lee He said he first became aware of the Hamish and Andy star after googling himself, and the Aussie, 'popped up' in his search. 'Fingers crossed (we can film together). Im up for anything,' the 33-year-old said in the podcast. It follows after rumours surfaced that the Aussie comedy star has wed his beautiful long-term girlfriend Rebecca Harding. The Dublin-born celebrity said he first became aware of the Hamish and Andy star after googling himself, and the Aussie, 'popped up' in his search. The talk began of the secret nuptials last August after Andy shared pics of the couple taken during a romantic getaway in Paris One of the Instagram snaps featured the loved-up pair posing for at sunset in front of the Eiffel Tower. Some followers were quick to suggest they had tied the knot because Andy had his left hand in tucked in his pocket, while others speculated there was proposal or one was imminent. The couple have been together since 2014, but didn't go public with their romance until January the following year. Bruno Tonioli reportedly threw Britain's Got Talent auditions into chaos when he pressed his Golden Buzzer twice before admitting he'd never watched the show. The former Strictly judge, 67, has joined the panel of the ITV talent competition for as a replacement for comedian David Walliams, 51, who left after he made 'disrespectful' comments about contestants from previous series. Professional dancer Bruno apparently did not realise that the Golden Buzzer, which automatically sends auditionees through to the live finals when pressed, could only be used once, and reacted when the audience began cheering for an impressive act. Blunder: Bruno Tonioli, 67, reportedly threw Britain's Got Talent auditions into chaos when he pressed his Golden Buzzer for the second time before admitting he'd never watched the show Producers are said to have panicked after they were left with a decision of whether to send the hopeful through or cancel Bruno's second buzz. A source told The Sun: 'It was madness. The buzzer worked but there was no glitter in the cannon above the stage as it had already been used up. 'A producer raced over to try to tell Bruno he couldnt do that. Strike a pose: The former Strictly Come Dancing judge has joined the panel of the ITV variety talent competition for the upcoming series (L-R: Judges Bruno, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell) 'Then there were discussions with the top execs and Simon [Cowell], who had his head in his hands.' The source said Bruno then admitted he had never actually watched Britain's Got Talent before, claiming he did not want to be influenced by the judging styles from previous series. Luckily, the audience saw the funny side and Bruno is remaining on the panel as the new big money signing. Mishap: Professional dancer Bruno did not realise that the Golden Buzzer, which automatically sends auditionees through to the live finals when pressed, could only be used once MailOnline has contacted a representative for Britain's Got Talent for comment. Meanwhile, it has also been claimed Bruno is getting so excited during the auditions that he has been repeatedly jumping out his seat, causing the camera operators at the London Palladium to be on high alert as they anticipate his moves in a bid to keep him in frame. A source told the Mirror: 'Bruno is a firecracker and constantly jumping up and down. The crowd loves it, Simon loves it... but the camera operators, less so. Decisions: Producers are said to have panicked after they were left with a decision of whether to send the hopeful through or cancel Bruno's second buzz 'It's an undertaking keeping up with him. He's up and down like a yo-yo.' The twinkle-toed star is reportedly being paid 850,000 after David stepped down from his role as judge. His arrival on the panel is said to have caused controversy as he demanded a higher salary than the female judges, Amanda Holden, 51, and Alesha Dixon, 44. However, Bruno told The Sun he has no idea what Amanda and Alesha are paid. It comes after Bruno offered his sympathy to comedian Alan Carr who had been approached about joining the show but lost out at the last moment. Bruno, a friend of Simon Cowells for three decades, broke off from filming at the London Palladium last week to shrug: 'Thats showbusiness.' All askew: A source told The Sun : 'It was madness. The buzzer worked but there was no glitter in the cannon above the stage as it had already been used up' Asked if it would be awkward when he next meets Alan socially, he said: 'Not at all. I havent had a clue about his negotiations. 'I love Alan and I know him, he is a very nice guy. I didnt know the situation with him, nothing was announced, and thats showbusiness. This was down to ITV.' He continued: 'I was away (on holiday, before the offer was made). Hes a professional, he knows how things go.' Gesture: Bruno was drafted onto the panel to replace David Walliams, who quit after ten years on BGT after he made disrespectful comments about contestants Bruno joined the show on a reported salary of 850,000 after being offered the job only 11 days before filming began. He said: 'I was in St Lucia over Christmas and I had a text from Simons girlfriend Lauren saying, "We should get together we are in Barbados." I thought well, that would be quite hard to do. I had no idea that this job was around. 'Then I arrived in London on the 9th of January and my agent had a call from ITV, and I had no idea what it was about. The agent said, "Oh its something very big" and I thought, "Thats good." Then I had a meeting on the 13th of January with ITV and I thought great, this is fantastic. 'I have known Simon forever, I know that the show is right up my street. There were no long negotiations, I just said, "Yes, I want to do it." It happened so fast that I have practically nothing to wear. I am going to have to go shopping next week when I get to Manchester, I must make Simon pay.' Filming the show started on Tuesday last week. Bruno was drafted in to replace David, who quit after 10 years following allegations that he had made disparaging remarks about some contestants which had been picked up by a microphone. Bruno said: 'David was the first person that sent me a text and a fantastic bottle of wine. Hes a very good friend.' Candice Swanepoel flashed her toned midriff sporting a corset-inspired top and comfy sweatpants in a clip she uploaded onto her Instagram stories on Monday. The talented supermodel, 34, showed off her stunning physique as she filmed herself through the reflection of a mirror in what appeared to be her bedroom. The mother of two, who recently flaunted her voluminous blonde locks in a previous sultry post, additionally showcased her slim frame in a separate snap wearing a red bikini as she soaked up the sun at a tropical location. Stunning: Candice Swanepoel, 34, showed off her toned midriff in a new clip she uploaded onto her Instagram stories on Monday The former Victoria's Secret Angel could be seen holding up her smartphone that was protected with a lavender-colored case. She donned a taupe, sculpted Alo Yoga top that showcased her toned midriff, which is priced at $64, according to the fitness brand's official website. Candice paired the top with comfortable, cream-colored sweatpants that contained an elastic waist and adjustable drawstrings. During the short video, the supermodel flaunted a few of her favorite poses while giving her 18.8 million followers a close-up glimpse of the top along with her slim physique. The South African-born star opted to not add any lengthy captions to the reel, and instead simply tagged the Alo brand on the bottom right corner. Toned physique: The supermodel donned a taupe, sculpted Alo top that showcased her toned midriff, which is priced at $64, according to the fitness brand's official website She seemingly filmed the clip in a bedroom, with a bed neatly made behind her along with eye-catching, decorative pieces placed on the wall. Her blonde locks were parted to the side, and effortlessly flowed past her shoulders in light, natural waves. Candice, who began professionally working in the modeling industry at 15, opted for minimalistic accessories to complete her casual ensemble, and added an assortment of dainty, gold rings on a few of her fingers for a flashy touch. The Tropic Of C swimwear founder chose to not add any other pieces of jewelry as she modeled the Alo top. The blonde bombshell is no stranger to the popular fitness company, and recently partnered with the brand with her own line last year in June to create a special collection. She can also be seen in a few training videos for Alo Moves, a platform from Alo Yoga that offers an assortment of different classes, such as pilates and meditation, with professional instructors. Close with the brand: The blonde bombshell is no stranger to Alo, and recently partnered with the brand with her swimwear line last year in June to create a special collection Wow! Also on Monday, Candice shared a breathtaking photo of herself as she lounged in a skimpy, red bikini at a tropical destination Candice also shared a sultry snap of herself wearing a two-piece swimsuit in a photo she additionally uploaded onto her Instagram stories on Monday. The supermodel could be see wearing a red bikini top that contained thin fabric that wrapped down towards her midriff for a fashionable touch. She added a pair of matching, red drawstring bikini bottoms and flaunted the look as she rested on a large, wooden porch in the warm, tropical temperatures. Her head was tilted back as she soaked up the sun, causing her long locks to cascade down behind her. The mother of two posed in front of a wooden bungalow that contained a straw-covered rood while surrounded by numerous palm trees that filtered the sun's bright rays. Beautiful: The supermodel recently showed off her curly blonde locks in a recent post on her main Instagram page Importance of family: The South African-born star shares sons, Ariel and Anaca, with ex-fiance and fellow model, Hermann Nicoli The model has been busy not just working with her own brand, but also made appearances in recent campaigns, such as Hugo Boss, which starred other celebrities including Gigi Hadid and new mom, Paris Hilton. When opening up about the motivation to launch Tropic Of C, Candice told Forbes in a past interview, 'Sustainability is a key part of my lifestyle.' 'I think coming from Africa and growing up with such a strong level of nature, its where I get inspiration,' and admitted that the company initially began as just 'a creative outlet' for the beauty. The star keeps up with a fitness routine to achieve her toned frame, and told E! News that she enjoys using 'ankle weights' and doing squats. She also shares videos to her fans of herself practicing yoga. Along with being active in the fashion and modeling industry, Candice also puts her main focus on family. She shares sons, Anaca, 6, and four-year-old Ariel, with ex-fiance and fellow model, Hermann Nicoli. The two had officially announced their engagement in 2015, but opted to go their separate ways in 2018, while still maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship. In September 2022, the supermodel was briefly linked to Kanye West. Successful career: The talented entrepreneur began working professionally in the modeling industry at the age of 15 after being scouted Pedro Pascal cut a casual figure in a leather jacket as he headed back to his hotel in New York City on Monday - after The Last Of Us was renewed for season two, The 47-year-old actor paired his jacket with black denim jeans, leather shoes and shades as he strolled - amid the recent success of the post-apocalyptic drama series, that is based on the video game of the same name. The critically-acclaimed HBO show - that released its third episode of the first season on Sunday - has been such a hit so far that it was renewed for season two after only two episodes. Spotted: Pedro Pascal cut a casual figure in a leather jacket as he headed back to his hotel in New York City on Monday - after The Last Of Us was renewed for season two The debut episode of The Last Of Us - premiered on January 15. Since then, the video game adaptation has become the second most-watched HBO series debut in a decade. The post-apocalyptic drama has drawn in 22 million viewers so far, falling second place to the House Of The Dragon's historic debut with 9.986 million viewers last August. According to the synopsis, the series retells the beloved story of Joel - played by Pascal - and Ellie - played by Bella Ramsey. Accessories: The star cut a typically dashing figure as he walked in the Big Apple Renewed for season two: The critically-acclaimed HBO show - that released its third episode of the first season on Sunday - has been such a hit so far that it was renewed for season two after only two episodes Successful premiere: The debut episode of his latest project - The Last Of Us - premiered on January 15 and has drawn in 22 million viewers so far, becoming the second most-watched HBO series debut in a decade The show tells the story of the pair bonding and attempting to survive after a zombie outbreak erupted in America 20 years prior to them crossing paths. The Last Of Us also stars Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Gabriel Luna, Ashley Johnson, Nick Offerman, and Storm Reid. So far, the series has scored 96 percent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Sophie Turner was the epitome of a proud wife as she snapped photos of her husband Joe Jonas while his band, The Jonas Brothers, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday. The 26-year-old Game of Thrones star beamed while taking photos of her other half, 33, and his brothers Nick, 30, and Kevin, 35, during the ceremony. Sophie looked incredible in a red hot co-ord, featuring a fitted cropped blazer with a a floral ruffle on the right shoulder, and form-fitting red pants. Proud! Sophie Turner was a proud wife as she snapped photos of her husband Joe Jonas while his band, The Jonas Brothers, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday The English actress paired the outfit with red heels and wore her auburn tresses parted in the middle and styled straight. As for glam she drew attention to her magnetic eyes with black mascara and wore nude lipstick on her pout. Sophie and the musician have been married since 2019 and share two children: daughter Willa, two, and another little girl, who they welcomed in July, but have yet to reveal her name. Honored: The 26-year-old Game of Thrones star beamed while taking photos of her other half, 33, and his brothers Nick, 30, and Kevin, 35, during the ceremony Her beau: The stylish star proudly posed next to her husband at the event The couple opted not to bring them to the event. The Jonas Brothers were inundated with applause and support while receiving their star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as their respective wives and children watched. Nick Jonas' wife, Priyanka Chopra, 40, brought their one-year-old daughter Malti Marie, who sat on her lap during the ceremony. Red hot! Sophie looked incredible in a red hot co-ord, featuring a fitted cropped blazer with a a floral ruffle on the right shoulder, and form-fitting red pants Magnetic: As for glam she drew attention to her magnetic eyes with black mascara and wore nude lipstick on her pout Coordinated look: The English actress paired the outfit with red heels and wore her auburn tresses parted in the middle and styled straight It marked the first time the lovebirds have allowed their baby girl's face to be seen on a public outing, following her premature birth and 100 days in the NICU. For her world debut, the couple's daughter wore a beige tweed jacket and matching skirt as well as a white floral headband. Meanwhile her mother sported a a dark brown dress, gold hoop earrings and hair styled in loose waves. All the wives: Sophie sat in-between Nick Jonas' wife, Priyanka Chopra, 40, and their one-year-old daughter Malti Marie, and Kevin's wife Danielle, and their two daughters Valentina, six, and Alena, eight First time: It marked the first time Priyanka and Nick have allowed their baby girl's face to be seen on a public outing, following her premature birth and 100 days in the NICU Proud wives: Sophie and Priyanka proudly watched their spouses receive one of Tinseltown's highest honors Laughing it up: The ladies laughed it up together Nick looked dapper in a beige suit as he posed with his older siblings, Joe and Kevin, with their hands touching their star in front of the Live Nation Building. Kevin and his wife Danielle also brought their two daughters Valentina, six, and Alena, eight, for the special occasion. During the ceremony, the brothers also teased the release of their next record, titled The Album, which will be coming out on May 5. Following the celebrations, Sophie took to her Instagram Stories in a new outfit as she shared a snap of her and Joe in what appeared to be a bathroom. She looked chic in a fuzzy brown sweater and white pants, while Joe sported a brown corduroy jacket and a grey T-shirt. All together! Sophie and the musician have been married since 2019 and share two children together, though they opted not to bring them to the event Exited fans: Fans waited outside at the star ceremony cheering the Jonas Brothers on The night before the celebration, the Jonas Brothers enjoyed dinner at E. Baldi Restaurant in Beverly Hills with their loved ones. Less than 24 hours before the siblings were honored with one of Tinseltown's highest honors in front of the Live Nation Building, Joe was seen arriving with his wife Sophie to the celebrity hotspot, known for their upscale Italian food. Their latest sighting comes ahead of their latest career milestone, which entails receiving the 2,745th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Upon receiving the news, Nick told Variety: 'At first, it was shock...we got on FaceTime with the whole family and tried to digest it.' 'So often, people have their business life separate from their family life, but we get to share it all,' he added. Brad Pitt was again hard at work filming his upcoming thriller film Wolves in New York City's Chinatown on Monday. The 59-year-old A-lister was spotted during some downtime on a public street as he gave fans a treat by signing some memorabilia. George Clooney who has been pictured filming several recent nighttime scenes with him joined Pitt on set and they were filmed chasing a co-star in a stunt car. Night shoot: Brad Pitt, 59, was spotted on Monday filming a scene from his upcoming thriller Wolves in New York City wearing a bright orange puffer jacket Pitt stood out in the night thanks to his puffy down coat and its lustrous orange sheen. Brad was layered up, wearing a red button-up jacket and a yellow graphic shirt as well. He also wore casual acid wash jeans and brilliant white sneakers while carrying a red cloth bag slung over his shoulder and wearing a vibrant green beanie. The Ocean's Eleven star looked cool in a set of amber-tinted aviator sunglasses, and he sported a well-maintained salt-and-pepper goatee. Together again: George Clooney joined Brad on set and they both wore back leather jackets Good times: The Hollywood stars smiled as they got together on the set Cracking up: George and Brad shared a laugh while filming in New York City Brad later changed outfits and wore a matching black leather jacket while sitting in the passenger seat of a stunt car with George behind the wheel. They smiled while working together as they filmed a chase scene in which they pursued actor Austin Graham who fled from them wearing only his underwear. George and Brad were photographed laughing several times as they clearly enjoyed filming with each other. In pursuit: Brad was in the passenger while George was behind the wheel of a stunt car Underwear only: Austin Graham ran away in his underwear while being pursued by Brad and George during filming in Chinatown He could be seen showing off a winning smile on set, before he wandered over to a crowd of on-lookers to sign items, including a DVD of his 1999 classic Fight Club. Few details have been released about Wolves, but Pitt and Clooney star as 'two lone wolf fixers' who discover they have been hired to take care of the same job, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film is directed by Jon Watts, who previously helmed all of the Tom Hollandstarring Spider-Man films. Similar styles: The actors wore similar outfits including grey pants and black shoes Stunt car: A stunt car was used while filming the chase scene in Chinatown Funny stuff: The actors were spotted laughing together several times Bright jacket: Brad was hard to miss earlier in his orange puffer jacket Staying toasty: He layered up with red button-up jacket and a yellow graphic T-shirt underneath his puffer jacket Casual: The Ocean's Eleven star also wore jeans, brilliant white sneakers and a green beanie, along with aviator sunglasses Wolves was a high-profile acquisition by Apple TV+, after it set off a bidding war among major studios and streamers due to its in-demand stars and director. The actress Amy Ryan is the only other member of the cast who has so far been announced. The upcoming film is the first time Pitt and Clooney have starred together in a film since the 2008 Coen brothers comedy thriller Burn After Reading, which came just a year after they appeared in 2007's Ocean's Thirteen. Dramatic: Few details have been released about Wolves, but Pitt and Clooney star as 'two lone wolf fixers' who discover they have been hired to take care of the same job, according to The Hollywood Reporter Journeyman: The film is directed by Jon Watts, who previously helmed all of the Tom Hollandstarring Spider-Man movies Giving them a treat: Pitt was gracious to his fans and stopped to sign some memorabilia during his downtime Short and sweet: At one point, Pitt removed his hat to reveal his short, blond-highlighted hair Pitt is getting back to work after he was snubbed for an Oscar nomination for his Hollywood epic Babylon, which details the industry's transition from silent to sound films. He played a silent film heartthrob who struggled to acclimate to changing tastes as filmgoers began to crave a younger generation of stars. The actor and producer also got some bad news on the personal front after his ex-wife Angelina Jolie received a bundle of 100 pages of documents from the FBI. x The documents were 'reprocessed and released' to her after being part of a report on a reported altercation she and Pitt had on a plane. Pitt allegedly poured wine and beer over his then-wife, and he allegedly assaulted her and their family members, a claim he has denied. Jolie has been trying to make details from the incident public amid her ongoing battle with her ex over a French vineyard the co-owned during their marriage. Freya Aspinall showed off her sensational sense of style as she stepped out wearing a 517 multi-coloured cashmere jumper in London this month. The 19-year-old daughter of wildlife park heir Damian Aspinall and model Donna Air ensured she caught the eye of onlookers as she wore the funky-patterned item by The Elder Statesman. She also wore a Chanel pendant necklace and a pair of trainers by the label Off-White cost around 1,000. In style: Freya Aspinall, 19, showed off her sensational sense of style as she stepped out wearing a 517 multi-coloured cashmere jumper in London this month She completed her look by wearing a pair of black denim jeans while she carried a cream Fendi bag on her shoulder. Freya wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features as she carried a cup of coffee and her phone in her hand. She accessorised with a pair of gold pendulum earrings to match the chain that hung around her neck. Strike a pose: Freya is the daughter of wildlife park heir Damian Aspinall and model Donna Air (Freya, left, and Donna, right, pictured in 2019) Having grown up at her fathers wildlife parks in Kent, where she befriended giraffes and cheetahs, Freya became the youngest model at Storm, the agency that discovered Kate Moss, at the age of 15. Last summer she shared an Instagram photo of her pet lion Azi nibbling her arm. Freya says she has a close bond with the one-year-old after following her father into conservation work. Fashion focus: Freya ensured she caught the eye of onlookers as she wore the funky-patterned jumper by The Elder Statesman Beauty: Freya wore lashings of make-up to highlight her pretty features as she carried a cup of coffee and her phone in her hand 'We had to hand-raise Azi because his mother rejected him,' she said. 'From this, I was able to develop a completely natural relationship with him. No training, no taming. Pure love and trust.' Freya is the only daughter of Damian and Donna, was just 21 when she met and fell in love with the multimillionaire, who was 40 at the time. They were introduced at a dinner party in 2000 by their mutual friend, former It Girl Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, and went on to have a seven year relationship. In the detail: Freya carried a cream Fendi bag on her shoulder and wore a Chanel pendant necklace Stepping out: She wore a pair of trainers by the label Off-White cost around 1,000 as she ventured out in the UK capital The couple famously hit the headlines when Freya was a baby, announcing they were planning to place their daughter in a gorilla enclosure at Damian's animal park and allow her to be carried off by the female of the group. It was a ritual Damian had carried out with his first two daughters, Tansy, 33, and Clary, 30, from his 15-year marriage to Louise Sebag-Montefiore. Damian has carried on the legacy of his late father John Aspinall who encouraged close contact between animals and keepers at Kent park Howletts and its sister site Port Lympne. Wild behaviour: Freya, who spent her childhood at her father Damian's wildlife parks, shared an Instagram photo of her pet lion Azi nibbling her arm last summer Damian's dad John bought Howletts with his gambling winnings in 1956 and moved his family there from central London. Following his father's death, Damian has has managed the parks through the John Aspinall Foundation, a charity named for his father. Now Freya has entered the family business, with Damian and Donna backing their daughter's decision to drop out of school and follow him into conservation. Freya recently took part in a rewilding mission in the Congo and Damian made her the star of his documentary Freya & The Gorillas: An Incredible Rewilding Journey. Established in 1989, the Aspinall Foundation's gorilla orphanage was the first of its kind in the world, and has rescued over 80 gorillas since then. The Foundation has also reintroduced over 70 gorillas back into the wild, including 26 that were raised in its two parts, Port Lympne and Howletts. Gwyneth Paltrow served as her own best advertisement as she modeled outfits for her lifestyle brand Goop on Monday on social media. The 50-year-old Oscar-winning actress delivered a 'cool-girl' look in $650 pleated pants in a post shared with her lifestyle brand's roughly 1.7 million followers on Instagram. 'Pinstripes get a cool-girl rebrand. From work to weekend, these high-waisted trousers pair well with button-downs, T-shirts, sweaters, whatever,' the caption read. Social media: Gwyneth Paltrow served as her own best advertisement as she modeled outfits for lifestyle brand Goop on Monday on social media Gwyneth had her white button-down shirt mostly open as she posed with her left hand on her hip. She had her blonde hair parted down the middle and down below her shoulders with waving wisps framing her flawless complexion. Gwyneth took a seat for another Goop post on Monday as she modeled a different outfit with her lean legs on display. 'See you at Pilates. Wear this jacket on your way to or from a workoutthe plush fleece is like a nice, warm hug,' the caption read. Fleece sweater: The 50-year-old actress took a seat for another Goop post on Monday as she modeled a different outfit with her lean legs on display The Los Angeles native in the photo sat cross-legged in a black crop top and matching shorts and beamed while wearing the black $625 bomber jacket. Gwyneth also looked leggy in a plain cable-knit sweater in a post on Sunday by Goop on Instagram. 'File under: winter whites. This creamy knit is finished with subtle details, like gently sculpted sleeves and navy seams,' the caption read. Cable-knit sweater: Gwyneth also looked leggy in a plain cable-knit sweater in a post on Sunday by Goop on Instagram Lifestyle brand: Gwyneth, shown earlier this month on Shark Tank, has been modeling looks lately for her lifestyle brand's roughly 1.7 million followers on Instagram The blonde beauty looked radiant as she posed in the jumper while sporting a pair of scrunched-up white socks with tan slippers and white shorts. Gwyneth started Goop in 2008 as a weekly newsletter and it has since developed into an internationally recognized brand. The Shakespeare In Love star has been married since 2018 to Hollywood producer Brad Falchuk, 51. Gwyneth has 18-year-old daughter Apple and 16-year-old son Moses with ex-husband Chris Martin, 45. Lea Michele wowed in a navy ensemble at the world premiere of horror film Knock At The Cabin, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on Monday. The Glee actress, 36, showed a hint of her toned midriff in a plunging button-up navy top, which she paired with a matching full body skirt. The Broadway star finalized the stylish look with a pair of black heels featuring a crystal-adorned strap. Sensational: Lea Michele wowed in a navy ensemble as she arrived to the world premiere of Knock At The Cabin held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on Monday The Scream Queens beauty whose best friend Jonathan Groff stars in the film as Eric wore her dark tresses parted in the middle and slicked back into a ponytail. As for glam, Lea wore dark blue eyeshadow that matched her stylish ensemble. Lea who currently stars as Fanny Brice in the musical revival of Funny Girl on Broadway sparkled up her look with two diamond stud earrings. Lovely: The Glee actress, 36, showed a hint of her toned midriff in a plunging button-up navy top, which she paired with a matching full body skirt Elegant: The Scream Queens beauty whose best friend Jonathan Groff stars in the film as Eric wore her dark tresses parted in the middle and slicked back into a ponytail Magnetic: As for glam, Lea wore dark blue eyeshadow that matched her stylish ensemble Abby Quinn, 26 who plays Ardiane in the horror flick showed off her toned legs in a black mini dress, which she teamed with platform heels. The top portion of her dress featured a high neck and stylish puffed out sleeves. The star wore her dark tresses pinned up, with a few curled strands left to frame her face. Head turner: Nikki Amuka-Bird, 46, had all eyes on her as she stunned in a plunging sparkly green gown that clung to her spectacular physique Exquisite: The Nigerian-born British actress who plays Sabrina in the film wore her black tresses parted in the middle and lightly curled in beach waves If you've got it! Abby Quinn, 26, showed off her toned legs in a black mini dress, while Krystal Joy Brown, 36, was elegant in a chic black coat over a button-up black dress Nikki Amuka-Bird, 46, had all eyes on her as she stunned in a plunging sparkly green gown that clung to her spectacular physique. The Nigerian-born British actress who plays Sabrina in the film wore her black tresses parted in the middle and lightly curled in beach waves. The beauty opted for delicate makeup, wearing just a touch of mascara and gloss. Leading man: The film's leading man Dave Bautista, 54, looked handsome as ever in a black button-up with frilly details Handsome: The actor and retired wrestler who plays Leonard in the film finished off his look with black pants and matching boots with a silver buckle Adorable! He was also seen posing with his youngest co-star nine-year-old Kristen Cui (who plays Wen in the movie) Krystal Joy Brown, 36, was elegant in a chic black coat over a button-up black dress, which she paired with a sizable black Chanel bag. The film's leading man Dave Bautista, 54, looked handsome as ever in a black button-up with frilly details. The actor and retired wrestler who plays Leonard in the film finished off his look with black pants and matching boots with a silver buckle. Little lady: Kristen was the picture of elegance in a bright red dress with a bow, which she paired with sparkling red shoes Too cute: She was also seen posing with the film's other leading men: Ben Aldridge, 37, who was seen holding her up in his arms, and Jonathan Groff, 37 He was also seen posing with his youngest co-star nine-year-old Kristen Cui (who plays Wen in the movie). Kristen was the picture of elegance in a bright red dress with a bow, which she paired with sparkling red shoes. She was also seen posing with the film's other leading men: Ben Aldridge, 37, who was seen holding her up in his arms, and Jonathan Groff, 37. The director: Also at the premiere was writer and director M. Night Shyamalan, 52, who was joined by his wife Bhavna Vaswani Dapper: The Unbreakable director looked dapper in a navy suit with a red tie Stylish family: He was also joined by his stylish daughters Aldridge looked cool as ever in a leather suit, while Groff opted for a plaid one. Also at the premiere was writer and director M. Night Shyamalan, 52, who was joined by his wife Bhavna Vaswani as well as their daughters. The Unbreakable director looked dapper in a navy suit with a red tie. Meanwhile his wife to whom he's been married since 1993 was chic in a white gown and black heels. Shyamalan and the cast were seen posing together at the premiere along with producer Ashwin Rajan. All together! The cast posed together at the premiere along with producer Ashwin Rajan (L) The synopsis of the film reads: 'While vacationing at a remote cabin, a family of three is suddenly held hostage by four strangers, who demand they sacrifice one of their own to avert the apocalypse.' It is based on 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay. The movie which also stars Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint, 34 is set to be released on February 3, 2023. Actress Nina Dobrev celebrated her 34th birthday in early January, though she kept the party going all month long with some of her celebrity friends. The Vampire Diaries star took to Instagram on Monday, sharing snaps from a beach birthday bash with boyfriend Shaun White. She was also seen with friends Julianne Hough, Abigail Spencer and Adam DeVine, which comes after a birthday month trip to Antarctica with White and friends Zoey Deutch and Jared Leto. Birthday: Actress Nina Dobrev celebrated her 34th birthday in early January, though she kept the party going all month long with some of her celebrity friends Boyfriend: The Vampire Diaries star took to Instagram on Monday, sharing snaps from a beach birthday bash with boyfriend Shaun White Dobrev captioned the snaps, 'birthday birthday month and while it wasn't clear where the celebration was held, Abigail Spencer hinted in a comment that it happened somewhere in Indonesia. 'Birthday liiife! #IndoNINA forever. Lets go,' Spencer said in a comment on Dobrev's post. The first photo featured Dobrev in a little black dress with the sign for her 34th birthday party seen in the background. Birthday: Dobrev captioned the snaps, 'birthday birthday month and while it wasn't clear where the celebration was held, Abigail Spencer hinted in a comment that it happened somewhere in Indonesia She also shared a beachfront snap with actor Tyler Lain, photographer Samantha Dutton, Hough and artist Thomas Dutton. The actress also shared another snap of her beachfront birthday celebration site and a beach snap with Spencer and Hough. Dobrev also shared another snap on a boat with Ash Dragon and another beachfront snap with Dobrev, Dragon and another friend, Kara Masterson. Snap: She also shared a beachfront snap with actor Tyler Lain, photographer Samantha Dutton, Hough and artist Thomas Dutton Friends: Dobrev also shared another snap on a boat with Ash Dragon and another beachfront snap with Dobrev, Dragon and another friend, Kara Masterson She also shared a brief video of her boyfriend Shaun White presenting her with a birthday cake as her friends all sang Happy Birthday around her. The final snap of the post featured Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges. Hough added in a caption, 'Love celebrating you' while Bridges added, 'Had the time of my life for your birthday month. love celebrating you.' Video: She also shared a brief video of her boyfriend Shaun White presenting her with a birthday cake as her friends all sang Happy Birthday around her Final: The final snap of the post featured Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges Dobrev has a number of projects in various stages of production, including The Out-Laws, expected later this year with Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin and Adam Devine. She also has The Bricklayer in post-production, starring alongside Aaron Eckhart, Tim Blake Nelson and Clifton Collins Jr. The actress also has films Reunion with Jamie Cheung, Chace Crawford and Lil Rel Howrey and Sick Girl with Wendi McLendon-Covey in post-production. Watch The Vampire Diaries available now only on Stan in Australia. Projects: Dobrev has a number of projects in various stages of production, including The Out-Laws, expected later this year with Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin and Adam Devine President Joe Biden will unveil a $292 million mega grant to construct a rail tunnel under the Hudson River connecting New York and New Jersey as part of his campaign to contrast his economic agenda with Republicans. The funding comes from the $1.2 billion in mega grants that the 2021 infrastructure legislation will distribute. After visiting Baltimore on Monday to promote the replacement of an outdated train tunnel, the Democratic president traveled to New York City to guarantee that infrastructure investment would increase economic development and generate blue-collar employment, per AP News. The two visits of Joe Biden represent a type of oppositional programming to the newly elected House Republican majority. Federal spending is a drag on economic development, according to Republican legislators, who are demanding drastic cutbacks in return for raising the government's legal borrowing limit. Read Also: Pakistan Bombing Update The White House has said that the approximately $300 million in government money for the long-delayed Hudson River Tunnel would help finish a crucial early phase of the project with a $292 million mega grant, per The New York Post. According to a White House information sheet, the funding will go to Amtrak and be used in part to build the last segment of concrete casing that would safeguard the future right-of-way for the new passenger rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River in New York City. McCarthy To Face Biden In related news, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that he and President Joe Biden will meet at the White House on Wednesday to talk about raising the debt ceiling and how Republicans feel about the budget, which includes the $292 million mega grant. McCarthy noted that he wants to "find a sensible and responsible approach" where the US government could increase the debt limit but "take control of this runaway spending," according to CBS News. The speaker blasted Democrats for boosting expenditure and said the US "can't continue down" this road." Related Article: Madison Brooks' Death Latest Developments @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Salma Hayek was dressed to the nines when she arrived at the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio near the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on Monday. The 56-year-old actress looked youthful and classy in a sleek black suit as she walked up during a brief break in the day's rain. She was there to promote her upcoming dramedy Magic Mike's Last Dance, the final film in the stripper trilogy starring Channing Tatum. Looking classy: Salma Hayek, 56, was dressed to the nines in a suit as she arrived for a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday in Hollywood Salma, a noted animal lover, was joined at the taping by her beloved dog Lobito, who walked in by her side. Salma added a touch of intrigue to her otherwise-traditional suit with a cropped black blazer, which she wore with casually upturned sleeve cuffs. She paired it with slightly flared slacks that nearly reached to the ground, almost swallowing up her black platform heels. Bright sight: The actress looked youthful and classy in a sleek black suit as she walked up during a brief break in the day's rain Beloved pooch: Salma, a noted animal lover, was joined at the taping by her beloved dog Lobito, who walked in by her side She added a splash of color to her stately look with a vibrant pink blouse, and she looked cool in a set of black cat-eye sunglasses that were framed by her wavy brunette locks, which she parted down the middle. A member of Salma's entourage was seen handling her white dog Lobito's collar as the Frida star put out a calming hand for it sniff. Once pacified, the dog strolled in to the studio by her side. Taking it easy: A member of Salma's entourage was seen handling Lobito's collar as the Frida star put out a calming hand for it sniff Part of her entourage: Once pacified, the dog strolled in to the studio by her side Arriving: The beauty was escorted inside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood The noted animal lover has long been open about her massive collection of pets, and earlier this month she got a special treat when she had a run-in with a raccoon at a friend's birthday party. After spotting the furry party crasher, Salma decided to offer it a slice of cheese pizza, which it snatched up in its little paws. The Mexican-born beauty has also has less traditional pets, including a cute rescue owl. Stylish: Salma added a touch of intrigue to her otherwise-traditional suit with a cropped black blazer, which she wore with casually upturned sleeve cuffs Pretty in pink: She added a splash of color to her stately look with a vibrant pink blouse Fans: A number of fans lined up by the fence as they attempted to get the star's autograph Beloved: They held posters featuring Salma in a number of different roles, including her portrayal of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo Close encounter! Salma has long been open about her massive collection of pets, and earlier this month she got a special treat when she had a run-in with a raccoon at a friend's party Success! After spotting the furry party crasher, Salma decided to offer it a slice of cheese pizza, which it snatched up in its little paws Salma was dropping by Jimmy Kimmel's talk show to promote Magic Mike's Last Dance, which sees her starring opposite Channing Tatum. The final film, which sees original director Steven Soderbergh returning, finds the eponymous male stripper heading to London to put on a stage show inspired by his life experiences, which mirror's the Magic Mike Live show, in turn inspired by the films. The latest movie is again written by Channing's friend and collaborator Reid Carolin, who used Channing's own experiences as a stripper earlier in his life to help write the original Magic Mike. Pip Edwards has well and truly moved on after the very public brawl between her ex-boyfriend Michael Clarke and Jade Yarbrough over allegations he cheated on his current girlfriend with the P.E Nation designer. The streetwear queen, 42, proved to be in the best shape of her life as she attended the opening of a new Pilates studio in Bondi Beach. Pip showcased her six-pack abs and bronzed legs in zebra-print activewear from her own label. Pip Edwards, 42, (pictured) flaunted her revenge body in a skimpy bralette and shorts on Tuesday, after that headline-making Noosa brawl involving ex Michael Clarke The bronzed beauty did a number of poses as she leaned against Pilates equipment before doing a number of stretches in the studio. Pip wore her cropped blonde tresses in a low ponytail and opted for minimal makeup for the challenging workout. It comes after Pip was embroiled in her ex-boyfriend Michael Clarke's scandal involving a filmed brawl in Noosa. The streetwear queen proved to be in the best shape of her life as she donned skintight activewear and hit a Pilates studio in Bondi Pip broke her silence about the altercation to the Herald Sun at the Australian Open on Saturday saying the scandal was off her mind. 'It is definitely not my circus and I would like to say the carnival is over,' Edwards told the publication about the headline-making scandal. 'The carnival is over and to be honest the focus for me is on the global expansion of P.E. Nation. The carnival is done.' Pip showcased her toned tummy and bronzed limbs in the zebra-print activewear which consisted of a bralette and shorts Pip was dragged into the public stoush between her ex Michael and his girlfriend Jade which also involved Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine. Extraordinary footage emerged earlier this month of a heated exchange between the couple while they were on holiday in Noosa, Queensland. In the video, which was filmed by an onlooker on January 10 and sold to The Daily Telegraph for a reported $10,000, Jade accused the former Test captain of cheating on her with his former flame Pip on December 17. Pip wore her cropped blonde tresses in a low ponytail and opted for minimal makeup for the challenging workout Others in the group, including Karl, his wife Jasmine - Jade's older sister - and celebrity accountant Anthony Bell, tried to defuse the fracas. The dramatic footage showed a shirtless Michael being screamed at and slapped by his hysterical girlfriend. 'I'm wrong? I'm f**king wrong! You're a f**king liar. I can see everything. You called her,' Jade screams. Edwards was dragged into the public stoush between her ex Michael Clarke (left) and his girlfriend Jade Yarbrough (right) which also involved Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine Michael tries to reassure Jade he didn't cheat on her and swears on his young daughter Kelsey Lee's life he was with Bell on the night in question last month. 'Baby you're wrong, you're wrong,' he insists. 'Baby, baby, Belly was at the house. I swear on my life, I swear at my life That's not true, it's not true.' In the video, which was filmed by an onlooker on January 10 and sold to The Daily Telegraph for a reported $10,000, Yarbrough accused the former Test captain of cheating on her with his former flame Edwards on December 17 But Jade doesn't believe his protests and claims she spoke to Edwards. 'You're f**king lying to me. You are a piece of s**t. I just spoke to her. What is wrong with you?' she screams. Michael replies: 'It's not true, it's not true.' Pip has since been at a number of high-profile events including the Australian Open Karl's wife Jasmine eventually steps in, grabs her distressed sister by the arm and walks her away. 'Get away with Karl, go with Karl,' Jasmine says as he unleashes his fury on Stefanovic. 'Karlos, I can tell you now c**t, don't you f**king walk away. She can, she can punch me, but you, you c**t,' Michael says. This comment sparks fury from Jade, who defends her brother-in-law before slapping Michael in the face. 'You piece of s**t, don't you f**king speak to him,' she yells. Bell is heard telling the couple to stop, which falls on deaf ears. 'Go, hit me hit me do it again, you're wrong, you're f**king wrong,' Michael tells his girlfriend. Jade screams: 'Oh am I wrong? You f**ked her [Edwards] on December 17, you f**ked her you're a f**king dog I'm going to show her every f**king message you ever f**king sent me.' She then makes reference to a text she saw on Michael's phone inviting Pip to come to India with him. 'Oh yeah, 'You're the love of my life Pip, come to India,'' Jade snarls. Michael responds: 'Don't ever talk to me again.' The two-minute clip ends with Jasmine and Bell separating the feuding couple. 'Stop, Jade, stop,' Jasmine pleads, to which Bell adds: 'Let it go Jade.' Married At First Sight kicked off season 10 with a shocking premiere on Monday night as Harrison Boon's secret girlfriend was revealed. Now a casting producer has gone live on radio to spill all the secrets of the matchmaking show as she warns people not to sign up for it. Speaking on 2DayFM's Hughesy, Ed & Erin on Tuesday, former crew member Maddie revealed she would go bar hopping in Sydney to find attractive singles for the series. Married At First Sight kicked off season 10 with a shocking premiere on Monday night as Harrison Boon's (pictured) secret girlfriend was revealed 'I had this clipboard with me and I'd walk into a bar,' she told hosts Dave Hughes and Erin Molan. 'People thought I was hitting on them as well. I'd go up to these good looking blokes and people thought I was literally hitting on them. 'And then they'd be really disappointed because I'd whip out a clipboard.' Now a casting producer has gone live on radio to spill all the secrets of the matchmaking show as she warns people not to sign up for it. (Pictured: radio presenter Dave Hughes) Hughesy went on to ask if Maddie 'felt sorry' for Boon's bride Bronte Schofield after she was blindsided by her new beau's scandal. She said: 'I'm not working as a caster anymore. So if I had to give anyone advice, I probably wouldn't go on the show. 'There is always the risk that you're going to end up with someone a bit dodgy.' Speaking on 2DayFM's Hughesy, Ed & Erin (all pictured) on Tuesday, former crew member Maddie revealed she would go bar hopping in Sydney to find attractive singles for the series It comes after Schofield was pulled aside at her wedding reception on Monday night's episode as her BFF Jessica Tomlinson warned her Boon had been dating her friend just days before filming his TV wedding. Daily Mail Australia revealed on Tuesday the 'other woman' in question is 21-year-old Abby Miller, who starred on this year's season of The Bachelors. Sources close to Boon say the whole thing has been 'blown out of proportion', with Miller just one of many women he was chatting to on dating apps in the lead-up to filming MAFS last year. It comes after Schofield (right) was pulled aside at her wedding reception on Monday night's episode as her BFF Jessica Tomlinson warned her Boon had been dating her friend just days before filming his TV wedding 'The whole thing was blown out of proportion,' one insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'Jess wanted her five minutes of fame and exaggerated the nature of Harrison's relationship with Abby just to get time in front of the camera. Harrison and Abby knew each other for no more than a month and a half.' The pair went on a few dates, the source added, but there was 'nothing serious' about their relationship, and Boon 'certainly didn't promise to wait for her'. Lisa Marie Presley reportedly wanted her children to have access to her trust and wanted her oldest daughter Riley Keough to manage it, a close friend claims. 'Lisa's intent was very clear,' the friend said while speaking to People on Monday. 'Lisa really didn't feel that [mother] Priscilla Presley was doing anything in her best interest.' The latest claim comes as Lisa's mother Priscilla, 77, is challenging a 2016 revision to her will that removed her and Lisa's former business manager Barry Siegel as mangers of her trust and replacing them with Riley, 33. The family controversy follows Presley's tragic death on January 12 at age 54, after she went into cardiac arrest at home and had to be rushed to a hospital after CPR was performed. Speaking up: A friend of Lisa Marie Presley claimed to People on Monday that she intended her daughter Riley Keough, 33, to take over her trust after she had a falling out with her mother Priscilla Presley; Lisa and Riley seen in 2017 DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley. According to Priscilla's petition, obtained by People, Lisa had a living will dating back to 1993, which was amended in 2010 to make Priscilla and Siegel co-trustees. But following Lisa's death, her mother learned of an initial amendment from 2016 that removed her and Siegel and trustees and replaced them with Riley and her brother Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in 2020. Lisa's wishes for trustees don't appear to have been updated following her son's death. In Priscilla's petition, she claims there are 'many issues surrounding the authenticity and validity' of the 2016 will amendment. Fighting back: Priscilla is challenging a 2016 will amendment removing her as trustee. She says the signature isn't valid and claims she wasn't notified, as required by the trust. She also says the amendment wasn't witnessed or notarized; Priscilla and Lisa seen in 2008 According to her, she should have been informed that she was being removed as co-trustee, 'as required by the express terms of the Trust,' but she says she was never informed. The ex-wife of Elvis Presley also claims that her daughter's signature on the 2016 amendment was 'inconsistent' with previous signatures, and she says there also was not a witness listed, nor a notary present. She says the 2010 amendment listing her as a co-trustee is still 'the authoritative and controlling document.' Although the friend doesn't appear to vouch for the authenticity of the 2016 amendment, they claim that it was in line with Lisa's wishes at the time, as she had allegedly had a major falling out with her mother. They say that as of 2016, she 'did not have a relationship' with her mother, though the two appear to have patched things up to a degree after appearing at several events and award ceremonies to promote Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic, which stars Austin Butler as the legendary rocker. Bad blood: Part of Lisa's falling out with Priscilla was due to her mother continuing to have a relationship with her ex-husband Michael Lockwood (pictured) against her wishes, the friend claimed; seen in 2013 One sticking point was allegedly Priscilla's insistence on continuing to have a relationship with Lisa's ex-husband Michael Lockwood following their 2016 split. The divorce was finalized in 2021. Lockwood apparently was not invited to Lisa's funeral, but Priscilla who shares an agent with him managed to get him into the ceremony, her friend says. In 2017, Lisa had accused her ex of having inappropriate images of children on his compute amid their custody battle. Although police investigated and examined dozens of electronic devices, no criminal charges were filed and the investigation was ultimately dropped. Lisa's friend said Lisa's will amendment was part of her desire to live 'her life authentically.' 'She wouldn't remain quiet when she was being taken advantage of,' they continued. 'At the end of the day, these are her wishes, and there's no question as to what her wishes were. No one's going to be able to reinvent the last seven or eight years and say no, no, no.' Honoring her wishes: 'At the end of the day, these are her wishes, and there's no question as to what her wishes were,' the friend said. 'No one's going to be able to reinvent the last seven or eight years and say no, no, no'; seen in 2012 It wasn't just personal issues that led her to want to change the trust, as Lisa's friend said she 'had a major issue' with how it was run under her mother and Siegel's watch. In 2018, she sued Siegel, claiming that his mismanagement led her trust to shrink from $100 million to just $14,000. However, he claimed that the loss in funds was due to her extravagant spending. 'There's substantial documentation that basically Lisa was the only trustee,' her friend claims. 'Priscilla did not participate in anything, as [Siegel also] hadn't for years before At the end of the day, a trustee is supposed to have limited power they're supposed to not be able to do anything bad or stupid. No one can argue that Riley being the trustee is going to not be to the benefit of the twins.' Elsa Pataky has shared a number of clips showing Africa's majestic animals while on a safari in Kenya. The actress, 46, who is currently on safari with megastar husband Chris Hemsworth, 39, showed herself in an open top 4WD. The couple were joined by their children, daughter India, 10, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, eight, for the animal adventure. Elsa Pataky shared intimate moments with husband Chris Hemsworth on Tuesday as they enjoyed a safari in Kenya. Both pictured The family were clearly in awe of the animals as they looked at elephants, hippos, giraffes and lion cubs on the trip. Elsa and Chris are obvious animal lovers with the family getting up close and personal with the creatures. In one clip, the family watch a herd of elephants roaming around the grasslands before going on to watch hippos soaking in water In one clip, the family watch a herd of elephants roaming around the grasslands before going on to watch hippos soaking in water. Elsa then showed herself getting a kiss from a giraffe. The last clip showed lion cubs yawning as they rested on a tree branch. Chris showed himself throwing a spear during the safari Elsa then showed herself getting a kiss from a giraffe The last clip showed lion cubs yawning as they rested on a tree branch It comes just days after the family went horse-riding along the African plains, spotting Zebra as they rode together. Last week the family shared even more images from their trip, including one in which the 39-year-old actor Chris showed off his muscles in a tank top as he posed in a field with some handsome camels. Further photos showed Elsa holding onto a baby goat and beaming as she wore a sun hat. Chris and Elsa were seen horseback riding just days ago. Both pictured Last week the family shared even more images from their trip, including one in which the 39-year-old actor showed off his muscles in a tank top as he posed in a field with some camels The famous family also shared images of the gorgeous plains and wild animals they encountered on their adventure. Chris wrote in his caption: 'One of the most memorable trips to Kenya my family and I have ever had.' It's the second luxurious trip the clan have taken in recent weeks, having returned from a vacation to Fiji earlier this month. Chris wrote in his caption: 'One of the most memorable trips to Kenya my family and I have ever had' The Hollywood power couple spent their days surfing and soaking up the sun at a luxury resort on Tavarua, Fiji as they celebrated Christmas with their loved ones. For an eye-watering $6,000 per person for seven nights, the actors and their family had the run of beachside villas on a 29-acre heart-shaped tropical getaway. For the couple and their three children, a week-long getaway could come to as much as a whopping $30,000. Shemar Moore and his girlfriend proudly shared more snaps of their new baby daughter Frankie on their respective Instagram accounts Monday. Moore shares his daughter with Jesiree Dizon, who posted a six-image carousel featuring several close-up shots of the newborn in a pink onesie with a large bow on her head. Dizon posed with her new baby swaddled in a blanket on her chest as she took selfies in the hospital. Proud mom: Shemar Moore and his girlfriend Jesiree Dizon shared images of their new baby daughter Frankie on their respective Instagram accounts Monday Cutie! Dizon posted several images of the newborn in a onesie with a large bow on her head The new mother captioned her post, 'I shall call her squishy and she shall be mine and she shall be my squishy. Frankie Melelina Kapule Moore. 01/24/2023 @ 3:38pm 7lbs 1oz & 20in of LOVE.' She continued, 'Daddy with the win picking her coming home outfit OBSESSED.' The model kissed Frankie's forehead in an intimate image that marked her first post since the newborn's arrival. The 52-year-old S.W.A.T. star wore a black beanie with 'Baby Girl' embroidered across the front as he lovingly cradled his little girl with the caption 'Baby Girl Frankie n Daddy!!!' Proud dad: The 52-year-old S.W.A.T. star cradled his baby girl with the caption 'Baby Girl Frankie n Daddy!!!' Hospital glam: Jesiree appeared photo ready with smokey eyes and makeup as she held her baby girl in the hospital So cute: The proud mom captioned the post, 'I shall call her squishy and she shall be mine and she shall be my squishy. Frankie Melelina Kapule Moore. 01/24/2023 @ 3:38 pm. 7 lbs 1 oz & 20 in of LOVE. Daddy with the win picking her coming home outfit OBSESSED On Tuesday, Moore announced that Jesiree had given birth to their first child. On Wednesday, Moore posted a photo of himself holding Frankie, who was swaddled in a blanket and appeared to be snoozing peacefully in his arms. In his enthused caption, he wrote that the little girl was 'Already THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!' while bragging, 'Im a Girl Daddy!!!!' Although Frankie is Moore's first child with Dizon, she also has a five-year-old daughter named Charli from her relationship with the actor Stephen Bishop, as well as a son named Kaiden from another relationship. First look: Shemar shared the first photo of Frankie on Wednesday, a day after he confirmed her birth Over the moon: He wrote that the little girl was 'Already THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!' while bragging, 'Im a Girl Daddy!!!!' and noting how happy his later mother would be 'in heaven'; seen in 2019 The Criminal Minds actor revealed on The Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this month that he 'is about to be a daddy' and that he had began to worry 'that ship had sailed' on being a parent. He said that the due date was around the third anniversary of his mother's death on February 8, 2020. He said: 'On February 8th, I'm gonna make one of her dreams come true because in real life, Shemar Moore is about to be a daddy,' which prompted the audience to cheer. Daddy! Last month while appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Shemar revealed he was going to be a father TV star: Moore is best known for his 19942005 stint on the Young And The Restless and appearing on Criminal Minds from 2006 to 2016. He has led S.W.A.T. (pictured) since 2017 'Congratulations!' Hudson told him. 'That's news! And your mama is gonna be so proud, smiling at you from heaven.' Moore then said: 'I'm sorry she can't be here. I was worried for a while that maybe that ship had sailed' Despite feeling that his life is already 'pretty grand,' Moore predicted fatherhood will be 'the best' experience. Moore shared a sweet video from his gender reveal party in which he learned he would be having a little girl as a helicopter released pink smoke. His loved ones clapped and he beamed with joy while holding up a 'Girl dad' t-shirt. Overjoyed: His loved ones clapped and he beamed with joy while holding up a 'Girl dad' t-shirt Making memories: The pair learned they would be having a little girl as a helicopter released pink smoke Happy parents: Moore celebrated when he saw the pink smoke In 2016, the star revealed he stepped away from Criminal Minds and his beloved character Derek Morgan to focus on his family. 'I need balance in my life. I love what I do for a living, I love it from action to cut, but I also want to walk my dogs, travel, get married, have kids. I want balance, and it's hard to do with the schedule that we have,' he told TV Line, at the time. The hunk has done his best to push through a challenging three years, which included the devastating loss of his mother and battling COVID-19. Advertisement Pamela Anderson was ever the blonde bombshell at the glitzy Los Angeles premiere of her tell-all Netflix documentary Pamela: A Love Story on Monday. The Baywatch star, 55, showed off her incredible form and toned arms in a red hot floor-length gown that clung to her famous figure. The actress was also joined by her sons Brandon Thomas, 26, and Dylan Lee, 25, whom she shares with ex-husband Tommy Lee, 60. Blonde bombshell! Pamela Anderson was ever the blonde bombshell at the glitzy Los Angeles premiere of her tell-all Netflix documentary Pamela: A Love Story on Monday Iconic red: The superstar rose to fame as lifeguard CJ Parker on TV series Baywatch, where she wore her iconic red one-piece swimsuit; Pictured in a 1992 still from Baywatch It was only fitting for the superstar to don red at the event, as she rose to fame playing lifeguard CJ Parker on 1992 TV series Baywatch, where she wore an iconic red one-piece swimsuit. The Canadian star wore her blonde tresses in a voluminous updo, with a few strands framing her face. She accessorized the red carpet ensemble with dangling silver earrings. Red hot: The Baywatch star, 55, showed off her incredible form and toned arms in a red hot floor-length gown that clung to her famous figure All red: Going for an all-red look, the Playboy beauty sported strappy red heels for the occasion Glam gal: As for glam, the model drew attention to her mesmerizing blue eyes with dark eyeliner, and wore pink gloss on her pout As for glam, the model drew attention to her mesmerizing blue eyes with dark eyeliner, and wore pink gloss on her pout. Going for an all-red look, the Playboy beauty sported strappy red heels for the occasion. Meanwhile her son Brandon who also served as a producer on the film looked handsome as ever in a crisp navy suit and tie, which he paired with black dress shoes. Gorgeous: The Canadian star wore her blonde tresses in a voluminous updo, with a few strands framing her face Accessories: Pamela accessorized the red carpet ensemble with dangling silver earrings Her boys: The actress was also joined by her sons Brandon Thomas, 26, and Dylan Lee, 25, whom she shares with ex-husband Tommy Lee, 60 Dapper: Her son Brandon looked handsome as ever in a crisp navy suit and tie, which he paired with black dress shoes Smooch: The loving mom was seen giving Brandon a smooch on the cheek in front of the shutterbugs Sweet: Her eldest son had a loving arm on her back as they posed for the cameras Dylan sported a more edgy look, wearing a shimmering striped black tuxedo with a white shirt and black sunglasses. The loving mom was seen giving Brandon a smooch on the cheek in front of the shutterbugs. When he wasn't getting smooches from his mom, Brandon was joined on the red carpet by his girlfriend Lily Easton. Solo: Her sons also took solo shots at the event, as they showed off their distinctive styles Producer: Brandon served as a producer on the film Proud mama: Pamela proudly posed for a number of snaps with her boys With the director: Pamela was also joined by the director of her documentary Ryan White, 42 Class act: The duo posed together, with White sporting a classy black suit Lily looked ravishing in a delicate black lace slip dress, which she paired with black heels and a matching clutch. She wore her long brunette tresses parted in the middle and cascading down her shoulders. Pamela was also joined by the director of her documentary Ryan White, 42, who wore a classy black suit. His gal: When he wasn't getting smooches from his mom, Brandon was joined on the red carpet by his girlfriend Lily Easton Ravishing: Lily looked ravishing in a delicate black lace slip dress, which she paired with black heels and a matching clutch Miss Jackson! Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson, 24, turned heads in a stunning brown silk slip dress Golden girl: Paris teamed the dress with gold platform heels and a gold sequin purse Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson, 24, turned heads in a stunning brown silk slip dress. The gown featured a saucy slit on the side. Paris teamed the dress with gold platform heels and a gold sequin purse. As for makeup the young star wore a cranberry shade of lipstick and winged eyeliner. Wow! Model Jasmine Sanders, 31, turned up the heat in a black nylon bustier-style bodysuit and matching black tights Blondie: The blonde beauty wore her tresses in bouncy curls, and accentuated her features with nude lipstick and black eyeliner Ample assets: The back of her tights featured a trendy rock n' roll tear From the back: Jasmine gave the photographers plenty to work with as she showed off her sultry look from a number of angles Model Jasmine Sanders, 31, turned up the heat in a black nylon bustier-style bodysuit and matching black tights. The German-American fashionista opted to go all-black, wearing knee-high leather boots. The blonde beauty wore her tresses in bouncy curls, and accentuated her features with nude lipstick and black eyeliner. Actress Lindsey Pelas, 31, wore a flirty brown mini dress which accentuated her ample cleavage. Va va voom! Actress Lindsey Pelas, 31, wore a flirty brown mini dress which accentuated her ample cleavage Galactic beauty: Also present was actress Larsen Thompson, 22, who put her endless legs on display in a metallic silver one-shoulder dress Model looks: Model Josie Canseco, 26, looked chic in a copper-toned dress, while singer Stormi Bree, 32, looked effortlessly stylish in a black velvet dress and a lavish burgundy coat She wore her blonde curls cascading down her back, and teamed the look with glittering platform heels. Also at the premiere was Canadian YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous, 30, who showed off her toned midriff in a cropped cheetah top and matching mini skirt. The social media star paired the look with classy black heels. Like Pamela, Gigi wore her blonde tresses in a chic updo. Also present was actress Larsen Thompson, 22, who put her endless legs on display in a metallic silver one-shoulder dress. Meow! Also at the premiere was Canadian YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous, 30, who showed off her toned midriff in a cropped cheetah top and matching mini skirt Busty: YouTube star Tana Mongeau, 24, donned a busty black velvet gown that clung to her curves All together! Pamela was seen posing with a few people involved in her documentary; (L-R) Julia Nottingham, John Braun, Brandon, Pamela, White, Jessica Hargrave and Lisa Nishimura Model Josie Canseco, 26, looked chic in a high-neck copper-toned dress, which she paired with black heels and gold hoops. The star who's the daughter of former Major League Baseball player Jose Canseco wore her blonde tresses parted in the middle and slicked into a ponytail. Singer Stormi Bree, 32, looked effortlessly stylish in a black velvet dress over which she wore a lavish burgundy coat. YouTube star Tana Mongeau, 24, donned a busty black velvet gown that clung to her curves. Financial woes: Part of the new documentary deals with Anderson's financial woes. At one point her son Brandon expresses regret that she didn't make any money off her stolen sex tape, but she insisted she had no regrets because the tape was a violation Infamous: Pamela made the home video in 1995 with Brandon and Dylan's father rocker Tommy Lee, 60, to whom she was married from 19951998; The pair pictured in 1995 Among many fascinating revelations in the documentary 'Pamela, A Love Story' was the fact that Anderson dealt with financial troubles throughout her life, despite having starred on one of the most popular shows of its time, Baywatch, as per Yahoo Entertainment. The star revealed that she didn't have an agent when she negotiated her deal on the series, and that she turned down $5 million for her infamous stolen sex tape, which was made from home videos of her with then-husband Tommy Lee, in the '90s. At one point her son Brandon expressed regret that she did not make any money off the stolen tape, given how much it set back her career, however she insisted she had no regrets about not monetizing the tape because it was a violation. The famous blonde did not have a glam squad doing her makeup in the documentary, and was even pictured going to a drug store to buy hair dye. Natural: The famous blonde did not have a glam squad doing her makeup in the documentary, and was even pictured going to a drug store to buy hair dye as per Yahoo Entertainment Filmmaker Ryan White told the publication he was 'shocked' to learn about Anderson's financial situation. 'She was the most famous woman in the world on the most famous show in the world and she doesn't have a nest egg from from Baywatch to rely upon,' he said. 'It's shocking for how for how famous she is and how much much a part of American pop culture she's been for the last 30-something years that she had been in financial trouble that many times. It was really revealing and really humanizing,' he added. Both Anderson's documentary and her long-awaited memoir Love, Pamela are set to be released on Tuesday. Karina Irby has lashed out after a selfie of her bare buttocks was removed by Instagram. The Gold Coast swimwear designer, 32, reposted the image to her Instagram Stories along with a caption. She wrote: 'Sorry if my butt has offended you. There was a lot of controversy on this photo and you guys even got it removed. Karina Irby (pictured) has lashed out after a selfie of her bare buttocks was removed by Instagram. The Gold Coast swimwear designer, 32, reposted the image to her Instagram Stories along with a caption 'Yes I have no pants on, but it's nothing more than what I always post. Plus I'm TRYING to show off my Pimple Patch!' She added: 'I had a mean booty pimple last week and wanted to show it off.' In the photo, she turned her bare bottom to the side and displayed a small unicorn sticker on one cheek. She wrote: 'Sorry if my butt has offended you. There was a lot of controversy on this photo and you guys even got it removed' The beauty went without bikini bottoms but appeared to have on a top in the image, which did not show her face. The influencer recently detailed a selection of shaming comments directed at her over her decision not to have children. 'As I person who can't have kids I'm offended to hear you want to be childless. Its a blessing,' one comment read. The blonde beauty is a bikini designer and known for her body-positive selfies 'Following to say "I told you so" when you fall pregnant,' another person chided, while one more said, 'No kids? Lol you'll change your mind!' 'It's a blessing to have children. You will understand one day,' a further comment read, with another saying, 'Kids would look so good on you! Please reconsider!' After sharing all the comments alongside a photo of herself and her new husband, Ryan Jones, kissing, Karina wrote a heartfelt caption. Karina said: 'The stigma around the choice to be child-free needs to be turned around. You only get one shot at this thing called life. The influencer recently detailed a selection of shaming comments directed at her over her decision not to have children 'The more that individuals are happy about their OWN life choices, and allow others to be happy in THEIRS, will make the world a better place.' Karina is a newlywed after exchanging vows with Ryan Jones during an idyllic island wedding on a beach in Bora Bora late last year. The blonde beauty, who is known for her body-positive selfies, wore her favourite attire for the nuptials - a skimpy white bikini - teamed with a sarong skirt for the intimate beach ceremony. Pierce Brosnan was spotted looking as handsome as ever while doing some grocery shopping in Malibu, California, on Monday. The former Bond actor, 69, showed off his rugged good looks as he happily picked up some goods from the store after hitting the shops in his luxury BMW. Pierce cut a casual figure, looking suave in a pair of dark trousers, a shirt and jacket. That's one way to do the grocery run! Pierce Brosnan showed off his rugged good looks and looked suave in a shirt and trousers as he picked up some groceries in Malibu on Monday He wore a navy T-shirt underneath and covered his eyes in a pair of stylish shades. Pierce looked relaxed while out and about, happily returning a trolley to its station and carrying bags of goods to his car. The silver fox sported a bushy beard on the day. Stylish: He wore a navy T-shirt underneath and covered his eyes in a pair of stylish shades It comes after the handsome star was spotted enjoying dinner at Nobu in Malibu with his family last month. He and wife Keely Shaye also attended the GQ Men of the Year party together. Pierce exchanged vows with Keely in his native Ireland in August 2001. Relaxed: Pierce looked relaxed while out and about, happily returning a trolley to its station and carrying bags of goods to his car Date night: He and wife Keely Shaye also attended the GQ Men of the Year party together recently The couple met at a party in 1994 after the death of Pierce's first wife Cassandra Harris in 1991, and hit it off before eventually deciding to tie the knot seven years later. The couple share two sons together, Dylan, 25, and Paris, 21, who are the youngest of Pierce's five children. The Mamma Mia! hunk also has son Sean, 38, and adopted son Chris, 49, as well as his late adopted daughter Charlotte with Cassandra. Stylish arrival: Pierce hopped out of his luxury BMW to do his shopping Grandchild number four: It's has been a happy time for the Brosnan household as Pierce celebrated the birth of his fourth grandchild shortly before the GQ event Pierce adopted Cassandra's children Chris and Charlotte after their father Dermot Harris died in 1986. It's has been a happy time for the Brosnan household as Pierce celebrated the birth of his fourth grandchild shortly before the GQ event. Sharing a snap on Instagram, the four-time Bond actor revealed Jaxxon Elijah to the world. In a short caption, Pierce said: 'Jaxxon Elijah Brosnan, born 3:06pm 11/12/22 all good blessings to you my dearest grandson, welcome.' The baby's parents are Pierce's son Sean Brosnan and daughter-in-law Sanja Banic, who together also have a seven-year-old daughter called Marley. Chinese FM holds phone talks with Saudi counterpart Xinhua) 10:29, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday held phone talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. During the talks, Qin said President Xi Jinping's recent presence at the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and his state visit to Saudi Arabia have scored complete success, making it a new milestone in the history of China-Saudi Arabia, China-GCC and China-Arab relations, adding that China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the outcomes of the summits and promote their relations to new levels. China highly appreciates Saudi Arabia's consistent and firm support on issues concerning China's core interests and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to uphold non-interference in internal affairs and other basic norms of international relations, Qin noted. He said the two sides should further expand cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, investment, finance and high-tech, increase communication and coordination, make every effort to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, continuously strengthen the China-GCC strategic partnership and build a China-GCC free trade zone as soon as possible. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Saudi Arabia in regional and international affairs, jointly promote regional peace and stability, and better safeguard the common interests of the vast developing countries, Qin said. Faisal said Saudi Arabia regards its relations with China as an important cornerstone of its foreign relations and is willing to work with China to implement the outcomes of the summits, take joint actions, deepen cooperation in various fields, promote further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries. Saudi Arabia fully adheres to the one-China principle and firmly opposes the politicization of human rights issues, Faisal said, noting that his country is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China and jointly uphold the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) We all know that Elon Musk has been pretty reckless with his tweets, and although they caused a lot of backlashes, he rarely apologizes. In the case of Paul Pelosi regarding the attack on his own home, Musk recognized his mistake in spreading false information and was sorry for it. Musk Regrets a Tweet Musk published a short apology for taking part in the spread of misinformation, which claimed that there might be more to the story of the attack against Pelosi. He tweeted it along with a link that accused Nancy Pelosi's husband of being drunk and disputing with a male prostitute. Nonetheless, I apologize Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2023 The apology came in the form of a reply to Juanita Broaddrick's tweet, insisting that the situation with men in their underwear was bizarre and that Musk should not apologize. This is the same woman who accused Bill Clinton of raping her, according to Gizmodo. The tech billionaire's regret came days after the graphic body camera footage was released. The video shows the assailant to be struggling for control over the hammer with Pelosi, which he managed to take and hit Pelosi on the head with. The attacker in question is 42-year-old David Depape. The police went in and restrained him, but not before he struck a blow in Pelosi's head, causing him to lie unconscious on the ground in his own blood. Depape has been charged with attempted murder and assault. #EXCLUSIVE Just released police body camera video shows moments David DePape attacked Paul Pelosi at his# San Francisco home WARNING: VIDEO IS GRAPHIC#PaulPelosi #BREAKING@Nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/rQZriBvOCm Bigad Shaban (@BigadShaban) January 27, 2023 Read Also: Nancy Pelosi's Flight to Taiwan Becomes Most Tracked Flight on Flightradar24 Backstory Musk's infamous tweet which implied that there might be more to the story was a response to former first lady Hillary Clinton's tweet. Her post accused the Republican party and its supporters of spreading "deranged" conspiracy theories, and that it led to violent results. Although his tweet had already been deleted, others were able to take a screenshot and posted it on Twitter as well. The article that Musk included in the now-deleted tweet was published by the Santa Monica Observer, which was known for making false claims. Elon Musk is now sharing conspiracy theory blog posts about the attack on Paul Pelosi. pic.twitter.com/XKolS7ogYd Matt Novak (@paleofuture) October 30, 2022 The article published by SMO stated that Pelosi did not know who the man was, but said that his name was David and that he was a friend. It was also mentioned that there have been rumors for years in San Francisco that Paul Pelosi was a homosexual. The article's publisher was already an established conspiracy theory nut based on its previous reports. Back in 2016, the publisher even claimed that Hillary Clinton had already died and that she was replaced by a body double who debated with fellow nominee Donald Trump. An editorial from The Los Angeles Times even listed the Santa Monica Observer, which is owned by onetime City Council candidate David Ganezer, as one of those that masquerade as legitimate local newspapers, as mentioned in The New York Times. The police released a statement saying that David Depape entered through the back door. The attacker was also said to be shouting, asking the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi. San Francisco District attorney Brooke Jenkins said that there was no evidence that Paul Pelosi knew Depape. Related: Elon Musk's Tweeting Habits Targeted by Tesla Investors at Trial Rochelle Humes' daughter Alaia-Mai, 9, could barely contain her excitement on Monday night as she met the Princess of Wales during a night out at BAFTA London. The youngster was seen squealing with joy after shaking hands with Kate Middleton at her event, which saw the royal launch the next stage of her Shaping Us campaign and was hosted by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Alaia-Mai's TV presenter mum Rochelle, 33, shared the proud moment on her Instagram, with the star seen holding onto her girl's shoulders while smiling down at her. Exciting: Rochelle Humes' daughter Alaia-Mai, 9, could barely contain her excitement on Monday night as she met the Princess of Wales during a night out at BAFTA London Her husband Marvin Humes, 37 - who was at home with the couple's other two children - also uploaded the moment to his stories, remarking he was 'proud of my girls'. Sharing a laugh, Rochelle, Alaia-Mai and Kate were also joined by beaming BBC journalist Kate Silverton, who looked lovely in a black maxi skirt and blazer. While ever the fashion icon, Kate looked stunning in a bold red suit, while Prince William who was also present, was smart in a navy blazer and trousers. A real life Princess! The youngster was seen squealing with joy after shaking hands with Kate Middleton at her event Meanwhile, Rochelle was ever the radiant beauty in a chocolate satin maxi dress. Rochelle's satin garment had a long-sleeve design and scooping neck as it fell to her ankles in a figure-accentuating style. She teamed the number with a pair of dark court heels to match, while keeping warm with a gold-buttoned cardigan on top. Royalty: Alaia-Mai couldn't keep the smile off her face as she greeted the royal alongside her TV star mum The Saturday's star scooped her dark locks away into a sleek bun, while adding a pair of gorgeous pearl and gold earrings. Alaia-Mai meanwhile looked adorable in a floral dress worn with white tights and white shoes. Matching her mother, she also wore her dark locks in a neat bun. Guests: Sharing a laugh, the trio were also joined by beaming BBC journalist Kate Silverton, who greeted Kate and Rochelle in a black maxi skirt and blazer Initiative: Kate kicked off her new 'Shaping Us' initiative at the event - which will see an ambitious advertising blitz in cinemas and on billboards the length and breadth of the country - with a glitzy reception at BAFTA in London Inside: Talking during the event, Rochelle revealed that she had brought her daughter, Alaia, to the event 'on a school night' And Alaia-Mai was the spitting image of her mother as they grasped hands while leaving the event. Rochelle is also mother to younger daughter Valentina Raine, five, and son Blake Hampton, two. Talking during the event, Rochelle revealed that she had brought her daughter, Alaia, to the event 'on a school night'. Mother-daughter outing: Meanwhile, Rochelle was ever the radiant beauty in a chocolate satin maxi dress Glowing! The Saturday's star scooped her dark locks away into a sleek bun, while adding a pair of gorgeous pearl and gold earrings Home time: And Alaia-Mai was the spitting image of her mother as they grasped hands while leaving the event 'There's only one reason that she's here,' she teased, looking at the Princess, 'and.it's your hair. She has the best hair, mum!' Rochelle also spoke of being brought up by her mother, a single parent, sharing: 'She [my mother] taught me, protected me, cuddled me when I was upset and - please believe me - in equal measure corrected me when I was wrong. She taught me that anything was possible and that if you don't ask, you don't get.' Kate kicked off her new 'Shaping Us' initiative at the event - which will see an ambitious advertising blitz in cinemas and on billboards the length and breadth of the country - with a glitzy reception at BAFTA in London. Family: Rochelle is also mother to younger daughter Valentina Raine, five, and son Blake Hampton, two Famous faces: While a slew of other stars were spotted leaving, with Ferne Cotton opting for an all-black ensemble with satin trousers and a long-sleeved lace blouse Rochelle was snapped leaving the venue as she grasped her daughters hand while waiting on a car to take them home. While a slew of other stars were spotted leaving, with Ferne Cotton opting for an all-black ensemble with satin trousers and a long-sleeved lace blouse. Zara McDermott looked classy in a navy midi dress, layering a cream, longline coat on top. Gorgeous: Zara McDermott looked classy in a navy midi dress, layering a cream, longline coat on top Suave: While Professor Green donned an all-black suit for the evening Date night! The musician was joined by fiancee Karima McAdams as they were snapped leaving the bash Wow! The actress looked ultra glamorous in a bright satin yellow dress, with a matching cape on top Byron Baes star Jade Kevin Foster revealed on Tuesday he is feeling extremely 'stressed' about being taken to the hospital to treat a blocked ear infection. The reality star, 30, told his Instagram fans he started experiencing problems with his eardrums two weeks ago and the pain had not eased a fortnight later. 'I'm so stressed out right now. I'm waiting for my fiance Johnny to come take me to the hospital. The anxiety is surreal,' he told his fans. Byron Baes star Jade Kevin Foster (pictured) revealed on Tuesday he is feeling extremely 'stressed' about being taken to the hospital to treat a blocked ear infection He added: 'Two weeks ago it started and I had to keep popping my ears. I thought it would go away by itself.' Jade then said he had tried taking medication but nothing worked so he made the difficult decision to visit the hospital. Fortunately, Jade had a glass of water on hand which helped temporarily calm his nerves and he also found joking about his predicament helped. The reality star, 30, told his Instagram fans he started experiencing problems with his eardrums two weeks ago and the pain had not eased a fortnight later Last year, Jade went through a harrowing ordeal recently after his $154,000 BMW was stolen after a thief broke into his house. He posted about the stressful situation on Instagram and told his fans the vehicle was a 'write off' after the heartless thief crashed it into a police car. 'The whole thing's completely f**cked. They just dumped it,' an upset Jade told his 1.2million followers. A devastated Jade told Daily Mail Australia he heard from the police the reckless thief crashed the luxury car into some trees and a police car before running away and was on the loose. 'I'm so stressed out right now. I'm waiting for my fiance Johnny to come take me to the hospital. The anxiety is surreal,' he told his fans Jade said he has some choice words for the criminal who destroyed his treasured possession. 'If you want nice things then get your a** up and work for them! Dont be scum and steal,' he said. Foster found viral fame after being pictured with Kim Kardashian in 2014. He went on to star in Netflix's Byron Baes and billed himself as 'Australia's biggest male influencer' on the reality series. Jade then said he had tried taking medication but nothing worked so he made the difficult decision to visit the hospital Salma Hayek gave fans a glimpse at the incredible outfit she wore at Marc Anthony's wedding to Nadia Ferreira. The 56-year-old actress looked sensational in her Instagram snap on Monday as she modelled a plunging mint green gown. She put her ample cleavage on display in the low-cut garment that flared out into a full skirt with layers of tulle. Stunning: Salma Hayek looked sensational in a low cut mint gown as she gave fans a glimpse at her outfit for Marc Anthony's wedding to Nadia Ferreira on Saturday The striking dress was adorned with silver beading that complemented her diamond bracelet and delicate earrings. Salma completed the look by styling her glossy locks in a curly up 'do and wore a slick of scarlet lipstick on her plump pout. She captioned the snap: 'Just before getting in the car to go celebrate the love of my friends @marcanthony and @nadiatferreira Que viva el amor [Long live love] !! Y que viva la salsa!!! [And long live the sauce] @giambattistavalliparis'. Salma's fans went wild for the snap who rushed to compliment her, with Sharon Stone also weighing in and commenting: 'U r so pretty honey.' Sweet: Salma's fans went wild for the snap who rushed to compliment her, with Sharon Stone also weighing in and commenting: 'U r so pretty honey' Here comes the bride: Marc, who starred alongside Salma in the 2001 drama, In the Time of the Butterflies, married Miss Universe Nadia (pictured) in a star-studded ceremony Marc, who starred alongside Salma in the 2001 drama, In the Time of the Butterflies, married for a fourth time on Saturday. He exchanged vows with Miss Universe Nadia in a star-studded ceremony with guests including Marc's longtime pal David Beckham. The 54-year-old musician and 23-year-old former pageant queen tied the knot after an eight-month engagement, with the couple hosting a swanky ceremony at the Perez Art Museum in Miami. The bride looked beautiful in a gorgeous white lace gown by Galia Lahav which featured a stunning sheer top adorned with floral embellishments. The wedding took place at 7:30pm on Saturday, according to a detailed report by Hola. The publication also noted that Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez acted as the wedding officiant for the soiree, which was attended by the likes of Maluma, David, and Romeo Santos. Additionally, other big name guests included Lin Manuel Miranda and Luis Fonsi. The wedding was not attended by Marc's ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, her new husband Ben Affleck, nor the former couple's 14-year-old twins Emme and Max. Phillip Schofield lost his cool during Tuesday's This Morning as he scolded a show guest for mispronouncing her words. The presenter and his co-host Holly Willoughby had been speaking to royal expert Camilla Tominey about the King's Coronation and what to expect, when the outburst occurred. Camilla had been explaining that King Charles III may become the first monarch in British history to be publicly anointed with holy oil at his Coronation. Oh dear: Phillip Schofield lost his cool during Tuesday's This Morning as he scolded a show guest for mispronouncing her words She revealed that it was set to take place in a transparent canopy in order to let the public see, but accidentally referred to the canopy as a 'canape'. After Holly also referred to it as a canape, Phillip exploded at Camilla, throwing his head into his hands as he exclaimed: 'It's canopy! I let it go three times! It's canopy! Not canape!' As Holly burst into hysterical laughter and quipped: 'I would prefer a canape rather than a canopy!' Phillip responded: 'He's got a canape over her head?! What?' Outburst: The presenter and his co-host Holly Willoughby had been speaking to royal expert Camilla Tominey about the King's Coronation and what to expect, when the outburst occurred While the group may have been struggling to report the news it has dominated headlines this week as royal fans look ahead to the Coronation on May 6. In previous ceremonies, the most sacred part of the event - when the Archbishop of Canterbury uses holy oil to anoint the hands, breast and head of the sovereign - is not seen by the public. In the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a gold cloth canopy was held over her head during the most sacred and solemn aspect of the ceremony. But, in the case of King Charles III, the public may be able to glimpse this for the first time. According to reports in the Telegraph, a transparent canopy is being made to give the new King the option of allowing the anointing to be viewed by his subjects and captured on camera for the first time. News: Camilla had been explaining that King Charles III may become the first monarch in British history to be publicly anointed with holy oil at his Coronation It is believed that the Royal School of Needlework has started work on the new canopy, which is traditionally carried and held over the monarch by the Barons of the Cinque Ports or Knights of the Garter. Earlier this month, some plans for the three-day extravaganza to celebrate the crowning of the new monarch were revealed. And they are set to champion refugees, diversity and volunteering. The dazzling celebrations are said to reflect Charles' desire to be the 'people's King' and will also give representatives from the Commonwealth and NHS workers a chance to shine, before members of the public are encouraged to spend time volunteering on the nation's extra Bank Holiday. The celebration will give millions of Brits a day off, with tens of thousands expected to line the streets in central London to watch the ceremony - the first of its kind in more than 70 years. Loose Women's Sophie Morgan has claimed British Airways damaged her 8,000 wheelchair while in transit and told her to 'send an email' when she complained. Sophie, 37, suffered a T6 spinal cord injury in 2003 when she was involved in a car accident which left her paralysed aged 18. She requires a wheelchair at all times but said she didn't get the support she needed when British Airways damaged her chair after 'wedging it in the hold' from a flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow. 'This has to stop!': Loose Women's Sophie Morgan claimed on Instagram on Tuesday that BA broke her 8,000 wheelchair in transit and told her to 'send an email' when she complained They had attached the chair to the battery powered attachment without permission and untrained staff were unable to separate them, leaving her terrified she might be stuck without it. When they did detach the chair from the battery, it had to be pieced back together, leaving it damaged and as she later discovered, the light was also broken. Taking to Instagram, TV star Sophie said: 'Landed at Heathrow with a bang. 'Someone - no one took responsibility - decided to attach my wheelchair and my batec (battery-powered attachment) whilst in transit (they were checked in separately, in two parts, unattached) and they have done so a) without permission and b) COMPLETELY WRONG!!! 'Oh my God!' Sophie appeared completely distressed as she worried if she would be able to get into her chair again to get home She said: 'It took over half an hour to "break" [the chair and battery pack] apart, all that time I had to sit on an aisle chair that was NOT safe' Horrendous: Sophie documented her whole experience with the broken chair and was left 'literally shaking' 'It took over half an hour to "break" them apart, all that time I had to sit on an aisle chair that was NOT safe and I didnt know if I would be able to get back into my chair. 'Eventually, they broke them apart and I got back into my chair and reattached the batec but its not safe to use. I then discovered more damage.' She said the customer service she experienced after this was completely unacceptable. 'And what was I told to do by BRITISH AIRWAYS!? Send an email via the website. 'This has GOT TO STOP. Thousands of chairs are damaged by airlines every year. Its #JustPlaneWrong.' Sophie filmed a video which showed she was literally shaking because she was worried that she might not be able to get back into her chair which she relies on. Shocking: Sophie was left wheelchair bound after suffering a T6 spinal cord injury in 2003 resulting in paralysis from the chest down at the age of 18 A spokesperson for British Airways told MailOnline: 'We're extremely sorry for Sophie's experience and we're investigating what happened as a matter of urgency. 'We've been in contact with Sophie to sincerely apologise and to resolve the matter with her directly. 'We carry hundreds of thousands of customers who require additional assistance each year and we work hard to provide help and support them throughout the whole journey. 'It's extremely disheartening when things go wrong, and we dont underestimate the impact this has. We're committed to ensuring we deliver a consistently good service, and we'll be working closely with Sophie and our dedicated accessibility teams to discuss how we can continue to make improvements to ensure a great flying experience for everyone.' London-based campaigner Sophie has undergone a host of impressive projects including presenting Channel 4's TV coverage of the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Appearing on Lorraine in 2021, Sophie said that while many people are 'frightened of change', she believes that her disability 'made her life' and has encouraged her to 'live properly'. She said: 'I think people are frightened of change, they don't want it, there's a fear around it, said Sophie. 'But for me, because my change ended up giving so many positives, I sort of lean into it, I seek it out. 'I want life to be different and to be full of variety and excitement. Remarkable: Sophie has said her disability 'made her life' and has encouraged her to 'live her life properly' - pictured on Lorraine in 2021 'I suppose I learned the hard way that the worst things that happen to you can lead to the best of life. 'It's hard for people to relate, they see my disability and think it ruins a life - but I found it to be the opposite, I think it made my life. Sophie, whose successful television career began in 2009, says that while it was difficult adapting to her injury, it has become 'part of who she is'. 'When I had my injury there was obviously the initial adapting to it and becoming paralysed and wheelchair user at such a young age. 'There was so much to work out and figure out about my identity, who I was going to be and how I was going to make it happen', she said. 'I really didn't have much experience with disability, I was the first disabled person I had ever met, I had so much to learn and unlearn. 'But over the years it's become part of who I am and that drives me to think about how to live life properly, because I nearly lost my life, so it matters so much to me.' Some of the nominees for the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2023 were announced by People on Tuesday. The nominees fell into the categories favorite female artist, favorite male artist and favorite music group. The ceremony will air live on March 4 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles with co-hosts Charli D'Amelio and CBS Mornings co-host Nate Burleson. She made the list: Some of the nominees for the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2023 were announced by People on Tuesday. Taylor Swift landed in best female artist; seen in 2022 New hit: Her song The Lavender Haze had been doing well on the charts One of the top categories shared was favorite female artist. The women in that group are Adele, Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Rihanna and Taylor Swift. The nominees for favorite male artist are Bad Bunny, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and The Weeknd. Hit maker: The nominees for favorite male artist are Bad Bunny, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber (seen in 2021), Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and The Weeknd Favorite music group will be awarded to one of the following nominees: 5 Seconds of Summer, Black Eyed Peas, BLACKPINK, BTS, Imagine Dragons, OneRepublic, Panic! at the Disco or Paramore. D'Amelio and Burleson announced their positions as co-hosts for the 2023 Kids' Choice Awards on Tuesday's episode of CBS Mornings. Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2023 will air live across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, the Nick Jr. channel, TVLand, CMT and MTV2 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on March 4. Romee Strijd shared a 'realistic' picture of her tummy and said she was struggling to find the motivation to workout after giving birth to her second child in November. The Victorias Secret Angel, 27, said she has got 'stretchmarks' and admitted she's finding it harder to become motivated because she's never been in a place where she not 'content with her body before'. Her words came after a follower asked her how she looks so incredible after giving birth, prompting Romee to be honest about how she was feeling within herself. And while she still looks incredible, she said she has been struggling with selfcare and trying to find time for herself with two children has been a 'challenge'. 'This is hard on me': Victorias Secret Angel Romee Strijd revealed on Instagram on Tuesday she has 'stretchmarks' and is struggling to 'motivate' herself after welcoming second child 11 weeks ago 'This is hard on me': The Victorias Secret Angel, 27, (pictured in 2018) admitted she's never been in a place where she not 'content with her body before' Romee flashed her midriff in a cropped black long sleeve top and matching leggings as she posed for a mirror selfie in the gym. She penned to the post: 'Today I wanna start to get back into a healthy lifestyle. My body has changed a lot after two pregnancies. 'I do have to say this is hard on me sometimes because I've never worked out from a place of not being content about my current shape and it's so much harder to motivate with this mindset. Being honest: Romee still looks incredible but wanted to share with her followers a 'real' post about how she has been feeling 'It's so much easier to workout and eat healthy when you have to maintain instead of wanna lose weight.' She continued: 'Also with two kids and not a lot of sleep and little selfcare time it's a challenge. But I wanna challenge myself so here we go. Motivation comes after action they say right.' The runway star also replied to a fans comment on her Instagram Story as they asked her for her 'secrets' as they gushed over the models incredible figure. 'I got stretchmarks': The runway also replied to a fans comment on her Instagram Story as they asked her for her 'secrets' - but she admitted she has hang-ups like anyone else Romee replied: 'I do get these comments now and then but please know this is not the case. 'It might look like it on photos but also I got stretchmarks and have a really really hard time to find motivation and it definitely doesn't come easy'. Previously on her YouTube account Romee revealed how she was discovered, becoming an Angel in 2015. Romee got started in the modeling biz at the plum age of 13, having been scouted on the street in Amsterdam while shopping with her mother. At first she was reluctant to try it out, but soon came around in spite of the fact that she was still in high school and wearing braces. Eventually, her new agent pitched her for London Fashion Week, where she modeled for Burberry, before moving on to the exclusive Prada show at Milan Fashion Week. From there, Romee hasn't looked back, steadily gaining in popularity and appeal, now with 7.9 million followers on Instagram. Inspiring: Romee made her debut in London Fashion Week, where she modeled for Burberry, before moving on to the exclusive Prada show at Milan Fashion Week Romee welcomed her second child with fiance Laurens van Leeuwen on November 11 last year. The couple also have a daughter Mint, who they welcomed in December 2020. The supermodel gave birth to Mint after a years-long struggle with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. 'WE'RE HAVING A BABY ?,' she wrote when she announced her first pregnancy. '2 years ago I got diagnosed with PCOS after not getting my period for 7 years. I was devastated because being a mom and starting a family with @laurensvleeuwen is my biggest dream.. I was so scared that I would never be able to because I got told it was harder to get babies in a natural way.' Congrats! Romee welcomed her second child with fiance Laurens van Leeuwen on November 11 last year PCOS is a hormonal disorder, in which a woman's ovaries may develop small collections of fluid and fail to regularly release eggs, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. 'I think my weight was not good for my body to function properly and couldn't handle the constant traveling,' she previous said of her condition. 'I started to research natural healing for PCOS and came to the conclusion that I should do way less high intensity training, don't restrict foods, be nice to myself, and take breaks when needed.' Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek co-star in the film Magic Mike's Last Dance. And Channing, 42, was asked on Good Morning America if he and Salma will ever let their kids watch their movie. 'I don't think it's about letting them. You know, they're going to do what they're going to do,' Channing said. Adding: 'Truth is truth - you can't hide whatever it is.' The latest: Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek co-star in the film Magic Mike's Last Dance. And Channing, 42, was asked on Good Morning America if he and Salma will ever let their kids watch their movie 'My daughter's rad, so its not that I'm looking forward to it... definitely not going to be the easiest of conversations. But I think my daughter is cool,' Channing said. 'Like she's going to be like, "Yeah, this is awkward to watch, but like, this is still cool."' Channing shares daughter Everly, nine, with ex-wife Jenna Dewan. Salma, 56, added: 'When it's the right time, age appropriate, if she wants to see it. Of course I'll be happy and I'll be proud for her to see it and she's super smart, super, super cool and I'm sure she'll find a lot of interesting questions in it.' Striking: 'I don't think it's about letting them. You know, they're going to do what they're going to do,' Channing said. Adding: 'Truth is truth - you can't hide whatever it is;' seen January 25, 2023 at the premiere of Magic Mike's Last Dance in Miami Beach Salma shares daughter Valentina, 15, with husband Francois-Henri Pinault. Channing has previously said the third installment of Magic Mike will be his last. He played the character Mike Lane in the first Magic Mike in 2012, as well as the sequel called Magic Mike XXL in 2015. Salma plays the character Maxandra Mendoza. 'We got really lucky that we just like each other and like kind of just figure out what to do in this scene, because those scenes, yes, they are incredibly sexy, but also they're very technical,' he said. Ex-wife: The Step Up co-stars were married for nine years and split in 2018; seen in 2017 Daddy's girl: The father of one shared a vacation snap with Everly where he gushed 'you are my world and my heart' back in June Adding: 'And then once you figure it out, kind of let it go and just like be with each other.' The franchise was inspired by Channing's experience as a male stripper when he was 18 years old and living in Tampa, Florida. Magic Mike's Last Dance is set to be released on February 10; it was directed by Steven Soderbergh. Like mother, like daughter: Salma shares daughter Valentina, 15, with husband Francois-Henri Pinault; seen October 2021 at the premiere in Eternals in LA She has escaped the frosty British weather by jetting off to Mexico. And Maura Higgins has shown off her incredible figure in a string of tiny bikinis while wishing her friend a happy birthday. The former Love Island star, 32, looked sensational as she posted slew of snaps of her and her friend Leah to her Instagram Stories. Looking good: Maura Higgins has shown off her incredible figure in a string of tiny bikinis while wishing her friend a happy birthday She stood hand-in-hand with her pal in a blue and yellow floral bikini that showed off her svelte waist and long legs. Maura beamed while posing in front of the sea on the beach, her brunette tresses slicked back with seawater. Another photo showed the reality star in another miniscule yellow two-piece, covered in blue flowers. The former Love Island star, 32, looked sensational as she posted slew of snaps of her and her friend Leah to her Instagram Stories. It barely contained her ample cleavage as she and Leah wrapped themselves in striped towels after a late night dip. Last Monday, Maura displayed her washboard abs in another very skimpy bikini during a trip to the beach. The reality star looked incredible in the floral patterned two-piece while sipping on a coconut. Sun-kissed: Last Monday, Maura displayed her washboard abs in a very skimpy bikini during another trip to the beach It comes after Maura had an unexpected brush with a famous face as she caught an early morning flight last Wednesday. The former Love Island star took to her Instagram Stories to reveal that she had bumped into Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan in the airport. She shared a smiling selfie of them both and cheekily wrote alongside the snap, 'wearing grey for Mr Grey', referring to his role as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades trilogy. Famous face: It comes after Maura had an unexpected meeting with Irish actor Jamie Dornan as she caught an early morning flight last Wednesday In the picture, Irish TV personality Maura cut a sporty figure in a short-sleeved grey T-shirt and showed off her natural good looks as she went make-up free. She swept her brunette tresses back into a ponytail with strands falling loosely around her face and flashed a huge grin as she posed with Jamie. The Fall star Jamie kept it casual in a grey T-shirt, which he teamed with a white hoodie and black padded jacket. He sported a well-groomed beard and styled his dark locks in a curled slicked back style as he prepared to catch his flight. Joshua Bassett insists he is 'doing better than I ever have' after recent posts about his Christian faith and internal struggles drew concern from fans. 'For those concerned about me be sure of this: im better than i have ever been,' Joshua posted to his Instagram Stories on Sunday night, according to Billboard. 'The peace i feel is far beyond what i thought possible.' In the post, Bassett also claimed to have had two 'first hand' encounters with Jesus Christ. 'I'm better than I have ever been': High School Musical alum Joshua Bassett insists he is 'doing better than I ever have' after fans expressed concern following his recent posts about his Christian faith and struggles over the holidays 'The experience's were richer and more vivid than anything in my entire life,' he continued. 'I look forward to speaking about it soon. DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for Joshua for comment. In other posts shared to his Stories, he described the signs he received from God after praying for specific messages. 'Tonight at church i prayed to God "so i will know for certain that you are Jesus, and he is the only way, please send someone to touch my back and i will shout it from the rooftops" Sparking concern: Bassett's post about his Christian faith raised eyebrows Candid: Joshua admitted he was 'struggling' during the holiday season last year 'moments later, two people came up behind me saying that God put it on their heart to put their hands on me and pray. 'His love is great, and my faith is certain. praise be to God forever and ever in Jesus name.' Bassett also described how the light in his living room turned on after he asked for a sign from God. 'A few months ago I asked God to "send me a sign when i write the truth." Bassett pictured at the premiere of Better Nate Than Ever in March 2022 'i typed "Jesus is the way" nothing happened. then i added "Jesus is the *only* way" and the light turned on in my living room.' The posts come over a month after Bassett admitted to 'struggling' on Christmas Eve. 'Most people I know, including myself, are struggling right now. please be good to yourselves and others, reach out to support those you love, and dont be afraid to ask for help,' he tweeted. On January 5th, he tweeted: 'Jesus Christ is the only way. His death and resurrection are historically documented. Mixed reaction: Joshua was met with mixed reaction from fans, whom were either confused by his tweet or happy he had found the Christian faith 'turn away form hate, seek forgiveness and come home to Him.' Joshua was met with mixed reaction from fans, whom were either confused by his tweet or happy he had found the Christian faith. Some wondered if his Twitter account had been hacked. Bassett is very candid with fans about his personal life and challenges. Last year, the actor described the health challenges and mental anguish he endured after facing scrutiny following the release of rumored ex Olivia Rodrigo's song Drivers License. In 2021, he also revealed he had been sexually abused as a child. 'I experienced sexual abuse a lot in my childhood,' he told GQ. 'I didn't remember that until last year, which is pretty insane. I buried it so far.' He also added that he experienced abuse from an older man later on during his teenage years as well. 'And when I was a teen, a much older man routinely abused me, and I wasnt able to see it for what it was at the time,' he said. Bassett said one of his new songs, Set Me Free, helped him process his trauma and called it, 'an anthem for me and the sort of people whove held pain and power over me my whole life.' That same year he came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The automaking industry may be speeding too fast for public safety to catch up. The Metro fire of Sacramento recently reported that it put out the fire from a Tesla Model S that spontaneously combusted on EB Highway 50, taking almost nine fire engines' worth of water to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, the incident caused no casualties or injuries on both the firefighter teams that responded to it or the victim. Tesla Model S Spontaneous Combustion Details Crews arrived to a Tesla Model S engulfed in flames, nothing unusual prior. 2 Fire Engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck were requested to assist. Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery. Thousands of gallons were used in extinguishment. pic.twitter.com/5dIXxo9hP5 Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) January 29, 2023 The Metro Fire of Sacramento mentioned on its official Twitter account that the Tesla Model S in question was traveling along the freeway on EB Highway 50 when its battery suddenly caught fire. Interestingly, the Metro Fire said nothing unusual happened to the car before it spontaneously burst into flames; it had not sustained any damage before the incident. The car's driver, however, said that they noticed heavy black smoke coming out of their car's undercarriage and eventually pulled over to safely get out of their now-burning vehicle, according to Gizmodo. The Metro Fire then arrived at the scene and began putting out the fire using two fire engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck. Meanwhile, crews used jacks to access the car's underside to extinguish and cool the burning battery. Read More: Apps For Dodgy Rewards Have Received 20 Million Downloads On Google Play, Reports Found Unfortunately, due to the Tesla Model S' battery being made up of lithium-ion, they burn hotter and faster, per CNBC, and can reignite multiple times even after firefighters put out the original fire. It took 6,000 gallons of water to put out the fire engulfing the Tesla Model S in question - almost nine times as much as what it needs to put out a fire in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The Metro Fire also noted that the Tesla Model S' battery cells continued to combust despite being hosed down with water. Using water to put out a lithium-ion fire may be silly to some, as TexTech Industries advises people to use a foam extinguisher containing Carbon dioxide, powder graphite, ABC dry chemical, or Sodium carbonate to extinguish them. However, Tesla mentioned in its manual that using large amounts of water is the way to go to cool down the car's battery. Is It Dangerous To Drive Electric Vehicles? Tesla vehicles catching fire is nothing new and are few and far in between. According to AutoinsuranceEZ, battery electric vehicles only have a 0.03% chance of spontaneously igniting compared to ICE vehicles, which have a 3.4% likelihood to catch fire. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that only 0.01% of Teslas ever caught fire. Because of these facts, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration rejected a petition to investigate Tesla's battery management software in 2021. Nevertheless, Metro Fire Sacramento mentioned that modern technology must also come up with better firefighting techniques to combat lithium-ion EV battery fires efficiently. "Modern technology evolution requires continuous advancements in modern firefighting techniques that are currently being evaluated for efficiency," Metro Fire Sacramento said. Related Article: Elon Musk Reveals The Tesla Cybertruck Production Is Delayed Until 2024 Advertisement Ashton Kutcher admitted he was not pleased by his ex-wife Demi Moore's decision to detail their marital problems in her 2019 bombshell memoir, Inside Out, while gracing Esquire's first-ever digital cover story this month. Despite a source previously claiming that he 'knew what was coming' in Moore's memoir, the actor, 44, stated that he was 'f**king pissed' at his former spouse, 60, for reigniting a media frenzy over his personal life. 'I'd finally gotten to a place where the press had really laid off me and [wife Mila Kunis], and my life and my family. And then the next day, [the paparazzi] are at my kids' school,' the father-of-two reflected of the renewed interest of his first marriage, following Moore's book release. The That '70s Show alum then stopped himself mid-sentence, before concluding that he doesn't 'want to open anything up in that realm.' During his interview, the People's Choice Award winner recalled exactly how his 'life changed' the 'moment' news broke over his relationship with Moore, who is 15 years his senior. Angry: Ashton Kutcher admitted he was not pleased by his ex-wife Demi Moore's decision to detail their marital problems in her 2019 bombshell memoir, Inside Out, while gracing Esquire 's first-ever digital cover story this month After they walked down the aisle in 2005, Kutcher then aged 26 became a stepfather to her three younger daughters Rumer, who was 12, Scout, then 10, and Tallulah, then eight. They are now 34, 31 and 28. 'I was twenty-six, bearing the responsibility of an eight-year-old, a ten-year-old, and a twelve-year-old,' he said of becoming a stepfather in his mid-twenties. 'That's how some teen parents must experience their twenties.' Kutcher also reflected on Moore's devastating miscarriage during their marriage, which occurred six months into her pregnancy. 'Losing a kid that you think you're going to have, and that close to thinking you're going to have a kid, is really, really painful,' he said. First marriage: When asked about his feelings about the book, the 44-year-old Vengeance actor stated that he was 'f**king pissed' at his former spouse, 60, for reigniting a media frenzy over his personal life; seen in 2003 'I'd finally gotten to a place where the press had really laid off me and [wife Mila Kunis], and my life and my family. And then the next day, [the paparazzi] are at my kids' school,' the father-of-two reflected of the renewed interest of his first marriage, following Moore's book release. 'I'd finally gotten to a place where the press had really laid off me and [wife Mila Kunis], and my life and my family. And then the next day, [the paparazzi] are at my kids' school,' the father-of-two reflected of the renewed interest of his first marriage, following Moore's book release The star continued: 'Everyone deals with that in different ways. He doesn't say how he coped at the time.' 'I love kids,' Kutcher pointed out. 'I wouldn't have gotten married to a woman that had three kids if I didn't love kids. The idea of having another kid would have been incredible.' But Kutcher wouldn't change what happened. He accepts that moment. 'For whatever reason, I had to have that experience.' After grieving the loss of their baby-to-be, Kutcher struggled with feeling like a 'failure' after their marriage ended. Focusing on the positive: Despite the frustration, the That '70s Show alum stopped himself mid-sentence, before concluding that he doesn't 'want to open anything up in that realm' Looking back: During his interview, the People's Choice Award winner recalled exactly how his 'life changed' the 'moment' news broke over his relationship with Moore, who is 15 years his senior Hands full: After they walked down the aisle in 2005, Kutcher became a stepfather to her three younger daughters Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 28 'I was twenty-six, bearing the responsibility of an eight-year-old, a ten-year-old, and a twelve-year-old,' he said of becoming a stepfather in his mid-twenties. 'That's how some teen parents must experience their twenties' Sad: Kutcher also reflected on Moore's devastating miscarriage during their marriage, which occurred six months into her pregnancy 'Losing a kid that you think you're going to have, and that close to thinking you're going to have a kid, is really, really painful,' he said 'Nothing makes you feel like a failure like divorce,' he said. 'Divorce feels like a wholesale f**king failure. You failed at marriage.' As for his relationship with Kunis, who he wed in 2015 after three years of dating, the performer raved that 'the thing about' his wife that made their 'relationship accelerate was' how he 'always admired her.' 'Her talents, her skills, her gifts. But I knew that she didnt need me. And she knew that I didnt need her. We already knew all of each others dirt. My wife is so much cooler than me,' the SAG nominee gushed. Dreams of fatherhood: The star continued: 'Everyone deals with that in different ways. He doesn't say how he coped at the time' 'I love kids,' Kutcher pointed out. 'I wouldn't have gotten married to a woman that had three kids if I didn't love kids. The idea of having another kid would have been incredible.' But Kutcher wouldn't change what happened. He accepts that moment. 'For whatever reason, I had to have that experience' Tough time: After grieving the loss of their baby-to-be, Kutcher struggled with feeling like a 'failure' after their marriage ended 'Nothing makes you feel like a failure like divorce,' he said. 'Divorce feels like a wholesale f**king failure. You failed at marriage' Cate Blanchett showed off her quirky sense of style as she arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday. The Australian actress, 53, stood out from the crowd as she wore a pair of red tinted glasses, with the lenses matching the colour of the frames. She wore a chic black turtle neck jumper and a long winter coat in the same shade and carried a bag over her shoulder. Fashion focus: Cate Blanchett, 53, showed off her quirky sense of style as she arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday The screen star wore her blonde hair back behind her head and opted for minimal make-up for her outing. She was seen making her way though the terminal building after lining up with the other passengers to go through immigration and collect her luggage. It comes after Cate faced having to take steps to protect great crested newts under eco-friendly plans to power her 5million Victorian mansion with solar energy. On the move: She was seen making her way though the terminal building after lining up with the other passengers to go through immigration and collect her luggage The Oscar-winning actress wants to build a bank of 90 solar panels in a field in the grounds of her remote and secluded 13-acre Sussex estate. But there are fears that the green energy plan could have a potential adverse effect on wildlife due to the digging of two trenches to connect cables from the panels to a plant room. The movie star, who played elf leader Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and her playwright husband Andrew Upton have commissioned an ecology report as part of the planning application to install the panels. Eco-friendly: The Oscar-winning actress wants to build 90 solar panels in a field in the grounds of her remote and secluded 13-acre estate but may have stumbled on some problems (pictured this month) The report recommends that they implement a series of steps to mitigate disruption caused by the installation at their home which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by ancient woodland near Crowborough, East Sussex. The study by consultants Ecosupport states that the couples seven bedroom villa is in an amber impact zone for great crested newts with a high potential for the protected species. A pond in the couples grounds next to the proposed site of the panels is said to offer an excellent habitat for the rare newts while six other ponds in the area offer a good or average habitat. The report also reveals that the area has a potential for badgers and nesting birds, meaning any works that take place have to be sympathetic to them. Cate and her husband have agreed to apply for a special licence to allow the building work to be carried out with habitat compensation provided by the Newt Conservation Partnership. It is an offence under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act to intentionally or recklessly disturb, harm or kill great crested newts, or damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding and resting places. The Batman Part II now has a release date set. The upcoming sequel, starring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, will be arriving in theaters on October 3, 2025. The release date was confirmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran at a press event held on the Warner Brothers lot on Monday, according to Variety. Further information on the film, including plot details, remain a secret. He's back: The Batman Part II will be debuting in theaters on October 3, 2023 During the press conference, Gunn also confirmed they were still going forward with Matt Reeves' Batman trilogy. 'Matt is working on [The Batman Part II], which he thinks of as a Batman Crime Saga, which also includes [The Penguin] series, and it is its own thing,' Gunn said, according to IGN.com. 'He's hard at work on that. He came in and pitched us some amazing, really cool stuff the other day. So our plan is for that to continue.' 'And Batman's not a stepchild. I mean, it's all under DC,' Safran said. 'We are fully invested in the success of the Batman, just like we are everything else.' Warner Brothers announced last year that Pattinson would be returning to play Batman in the upcoming sequel. They also revealed Reeves would return for the sequel. Warner Brothers announced last year that Pattinson would be returning to play Batman in the upcoming sequel The Batman's box office success was somewhat surprising despite the popularity of comic book heroes as it features a much darker tone and visual style that other recent superhero film and boasts a luxurious three-hour runtime. Critics didn't seem to mind, though, and the film currently boasts an impressive 85 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The thriller shows Batman in his second year of crime fighting, when he's still relatively unexperienced. Robert Pattinson played the caped crusader opposite Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman Zoe Kravitz appeared in the film as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, while Paul Dano starred as The Riddler and Colin Farrell appeared unrecognizable under prosthetics as the Penguin. The impressive cast also featured Jeffrey Wright as Batman's police liaison James Gordon, while Andy Serkis played his loyal butler Alfred and John Turturro appeared as the gangster Carmine Falcone. Last year Pattinson opened up about some of his fitness secrets for getting into Batman shape in a new interview with People. The thriller shows Batman in his second year of crime fighting, when he's still relatively unexperienced The heartthrob revealed one of his techniques was even limiting his sips of water to make his physique stand out that much more. 'I had about three months before the movie started, and then you're working out before and after work all the time,' Pattinson revealed. 'You just cut down and cut down and cut down before the couple of scenes with your shirt off, and you're counting sips of water,' the actor added. The technique of counting water sips is used in amateur wrestling to cut down on weight, and by bodybuilders before a big show. Hitting the gym! Last year Pattinson opened up about some of his fitness secrets for getting into Batman shape in a new interview with People A Muscle & Fitness article recommends that, on the day of the show, a bodybuilder should just take, 'minor sips' of water before the prejudging, a technique Pattinson mirrored for his Batman look. While he only had a few months to get into the right shape, he revealed that, 'Shame is my biggest motivator, 100%.' When Pattinson wasn't shirtless in the movie, he was often in his iconic Batsuit, revealing that helped him connect to the character even more. 'It's funny because you read the script and you spend loads of time trying to figure out, "How can I play this character who does these sort of audacious acts?" Pattinson began. 'And the closer I got to the shoot I got more and more paranoid you know, it feels ridiculous when you're just sitting at home in a t-shirt and then you put it on. It's got an elemental power to it,' he added. He continued that, while wearing the suit, 'People react to you differently, the crew reacts differently. Your entire world suddenly changes.' And then you kind of catch this glimpse in like, the subtle reflection or a shadow on the floor and you realize that the character's just way bigger than you. It's kind of like wearing a crown or something,' Pattinson clarified. Pamela Anderson says she did not know Tommy Lee's surname when they got married. The former Baywatch bombshell decided to tie the knot with the Motley Crue drummer without knowing his last name or where he lived and only asked when they were on the plane from Mexico after their week-long whirlwind romance back in February 1995. In her memoir Love, Pamela - which was released on Tuesday - the 55-year-old star wrote: 'On the flight home, I asked him what our last name was, and he said, Lee.' What's your name? Pamela Anderson says she did not know Tommy Lee's surname when they eloped on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. They were wed from 1995 until 1998 The bride wore a white string bikini: The groom was also casual in board shorts It's odd that she would not know his last name as he was already internationally famous as the drummer from Motley Crue. At this point, he was a household name in the rock world. Pamela then proceeded to ask 'where he lived' to which the 60-year-old musician - with whom she went on to have two sons Dylan, now 25, and 26-year-old Brandon -replied: 'Malibu Road.' The ex Playboy Playmate - who detailed being 'in heaven' with Tommy - spilled how her mother Carol Anderson was 'furious' that her daughter had married a stranger. Who? The former Baywatch bombshell decided to tie the knot with the Motley Crue drummer without knowing his last name or where he lived and only asked when they were on the plane from Mexico after their week-long whirlwind romance back in February 1995. Seen in 1998 Book time: In her memoir Love, Pamela - which was released on Tuesday - the 55-year-old star wrote: 'On the flight home, I asked him what our last name was, and he said, Lee' She wrote: 'She was furious. "Who is Tommy?" She couldn't believe I had gotten married, cried that she had always dreamed of being at her only daughter's wedding.' Pamela called her impulsive choice to wed Tommy 'definitely out of character' but that she was 'genuinely happy' and 'lost in a sea of love' when they got married in a beach front ceremony with the blonde beauty clad only in a white bikini. The animal and human rights activist attributes the cracks in their union that led their split due to the theft and sharing of their sex tape in 1995 - a saga that was portrayed in the Hulu series Pam + Tommy that starred Lily James and Sebastian Stan in the title roles and did not get any involvement from Pamela. It didn't help that Tommy was arrested and jailed for six months for spousal abuse in 1998. Her boys: Anderson with the sons she had with Lee: (L-R) Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee on Monday Pamela wrote: 'Neither of us could forgive the other, deep down. We just weren't equipped to get through it all. I loved to see him with his boys, but the four of us together forever was only a dream.' This comes after she named Tommy as the only man she has ever truly been in love with. In book Love, Pamela the star spoke candidly about her doomed romance with the drummer, whom she was married to from 1995 until 1998. Beach babe: Here the looker is seen on the beach in 1993 in California Her other marriages were to Kid Rock from 2006 until 2007, Rick Salomon from 2007 until 2008, and then again from 2014 until 2015, and finally her bodyguard Dan Hayhurst, whom she wed in 2020 and split from in January 2022. There were reports she married 77-year-old A Star Is Born producer Jon Peters in Malibu in January 2020 for only a few days, but the actress subsequently denied it. She said Tommy was her only real love. 'My relationship with Tommy may have been the only time I was ever truly in love,' she revealed. However, their relationship suffered a hit when their sex tape was stolen and leaked - which Pamela suggests was the catalyst for why they ultimately split up. So much love: In her book she gushes over the bad boy of hard rock. 'We just wanted to have babies and be together forever,' she said of her time with Motley Crue rocker Lee 'Tommy ripped Brandon off me and threw me and Dylan into a wall,' she claimed. She called 911 and Lee was arrested. He reportedly served six months in jail for 'felony spousal abuse.' 'The divorce from Tommy was the hardest, lowest, most difficult point of my life,' Pamela wrote. 'I was crushed. I still couldn't believe that the person I loved the most was capable of what had happened that night. We were both devastated, but I had to protect my babies.' Lee has been married since 2019 to 36-year-old actress and Vine star Brittany Furlan. James Norton cut a casual figure as he attended the press night for new play Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Tuesday. The actor, 37, looked worlds away from his dastardly Happy Valley character Tommy Lee Royce as he wore a khaki coat over a black T-shirt and a pair of jeans in the same colour. He wore a pair of brown suede boots and had a grey and black scarf hanging around his neck. Stepping out: James Norton, 37, cut a casual figure as he attended the press night for new play Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Tuesday The screen star wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses as he posed casually outside the theatre with his hands in his pockets. A trailer for the final episode of Happy Valley was released today ahead of the upcoming finale on Sunday. The 16 second clip teases the final showdown between Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) and Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) after his daring escape from court before the police sergeant is shown breaking down in tears. Keeping it casual: The actor looked worlds away from his dastardly Happy Valley character Tommy Lee Royce as he wore a khaki coat over a black T-shirt Strike a pose: He wore a pair of black jeans and a pair of brown suede boots as he posed casually with his hands in his coat pocket Famous friends: James was seen posing with fellow actor, It's A Sin star Omari Douglas, 28, outside the theatre The end is near: A trailer for the final episode of Happy Valley has been released ahead of the finale on Sunday showing Sarah Lancashire's Catherine Cawood breaking down in tears Villian: The 16 second clip teases the final showdown between Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) and Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) after his daring escape from court The trailer opens with Tommy's son Ryan (Rhys Connah) being questioned by police about when he last had contact with his dangerous dad. A series of scenes of the police moving in on Tommy follow as Catherine is heard saying 'he's still out there, he's going to be angry and he's going to be even more desperate and dangerous'. The short clip ends with a bloodied Tommy appearing to hit somebody on the ground and a final shot of Catherine in tears. On the run: Tommy escaped at the end of the fourth episode of this series with fans learning in Sunday's fifth instalment that he planned to run off to Marbella, with his son Ryan Completing the look: James wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses before heading into the theatre to watch the play Viewers tuned into the breathless penultimate episode of the BBC drama on Sunday evening as Tommy Lee Royce revealed his grand plans. Tommy escaped at the end of the fourth episode of this series with fans learning in Sunday's fifth instalment that he planned to run off to Marbella, with his son Ryan in tow. Viewers admitted they could barely watch the dramatic episode as everything lined up for a dramatic showdown between Tommy and Sargent Catherine, as he revealed he plans to kill her before jetting off to Spain. Out on the town: James was joined at the Harold Pinter Theatre on Tuesday by actress Laura Haddock, 37, who wore a charcoal grey coat Looking good: She wore a pair of black moccasins and carried a dark chocolate brown YSL bag wth her Besties! Inside the event, Laura was seen posing alongside Jessie Ware All stars: Elsewhere, Alexa Chung looked chic in a long grey winter coat which she tied at the waist Fashionista: The television presenter, 39, wore a black and white polkadot scarf around her neck and carried a white handbag with her Stunning: The star wore minimal make-up for the evening in a bid to showcase her natural beauty Producers are said to be so desperate to keep the show's climax a secret that they have filmed five different endings. More than six million viewers are expected to tune in on Sunday to learn how the cat-and-mouse game will be resolved. Meanwhile, James was joined at the Harold Pinter Theatre on Tuesday by actress Laura Haddock, 37, who wore a charcoal grey coat and a pair of cropped jeans for the evening. Here they are! Following their debut performance, stars Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman took a bow for the audience in attendance Stellar: The pair delivered a triumphant performance for the press night of their show Well done! The pair beamed as they took their bows following the shows Here they are! Stars Aidan and Jenna were also in attendance for the press night's after party Gorgeous! Jenna cut a glamorous figure in a black midi dress with an elegant gold trim as she exited the premiere's after party Flawless: She showed off her sophisticated sense of style in a sleek black tresses with a gold hem and frilled sleeves She wore a pair of black moccasins and carried a dark chocolate brown YSL bag wth her. The star wore lashings of make-up and accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings. Elsewhere, Alexa Chung looked chic in a long grey winter coat which she tied at the waist. Happy: Jenna beamed as she attended the premiere after the opening night of her play Casual: Aidan cut a dapper figure as he attended the party after taking to the stage for his play's opening performance The television presenter, 39, wore a black and white polkadot scarf around her neck and carried a white handbag with her. She wore a pair of skinny blue denim jeans and opted for a pair of heels to add a few inches to her stature. The star wore minimal make-up for the evening in a bid to showcase her natural beauty. Grayson Chrisley 'had a breakdown' when his parents were sent to prison. The 16-year-old reality star who is known for starring alongside his parents Todd and Julie Chrisley on the real estate reality show Chrisley Knows Best is said to have been struggling to process things after his mother and father were sentenced to a combined 19 years in jail after being found guilty of 12 counts of tax evasion, bank and wire fraud, according to his 25-year-old sister Savannah. 'Grayson is 16 years old, [and] theres so much growth going on with him right now, and it breaks my heart to know that my parents are missing out on that,' she said on the Unlocked podcast. Hard times: Grayson Chrisley 'had a breakdown' when his parents were sent to prison, according to his sister Savannah; seen with his father Todd Chrisley Pumping iron: The 16-year-old is staying strong by working out at the gym; seen on Instagram Savannah who assumed custody of Grayson and their granddaughter Chloe after her parents went to prison - went on to add that she herself is trying to 'stand strong' amid the drama of the situation and explained that even Chloe had a certain 'anger' towards the circumstances. She said: 'Im trying to stand strong and not break and be strong for them, so they feel comfortable enough to break down, and its tough. Chloe at ten years old is trying to process them being gone and missing her mom.' 'We were driving down the road the other day, and Chloe had so much anger towards the situation, and she just said, "Why? Theyre not bad people, they dont belong there,"' she continued. All in the family: The Chrisley family l-r Chase Chrisley, Grayson Chrisley, Julie Chrisley, Todd Chrisley, Chloe Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Faye Chrisley Brothers: Grayson, Chase and Kyle Chrisley pose in front of a brick staircase At the beginning of January, Toddwho was sentenced to 12 years in prison reported to the minimum security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Pensacola in Florida while Julie went to Federal Medical Center Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky to begin her seven-year sentence despite initial plans for her to be detained two hours away from her husband at FCI Marianna in Jackson County, Florida. While in prison, Todd will be allowed up to five visitors at a time during evening visiting hours on Fridays, and during the day on weekends. Todd and Julie were found guilty on federal charges of bank fraud and tax evasion and submitting false documents to banks to take out loans, reportedly more than $30 million worth, to finance their luxurious lifestyle. Driving lesson: Todd teaches his 16-year-old son Grayson to drive on an episode of Chrisley Knows Best Earlier this month, Todd, 53, and Julie, 49, spent one of their final days having lunch with their daughters Savannah and Chloe, son Chase and his fiancee Emmy Medders, and Todd's mother Faye. Meanwhile, Lindsie Chrisley reached out to Georgia's Department of Revenue (GDOR), filed a report against her father with Cherokee County Sheriff's Department and gave a lengthy interview to the FBI in which she revealed allegations of harassment, physical violence and blackmail. Lindsie alleged that her father threatened to leak a sex tape of her if she did not lie for him in first his State, and later his federal, tax and fraud cases. Former Married At First Sight star Mishel Karen has become one of Australia's biggest and most unlikely OnlyFans stars over the last year. But the 51-year-old grandmother has been defrauded out of her earnings from the site after being targeted in an elaborate financial trading scam that's left her emotionally devastated. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the mum-of-two said that conmen ran off with over $77,267 of her money, on top of leaving her broken-hearted after one wooed her with a fake romance. Former Married At First Sight star Mishel Karen (pictured) has been targeted by an online scam tricked her into forking out over $77,000 of her earnings from OnlyFans Her extended family members also lost out on the scam, including her parents who invested $80,000 in the scheme and her cousin, who poured in $15,000. All up the family lost around $150,000. 'I feel like a really big dumb dumb, I really do,' she admitted. 'They know the person, they know your weakness and then they start playing on that.' Mishel was originally tricked into signing up with an online brokerage, after being seduced by misleading reviews and media articles about the company. One article she was presented with claimed that several prominent Australian celebrities, including a notable TV host, had endorsed the brokerage on television - only for Mishel to later to discover that the entire article had been fabricated to fool her. She was also given a fake London address for the business and directed to websites that featured phony, glowing reviews of the company along with false claims touting the credibility and security of the service. 'It was a scam story that wasn't real,' she said. 'I read the article... but it was a fake story and I didn't realise.' The 51-year-old has been working as a porn star on OnlyFans for the last year, but her bank account was bled by the scammers, who claimed to run a successful financial brokerage Mishel was also seduced and wooed by one of the scammers, who claimed to be a suave businessman from London Mishel says that she started to get suspicious after a few months of not seeing any financial returns, which is when the company sent out a handsome financial broker named 'Charles' to woo her into staying - and paying. 'They must've known who I was, because all of a sudden they gave me a financial broker that became a love interest,' she confessed. 'He started wooing me with chocolates and flowers.' The love rat even convinced Mishel that they were going to meet and that he'd fly her out to London so they could be together. 'It just turned into a romance and he was getting more and more money out of me,' she lamented. The fraudster convinced Mishel to hand over her savings with false promises that she was investing in their 'future' together - only to run off with the star's money To keep the 51-year-old on the line, the brokerage would fabricate online stocks to make it look like Mishel was earning thousands of dollars and doubling her investment, even though in reality they were simply stealing all of her money. 'They have all the shares and you can see them buying and selling, but it's not real,' she explained. 'He'd say, "Look Mishel, invest this much more because this is for us! This is for our future". Mishel said that Charles would speak to her 'almost every day' via Whatsapp, leading her to believe that they were romantically involved and would one day be together. Mishel and the fraudster, known as 'Charles', would chat daily on WhatsApp and he even sent her chocolates and flowers to keep her from growing suspicious In screenshots of their conversations provided to Daily Mail, Charles flirts with the MAFS star by promising to buy her a pony and telling her that she's beautiful. 'I am very attracted to you and I want to get to know you more,' he wrote in one message. 'This year I am flying you over to London.' Despite the fraudulent lover claiming that he was a suave businessman based in London, Mishel revealed that he had a suspicious South African accent but she was so enamoured with him that she pushed her concerns aside. 'Maybe I should've just known,' she sighed. ' I just really didn't know. He kind of had a bit of an English accent but with a twinge of South African.' 'I am very attracted to you': The fraudster woos Mishel with compliments in screenshots of their private conversations At one point, 'Charles' promises to buy Mishel a pony - but it was all a lie to fool the lonely grandmother into handing over more cash The former MAFS star finally realised that something was wrong when she had to make an emergency trip to hospital following a nasty bout of pancreatitis. 'I wanted to pull out $5,000 [for medical bills] and that's when the wheels came off,' she said. At the time, Mishel had been fooled into believing that she had more than $180,000 in her account. She was then tricked with another story from Charles, who told her that there was an investigation going on at the company and that he was unable to access her funds. 'Maybe I should've just known,' she sighed. 'I just really didn't know. He kind of had a bit of an English accent, but with a twinge of South African' Once Mishel finally put her foot down and tried to leave the brokerage, she was told that she'd only get her money back if she coughed up another $12,000. 'The last call I got, they said I could get my money back if I paid an additional $12,000. I just thought, "Oh my god, they don't stop!"' After Mishel realised something was wrong she wrote some negative reviews online to warn other potential victims, only to have the reviews mysteriously vanish from the site shortly after they were published. 'They kept getting taken down,' she explained. 'I was writing back to them saying, "Why are you taking my reviews down? This is a scam!"' The fraud didn't stop there, with the scammers infiltrating Mishel's mobile phone and computer after she gave them access via the remote desktop application AnyDesk. She didn't know that her computer had been infiltrated until one day she logged on and saw a website open with a basket full of purchases that she'd never made. Mishel has since reported the fraud to 'everyone', including the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission), the police, the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre), and her bank, but has been told that she 'probably' won't get her money back. Despite losing a huge chunk of money and having to build her bank account back up from scratch, the single mum confessed that one of the most heartbreaking parts of the entire experience was being misled by the man who wooed her. 'The stupidest thing is that I kinda missed the guy I was having a fake relationship with,' she said. 'I missed him calling me,' she continued. 'I have to keep telling myself, "This is not real, Mishel. He didn't have those feelings." I don't know...' she trailed off. 'I just don't want somebody else to go through this. It's heartbreaking.' Mishel has been working full time as an OnlyFans model and porn actress ever since losing her job in policy training last year for refusing to comply with vaccine mandates. Despite losing everything and having to build her bank account back up from scratch, the single mum admits that she still misses the man who scammed her She's also been financially supporting her daughter Eva, who she says suffered heart issues and myocarditis after being vaccinated. Pericarditis and myocarditis have been observed in an extremely small number of people after receiving mRNA vaccines, of which Pfizer is one. Mishel, a mother of two and grandmother of one, is older than most of her contemporaries at 51, and is also known for performing hardcore acts other OnlyFans models aren't prepared to do. In order to stay afloat financially, the star has done everything from lesbian threesomes and a 12-person orgy to selling her used underwear to fans. Mishel admitted that she's concerned about her financial future and the wellbeing of her family. 'I'm worried about money. I'm worried about my OnlyFans not doing so well eventually,' she said. Pamela Anderson was spotted arriving at her book signing event at The Grove in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 55-year-old Baywatch star looked chic in an all-white outfit complete with an off-white trench coat she wore over a cream, satin jumpsuit as she made her arrival. On the same day, the blonde beauty released her autobiography titled Love, Pamela after the premiere of her tell-all documentary - Pamela: A Love Story - on Netflix. Pamela Anderson, 55, looked chic in an all-white outfit complete with an off-white trench coat she wore over a cream, satin jumpsuit as she made her arrival at her book signing in Los Angeles on Tuesday As she made her grand entrance, the former Playboy model looked stunning in her white ensemble. She draped an off-white, long trench coat over her shoulders as she walked. Underneath, she sported a white, satin jumpsuit with frills to accentuate her waist. The Canadian native appeared effortlessly chic in oversized, cat-eye frames. She paired the look with white, pointed-toe stiletto heels. The Canadian native appeared effortlessly chic in oversized, cat-eye frames. The mother-of-two styled her iconic blonde tresses with a voluminous blowout. The mother-of-two styled her iconic blonde tresses with a voluminous blowout. In her newest memoir, the model tells her story after the release of the Pam & Tommy series. In an interview with Howard Stern, Anderson revealed that no one contacted her before the production and release of the Hulu show, which dramatized her marriage to Tommy Lee and the theft of their sex tape. She also expressed disinterest in watching the show and also refused to correspond with or meet up with the leading actress Lily James. Lady in red: Seen on Monday at the premiere of her tell-all documentary Pamela: A Love Story premiered which is now streaming on Netflix Although the author had previously released two prior autobiographies and four novels, she wants to 'take control of the narrative' and tell the 'whole story'. In an interview with People earlier this month, she said: 'In my case, there's been stories written and things happening, but you can't really know somebody unless you hear the whole story.' She added, 'I hope it's empowering.' Julie Chrisley is 'doing well' and 'going to church' as she begins her prison sentence at Kentucky's Federal Medical Center, the star's daughter Savannah revealed on Tuesday. Julie's husband Todd, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie, 50, was given a seven-year sentence, for defrauding banks of more than $30 million from fraudulent loans. Julie's stay at the medical prison, however, is apparently not an indication that she is currently receiving any medical treatment. TMZ reported that a source close to the Chrisleys confirmed she is not in need of any medical services at this time. Speaking on her Unlocked Podcast, Savannah, 25, said: 'My mom, shes honestly doing really well, and I know it sounds crazy for me to say that like its crazy for me to say, Alright theyre doing really well, but they are, Keeping busy: Julie Chrisley is 'doing well' and 'going to church' as she begins her prison sentence at Kentucky's Federal Medical Center, while husband Todd is working in a prison chapel (pictured 2019) 'Shes going to church, shes working, shes playing some Spades and when I tell you shes playing, shes running a dog on everyone.' The star added that it makes her 'heart happy to know that my parents are OK.' Savannah also gave an update on Todd, who is serving his time at Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in Florida. She said: 'He is working in the chapel, which is absolutely amazing, and I could never be more proud of my dad and the man that he is. I get to hear all these peoples stories and how hes affecting their life and encouraging change. Adding that he has encouraged his fellow inmates to 'know Jesus' - she added: 'That puts me at peace. It lets me know that they are OK. This isnt the ideal situation, but we find strength in knowing that this isnt the end.' Update: Speaking on her Unlocked Podcast, Savannah, 25, said: 'My mom, shes honestly doing really well, and I know it sounds crazy for me to say that like its crazy for me to say, Alright theyre doing really well, but they are ; seen in 2014 in LA 'We talk to him, we email him, we get to see him, so for that, I am forever grateful' - but revealed he had experienced tough days with 'struggles.' As well as being able to email his five children, Todd can email Julie, with Savannah saying: 'That makes me so so so happy. I spoke to my dad on the phone, and he just had tears rolling down his eyes because he got the approval to email my mom.' She also revealed her parents have made friends in prison which 'makes the time go by quicker.' Julie's facility is described as a medical center with a nearby minimum security prison camp, where, according to a representative of the Bureau of Prisons, Julie will be serving. It is unclear why Julie's prison location was swapped at the last minute. She was originally supposed to serve her seven years sentence at the FCI Marianna in Florida, which would have been closer to her husband Todd's facility. Prison: She said: 'He is working in the chapel, which is absolutely amazing, and I could never be more proud of my dad and the man that he is. I get to hear all these peoples stories and how hes affecting their life and encouraging change' This comes after Savannah spoke about how she is dealing with her 'life falling apart' following her parents' conviction for multiple charges. ''So for those of you that are familiar with my family and have followed our lives and have also followed my podcast, you know that last week was an extremely difficult week for my family as a whole and for each of us individually,' Savannah said in the introduction to her latest episode. 'We kind of had to say goodbye to my parents for a little bit of time, for the foreseeable future,' she continued. 'And that was really, really, really tough.' Despite the tone of her intro, Savannah kept the rest of the episode upbeat as she conducted a bubbly interview with her friend and producer Erin Dugan. However, in the introduction, which was seemingly recorded after the interview, Savannah shared that she had not 'filmed a podcast since' recording her most recent interview on January 12, which happened to be her mother Julie's 50th birthday. 'The podcast that is going to be airing today that you're watching was filmed prior to my life falling apart, so it may seem happy-go-lucky,' she continued. 'I think it's because there was a lot of hope that was had and I wasn't faced with the reality of the situation.' Savannah suggested that future episodes would reflect her new life after her parents began their lengthy prison sentences. Fraudsters: Todd was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison , while Julie was given a seven-year sentence, for defrauding banks of more than $30 million from fraudulent loans, according to the Associated Press; still from Chrisley Knows Best 'So I just kind of wanted to throw this in there to address that because I know a lot of people are gonna be like, "Whoa, what is this?" And this was kind of pre-life falling apart. And now podcasts that I do going forward will be post. So I hope that kind of helps you understand things,' she said. The Chrisley Knows Best star promised that her next episode would be a 'very intense one-on-one podcast with myself kind of giving an update on where my life's at.' Savannah previously revealed that her parents' prison sentence is altering more than just their lives, as she will now be assuming custody of her brother Grayson, 16, and her niece Chloe, 10. Chloe is the daughter of Todd's son Kyle Chrisley from his marriage to ex-wife Teresa Terry and Angela Johnson, but she was adopted by Todd and Julie in 2016. Since they were sentenced to prison, Chloe's mother has been taking steps to regain custody of her daughter. 'I'm really looking forward to giving that update because I've seen God work in the craziest of circumstances. So until then, I hope you enjoy this week's podcast,' Savannah continued in her introduction. 'Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for supporting me, my family and Unlocked.' Its the fairy-tale story of every Oscars the complete outsider who comes from nowhere to challenge the big studios and stars, and show that talent can win over money and power in Hollywood. And it became a possibility again this year when British actress Andrea Riseborough was unexpectedly nominated for her critically acclaimed but little-seen performance in To Leslie, an independent film about a single mother who becomes an alcoholic and drug addict after squandering a huge lottery win. Yet instead of being able to bask in her remarkable success, Riseborough has been thrust centre stage in Americas increasingly bitter debate over race. For Riseborough the child of working-class Thatcherites from the Tyneside town of Wallsend is unfortunate enough to have completed a shortlist for this years Best Actress Oscar with no black performer on it. Controversy: Andrea Riseborough walks the red carpet at the 76th Venice Film Festival in 2019 And, in particular, neither Viola Davis, star of controversial historical drama The Woman King, nor Danielle Deadwyler, who plays the mother of 1950s lynching victim Emmett Till in the movie Till, made the nominations. It has prompted accusations that the Oscars has snubbed two prominent African-American films and their stars. An embarrassed Academy has since launched an investigation into how a low-budget film company could possibly have campaigned so successfully to get its lead actress onto the shortlist. To Leslie set in West Texas but shot in LA over just 19 days during the pandemic was directed by British film-maker Michael Morris. As the Mail went to press, the Academy was due to discuss the film over accusations that it may have broken its campaign rules. The film made only $27,000 (around 21,800) on its release last October and, until now, had earned Riseborough little recognition. It was ignored at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, both usually seen as reliable predictors of the movies likely to win big at the Oscars. Unlike Till and The Woman King which were backed by deep-pocketed Hollywood studios United Artists and Sony respectively, To Leslie lacked millions to spend on Oscar promotion campaigns. Michael Morris and his wife, the well-connected U.S. actress Mary McCormack, relied instead on a high-profile word-of-mouth push. They showed the movie to their friend, shock-jock radio DJ Howard Stern, who liked it and touted it on his show. Snub: Danielle Deadwyler as the mother of 1950s lynching victim Emmett Till in the movie Till A celeb-backed campaign to promote the film then went into overdrive, as Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Courteney Cox and Edward Norton all hosted screenings. Kate Winslet and Amy Adams moderated virtual Q&As with Riseborough, while Cate Blanchett mentioned her performance in her acceptance speech at the Critics Choice Awards. After McCormack emailed friends asking them to support the movie on social media, stars including Jane Fonda, Liam Neeson, Sally Field and Geena Davis were among those who obliged. It just knocked me sideways, enthused Paltrow. Andrea should win every award there is. Academy membership is divided into 17 branches, with each picking the nominees in their area of expertise. With around 1,300 members in the actors branch, a nominee needs just over 200 votes to make the shortlist. The support of high-profile white stars for 41-year-old Riseborough has hardly endeared the Oscars process to critics, who say the saga is further proof that the Academys commitment to racial diversity is just token. Ominously, the hashtag OscarsSoWhite has reappeared on Twitter. For others, however, the expectation that black stars should feature among the nominees raises troubling questions about what should be an entirely subjective artistic judgment. Race has become a touchstone issue for U.S. awards ceremonies. The academys membership whose eligibility is based on having credits in feature films has grown dramatically over the past five years, largely in response to criticism that it was too white, male and old. Overlooked: Viola Davis starring in the controversial historical drama The Woman King White stars and Oscars judges are free to rally behind other white actors in the nominations process, but since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, they risk having their motives questioned. Furious Nigerian-American director Chinonye Chukwu did so this week after the star of her film, Till, having won both Bafta and Screen Actors Guild nominations, was ignored by the Oscars. We . . . work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards black women, she said in an Instagram post. And yet. I am forever in gratitude for the greatest lesson of my life regardless of any challenges or obstacles, I will always have the power to cultivate my own joy, and it is this joy that will continue to be one of my greatest forms of resistance. Her cause was quickly taken up by others. In the Los Angeles Times, Robert Daniels, a black film critic, contrasted the surprising nomination of a white British actress in a little-seen film with the movie industrys problem with recognising black women. What does it say that the black women who did everything the institution asks of them luxury dinners, private academy screenings, meet-and-greets, splashy television spots and magazine profiles are ignored when someone who did everything outside of the system is rewarded? Daniels like the director of Till doesnt appear to have considered the possibility that the judges didnt believe Viola Davis (who won an Oscar for 2016 period drama Fences, and has been nominated three other times) and Danielle Deadwyler were worthy of Oscars nods. In Daviss case, her performance was marred by another race controversy, this time over The Woman Kings failure despite being billed as being based on powerful true events to address the fact the African kingdom of Dahomey was as committed to slavery as European interlopers. Rave reviews: Riseborough plays motel owner Sweeney in To Leslie, which is based on a true story of a West Texas woman who wins the lottery and squanders her fortune Others said it was ironic critics were complaining about racial representation when this year marks the first time an Asian woman Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh has been nominated for Best Actress. Some observers believe Academy bosses have only themselves to blame if some now expect black contenders to be nominated in the major categories every year. Organisers crumbled in the face of the OscarsSoWhite campaign in 2015, when all 20 nominations in the acting categories were white. Campaigners claimed winners were overwhelmingly white because the judges were, too. Despite studies suggesting this wasnt the case, Hollywood went full throttle on diversity. In 2020, the Academy unveiled its Representation And Inclusion Standards Entry policy (RAISE), which insists that for a film to qualify for Best Picture, producers have to meet two of its four diversity standards. These are designed to ensure ethnic minorities, women and the disabled are included in the film-making process, from the on-screen performers to the behind-the-camera creators. The film world has until next years Oscars to comply with these strict new rules, which some have attacked as Orwellian. That an immensely talented but under-acknowledged British actress should be made to suffer essentially for being the wrong colour seems deeply Orwellian, too. People read notes left at the scene of the Oct. 27 crowd disaster in central Seoul's Itaewon, Jan. 30. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar By Jamie Finn How should we act when faced with tragedy? It's a question that has no right answer. For some, the only acceptable way to conduct oneself when dealing with loss is with a quiet, solemn demeanor. They believe this is the only way to show respect for those affected by the tragedy. Others, such as the organizers of the upcoming music festival named Let There Be Love, Itaewon, believe that music can also be part of our response to grief, and that now is the perfect time to come together and build a community around music. Korea is still reeling from the devastating Halloween crowd disaster that happened last Oct. 27. The catastrophe that took the lives of at least 158 people will leave scars on this country for many, many years to come. In the three months since, Itaewon and the surrounding neighborhoods have become a center for mourning, with a series of memorials and ceremonies taking place in the area. While an important and necessary part of the grieving process, this period of healing has had a significant impact on Itaewon, an area that relies on its lively atmosphere built on a strong sense of community. It has left local businesses, still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, in a precarious position. An alley in central Seoul's Itaewon is deserted during lunch hour, Jan. 30. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar Enter the organizers of Let There Be Love, Itaewon, a music festival featuring many of the country's top performers, who will perform in various venues around the area this weekend. "Our hope is to set a new and fresh example of what remembrance and mourning can look like in Korea," says a local music promoter who goes by Yoon. She is one of the founders of Let There Be Love, Itaewon. The inspiration for planning the event came from the response to an attack at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 at the AO Arena in Manchester, U.K. As people were leaving the stadium, an Islamic extremist detonated a homemade bomb, killing 23. In response, Grande, along with other key figures, organized the One Love Manchester campaign, a pop concert featuring a slew of internationally renowned acts. "We took great inspiration and influence from the One Love Manchester campaign," Yoon says. "Big names came together to spread love and hope to the community during an extremely difficult time. We hope to do the same with Let There Be Love, Itaewon! We wholly believe that it is possible to show respect for and remember those who are no longer with us through music, art and community." The Ariana Grande concert isn't Let There Be Love, Itaewon's only connection to Manchester; the name itself is lifted from a song by the English band Oasis. "We connected deeply with the lyrics," Yoon explains. "'Who kicked a hole in the sky / So the heavens would cry over me? / Who stole the soul in a world come undone at the seams? / Let there be love, let there be love.' This message of hope and love resonated with us, and served as a catalyst for putting this event together on such a small timeline." The event itself will take place in bars, clubs, restaurants and even stores around Itaewon and will feature some surprising names as venues. For one night only, places like Thursday Party, Bistro Mexi, Day and Night, and many more will become live music spaces. The lineup boasts almost 100 of the biggest names in Korean music as well as some of the best emerging acts. They include Leenalchi, Kim Oki Fucking Madness, Galaxy Express, Say Sue Me and loads more. Leenalchi / Courtesy of Leenalchi One of the reasons the organizers were able to compile such a star-studded set of acts is thanks to the positive message the festival hopes to spread. "Many of the artists were empathetic and supportive of our goals for this event," Yoon says. "We are extremely lucky to host all 99 participating acts and infinitely grateful to them for agreeing to perform on such short notice." The seven-member team behind the event call themselves Team Itaewon. They have built up connections through their work running music venues Club FF, Pet Sounds, and Boogie Woogie as well as a live music festival in venues around Hongik University. "We are a nonprofit organization formed solely for the purpose of this campaign, comprised of music community members, Itaewon residents, Itaewon store owners, Hongdae live music venue bookers and those who simply love the idea." Walking After U / Courtesy of Walking After U The team came together shortly after the Itaewon disaster while reflecting on the role that music and community can have in the grieving process. "After the tragic incident, many events were canceled or postponed," Yoon says. "Not long after, we thought about different forms that mourning could take and had the idea that music and art can actually hold immense power to spread hope and healing. That's where it all started, and it spread to a small group of similar-minded people that now make up Team Itaewon." Because of the context the event is taking place in, safety is an absolute must and Team Itaewon is taking it seriously. "We have over 120 volunteers, over the two days. They'll be checking tickets, guiding people and making sure areas don't get too crowded," Yoon says. "We are also working closely with the Yongsan District Office and local police to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Similarly to Haebangchon's Block Party Festival and Hongdae's Live Club Day, this is a ticketed event, which means we're able to control the amount of people who have access to the venues. As well as our group of volunteers, we will be posting regular updates on safety information and venue capacity on our social media." Say Sue Me / Courtesy of Say Sue Me Rebekah Vardy made a thinly-veiled dig at Coleen Rooney as she posted quotes from a court case on her Instagram Story on Tuesday. The WAG, 40, shared the transcribe from when Eva Green addressed the High Court and said it 'sounds familiar'. The former Bond girl is giving evidence in a 4million legal battle over A Patriot - a film she was set to star in before production was shut down in October 2019. She is suing production company White Lantern Films, claiming she is entitled to her $1million (810,000) fee for the movie, despite its cancellation. 'That sounds familiar': Rebekah Vardy made a thinly-veiled dig at Coleen Rooney as she posted quotes from a court case on her Instagram Story on Tuesday Rebekah penned on social media: 'Sounds familiar. Forget women are not meant to use bad language!!! And wait someone else saying WhatsApp messages are not gospel' In a second post, she wrote: 'Oh that sounds familiar. Using irrelevant things to win headlines... never' 'Some people will do or say ANYTHING to deflect away from their own miserable f**king lives! Emphasis on the word "f**king" as it's so offensive.' Tense: It comes after the WAG, 40, sensationally claimed that she was 'framed' during the Wagatha Christie affair, months after losing the high-profile court battle to Coleen On Tuesday, Eva's barrister Edmund Cullen KC said that the legal battle was 'designed to paint my client as a diva to win headlines and damage her reputation'. Mr Cullen later said that the messages 'must be seen in context' of negotiations over buying the rights to the script. Describing the film as a 'passion project', Mr Cullen said the actress 'bent over backwards' to make the film but 'the financial plan was never going to work'. Case: The WAG, 40, shared the transcribe from when Eva Green addressed the High Court and said it 'sounds familiar' It comes after the WAG, 40, sensationally claimed that she was 'framed' during the Wagatha Christie affair, months after losing the high-profile court battle to Coleen. Rebekah took Coleen to court for libel and lost after Coleen claimed in October 2019 that Rebekah's social media account was leaking stories about her to the Press. In an interview for a discovery+ documentary, which examines both sides of the bitter court clash, she says: 'I wonder, how easy would it be to potentially set someone up in a way that makes it look like that is the only person that has seen those [leaked Instagram] posts?' She added: 'I just find it absolutely incredible to this day that she said no one else knew about this.' During the High Court trial, Mrs Justice Steyn said in her judgment in July that it was 'likely' that Mrs Vardy's agent Caroline Watt 'undertook the direct act' of passing on information to The Sun. Legal battle: The former Bond girl is giving evidence in a 4million legal battle over A Patriot - a film she was set to star in before production was shut down in October 2019 The judge said: 'The evidence clearly shows in my view that Mrs Vardy knew of and condoned this behaviour, actively engaging in it.' Rebecca was ordered to pay up to 1.5million towards Coleen's legal fees after losing the case, but she still continues to insist she was not the culprit. And in the documentary series, Vardy vs Rooney: The Wagatha Trial, Rebekah also claims that a mole is still leaking Rooney stories to The Sun which she also says proves her innocence. 'The irony is that since I was removed as a follower, stories have been coming thick and fast about the Rooneys,' she said. Drama! Becky took Coleen Rooney to court for libel - and lost - after Coleen (pictured with husband Wayne in May) claimed that Becky's Instagram was the source of stories being leaked to The Sun A friend of Rebekah's said the WAG's suspicions were sparked when a story in The Sun earlier this year, which suggested that Wayne Rooney would have a 'chaperone' when he was away from Coleen working in the US. Mother-of-five Rebekah is on pugnacious form in the documentary, giving an interview dressed head-to-toe in black leather. At one point she snaps: 'I have zero tolerance for this bull****,' and adds: 'I just find the whole thing really ****ing bizarre.' She was on holiday in Dubai with her husband when Coleen made the accusations on Twitter and Instagram about the leaks. Rebekah said: 'At the time I felt physically sick. I think it must have been the biggest panic attack. I was totally shocked. What to do next? That's the million-dollar question. Scandal: Rebekah, (left), gave her side of the story about the Wagatha trial in the docu-series 'I couldn't understand why someone would do that. Why someone would do that knowing someone's vulnerable, knowing the impact something like that is going to cause. It's going to cause a s*** storm a massive one and that it did.' Referring to a fake story about a flooded basement in Coleen's new Cheshire mansion, Rebekah insisted: 'The first time I read about the flooded basement was in the Daily Mail online. I love how I get blamed for that one, incredible. 'If I had been selling stories, where are the messages saying 'give this to The Sun'? 'Make sure I get paid for this'. Where are they? There aren't any because they don't exist.' Court imposed a punitive charge over legal costs, with Rebekah told to pay 90 per cent of Coleen costs. This was in part because crucial evidence had been destroyed after Mrs Watt accidentally dropped her phone in the North Sea. Coleen's legal team has not yet produced a final costs total, but the last figure presented to court was 1,667,860. If that stays unchanged, 90 per cent of that would be 1.5million. Mrs Justice Steyn decided on 90 per cent, acknowledging there were certain issues that justified Coleen paying for some of the case, including her weak allegation that Rebekah was one of the people behind The Suns Secret Wag gossip column which had added considerably to the work of Rebekah's lawyers. The total amount of Rebekah's legal costs is not known, but is expected to be of a similar level to those incurred by Coleen. The final figure may be reduced if Rebekah does not agree to pay the 90 per cent and a court later considers some costs unreasonable. Alice Evans finally showed up at court in Los Angeles on Monday morning after previously failing to appear to answer two charges of violating a restraining order that was put in place by her estranged husband Ioan Gruffudd. Evans, 54, appeared to have been tickled by something as she walked in through the front door of the courthouse clutching her cellphone for an arraignment. Sporting a wide grin she could be seen laughing to herself and giggling as she hurried past waiting photographers. Evans was supposed to have appeared at the Airport Courthouse for a scheduled arraignment last Thursday at 8:30am but neither she nor her attorney called or contacted the court to explain her absence. It led to LA Superior Court Commissioner James Cooper to issue a referral for an arrest warrant for the 102 Dalmations star. Details of Evans's alleged breach were not revealed but Fantastic Four actor Gruffudd filed a restraining order against her in February last year. Alice Evans showed up to court in LA this morning after missing earlier mandatory court date appearances and facing arrest. She appeared to be laughing hard as she walked inside Ioan Gruffudd's estranged wife was seen in court this morning after failing to appear last week Evans appeared open-mouthed briefly as she spotted a photographer documenting her arrival Alice Evans managed to avoid arrest after she finally showed up to the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles for her arraignment on two restraining order violations Gruffudd, 49 was granted a restraining order against his estranged wife (right) last February. He is now dating Bianca Wallace Gruffudd, 49, filed for divorce in March 2021 two months after Evans sensationally claimed on social media that her husband of 14 years was walking out on her and their two daughters, Ella, now 13 and nine-year-old Elsie. She continued blasting her estranged husband online, prompting Gruffudd to seek a restraining order preventing Evans from sharing their private messages or publishing 'false public allegations' about him. Gruffudd's request for the order was granted following Evans's online rants against him and his new girlfriend Bianca Wallace, and she is also banned from mentioning him on social media for three years. Evans appeared open-mouthed as she passed through security, still using a cell phone despite a sign telling her not to do so Evans was in court for allegedly violating the restraining order from her estranged husband Evans smiled and appeared to be laughing to herself as she walked in through the front doors Something appeared to have tickled Evans as she laughed to herself while walking into court Evans chatted for a moment with some of the security staff inside the courthouse The courthouse staff appeared happy to receive Evans as she walked inside on Monday In a court filing, Gruffudd also claimed that Evans had been 'verbally abusive' and allegedly 'undermined' him in front of their two daughters The Welsh actor filed for custody and visitation rights to see his children, Elsie, now 9, and Ella, 13. He is pictured with his estranged wife, Alice Evans, and daughters in 2018 The Welsh actor later filed for joint custody of their two daughters last July after Alice requested sole custody amid their acrimonious divorce. As well as requesting visitation rights, he claimed in the filing that Evans had been purposely trying to cut communication between himself and the girls. He also petitioned that the girls attend in-person therapy and reunification therapy via Zoom with him pending court-ordered mediation about custody. Gruffudd in his filing also reiterated allegations that his estranged wife had verbally abused him during their 14-year marriage, and undermined him in front of the girls 'throughout their lives'. 'Alice made fun of my appearance often, making hair-loss comments and telling me I had "saggy-vagina eyes,"' court papers read. He went on to claim that Evans 'has inflicted serious emotional harm on Ella and Elsie by her statements and by interfering in my relationship with them.' In a video before the former couple's separation in January 2021, which Gruffudd presented as evidence in the filing, Evans allegedly told Ella she would be 'getting a new daddy.' 'In a FaceTime I had with the girls on March 3, Ella said Alice falsely told her that I wanted Alice to commit suicide, and that Ella probably would not have a mummy anymore,' Gruffudd wrote in the petition. The divorce has been anything but amicable. Evans has repeatedly taken to social media to speak out about the split, and one post (pictured) accused Gruffudd of using money that should have been spent on their daughters' wellbeing on his legal case Last August, the mother-of-two risked breaching her restraining order in a post in which she claimed she was being gaslit and being called 'fat' and 'horrible' compared to 'B' - taken to mean Ioan's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace 'Ella told me, "Daddy, this is making me very sad,' and, 'if I don't agree with her, apparently I am a bad daughter".' Since then, Alice has risked violating her restraining order after taking to social media to post about their separation. In an Instagram post last August she wrote: 'I'm working out to try to calm myself down because I am being GASLIT. Freaking GASLIT. 'With my kids, with the places I usually go to. Everything. I can't leave the house without being photographed and told that I am fat and horrible whereas 'B' is so slim. She signed off: ' I cannot deal for much longer.' A source said of the recent restrictions: 'Ioan had no choice but to up his legal fight over Alice. Ioan now dates Bianca Wallace. He was married to Alice for 14 years before their messy split; they're now involved in a lengthy court case The Welsh actor and his younger Australian girlfriend walked Bianca's dog in West Hollywood last month, just streets away from his former marital home, still occupied by estranged ex Alice Evans Gruffudd starred as Mr. Fantastic in the 2005 film Fantastic Four. He claims he's had trouble getting work recently leaving him unable to afford a $745,000 mortgage on the marital home where he hasn't lived for nearly two years 'She had become increasingly volatile and seemingly intent on destroying his career with her character assassination. He hopes this will put an end to it.' Then, in court documents, Ioan claimed that since the restraining order was put in place, Alice 'has used her social media accounts to continue to harass, threaten, and disturb the peace of both me and my girlfriend, Bianca Wallace.' He demanded Alice should not make any posts on any social media account, 'including but not limited to Instagram and Twitter accounts, disparaging or harassing [Ioan] or the other protected person' (Wallace). Plus, he requested Alice not to post his text messages or any other communications to the parties' children, or the children's text messages or any other communications to Gruffudd, on any social media account. He also asked that Alice be ordered not to contact his employers or make disparaging statements about him to his employers. Meanwhile, it seems the exes have managed to reach a deal to put their $2 million marital home in Los Angeles on the market after Ioan begged a court to enforce the sale before it's repossessed (pictured) Meanwhile, it seems that the exes have managed to reach a deal to put their $2million marital home in Los Angeles on the market after Ioan begged a court to enforce the sale before it's repossessed. According to court documents obtained Thursday by RadarOnline.com, the former couple will be listing the home that Alice currently lives in with their children. Following the close of escrow, both will receive $110,000 with the remaining money being held. TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew will appear before the U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee in March, as lawmakers looks to scrutinize the Chinese-owned video-sharing app, Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers said on Monday. Chew will testify before the committee on March 23, which will be his first appearance before a Congressional committee, McMorris Rodgers said in a statement. The news comes as the House Foreign Affairs Committee plans to hold a vote next month on a bill aimed at blocking the use of TikTok in the United States over national security concerns. The CEO of the Chinese-based app TikTok will testify before Congress in March Shou Zi Chew, chief executive officer of TikTok Inc. has been asked to testify before Congress that his company is not a threat to national security in the U.S. 'ByteDance-owned TikTok has knowingly allowed the ability for the Chinese Communist Party to access American user data,' McMorris Rodgers said, adding that Americans deserve to know how these actions impact their privacy and data security. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TikTok said on Friday 'calls for total bans of TikTok take a piecemeal approach to national security and a piecemeal approach to broad industry issues like data security, privacy, and online harms'. McMorris Rodgers and other Republican lawmakers have demanded more information from TikTok, on its impact on young people amid concerns about harmful content and potential sexual exploitation of minors on the platform, the statement said. TikTok has previously said it is focused on the safety of younger users and limits features by age. (Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath in Bengaluru; Editing by Ed Osmond and Alison Williams) An exhibition in Rome tells the story of the works of art stolen by the Nazis. Special attention is paid to the daring actions of Italian "Monuments Men" who saved thousands of works of art from illegal access. US General Mark W. Clark reportedly said during the Allied advance into Italy in World War II: "Fighting a war in Italy is like fighting in a damn museum." Couldn't have put it better than that. Although the National Socialists had stolen art from all over Europe, Italy was particularly endangered because of its immense art treasures. And so the task force of the "Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Program" (MFAA) came to Europe with the Allied liberation troops. These were experts from 13 countries whose task it was to protect the works of art and buildings during the war and to return the works of art stolen by the Germans in the occupation zones to the respective countries after the end of the war. But no matter how important the work of the "Monuments Men" - as they were called - was, thousands of works of art would no longer be admired in Italian museums and galleries if Italian Monuments Men had not existed before the Allies. From 1939 onwards, they did everything they could to bring their country's works of art to safety. And the exhibition "Arte Recuperata" (Recovered Art), which can be visited in Rome in the Scuderie del Quirinale until April 10, 2023, tells of them, their adventurous rescue operations and the masterpieces that they were able to bring to safety. A total of around 100 works of art are on display, including some of inestimable value, such as one of Titian's "Danae", Luca Signorelli's "Crocifissione" (Crucifixion), Guercino's "Santa Palazia" (Holy Palazia), the "Immacolata Concezione " (Immaculate Conception) by Federico Barocci, the portrait of "Henry VIII." by Holbein, the "Battesimo Cristo" (The Baptism of Christ) by El Greco and the "Madonna di Senigallia" by Piero della Francesca. There are also 150 photos, more than 30 historical documents and around 20 film clips. The latter, which can be seen in all the rooms, allow the visitor to experience the events almost live. For example, Hitler's visit with Benito Mussolini to the Galleria Borghese in Rome. The Fuhrer's obsession with art was well known, as was his dream of building a museum for his collection in Linz. A project that he had already commissioned from Albert Speer. If a work of art aroused Hitler's desire, he would not give up. It was the same with the stunning marble statue of Diskobolus Lancellotti that greets the visitor. Right behind it on a red background, which gives the whole scene a special drama, a gigantography of Hitler. The statue is a copy of the bronze sculpture by the Greek sculptor Myron (c. 450 BC). Hitler is said to have been obsessed with Diskobolus. For him it represented the epitome of Aryan perfection. The fact that the statue had been under special protection since 1909 and that it was forbidden to take it abroad was no obstacle for him. For the bargain price of just five million lire, he received what he wanted. On June 9, 1938, the Diskobolus was set up in Munich's Glyptothek. While the first part of the exhibition deals with the thefts and the black market that flourished around the works of art, the second part deals with the rescue operations carried out by the Italian museum directors, art historians and experts. In the excerpts from the Istituto Luce film archive, you can also see cloak-and-dagger operations in which the paintings were loaded onto trucks and then taken to safe hiding places. Or how churches, statues and entire towers literally disappeared behind brick walls. One director who made a particularly valuable contribution was Pasquale Rotondi from the Marche region. It was he who, from 1939, before Italy went to war alongside Germany (June 10, 1940), identified Sassocorvaro and Carpegna as safe places in his region. Until the armistice signed by Italy on September 8, 1943, around 10,000 works of art from all over the country were stored there: the treasures from Naples' Museo di Capodimonte and those from Venice's St. Mark's Basilica. With Italy's change of front, however, the works had to be brought to safety as quickly as possible. From the diary reports we learn that Rotondi even kept small works of art such as "La Tempesta" (The Thunderstorm) by Giorgione and Mantegna's "San Giorgio" (Saint George) hidden in his bedroom because of the Wehrmacht's raids. The art historian Pietro Zampetti, on the other hand, commuted by bike between Modena and Bologna in the summer of 1944 to bring the works hidden in the castle of Guglia to the collection points. From there, they reached the Vatican State under "diplomatic immunity". The immunity had been negotiated with the Germans by the Vatican Secretary of State at the time, Giovanni Montini, who later became Pope Paul VI. During the war, the Nazis stole around five million works of art from across Europe. After the end of the war, a collection point was set up in Munich under the supervision of the MFAA in order to return them to the federal states. The art expert Rodolfo Siviero, a shady figure - he first worked as a secret agent for the fascists, but changed sides during the course of the war - was commissioned by the Italian post-war government to take care of the restitution of Italian works of art. It is thanks to him that the Diskobolus Lancellotti returned in 1948. But despite the successes that Siviero was able to report, a few years ago the Italian media said that, according to Siviero's list, there were still over 1,000 stolen art objects in Germany. The topic of looted art from the Second World War became topical again in early 2019 because Eike Schmidt, the director of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, had asked the Federal Republic to return the "flower vase" by Dutchman Jan van Huysum. It was stolen by a Wehrmacht soldier in 1944 and has been in his family's possession ever since. The federal government reacted quickly to the vase, and the painting was handed over to the Uffizi that same year. Looted art continues to be a topical issue, especially in former colonial power countries. This is also where the debate about the restitution of African art is taking place. Actually, they should also exist in Italy. But that's not the case. Egypt has presented impressive archaeological finds in recent years, but the most recent one might top them all: a 4,300-year-old mummy adorned with gold leaf has wowed archaeologists near Cairo. The coffin is "just as the ancient Egyptians left it". Egypt has presented new archaeological finds from the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. The more than 4,000-year-old finds at the necropolis south of Cairo are a gold-studded mummy and four tombs, including that of a "secret guardian" of the ancient Egyptian king, according to archaeologist and former Egyptian antiquities minister Sahi Hawass journalists said. The finds are therefore from the years 2500 to 2100 BC and were assigned to the fifth and sixth pharaoh dynasty. The largest of the four tombs was built for a priest and overseer named Khnumddschedef, Hawass explained. Decorated with scenes of everyday life at the time, it was discovered in the pyramid complex of Unas, the last king of the Fifth Dynasty, who reigned some 4,300 years ago. Another tomb belonged to Meri, who, according to Hawass, served as the "secret guardian" of the pharaoh. It was a priestly title borne by a high-ranking palace official, giving him the right to perform certain religious rituals. The third tomb, according to Hawas, was built for a priest named Messi in the pyramid complex of Pharaoh Pepi I, and the fourth belonged to a judge and scribe named Fetek. The head of Egypt's Supreme Antiquities Council, Mostafa Wasiri, said Fetek's tomb contained the "largest statues" ever discovered in the area. The Saqqara Necropolis is a vast necropolis on the site of Egypt's former capital, Memphis. The Unesco World Heritage Site includes more than a dozen pyramids and ancient Christian Copt monasteries. The mummy, whose discovery is now being celebrated as a sensation, was found in a limestone sarcophagus, according to Hawass. The coffin was in a 15 meter deep ditch and was sealed "just like the ancient Egyptians had left it 4,300 years ago". Decorated with gold leaf, the mummy is the remains of a man named Hekashepes. Hawass stressed that it was one of the best-preserved mummies of a non-royal body ever found in Egypt. Egypt has presented a large number of archaeological finds in recent years. Critics warn that this is more about media attention than sound research. In fact, after years of political instability and the corona pandemic, Egypt, which is stuck in an economic crisis with its archaeological treasures, wants to boost tourism, which is so important for the country. By 2028, the mark of 30 million tourists per year should be reached. That is 13 million more annually than before the corona pandemic. (This article was first published on Friday, January 27, 2023.) Although Sars-CoV-2 has been particularly well researched compared to other viruses, many questions remain unanswered. For example, it is still not clear what long-term effects one or more infections have on the immune system. There is also disagreement among experts. An unusually early flu wave, a strong RSV wave in children, plus many colds and bacterial infections: After the end of many corona protection measures in Germany, one can quickly get the feeling that people were not sick as often as in the past months. And now that a large number of citizens in Germany have already been infected with Sars-CoV-2 once or several times, one hears more often of a possibly longer-lasting immune deficiency after Covid-19. What's it all about? It is worrying what we observe in people who have had several corona infections. Studies now show very clearly that those affected are often dealing with an immune deficiency whose duration we do not yet know, said Karl Lauterbach, who Federal Minister of Health, recently the "Rheinische Post". In an earlier version, which attracted some attention, he had spoken of an "immune deficiency that could no longer be cured". Lauterbach then made it clear that there was currently no question of an incurable immune deficiency - and he spoke of an error in the release of the text. Shortly before the turn of the year, Charite virologist Christian Drosten also spoke about a feared aging of the immune system. In a "Tagesspiegel" interview, he referred to immunological findings: These suggested that the aging of the immune system in children after corona infection was much more advanced than expected. One can now ask oneself pointedly whether an unvaccinated child after infection might have the immune system of an 80-year-old at the age of 30, said Drosten. Exactly which data Drosten and Lauterbach refer to cannot be said with absolute certainty. If you ask the Ministry of Health, you are generally referred to the Minister's Twitter profile, where he discusses studies. The findings that Drosten spoke of appear to be unpublished. A scientist who is otherwise always well informed about Covid-19 says that he has not yet seen any data on it and wants to refrain from making assessments. Of course, some studies are already public that have to do with Sars-CoV-2 and the immune system - including long-term consequences. They were diligently shared on social media after the Lauterbach statements. Some titles sound worrying. To cite just a few examples, there is impaired immunity to fungal infections, long-term disruption of the peripheral immune system, and impaired function of certain cells. "Unfortunately, the findings that are available are often overinterpreted," said immunologist Christine Falk from the Hannover Medical School recently in "Zeit Online". They are usually difficult or impossible to interpret for laypeople. Many observations also relate to long-Covid patients. From Falk's point of view, there is "currently no reason for most people to worry that their immune system will work less well after one or more corona infections". And she clarified that Covid-19 is also "not airborne AIDS," as some seem to have claimed. "This is nonsense." The British immunologist Sheena Cruickshank from the University of Manchester recently explained in an article on the portal "The Conversation" that temporary changes in the immune system after an infection are normal. Even if technical details sound dramatic to laypeople, it has been shown that most people's defenses regain their equilibrium after recovery. Even in vulnerable patients, only a small proportion remained more than six months after infection - mostly in people who were seriously ill with Covid-19 or who had other underlying health problems. Further studies are necessary for this. "For most people, however, there is no evidence of damage to the immune system after a Covid infection," Cruickshank notes. You also have to keep other aspects in mind when considering a topic. Sars-CoV-2 is considered to be particularly well researched compared to many other viruses. "Probably no virus infection passes us by without consequences," said molecular biologist Emanuel Wyler from the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin. HIV is known to be particularly damaging to the immune system - and measles essentially mean a reset of the immune system, as Wyler said. Rhinoviruses, on the other hand, which cause colds, are comparatively harmless. "The question is where Sars-CoV-2 fits into this broad spectrum and how the virus still stands out in vaccinated people compared to the many viral infections over the course of a lifetime." Wyler also points out that a number of study results date from before the Covid 19 vaccination. What is reported in it about seriously ill people who were infected with early variants is not automatically transferrable to healthy and vaccinated 20-year-olds in the times of the omicron variant. Immunologists have been emphasizing for months that the most recent waves of colds are primarily to be seen as catch-up effects. Because during the Corona years, other respiratory pathogens circulated less strongly. If people actually had a weakened immune system across the board, other infections would also have to increase - "such as those with atypical pathogens that do not normally make people sick," said Falk "Zeit Online". According to the immunologist, it is still too early for an overall picture - so everything should not always be translated into a warning or the all-clear. Discussions among professionals continued, she said in the interview. Much is provisional and does not belong in the public domain. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 This photo shows a production line of POSCO, Korea's top steelmaker, in Pohang, 272 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Jan. 1. Yonhap Korea's industrial output fell 1.6 percent on-month in December, data showed Tuesday, as the manufacturing sector remained sluggish amid weak exports. Industrial production decreased at the widest margin in 32 months, shifting from a 0.4 percent rebound posted in November, according to the data from Statistics Korea. The output in the mining, manufacturing, gas and electricity industries fell 2.9 percent on-month in December, due to the sluggish performance of the automobile and electric parts sectors, which decreased 9.5 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively. The output of the mainstay chip industry, on the other hand, rose 4.9 percent over the period, the data showed. The latest overall decrease in the output came amid Korea's weak exports. For December, monthly exports fell 9.5 percent on-year to stand at $54.99 billion, extending the losing streak to the third consecutive month. The data also showed that the output from the service sector declined 0.2 percent on-month in December as losses from transportation, restaurants and accommodation sectors offset gains from financial industries. Retail sales, a gauge of private spending, moved up 1.4 percent over the period, on the back of stronger sales of semidurable goods, such as clothes. Facility investment dropped 7.1 percent on-month in December due to the machinery and transportation equipment sectors, the data also showed. For all of 2022, however, the country's industrial output advanced 3.3 percent on-year, with retail sales and facility investment also gathering ground. The increase came as the output in the mining, manufacturing, gas and electricity industries advanced 1.4 percent on the back of the electronic parts and chemical sectors, although the performance of the chip and automobile players remained sluggish. The output from the service sector advanced 4.8 percent on-year in 2022, on the back of the robust performances of the accommodation, restaurant, financial and insurance sectors, it added. Retail sales in 2022 moved up 0.2 percent on-year on the back of stronger sales of clothes and medical supplies. Facility investment increased 3.3 percent over the period, the data added, led mainly by the machinery and transportation equipment sectors. (Yonhap) This page may be updated if the event is repeated Past Event - Saturday, February 25, 2023 This page may be updated if the event is repeated Reserved Seating $25 Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra DIVA is a hard-swinging all-female jazz orchestra who will start their 30th Anniversary tour in Beavercreek Alumni Auditorium. They have graced stages at some of the most acclaimed music venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and have been touring with Manhattan Transfer. This is the best weekend concert in the tri-state area for jazz lovers. This concert is part of the Beavercreek Weekend of Jazz, February 24 & 25, 2023. Reserve tickets here. Find more information about DIVA at divajazz.com. Korea's imports of coffee beans hit a new record in 2022, data showed Tuesday, in the latest sign of the drink's growing popularity in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Imports of coffee beans, including both raw and roasted products, reached $1.3 billion last year, soaring 42.4 percent from $920 million posted in 2021, according to the Korea Customs Service. In terms of volume, imports reached 200,000 tons, up 9.5 percent over the period, the agency added, enough to make 1.3 cups of coffee for all adults here daily. By product, Korea's imports of raw beans advanced 10 percent on-year in 2022 to reach 180,000 tons, and those of roasted products gained 4.9 percent to 20,000 tons. Brazil took up 26 percent of the raw bean imports, trailed by Vietnam with 18 percent and Colombia with 17 percent. In terms of roasted beans, the United States accounted for 58 percent of all imports, followed by Switzerland with 14 percent and Italy with 12 percent, the data showed. (Yonhap) British deputy high commissioner to Telangana Gareth Wynn Owen (left) and industry and commerce principal secretary Jayesh Ranjan. (By Arrangement) HYDERABAD: In its bid to strengthen links with India, the United Kingdom has partnered with the 20th edition of BioAsia a healthcare and life sciences event being organised by the state government. The UK has a growing presence of prominent life sciences companies like GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, UCB and Pfizer among others. The countrys life sciences industry is home to over 6,330 businesses that employ over 2,68,000 people, generating a turnover of 88.9 billion in 2020. While announcing the country partner for BioAsia 2023, Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary (industries & commerce), said, "UK holds a phenomenal reputation for its coveted life sciences industry and its brilliance in academia and industry, coupled with the expertise it brings from its pool of centres of scientific excellence. With mutual interest, the UK and the government of Telangana will come together to share knowledge and best practices in life-sciences. British deputy high commissioner to Telangana Gareth Wynn Owen said "There is an increasing interest from innovation centres, start-ups and universities in the UK to collaborate, invest and engage with the life sciences ecosystem in India. British companies are looking at BioAsia as an opportunity to increase partnerships with Indias growing biotech industry. With the theme of Advancing for ONE: Shaping the next generation of humanized healthcare, BioAsia 2023 is all set to be held here from February 24 to 26. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) on Monday clarified that its exposure to the Adani group of companies amounts to less than one per cent of its total funds that it manages. (PTI) Hyderabad: State-owned insurance behemoth Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) on Monday clarified that its exposure to the Adani group of companies amounts to less than one per cent of its total funds that it manages. According to a statement issued by Indias largest institutional investor, it has purchased shares of the Adani Group for Rs 30,127 crore and its market value as on January 27 is Rs 56,142 crore. The total funds managed (Assets Under Management) by LIC are worth over Rs 41.66 lakh crore as at September 30, 2022. As on date, LIC said its exposure to the Adani group in relation its total AUM is 0.975 per cent. As per the statement, the credit rating of all debt securities of the Adani Group of companies held by LIC are AA and above, which is in compliance with the IRDAI investment regulations. Tribal Welfare students are being encouraged in all domains so that they gain exposure to the latest developments in various fields. DC Image Hyderabad: Four students of tribal welfare Gurukulam participated in Agneepath selections and are now ready to serve the Indian Army as soldiers. B.Sc students Maloth Javender, Banoth Ramu, Velpula Ajay of B.Sc and Intermediate second year student Inslavath Naresh from Ashoknagar Sainik School have been selected after successfully clearing tests conducted by the army. Tribal Welfare students are being encouraged in all domains so that they gain exposure to the latest developments in various fields. The admissions into these colleges are through TGUGCET and the last date to apply for CET is February 5. The students thanked secretary D. Ronald Rose and additional secretary V. Sarveshwar Reddy for their constant encouragement and support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media on the first day of the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and Union MoS at PMO Jitendra Singh are also seen. (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that amidst the global economic turmoil, Indias Budget will attempt to meet the hopes and aspirations of ordinary citizens and be a "ray of hope for the world". Mr Modi also said that the BJP-led NDA government has always worked with a singular aim of putting "India First" and "Citizens First" and the same spirit will be seen during the Budget Session. Addressing the media ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister said recognised voices in the world economy were bringing positive messages from all sides. He noted that the Budget, to be presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Wednesday, will strive to fulfil the people's hopes, aspirations and also boost the hopes with which the world was looking at India. "The ray of hope being seen by the world will glow brighter for this, I firmly believe the finance minister will make all efforts to meet these aspirations," Mr Modi said. He also noted President Droupadi Murmu was delivering her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session. "The Presidents speech is the pride of the Constitution of India, the pride of Indias parliamentary system, and also an opportunity to respect women and the great tribal traditions of the country," Mr Modi said. He mentioned that according to the parliamentary traditions evolved over the past six to seven decades, a parliamentarian speaking for the first time in the House, belonging to any political party, was extended respect and a conducive atmosphere is created to enhance his/her confidence. "This is a rich and best tradition. It is the responsibility of parliamentarians to ensure that this moment of the Presidents first address to Parliament is full of enthusiasm, warmth and energy. I am sure our parliamentarians will pass this test," Mr Modi said. "There will be arguments as well during the Budget Session and I hope that the Opposition will articulate them well by studying issues closely. The House will deliberate on the formulation of policy which will benefit the nation," the Prime Minister said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Twitter) Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said the State capital would be shifted to Visakhapatnam. Addressing the preparatory meeting for the Global Investors Summit to be held in Visakhapatnam in March, Jagan said he would be shifting his office to the port city in the months to come. "Here I am to invite you to Visakhapatnam which is going to be our capital in the days to come. I myself would also be shifting over to Visakhapatnam in the months to come," he said. Amaravati is the present capital of Andhra Pradesh. In November last year, Jagan Mohan Reddy government repealed the controversial AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020 intended to establish three capitals for the State. The State government had proposed three capitals, Visakhapatnam (Executive capital), Amaravati (Legislative capital) and Kurnool (Judicial capital). Jagan further said the State Government is organising the Global Investors Summit in Visakhapatnam on March 3 and 4 and requested the corporate community to take part in the meet and invest in the State. The Governor said India stood as a superpower and leader in knowledge. He underlined that the New Education Policy emphasises on research, which needs increased investments. He unveiled the special issue of AIU on the occasion and uploaded 2.5 lahks Talapatras digitised by Andhra University. (Image Source: Twitter/@governorap) VISAKHAPATNAM: Universities should take the responsibility of training leaders of modern India, observed AP Governor Biswabushan Harichandan, inaugurating the South Zone Vice Chancellor's Meet 2023 with the theme "Research and Excellence for Transformative Higher Education" organised by Andhra University, under the auspices of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at the AU Convention Centre in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. The Governor said India stood as a superpower and leader in knowledge. It is one of the fastest developing countries. Nasscom has made it clear that India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with more than 80,000 start-up companies in the country in 2022. In this context, Harichandan underlined that the New Education Policy emphasises on research, which needs increased investments. He unveiled the special issue of AIU on the occasion and uploaded 2.5 lahk's Talapatras digitised by Andhra University. AU vice chancellor Prof. P.V.G.D. Prasada Reddy said the university is training its students as per the needs of industries. The Technology Innovation Hub established by AU has become a platform for launching 34 start-ups. Nasscom Centre of Excellence has nurtured 17 start-ups. Skill Centre, Food Processing, Testing Incubation Centre, Pharm Testing Laboratory, Medical Genetics Research Centre, and TCBSE established with Avanti Feeds are training students to be aspiring entrepreneurs. The VC said it is a matter of pride to achieve a four-star rating from the Institute of Innovation Council (IIC) established in AU. Association of Indian Universities president Dr. Suranjan Das said preserving indigenous knowledge is very important. He maintained that besides providing higher education in English, there is every need to provide the same in local languages too. Higher Education Council chairman K. Hemachandra Reddy said admissions in higher education in the state have increased from 27.4 percent to 37.2 percent. AIU secretary general Dr. Pankaj Mittal said currently, there are 924 universities as members of the AIU, which has a solid history of 98 years. Special Chief Secretary to governor R.P. Sisodia was among those present on the occasion. The conflict between Raj Bhavan and Pragathi Bhavan over the state Assembly's Budget Session has been finally resolved. (File image/Twitter) HYDERABAD: The conflict between Raj Bhavan and Pragathi Bhavan over the state Assemblys Budget Session has been finally resolved after the state government filed a lunch motion on Monday in the Telangana High Court with Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan advising Governors and governments counsels to hold deliberations rather than dragging the judiciary into controversy. The state Budget Session was scheduled to begin on February 3 but the Governor had not yet approved it, prompting the Telangana state government to file a lunch motion in the High Court. Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan took up a hearing of the lunch motion petition moved by the state government seeking a direction to Governor Dr Tamilsai Soundararajan to approve the state Budget in the Assembly and Legislative Council on February 3. Following the advice of the CJ, counsels of the Telangana government and the Raj Bhavan held discussions. After the deliberations, the court was informed that the two sides had come to an agreement and the petition could be dismissed. During the discussions, it was decided that the Governor would give customary speech during the Budget session, and the Telangana government would provide a copy of the speech. During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the Telangana Advocate General on how the court could give notice to the Governor, who is the head of the Constitution in the state, and asked the AG why the judiciary was being dragged into the dispute between the government and a constitutional institution. "You (politicians and parliamentary members) accuse the judiciary of meddling in all matters and overstepping its bounds when it comes to matters pertaining to legislative and executive choices. You have consistently argued that the judiciary should be kept solely within its purview. Now, how are you asking for judicial review to issue mandamus to the Governor to do the stated duty," Ujjal Bhuyan questioned. Senior counsel Ashok Anand appeared on behalf of the Governor despite the court not issuing notices to the Governor as a respondent to the petition filed by the Telangana government. Senior Supreme Court counsel Dushyant Dave representing the Telangana government contended that the Governor was required by the Constitution to ratify the Bills and decisions taken by the Council of Ministers. Citing several Supreme Court judgements, Dave argued that it is not to the personal satisfaction of the President or Governor to approve the decisions taken by the legislation. During the arguments, Ashok Anand complained that the Governors chair was not being respected while arguing that the government has ignored the customary address during the Budget session last year. He also submitted to the court that the CM skipped the Republic Day celebrations at the Raj Bhavan even after an invitation. On the other hand, Dushyant Dave submitted before the court that the statements against the Governor were condemnable, not just because she is the Governor but also because she is a woman. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan will address the joint session on the first day of the state Budget.(Photo:DC) Hyderabad: Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Tuesday issued two notifications summoning the joint meeting of the Assembly and Legislative Council on February 3 for the Budget session. The Governor will address the joint session on the first day. The state Budget will be presented on February 6 although the BRS government is yet to make an official statement in this regard. The Governor will be addressing the joint session after nearly two years. She last addressed the joint session on March 15, 2021. Following the rift with the Governor on various issues, the state government had done away with the customary Governor's address in 2022. The government did this by not proroguing the House since September 2021. It considered every subsequent session to be a continuation of the previous one. This was done as the government has to convene a new session if the House is prorogued, and any new session in a new year has to commence with the customary Governor's address. This year too, the state government had decided to begin the Budget session from February 3 without the Governor's address and even issued a notification. The Governor kept her approval pending for the presentation of the Budget, forcing the government to approach the High Court on Monday. The government and the Governor resolved the issue amicably following the High Court's intervention. The government agreed to have the Governor's address, while Dr Soundararajan agreed to approve the Budget. Aggrieved over land issues, a farmer tried to end his life by suicide along with his wife and three children, near Pragati Bhavan on Monday. Hyderabad: Aggrieved over land issues, a farmer tried to end his life by suicide along with his wife and three children, near Pragati Bhavan on Monday. The farmer has been identified as Mashamoni Ilesh, a resident of Ibrahimpatnam. He had reportedly tried to end his life by suicide in 2019 and 2021 as well. "I was assured that the issue will be solved but nothing has been done so far," he told Deccan Chronicle. Ilesh said that during the Bhoodan land distribution, his family got five acres of land which was acquired by the government in 2010. Though compensation was awarded to his family, the then VRO, VRA, MRO, and the RDO along with public representatives fabricated documents and siphoned off his money. He had also lodged a complaint with the police but in vain. He along with his wife and three children even took up a padayatra from Ibrahimpatnam to Pragathi Bhavan in the past, seeking to meet the Chief Minister and submit a memorandum, but was not allowed by the police. With nowhere to go, Ilesh said that he decided to end his life and thus came to Pragati Bhavan on Monday. "We will notify Rachakonda police and Rangareddy district officials about the incident and his grievances, and take necessary action," police said adding no case has been registered against him. gettyimagesbank By Anna J. Park Investors will be able to decide next year whether to buy the stocks of Korean companies based on the exact size of their dividend payouts, just like in major financial markets' dividend payout systems such as in the U.S. and France. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced Tuesday that it will take steps to overhaul the local dividend payout system to make it compatible with global standards. The FSC, in conjunction with other related entities such as the Ministry of Justice and the Korea Exchange (KRX), plans to propose revisions to the country's capital market law in the second quarter of this year, so that the dividend payout system can be changed as early as next year. "When the country's dividend payout system is improved so that investors can make investment decisions based on dividend amounts as is the global standard it is expected to contribute to attracting further investments from global investors," the FSC explained. "The changed system will also make investors more conscious of dividends, which will result in corporations raising their dividend payouts." President Droupadi Murmu addresses the joint session of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: As part of a protest against the Centre's policies on a range of issues, including anti-farmer policies, all 16 members of the K. Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS nine in the Lok Sabha and seven in the Rajya Sabha along with the three AAP members of the Rajya Sabha boycotted President Droupadi Murmu's customary address on the first day of Parliament's Budget Session on Tuesday. As Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao works on stitching an alliance of Opposition parties and seeks to play a big role in national politics, the AAP, headed by Arvind Kejriwal, supported Rao in his call to boycott the speech by the President. Both parties declared that they were boycotting the President's speech in protest of the failure of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre on all fronts, with the BRS specifically criticising the way states were treated as well as the treatment meted out to Telangana in the allocation of funds and projects. Other Opposition parties were present in the House. The decision to boycott the address was made at the BRS Parliamentary Party meeting chaired by Chandrashekar Rao at Pragathi Bhavan on January 29. This was the first session for the BRS MPs since the TRS rebranded as BRS last December. BRS floor leader in the Lok Sabha Nama Nageswara Rao told the media in Delhi that the BRS and the AAP were not against the President and their boycott was a protest against the Centres failures on all fronts in the last eight-and-a-half years of the BJPs rule and failure to honour the promises made to Telangana under the AP Reorganisation Act 2014. "Both BRS and AAP are not against the President but only want to highlight the NDA government's failures through democratic protest," Nama remarked. The BJP slammed the BRS and AAP for boycotting the President's address, saying they have "insulted" the dignity attached to the highest constitutional position and the countrys parliamentary democracy. BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the countrys first tribal President gave her maiden speech in Parliament to mark the start of the Budget session and it was a moment to greet her. "There is a limit to political opposition and opposition parties should maintain certain norms. Some parties, namely BRS and AAP, took our parliamentary democracy to an all-time low by boycotting the President's address," he told reporters in Delhi. Telugu Desam leader Nara Lokesh. (@naralokesh) Anantapur: Telugu Desam leader Nara Lokesh facilitated the passage of an ambulance while he was on his Yuva Galam padayatra in Palamaner in Chittoor district Tuesday. When Lokesh noticed the 108 ambulance struggling its way through the crowded roads, he immediately stopped his yatra and ensured the way was clear for the ambulance to pass by smoothly. The people present at the scene applauded the gesture and the viewers on the social media appreciated his action. Addressing gatherings, Lokesh felt the YSRC government did not have sufficient knowledge about the development of the state. He visited the plaque at the Kaigal reservoir for which the foundation stone had been laid on February 21, 2019, for a project to meet the drinking water needs of those in Byreddypalli and V. Kota mandal. He said the TD government, after laying the foundation stone for the reservoir, had also acquired land and allotted funds for its construction. "This government, however, neglected it. It does not have any intention to meet the drinking water needs of the locals here," he said and further noticed that the condition of the roads was bad and there was no initiative to fill the potholes. "Except for looting the state, the YSRC government does not have any idea on development," Lokesh said. Lokesh interacted with petty traders at the local market in Kasturi Nagaram in V. Kota mandal. A fruit seller told the TD leader that his son studied B.Tech but did not get any job. The farmers at Kommaramadugu village said that their investment for cultivation on an acre was about Rs 3 lakh while the returns were about Rs 1.5 lakh. Lokesh promised to fight for them. He felt that the farmers were suffering heavy losses in the absence of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the farm products. The TD general secretary said that soon after the TD returns to power, special attention would be given to the problems being faced by the farmers and steps would be initiated to resolve them. Odisha Health Minister Naba Das died after being shot at. (Image credit: Twitter/@nabadasjsg) In a country that has had its tragic share of assassinations, including the most heinous murder of the apostle of peace the nation remembered on January 30, the killing of Odishas health and family welfare minister Naba Das on Sunday still comes as a shocker. It is not often that an armed policeman becomes an assassin though there was a precedent in Mrs Indira Gandhi being gunned down by the very people who were detailed to protect her. As a politician and a serving minister, the senior BJD leader may have been in the right place as he went to an inaugural event on a Sunday. It was his misfortune that a sub-inspector, said to have been facing a mental health issue as serious as bipolar disorder, as revealed by a doctor who had treated him in the past as well as recently, chose that occasion to use his gun on a human target because he was unhappy with something in his professional life. The service conditions of policemen, who draw relatively meagre salaries, has been a long running issue in a country whose people are accustomed to being granted leave for personal reasons at the drop of a hat. This matter of taking casual leave has been a perennial problem in police forces leading to many an incident of cops opening fire on colleagues or themselves. Mental health issues are, however, a very serious matter and need far greater application of collective minds of the superiors in such forces. Medical resources are rarely used to treat people who are always on an edge when it comes to being on duty for long hours on bandobast duty and for days together. There is a need not only for greater sensitisation among the workforce but also sensitivity on the part of those in charge of such human resources. It must be terrible for the leaders family that he should be the victim of what may not have been a planned political assassination. While grieving for him as we invariably do when a person is thought of as an innocent victim, what must not be lost sight of is the larger human problem of mental illness, to talk about which itself may have been taboo in Indian society. To be humane may come with a cost but, as a society, we have some way to go in recognising the problems of people among us and helping them. Wounded policemen get treated at a military hospital a day after the mosque blast inside the police headquarters in Peshawar on January 31, 2023. - The toll from a mosque blast targeting police in northwestern Pakistan has risen to 83, hospital officials said January 31. (Photo by Abdul MAJEED / AFP) Peshawar: The death toll from a powerful suicide bombing at a crowded Peshawar mosque in northwestern Pakistan rose to 90 on Tuesday after rescue teams retrieved more bodies from the debris, police said. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has taken responsibility for the attack which took place inside the mosque in the high-security Police Lines area on Monday. According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers when he exploded himself. Sahibzada Noor Ul Amin, the Imam of the mosque, was also killed in the blast, police said. "Death toll of Peshawar blast has risen to ninety as rescue operation is still underway and debris of mosque is being removed," the state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday. According to the Police Control Room Peshawar, more than 200 injured were brought to the Lady Reading hospital, out of which about 100 injured are under treatment in the hospital and the rest have been discharged, the report said. The number of fatalities rose as rescue teams retrieved more bodies from the debris of the mosque in the predawn hours of Tuesday. Earlier, Spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital Muhammad Asim said that 157 injured people were brought to the medical facility after the blast. Bodies of 44 people were also transferred to the hospital. At the moment, around 65 injured are getting treatment at the Lady Reading Hospital. Some of the injured are critical, while condition of most is satisfactory, Asim said, adding that most people among the injured and dead included police officers. Capital City Police Officer, Peshawar (CCPO) Ejaz Khan, while talking to the media, said that it was too early to say anything as many policemen are still trapped under the rubble. "Close to 300-400 policemen usually offer prayer at the Zuhr time. If a blast has taken place inside police lines then it is a security lapse but an investigation into the matter can reveal further," said the CCPO. Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the attack. "I strongly condemn the heinous & cowardly blast that has taken place in Peshawar mosque. The perpetrators will be found and punished. Condolences to families who have lost an innocent member & prayers for injured. Terrorism must be buried forever," Alvi tweeted. Shehbaz said the blast inside the mosque proves that those involved in the attack have nothing to do with Islam. These terrorists are trying to instil fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan, he said, assuring the people that the coalition government will take strict action against those involved in the attack. PTI Chairman and ex-premier Imran Khan also took to Twitter to condemn the suicide attack. "Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers. My prayers & condolences go to victims' families. It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism," he wrote. Last year, a similar attack inside a Shia mosque in the Kocha Risaldar area in the city killed 63 people. The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, called off a ceasefire with the federal government and ordered its militants to stage terrorist attacks across the country. The group, which is believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. In 2014, the Pakistani Taliban stormed the Army Public School (APS) in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing at least 150 people, including 131 students. The attack sent shockwaves across the world and was widely condemned. As the 2030 deadline to transition to 500-GW non-fossil energy looms large, the Union Power Ministry on Monday asserted that the country was on path to achieve the goal, but requires investments with the transmission works for the solar projects alone expected to cost Rs 2.5 lakh crore. During the COP26 meet in November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will have non-fossil electricity generation of 500 GW capacity by 2030. With the present installed capacity of renewable energy estimated at 160 GW, India has a long way to go to achieve the target. Replying to questions from mediapersons, Power Ministry secretary Alok Kumar said India has achieved similar goals earlier. Read | China has set its sights on cornering hydrogen, another green energy market In the 2015 Paris meet, we had pledged to achieve 40% of the power generation (installed capacity) by non-fossil fuels by 2030. We achieved it in 2022 itself. Similarly, we also pledged that we will reduce our emissions by 33% as compared to 2005 levels by 2030. We are already close to 30%, he said. He said the government has now set a higher goal, but it requires investment. We are aiming to achieve 42% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. If you talk of solar, we have about 61 GW at present and we are expecting close to 300 GW of installed capacity. The 500 GW transmission plan will require new investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore for transmission alone. We estimate that 1 MW solar energy will require Rs 4 crore, he said, adding that the country will require $10 billion by 2070 to achieve net zero. To questions over assessment of the threat posed to the environment by the small hydro projects in the wake of the Joshimath incident, he said such projects need environment clearance. Most of the renewable energy in India will come from solar and wind. Small hydro projects have to get clearance from the environment ministry, he said, adding that a group in the Ministry of Home Affairs was looking into the Joshimath incident comprehensively and will come up with a conclusion. Scores of parents staged a protest on Monday outside Orchids The International School in Mahalakshmi Layout questioning the institute's affiliation status with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Recently, parents who send their children to Orchids branches at Nagarabhavi and Panathur also staged a protest. An FIR has also been filed against the Nagarabhavi branch. Apparently, the school branch at Mahalakshmi Layout does not have CBSE affiliation and it has issued a circular informing parents that exams will be held for Classes 5 and 8 as per the state board syllabus. This caused worry among parents. "We will write to the Department of School Education & Literacy demanding action against the management," said Yogananda B N of the RTE Students and Parents Association. Orchids' statement In a statement, Orchids said they are following rules and guidelines. "All of our schools have required affiliation to operate in the state. Nine of our schools have CBSE/ICSE affiliation. Our recently opened schools are proposed to be CBSE schools in future and are undergoing the affiliation process by getting all the approvals/permissions/recognitions in place," the statement said. "As per government regulations, all the schools have to be first affiliated to the state board to be able to apply for national/international board affiliation, and Orchids The International brand of schools have the required state board permission. The school is eligible to file CBSE registration only when grade 8 commences," the management explained. "There are several approvals required from the education department to get state No Objection Certificate (NOC)... this is a time consuming and lengthy process. Normally, it takes three to four years for a school to formally get CBSE affiliation depending on when the school reaches grade 8," it said. The management even claimed that the affiliation process got delayed due to the pandemic situation and that it had maintained complete transparency in the admission documentation. The death toll from a powerful suicide bombing at a crowded Peshawar mosque in northwestern Pakistan rose to 90 on Tuesday after rescue teams retrieved more bodies from the debris, police said. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has taken responsibility for the attack which took place inside the mosque in the high-security Police Lines area on Monday. According to security officials, the suicide attacker was present in the front row during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayers when he exploded himself. Sahibzada Noor Ul Amin, the Imam of the mosque, was also killed in the blast, police said. "Death toll of Peshawar blast has risen to ninety as rescue operation is still underway and debris of mosque is being removed," the state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday. According to the Police Control Room Peshawar, more than 200 injured were brought to the Lady Reading hospital, out of which about 100 injured are under treatment in the hospital and the rest have been discharged, the report said. The number of fatalities rose as rescue teams retrieved more bodies from the debris of the mosque in the predawn hours of Tuesday. Earlier, the Spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital Muhammad Asim said that 157 injured people were brought to the medical facility after the blast. Bodies of 44 people were also transferred to the hospital. At the moment, around 65 injured are getting treatment at the Lady Reading Hospital. Some of the injured are critical, while the condition of most is satisfactory, Asim said, adding that most people among the injured and dead included police officers. Capital City Police Officer, Peshawar (CCPO) Ejaz Khan, while talking to the media, said that it was too early to say anything as many policemen are still trapped under the rubble. "Close to 300-400 policemen usually offer prayer at the Zuhr time. If a blast has taken place inside police lines then it is a security lapse but an investigation into the matter can reveal further," said the CCPO. Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the attack. "I strongly condemn the heinous & cowardly blast that has taken place in Peshawar mosque. The perpetrators will be found and punished. Condolences to families who have lost an innocent member & prayers for injured. Terrorism must be buried forever," Alvi tweeted. Shehbaz said the blast inside the mosque proves that those involved in the attack have nothing to do with Islam. These terrorists are trying to instill fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan, he said, assuring the people that the coalition government will take strict action against those involved in the attack. PTI Chairman and ex-premier Imran Khan also took to Twitter to condemn the suicide attack. "Strongly condemn the terrorist suicide attack in police lines mosque Peshawar during prayers. My prayers & condolences go to victims' families. It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism," he wrote. Last year, a similar attack inside a Shia mosque in the Kocha Risaldar area in the city killed 63 people. The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, called off a ceasefire with the federal government and ordered its militants to stage terrorist attacks across the country. The group, which is believed to be close to al-Qaeda, has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. In 2014, the Pakistani Taliban stormed the Army Public School (APS) in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing at least 150 people, including 131 students. The attack sent shockwaves across the world and was widely condemned. Sri Lankas former President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday apologised to the country's minority Catholic community for the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 270 people, including 11 Indians. Nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing more than 270 people and injuring over 500. The bombings triggered a political storm as then President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were blamed for their inability to prevent the attacks despite prior intelligence being made available. "I say sorry to the Catholic community for something done by others, Sirisena said while addressing a political group of his Freedom Party here. His apology came weeks after the Supreme Court on January 12 ordered him to pay SLRs 100 million as compensation to the victims. His failure to pay the victims would send him to jail on contempt of court charges. Sirisena, the Sri Lankan president from 2015 to 2019, also said he would contest the next presidential election due in 2024. As many as 12 petitioners, including the kin of the victims, the Catholic clergy, and the lawyers body Bar Association of Sri Lanka, had filed the fundamental rights petition against the then president for his negligence in preventing the attacks. A presidential panel of inquiry appointed by Sirisena after the attacks ironically found the then-president guilty of his failure to prevent the attacks. Sirisena, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge in the case filed after the panels findings. Head of the local Catholic Church, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, continued to express his dissatisfaction over the probe in the matter, claiming that the investigation was a cover-up. Sirisena denies the charge and blames the then defence establishment for the lapse which led to the coordinated attacks. An Italian woman passenger was arrested and later granted bail after she allegedly created a ruckus and assaulted Vistara's cabin crew on an Abu Dhabi-Mumbai flight which landed on Monday, January 30. The flyer, Paola Perruccio, allegedly insisted on sitting in business class despite an economy ticket. She took off some of her clothes and walked up and down the aisle in a partially naked state, according to ANI. Sahar police, who registered a case on the airline staffs complaint on board Air Vistara flight UK 256, said the flyer, was inebriated. The flight, which took off from Abu Dhabi at 2:03 am IST on Monday, landed in Mumbai in the early hours of January 30. Vistara Spokesperson said, "We confirm that there was an unruly passenger on Vistara flight UK 256 operating from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai on 30 January 2023. In view of the continued unruly conduct and violent behaviour, the captain issued a warning card and made a decision to restrain the customer." The pilot made regular announcements to assure the other customers onboard of their safety and security. In accordance with the guidelines and our stringent SOPs, the security agencies on-ground were informed to take immediate action upon arrival, the Vistara spokesperson added. India and the US on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The situation in the Indo-Pacific came up for discussion during talks between Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Victoria Nuland. In the talks, held under the framework of annual India-US Foreign Office Consultations, the two sides covered contemporary regional developments in South Asia, Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Also Read | NSA Ajit K Doval meets Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley in U S "The two sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region," it said in a statement. The MEA said both sides reviewed progress made towards further consolidating the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. It said Kwatra and Nuland took stock of a number of initiatives and frameworks that reflect common strategic interests, including Quad, I2U2, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA). While the Quad comprises India, the US, Australia and Japan, the members of the I2U2 are India, Israel, the US and the United Arab Emirates. US President Joe Biden in May last year launched the IPEF, which is an initiative aimed at deeper cooperation among like-minded countries in areas like clean energy, supply-chain resilience and digital trade. Also Read | India-Russia ties appear strong, but appearances are deceptive In May last year, the Quad leaders launched the IPMDA which is primarily aimed at monitoring regional waters against the backdrop of China's increasing muscle-flexing in the region. "Both sides agreed to work together during India's ongoing G20 Presidency. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in multilateral fora and international organisations, including the UN, on global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. "The productive and substantive meeting enabled both sides to continue a regular dialogue that has been instrumental in enhancing mutual understanding and in identification of opportunities for further growth and enrichment of the India-US partnership," it added. Danielle, a Korean-Australian member of K-pop girl group NewJeans / Courtesy of ADOR 'Culture has no nationality' By Dong Sun-hwa On Jan. 21, Danielle, a Korean-Australian member of K-pop girl group NewJeans, apologized soon after sending a message to her fans that read: "What r u bunnies (the name of the quintet's global fandom) doing for Chinese new year?" What raised the eyebrows of numerous Korean fans was her use of the phrase, "Chinese New Year." They insisted the 17-year-old's word choice was inappropriate, as the Lunar New Year is a major holiday celebrated in many countries other than China, including Korea, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. Thus, the K-pop star had to issue an apology, promising she would be more careful with her words and actions in the future. Just one day later, the British Museum which shared a Twitter post introducing its special performances celebrating "Korean Lunar New Year" on Jan. 12 deleted it and uploaded a new post with the hashtag, "#ChineseNewYear." The first national public museum of the world is believed to have made the modification in the face of severe criticism from Chinese internet users, who accused it of "cultural appropriation." The British Museum's Twitter post with the hashtag, "#ChineseNewYear" / Captured from Twitter These incidents have brought up a question: What is the best way of referring to this annual holiday? According to experts, "Lunar New Year" is the least-controversial term. "An attempt to give nationality to shared culture is not a fashion of the 21st century," Jieun Kiaer, a professor of Korean Language and Linguistics at the University of Oxford, told The Korea Times. "Such an attempt was frequently made in the preceding century, when some countries strived to show off their cultural dominance by adding their names to different cultural assets. But today, doing so can trigger political spats." The professor added that the majority of English-speaking countries, such as the U.K., often used the phrase, "Chinese New Year" in the past due to an old habit. "In bygone days, many English-speaking countries thought that being 'Chinese' means being 'pan-Asian,' as China was the first Asian country they encountered and actively interacted with," she said. "Since they were not exposed to other Asian cultures, they simply described Asian stuff as 'Chinese-something,' as evidenced by the cases of 'Chinese cabbage' and 'Chinese pancake.' But the term 'Chinese' is quite complex and political in reality." However, the trend is changing thanks to social media platforms, which have provided people with a range of information about Asia, prompting them to explore its diverse aspects and hidden gems. "Asian awareness has significantly improved and people in the West are now replacing the 'Chinese New Year' with the term the 'Lunar New Year,'" Kiaer said. Lim Dae-geun, a professor of Chinese Cinema Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), also underscored that culture has no nationality. "It is not completely wrong to add 'Korean' or 'Chinese' to the Lunar New Year since both countries celebrate it, but culture does not hold any nationality in essence," he said. "The concept of nationality was formed after modernization. The Lunar New Year was created before the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948 and the People's Republic of China in 1949. But today, people tend to confine culture within a specific nation, instead of relishing it together." "Tteokguk" (sliced rice cake soup), eaten by many Koreans on New Year's Day / gettyimagesbank A legion of Chinese online users even criticized some celebrities and institutions including the Walt Disney Company for using the phrase, "Lunar New Year," but Lim pointed out that this is unwise. "If Beijing continues to claim ownership of shared culture that originated in China, it will lose the chance to further disseminate its culture, with other countries trying to break away from Chinese influence and develop their unique customs and rituals." Although the Lunar New Year is known to have started in China's Shang Dynasty in the 14th century B.C., experts believe other countries can still claim it as their own, because they celebrate it in their distinctive styles and manners. "In the case of Korea, the way people celebrate the Lunar New Year is different from that of Chinese, except for eating dumplings," Kiaer explained, adding that Korea has its own word "Seollal" that specifically refers to this holiday. Korean people also eat "tteokguk" (sliced rice cake soup), perform "sebae" by bowing to elders on their knees, and play traditional games such as "yutnori." In China, people eat fish and moon-shaped rice cakes, light firecrackers and put on red outfits, which are believed to bring luck and prosperity. Young children perform "sebae" to elders at a senior center in Seoul, Jan. 17. Korea Times file Korea, China in cultural feud This is not the first time that internet users in Korea and China have faced cultural clashes. They have quarreled over the roots of specific items like "kimchi" (fermented cabbage) and "hanbok" (traditional Korean dress) in recent years amid souring Korea-China ties. Most recently, Beijing has lifted its ban on short-term visas for Japanese travelers, but not for those from Korea. The suspension was imposed earlier this month, when Seoul and Tokyo tightened COVID-19 quarantine measures on the arrivals from China that lately saw a spike in the number of patients. China, which shares traditional culture with many other Asian countries like Japan and Vietnam, has been particularly at odds with Korea, with people from these two countries exchanging harsh and hurtful words against each other. K-pop boy band BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit Music Several Shiv Sena (UBT) workers on Tuesday protested outside the office of state housing body MHADA in Bandra here after an office space used by MLC Anil Parab was demolished in the western suburb, a police official said. Former minister Parab, who is in the Uddhav Thackeray camp, also visited the spot amid sloganeering by his party workers, including women, against the government led by Eknath Shindes Balasahebanchi Sena and the BJP, said the official. Dozens of protesters were detained as a large contingent of policemen stood guard outside the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) office, he said. Parab also visited the MHADA office. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claimed on Monday that the illegal office of Parab in Bandra was razed. Sources said Parab had been using office space on the premises of a housing society at MHADA Colony in Bandra East. The structure was recently demolished by the society. The decision by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India with the freedom to structure courses and fees could drastically alter the higher education ecosystem. The intention of the policy is to stem the flow of foreign universities attracting Indian students and stop the flood of foreign exchange going offshore. In 2009, an estimated 770,000 Indian students spent a whopping $28 billion to peruse education abroad. Should India succeed in attracting foreign universities, it will have a game-changing effect on the higher education sector. First, in areas such as technology and computer science, for example, a much wider pool of talent could be trained than the current small batch of IIT students. Second, the universities will also encourage an aspect of academics that are all but missing from higher education in India research. University research is the undervalued prize that India could win. Some of the greatest inventions happened in seminar rooms and laboratories of universities. The E-book by Stanford, the ultrasound machine discovered at the University of Glasgow, and the contraceptive pill by the University of Manchester to name just three. Third, it will be transformative for talented teachers salaries. As things stand, private universities in India already pay a higher grade of salaries, and since they can hire and fire unlike government universities where typically a job is for life, the quality of education in some Indian private universities is already at par with if not higher than government universities. Now the pay scale of foreign universities is of a different order. Read | Allowing foreign universities in India: Pros and cons In the United States, an ivy league professor's salary averages Rs 1.7 crore per year. Even in a second or third-tier university, the pay scale is likely to be Rs 60 lakh a year. This will make teaching for the best teacher very lucrative indeed. It will pressure private Indian universities to pay more. Teaching as a profession that has not been seen as a high-paying one could be transformed by the entry of foreign universities, and also dent the multibillion-dollar tuition teacher market in India. While what this policy aims to achieve is laudable, it is unlikely to change the course of the Indian exodus overnight. Three principal problems stand in the way. The first is the fact that except for oil and gas-rich West Asian success stories, overseas campuses have rarely succeeded. The Emirates has leveraged bulging current account surpluses on the back of high fuel prices to create successful foreign universities. They have attracted these universities with subsidised campus land-generous scholarships for students along with part payment of salaries and perks by the government amounting to $5 billion. They are clearly looking into the future, and know that if the ecosystem takes off higher education will leapfrog two generations in 20 years, and create a leadership class sorely needed to run their economies. Now it is not that the Government of India cannot spend $5 billion to attract an Oxford or a Princeton. While the money is there and it also makes eminent economic sense when you see the long-term trade-off of cutting the $30 billion per year expenditure on foreign studies (growing at about 15 per cent a year), the semantics do not sit well. India already spends far too much on higher education subsidies at the cost of basic education and will find more spending for foreigners difficult to defend politically. The second major problem is that access to the majority of Indians to foreign universities will be difficult given their fee structure. However, a bigger problem is that these foreign universities will raid Indian government universities of their best teachers and over time leave them with two choices a mediocre staffroom, or higher fees to attract better teachers. This deals a double whammy for many Indians who depend on the State-funded education system. The third problem is the politics of teaching. Many universities, such as Yale and Berkley, are perceived as anti-India and supporting the fifth column by the government; but, the luxury of picking and choosing your university is not Indias. Finally, there is the issue of Indias reservations for the Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Other Backward Classes, and the economically weaker classes. In this respect, the autonomy offered to foreign universities may include an exception from reservations. Thus, while throwing that graduation cap fully in the air at a Cambridge on Indian soil is an idea that Indian policymakers want their citizens to experience, getting there will test India. (Ninad D Sheth is a senior journalist) The views expressed are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH. On one side of a glass wall, three toddlers in a nursery school flattened play dough with plastic rolling pins. On the other, three old women in a nursing home tapped the pane to get their attention. Lets say hi to the nonni, the childrens teacher said before leading them through a door that connected the two rooms. The children stopped to play with the magnifying glass of a delighted 89-year-old woman who had been using it to read obituaries. Then the toddlers, all 2 years old, took an elevator upstairs, where nursing home residents waited to read them picture books in a small library. Its an extraordinary thing, said one of the residents, Giacomo Scaramuzza, 100. People think we are from two different worlds, but its not true. We are in the same world. And maybe I give them something, too. There is an exchange. Piacenzas Elderly and Children Together, an experimental project in the countrys most renowned region for childhood education and elder care, seeks to connect the vulnerable at both extremes of life. But it also puts Italys two existential challenges under one roof. Italys population is aging and shrinking at the fastest rate in the West, forcing the country to adapt to a booming population of the elderly that puts it at the forefront of a global demographic trend that experts call the silver tsunami. But it faces a demographic double whammy, with a drastically sinking birthrate that is among the lowest in Europe. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said Italy is destined to disappear unless it changes. This month, Melonis government approved a new Pact for the Third Age, which she said would lay a foundation for health and social overhauls for Italys exploding population of old people. They represent the heart of society, and a patrimony of values, traditions and precious wisdom, said Meloni, adding that the law would prevent marginalisation and the parking of elderly in institutions. To care for the old is to care for all of us, she said. The overhaul essentially adopted, experts say nearly wholesale, a measure approved at the end of the previous administration of Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Critically, it followed Draghis lead in wrapping the legislation into the European Union recovery fund program, which ensures that it will be enacted. This is the acknowledgment that long-term care is a welfare policy, said Cristiano Gori, who leads the Pact for a New Welfare on the Dependent, the umbrella organisation that advocated the law. The new law, he said, will fix a system that is a mess, streamlining and simplifying government healthcare and social services, and getting local and national government into the growing field of long-term care. At the same time, it seeks to keep aging Italians in their own homes and out of institutions. A key innovation, he said, depends on funding by the Meloni government but would give Italians a choice between unconditional cash benefits or larger in-kind contributions to be used for public care. The main shortcoming is that there is no money, Gori said. The hope, he said, is that Melonis government, which sold itself to voters as being family, family, family, will make the program a real priority and fund it. But without more young people to join the workforce and pay into pension and welfare systems, the whole system is imperiled. Meloni, who once ran for mayor while pregnant, is Italys first female prime minister, and throughout her career, she has made raising the countrys perennially low birth rate and helping working mothers a priority. But critics say her Italians First opposition to immigration she has gone so far as to warn against ethnic replacement hurts population growth. And Melonis government, slowed by local bureaucratic snags, has already delayed a programme to build new nursery schools financed with 3 billion euros or about $3.3 billion in EU recovery funds. If Italy does not get serious about encouraging young families and working women to have children, it will remain and forever be a country that gets older, said Alessandro Rosina, a leading Italian demographer and an author of Demographic History of Italy. The combination of low employment for women, the fleeing of young professionals and families, little immigration, low birthrates and radically increased life expectancy amounted to a demographic disaster, he said. The reality of the grey new world poses a make-or-break test for Italy, making it a laboratory for many Western countries with aging populations, some experts said. Some of Italys regions hope to delay that demographic time bomb by prolonging the period in which older people can work, be self-sufficient and contribute, and not be a financial drain on society. The center in Piacenza has sought to invigorate them with its precious resource of children. Before Covid sealed the nursing home off, children in the centre ate and even cooked with the older residents. Now things are opening up again. The children use walkers in the corridor as race cars, they turn a lunch cart into a pirate ship, and they play in the gym while the residents do their fitness routines. The centre has received interest from academics. It echoes the traditional Italian home, with the residents as the heads of the family, the staff as the adults and the children as the children. In November, Meloni, who has roots in post-Fascist parties, encouraged couples to have children and businesses to hire women. She later announced a 50% increase in the baby bonus cheques parents receive a year after a birth and a 50% increase in assistance for three years to families with more than three children. We continue to look at today, Meloni has said, not realising we wont have a tomorrow. But despite billions of euros earmarked for nursery schools by the European Union, Italy has delayed the start date on 1,857 nurseries and 333 kindergartens, the majority in Italys poorer south. If Italy fails to start building by the latest deadline, June 2023, it risks losing the money. Scaramuzza, the centenarian, said he hoped some of the new nurseries would also share space with nursing homes, as his does. Not having had children or grandchildren, he said, here, I have a great number of grandchildren. On January 5, 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released the draft guidelines allowing foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs) to set up campuses in India. The idea is not entirely new. At least three such attempts were made in 1995, 2006, and 2010. But owing to a lack of support, the proposal was shelved. Today, the idea has more takers and is almost reaching fruition because of its alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. The UGC has invited responses to the draft guidelines. An honest deconstruction of it must reveal both the advantages and the disadvantages. Many believe the move will be a game-changer and provide a fillip to healthy competition among universities in India. But, will it be easy, given the complexities involved in the Indian higher educational ecosystem? One must also admit that Indian universities must up their standards to compete globally. The absence of Indian universities in the top global rankings is a concern. So, will this move by the UGC help Indian students and nudge Indian universities to upgrade themselves? Or will it prove counterproductive? Promises, a mixed bag The draft proposes that only institutions which have secured a place within the top 500 of overall or subject-wise global rankings are eligible to apply. Given the Covid impact and loss on revenue generation, not many reputed foreign institutions may express interest unless offered a subsidy. For instance, Dubai, Qatar and Singapore governments provide substantial grants to foreign universities operating from their countries. The draft is entirely silent on this critical point. The draft grants total freedom to FHEIs in student admission, decisions on fee structure, scholarship schemes, faculty recruitment and service conditions. The danger in granting complete freedom on fee fixation is that revenue generation could acquire undue prominence leading to more commercialisation and commodification of education which is against the tenets of NEP 2020. Indian universities are denied even half the autonomy granted to FHEIs. Without a level-playing field, strengthening Indian universities is unthinkable. The proposal has fixed a 90-day limit for approval, perhaps to overcome the bureaucratic tangles. It is a positive step. The draft states that the approval is valid for ten years but extendable subject to fulfilling the required conditions. One such condition, for example, is to allow the Commission set up by the UGC to inspect, monitor, and review the institutions progress. But will this Commission possess expertise and resources for an unbiased assessment and intervention wherever needed? The draft demands that degrees awarded in India should have equivalence with those awarded in the country of origin. In addition, foreign faculty recruited shall stay on the Indian campus for a reasonable period. Regarding imparting quality education or faculty qualification, there cannot be variation between the Indian campus and those in the country of origin. Many experts support these and say that FHEIs will offer world-class education at a lower cost, thereby reducing foreign exchange outflow. Besides, through international curriculum and pedagogy, FHEIs can increase students global competencies and prepare them to face global challenges. The downside, however, is that such institutions will be exclusivist, a haven for the rich and the elite, further accentuating socioeconomic inequalities in the country. Hence, the claim that foreign universities will increase access to higher education is tenuous. Yet another significant concern is the extent to which these institutions will focus on the local, regional, and national needs and cultures. Impact on Indian universities FHEIs will pose little challenge for public universities as students from disadvantaged sections would still flock to them. Adherence to the reservation system may not be a mandate for the FHEIs. However, elite private universities will be hard-hit. The difference in tuition fees between private universities and FHEIs may not be huge. For instance, the fee for a BA programme in public universities is a few thousand rupees, while it runs into a few lakhs in private universities. Who wouldnt want a foreign degree for the same fees or a little more? In addition, the poaching of the best faculty talents is likely to increase. The lack of resources in Indian universities, poor infrastructure, unattractive pay perks, insufficient research facilities and the absence of conducive work culture may result in an exodus of capable faculty to FHEIs. Thus, catering to the needs of a small minority of Indian students, FHEIs can further widen the educational disparity among students. The proposal acknowledges the failing standards of the current educational landscape in the country, which is essentially the governments failure. The announcement of investing 6% of the GDP in higher education remains a non-starter. FHEIs, on their own, cannot bridge the gap. The government and the UGC must explore avenues to invest more in new and existing universities to make them globally competent. (The author is the dean, School of Arts and Humanities, Christ (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru) Updated: February 1, 2023 The Delaware County Bureau of Elections recently completed a successful recount of votes cast during the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election, verifying the official election results reported shortly after Election Day. The recount was undertaken as part of an agreement with a small group of residents who had filed a petition in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, seeking recounts in multiple precincts to address their concerns that the vote tallies in Delaware County were inaccurate. During a hearing held on Nov. 22, before Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Barry Dozor, the petitioners agreed to withdraw their petitionin exchange for which the Board of Elections agreed to conduct a full recount of a single precinct of the petitioners choosing; Haverford 2-3 was their precinct of choice. Conducted at the Bureau of Elections offices at the Union Power Plant building in Chester on Jan. 12, 2023, the recount involved seven observers representing the petitioners, eight County workers, and a party leader, and took a little over four hours to complete. The recount was first conducted using certified tabulation equipment and then separately, was conducted by hand, allowing the observers to examine every Election Day ballot, absentee ballot, mail-in ballot, and provisional ballot from a distance of two feet. The recount provided a 100% verification of the original vote totals for each candidate for the four races on the Haverford 2-3 ballotincluding candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor / Lieutenant Governor, the U.S. House (the 5th District), and State House (the 166th District)inclusive of every Election Day, mail-in and provisional ballot. Everything was verified 100 percent, said Delaware County Director of Elections James Allen. Every single vote, every single contest, every single over vote, every single under vote, every single write in. The successful recount was the latest vindication for the Delaware County Bureau of Elections, which like many election offices across the country in the wake of the 2020 General Election, has facedand wonnumerous lawsuits regarding election results. In all, The County of Delaware has prevailed in over a dozen lawsuits that have been filed in the Delaware County court system since 2020, with cases either dismissed or ruled in the Countys favor. We have now been through six recounts with the current balloting system, two of which included hand recounts, explained Director Allen. In all of the recounts, in each and every case, the original results have been confirmedeven a mayoral contest that was decided by three votes. In addition, risk-limiting audits of randomly selected precinctsusing manual hand counts of mail-in and/or precinct ballotsare performed after each election in Pennsylvania. These audits have successfully verified the results of each election in Delaware County since the audit process was first implemented in 2020. These recounts really underscore not only the professional work being done by our Bureau of Elections under Jim Allen, but also the great work being done by our poll workers, said Councilwoman Christine Reuther, adding These recounts and risk-limiting audits really illustrate the accuracy of our processes and demonstrate that that our balloting system is accurate and secure. Art aficionados have been invited to love the arts this Valentine's Day by visiting Eden Place Arts' Centre. The Centre, which is based in Pilots' Row Community Centre in the Bogside, is launching 'Our Climate Challenge', on Tuesday, February 14, from 4pm to 6pm. 20 North West Regional College students who are currently studying the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design are exhibiting their work from February 14 to 24. The exhibition has been organised jointly by Eden Place Arts Centre and NWRC as part of their Community Outreach Programme. The theme of the exhibition is 'Our Climate Challenge' which is addressed by the students through a variety of media including oil on canvas, mixed media textiles and fashion. The students come from all over the North West with some travelling daily from as far away as Omagh to attend the College. The exhibitors range in age from 18 to over 40 with some now returning to the field of education after a break of many years. Most have never exhibited in public before and this exhibition represents their opportunity to show their talent to a wider audience. Last year saw more than 30 students from the course progressed to Third Level institutions across Ireland and within Britain and this work will form part of their portfolio submissions through UCAS to Universities across Britain. The NWRC Fine Art lecturer Kathleen Doherty commented: "The quality of the art of these students is testament to the many hours of research and work that they have invested in examining the theme of Climate Change'. Lauren Scott the students' textiles lecturer noted that "the range of approaches taken by the students highlights the breadth of imagination that these students possess". "2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Eden Place Arts Centre bringing arts to the heart of the community and we are absolutely delighted to have our arts centre burtsting with young talent from the North West Regional College," said Judi Logue, Arts Centre Co-ordinator. "This is a great opportunity for the young people to experience exhibiting their work outside the college. "We are inviting everyone to come in to view this wonderful exhibition and share our love of art on this Valentines day," said Judi. Derry City and Strabane District Council is due to meet representatives of the Housing Executive, housing associations, and the Department for Communities regarding damp and mould in social housing. Speaking to Derry Now, Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) said the death of two year old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale as a result of mould in his bedroom was a tragedy which should and could have been avoided. Cllr Harkin added: "When tenants in Derry spoke out about mould and damp in their homes, People Before Profit proposed an urgent meeting of Council with landlord organisations. "At today's meeting with representatives of the Housing Executive, housing associations and the Department for Communities, we will be pressing them on what action they are taking to deal with instances of damp and mould and what action is being taken to prevent dangerous situations from developing? "The same message needs to go out to private landlords. Too often residents tell us they are told by landlord organisations the problem is drying clothes or the responsibility of the tenant. "Astronomical energy prices means many families and individuals struggle to properly heat their home. Many simply can't. It's unacceptable that far too many homes are now colder and damper." Cllr Harkin said homes that were not properly insulated and ventilated were susceptible to spreading mould and damp. He added: "Vulnerable people, babies and children are particularly at risk from respiratory and health conditions. "There needs to be clear accountability from housing organisations and urgent action must be taken to address mould and damp. "Everyone should be able to live in a house that isn't covered in dangerous mould, damp or cold." Leading local health charity Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) will be lighting up the town red this February to mark National Heart Month and the charitys annual Red Dress Fun Run. The Red Dress Fun Run, supported by MACE and Musgrave Marketplace, is the charitys five kilometre run or walk event which aims to raise funds and awareness for heart disease. The event coincides with National Heart Month in February, when NICHS will be encouraging people to think about their cardiovascular health and the steps they can take towards a healthier, stronger heart, such as eating healthily and getting active. Derry City and Strabane Council will show their support for the charity by lighting up civic buildings in red, NICHSs brand colour, tomorrow (Wednesday 1st February). The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: I am pleased that the Council is supporting NI Chest Heart & Stroke by lighting up its civic buildings red. "Sadly, four people in Northern Ireland die every day from heart disease, and coronary heart disease is the biggest single cause of premature deaths in the under 75s. "I would encourage you all to take part in the Red Dress Fun Run event taking place during National Heart Month. It is so important that as a community we raise support and awareness to help reduce these staggering figures. Last year the charity hosted their biggest and most successful Red Dress Fun Run to date, with just under 600 participants coming together at the event at Stormont, as well as the virtual version which saw participants taking part in their local area and raising a staggering 50,000 to help combat heart disease. The same format remains for 2023, allowing people who cant make it to the main event to complete 5K their way during the month of February. Tara Currie, Events and Marketing Manager at NICHS, is urging the public to sign up to the event saying: We are so grateful for the support of Councillor Sandra Duffy as we look forward to this years Red Dress Fun Run. "Today, there are over 335,000 people living with a chest, heart or stroke condition in Northern Ireland - many of these people will live in the Derry City and Strabane area. Please support us by running, walking, dancing, skipping or wheeling 5K with us on Sunday 26th February at 11am at Stormont Estate, or, if you cant make the live event you can do 5K your way any day, or days, in February. Red Dress Fun Run Red-y . . . (L-R) Diane, Tara, Lisa, Spider-Man and Iggy- L to R: Diane Anthony, Musgrave, Tara Currie, NICHS, Lisa Andrews, Musgrave MarketPlace, Spider-Man and Iggy the dog. "Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun - even the family pooch! The charity will once again partner with MACE for the 2023 event and is also delighted to welcome sister company Musgrave MarketPlace as a supporter. Diane Anthony from Musgrave says; MACE and Musgrave MarketPlace are both backing NICHSs call for people to dress up in red and wear their heart on their sleeve at this years event, which is set to be fantastic. "Whether youre taking part in memory of someone you have lost to heart disease, celebrating someone who is living with a heart condition, or to prevent heart disease happening to someone in the future sign up and join us to support this worthy cause! Primary school pupils are also invited to join in by hosting their own fun run anytime this February. Each school that takes part will receive a certificate of thanks to show how much they raised and there is an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes. If you have been inspired to step up to the challenge, you can sign up to the Red Dress Fun Run at www.nichs.org.uk/ RedDressFunRun. You can find out more about getting your primary school involved at www.nichs.org.uk/PSRedDressFunRun. A man from Letterkenny has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with assaulting two doctors in Altnagelvin Hospital. Philip Dodoo (22) of no fixed abode appeared at the court today charged with two counts of assault on two doctors on January 29 this year. He was also charged with disorderly behaviour at the hospital, attempted criminal damage to a trolley and assaulting a police officer on the same date. A police officer connected the accused to the charges. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that there would be no application for bail as there was no suitable address available. He asked the police officer were the assaults on the doctors technical ones or physical. The officer said in one case the assault charge came from putting the doctor in fear of being assaulted after the defendant was said to have lunged towards her. In the other case the officer said that the defendant had bumped the chest of the doctor and asked him 'what are you going to do about it?' Mr Quigley said that there was no address for the defendant at this stage and asked the officer if an address could be found what would the attitude be towards bail. The officer said that Dodoo had only been released from prison in the Republic and there was 'a very high risk of re-offending.' Dodoo was remanded in custody to appear again on February 23. The Government is facing a legal challenge over legislation designed to allow it to expedite the building of border control posts at Northern Ireland ports. The judicial review challenge, brought by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, asserts that the statutory instrument enabling the completion of infrastructure for agri-food checks is unlawful because it treats Northern Ireland as the entry point into the European Union. His claim states that the Northern Ireland Protocol itself asserts that Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the United Kingdom. Mr Brysons legal representatives have served a pre-action letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and are expected to push for an emergency hearing in the High Court in Belfast this week. The protocol, which was agreed by the EU and UK as a way to keep the Irish land border free-flowing post-Brexit, has created a series of new customs and regulatory barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Negotiations between London and Brussels to resolve issues with the operation of the protocol are continuing. The devolved powersharing institutions at Stormont collapsed last year after the DUP withdrew co-operation as part of its protest against the protocol. In the absence of devolved government, responsibility falls on Defra to construct new facilities at Northern Ireland ports to check goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Last month, the government published legislation to ensure completion of the facilities for agri-food checks. The pre-action letter, seen by PA news agency, states that Defra has failed to consult on a matter of public significance and importance given the impact of the legislation is to treat Northern Ireland as the entry point into the European Union. It continues: The purpose of the regulations, set out in the explanatory notes and various public statements by the Government, is to facilitate the construction of border control posts, internally within the United Kingdom. Mr Bryson said: The relevant statutory instrument treats Northern Ireland as the entry point into the European Union territory. This is not only a constitutional absurdity, but it is even at variance with the protocol itself which at Article 4 proclaims Northern Ireland is part of the customs territory of the UK. This legal challenge will force the Government to confront the duplicity of their actions in claiming to be seeking to restore Northern Ireland to the UK, whilst at the same time, in fact laying regulations to treat Northern Ireland as part of the EU. A Defra spokesperson said: We cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings. An airplane belonging to Jeju Air Co., South Korea's biggest low-cost carrier, returned to the airport that it had departed from in Hokkaido, Japan, due to an unusual noise from its engine. The Boeing 737-800 carrying 187 passengers and six crew members returned to New Chitose Airport at 2:45 p.m. after taking off at 1:06 p.m. Jeju Air said the Incheon-bound aircraft circled in the sky to spend fuel in order to meet the required landing weight at which a plane is permitted to land. The passengers were taken to hotels while a safety inspection was conducted, the company said, adding that a substitute plane will depart at noon on Friday. (Yonhap) The Foreign Secretary has said it would be probably a fair assessment to suggest that the UKs exit from the European Union has been tricky. James Cleverly was responding to SNP MP Richard Thomson, who questioned him in the House of Commons over the impact of Brexit, exactly three years since the UKs withdrawal. The MP for Gordon referred to the negative outlook from the International Monetary Funds latest report, before asking: Is there a single aspect of our prosperity or standing in the world that he can think of that has been enhanced in any way by the terms on which weve left? If he is suggesting that our exit from the European Union has been tricky, I think that is probably a fair assessment The foreign secretary is pressed by @RThomsonMP on the impact of Brexit For more Commons clips: https://t.co/dusjcjBw0h pic.twitter.com/NJMhfbQhPW Politics.co.uk (@Politics_co_uk) January 31, 2023 The Foreign Secretary replied: I can assure the honourable gentleman that if he is suggesting that our exit from the European Union has been tricky, I think that is probably (a) fair assessment. Amid laughter from the Opposition benches, Mr Cleverly continued: If he thinks thats tough, imagine what extricating Scotland from one of the longest and most successful unions in human history would be like. And I have absolutely no doubt that our good professional and strong working relationship with Maros Sefcovic and his officials and other members of the European Commission will ultimately be successful. The Government and the European Commission have been locked in talks to resolve the dispute over post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade arrangements over the last few months. Updating MPs on the talks, Mr Cleverly later said that having professional but discreet negotiations are the route to success. In 2016 the British people voted to leave the EU, and 3 years ago we delivered on that historic vote. Since then, weve made huge strides in harnessing these Brexit freedoms. pic.twitter.com/t2P4QkJSWA Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) January 31, 2023 Mr Thomson was not the only MP to raise Brexit during questions to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers, with Conservative James Sunderland suggesting it has actually helped improve the UKs image around the world. The MP for Bracknell said: The recent Ipsos poll of 33 countries has found that people around the world are now more likely to believe that the UK is a positive influence than in 2016. Given our fantastic soft power, given our fantastic global presence around the world, does my right honourable friend agree that Opposition claims of reputational decline may be premature? The Foreign Secretary rebutted: I think its noteworthy that 92% of Ukrainians believe the UK has had a positive influence on world affairs, second only to Canada, that 86% of Americans have a favourable opinion of the UK 34% of Americans have a very favourable opinion of the UK, which is up 4% since Labour left power. Hsinchu, Taiwan, Jan 31, 2023 -- Faraday Technology Corporation (TWSE: 3035), a leading ASIC design service and IP provider, today announced to offer multi-site manufacturing support across all regions for ASIC customers. With its long-term close collaboration with global foundry and OSAT vendors, Faraday is able to provide customers the multi-site support to mitigate manufacturing risks due to economy, accidents, epidemics, or geopolitics. To implement corporate sustainability, Faraday has devoted its resources and efforts to developing a robust business continuity plan (BCP). The company has successfully integrated worldwide multi-site resources, including engineers, foundries, packaging and testing partners, to overcome logistics challenges in past years. This resulting plan has received worldwide recognition from customers for its flexible supply chain management, capacity allocation, rapid response time, and risk control capabilities. We are pleased to offer the preference manufacturing solution to our customers, said Flash Lin, chief operating officer of Faraday. By working in partnership with worldwide suppliers, we build up resilience in response to uncertainty issues and help customers to develop long-life cycle products with confidence. About Faraday Technology Corporation Faraday Technology Corporation (TWSE: 3035) is a leading ASIC design service and IP provider, certificated to ISO 9001 and ISO 26262. The broad silicon IP portfolio includes I/O, Cell Library, Memory Compiler, ARM-compliant CPUs, LPDDR4/4X, DDR4/3, MIPI D-PHY, V-by-One, USB 3.1/2.0, 10/100 Ethernet, Giga Ethernet, SATA3/2, PCIe Gen4/3, and 28G programmable SerDes, etc. Headquartered in Taiwan, Faraday has service and support offices around the world, including the U.S., Japan and China. For more information, visit www.faraday-tech.com. Poco X5 Pro marketing material for the global market has leaked that pretty much confirms the key features of the phone. The leak comes from Sudhanshu Ambhore who claims to have translated the details which were originally in Chinese. Exclusive: POCO X5 Pro 5G marketing material for Global region. -6.67", AMOLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 2400x1080 res, 10bit, 1920Hz PWM Dimming -Snapdragon 778G -108MP Main + 8MP Wide-Angle + 2MP Macro -16MP Selfie -5000mAh -67W Turbo Charging with MMT tech (1/2)#POCOX5Pro5G pic.twitter.com/O4tcs54vIY Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) January 31, 2023 Based on this, we have picked 5 reasons to look out for this Poco phone. 5 key Poco X5 Pro features 1. 120Hz AMOLED FHD+ display Poco X5 Pro global variant could come with a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 10-bit colours, a 4500000: 1 contrast ratio, and 1920Hz PWM dimming. The display could be Dolby Vision certified too. 2. Hi-Res audio Poco could also equip the device with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio wireless certification. 3. Snapdragon 778G Internally, you could be getting Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset with 1 Cortex A78 clocked at 2400 MHz, 3 Cortex A78 cores running at 2200 MHz, and 4 Cortex A55 efficiency cores at 1900 MHz. 4. 108MP camera On the rear side, Poco X5 Pro could be sporting a 108MP primary camera accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide angle, and a 2MP macro module. On the front, there could be a 16MP selfie snapper. 5. Big battery and fast charging Keeping the phone alive could be a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. With all that, Poco X5 Pro could weigh about 181 grams and measure in at about 7.9mm in thickness. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. Vi (Vodafone Idea) has introduced a new affordable 99 plan which comes with a validity of 28 days. The plan comes with a total of 200MB 4G data and calling includes a talk time of 99. Calls will be charged 2.5 paise per second. This is not an unlimited plan so there wont be unlimited calling or 100 SMS on a daily basis. The 99 plan is available on the Vi website and the Vi app. Along with that, Vi has also opened some Vi stores for rural customers known as Digi Shops. Vi has opened almost 1,100 shops in 18 states. It is a new concept for a one-stop service point in tier 3 towns for its prepaid users. It will not only help Vi get closer to rural consumers but Vi is hoping it will increase visits to retail stores as well. New Vi 99 plan for rural and tier 3 users Catering to the affordability of consumers, Vi continues to take measures to offer the best in class mobile services at the most attractive price points. We invite mobile users and non-users to join the high-speed Vi network at just Rs. 99 and continue enjoying the benefits of mobile connectivity in the digital era. This will not just drive inclusivity but also enable more users to enter the digital bandwagon. said a Vodafone spokesperson on the launch of the plan. Vi also claims that it is, the only pan-India, high-speed data network which is offering essential mobile connectivity with both voice and data services to consumers at this price point. Currently, none of the rival telecom operators like Jio and Airtel offers a plan like this. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. A bug was recently discovered by security researcher Gtm Manoz in Metas centralized system that the company created for user logins.The system was designed to align logins across apps such as Facebook and Instagram which may have allowed various hackers to turn off two-factor verification protections by having users phone numbers.The news comes to us thanks to one security researcher who hails from Nepal. He realized that the firm didnt outline any limit across attempts when users put in two-factor codes that may be used to access accounts on Metas new Accounts Center.This assists users in linking all of their accounts including those seen across Instagram and Facebook.Using just one victims phone number, the attacker enters the designated account center, puts in phone numbers, and links that number to the respective account seen on Facebook. This would further allow for the setup of the SMS code thats powered with two-factor technology.Experts deem this to be the quintessential step needed as no upper limit was present in terms of the number of attempts that anyone could make to gain access.After an attacker gets the code correct, it used the victims respective number to link their count to the one belonging to the hacker on Facebook. And if successful, this would end up causing Meta to send a new message to victims, highlighting how the 2-factor technology has been disabled.This had to do with the fact that their number ended up getting attached to another individuals account.The biggest impact over her has to do with revoking a persons SMS-based 2-FA via simple strategies like just knowing what their phone number is.At his particular point in time, attackers may try and take any victims account on Facebook into complete control by simply enabling phishing of passwords. This is provided the respective target did not have any 2FA technology enabled.Thanks to the researcher from Nepal, who located the bug at the Accounts Center of Meta in the past year, the tech giant claims to have fixed that particular bug, just a few moments later. They even set out a hefty paycheck worth $27,000 as a reward to the researcher for their great efforts in this regard and for helping the tech giant out in terms of reporting.A spokesperson for the company explained to TechCrunch that when such an attack was inevitable, Meta was still in the phase of testing out its new login systems via the likes of a small trial conducted publicly. It had not rolled out the actual feature and was waiting for the response.In the same way, the spokesperson was seen mentioning how the researchers report also made them investigate the matter further. And thats when it was found that no exploitation had taken place so far. Similarly, there was no major rise in terms of usage of those particular features that signal how no one, in particular, was actually abusing that.Read next: Android Users Beware, Deceptive Reward Apps Are Making Rounds On Google Play Store President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, shakes hands with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in the capital of the UAE, Jan. 16. Newsis President Yoon Suk Yeol called Tuesday for unearthing innovative partnerships between Korea and the United Arab Emirates with the help of the UAE's $30 billion investment pledge. Yoon made the remark while presiding over a meeting on ways to execute the massive investment, which UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced during their summit in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. "The $30 billion investment by the UAE's sovereign wealth funds was a decision our brother nation the UAE made out of trust in us," he said during the meeting at the office of the Korea International Trade Association in southern Seoul. "We must reciprocate by unearthing innovative investment partnership projects that are in line with both countries' interests," he said. The investment is expected to be directed at Korea's high-tech industries, such as energy, nuclear power, hydrogen, solar energy and defense. Yoon said the government will launch an investment cooperation network involving public and private entities from both countries, as well as a bilateral investment cooperation platform to facilitate discussions with the UAE on areas Korea plans to focus the investment on. He also said the government will provide comprehensive policy and diplomatic assistance to help produce concrete results from the dozens of memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries during his state visit to the UAE. "The government will make thorough preparations to transition our systems to global standards so that we can see immediate follow-up measures in the wake of my visit, and help businesses run with all their might and compete in the economic war," Yoon said. (Yonhap) President calls for unity in India's march towards `Golden Age' President of India Draupati Murmu has called for unity of purpose as all Indians strive towards making the country fully developed during this golden age or Amrit Kaalof 25 years that follow the golden centenary of independence. This 25-year span is for all of us and for every citizen of the country to perform our duties to the utmost levels. An opportunity to build an era beckons us for which we need to work continuously with our full potential, the President said hie addressing the joint session of Parliament. This Azadi ka Amrit Kaal assimilates the pride of thousands of years of our glorious past, the inspirations of Indian freedom struggle and Indias resolve for a golden future. By 2047, we have to build a nation, which not only embraces its glorious past, but also encompasses every golden aspect of modernity. We have to build a Bharat, which is self-reliant and also able to fulfill its humanitarian obligations. A Bharat which has no poverty and where the middle class is also prosperous; A Bharat whose youth and women power will be at the forefront to give direction to the society and the nation, and whose youth are well ahead of time; A Bharat whose diversity is even more vivid and whose unity becomes even more unshakeable, she said. When the country actualises this reality in 2047, it will certainly observe and assess the foundation of its grand construction. At that time, these initial moments of the Azadi ka Amrit Kaal will be viewed with a different perspective. Therefore, this time and this period of Amrit Kaal has become all the more significant. The government, she said, started its first term with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. With the passage of time, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka P rayas were added to it. This mantra has now become the inspiration for building a developed India. In a few months, my government will complete nine years on this Kartavya Path of development. In almost nine years of my governments term, she said, the people of India have witnessed many positive changes for the first time. The biggest change is that today every Indian's confidence is at its peak and the world's outlook towards India has changed. India, which once looked at others for solutions to most of its problems, is today emerging as a provider of solutions for the issues faced by the world. The government, she said, has made available basic facilities to a large segment of the population who had waited for these for decades. The modern infrastructure that we has started coming up in the country , the digital network that India has built, the urge to get rid of the scourge of mega scams and corruption in government schemes are all inspiring even for developed countries, the Presdent stated. Today the debate is no longer about policy paralysis, instead India is being recognised for her rapid development and the far-sightedness of her decisions. That is why, we have now become the fifth largest economy in the world, up from the 10th spot. This is the foundation which elevates the self-confidence for building a developed Bharat in the next 25 years, she added.. Invoking Lord Basaveshwara, she said: Kayakave Kailasa which means Karma is worship and Shiva is in the Karma itself. Following this path, my government is actively engaged in performing the duty of nation building. Today, she sai: India has a government which is stable, fearless, decisive and working with lofty ambitions. India has a government which respects the honest. India has a government working for permanent solution of the problems of the poor and their lasting empowerment. India has a government working at an unprecedented speed and scale. India has a government that gives pre-eminence to public welfare by leveraging innovation and technology. India has a government which is committed to removing every obstacle being faced by women. There is a government in India which is committed to progress as well as the protection of nature. India has a government that preserves heritage while also embracing modernity. India has a government which is moving forward confidently to play its rightful role on the global stage. The government, she said, has always kept the country's interest paramount and shown the will to completely transform the policies and strategies when required. From surgical strike to a firm crackdown on terrorism, from a befitting response to every misadventure from LoC to LAC, from abrogation of Article 370 to Triple Talaq, my government has been recognized as a decisive government. The stable and decisive government has enabled us to deal with the biggest calamity in 100 years and the situation that arose thereafter. Wherever in the world there is political instability, those countries are beset with severe crises today. But India is in a much better position than the rest of the world due to the decisions taken by my government in the national interest. Corruption, she said, is the biggest enemy of democracy and social justice and the government has been in a relentless fight against corruption in the last few years. We have ensured that the honest will be honoured in the system. There is increasing social consciousness in the country that there should be no sympathy for the corrupt in the society, she pointed out. The enactment of the Benami Property Act and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act whas helped to put in place an effective system to end the practice of favouritism and corruption in government machinery. Today there is a Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) system for tenders and government procurement, in which transactions worth more than Rupees 3 lakh crore have taken place so far, she noted From Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity, which is weeding out fake beneficiaries to launching One Nation One Ration Card, we have undertaken major enduring reforms. Over the years, the country has developed a stable and transparent regime in the form of DBT and Digital India. Today the monetary benefits of more than 300 schemes are directly reaching the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. So far, an amount of more than Rs27 lakh crore has reached millions of beneficiaries with complete transparency. The World Bank report acknowledges that it was only due to such schemes and mechanisms that India was able to prevent crores of people from falling below the poverty line during the Covid pandemic, the President stated. The government, she said, is looking for long-term solutions rather than shortcuts, The policies are aimed at finding permanent solutions to problems and empowering the common people. Poverty eradication is no longer just a slogan, and my government is working towards empowering the poor by providing a permanent addressal to their concerns, she added. On Wednesday 25 January, Oglaigh na h-Eireann / Defence Forces Ireland, Aiken Barracks Commemorative Committee and OC 27 Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Frank Colclough, unveiled a specially commissioned commemorative plaque to remember "All Lives Lost in Dundalk Military Barracks" during the Irish Civil War period. The plaque was designed by Lt. Padraic Agnew and Sgt Riccardo Lucchesi, as part of the Aiken Barracks Commemorative Programme, 2022 2023. It lists the names of Pro and Anti treaty forces that were killed in action during the Battle of Dundalk Military Barracks on 14 August 1922. The plaque also lists the name of three local Anti-Treaty soldiers, who were executed on 22 January 1923 in Dundalk Military Barracks. The event was attended by family members of the soldiers listed on the plaque and also family members of prominent Fourth Northern Division personnel, including Mr Frank Aiken Junior, whose father was the OC of the Fourth Northern Division. The plaque commemorates the sacrifice on both sides of Oglaigh na h-Eireann during the Civil War. The plaque also symbolises reconciliation 100 years later and the maturity of the Irish people to be able to come together and remember all lives lost. Fr Derek Ryan from St, Josephs Church attended the ceremony, blessing a commemorative wealth and offering a prayer of reconciliation in memory of all lives lost during the Civil War. This photo, provided by Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), shows its chief Cheong Seung-il shaking hands with Turkey's energy minister, Fatih Donmez, after submitting a preliminary proposal to take part in a project to build four nuclear power plants in the European country, Jan. 31. Yonhap Korea's Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) said Tuesday it has submitted a preliminary proposal to Turkey to take part in a project to build four nuclear power plants in the European country. KEPCO chief Cheong Seung-il met with Turkey's energy minister, Fatih Donmez, on Monday and presented the proposal regarding the construction of four reactors capable of providing 1,400 megawatts of electricity in the northern part of the country, according to the company. The two sides have been in talks about the project, which is forecast to be worth about 40 trillion won ($32.55 billion), and the Turkish government in December last year asked KEPCO to submit a proposal. The proposal includes Korea's plan on how to carry out the project and information on its nuclear power plant construction capabilities, KEPCO said. "The two sides began discussions on the project in earnest. They will carry out a feasibility test to come up with an optimum way to push for the project," KEPCO said in a release. Cheong has stressed that 10 nuclear reactors based on the advanced APR1400 technology have been successfully built and stably managed both at home and abroad, including those at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, and Korea is a credible business partner that meets customer nations' budgets and construction periods while ensuring safety. Korea set a target of exporting 10 nuclear power reactors by 2030 as part of its strong push to boost the nuclear energy sector. (Yonhap) Chinese FM holds phone talks with Argentine counterpart Xinhua) 10:32, January 31, 2023 BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday held a phone conversation with his Argentine counterpart Santiago Cafiero. During their talks, Qin congratulated Argentina on successfully hosting the seventh Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Noting that China and Argentina are good friends and good partners, Qin said that China is willing to work with Argentina to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, carry forward the good traditions of mutual respect, treating each other as equals, and win-win cooperation between China and Argentina, and promote greater development of China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership. China will, as always, support Argentina in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Qin said, adding that the two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Chinese FM noted that China's recent optimization and adjustment of pandemic prevention and control measures is a boon for enhancing communication and cooperation between China and other countries including Argentina. China supports Argentina in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and supports Argentina to become a member of BRICS as early as possible, Qin said. He added that China stands ready to cooperate closely with Argentina within the framework of the United Nations and the Group of 20 to jointly promote the implementation of Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, and promote the sustainable development of the China-CELAC Forum. Stressing that Argentina and China share similar vision of governing for the people, the Argentine FM said the two countries enjoy a brotherly relationship and bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Noting that Argentina will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, Cafiero said Argentina is willing to carry out Belt and Road cooperation with China, actively promote the construction of the China-CELAC Forum, and jointly practice multilateralism. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a private-public sector meeting on follow-up measures for the United Arab Emirates' investment proposal to Korea at Korea International Trade Association in Gangnam District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap President Yoon says Korea should strive to meet UAE's expectation By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol said the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) announcement that it will invest $30 billion in Korean companies during his recent state visit to the country is much more than a commitment, noting it is a de facto agreement that can be implemented anytime when innovative business proposals are made. He further revealed hope that the UAE's generous investment can facilitate a "second Middle East boom" for Korean companies. Yoon made the remarks during a public-private sector meeting on follow-up measures for the UAE's investment proposal, Tuesday. The Middle Eastern country made the proposal during Yoon's summit with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Jan. 15. "The biggest achievement of the trip was the $30 billion investment proposal which was agreed upon in the summit and stated in the joint statement," Yoon said. "This is not just an expression of intention for cooperation, but a practical agreement that can be executed promptly like the ones that the UAE signed with the U.K. and France." The investment is believed to be the largest national-level investment by the UAE, surpassing $12.2 billion with the U.K. and $5 billion with China. "The UAE, our brother nation, made the decision based on its trust in us, and we should meet their expectation by exploring innovative partnership projects that serve both countries' interests," Yoon said, asking the government to launch an investment cooperation committee and the bolster private-public cooperation network. The president said both "public and private sectors need to collect their wisdom to bring the second Middle East boom." The Middle East boom refers to an economic boost that Korea enjoyed in the 1970s and 80s as companies, mostly building developers, won extensive construction orders from Middle Eastern countries. This became a foundation for Korea to overcome economic headwinds stemming from the oil shocks and achieve notable industrial growth. The presidential office has said that the investment will be the first step toward the new Middle East boom and make a contribution to the country to overcome a range of economic difficulties with exports and overseas market entry. President Yoon Suk Yeol and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pose for a photo during their summit at the latter's palace in Abu Dhabi, Jan. 15 (local time). Yonhap EBRD and British International Investment joint financing to strengthen Banque du Caires Tier II capital growth plans EBRD to provide further technical support to improve BDCs corporate climate governance practices BII to provide guidance for management of environmental and social risk to enhance reputation The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and British International Investment (BII) are providing a US$ 100 million subordinated loan to Banque du Caire (BDC), one of Egypts largest banks, strengthening BDCs Tier II capital. This facility will support the growth plans of Banque du Caire and optimise its capital structure. Providing long-term, Tier II funding will accelerate BDCs ambitious growth plans, increasing its capital and guaranteeing the availability of much-needed funds to enhance BDCs growth within various sectors of the market. With one of Egypts largest branch networks (248 branches nationwide), a market-leading position in microfinance, and a strategic push towards digital distribution channels, BDC is well placed to serve market segments that are critical for advancing financial inclusion in the country. As part of the cooperation, the EBRD will support BDC in implementing a corporate climate governance action plan (CCGAP), helping to integrate climate change considerations into the banks corporate practices, in accordance with the principles of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Alongside this support, BII will play an integral role in shaping BDCs strategy and organisational culture by providing guidance on the management of environmental and social (E&S) risk, aiming to support BDC in managing such risks in its business operations. This will help enhance the banks reputation and improve its prospects of accessing more foreign capital to support sustained growth. EBRD Managing Director for Financial Institutions Francis Malige said: The EBRD has a longstanding commitment to Egypt and its financial sector. This project deepens our partnership with BDC, building on our successful cooperation in trade and inclusion. We are delighted to develop it together with BII, to support the banks capital and resilience and to help BDC strengthen its corporate practices and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Sherine Shohdy, BII Head of Office and Coverage Director, Egypt added: Strong and resilient financial institutions play a crucial role in fostering productive private sectors and robust economies. Our partnership with the EBRD aims to strengthen BDCs capacity to support businesses that drive Egypts economic growth. BII will also offer its expertise on E&S to help BDC define a strategy and culture that will enhance the banks resilience, help attract more capital and create productive and inclusive opportunities for businesses, employees and households across Egypt for the long term. Banque du Caires Chairman and CEO Tarek Fayed commented: The bank spares no effort to accelerate the pace of transformation towards a green economy and to achieve Egypt's 2030 vision. We are proud of the strategic partnership with the EBRD and BII, reflecting the confidence of multilateral financial institutions in Banque du Caires vision for the future. Mr. Fayed added that Banque du Caire pays great attention to MSMEs based on the bank's leadership position in this field, explaining that this cooperation aims to inject more financing to support these sectors and support the bank's ambitious plans in the field of climate change, which effectively contributes to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of its operations there in 2012 the Bank has invested more than 10 billion in 163 projects in the country. EBRD President to make first visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia Bank invested 120 million in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, 3 billion to date In Serbia, EBRD financing reached 650 million in 2022 for a total of 8 billion to date President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina from 31 January to 1 February and Serbia on 2-3 February. This will be her first in-person visit to both countries since taking up her post. . In Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Renaud-Basso will meet with representatives of the new authorities, as well as the financial sector, private businesses and foreign investors, to discuss reform, further EBRD investment and policy engagement as Bosnia and Herzegovina embarks on the next steps of its European Union candidacy. She will also visit sections of the pan-European road, Corridor Vc, and ride a new trolleybus to see the improvements made to public transport services in Sarajevo, which were financed under the flagship EBRD Green Cities Programme. In 2022, the EBRD signed a total of 120 million of new investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The last two years, in particular, saw record levels of funding, worth 424 million, to accelerate the implementation of ongoing projects. Overall, the EBRD has committed 3 billion to Bosnia and Herzegovina since it started operating there in 1996. In Serbia, the EBRD President will meet with the authorities, local partner banks and key private-sector clients. She will visit the two landmark public-private partnership projects financed by EBRD: the Nikola Tesla Airport modernisation and the solid waste management facility at Vinca. She will also meet a group of start-ups at the ICT Hub Belgrade, a co-working centre focusing on tech innovation. In 2022, the EBRD invested 648 million in Serbia in a record 33 projects and mobilised an additional 127 million of co-financing from other sources. This included support for large foreign direct investment projects, fast-growing local companies (such as IT solutions provider HTEC), small and medium-sized enterprises via credit lines to local partner banks, and financing for transport and environmental infrastructure and energy efficiency in buildings. The Banks total commitments in Serbia amount to 8 billion since 2001. Across the Western Balkans, the EBRD invested 1.29 billion in 2022, one of the Banks highest annual totals to date. THIS year is going to be busy for BrokenCrow Theatre Company, with three productions coming up. The Cork-based company will present the world premiere of Our Tethered Kin, a new play by Ronan FitzGibbon, who is also one of BrokenCrows six artistic directors. As well as being performed at the Everyman from February 3-4, it will be on the Peacock Stage at the Abbey in Dublin from February 9-11. Ronan, the son of theatre practitioners Ger and Emilie FitzGibbon, says Our Tethered Kin is about the elemental drivers of human behaviour. It asks: How do we deal with the darkest corners of our minds? Its written like a classic fairytale and then adapted into a play. It was a very challenging play to write, says Waterford-based Ronan, who commutes to Cork for rehearsals. Its almost like two plays. In one way, its a fairytale about the relationship with the light and the dark. And the characters on stage all have what were calling beasts. They are like stage manifestations of the subconscious. The two main characters are siblings; a girl called Aeni and a boy alled Abrafo who are found at the edge of a dark wood populated by beasts that guide the actions of man. As the siblings grow up, the cruelties of their world send them on two very different paths. Aeni seeks out a brilliant new light to illuminate the woods while Abrafo is dragged through the darkness, desperate to find a way back to his sister. Ronan Fitzgibbon. Ronan says that in writing this play, he was partly motivated by an interest in the conscious and the subconscious. Its also to do with how difficult it is to have conversations with people in the last five or six years. I dont think Im alone in that experience. " A lot of conversations that were happening with friends and family, people whom I respect, on anything cultural, social or political, descend very quickly. People want to push you into one camp or another. Youre either with me, or against me. Everything becomes very didactic. In part, Ronan says this black and white approach to human interaction can be blamed on social media. Its never down to just one or two things. But I certainly think that when you allow millions of people to talk to each other through writing posts, a certain amount of chaos ensues. "Were still trying to figure out all of that nonsense. Conversations youd have in a pub at 11 oclock is where I like to argue about things. Youre allowed a certain freedom in that space to play with ideas. BrokenCrow will stage The Settling for the Cork Midsummer Festival. By Gavin McEntee, it is about memory and guilt and their relationship with the mother and baby homes. The other play, Found, written by Aideen Wylde, was sparked by a documentary her father made about Newfoundland. George Hanover, who plays a farmers wife in Our Tethered Kin, says the character is complex. Im getting to know her more and more. Its a very challenging play. The ensemble spreads to the whole creative team so its a real collaboration between sound, lighting, costumes and the cast. The story is told through movement and sparse dialogue, puppetry and music. Its very rich and visually immersive. The plays themes include addiction, grief, light and dark, desire, greed and love. Its all there. Its quite a feast for the audience. Performing at the Abbey is really great for BrokenCrow. Were around for about ten years now, said Ronan. We started out as an ensemble that changed every year. In recent years, the core group has stuck together. Our Tethered Kin is actually our first show where the whole company is involved. And getting to go on a national stage will hopefully give us a very nice springboard for the rest of the year. Arts Council funding is allowing the company to be very productive for 2023. It has been a long time coming and one of the companys goals is to extend its regional audience with plays staged in Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny as well as Cork. As Ronan points out, theatre companies work hard for a year or two developing a play, only for it to be staged for just five nights if theyre lucky. The fact that the company has six artistic directors means that there is fluidity there. It doesnt put all the creative pressure on one artistic director. George is also working on her own ambitious piece called Erik. I set out to write a play and ended up writing a story about a seven-legged spider. I just know that it needs to be an illustrated book, an animation and a live event. This year, I have the opportunity to dive into it, to see how those three things can work in unison. Its the kernel of a story I had when I was a child and it stayed with me. Around 2014, Graffiti Theatre Company (for which George also works) received a small bursary for writers. We were offered a space in the building to sit down and write. Thats where its coming from. Its for children aged 7-12. Im kind of drawn to childrens stories. George is the director of Beag, the early years programme at Graffiti Theatre Company, aimed at newborn infants up to three year olds. It keeps me nourished, says George, who is looking forward to a productive year. The world premiere of Our Tethered Kin takes place in Cork this week, February 3 and February 4, in The Everyman, Cork. The play run from Thursday, February 9 to 11 in The Peacock Stage at The Abbey, Dublin. The eSentire Sean Hennessy Bursary has been awarded to Fernando Correa Borges, a Second Year IT Management student at Munster Technological University (MTU). The Sean Hennessy Bursary was founded in 2021 as a collaboration between eSentire and the Department of Computer Science at MTU, in response to Ireland's growing cybersecurity skills shortage. Cybersecurity has become one of the main concerns for governments and citizens. According to the most recent State of the Cyber Security Sector in Ireland report, annual cybersecurity related revenue in Ireland reached 2.1bn for 2021. Yet, 61 per cent of organisations in Ireland have personnel-related shortfalls with an estimated 10,000 additional cybersecurity workers needed in Ireland, on top of the existing 7,300, to plug this critical skills gap. DKANE 21/11/2022 REPRO FREE Fernando Henrique, Blackpool Photo Darragh Kane eSentires mission is to search for and stop cyber threats before they become disrupting events. With a centre in Barrack Square, Ballincollig, the company was recently recognised by the Technology Industry Alliance, and was shortlisted as a finalist in the Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact award category at the 2022 Tech Industry Leaders awards. The Sean Hennessy Bursary provides financial aid that can be applied towards the recipients second, third, and fourth year at MTU. In addition to receiving 1,500 of assistance per year over their remaining three years at MTU, the recipient will also participate in a nine-month internship with eSentire throughout their third year leading into a part-time role with the firm for their fourth year. eSentires call for entries invited applications from second year Computer Science students and the company was impressed with the strong level of interest and calibre of applicants. Five students who demonstrated a keen interest and propensity for cybersecurity were shortlisted for interviews. Fernando was selected based on his impressive interview and technical assessment results and his excellent academic transcripts. DKANE 21/11/2022 REPRO FREE Fernando Henrique, Blackpool, Ciaran Luttrell, Megan Kearney and Sean McSweeney, Head Of Department of Computer Science Photo Darragh Kane Dr Sean McSweeney, Head of the Department of Computer Science at MTU, who awarded the bursary to Fernando, said: "eSentire is an invaluable partner to MTU and, in particular, the Faculty of Engineering and Science. eSentires pledge to enhancing skills in the South-West region of Ireland has created an environment where our students can now engage with experts in industry and develop their careers. We look forward to a meaningful partnership that will lead us to close the skills gap in cybersecurity. Gardai seized 600,000 worth of cannabis herb and cocaine when they stopped a motorist speeding near Mitchelstown one year ago and now he has pleaded guilty to having the drugs for sale or supply. 50-year-old Jeffrey Smith of Donomore Avenue, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin was arrested and charged at Fermoy Garda Station and made no reply when he was charged by Garda Peter OLoughlin a year ago. The accused was arraigned today at the county sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to the charge that on February 4 2022, at Kilshanny, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, he had in his possession controlled drugs named cannabis herb and cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act at a time when its value exceeded 13,000. The allegation that was made at the accused mans first court appearance was that drugs with a value of around 600,000 were in the man's possession. Garda OLoughlin said the accused was stopped on the M8 motorway for speeding, driving at 154km in a 120km zone. There was a strong smell of cannabis and this prompted gardai to carry out a search for drugs. Black bin liners containing 19kg of cannabis, with a street value of 380,000, were in the back of the car, and there were also 3kg of suspected cocaine in three blocks, worth 210,000, as well as mixing agent, all in black bags, Garda OLoughlin testified. Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing of the accused until February 14 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The accused was represented by defence senior counsel Siobhan Lankford. LORDY, its the first of February tomorrow and with it comes the promise of warmer days, new beginnings, green shoots, and all the good things that herald the traditional start of spring and )whisper it) the end of winter. Its also St Brigids Day and next Monday we can indulge in a new bank holiday, thanks to our matron saint finally getting her very own national holiday. In school, I made the odd St Brigids cross over the years, but to me she was just another saint in the pantheon of imaginary people who you could pray to to help you find something (St Anthony) or sort your hopeless case (St Jude) or get the Cork hurlers to win an All-Ireland (St. Finbarr?). I never did the praying, I just heard other people suggest it as a viable solution for finding a lost wedding ring. I had little appreciation of Brigids ancient Celtic goddess status, or how she was adopted by Christianity, until last year when the movement Herstory started campaigning for Irelands new national holiday to be in honour of Brigid. She was considered the goddess of healing, fire, and poetry. She is associated with fertility and with domesticated animals. Over the centuries, the Celtic legends of the goddess Brigid blended with the Christian stories of St Brigid of Kildare. Brigid has all we are looking for in a modern feminist icon - challenging the status quo, respecting the environment, and establishing and leading community movements. She founded and ruled a double egalitarian monastery for men and women in 580 AD, smashing the glass ceiling before such architectural niceties were even invented. She also had, if the artistic representations are anything to go by, a fantastic head of hair. If Brigid was running for the next election in the Kildare South constituency, she would be shoe-in. No doubt there will be attempts to co-opt Brigids trailblazing role model to try and to sell us something. Keep a cynical eye out for ads or commercial communication dressed up as a feeling, trying to hijack Brand Brigid to flog stuff. Unlike the green beer and Made-in-China-oversized-leprechaun-hats paddywhackery that has become associated with St Patricks Day in March, I hope our February bank holiday becomes a day to recognise positive feminine power, embrace new beginnings, and up efforts to create the truly egalitarian society that Brigid started to build a millennium ago. CAO deadline For many homes around the city and county, Brigid and the first of February will have no significance. Instead the date will be circled red on the fridge calendar with the words CAO deadline underlined twice. Its the day for sixth year students to decide what courses they are choosing at third level, therefore determining the rest of their entire lives! Of course, most people over 21 have an appreciation that the Leaving Cert and third level education is not the be all and end all when it comes to determining your future, but when youre in the thick of being 18 or 19 and are contemplating life beyond June, 2023, it can be pretty daunting for some. Its more than two decades since I filled in a CAO form and its mad that almost the exact same system exists at measuring a narrow field of academic achievement. Its important to remember at these heightened times that not everyone needs a university degree. We will always need a steady stream of engineers, scientists, doctors and third level graduates to fuel the smart economy, but what the country really needs right now, and into the future, is do-ers. Block layers, electricians, plumbers and builders are the steel-toed boots on the ground that we need to build our way out of the housing crisis and into a sustainable, decarbonised world. While its great to graduate with a computer science degree and go and work in a transnational tech company earning a generous wage and playing pool at lunchtime in a brightly decorated office, the people who are really going to transform Ireland and make it a better place for all, are those unafraid of hard work, willing and able to get their hands dirty. There is a skills shortage across Ireland in nearly every sector from bar staff to mechanical engineers to nurses. A whole host of tradespeople and skilled workers are desperately needed to get on with retrofitting and constructing homes and building the infrastructure that is going to allow us to break free from fossil fuels. Last week, it was revealed that the Housing Commission, established by the government itself to examine housing policy, thinks Ireland needs to build approximately 62,000 houses a year up to 2050. The Irish population is going to continue to grow, refugees from conflict zones and countries severely affected by climate change are going to continue to arrive. The United Nations says that extreme weather events are already causing more than 20 million people to move each year. As places around the world become uninhabitable, we are going to need houses for a lot of people. The government has launched Generation Apprenticeship in an effort to get school leavers, older learners, career changers, women and men with diverse backgrounds, talents and abilities to develop the skills that Ireland needs. There are lots of meaningful jobs that will make the world a better place that dont require 500 points in the Leaving Cert, and I hope the sixth years of Ireland remember that tomorrow when they fill in their CAO form. Club and pub residencies used to be the heart and soul of the DJ scene here, and though they are rarely weekly any more, theres still a few long term music parties happening in Cork. The likes of Revelation Sound, Go Deep, Vinyl Below, Sunday Times and even my own Jam night, (which still runs sporadically), have survived numerous venue changes and still do parties, and there are others too, that have run for many years. One such party is Not How, When!, and they have a big party happening in the Pav. Originally starting downstairs in the Pavilion in 2008, Not How, When has also been hosted by venues such as the Kino, The Triskel, Gulpd and Crack Jennys over the years. They have now come full circle back to the original Careys Lane venue, which is under new ownership after a new fit out by Benny McCabe. The three DJs and vinyl collectors involved are all long time passionate music stalwarts of the cork music scene, and Sonny Emerald, Flukey and JL Razza have also taken their night to numerous other venues and parties around Ireland, including Onla and the Bierhaus in Galway, Backwards Limerick, Hang Dai in Dublin and Vantasival too. Theyve also done Red Light radio Amsterdam and shows at the Dynamic Range in that City. International guests at Not How When have included Tako Reyenga (Music from Memory), Andi Hanley (Body and Soul New York), Balearic Mike, Lewis Copeland (Vinyl Junkies London), Abel Nagengast, Jan Schulte and Phil Mison. Their weekender is free and runs Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend upstairs in the Pav. Starting at 9pm each night, the Not How When crew once again welcome back Abel Nagengast for his third visit to Cork. He was the co-founder of one of the worlds best record shops, Red Light Records in Amsterdam, and he is also co-founded the brilliant Music from Memory label. Hes done some great edits in his time and he currently co runs the acclaimed Surfing in Kansas label. The Sunday evening continues with another big treat for music fans, as Satoshi Yamamura joins the Not How When crew for another long music session. Satoshi is a DJ whos record collection is a diggers paradise; an oasis of rare releases, unfamiliar artists and dusty grooves nearly lost to the world. Expect an eclectic mix of music that may include boogie, wave, snyth pop, disco and jazz fusion plus lots more. Satoshi works in the acclaimed Rush Hour records in Amsterdam and is a regular on the festival circuit in the Netherlands, playing Lente Kabinet and Strange Sounds from Beyond. The Not How When! weekender is a welcome throwback to time when many of Corks best music gathering used to happen on the long weekends. Things have changed but maybe this newly introduced February Bank holiday weekend will inject some positivity into a club scene that is trying to get off the ground post pandemic. There seems to be a lot of good techno activity and in fairness theres a good few passionate DJs and promoters trying their best to get other nights off the ground too. Obviously, things were much easier in the 90s and weekenders in Sir Henrys and in venues like the Metropole with Telefunkin were commonplace. The festival scene wasnt as established back then, and clubs were much more dominant than late bars, which came in during the Celtic Tiger. In the early 2000s things changed a little and I noticed that much more people started picking and choosing the nights they went out to more carefully. These days a Bank Holiday Sunday doesnt necessarily equate with a busy Saturday but things may change and its good to see so many people still trying to run parties. Theres lots of passionate music fans in Cork still. A quick mention for two other parties that are taking place in Cork. On February 12th the annual Gala events Valentines Ball takes place in Vienna Woods hotel, and Ill be taking care of the music. A black and white tie event, this event is always a big celebration of multiculturalism (and romance!) in Cork, and it will be hosted by Amanda Neri. Tonight Irelands r&b and soul star Erica Cody does a free show in Cyprus Avenue in association with Corks RedFM, and tickets can be got by registering in advance on Eventbrite. The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and Japan held a meeting Tuesday to discuss cooperation in dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear threats, the Seoul foreign ministry said. Kim Gunn, the ministry's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, met with his Japanese counterpart, Takehiro Funakoshi, at the South Korean foreign ministry in Seoul and exchanged views on the security situation surrounding Pyongyang. The two sides stressed the importance of South Korea-Japan bilateral cooperation, as well as trilateral cooperation involving the United States, in countering the North's threats. They also agreed to further strengthen communication to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. After their meeting, Tokyo's foreign ministry also said the envoys shared the view that North Korea's missile provocations pose a clear and serious challenge to the international community. (Yonhap) 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. United Arab Emirates' Minister of State and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and U.S. Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. KARIM SAHIB / AFP / Getty Images The decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)s to name Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) chief Sultan Al Jaber to preside over this years COP28 Climate Change Conference was controversial from the start. Now, nearly 30 U.S. lawmakers are urging Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to urge the UAE to change its mind. We are writing to urge you to push the United Arab Emirates to withdraw the appointment of Sultan Al Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, as President-designate of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] Conference of Parties 28 (COP 28), the letter begins. The decision to name the chief executive of one of the worlds largest oil and gas companies as president of the next U.N. Climate Change Conference risks jeopardizing climate progress from successive U.N. Climate Conferences. To help ensure that COP 28 is a serious and productive climate summit, we believe the United States should urge the United Arab Emirates to name a different lead for COP 28 or, at a minimum, seek assurances that it will promote an ambitious COP 28 aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings and take concrete steps to demonstrate domestic and regional leadership toward this end. Appointing someone with deep ties to the fossil fuel industry to lead COP28 undermines the very essence of this conference and our work to combat climate change. We must get Big Oils thumb off the scale if we want to make meaningful progress. https://t.co/0Qu2YM7HkM Rep. Jared Huffman (@RepHuffman) January 30, 2023 The letter effort was spearheaded by U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and submitted to Kerry on Friday. Including Huffman and Whitehouse, a total of 27 lawmakers signed the document including Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Adam Schiff (CA-30). It is unclear what effect the letter might have. Kerry has more than once supported the UAEs decision to name Al Jaber as president of the COP28 talks, which are scheduled to begin in Dubai on November 30, according to POLITICO. I think that Dr. Sultan al-Jaber is a terrific choice because he is the head of the company. That company knows it needs to transition, Kerry told The Associated Press. He knows and the leadership of the UAE is committed to transitioning. A COP28 spokesperson who had not yet read the letter also noted to POLITICO that Al Jaber had also founded a renewable energy company called Masdar. They described him as a diplomat, minister, and business leader across the energy and renewables industry. Kerry has separately said that it was a positive thing to have a major oil-producing country host a COP meeting. Its so important that you have an oil and gas producing nation step up and say we understand the challenge of the climate crisis, he said, as Reuters reported. However, the UAE has not explained how it plans to reach its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 while Abu Dhabi also plans to boost crude oil production from four to five million barrels a day, The Associated Press observed. Al Jabers appointment also comes after climate activists have already expressed concerns over the number of fossil fuel lobbyists at previous COPs. At COP26 in the UK, there were more than 500 industry representatives, a larger total than any one countrys delegation. At COP27 in Egypt, that number had gone up by more than 25 percent to at least 636. The letter writers also urged Kerry to push for reforms addressing the presence of lobbyists at COPs. They suggested that every company participating should share an audited political influencing statement documenting all climate and energy-related lobbying, campaign donations or trade association funding. COPs should not provide a stage for greenwashing, the legislators wrote. They should be convenings for serious climate actors and actions. Such commonsense reforms to help restore public faith in the COP process will obviously be impossible with an oil company executive at the helm. Some sign that there will be adequate disclosure of often-clandestine fossil fuel influence surrounding this COP will go a long way, as you saw the reaction to the visible fossil fuel lobbying presence in Egypt. The letter came the day after a similar effort from Kick Big Polluters Out network, addressed to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, as Common Dreams reported. There is no honor in appointing a fossil fuel executive who profits immensely off of fueling the climate crisis to oversee the global response to climate change, the letter, signed by more than 450 organizations, read. That such a move could ever be seen to be legitimate amidst an intensifying climate crisis where millions of lives and ecosystems are on the line exemplifies just how insidious Big Polluters stranglehold over climate policy is. New animal health bill in Gambia to address shortfalls in dealing with animal diseases A bill, known as the Animal Health Bill 2020, was recently presented in The Gambia to the country's Joint Committee on Agriculture and Health of the National Assembly for review. The presentation was delivered by the West Africa Livestock Innovation Center (WALIC) and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). Dr.Demba Trawelleh, deputy director of NARI, said the Veterinary Services (VS) of The Gambia, which is mandated to prevent and control livestock diseases in the country's national herds and other health-related matters, has been "struggling to meet its functions, within the confines of the other obsolete Diseases of Animals Act, 1944". According to Dr. Trawalleh, the act has become obsolete in the face of a rapidly changing world, in terms of priority needs, climate change and meeting food safety, food security and compliance with international standards. The animal health bill is out to address these uncertainties and future developments in an adequate way, Dr. Trawalleh told the committee, adding that it also underpins an extensive review of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1944, considering complex interactions between socio-economic factors, political developments, climate change and the global context with the objective of producing a new robust version in the face of a changing livestock sub-sector and climate. The advocated Animal Health Bill, 2020, currently being reviewed by NAMs, has a holistic approach to disease control, food safety, international trade in livestock, farmer compensation and regulation of the importation, production and composition of livestock drugs and feed. Dr. Trawalleh said: "The bill, if enacted and its provisions properly implemented, will improve both animal and human health, increase our national herd population and enable the sub-sector generate the much-needed foreign currency from the sale of livestock and livestock products beyond our borders." Dr. Trawalleh added that Botswana and Namibia are among thefew countries in Africa that have free access to the European market for their livestock and livestock products, mainly because of the animal health policies pursued by their respective governments. - The Point The library section of RAS Korea's office in Daehangno, Seoul / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile By Steven L. Shields Libraries are filled with books that have become "lost" to readers and researchers. There are so many books and so little time to find them. Card cataloging systems of the past do not provide enough information about a book to indicate to a researcher whether it might have value to their work. Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea member Ryan Berkebile, a longtime urban explorer studying for a master's degree in digital humanities, is interning at the RAS office in Seoul. While RAS Korea has been working on digitalizing archival documents, books and monographs, journals, photographic images and so forth, Berkebile is helping RAS Korea set up platforms where the information can be accessed electronically. His projects include developing archival websites that will provide easy access to RAS Korea's archival documents, photographic images and library. In the few weeks since Berkebile began his internship, he's uncovered dozens of gems in our library. While the books have been in the catalog and filed by call numbers, with more than 3,000 volumes (and growing) RAS Korea's members and friends are unaware of many of the books. Hundreds of books in the collection were published before most of the current members were alive. Hundreds more had a limited publication and were never for sale to the public. Indeed, "lost" books. One example of the rich Korean folk art heritage that resides within the covers of hundreds of books in the RAS Korea library. / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile Berkebile has set up an Instagram account for the RAS Library (@raskb_library ), where he shares some of his newly discovered treasures. Photos from the RAS Korea collection are being shared with viewers to encourage further study, make the general public aware of the RAS digital resources and encourage a site visit to the RAS Korea library. "Korean Sketches" is perhaps one of James Scarth Gale's most important books in which the colors of Korea's history, culture and people are expressed skillfully by a masterful scholar and storyteller. / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile The digital age began decades ago, but the "digital humanities" field is relatively new. Most readers would understand the basics of digitalization and computer science. At the same time, humanities is a time-honored discipline that catches up with sociology, anthropology, history and more. Most universities require all students to have basic credits in the humanities. While content remains unchanged, the digital age brings new media and technology that can enhance other disciplines. Digital humanities is at the intersection of computing and the disciplines of the humanities. It is a means to process information from a variety of sources, using the computing capabilities of chips and switches, if you will, to more accurately and efficiently collate data to further the study and understanding of human existence. More than mere digitalization of printed materials, manuscripts, photographs and artworks, digital humanities tools allow the researcher or scientist to collect, collate and extrapolate data to enhance the narrative explanations of the discipline. The area of digital humanities provides a broad means of disseminating source documents, research, and ongoing studies. Projects in digital humanities begin with the digitalization of source materials, of course, but can also include the production or publication of digital works, such as books that would formerly have been printed on paper. Most agree, though, that there will always be an aesthetic value for books and material media; digitalization can breathe new life into books that are scarce and inaccessible to most. Digital humanities brings the tools of computing to the task of finding such resources. With digitalized media, universal word searches replace indexes at a comprehensive level. Digitalized books and documents, even photographic images and works of art, are easily accessed, regardless of the fragile nature of the original copy, which requires special handling. Ha Tae-heung's multi-volume series on Korea's history and culture. The illustrations inside his books are beautiful representations of post-Korean War book publishing in Seoul. / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile Among some of the many treasures rediscovered by Berkebile is a book series that was important to me in my early exposure to Korea. Professor Ha Tae-heung published these through Yonsei University Press in the 1960s and early 1970s. It is a mini-library of 10 volumes covering most facets of Korea's history and culture. The books are long out of print but have value for a researcher looking at how Koreans saw their nation and how they couched the English-language imaging of the past. Berkebile comments, "each one has beautiful illustrations[Ha's] books are quite fascinating in their mixture of incorrect/misleading information and the beautiful presentation." Some of the copies of Ha's books are inscribed by the author. Two books of interest that I have never seen are a 1954 publication, "Syngman Rhee, the man behind the myth," followed a few years later by a somewhat companion book, "The fall of Syngman Rhee." The 1954 book promoting Syngman Rhee with a few notecards found inside / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile Not long after is the little-known 1962 publication, "Korea Moves Ahead," published by the Korean government. This book features an inspirational message from "acting president" Park Chung-hee. For two years, 1961-63, Park led the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. Park wasn't elected president until 1963. He had moved into the vacuum of power when the Chang Myon government, following the ouster of Syngman Rhee, failed in its attempts to form a parliamentary government. Park became acting president following the spring 1962 resignation of Yun Posun, who had been president since 1960. The library section of RAS Korea's office in Daehangno, Seoul / Courtesy of Ryan Berkebile Manxman's delivery date delayed Testing carried out by Manxmans builders during routine sea trials revealed a significant problem in the vessels systems. Additional work will be required to ensure Manxman is up to the rigorous specification set out by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The works will be carried out by the contractors and shipyard that the Steam Packet Company has engaged to build the vessel. This will be followed by further sea trials. These additional works will have an impact on the delivery timeline of the vessel to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in South Korea and subsequently its arrival in Manx waters. There will be no impact on existing or future bookings, all sailings will be carried out by the existing vessels in the Companys fleet. The European Union is eager to crack down on Big Tech's alleged privacy abuses, but the reliance on individual countries to enforce General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules has led to lengthy cases with punishments that are frequently modest. There will soon be pressure to act decisively, however. The European Commission will now require that EU nations share overviews of "large-scale" GDPR investigations every two months. This includes "key procedural steps" and actions taken national regulators will have to show they're moving forward. The tougher approach comes after the EU Ombudsman recommended closer monitoring of Big Tech cases that fall under the Irish Data Protection Commission, which regulates Meta and other industry giants. The rights group Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) made a complaint to the Ombudsman accusing Ireland's commission of being too slow and lenient against privacy violations. Just weeks ago, Europe's Data Protection Board forced Ireland to raise a data processing fine against Meta from 28 million to 390 million ($30.4 million to $423.3 million). As Bloomberg observes, the European Commission is already issuing reports every two years on the overall status of GDPR enforcement. However, it hasn't conducted thorough, frequent reviews of individual countries' privacy regulators. This new requirement will theoretically hold all EU member states accountable if they delay investigations or don't apply the law when necessary. This could include legal repercussions at the European Court of Justice. Critics might not be happy with the transparency. Ireland and other nations will share their progress on a "strictly confidential basis," according to the Commission. The public might not know if a regulator is mishandling a case unless the EU takes visible action in response. Nonetheless, this may encourage Meta, Amazon, Google and other tech heavyweights to take European privacy laws more seriously they may see quicker investigations and stiffer fines. OpenAI's new tool may help you identify text written by ChatGPT But it can mislabel both AI-generated and human-written text. OpenAI has released a tool to help you determine whether text was more likely written by a human or AI. However, the ChatGPT maker warns that its equivalent of Blade Runners Voight-Kampff test can also get it wrong. The tool includes a box where you can paste text thats at least 1,000 characters long. It will then spit out a verdict, like The classifier considers the text to be very unlikely AI-generated or The classifier considers the text to be possibly AI-generated. I tested it by prompting ChatGPT to write an essay about the migratory patterns of birds, which the detection tool then described as possibly AI-generated. Meanwhile, it rated several human-written articles as very unlikely AI-generated. So although the tool could raise false flags in either direction, my (tiny sample size) test suggests at least a degree of accuracy. Still, OpenAI cautions not to use the tool alone to determine contents authenticity; it also works best with text of 1,000 words or longer. The startup has faced pressure from educators after the November release of its ChatGPT tool, which produces AI-written content that can sometimes pass for human writing. The natural-language model can create essays in seconds based on simple text prompts even passing a graduate business and law exam while providing students with a tempting new cheating opportunity. As a result, New York public schools banned the bot from their WiFi networks and school devices. Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadgets editorial team. See latest Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Please select a newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. OpenAI While ChatGPTs arrival has been a buzzed-about topic of late, even extending into media outlets eager to automate SEO-friendly articles, the bot is big business for OpenAI. The company reportedly secured a $10 billion investment earlier this month from Microsoft, which plans to integrate it into Bing and Office 365. OpenAI allegedly discussed selling shares at a $29 billion valuation late last year, which would make it one of the most valuable US startups. Although ChatGPT is currently the best publicly available natural language AI model, Google, Baidu and others are working on competitors. Googles LaMDA is convincing enough that one former researcher threw away his job with the search giant last year by claiming the chatbot is sentient. (The human tendency to project feelings and consciousness onto algorithms is a concept well likely hear much about in the coming years.) Google has only released extremely constricted versions of its chatbot in a beta, presumably out of ethical concerns. With the genie out of the bottle, it will be interesting to see how long that restraint lasts. EU wind and solar energy production overtook gas last year A report from UK clean-energy think tank Ember projects the gap to widen. Energy generated from solar and wind power reportedly overtook natural gas in the European Union (EU) for the first time last year. The data comes from UK clean-energy think tank Ember (via Bloomberg), which projects the gap to grow. Solar and wind energy rose to an all-time high of 22 percent of the EUs 2022 electricity use. Meanwhile, Ember projects fossil-fuel generation to drop by 20 percent this year with gas falling the fastest. The shifts stem largely from reducing reliance on gas and coal after Russia invaded Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin ordered the cutoff of natural gas exports to the EU as retaliation for Western sanctions. Ember says the resulting high costs helped lower energy demand by around eight percent in Q4 2022 compared to the same quarter the previous year. There is now a focus on rapidly cutting gas demand at the same time as phasing out coal, the report said. This means a massive scale-up in clean energy is on its way. It expects nuclear power to remain flat in 2023, with a planned phase-out of German nuclear reactors canceling out a ramp-up from France. However, it projects hydropower to rise by around 40 terawatt-hours this year following a severe drought in 2022. The US government is reportedly cracking down harder on exports to Huawei The expanded restrictions are a move towards a total export ban, according to 'Financial Times.' The United States government has reportedly stopped issuing licenses that allow companies in the country to export to Huawei, according to The Financial Times. If you'll recall, the Trump administration added the company to the "entity list," making it ineligible from receiving exports from the US without a license. The US commerce department issued some companies like Qualcomm licenses to provide Huawei with American tech unrelated to 5G networks since then Qualcomm, for instance, supplies Huawei with 4G chips for smartphones. But the government is reportedly looking to impose a total ban on the sale of American tech to the Chinese firm, and this expanded restriction is a step towards making that happen. The US government adds companies to the entity list if it believes they are involved in or "pose a significant risk of being or becoming involved in, activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States." It has previously accused Huawei of having deep ties with the Chinese government and warned allies that the 5G equipment it makes could be used to spy on other countries and companies. Huawei has repeatedly denied the accusation. It's not entirely clear why the US government is moving towards a total ban, if this report is indeed true, but the Biden administration seems to be taking a tougher stance on China compared to its predecessor. Last year, it introduced new rules that prohibit the export of powerful semiconductors that could be repurposed for military use, as well as chipmaking equipment, to China and Russia. One possible reason is that Huawei, The Times says, is backing projects that aim to build a semiconductor supply chain in its country that doesn't rely on imports. A former CIA official also told the publication that the government is probably looking to expand the existing export ban, because Huawei is a totally different company from when it was added to the entity list. Huawei's focus back then was on 5G technology, but it has since changed gears to prioritize its enterprise and government businesses, including a cloud service, to survive the trade ban. Being added to the blacklist had a huge impact on Huawei's revenues in 2021, but company executive Eric Xu said the manufacturer was able to pull itself "out of crisis mode" in 2022 and expects to go back to "business as usual" this year. A total ban could very well put Huawei back into crisis mode, and it would likely affect the revenues of its US suppliers, as well. That said, the Chinese company might have some time to prepare, depending on when the export licenses that had already been issued will expire. Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadgets editorial team. See latest Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Please select a newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. A commerce department spokesperson didn't confirm whether it has truly stopped issuing licenses to American firms, telling The Times that it "continually assess[es] its policies and regulations." A source told Reuters, however, that US officials are in the midst of crafting new policies that would prohibit shipments to Huawei below the 5G level. The new restrictions would reportedly cover products and components related to 4G, WiFi 6 and 7, AI, as well as cloud and high-performance computing. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin walks to board a helicopter upon his arrival at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Jan. 30. AP-Yonhap U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Tuesday that if an adversary challenges South Korea or the United States, it would be challenging the two countries' "alliance as a whole," reaffirming America's "ironclad" security commitment to the Asian ally. Austin issued the warning in an exclusive contribution piece to Yonhap News Agency, as he plans to hold talks with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup in Seoul later in the day to discuss deterrence against evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. "This commitment includes U.S. conventional, nuclear and missile-defense capabilities, as well as the forward presence of 28,500 U.S. uniformed personnel (in Korea)," the secretary said in the piece titled "The Alliance Stands Ready." He added, "So our adversaries and competitors know that if they challenge one of us, they are challenging the U.S.-ROK alliance as a whole." ROK stands for the South's official name, the Republic of Korea. His remarks came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un raised the need for an "exponential" increase in his country's nuclear arsenal and named the South an "undoubted" enemy during a key ruling party gathering held in December. Touching on the purpose of his visit, Austin sketched out plans to deepen cooperation and discuss the mutual security challenges. "I am also here to reaffirm that the U.S. extended deterrence commitment to the ROK is ironclad," he said. Austin characterized the Seoul-Washington partnership as "one of the most capable, interoperable and adaptable alliances in history" and highlighted the allies' "determination" to confront the North Korean challenge. Don't have an account yet? To access the premium content on Environmental Finance, you must first sign in to your account. Not registered? Sign up today for free. Weather Alert ...National Weather Service Cold Water Safety Message... ...Please check with state and local authorities regarding guidelines for allowed activities... * Very warm air temperatures today in the mid and upper 70s are expected. This may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the 40s across Lake Champlain, and in the 30s and 40s in the regions' smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, pitches his Senate Bill 176, which would change the makeup of interim committees, to the Senate State Administration Committee on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Republicans in the Montana Legislature where they currently hold a supermajority want to change the makeup of interim legislative committees so the majority party has more power, which they say would simply reflect the will of voters. Senate Bill 176, sponsored by Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, would make it so four-member interim committees would be comprised of three members of the majority party and one from the minority party. Larger committees would also have to reflect the composition of the legislature. If committee composition during a legislative session is weighted by election results, then the interim committee should as well, Regier said. Democracy should not end at sine die. Currently, interim committees are made up of an even number of Republicans and Democrats. But Regier said his bill would better reflect the results of the last election and give the minority party currently Democrats a better opportunity to spread lawmakers across interim committees so they are not overtasked. The measure would apply to 13 different interim committees, Regier told the Senate State Administration Committee at the bills first hearing Monday. Regier ran a similar bill in the 2021 session that died on a 22-28 vote in the Senate. He said he had taken administrative committees out of this years bill in hopes that it will clear the hurdle he said sank it two years ago. Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, told reporters Monday morning he was supportive of the measure. He said he felt the changes would still allow for bipartisanship, but would help get lawmakers better on track in terms of drafting bills that would run during the next session. Regier said after the hearing the changes would also stop the minority party from blocking movement during the interim, like selecting a committee chair, because he believed having a weighted committee would lead to fewer tied votes. One opponent was the only other person aside from Regier who testified on the bill at Mondays hearing Anne Hedges, the director of policy and legislative affairs for the Montana Environmental Information Center. I just dont hear anyone these days saying we need more partisanship in our politics, she told the committee. She said she believes interim committees are different from the legislative session more of a time to mull over ideas, explore different angles and see what works and what doesnt than in legislative sessions, where the majority rules. She said the bill was making the interim committees ones where the majority party wouldnt even need to listen to the minority members, a disservice to the state. I just think that this is not the right direction to be taking the state, Hedges said. Regier said amendments that have been introduced came from Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls. Should the committee choose to adopt the amendments when it takes executive action, the measure would allow for the majority in the interim to vote to request four bills for the next session without any votes from the minority party. There would still be an unlimited number of bills they could vote to request on a bipartisan basis. Regier said after the hearing that having four bills that could come solely from members of one party would allow them to prioritize certain things without interference from the minority party. You dont want to turn it into a bill mill where theyre throwing out a lot, he said. The post Bill would give majority party more power on Montana interim committees appeared first on Daily Montanan. Defra has announced a five-year delivery plan to improve the the environment, which includes incentivising most farmers to adopt nature-friendly practices on at least 10 to 15% of their land by 2030. The government has today published its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, which includes actions to "halt and then reverse the decline in nature". The England-only plan, which is required under the Environment Act, will be officially unveiled by Defra Secretary Therese Coffey during a keynote speech on Tuesday morning (31 January). For the farming industry, the plan requires 65 to 80% of farmers to adopt nature friendly farming practices on at least 10-15% of their land by 2030. They will also be supported to create or restore 30,000 miles of hedgerows a year by 2037 and 45,000 miles of hedgerows a year by 2050. Ammonia emissions will be reduced through incentives in the UK's post-Brexit farming schemes, Defra says, while expanding environmental permitting condition to dairy and intensive beef farms. Government will also create and restore at least 500,000 hectares of new wildlife habitats, starting with 70 new projects including 25 new or expanded National Nature Reserves and 19 further Nature Recovery Projects. Speaking before her speech, Ms Coffey said the improvement plan sets out how the government sought to improve the environment in the UK and around the world. "Nature is vital for our survival, crucial to our food security, clean air, and clean water as well as health and well-being benefits," she said. "We are transforming financial support for farmers and landowners to prioritise improving the environment, we are stepping up on tree planting, we have cleaner air, we have put a spotlight on water quality." Natural England chair Tony Juniper called the Environmental Improvement Plan "broad, most welcome and important". "We are facing into a series of environmental challenges that are very serious, pressing and which are connected to one another. "If we are to take effective action then we will need an ambitious and integrated plan that is geared up to meeting some very challenging targets." What are the other commitments in the plan? Other new environmental commitments set out today include: A multi-million pound 'species survival fund' to protect the UK's rarest species from hedgehogs to red squirrels. 10 actions on water efficiency in new developments and retrofits, including reviewing building regulations and other legislation Restoring 400 miles of river through the first round of Landscape Recovery projects and establishing 3,000 hectares of new woodlands along Englands rivers Challenging councils to improve air quality more quickly by assessing their performance and use of existing powers Improving the way air quality information is communicated with the public. Making it easier for people to minimise their waste, including a new set of interim targets for 2028 to reduce different types of waste By Kang Seung-woo Four Korean American members of U.S. Congress have introduced a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the late Col. Kim Young-oak for his extraordinary heroism, leadership and humanitarianism. Kim Young-oak / Yonhap Cambodia and South Korea recently agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment by maximising their free trade agreement (FTA) that came into force a month earlier, according to the latters industry ministry. The development came at a business and investment forum in Seoul attended by South Korean trade minister Ahn Duk-geun and Cambodias commerce minister Pan Sorasak. The bilateral agreement laid the groundwork for the expansion of bilateral trade in a wide range of fields from textile and clothing to cars and machinery, and to agro and fishery food, Ahn said during the forum. The two nations will be able to further strengthen cooperation on digital economy, clean energy and various other sectors to help advance Cambodias industrial structure, and to jointly achieve net-zero goals, he said. Cambodia and South Korea have agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment by maximising their free trade deal that came into force a month earlier, according to the latter's industry ministry. The development came at a business and investment forum in Seoul attended by South Korean trade minister Ahn Duk-geun and Cambodian commerce minister Pan Sorasak. South Korea will support Cambodias technology development through official development assistance programmes, Ahnwas quoted as saying by a news agency. The FTA, which took effect on December 1 last year, calls for a higher level of market opening than the existing South Korea-ASEAN FTA and the multilateral trade pact of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the ministry said. Bilateral trade was worth $1.05 billion last year. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Who doesnt love a good mystery movie? Bollywood has especially excelled in this genre in these past few years and has been nominated for some precious awards. Since OTT platforms have become our source of watching movies we have seen some great ones, and there is a list of such iconic mystery movies which will get you glued to your television screens. So if you love the feeling of dark reveals, twists and turns and unmissable drama, then weve got you covered. Here is a list of top Bollywood mystery movies that you need to watch if you havent already. 1. Talvar 2. Ugly 3. Dobaaraa 4. Manorama Six Feet Under 5. Kahani (2012) Shruti Tandon, a 14-year-old girl, is brutally murdered in her bedroom. The body of Khempal, the family's domestic helper, is discovered the following day on the terrace. Ramesh and Nutan Tandon, who are portrayed by Neeraj Kabi and Konkona Sen Sharma, do not have time to mourn their daughter's passing because they are soon involved in a situation where the father is being investigated for her murder. Did her father actually kill her? The sensational 2008 double murder case involving Arushi Talwar and their domestic helper Hemraj in Noida inspired the plot of Talvar. Talvar is a compelling and intensely unsettling movie, in large part because of the nature of the crime but also because of the realistic narration that avoids unnecessary melodrama.The gritty thriller Ugly by Anurag Kashyap is filled with strong feelings. The movie Ugly is about an awful event (a kidnapping of a child), awful people, who turn out to be even worse than they first appeared to be, and an even worse outcome than the beginning. The start of the film occurs when ten-year-old Kali (Anshika Shrivastava) is given to her loser aspiring actor father Rahul by her depressed and distraught mother Shalini (Tejaswini Kolhapure) (Rahul Bhatt). When her father is collecting a potential script from his cunning agent Chaitanya, Kali vanishes (Vineet Singh). The cast includes everyone from the most despicable street panhandlers to Shalini's second husband, the strong local police chief Shoumik (Ronit Roy). Rahul and Shoumik have a history of animosity, and Shoumik will stop at nothing to exact revenge.Dobaaraa is an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film Mirage. Twelve-year-old Anay is using his camcorder to make a home movie for his absent father as a geomagnetic storm rages over Pune. He hears a fight start in the house next door, and as he goes to investigate, he is killed in a car accident. Antara moves into the home with her husband and young daughter 25 years later. The family is curious about the boy who once lived in their home after finding Anay's old television and camcorder. When a new storm threatens the home, Antara looks at the TV screen and recognises young Anay on the night that he will perish. They can still communicate with one another after all these years. 2:12 has passed, and what she tells him will affect both of their futures.Navdeep Singh co-wrote and directed the Indian thriller Manorama Six Feet Under, which was influenced by the contentious Roman Polanski neo-noir classic Chinatown (1974). Rajasthan-based Satyaveer Singh Randhawa, his wife Nimmi, and their son Raju lead middle-class lives while Satyaveer serves as a Junior Engineer for the Lahkot Municipality's Public Works Department. The area is experiencing drought and high temperatures, and the local irrigation minister, P.P. Rathore, has made bold commitments to divert water from Punjab and Haryana via a canal that is being built on a contentious site. Additionally, Satyeveer wrote the fictional book Manorama, which only sold about 200 copies. He was so appalled by this that he chose not to even keep a copy for his personal library. Even worse, he accepts a motorbike from Seema Constructions in exchange for bribe money, is caught, and is suspended while an investigation is ongoing. Now without a job, Manorama Rathore, the wife of the irrigation minister, approaches him and offers him 20,000 rupees to gather proof that her husband is having an extramarital affair. Unaware that he will soon be sucked into a web of lies and deceit, Satyaveer accepts this offer. Kahani directed by Sujoy Ghosh is one of the finest mystery thrillers we have seen. Starring Vidya Balan, the film revolves around Vidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan) a pregnant woman from London who comes to Kolkata in the festive season to look for her missing husband. As she continues her search, she comes across many clues and people who may or may not be involved in her husbands case. Apart from Vidya Balan's terrific performance and the brilliant script, what made this movie even more interesting was the performance of the rest of the cast members. Till the end youll be guessing all the possibilities. So if you havent watched this film youre missing out on a masterpiece. 6. Talaash (2012) Talaash starring Amir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukherji, directed by Reema Kagti, is a full package. With mind blowing plot, great performance and catchy tunes, the film revolves around Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Amir Khan) who is a cop, investigating a murder case of a popular actor Armaan Kapoor (Vivaan Bhatena). Upon investigating he comes across Rosie (Kareena Kapoor) a red-light area worker who adds mystery to the film. The storyline of this film is so good it will keep you holding to your seats throughout. This film will surely be worth your time if you are looking for something to binge on. 7. Drishyam (2015) Originally adapted by the Malayalam blockbuster with the same title, Drishyam starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kappor and Ishita Dutta, the story revolves around Vijay (Ajay Devgn) and his family who live a simple happy life until they become the prime suspect in a missing case of Sameer Deshmukh (Risabh Chaddha) the son of IG, Meera Deshmukh (Tabu). The story further shows how Vijay and his family deal with this situation. The movie surely shows how good of an actor Ajay Devgn is, and how much worthy he is of all the praises he got for his performance in this film. 8. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy (2015) Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is based on one of the first detective stories created by bestseller Bengali writer Saradindu Bandyopadhyay. The film is set in the 1940s during the Second World War, which follows the first case of Byomkesh Bakshy (Sushant Singh Rajput). Fresh out of college, he agrees to investigate the disappearance of Bhuvan, a chemist. While investigating he discovers that Bhuvans case is linked to a much bigger conspiracy. As many people say this film is Bollywoods Sherlock, the makers have nailed it with the story, screenplay and performance. 9. Andhadhun (2018) One of the best mystery thrillers ever made, Andhadhun starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte and tabu is an all-in-one. The film revolves around Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana) a blind pianist who accidentally bumps into Sophie (Radhika Apte), upon finding out that he is a pianist she takes him to her fathers restaurant and offers Akash a job. Akash then gets invited to an actors residence for a private concert. Upon reaching the actors house there is a shocking surprise waiting for him. This film is so unpredictable, that you wont be able to guess whats coming next, and that is exactly what the audience loved about it. 10. Badla (2019) Filled with crazy twists and turns, Badla starring Tapsee Pannu, Amitabh Bachchan and Amrita Singh, this film is one of the best mystery thrillers. The film revolves around Naina Sethi (Tapsee Pannu), a businesswoman who gets accused of killing her lover Arjun (Tony Luke). As the story unravels, we get to see every shade of the characters in the film. And we bet you wont be able to guess if Naina Sethi (Tapsee Pannu) is actually the culprit or not. Not just the main leads, but even the supporting characters of this film left an impacting performance. 11. Raat Akeli Hai (2020) Raat Akeli Hai directed by Honey Trehan, and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte is a nail-biting murder mystery. The film revolves around Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) who is investigating the murder of an aged and rich politician who is found dead on his wedding night to Radha (Radhika Apte) a young girl. As Jatil Yadav continues his investigation he dives deep into a much darker unresolved case that puts him at risk. This film is so engaging that it will keep you hooked from the start to the very end. And a special mention to the entire cast of this film, they did a brilliant job. So if youre into dark crime movies then Raat Akeli Hai is the one for you. 12. Haseen Dillruba (2021) Released on the popular OTT platform Netflix this film is one of the latest mystery movies, Haseen Dilruba starring Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane is the perfect murder mystery. The story revolves around Rishabh Saxena (Rishu), who is killed in an explosion in his house, on investigating the cops find that it is a murder and the prime suspect is his wife Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu). The story then goes around how Rani deals with the police and frames her story. Haseen Dillruba has romance, affairs, dark characters and murder, which makes it a perfect combination for a masterpiece. The entire cast did a fantastic job in the film, but Vikrant Massey just stole the show with his amazing acting skills. 13. The Fame Game (2022) Not only did it mark the comeback of Madhuri Dixit, but the OTT platform welcomed her with open arms with this interesting thriller titled The Fame Game. Quite realistically embodying the role of a superstar, Madhuri played the role of Anamika Khanna who despite all the fame has a life filled with turmoil and struggles as she tries to lead a happy family life. She tries her best to be the best mother and wife, however, life has other plans for her. The interesting part of the storyline begins when she goes mysteriously missing and her family members are forced to take help from the police to find her whereabouts. This OTT show was trending in no time and had fans hooked to their screens. Madhuri Dixit's portrayal of a glamorous star was played to perfection and got her many words of appreciation. 14. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (2022) Another bone-chilling thriller series that features some of the best OTT stars on the block right now. Shweta Tripathi has already wowed audiences with her brilliant performance in Mirzapur and Tahir Raj Bhasin has had some back-to-back OTT successes this year out of which Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein was one of them that got both critical and commercial success. The show also put Anchal Singh on the map who plays one of the leads in the series. The show revolves around a politician's daughter played by Anchal who would cross all boundaries to get the love of her life which is portrayed by Tahir. The show craftily depicts how power can enable all kinds of crimes. The show builds upon the mystery as Tahir navigates through his struggles to get rid of her as he is already in love with someone else. This dark and twisty tale was so well-received that it got renewed for Season 2 right after its first season. Thrillers are one of the most binge-watched genres on OTT platforms. The intriguing storylines and captivating performances are sure to keep you hooked to your screens. Here is a roundup of some of the favourite films and shows from this genre that topped our list. Read More - Best Hollywood Action Movies Dubbed In Hindi Uttar Pradesh Tourism, in association with Worldwide Media, organised The International Travel Writers Conclave in Varanasi last month The International Travel Writers Conclave, an exceptionally-curated experience with international and national travel journalists, bloggers, vloggers and photographers exploring the heritage city of Varanasi and its nearby attractions, was organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, in association with Worldwide Media. Among the media persons were travel and lifestyle bloggers Lakshmi Sharath, Indrani Ghose, Priyanshu Kumar, Ambica Gulati, Sanjay Kumar, Abhinav Singh, Pamela Mukherjee, Ragini Puri, Kalyan Chatterjee, Vaishali Mihir Shah and Mihir Velji Shah, travel photographer Ajay Sood, Prashant Kumar Jain of NBT Delhi, and C J Rajeeva, Sadanada Hegde, Kenche Gowda and N Nagappa of Vijay Karnataka. Joining them were Gayrat Majid Deputy Chairman of the Union of Writers of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and Sirojiddin Raupov, Norkobil Jalilove and Abdirasul Jumakulov, all members of the Writers Union of the Republic of Uzbekistan. They were escorted on their journey of discovery by Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director Varanasi Tourism. Kashi, the oldest living city in the world, is not just a centre of culture but also of learning and spiritualism. It gives possibility of all inclusive tourism and holds immense appeal for tourists from all walks of life Kaushal Raj Sharma (IAS), Commissioner, Varanasi Division The conclave was anchored around the sacred site of Varanasi. Also called Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is one of Hinduisms holiest cities and one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world. The waters of the River Ganges, central to all life and living in Varanasi, are said to wash away all your sins. Varanasi is famous for its numerous (stepped banks), boat rides on the holy river, and the evening prayers ( ) with thousands of oil lamps along the bank . ghatsaarti(above) DAY 1 The four-day exploration began on December 9, 2022. On this day, the journalists, bloggers and photographers had the opportunity to visit some of the iconic spots of Varanasi such as Namo Ghat (above) and Ravidas Ghat by evening. Following a ride on the River Ganga, they ended the day with a mesmerising cultural performance at the restored heritage Brijrama Palace. DAY 2 On Day 2, the media persons immersed themselves in the spirituality of Varanasi; they began the day with the early morning Ganga aarti and were treated to a stunning sunrise over the river. They experienced the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor (main image) which connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple (above) to the ghats along the River Ganga, an initiative that enables pilgrims and devotees to reach the temple easily from the ghats, and to marvel at the many ancient temples that were discovered along the way, and have now been restored. Then it was on to discover the intricacies of the weaving tradition in Varanasi , and interact with the artisans whose families have been creating iconic Banarasi silk for generations. By evening, the group visited Sarnath (above), one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world, just 10 kilometres from Varanasi That night, dinner at Om Vilas Benares was elevated by a performance by Kathak dancer Rudra Shankar Mishra. DAY 3 December 11 brought the participants unexpected treasures. After a delicious breakfast, they travelled to the massive Chunar Fort (above) an easy 40 kilometres from Varanasi. Set 280 feet high on a hillock overlooking the River Ganga, and offering great views of the river and the banks opposite, the fort is believed to have been constructed by Raja Vikramaditya of Ujjain circa 56 BC for his brother Bhartrihari who was seeking to seclude himself on a spiritual quest. It hosts a variety of interesting structures within, including a darbar hall, a jharokha in the Hindu style but with Mughal inscriptions, the Rani Kuan (queens bathing well) reached by a tunnel with five turns, the Kaal Kothri (an underground incarceration chamber said to have been reserved exclusively for royalty, which once famously held Humayun), the storied Sonwa Mandap and the Jivant Samadhi Sthal of Bharthari. After lunch, the group moved to the stunning Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls (above) within the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, and were privileged to see prehistoric cave art at Aurwatand. As night fell, they returned to Varanasi for the aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. DAY 4 December 12, the fourth day of the conclave, was a formal interaction at Hotel Ramada in Varanasi. District Magistrate of Varanasi S Rajalingam graced the event as Chief Guest and formally lit the ceremonial lamp alongside Pravin Kumar, Resident Editor, Times of India Lucknow; Celebrity Chef Pankaj Bhadouria and Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director, Varanasi Tourism. Two panel discussions followed. The tourism industry involves the community and boosts the local economy. It is a win-win situation for all... S Rajalingam, District Magistrate, Varanasi The first, entitled Adding To The Basket Of Choice explored how the innate diversity in Uttar Pradeshs tourism canvas and its untapped potential can add new products to the traditional visitor experiences to be found in destinations such as Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow or Jhansi. Panellists included Preeti Srivastava; Pravin Rana, Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism, Banaras Hindu University; and Ajay Sood, travel photographer and writer. The session was moderated by Shailvi Sharda from Times of India Lucknow. Acclaimed national and international writers, bloggers and photographers got the opportunity to discover both known and little-explored facets of the culture and history of our state. Through these medias perspectives, travel enthusiasts the world over will, once again, get a chance to explore places unexplored and enjoy stories untold, thus helping the states tourism sector reach a new benchmark. Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director, Varanasi Tourism Also moderated by Shailvi, the second discussion on Craft, Cuisine and Culture had Isha Duhan DM, Chandauli District; Lakshmi Sharath writer, blogger and media professional; Celebrity Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, Priyanshu Kumar textile designer and digital content creator, and Shyam Singh, travel coordinator, as panellists discussing Uttar Pradeshs unique cultural offerings for the visitor. After a feedback session with the participants and a scrumptious lunch, the uniquely-crafted International Travel Writers Conclave 2022 drew to a close. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Japan is scheduled to release a raft of data on Tuesday, headlining a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. On tap are December figures for unemployment, industrial production, retail sales and housing starts, plus January results for its household confidence index. The jobless rate is expected to hold steady at 2.5 percent, while the jobs-to-applicant ratio is expected to tick up to 1.36 from 1.35. Industrial production is expected to slip 1.2 percent on month after adding 0.2 percent in November. Retail sales are tipped to rise 3.0 percent on year, up from 2.5 percent in the previous month. Housing starts are tipped to add 0.5 percent on year after sinking 1.4 percent in November. The household confidence index is pegged at 30.5, up marginally from 30.3 in December. Australia will see December data for housing credit, private sector credit and retail sales. In November, housing credit was up 0.4 percent on month, private sector credit added 0.5 percent on month and retail sales rose 1.4 percent. South Korea will provide December numbers for industrial production and retail sales. Industrial production is expected to fall 0.2 percent on month and 5.1 percent on year after adding 0.4 percent on month and shedding 3.7 percent on year in November. Retail sales were down 1.8 percent on month in November. Taiwan will release December figures for export orders, with forecasts suggesting a decline of 11.2 percent on year following the 23.4 percent contraction in November. Thailand will see December results for imports, exports, trade balance and current account. In November, imports were up 8.2 percent on year and exports were down an annual 5.5 percent for a trade surplus of $0.50 billion. The current account showed a deficit of $0.400 billion. 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. Zurich, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2023) - Freename has launched the Web3 Browser Extension, available for Google Chrome, Mozilla and Brave: users can now navigate the internet with Web3 domains. Once installed in one click, the extension offers different Web3 features: first of all it allows users to surf the internet with Freename domains. In simple terms, with the plugin users can redirect Web3 domains to specific traditional websites, such as personal branding pages, companies' websites, social media profiles and so on. This is a fundamental step in the Web3 world because it increases the spectrum of applications for blockchain-based domains, linking them directly to the traditional Internet world. Users just have to install the extension, access the management panel of their Freename domain and indicate the page url to which they want to redirect it: as simple as that. Then, to browse the domain, just type it through the "browse" button in the extension or through the navigation bar of the browser with "http://" as prefix. Freename launches Web3 Browser Extension Web3 and Web2: Freename's ecosystem is the link. The browser extension offers additional functions to Web3 domains users. For instance, the "Browser" button allows users to search and purchase domains and TLDs directly on the Freename site and the "Web3 WHOIS" button provides access to the first and only Web3 WHOIS on the market. This is a unique place where users can find the domains behind any wallet's address and find the wallet addresses behind any minted domains. Currently it queries wallets, domains and TLDs from Freename, Unstoppable Domains and the ENS registry. Two major features will soon be available, as can be guessed from the extension's screenshot. "Send tokens" is the feature that allows tokens to be sent and received to specific wallet addresses through Web3 domains. "Send Web3 emails" is the feature that allows to send blockchain-based emails and messages through Freename domains. The Swiss company will soon make further announcements regarding the official releases of both features. Freename's Web3 ecosystem is on the one hand increasingly integrated into the Web2 world and its uses, and on the other hand has a number of vertical functionalities in the Web3 world that make it concretely usable for the tangible needs of users, such as sending an email or surfing a website. Freename Browser Extension features About Freename: Freename is the leading Web3 TLDs and Domains platform where users can register and mint their own Web3 TLDs and Domains. Furthermore, on Freename, users can trademark their Web3 TLDs and Domains to protect their own Web3 Identity worldwide. Mattia Martone press@freename.io To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152880 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 30, 2023 / Sappi's never-ending quest to find new ways to extract value from trees has resulted in unique applications for our Valida line of products, ranging from Sappi's own papermaking to foods and cosmetics, and even as an additive in concrete. Now Sappi has found another novel application for Valida: protecting fruit tree buds from frost damage. The US produces more than 15 million tons of deciduous fruit crops, including cherries, peaches, and apples, valued at more than $11 billion annually.* Frost damage happens in the early spring, when the fruit buds are just starting to form-a sudden drop in overnight temperature can cause significant damage. By spraying the trees with a thin layer of Valida, the buds are protected from sporadic temperature drops and potential frost damage. After the buds are more developed and temperatures rise, the naturalcellulose Valida can be harmlessly washed away. Use of natural, renewable Valida represents a more environmentally friendly method for controlling temperature exposure for farmers. Valida products are micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose that are manufactured in the Sappi pilot facility in the Netherlands. Valida is made by further processing the cellulose fibers that are commonly used in paper, breaking them down into even smaller components. The resultant natural material is a pulp that has unique strength and flow properties with the consistency of peanut butter; apply some shear to help the pulp flow. Sappi collaborated with Washington State University, which developed the spray formula using Valida and conducted a trial in a commercial fruit orchard. The initial work proved successful when the Valida-coated trees showed increased yields per acre compared with uncoated trees. As a result of this promising work, Dr. Qi Wang, SNA Technology Platform Director, applied for funding from the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and Sappi was awarded a development grant to continue the work. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sappi North America on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sappi North America Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sappi-north-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Sappi North America View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737342/Valida-Provides-Natural-Renewable-Environmentally-Friendly-Protection-for-Fruit-Trees Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2023) - EDM Resources Inc. (TSXV: EDM) ("EDM" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following update on the Company's activities. The Company's President and CEO, Mr. Mark Haywood, commented: "EDM has completed its Scotia Mine start-up plan which includes updated capital and operating costs, commodity pricing, foreign exchange rates, and other key project variable forecasts. EDM is working closely with its Offtake Partner, contractors and consultants to implement the start-up plan this year. "Additionally, the Company announces that our long-term director, Christopher Hopkins, has resigned for personal health reasons. Chris has been an integral part of the EDM Board for the last six years, and was our interim CFO for the last six months whilst we undertook our executive search for a full-time CFO. For his many contributions to EDM, on behalf of the Board and Management, we wish him all the best in his recovery and future endeavors." Corporate Update: The Company has completed its internal updates of the Scotia Mine's economics with its offtake partner, IXM S.A., and anticipates that certain conditions of the credit agreement announced on 29 th June 2022 may be amended to enable the Company to lock in a development timeline. The internal update of the Scotia Mine's economics includes a number of capital cost reductions, operational costs improvements, and significant operational health and safety improvements. These improvements are to be submitted to the Nova Scotia regulators for approval before start-up. The Company is working closely with its insurers to complete the environmental surety bonding process, which would enable the release of most of the Company's CDN$3 million cash bond with the Nova Scotia Government. EDM is currently negotiating agreements with a number of contractors and suppliers for the major contract work, planned at the Scotia Mine for 2023. Based upon the current start-up plans and approval forecasts, the Scotia Mine is expected to commence commercial production in Q4 of 2023. EDM has been actively engaging with the investment community, and will be presenting at the Red Cloud pre-PDAC 2023 Mining Showcase on March 2, 2023. EDM will be exhibiting at the 2023 PDAC Conference from March 2 to March 5, 2023. We welcome all shareholders and interested parties to visit us at booth #3129 over the 4 days course of the Conference. The Scotia Mine has commenced recruitment for a General Manager and a Mill Superintendent. Suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to review the job postings on our Careers Web page and contact our HR personnel at the mine site at HR@ScotiaMine.ca. About EDM Resources Inc. EDM is a Canadian exploration and mining company that has full ownership of the Scotia Mine and related facilities near Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, EDM also holds several prospective exploration licenses near its Scotia Mine and in the surrounding regions of Nova Scotia. The Company's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "EDM". For more information, please contact: Mark Haywood - President & Chief Executive Officer Simion Candrea - Vice President Head Office - Purdy's Wharf, 1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1301, Nova Scotia, B3J 3N2, Canada Telephone +1 (902) 482 4481 Facsimile +1 (902) 422 2388 Email & Web info@EDMresources.com & www.EDMresources.com The Company's corporate filings and technical reports can be viewed on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Further information on EDM is also available on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EDMresources.inc, Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/EDMresources and LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/EDMresources. CAUTIONARY 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 news release. This news release includes certain forward-looking statements which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "should", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, potential mineralization, exploration and development results, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from EDM's expectations include, among others, the degree to which mineral resource and reserve estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources and reserves, the degree to which factors are present which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable, the price of zinc, lead and gypsum, uncertainties relating to availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, risks related to international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, delays in the development of projects, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of metals, ability to predict or counteract potential impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on factors relevant to the Company's business, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in EDM's management's discussion and analysis of the Company's annual financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2021. Although EDM has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results to be not as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152997 "Q4 2022 just finished and the results achieved are once more impressive. At Group level 2022 Revenues reach 165 million, perfectly in line with the upward revised guidance and expectations to achieve over 5x our 2021 revenues1, commented Carlalberto Guglielminotti, CEO of NHOA Group. "Energy Storage recorded outstanding results, confirming once again to be the growth engine of the Group, with over 300 million of backlog, 1.4GWh under development and over 1 billion pipeline, giving full visibility towards 2023 growth while balancing out the temporary slowdown that the Global Business Line e-Mobility is facing. Atlante, at year end, counted already more than 2,000 points of charge online and under construction and a pipeline of new sites of over 2,700. Moreover, thanks to the recent acquisition in Italy, Atlante can now count on an even more capillary-spread network, reaching the most strategic areas of Southern Europe". As a result of these outstanding achievements at Group level, in 2023 NHOA expects: Revenues at Group level ranging from 220 to 280 million, Energy Storage generating EBITDA between 5 and 10 million, Atlante pushing the development of its network even further, reaching over 3,000 points of charge online and under construction by the end of 2023 Regulatory News: NHOA (NHOA.PA, formerly Engie EPS) is pleased to release the unaudited Q4 2022 Trading and Operational Update containing the performance indicators as of 31 December 2022. 2021 2022 Notes Data in FY 2021 (as restated) Q3 2022 (as restated) FY 2022 Var% vs FY 2021 (as restated) Var% vs 30 Sept 2022 Consolidated Sales[1][5] m 30,2 99,8 165,7 449% Consolidated Cash and Credit Lines available for withdrawal[2] (1) m 151,0 113,4* 74,7 -34% includes the impact of the conversion of a USD30 million cash credit line into a dedicated bond facility to support the growth in energy storage contracts portfolio BY GLOBAL BUSINESS LINE Notes Data in FY 2021 Q3 2022 FY 2022 Var% vs FY 2021 Var% vs 30 Sept 2022 STORAGE Sales[1] m 15,9 88,4 153,6 +868% Backlog[3] (2) m 193 152 301 +98% 12-month Order Intake (3) m 208 223 244 +9% Online Capacity MW 188 201 209 +4% Projects Under Development [4] (4) MWh 720 776 1.384 +78% Pipeline (5) m 764 984 1.043 +6% Projects in which NHOA is shortlisted 4 4 3 _____________________________ 1 Please see below for the details of restated revenues for Fiscal Year 2021, Q1 2022, H1 2022 and first nine months 2022. Notes Data in FY 2021 (as restated) Q3 2022 (as restated) FY 2022 Var% vs FY 2021 (as restated) Var% vs 30 Sept 2022 (as restated) e-MOBILITY Gross Sales including intercompany (Atlante) [1][5] (6) m 14,6 11,2 18,8 +29% Sales[1][5] m 14,4 7,2 11,4 -21% Manufacturing Capacity PoC 2.250/week 2.750/week 2.750/week Notes Data in FY 2021 Q3 2022 FY 2022 Var% vs FY 2021 Var% vs 30 Sept 2022 INFRASTRUCTURE Sales[1] (7) m N/A N/A 0,6 Utilization Rate (8) N/A N/A N/A Sites Microgrids online and under construction 22 119 554 +435 Fastcharging PoC online and under construction 760 1302 2088 +786 V2G Microgrid Capacity online and under construction MW 31 33 33 EV based stationary storage equivalent [4] (9) MWh 32 34 31 -7% Pipeline of New Sites under assessment (10) 835 1953 2734 +781 of which under development (11) 69 412 569 +157 [1] Sales refers to Revenues Other Income. Q4 2022 Sales refers to (unaudited) Revenues Other Income as at 31 Dec 2022 [2] Including cash deposits and cash collateral to guarantee securities on projects in execution [3] Figures published until 4 October 2021 also include e-MOBILITY Backlog. Starting from the release of Q3 2021 Trading and Operational Update, Backlog is communicated only for Global Business Line Storage. [4] FY 2021 and Q1 2022 figures updated on a Like for Like basis. 5,6MWh previously included in the NHOA Energy on "Projects Under Development" reclassified on Atlante "EV based stationary storage equivalent". Please also refer to notes (4) (9) [5] Please note that Consolidated Sales at Group level and Sales at the Global Business Line e-Mobility level include the restatement of 2.7 million for FY2021 and 4.1 million for Q3 2022, to reflect the correction of errors in the recognition of revenues by the Global Business Line e-Mobility for Fiscal Year 2021 and in the first nine months of FY2022 Notes to the Q4 2022 Trading and Operational Update (1) Cash and Credit Lines available for withdrawal represents the cash in the bank accounts of NHOA, including cash deposits, coupled with the cash credit facilities approved and not withdrawn and still available as of the relevant reporting date. A portion of the liquid assets serves as cash collateral to guarantee securities on projects in execution. (2) Backlog means the estimated revenues and other income attributable to (i) purchase orders received, contracts signed and projects awarded (representing 100% of Backlog as of the date hereof), and (ii) Project Development contracts associated with a Power Purchase Agreement, where the agreed value is a price per kWh of electricity and an amount of MW to be installed (nil at the date hereof). When any contract or project has started its execution, the amount recognized as Backlog is computed as (A) the transaction price of the relevant purchase order, contract or project under (i) and (ii) above less (B) the amount of revenues recognized, as of the relevant reporting date, in accordance with IFRS 15 (representing the amount of transaction price allocated to the performance obligations carried out at the reporting date). (3) 12-month order intake represents the cumulated value of new purchase orders received, contracts signed and projects awarded in the 12 months preceding the relevant reporting date. (4) Projects Under Development is an indicator representing the capacity equivalent of Backlog, in terms of signed turnkey supply or EPC contracts and therefore excluding Project Development contracts associated with a Power Purchase Agreement, (please see Note (2) above). As of 30 June 2022, 5.6MWh related to the V2G Drosso have been reclassified to EV based stationary storage equivalent in Atlante, considering that Atlante has started the construction phase (please also refer to Note 9). (5) Pipeline means the estimate, as of the release date, of the amount of potential projects, tenders and requests for proposal for which NHOA has decided to participate or respond. On a quarterly basis NHOA will disclose in its Trading Operational Updates the number of projects in which NHOA is officially shortlisted. (6) Gross Sales including Intercompany (Atlante) refers to revenues recognized by the Global Business Line e-Mobility under Italian GAAP, including intercompany business transaction with Atlante, that are not included in group revenues on a consolidated basis. (7) Sales are Not Applicable for this Trading and Operational Update, as no material sales figures are expected during the launch phase of Atlante (i.e. throughout 2022). (8) Utilization Rate is calculated, over the reference period, as the aggregate utilization time of all PoC divided by the aggregate time of availability of the same PoC, expressed as a percentage. Utilization Rate is Not Applicable for this Trading and Operational Update, and first Utilization Rate data will be disclosed when a materiality threshold of n.10 different sites is achieved (in operation for at least 6 months). (9) Please note that the data in MWh represents the EV based stationary storage equivalent, i.e. the maximum battery capacity of Vehicle-to-Grid services that can be delivered by the Atlante Network at the relevant reporting date and includes the portion of stationary storage coupled with fastcharging technology in any Atlante charging station or e-Mobility Hub. (10) Pipeline of New Sites under assessment includes the total number of sites, as of the relevant reporting date, which are actively pursued after prospecting activity and following a first internal screening for high level feasibility. At this point, the full contractual documentation remains to be finalized and signed, all the required permits have not yet been awarded and construction has not started. (11) of which under development, being a sub-category of "Pipeline of New Sites under assessment", includes sites for which a more detailed feasibility activity commences, including detailed discussions with site owners and exchange of documentation. For the sites included in the "under development" sub-category there would be a reasonable degree of confidence that they can be converted into fastcharging stations within the next six months (subject to interconnection and timely delivery of hardware). Additional notes Please note that up to the October 13, 2022 press release on the Q3 2022 Trading and Operational Update, the Company reported, for Global Business Line e-Mobility, the "PoC Conversion Rate" (with a break-down between "PoC/Stellantis Group EV Sales" and "PoC outside Stellantis /Total PoC"). As from Q4 2022, the Company has decided to no longer report on this KPI. This is because the Global Business Line e-Mobility collaborates with Stellantis on different levels, different final users and on different typologies of chargers, from slow to fast, there is thus no more a strong correlation between sales of charging devices (Points of Charge "PoC") and EV sales. As a result, the indicator PoC Conversion Rate does not represent anymore a valid and material KPI for the monitoring of the Global Business Line e-Mobility performance. Restatement of Revenues With the publication of the FY 2022 financial statement NHOA will proceed to a restatement of its revenues for Fiscal Year 2021, Q1 2022, H1 2022 and the first nine months of 2022. This restatement (2.7 million for FY 2021 and 4.1 million for the first nine months of 2022, of which 3.2 million was eventually recognized as Q4 2022 revenues), is immaterial in the context of the achievement of the over 160 million revenue guidance for 2022. It is made to reflect the correction of errors in the recognition of revenues by the Global Business Line e-Mobility for Fiscal Year 2021 and the first nine months of 2022. An internal investigation on the responsibilities of these accounting errors by Free2move eSolutions, the joint-venture with Stellantis, is currently ongoing with the support of specifically appointed forensic independent experts. Further details, along with the impact of this restatement on FY 2021 and H1 2022 Gross Margin, EBITDA and Net Income, as well as the new internal controls and procedures that NHOA implemented, will be disclosed with the publication of the 2022 Consolidated financial statement scheduled on March 28, 2023. A summary of the Company's historical consolidated statement of operations, and of the impact of the restatement, is as follows: FY 2021 Q1 2022 H1 2022 Q3 2022 Total Revenues and Other Income As published 32,9 20,9 82,2 99,8 Restated 30,2 17,6 78,1 95,7 e-Mobility Sales As published 17,1 5,2 9,1 11,3 Restated 14,4 1,9 5,1 7,2 The Q4 2022 Trading and Operational Update will be illustrated in the investor conference call scheduled on 31 January 2023 at 9:00am CET. Dial-in details and presentation will be available on the corporate website nhoa.energy NHOA NHOA S.A. (formerly Engie EPS), global player in energy storage, e-mobility and EV fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure, develops technologies enabling the transition towards clean energy and sustainable mobility, shaping the future of a next generation living in harmony with our planet. Listed on Euronext Paris regulated market (NHOA.PA), NHOA forms part of the CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable financial indices. NHOA, with offices in France, Spain, United States and Australia, maintains entirely in Italy research, development and production of its technologies. For further information, go towww.nhoa.energy follow us on LinkedIn follow us on Instagram Forward looking statement This release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not undertakings as to the future performance of NHOA. Although NHOA considers that such statements are based on reasonable expectations and assumptions at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual performance to differ from those indicated or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include without limitation those explained or identified in the public documents filed by NHOA with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the NHOA 2021 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 6 April 2022 (under number D. 22-0251). Investors and NHOA shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on NHOA. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the verbs or terms "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "build- up", "under discussion" or "potential customer", "should" or "will", "projects", "backlog" or "pipeline" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and that are to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the impacts of the Covid19 pandemic on NHOA's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the world economy. They appear throughout this announcement and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding NHOA's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, NHOA's results of business development, operations, financial position, prospects, financing strategies, expectations for product design and development, regulatory applications and approvals, reimbursement arrangements, costs of sales and market penetration. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management's expectations or could affect NHOA's ability to achieve its strategic goals, include the uncertainties relating to the impact of Covid-19 on NHOA's business, operations and employees. In addition, even if the NHOA's results of operations, financial position and growth, and the development of the markets and the industry in which NHOA operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The forward-looking statements herein speak only at the date of this announcement. NHOA does not have the obligation and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005755/en/ Contacts: Press Office: Claudia Caracausi and Davide Bruzzese, Image Building, +39 02 89011300, nhoa@imagebuilding.it Financial Communication and Institutional Relations: Chiara Cerri, +39 337 1484534, ir@nhoa.energy Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, right, and his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin shake hands during a joint press conference after their meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, Tuesday. AP-Yonhap Pentagon chief assures NATO-style security guarantee amid growing skepticism over extended deterrence against North Korea By Jung Min-ho South Korea and the United States agreed to expand the size and content of their combined military drills on Tuesday to counter intensifying security threats from North Korea amid growing skepticism here over Washington's commitment to provide extended deterrence. At a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup in Seoul, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassured that his country's "ironclad" commitment to the Asian ally will continue to underpin their relationship. "Our commitment to the defense of the ROK (South Korea) remains ironclad, and the United States stands firm in its extended deterrence commitment," the Pentagon chief said. "That includes the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including our conventional, nuclear and missile defense capabilities. Now, we have 28,500 uniformed personnel in South Korea ... This shows our unwavering commitment." Austin said the U.S.' key strategic military assets, such as advanced stealth jets and aircraft carriers, will participate in their joint drills more frequently, announcing a plan to carry out a tabletop exercise organized by the allies' Deterrence Strategy Committee in February. He added there will be major joint live-fire drills before or after South Korea's Armed Forces Day (Oct. 1). The announcement came a day after the release of a poll, conducted by the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, which showed more than 76 percent of South Koreans support the idea of arming the country with its own nuclear weapons a troubling sign of the diminishing trust among South Koreans in the U.S.' security guarantee and growing fears of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities. Austin said the U.S.' goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula remains the same. "The U.S. and the ROK are committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and we've long been that way," he said. "We want to make sure that no stone is left unturned." U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup attend a welcome ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, Tuesday, ahead of their meeting. Joint Press Corps Yet he refrained from mentioning the possibility of South Korea's development of its own nuclear weapons or of the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in the South an issue that has drawn a lot of attention recently from not just the public, but also politicians here. President Yoon Suk Yeol previously said he would not rule out the possibility of the development of South Korea's own nuclear weapons if North Korea's threats continue to increase. Apparently aware of the skepticism that the U.S. would not take the risk of triggering a nuclear war with North Korea in the event of an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula, Austin promised to provide South Korea with a NATO-style security guarantee. He made the promise in a statement sent to Yonhap, a Korean news agency, prior to the meeting. "If they (North Korea) challenge one of us, they are challenging the U.S.-ROK alliance as a whole," Austin said, echoing the core principle of NATO, a security alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe. Article 5 of its treaty states that "an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all." Austin said the U.S. commitment to the alliance is "what we're all about" and not "just a slogan." That commitment, he added, has never been shaken over the past 70 years. President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin shake hands at the presidential office in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of presidential office Therapy Marketing Services launches the BOOST Academy showing hypnotherapists how to attract clients using an innovative approach without expensive adverts or excessive time on social media. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2023) - Therapy Marketing Services Ltd, a leading marketing agency for hypnotherapists, has unveiled a unique marketing course called the BOOST Academy aimed at helping hypnotherapists overcome common issues such as low client numbers, high advertising costs, and discomfort with marketing and selling. The program is based on an approach refined over the last 24 months that has helped gain new clients in as little as three months, according to the team at BOOST Academy. Therapy Marketing Services Launches BOOST Academy To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/152282_b6aca359b4b7e927_001full.jpg CEO Jonathan Butler commented, "Many hypnotherapists, especially those just starting, have struggled to attract the clients they want. Our students have been extremely positive about this program, as it allows them to market their services effectively, authentically and comfortably while creating a sustainable flow of clients without relying on online ads or spending excessive time on social media. This programme is designed and refined by a successful hypnotherapist working closely with a leading digital marketing expert." The program, which will be launched globally in January 2023, is designed to give hypnotherapists the tools they need to build a successful practice based on the real-world experience and knowledge of successful hypnotherapists. It will provide them with strategies to increase their clients. It shows hypnotherapists how to differentiate themselves, offer high-value service offerings that clients will value, and draw clients towards them. Participants in the program are shown how to market their services in their local area and a blueprint for becoming specialists in their field, attracting both local and international clients. "Many hypnotherapists are uncomfortable with marketing and even less so with selling. This program, therefore, creates marketing that attracts and draws people towards the therapist without the need for 'pushy' selling. We show people how to create an environment and engagement process for clients," adds Jonathan. Therapy Marketing Services' mission is to increase the market visibility and perceived value of hypnotherapy, allowing more clients to access the benefits of hypnotherapy. The company accelerates therapists' marketing to attract the right clients, specialise in their niche, and build a lifestyle-based business. For more details, please see: hypnosisadvertisingandmarketing.com. Contact Info: Name: Jonathan Butler Email: steve.butler@therapymarketingservices.co.uk Organization: THERAPY MARKETING SERVICES LIMITED Address: 128 City Road, London, England EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom Phone: +44-7812-061970 Website: https://hypnosisadvertisingandmarketing.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152282 LONDON, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It was announced today, the United Kingdom will play host of an important international gathering of literacy specialists who will come together to address the spike in illiteracy rates post pandemic. The World Literacy Summit 2023 will be held at Oxford University, hosting around 500 literary specialists from 85 countries over three days, from April 2 to 5. World Literacy Foundation CEO Andrew Kay said the United Kingdom is playing a central role in this international event as the latest global research, data and knowledge is shared amongst literacy practitioners and academics. "We are delighted to announce Oxford to host the World Literacy Summit 2023 as it brings together leaders from 85 countries representing over two-thirds of the world's population, and all with a single focus - advocating, championing, and educating on the vital importance of improving literacy levels across the globe," he said. "Today, as a community of literacy experts, we face significant challenges in the UK and other regions of the world as the early data shows a drop in literacy rates post-pandemic." World Literacy Summit holds as the largest gathering of international literary specialist including NGO leaders, researchers, academics, government representatives and the learners themselves, while also drawing upon thousands delegates and online viewers through their webinars. Latest research shows 70 percent of 10-year-olds in low and middle-income countries are unable to read and understand a simple text and more than 60 percent of children from low-income homes in the UK struggle with reading. UK Trustee of the World Literacy Foundation, Samantha Sida said "Literacy can change everything in the life of a young person and provide a pathway to reach their full potential". Illiteracy has a significant lifelong impact to a person and a massive cost on the economy with every 1 spent on literacy programs having a 13 percent ROI back to the economy. Low literacy skills can impact employment, health, poverty and other social issues. When individuals learn how to read they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, sustain employment, lower incarceration rates and ultimately change their lives. The Summit is a vital opportunity for the wider literacy community to come together, find solutions, and create a roadmap for the future. For further details https://www.worldliteracysummit.org/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uk-to-host-global-literacy-event-301734149.html TOKYO, Jan 31, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation's production and sales results for December 2022 and for January through December 2022 are summarized below.I. Production1. Domestic Production(1) December 2022Mazda's domestic production volume in December 2022 decreased 20.2% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.Domestic production of key models in December 2022CX-5:27,541 units(down 30.4% year on year)MAZDA3:8,172 units(down 15.7%)CX-9:6,700 units(down 1.9%)(2) January through December 2022Mazda's total domestic production volume in the period from January through December 2022 decreased 0.1% year on year due to decreased production of passenger vehicles.[Domestic production of key models in the period from January through December 2022]CX-5:353,926 units(up 9.6% year on year)MAZDA3:77,449 units(down 23.6%)CX-9:59,264 units(up 6.0%)2. Overseas Production(1) December 2022Mazda's overseas production volume in December 2022 increased 38.5% year on year, reflecting increased production of passenger vehicles.Overseas production of key models in December 2022CX-30:9,251 units(up 47.2% year on year)MAZDA3:6,582 units(down 0.1%)MAZDA2:4,384 units(up 40.7%)(2) January through December 2022Mazda's total overseas production volume in the period from January through December 2022 increased 5.2% year on year due to increased production of passenger vehicles.Overseas production of key models in the period from January through December 2022CX-30:121,274 units(up 3.9% year on year)MAZDA3:91,012 units(down 16.9%)MAZDA2:62,268 units(up 42.8%)II. Domestic Sales(1) December 2022Mazda's domestic sales volume in December 2022 decreased 14.0% year on year due to decreased sales of passenger vehicles.Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 4.6% (down 1.0 points year on year), with a 1.9% share of the micro-mini segment (up 0.3 points) and a 3.5% total market share (down 0.7 points).Domestic sales of key models in December 2022CX-5:1,796 units(down 44.8% year on year)MAZDA2:1,570 units(down 32.6%)CX-60:1,296 units(2) January through December 2022Mazda's domestic sales volume in the period from January through December 2022 increased 2.6% year on year due to increased sales of passenger vehicles.Mazda's registered vehicle market share was 5.1% (up 0.6 points year on year), with a 1.8% share of the micro-mini segment (down 0.1 points) and a 3.8% total market share (up 0.3 points).Domestic sales of key models in the period from January through December 2022CX-5:31,394 units(up 40.1% year on year)MAZDA2:24,448 units(down 0.9%)CX-30:16,168 units(down 16.4%)III. Exports(1) December 2022Mazda's export volume in December 2022 decreased 23.6% year on year due to decreased shipments to North America and Europe.Exports of key models in December 2022CX-5:28,474 units(down 24.7 % year on year)MAZDA3:7,200 units(down 45.1%)CX-9:6,160 units(down 33.6%)(2) January through December 2022Mazda's export volume in the period from January through December 2022 decreased 1.8% year on year due to decreased shipments to North America and Oceania.Exports of key models in the period from January through December 2022CX-5:320,126 units(up7.1% year on year)MAZDA3:62,779 units(down 30.1%)CX-9:58,723 units(up 6.0%)IV. Global Sales(1) December 2022Mazda's global sales volume in December 2022 increased 6.0% year on year due to increased sales in the U.S., Europe and other regions.Global sales of key models in December 2022CX-5:30,540 units(up 8.4% year on year)MAZDA3:15,494 units(down 13.7%)CX-30:12,716 units(down 29.0%)(2) January through December 2022Mazda's global sales volume in the period from January through December 2022 decreased 13.3% year on year due to decreased sales in the U.S., China, Europe and other regions.Global sales of key models in the period from January through December 2022CX-5:365,135 units(down 4.4% year on year)MAZDA3:173,619 units(down 26.0%)CX-30:172,057 units(down 22.7%)- Overseas production figures indicate Mazda-brand units coming off the production line (excluding CKD units).- Global production figures are the sum total of domestic and overseas production volumes.- All information in this press release is as of the date of the publicity. Any update after that is not reflected.For more information, visit https://newsroom.mazda.com/en/publicity/release/2023/202301/230130a.html.Source: mazdaCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Runner Up Company is Olemedo, Founded by a Female Mexican Immigrant Entrepreneur; UK-Based Growth Hacking Competition Focused on Revenue over Polished Pitches, Seeking a Better Way to Drive Investment EDINBURGH, UK, Jan. 30, 2023, a UK-based Startup growth-hacking Competition which prioritises sales over pitching skills, announced today that House of Tulahas won the 6-month long competition, and was awarded the 10,000 cash prize. House of Tula founded by female Indian immigrant entrepreneur Priyansu Nath, has secured the 10,000 Startup Race cash prize and says she will use the purse to invest in online marketing, social media marketing campaigns, and bring in customers to its future crowdfunding campaigns. "As an entrepreneur, you need to validate various hypotheses for your business. What The Startup Race competition did for the business was create a 6-month time frame to achieve this," said Priyansu Nath, founder and CEO of House of Tula. "It was the perfect time to play your cards as not only we could test the hypothesis, but every penny generated in revenue would also count towards the competition. This meant concrete insights for the business in an accelerated time." The competition also awarded second place to Olmedoof London's founder Mariely Macias Olmedo, another female immigrant entrepreneur (Mexico). "For both our first and second place winners, their mission and business success proves that 'gamifying the startup process' with a growth-hacking competition can help Startup founders overcome perfectionism, procrastination, and thus reduce the chance of failure," said James Shoemark, CEO and co-founder of The Startup Race Ltd. "When customers actually start purchasing a startup's product or service, it's not only an achievement, but also significant validation for the startup concept and value proposition." More than 500 companies entered The 10,000 Startup Race, and the entrepreneurs became especially competitive towards the end. The Startup Race team used an FCA-regulated Open Banking data aggregation company to diligently, analyse and validate each bank transaction that reflected a sale the Startup Racers were able to achieve each week. This resulted in changing positions on the 10,000 Startup Race League Table each week and Priyanshu Nath won by having the most sales overall. House of Tula, the winning company, is focused on personal journaling, with sustainability at its heart and as its founding principle. House of Tula was born in 2022 following the founder Priyanshu Nath's personal well-being journey in which journaling played a key role. She discovered that writing on textured paper gave her a tactile experience that digital devices failed to offer, and journals with beautiful aesthetics made her carry the journal regularly like an accessory. With this in mind, she ventured to develop a product that would be appreciated by more people like her and found that it was popular with other customers including journallers, artists and architects, who too appreciated sustainable good quality paper, beautiful designs and the lovely feel of textured paper. Olmedo of London is an innovative clothing company founded by Mariely Macias Olmedo, another female immigrant entrepreneur from Mexico who studied fashion in London at the masters level in Italy at Instituto Marangoni. She blends authentic Mexican embroideries and the fusion of western inspirations, focused on creating contemporary garments for women. Olmedo wants to introduce one of the main characteristics of the luxury market; handmade process and authenticity creating collaborations with artisans and creative people in the UK. "The 10,000 Startup Race motivated me to launch my new label with a collection of handbags made of cactus leather," said Mariely Macias Olmedo, founder of Olmedo of London. "Technical challenges, administrative tasks and design approach, can be quite challenging to put together with a very specific deadline. However, with the tools and methods that the Start Up Race supports, was approached in a successful way. We will be continue constructing our beautiful project and improving in all corresponding areas." The Startup Race methodology capitalizes on the iconoclastic startup method, first developed by GodFather of the Lean Startup Movement - Steve Blank. In a 2013 blog post called It's Time to Play Moneyball: The Investment Readiness Level. Upon entry to the Accelerator, participants gained access to the world's best Lean Startup resources in order to validate their thinking, develop their business model and personal profile in order to attract co-founders. Other free resources on Leanstack include the Foundations and Business Model Design Playbooks and Lean Canvas & Traction Roadmap tools. The Startup Race team helps entrepreneurs incorporate their UK company and open a UK business bank account to enable them to start generating sales as soon as the competition starts. Through The Startup Race process, a number of high net-worth individuals observe how the teams perform over the course of The Race and be introduced to companies that they may consider supporting at the end of the program. For more information on The Startup Race, please visit: WWW.TheStartupRace.com. ____ ABOUT THE STARTUP RACE The Startup Race is an accelerator program focused on proving that entrepreneurs succeed best through sales and revenue, over perfect pitching. The program was conceived in 2014 when a young entrepreneur asked Mr. Shoemark, who was hosting a League of Entrepreneurs Meetup at the time, if and how the startup process could be gamified. Mr. Shoemark decided that a business competition using the Pirate Metrics. Attachments NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - American International Group (AIG) terminated Mark Lyons from his positions as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Chief Actuary and Head of Portfolio Management saying that he violated his confidentiality/non-disclosure obligations to the company. According to the company, the violations were unrelated to the company's financial statements, financial reporting generally and related disclosure controls and procedures, or reserves. Mark Lyons stepped into the interim CFO role when Shane Fitzsimons went on medical leave in early January. In recognition of Lyons' contributions to AIG since he joined the company in 2018, the company entered into a settlement agreement with Lyons. The company has agreed to pay Lyons an aggregate cash amount of $7.5 million, which will be paid in two equal installments on or before each of February 15, 2023 and February 15, 2024, AIG said in a regulatory filling. Meanwhile, AIG said it appointed Sabra Purtill as its Interim Chief Financial Officer and Turab Hussain as its Interim Global Chief Actuary. Purtill previously served as Chief Investment Officer of Corebridge Financial. Prior to that, she was AIG's Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer and Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Hussain previously served as AIG's Chief Risk Officer, General Insurance. 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. Technip Energies (PARIS: TE) (ISIN:NL0014559478) has been awarded a contract for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of the world's largest low-carbon hydrogen project for ExxonMobil in Baytown, Texas, USA. The integrated complex will produce approximately one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen per day and capture more than 98%, or around 7 million metric tons per year of the associated CO2 emissions, making it the largest project of its kind in the world. Technip Energies has strong experience in blue hydrogen projects which remove carbon and replace natural gas or other higher-carbon fuels with low-carbon hydrogen to support decarbonization. As a result, Scope 1 and 2 emissions from Baytown complex can be reduced by up to 30%. Loic Chapuis, SVP Gas and Low-Carbon Energies of Technip Energies, commented "We are very excited to be engaged with ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions to help design their low-carbon hydrogen production facility. We are committed to advancing the energy transition and this project will be a hallmark in contributing to the decarbonization of existing facilities and capturing significant volumes of carbon emissions." To know more about Gas and Low-Carbon Energies: Technip Energies is a provider of consulting, engineering services and technologies for the gas and low-carbon market. To learn more about our Decarbonization capabilities, please go to https://www.technipenergies.com. About Technip Energies Technip Energies is a leading Engineering Technology company for the energy transition, with leadership positions in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), hydrogen and ethylene as well as growing market positions in blue and green hydrogen, sustainable chemistry and CO2 management. The company benefits from its robust project delivery model supported by extensive technology, products and services offering. Operating in 34 countries, our 15,000 people are fully committed to bringing our client's innovative projects to life, breaking boundaries to accelerate the energy transition for a better tomorrow. Technip Energies is listed on Euronext Paris with American depositary receipts ("ADRs") traded over-the-counter in the United States. For further information: www.technipenergies.com. Important Information for Investors and Securityholders Forward-Looking Statement This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements usually relate to future events and anticipated revenues, earnings, cash flows or other aspects of Technip Energies' operations or operating results. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," "should," "would," "could," "may," "estimate," "outlook," and similar expressions, including the negative thereof. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Technip Energies' current expectations, beliefs and assumptions concerning future developments and business conditions and their potential effect on Technip Energies. While Technip Energies believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting Technip Energies will be those that Technip Energies anticipates. All of Technip Energies' forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties (some of which are significant or beyond Technip Energies' control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from Technip Energies' historical experience and Technip Energies' present expectations or projections. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, please see Technip Energies' risk factors set forth in Technip Energies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which include amendment no. 4 to Technip Energies' registration statement on Form F-1 filed on February 11, 2021. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date they are made. Technip Energies undertakes no duty to and will not necessarily update any of the forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events, except to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005662/en/ Contacts: Investor relations Phil Lindsay Vice-President Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7585 5051 Email: Phillip Lindsay Media relations Stella Fumey Director Press Relations Digital Communications Tel: +33 (1) 85 67 40 95 Email: Stella Fumey Jason Hyonne Press Relations Social Media Lead Tel: +33 1 47 78 22 89 Email: Jason Hyonne TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BOXX Insurance, the Toronto headquartered insurtech that combines cyber insurance and security, announced a US$14.4 million Series B funding round, bringing the total amount raised from investors to US$24.5 million in the last 16 months. The latest investment was led by global giant, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Zurich). BOXX also today announced that its business met its combined goal to grow 10x in the last 24 months whilst continuing to outperform its underwriting targets. Over 250,000 individuals and 10,000 businesses are protected by BOXX. "Our goal was always to help our customers stay ahead of cyber threats in addition to being there to help them respond and recover from an incident," said BOXX Co-founder and CEO Vishal Kundi. "We've been making a lot of headway with this and additional category expansion." In October, BOXX acquired Cyber security platform Templarbit and has begun the integration of its threat intelligence software into its product suite and underwriting framework. Over the course of 2022, the company launched its Hackbusters Incident Response, virtual CISO service for businesses, a new mobile app solution for consumers, in addition to testing a number of new security-based initiatives. "We're not only seeing more of our existing cyber insurance customers adding our security products, but also seeing new customers coming in attracted by our latest security products and services," Kundi said. BOXX's mission to make the world a digitally safer place has led to its presence expanding across North America and other selected markets poised for growth. BOXX increased its staff from 5 to 36 in the last year. In addition to expanding its go-to-market team and adding new products, BOXX has also implemented upgrades to its underwriting platform and tools including third party integrations. "We've seen how difficult it is to build cyber insurance solutions for the small business and consumer segments - it is costly and requires deep technical expertise to stay ahead. BOXX addresses these challenges unambiguously, affordably, and with a genuine understanding of what customers and their risk advisors need," said Jack Howell, CEO of Zurich Global Ventures. "Helping customers with innovative digital solutions and embedding them into the customer journey, is critical. It's impressive to see the simplicity in how BOXX is tackling such a complex global challenge." About BOXX Insurance BOXX Insurance Inc. helps businesses, individuals and families insure and defend against cyber threats. BOXX Insurance Inc. is privately-held with headquarters in Toronto, Canada. BOXX's vision is to help businesses, individuals and families stay ahead of, respond to and recover from cyber threats, putting their digital safety first. For further information, please visit www.boxxinsurance.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992374/BOXX_Insurance_Zurich_Insurance_leads_SERIES_B_fundraise_for_glo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992372/BOXX_Insurance_Zurich_Insurance_leads_SERIES_B_fundraise_for_glo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992371/BOXX_Insurance_Zurich_Insurance_leads_SERIES_B_fundraise_for_glo.jpg Media Contact: alex.tomaszewski@boxxinsurance.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zurich-insurance-leads-series-b-fundraise-for-global-cyber-insurtech-boxx-insurance-301734080.html CALGARY, AB, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- British Canadian Entrepreneur & Founder, Jay Rasik Modi has been nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year award, presented by Google and the Canadian National Business Awards for 2022. "Thank you to Google and the Canadian National Business Awards. Growing a business in the past few years has not been easy given the global pandemic and economic conditions, so I am ever grateful for the recognition and am happy to accept the nomination," says Jay. Jay has been an entrepreneur since before his teens. Having borrowed money from his father to start his very first commercial business in 2000, manufacturing organic pasta well ahead of the Organic food movement. From there Jay dabbled into real estate, "fixing and flipping" small homes. Jay subsequently dropped out of the University of Calgary after attending for 6 months and went on to create a successful real estate business, until 2010 when he expanded the asset management side of his skill set and focused on that industry, raising funds to purchase mortgage-backed securities. During that time Jay also established offices in Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA, and was the Executive Producer of twelve movies, some of which became highly popular and are currently streamed on Netflix. Fast forward to today, Jay has invested in and helped build many of Canada's top performing Financial Technology (FinTech) Platforms and continues to stay focused on the FinTech space where he sees massive growth and opportunity over the next few years. "The opportunity in FinTech is as big as it ever was," says Jay. "With the onset of Artificial Intelligence, the outsourcing of employees and the pace at which paid media and organic SEO can be ranked, the opportunity for Tech companies to position themselves correctly is endless. I see a decade or more of intense and focused growth potential at the very least for tech-based firms. Beyond that I will leave to your imagination, but Tech doesn't stop, and it will continue to evolve and revolutionize the way we all do business, and the way consumers interact with companies and each other," says Jay. About Jay Modi Born in London, United Kingdom, Jay Rasik Modi moved to Canada in 1998. He attended Western Canada High School in Calgary, Canada, and subsequently went onto the University of Calgary. Jay started his first business, a household goods trading company, while he was in high school and went on to creating an Organic Pasta Company. Jay then launched a real estate company which subsequently took off and was very successful. Jay made the decision to focus on that business, and not to complete his degree, which he cites as one of the best decisions he ever made. That decision blazed a path forward and led to Jay now having more than 20 years of business experience under his belt within various business sectors. Jay has been involved in Foods Manufacturing, Asset Management, Movie Production, Real Estate and now focuses heavily on the FinTech and Technology Industries. About The Canadian National Business Awards The Canadian National Business Awards are designed to recognize and applaud the contribution that business owners provide to Canada's economy. Canadian entrepreneurs are more than just business owners of a successful company, they are the innovators of our country. Through their flourishing businesses, they push our economy to the next level and are what our communities are structured on. The business awards represent excellence and accomplishment for entrepreneurs because it recognizes and validates all the hard work, they have put into making a successful business. The awards also represent several opportunities for businesses, including increasing their credibility to investors and customers. When an entrepreneur takes home a business award, it solidifies their reputation - enhancing trustworthiness in the eyes of others. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992214/Jay_Modi_Jay_Rasik_Modi_Nominated_for_the_Google___CNBA_Entrepre.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992215/Jay_Modi_Jay_Rasik_Modi_Nominated_for_the_Google___CNBA_Entrepre.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jay-rasik-modi-nominated-for-the-google--cnba-entrepreneur-of-the-year-award-2022-301733837.html Proprietary "Exosphere" Approach To Enhance Exploration at Nisk Mining Project TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2022 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSX-V:PNPN)(OTCQB:CMETF)(Frankfurt:IVVI) Power Nickel, a Canadian metal exploration company, has announced a partnership with Australian-based Fleet Space Technologies, a developer and operator of a constellation of microsatellites that delivers universal connectivity across the globe, including the exploration of Nickel ore deposits at its NISK project. Power Nickel, which specializes in the exploration of high-potential nickel, copper, gold, and other battery metal prospects in Canada and Chile, will use innovative sound mapping technology from Fleet Space to locate additional high-grade nickel sulfide deposits with a greater level of accuracy. Called "ExoSphere," a rapid mineral exploration solution, Fleet Space mapping technology has already delivered promising results in exploration projects for high-grade nickel in Michigan and Minnesota. The satellite-enabled earth scanning technique is called Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT). Battery-powered devices known as 'Geodes', which can be transported by hand, are used to capture background vibrations from natural and man-made sources. The data can be used to develop a full 3D visualization of the subsurface down to 2 km depth. Fleet's Geodes are up to 10x more sensitive than existing nodal geophones, leading to better accuracy and depth of results. The exploration team can get a clear, rich image of what resources may be below ground in a period that can be as short as four days. These can be easily shared and viewed from anywhere in the world in near real-time. The data thus obtained is processed rapidly and transmitted from anywhere in the world through Fleet's constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, which were recently launched by Elon Musk's company, SpaceX. Historically nickel sulfide deposits are located in the form of pods in a geographic area. It is expected that the nickel ore deposits at NISK are also in the form of such pods. Currently, Power Nickel is exploring 1 square kilometer of its 45 square kilometer land package. Using Fleet Space's earth scanning technology, Power Nickel hopes to optimize its chances of finding additional deposits and increase its drilling accuracy as part of a well-developed drilling program. Another benefit that the use of the technology offers is that due to its higher level of accuracy in detecting nickel ore deposits, it can decrease land disturbance in the exploration stage. Power Nickel, the company's flagship NISK project, has high-grade nickel sulfide deposits that have the potential to be among the most low-cost and environmentally-friendly sources of high-grade nickel in the world. This is due to several factors: the mine's proximity to a hydropower facility, established infrastructure, and shallow mineral depth. Indonesia's recent ban on export of nickel is likely to have a major impact on the supply chain for critical products like electric vehicles and rocket engines. This points to the urgent need for countries like Canada and the US to become self-reliant with regard to nickel supplies in light of the growing demand for vehicles running on clean energy. Commenting on the partnership, Terry Lynch, the CEO of Power Nickel said, "While we are having excellent success drilling at Nisk as evidenced by our recent drill results. We are looking for lots more drill cores like this. A sampling of core from hole 23 that we completed last week. "Fleet Space Technologies has already successfully used this technology in Australia and now in Minnesota. By using this advanced seismic tomography approach in combination with our in-house methods, we hope to increase our chances of finding more nickel ore pods at a faster rate. The two main advantages this technology offers are that we can now explore our 45-square-kilometer land package in a fraction of the time we need using traditional ground-based methods. The second advantage is that with this data, we can drill fewer meters but with increased impact. Use of this technology aligns well with our goal of making nickel mining cleaner, faster, and more environmentally friendly right from the exploration phase." Fleet Space founder Flavia Tata Nardini said, "We're delighted to see ExoSphere deployed in Canada for the first time, building on our success in the US and elsewhere around the world. As well as great technology and commercial partnership, this is a real meeting of minds. We both understand the urgent need to accelerate the discovery process for these vital minerals, but we're also equally committed to minimizing their environmental impact. Power Nickel is precisely the kind of forward-thinking, responsible enterprise ExoSphere was designed for: it's great to be working with them on this project." Qualified Person Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc. from 3DGeo Solution Inc and consultant to Power Nickel, is the independent qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on high-potential copper, gold, and battery metal prospects in Canada and Chile. On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE:TSXV) The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding its current high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization Ni 43- 101 resource with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits. Highlights Recent assay results from the current drill program at the Nisk deposit continue to return high-grade Ni-Cu- Co sulfide and PGE mineralization. Significant results from this batch of assays include: 40.3m @ 0.88% Ni, 0.56% Cu, 0.06% Co, 1.64 ppm Pd and 0.15 ppm Pt (PN-22-009) Including: 25.86m @ 1.17% Ni, 0.80% Cu, 0.08% Co, 1.46 ppm Pd and 0.23 ppm Pt Power Nickel announced on June 8th, 2021, that an agreement has been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in a total of 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper.(Resource World) This property hosts two known mineral showings (Gold ore and Magee), and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, which was reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are described as polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper. Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit, which was sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $ 3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region. For further information, please contact: Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO 647-448-8044, terry@powernickel.com Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON Media Contact Name: Terry Lynch Email: terry@powernickel.com Website: www.powernickel.com About Fleet Space Technologies Fleet Space Technologies is Australia's leading space company. It is headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, the centre of the country's rapidly growing space industry. Fleet also has a global presence including a US HQ in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA. Fleet is rapidly expanding its satellite constellation to provide limitless data and global reach to realize the potential of millions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking " concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its planned activities at the NISK Property and for general working capital purposes; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties; maintaining its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE: Power Nickel Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737313/Power-Nickel-Announces-Partnership-With-Fleet-Space-Technologies POOLE, England, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Codestone Group, the leading SAP, Microsoft & CCH Tagetik cloud technology consulting firm, announced the appointment of Mark Ames as its Chief Operating Officer. This is part of a series of high-profile Codestone Board appointments to drive Codestone's strategic priorities as it continues to grow, following private equity-backing from FPE Capital. With over 15 years of experience in software development and further eight years in infrastructure management, most recently working for the past four years as the COO on physical networking infrastructure for ISG Tech, Mark will be instrumental in helping Codestone accelerate growth, strengthen collaboration and scale expertise across its ERP, EPM, BI & Analytics, Cloud IT and Managed Services business. He previously led Software Development for Atos and was UK Infrastructure Management Service Line Director for global organisation Sopra Steria. Additionally, he was Head of ICT Applications for Birmingham City Council in a large joint venture with Capita, to deliver the Council's digital transformation including designing and building a brand new 90-seat offshore SAP technical delivery centre in Pune, India. 2023 is set to be an exciting period for Codestone Group since acquiring Clarivos in May 2022 and DSCallards in October 2022. The combined 75 years of business technology experience will deliver a product range built around customer need and is designed to enable SMEs and midsize to large enterprises to grow and be future-ready. Codestone co-founder and CEO, Jeremy Bucknell says, "We have ambitious growth plans and the Leadership team's collective expertise sets us apart in our sector. I've been excited to see how combining innovation with expertise is already proving a great platform for future developments. I am delighted that Mark has taken up the role of COO and know his decades of experience in scaling businesses, high performance team development and deep knowledge and understanding of the industry will play a key part in supporting the Group to deliver our ambitions." As the business technology industry continues to innovate, Codestone has taken a leading role in helping UK companies of all sizes to define how to create and operate in systems that allow for better insights and analytics to make the right decisions and increase employee collaboration and effectiveness, reach key objectives more easily across multiple departments, and save time and money in the long run. "I am thrilled to join the leadership team of a demonstrated growth company with an award-winning culture and a leading cloud business technology business," said Mark Ames, commenting on his new role. "I look forward to bringing my experience to this new position, as Codestone continues to create more value for its customers, employees, and SAP, Microsoft and CCH Tagetik partners in the complex business technology environment in which we operate." For over 25 years, the Codestone Group has consistently pioneered modern ERP and cloud database technologies. Today, it is equity backed by FPE Capital and offers award-winning Cloud business technology consulting and delivery of SAP ERP, EPM, Financial Management and Advanced Analytics alongside CCH Tagetik CPM and Microsoft Cloud IT solutions to growing SME, mid-market and large enterprises across the UK. With a combined 700+ customers, it is an SAP Partner of the Year for SAP Business ByDesign and SAP Business One in the UK and EMEA North, CCH Tagetik Platinum Partner, and Microsoft Gold Partner. Delivering next-level cloud transformation projects with a beyond go live approach, Codestone has a 24x7x365 client-first professional services approach and best-in-class managed services offering. For more information, please visit https://www.codestone.net/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992818/Codestone_Group.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/codestone-group-strengthens-leadership-team-with-the-appointment-of-mark-ames-as-chief-operating-officer-301734386.html Kim Seong-tae, former chairman of underwear maker Ssangbangwool Group, arrives at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, from Thailand, Jan. 17. Yonhap An arrested underwear tycoon allegedly said he delivered $8 million to North Korea in 2019 to help promote Gyeonggi Province's smart farm project and then Gov. Lee Jae-myung's visit to the North, informed officials said Tuesday. Kim Seong-tae, former chairman of underwear maker Ssangbangwool Group, who was nabbed in Thailand in early January after months on the run, reportedly made the controversial remarks during questioning by prosecutors in Suwon, 34 kilometers south of Seoul. The Suwon District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim on Jan. 20 on multiple charges, including embezzlement, bribery and the illegal transfer of cash to North Korea. Previously, Kim told prosecutors that he only handed a total of over $5 million to North Korea on two occasions in 2019 to pursue economic cooperation rights involving the North. As the prosecution presented other related documents, however, the underwear tycoon reportedly disclosed an additional remittance of $3 million to Pyongyang and the reasons for the cash payment, the officials said. Kim allegedly said that $5 million was delivered in connection with Gyeonggi Province's smart farm project in North Korea and the additional $3 million was intended to facilitate Lee's visit to the North. Based on Kim's alleged remarks, prosecutors are expected to widen their investigation into why Kim and Ssangbangwool Group handed over the large amount of money to North Korea on behalf of Gyeonggi Province. In addition, they are expected to look into whether Lee, now the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, was aware of the cash remittance to the North. Lee served as the Gyeonggi governor from 2018 to 2021. The province's bid for a smart farm cooperation project in North Korea began in 2018. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Jan. 30. Yonhap Marula Mining PLC ("Marula'' or the "Company") 31 January 2023 Investment and Co-Development Partnership with Q Global Commodities Group Marula Mining (AQSE: MARU) an African focused mining and development company, announces that further to the announcement made on 5 January 2023, the Company has signed a conditional Subscription Agreement, and is finalising a Co-Development Agreement and Relationship Agreement (together the "Investment Agreements") with K2020273872 (South Africa) Proprietary Limited (the "Subscriber"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Q Global Commodities Group ("Q Global"), one of South Africa's leading independent commodity, mining, logistics and investment funds. Under the terms of the Investment Agreements, it is proposed that Q Global will subscribe for up to 3.75 million through the issue of up to 100,000,000 new ordinary shares of 0.01 pence each ("Ordinary Share") in the Company at a price of 3.75 pence per new Ordinary Share through a staged equity investment across five equal tranches of 0.75 million. Q Global will also provide broad technical, financial and strategic support to the Company as it seeks to accelerate its battery metals focused strategy in Africa and participate directly through the co-development of projects secured and identified by the Company. As part of the Investment Agreements, it is proposed that Mr Quinton van der Burgh, Q Global's CEO and one of South Africa's leading mining entrepreneurs, will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors, subject to completion of all normal regulatory approvals and proposed dual listing of its shares to trading on AIM, the market operated by the London Stock Exchange Group plc. The Investment Agreements are conditional upon, amongst other things, a Rule 9 Waiver being obtained in accordance with the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers and shareholder approval at a forthcoming general meeting ("General Meeting") of the Company. Investment Agreements The Company has signed a Subscription Agreement, Co-Development Agreement and Relationship Agreement with the Subscriber, a wholly owned subsidiary of Q Global, prior to the initial subscription. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, a subscription of up to 3.75 million through the issue of up to 100,000,000 new Ordinary Shares in the Company at a price of 3.75 pence per new Ordinary Share is to be made through a staged equity investment across five equal tranches. The initial tranche of 0.75 million has already been advanced by Q Global to lawyers in South Africa and is to be released upon receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in South Africa and the UK. The four other tranches will be advanced upon each of the following milestones being met: Commencement of resource definition drilling at the Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine Commencement of resource and exploration drilling at the Kinusi Project and Bagamoyo Graphite Project in Tanzania Receipt of the initial resource drilling results at the Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine to Q Global's satisfaction Receipt of the initial resource drilling results at the Kinsui Project and the Bagamoyo Graphite Project to Q Global's satisfaction In addition to the Subscription Agreement, the Company is finalising a Co-Development Agreement and Relationship Agreement with K2020273872 (South Africa) Proprietary Limited with both agreements expected to be signed shortly. The Co-Development Agreement sets out the broad technical and strategic support that is to be provided to the Company by Q Global to allow the accelerated development of its current portfolio of mining projects in Africa. The Co-Development Agreement further provides the opportunity for Q Global to participate directly through the co-development of the Company's current projects and new projects identified by the Company. The Relationship Agreement sets out the terms of the relationship between Q Global, the Company and the Company's AQSE Corporate Adviser. Under the Relationship Agreement, among other things, Q Global undertakes to act for the benefit of the shareholders of the Company as a whole, to conduct transactions between itself and the Company on an arms-length basis and to not unduly or improperly influence the running of the Company. Rule 9 Waiver The Subscription Agreement is conditional upon, amongst other things, a Rule 9 Waiver being obtained in accordance with the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers and shareholder approval at a forthcoming general meeting ("General Meeting") of the Company. At the General Meeting, a resolution will be proposed to approve the waiver by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers of the obligation which would otherwise apply to the Subscriber to make a general offer under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code resulting from the voting rights in the Company acquired as a result of the subscription. A further announcement will be made in due course. Nominated Director In recognition of the Investment Agreements and substantial shareholding that Q Global will hold in the Company, Q Global shall have the right, effective from the time at which Q Global controls a minimum of 20% of the Ordinary Shares in the Company, to nominate two persons for appointment as Chairman and as non-executive Director on the Board. This right shall continue for so long as Q Global holds 20% or more interest in the voting rights in the share capital of the Company, and the appointment of any such nominee is subject only to approval by the Company's AQSE corporate adviser, in accordance with its obligations under the AQSE Access Rulebook. In accordance with this, Mr Quinton van der Burgh, Q Global's CEO is proposed to be appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Directors of Marula are responsible for the contents of this announcement. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of UK Market Abuse Regulation. Jason Brewer, Marula Mining PLC CEO said: "I am delighted to see Marula Mining continuing to strengthen its partnerships and this partnership with Q Global is transformative and meanswe can accelerate and further develop the assets we have and invest in further assets that we have identified, as part of our strategy. "I believe the investment by Q Global effectively removes funding risk from advancing our projects and allows us to move quickly and start to realise the full potential of our current and future projects. We can accelerate all our projects, from completion of resource drilling through to mine site development with thebroad technical, financial and strategic supportfrom Q Global and Quinton. "We believe this partnership has many synergies, one of note is our alignment on all things ESG related. Q Global share the same vision as us as we continue delivering our strategy of investing in and developing green transition metal mining assets across Africa. "Under Quinton's leadership, Q Global has established itself as one of South Africa'sleading mining and metals investment funds and with global networks in mining finance and the marketing and sales of commodities. To be in partnership with such a group is a major milestone for the Company and one I believe will be of significant value to its shareholders. "With Q Global and Quinton, we now have the ability to implement our exploration plans, resource drilling programs, feasibility studies and development work across our projects. Through strengthened financial and marketing relationships, I believe we can now look to establish Marula as aprofitable producer of critical metals and commodities that are of increasing strategic importance to modern technologies and the global economy." Quinton van der Burgh,Q Global Commodities CEO said: "With over 19 years' mining experience, I believe I can add a lot of value to Marula. "I have developed over 47 projects to mining stage, have run two large-scale mining companies and currently have 9 mines under my management. Q Global has the network to open international partners for sales and marketing and we intend to fund the Company through the Investment Agreements to realise the value of the assets. "We want to ensure that Marula continues to grow and provide positive returns for shareholders. After careful due diligence, we believe Marula has potential and we intend to assist the Company in meeting its growth targets. "Renewables are a very exciting space to be moving into and it's through joint ventures that Q Global is able to do so, whilst at the same time expanding our commodities portfolio." About Q Global Q Global has established itself as one of South Africa's leading independent commodity, logistics and investment funds. Through equitable partnerships and acquisitions, Q Global has expanded its operations by acquiring strategic resources to supplement its current operations while developing new projects. The wellbeing of the communities surrounding our mines is always of paramount importance to Q Global. Q Global make sure to upskill our community members and provide better infrastructure such as access to clean drinking water in their communities. Hence compliance with applicable legislation is a top priority in all areas of Q Global operations in its efforts to minimise its operations impact on life and the environment. About Marula Mining Marula Mining (AQSE: MARU) is an African focused battery metals investment and exploration company and has interests in several high value mine projects in Africa; Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine in South Africa, Nkombwa Hill Project in Zambia and Kinusi Copper mine and Bagamoyo Graphite Project in Tanzania. As we advance operations at these battery metals focused projects, Marula will continue to build and expand its interests in other high-quality projects in Africa. Marula's strategy is to identify and invest in advanced and high-value mining projects throughout East, Central and Southern Africa that the Directors believe would deliver returns for its shareholders. The Board and management team aims to establish Marula as a socially and environmentally responsible, sustainable, and profitable producer of critical metals and commodities that are of increasingly strategic importance to modern technologies and the global economy. Marula's shares are traded on the AQUIS Stock Exchange (AQSE), Marula is exploring opportunities to admit its shares to trading on AIM, the market operated by the London Stock Exchange Group plc, and Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange. For enquiries contact: Marula Mining PLC Jason Brewer, Chief Executive Officer Faith Kinyanjui Mumbi Investor Relations Email: jason@marulamining.com Email: info@marulamining.com AQSE Corporate Adviser Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Liam Murray / Ludovico Lazzaretti +44 (0)20 7213 0880 Broker OvalX, Tom Curran / Thomas Smith +44 (0) 20 7392 1568 Financial PR and IR BlytheRay Tim Blythe / Megan Ray +44 (0)20 7138 3204 Caution: Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identi?ed by their use of terms and phrases such as 'believe', 'could', "should" 'envisage', 'estimate', 'intend', 'may', 'plan', 'potentially', "expect", 'will' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements re?ect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors. ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi has announced that its participation at the 2023 edition of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi saw the signing of several distribution agreements, totalling 500MW, for its new Hi-MO 6 product with regional partners including Power N Sun, Nanosun, AGS, Power City and Noon, as well as other partners from Africa and Central Asia. The Hi-MO 6 product family is based on LONGi's proprietary HPBC cell technology, a new generation high-efficiency technology that uses a front-side busbar-free design. As a result of adjusting the cell's internal structure, HPBC can enhance its light absorption and photoelectric conversion capabilities, significantly increasing the module's power output. 'LONGi is dedicated to offering customer-focused products and solutions. We believe that Hi-MO 6 modules will help us to address the diverse demands of our clients, while also creating a unique green energy experience,' commented Jia Chao, LONGi President for the MEA and CA regions. 'We are delighted to further extend our reach in the Middle East with the leading distributors as our partners. As the region seeks to meet its renewable energy goals, demand for more efficient PV technology has increased. LONGi is eager to work with its partners to accelerate the Middle East's transition to clean energy with more innovative and high-efficiency PV solutions, addressing climate change challenges in the pursuit of a zero-carbon future.' About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992780/LONGi___WFES.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1862722/LONGi_new_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/longi-signs-distribution-agreements-for-500mw-of-hi-mo-6-modules-at-wfes-2023-301734434.html These ISO certifications build on a long list of security accreditations for the company, as privacy and security are at the core of Pexip's strategy and culture. OSLO, Norway, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pexip, a global video technology company, today announced that it has renewed the Information Security Management System standard ISO/IEC 27001:2013, in addition to the addendums to this standard, ISO/IEC 27017:2015 and ISO/IEC 27018:2019. Pexip was also granted certification for ISO/IEC 27701:2019, a privacy extension to ISO 27001, as part of this review. Pexip obtained the ISO 27001 certification three years ago, awarded to companies who meet rigorous standards around information security and data protection. The newer ISO 27701 certification requires companies to implement, maintain, and continually improve a Privacy Information Management System. "The renewal and extension of this certification is the result of our meticulous focus on privacy and security," says Geir Aasen, Chief Information Security Officer, Pexip. "We are proud to be one of the best-in-class when it comes to meeting high data protection standards, as this accountability is essential for our customers. Protecting their confidential and sensitive information is our top priority." Pexip was reviewed and granted the ISO standards by international certification body DNV. The addendums to ISO 27001 and the ISO 27701 standards include an assessment of how the company protects data in its cloud services, as well as how it handles personal data. "We believe in continually holding ourselves to high standards. The ISO validation builds on our other certifications such as FIPS 140-2, CSA STAR Level 1, and Certification de Securite de Premier Niveau (CSPN), as well as Pexip's ability to enable compliance with HIPAA, Section 508, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We will continue to push ourselves to develop and improve our privacy and security practices, in the best interests of our customers," says Aasen. About the ISO standards ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is the most recognized international standard for Information Security Management systems. It means that an organization takes a comprehensive approach to information security and meets its lawful obligations, such as GDPR. is the most recognized international standard for Information Security Management systems. It means that an organization takes a comprehensive approach to information security and meets its lawful obligations, such as GDPR. ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an addendum to ISO/IEC 27001 that covers the company's practice for information security controls for cloud services. is an addendum to ISO/IEC 27001 that covers the company's practice for information security controls for cloud services. ISO/IEC 27018:2019 is an addendum to ISO/IEC 27001 that covers the company's practice for protecting personally identifiable information in cloud services. is an addendum to ISO/IEC 27001 that covers the company's practice for protecting personally identifiable information in cloud services. ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is an extension to ISO/IEC 27001 that covers privacy information management within the organization. As part of the process, Pexip also extended its ISO 27001 certification to its Belgium business unit, which develops and manages the Pexip Engage solution. To learn more about Pexip's privacy and security practices, please visit pexip.com/security. CONTACT: Patricia Auseth Chief Marketing Officer Patricia.auseth@pexip.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pexip-strengthens-commitment-to-information-security-and-privacy-with-iso-27001-and-27701-certifications-301734470.html NETANYA, Israel, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jungo (TASE: JNGO), a global supplier of in-cabin sensing AI software, and one of the leading companies in the DMS industry, launches a new platform for VuDrive, a camera-based driver monitoring solution. This complete aftermarket solution is designed for fleets, TSPs and insurance companies to prevent accidents and reduce insurance costs. VuDrive provides fleets with real time alerts on risky drivers (such as drowsiness, distraction or phone use) and road events. The system also enables viewing complete safety information and driver scoring, both aggregated and per event, which includes real-time all driver notifications, video clip recordings of both the cabin interior and the road. This enables fleets to identify and improve risky drivers, and prevent potential accidents and help reduce insurance costs. The new cloud-based VuDrive system launched today is an updated version of the existing product and offers a monthly subscription basis for each vehicle in the SAAS model. The dual-camera is equipped with a number of sensors that are able to track and monitor aggressive driving events, for example sharp turns of the vehicle, compare driver scores over a period of time, receive real time analysis of the vehicle, including the location of the vehicle from anywhere in the world, analyze the safety incidents experienced by the drivers while driving and receive daily reports. The algorithm developed by Jungo is based on AI and is an end-to-end AI video telematics solution for driver safety, where the fleet manager can receive full video documentation of each event in cloud services and statistics of the vehicle events. The new dashboards have been redesigned making it easy to navigate and user-friendly. The dashboard includes a map that provides exact locations of the vehicles, driver scoring and other parameters that record the quality of driving in real time. The new VuDrive platform has already been installed among all of Jungo's customers worldwide, including the US, Singapore, Europe and Israel. Today Jungo is at the forefront of providing video-based telematics solutions. Jungo's VuDrive system adds significant value to fleets with real-time alerting, identifying and improving the driving of problematic drivers, investigating and reducing accidents' said Opher Suhami, CEO at Jungo. "Our cameras installed in vehicles together with the VuDrive.net fleet management system provide the fleet manager with the ability to use all the information in an easy and accessible way, improving the safety of the fleet". About Jungo Jungo is recognised as a global supplier of in-cabin sensing AI software, and is a leading supplier in the DMS industry. With its flagship product, CoDriver, a complete AI software stack, enabling OEMs, Tier-1s, aftermarket manufacturers and fleet technology suppliers to quickly embed accurate, robust, cost effective and compute-friendly driver monitoring and passenger sensing capabilities. Jungo is a public company, and has been trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) since July 2021. Learn more: www.jungo.com Contact : Leora Schwartz Marketing Manager leora@jungo.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992100/Jungo_VuDrive.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jungo-launches-new-vudrive-cloud-based-platform-for-fleets-301733641.html The highly anticipated QX Pro series features industry-leading touch and inking and an intuitive walk-up-and-use embedded experience for the modern hybrid workplace SMART also announces partnership and integration with Crestron - making SMART displays the first and only interactive display currently on the market certified with Crestron's latest Control and Remote Management Technology SMART is announcing another new partnership with Logitech, providing customers a comprehensive Microsoft Teams meeting solution with SMART Displays and Logitech cameras CALGARY, AB, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech pioneers and world leaders in collaborative technology SMART Technologies are announcing today at ISE the launch of an all-new interactive display for the business market, the SMART Board QX Pro interactive display. The QX Pro series, designed specifically for the needs of business customers in today's hybrid environments, brings a wave of new and exciting features designed for powerful simplicity. It joins the industry-leading line-up of SMART displays as the only interactive displays that allow multiple users to freely write, erase, and gesture at the same time over any application. Alongside the release of an all-new lineup of interactive displays for the business market, SMART has also today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Crestron Electronics , a global leader in workplace collaboration technology. SMART displays are the first and only interactive displays currently certified for Crestron XiO Cloud technology operations management platform and Crestron's 2nd Generation Crestron Connected. Together, SMART and Crestron bring intuitive collaboration and interactivity to Crestron meeting rooms without sacrificing operational efficiency. This means that as an industry first, certified SMART Board interactive displays with iQ and Crestron Connected offer customers one analytics engine for all devices for comprehensive device management capabilities. Responding to the partnership, Director of Technology Partnerships, Bob Bavolacco said: "Crestron and SMART devices have been used in similar environments for some time without seamless and compatible device management. That has all changed now with this fantastic partnership. Users will benefit from a greatly improved experience that provides one analytics system for increased productivity and increased efficiency. The QX Pro series meets the high-quality video conferencing needs of the hybrid business market with a 4K UHD wide-angle camera, an integrated microphone array, and a speaker bar. SMART is also pleased to announce a new integration partnership with Logitech to seamlessly and reliably offer complete video conferencing solutions that help hybrid workplaces improve engagement and collaboration. Together, Microsoft Teams-certified Logitech cameras and SMART Pro series interactive displays offer customers a comprehensive Microsoft Teams meeting solution. SMART Pro series solutions are fully compatible with Logitech conference and UVC cameras including Logitech Rally Bar mini, Logitech MeetUp, Logitech Brio, and Logitech C930e and C920e. This fully tested interoperability provides peace of mind for hybrid and remote teams to avoid tech interruptions and malfunctions CEO of SMART Technologies, Nicholas Svensson, said about the partnership: "It's a proud day for SMART Technologies as we announce an industry-first partnership with AV giant Crestron and a new integration partnership with innovative industry leader Logitech. Each of our companies strive to provide greater, truly collaborative experiences for all our users, and we provide even more powerful experiences when we work together. Between these new partnerships and incredible new displays designed to enhance true collaboration, I am excited about supporting corporate customers across the globe." Key feature list: iQ Pro embedded computing, designed exclusively for businesses and offering a true walk-up and use experience, even for a first-time user Professional-grade 4K UHD display comes with an included wide-angle 4K UHD camera to support rich, immersive visual experiences UHD display comes with an included wide-angle UHD camera to support rich, immersive visual experiences Integrated 8-element, linear microphone array for an equitable meeting experience Integrated sound bar with 40W speakers and 15W subwoofer for crystal clear audio Optically bonded glass that delivers the most natural touch and inking experience, as well as improved 4K image quality when used in bright meeting spaces or other challenging lighting conditions image quality when used in bright meeting spaces or other challenging lighting conditions Pressure inking, palm rejection, and enhanced touch for a pen-on-paper writing experience Compatible with UC conference calling software including Microsoft Teams Room , Zoom , Google Meet , and Cisco WebEX . , Zoom , Google Meet , and Cisco WebEX . Integrated NFC reader supporting CCID-enabled cards for an effortless, secure login Built-in Wi-Fi 6 for greater connectivity Environmental and air quality sensors to promote a healthy workplace The SMART team is on-site this week at ISE, the world's leading AV and systems integration exhibition, to unveil the product and give in-depth demonstrations of how the QX Pro series stands out from the crowd with its industry-leading walk-up-and-use touch and ink, the most intuitive experience that fits existing workflows and features to elevate productivity. Additionally, all of SMART's brand-new lineup of displays for business are on-site and available for a detailed demonstration on the show floor and in the neighbouring SMART VIP Suite. For all further information about SMART's latest releases and products please visit smarttech.com/business , and for those attending ISE in Barcelona, you can find SMARTs stand at 2Q210 and more details about their show presence here . About SMART Technologies ULC SMART is a world leader in education technology, providing interconnected solutions to help every person discover and develop the greatness within them. The first SMART Board launched in 1991, and has continued to innovate through SMART Notebook, the world's most popular collaborative learning software, and through Lumio, the award-winning cloud-based learning software. With a full range of products used by millions of educators and students around the world, SMART creates connections that matter. To learn more, visit smarttech.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/all-new-smart-board-qx-pro-series-and-world-first-partnerships-set-the-stage-for-better-collaborative-hybrid-work-301734489.html GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market is in the growing stage, The growth of Thailand's logistics sector is also being supported by booming exports with automotive, agribusiness, chemicals and electronics being in-demand industries at the moment. Increase in international shipment is expected in 2026F compared 2021. Consumers are increasingly turning to cross-border e-commerce as per capita incomes rise and access to international brands increases. AI and a horde of other devices like drones, electric vehicles, automated systems, high-tech security and efficient management systems have made the processes much easier for logistics companies as well as their clients . Companies in the ecommerce segment are battling against each other to acquire and retain clients, expand geographical presence, expand service offering and improve unit economics to increase margins. Technology advancement: This helps to boost E-Commerce is easier and more secure digital payment options can make the online shopping experience more convenient for both customer and merchant online payments also allow for more flexible delivery arrangements like the living parcel to lockers since and consumer does not need to be present to make the payment. Internet-Savvy Consumers Comfortable with making Online Purchases: Given Thailand's mobile phone penetration rate of 98% and smartphone penetration at 71% in 2021, it is no surprise that smartphone users dominate E-Commerce activities. ETDA notes that generation why those were now around 17 to 36 years old spent the most of the time online last year especially on Facebook Instagram Twitter in Pantip from where the make all their transactions. Platform Integration: E-Commerce platforms face a major challenge in integrating a critical mass of multiple user bases, i.e. sellers and buyers. Often, a platforms perceived value rests largely on this factor. High delivery failure rates due to lack of order and delivery consolidation between retailers. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Change in Consumption Pattern of Consumers, Government Initiatives and Innovation of Advanced Technologies" by Ken Research observed that Thailand E-commerce Logistics Market is in the growing phase. Technology will have a huge role to play in the sector as applications and AI, horde of other devices like drones, electric vehicles, automated systems, high-tech security are some of the factors that will contributed to the Thailand E-commerce Logistics Market growth over the period of 2021-2026F. It is expected that Thailand E-commerce Logistics Market will grow at a CAGR of 9.5% for the above forecasted period. Key Segments Covered in the report:- Thailand E-commerce Logistics Market By Delivery by shipment Same Day Next Day Two day By International and domestic by shipment Domestic International By Mode of Payment by shipment Cash Online To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Shipment Weight by shipment 0 -1 Kg Greater than 6 Kg 3 - 6 Kg 1 - 3 Kg By Age Distribution by shipment (17 - 36 Years) (37 - 50 Years) (51 and above) By E-Commerce Value by shipment B2G B2B B2C By Booking Mode by shipment Online Offline By Product Category by Revenues Mobile & Electronics Fashion Beauty Lifestyle & Hobby Health & Wellness Home & Living Toys Mom & Baby Automotives Sports Others Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Key Target Audience:- E-Commerce Companies aiming to establish in Thailand Thailand E-Commerce logistics industries E-Commerce logistics industries Government Bodies & Regulating Authorities E-Commerce Industry Logistics industry Shipping company Warehousing Companies E-Commerce users Industry Associations Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2017-2021 2017-2021 Base Period: 2021 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-2026F Companies Covered:- Kerry Express Lazada Logistics J&T Express Flash Express Eleven Street Tarad Weloveshopping Look Si Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Ecosystem of major entities in Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Overview of Thailand logistics infrastructure and dependent market logistics infrastructure and dependent market Market overview & genesis Logistics business model Value chain analysis e-commerce logistics Thailand E-commerce Logistics Market Size, 2019 - 2022 Segmentation by type of shipment and type of company on the basis of revenue Segmentation by mode of shipment & delivery period on the basis of revenue Segmentation by modes of payment & type of product on the basis of revenue Factors influencing partnership decision with logistics provider Cost component analysis for logistics provider SWOT analysis of Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Trends & development of Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Growth driver of Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Issues and challenges of Thailand e-commerce and e-commerce logistics market e-commerce and e-commerce logistics market Government regulations for Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Impact of covid-19 on Thailand e-commerce and e-commerce logistics e-commerce and e-commerce logistics Key elements of the recovery phase for companies from pandemic Cross-comparison of major players in Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Brand awareness Strength & weakness of major players in Thailand e-commerce logistics market e-commerce logistics market Future Outlook Analyst recommendation For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research:- Germany E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Rising Online Population, Technological Advancements and Demand for Sustainable Deliveries Germany's E-Commerce Logistics market is expected to register a positive CAGR during 2021-2026F owing to an increase in the competition and customer expectations. Various technological advancements related to IoT, AI, and LiDAR are expected to drive the market in logistics where it will reduce human intervention and help in cost saving in logistics companies. The market for Standard Delivery is expected to lead in the coming future due to the fact that express deliveries are expensive compared to standard deliveries, however, there will be a growth in terms of express deliveries owing to the fact that companies will offer cost-effective express deliveries. KSA E-Commerce Logistics and Warehouse Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Growth in Online Shoppers along with Introduction of New Age Technologies by Logistics Players Over the forecast period, KSA E-commerce logistics market is expected to drive up the demand because of expected surge in internet penetration, especially its exposure to the youth. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a shift from offline sales to online sales, which is expected to ensure substantial growth in the future as well. The e-commerce logistics market in the country is expected to grow on the back of new technologies such as Automation, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things, which will be explored to increase efficiency, improve customer experience and enhance service quality. South Korea E-commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Growth in Online Shoppers along with Introduction of New Age Technologies by Logistics Players The South Korea E-Commerce Logistics Market witnessed significant growth during the period 2018-2021, owing to the consistently increasing digitalization process in the country. In the coming years, higher smartphones penetration rate, better internet connectivity as well as vision 2030 of South Korea will play an important role in increasing the reach of E-commerce last-mile shipments all across the country. It is expected that the growing e-commerce sector will create opportunities in intracity logistics eventually since South Korea has a well-developed transportation system. So, the orders can be delivered easily from one place to another. Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026- Driven by rapid integration of automation technology & changing consumer shopping habits Australia Ecommerce Logistics Market is Expected to grow with a high CAGR, between 2021-2026F, one of the major determinants for the surging growth in the coming years is the Growing Count of Logistics Startup, Burgeoning Demand for Last-mile Delivery Service, Trucking Services through Online Marketplace, Rising Demand of Door-to-door Parcel Pickup & Delivery Services and the augmenting use of EVs for Transportation. Higher digitization and the usage of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is making easier and helping in assessing the different possibilities of E-Commerce Logistics Market, and others areas, such as Drop Shipping, Quick commerce, sustainable packaging material etc, which has flourished the Australia Ecommerce Logistics Market. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/e-commerce-orders-and-deliveries-are-expected-to-generate-1-2-billion-in-revenue-by-2026f-owing-to-an-increase-in-the-number-of-online-customers-and-the-entry-of-large-retailers-in-thailand-ken-research-301734487.html OpenSynergy's VIRTIO-based automotive platform paves the way toward Cloud-Native Development BERLIN, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenSynergy announces that its automotive virtual platform, COQOS Hypervisor SDK, enables seamless deployment of complex software systems including several virtual machines running different operating systems in the cloud to the automotive edge. Thanks to a wide range of devices based on the open standard VIRTIO included on the virtual platform, it is possible to run software developed in the cloud on the automotive edge without modification. This will be on display on a demonstrator at embedded world. The trade fair will take place from March 14-16 in Nuremberg (Germany). Details of the exhibition will be announced at a later date. Traditionally OEMs and their suppliers have developed software on automotive-specific and difficult-to-source compute hardware in early development stages and then migrated to expensive prototype vehicles as SoP (start of production) approached. Making that hardware and vehicles available to software teams distributed across the globe is nearly impossible. The current shortage of chips has only exacerbated the problem. Cloud development is an effective solution for the automotive industry. Especially when it is supported by the open standard VIRTIO. As an active member of the OASIS Open consortium maintaining this standard, OpenSynergy has worked to expand the scope of the open standards in the automotive domain. There are missing automotive-specific VIRTIO devices, so OpenSynergy is working within the OASIS consortium to close the gap. Due to this commitment, OpenSynergy provides an automotive virtual platform including a large of number devices, which adhere to the latest version of the VIRTIO specification. OpenSynergy thereby opens up the possibility to coherently transfer software systems of any complexity to the cloud, where the entire system can be developed and configured. Even the integration of different software components - i.e., both the operating systems and the applications running within them - with very different requirements for safety and real-time behavior - can be integrated and individually updated in the cloud without the risk of the components interfering with each other or losing their functional safety properties. For the first time ever, OEMs and Tier-1s can now go way beyond the typical application development offering in the Cloud and are free to develop on multiple OSes simultaneously - even operating systems that have not been specifically ported to run virtualized in the Cloud. For example, OpenSynergy's solution allows a cockpit controller to be fully integrated into the cloud, comprised of an instrument cluster on a Linux operating system in one of the virtual machines, and an infotainment system running in another virtual machine. Due to OpenSynergy's VIRTIO devices, integrators can seamlessly move the entire system from the cloud to the edge instead of individual parts ported specifically to run in the cloud. The key factor for developing software in the cloud is the parity between cloud-based development environments and the vehicle environment. Virtualization based on open standards, such as VIRTIO, enables easy portability of any software system from the cloud to the edge. Here, the operating systems use virtual drivers that are standardized and therefore independent of the hypervisor as well as the underlying hardware, which can even be a cloud server. Isaac Trefz, Product Manager for OpenSynergy's COQOS HV SDK, says, "Arming our customers with our OpenSynergy virtualization products incl. the best-in-class VIRTIO implementation in the cloud is a game changer for all embedded developers as they will have easy access and scale available at their fingertips. With our trusted, leading industry-leading VIRTIO device implementation, we're confident the potential for efficiencies and cost savings will resonate across the automotive industry." The operating systems to be deployed simply have to support the VIRTIO standard, which is widely used in the enterprise computing domain and supported by many operating systems, including all which use a Linux kernel. There is no need to have an extra "cloud" port for each operating system used in the system for development purposes only. You can simply use the same exact VIRTIO-based operating system in the cloud as you use on the automotive edge. Manufacturers developing their automotive software products in the cloud, benefit from access to nearly unlimited computing power. This allows testing and validation on a massive scale on an almost limitless amount of "virtual targets". This is why cloud development will empower Software-Defined-Architectures (SDA), which makes software and features the starting point for development: First, developers design an architecture that includes all the desired functions of a system, without considering any hardware constraints or porting efforts. Only after the software design has been created, do manufacturers decide which hardware to use. The Software Defined Architecture approach provides freedom of choice in hardware and in software components. Already in use in data centers, cloud development will transfer this approach now to the automotive industry. About OpenSynergy OpenSynergy provides embedded software products for the next generation of vehicles. Its hypervisor and communication products pave the way for an integrated driving experience. The automotive virtual platform COQOS Hypervisor SDK integrates a mix of real-time applications and open source solutions on powerful domain controllers. It supports a large bundle of features corresponding to the virtualization standard VIRTIO, creating maximum flexibility: guest operating systems can be used and reused on different Systems on Chips. The automotive leading Bluetooth stack Blue SDK is one of OpenSynergy's communications platforms. It is the reference Bluetooth implementation for many OEMs around the world. OpenSynergy further provides complimentary Automotive-Grade software components tailored for the AndroidTM Open Source Project (AOSP) to boost Android's adoption in the automotive domain. OpenSynergy also provides engineering services to support the customization of its products. Read more on www.opensynergy.com Contact: OpenSynergy GmbH Sabine Mutumba Director of Marketing Rotherstr. 20 D-10245 Berlin Tel.: +49 (0)30.60 98 540-41Email: marketing@opensynergy.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/enabling-cloud-to-vehicle-edge-parity-through-virtio-301734499.html Burgeoning Demand for Last-mile Delivery Services: To fulfil the need for instant gratification via efficient delivery of goods to consumers has propagated the demand for last mile delivery services. Multitude of Payment Options: Advent of BNPL, payment wallet, short-term credit lines, and others have stimulated the e-commerce growth. Subsequently, propagating logistics business. Technological Advances: Integration of AI, warehouse automation systems, analytics, etc., have helped logistic players to predict demand and forecast supply. GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Demand of Door-to-door Parcel Pickup & Delivery Services: In door-to-door parcel pickup-up & delivery, the logistic provider is involved in every stage of delivery, from packaging, sorting, custom clearance, handling until final delivery point. Service providers offer the option of same day, overnight delivery, domestic or International, documentation, safe transfers, etc. Sendel is a key service provider, while other emerging players are forming partnerships to maximize their reach. Zoom2U formed agreement with Greyhound Australia to utilize Greyhound buses to move parcels across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Trucking Services through Online Marketplace: Numerous online truck aggregating service providers, such as Ofload, Shippit, FreightExchange, Loadshift, among others are bridging gap between truck owners and load generators (end-users). Users can book full truck load, on-demand services, refrigerated freight, palletization, shipment tracking, and many more. Government Initiatives: Australian government is expected to bring regulatory framework for cryptocurrency (Bitcoins), digital wallets (Google pay, Apple pay), and buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers (Afterpay). It would bring standardization in digital payments methods, after which more businesses would utilize the services. In 2022, talks with the Indian government to sign Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CEPA), comprising digital trade and foster bilateral trade b/w Australia & India. This would accelerate demand for goods & thereby require sophisticated logistics support. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026- Driven by rapid integration of automation technology & changing consumer shopping habits" by Ken Research observed that Australia E-commerce Logistic Market is in the Growing Phase as the Rising demand for Door Step Delivery, Increase in Digitisation, reducing cost of packaging and Government Initiatives, these are expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. The Australia E-commerce Logistics Market is expected to see high growth rate over the forecasted period 2022-2026F. Key Segments Covered:- Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market (Revenue, Shipment, Average Cost and No of Orders and more) By Type of Shipment (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Domestic shipments International shipments By Time Duration (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Same Day 2-4 Days More than 4 days By Delivery Area (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Interstate Intrastate To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report By Delivery Area (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Intercity Intracity By Mode of transport (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Ground Air & Sea By Payment Method (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Cash On Delivery Online Payment By Orders (By Shipment), 2021 & 2026F Accepted Orders Rejected Orders Key Target Audience E-commerce Companies Third Party Logistics Companies Potential Market Entrants E - Retailers Integrates Logistics Companies Logistics/Supply Chain Industry Associations Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2016-2020 2016-2020 Base Year: 2021 2021 Forecast Period: 2022- 2026F Companies Covered:- Australia Post DHL FedEx Linfox Toll group DB Schenker Couriers Please UPS Mainfreight Aramex DTDC E-store logistics StarTrack Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Socio-Economic Outlook of Australia Internet Penetration of Australia Overview of Retail Purchases and Categories of Online Shoppers in Australia Demand Infrastructure- Ecosystem of Major E-Commerce Players and Sellers Global Retail Industry Compared to Australian Market Australia E-commerce Logistics Market Size, 2016-2021 Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Segmentation by Domestic/ International Shipments, 2021 Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Segmentation by Time Duration, 2021 Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Segmentation by Delivery Area and Ground or Air and Sea Transport, 2021 Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Segmentation by Payment Method and Accepted and Returned Orders, 2021 Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Growth Drivers SWOT Analysis of the industry Trends and Developments in the Industry Issues and challenges in the industry Several Technological Disruptions in Australia E-commerce Logistics Industry E-commerce Logistics Industry Key Challenges for E-Commerce Logistics Providers in Australia Challenges for E-Commerce Players in Australia Government Rules and Regulations in Australia E-Commerce Market E-Commerce Market Government initiatives in the industry Impact of Covid-19 on Australia's E-commerce Logistics E-commerce Logistics Snapshot of E-commerce Warehousing Demand Analysis Cross Comparison- Major Online E-Commerce Players Competitive Landscape Basis Major Ecommerce Logistic Players in Australia Cross Comparison of major Ecommerce Logistic Companies on the basis of Business Landscape Recent Mergers and Acquisitions in E-commerce Logistics Market in Australia Investment Analysis of Logistics Tech Startups Future Outlook Analyst Recommendations For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Australia E-Commerce Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research:- Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook 2026F- Driven by Change in Consumption Pattern of Consumers, Government Initiatives and Innovation of Advanced Technologies According to Ken Research estimates, the Thailand E-Commerce Logistics Market- E-Commerce Orders and Deliveries are growing at a CAGR of 9.5% (2021-2026F) with Increasing Number of online shoppers and entrance of major retailers in Thailand. Technology will have a huge role to play in the sector as applications. AI and a horde of other devices like drones, electric vehicles, automated systems, high-tech security and efficient management systems have made the processes much easier for logistics companies as well as their clients. KSA E-Commerce Logistics and Warehouse Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Growth in Online Shoppers along with Introduction of New Age Technologies by Logistics Players Over the forecast period, KSA E-commerce logistics market is expected to drive up the demand because of expected surge in internet penetration, especially its exposure to the youth. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a shift from offline sales to online sales, which is expected to ensure substantial growth in the future as well. The e-commerce logistics market in the country is expected to grow on the back of new technologies such as Automation, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things, which will be explored to increase efficiency, improve customer experience and enhance service quality. South Korea E-commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026F- Driven by Growth in Online Shoppers along with Introduction of New Age Technologies by Logistics Players The South Korea E-Commerce Logistics Market witnessed significant growth during the period 2018-2021, owing to the consistently increasing digitalization process in the country. In the coming years, higher smartphones penetration rate, better internet connectivity as well as vision 2030 of South Korea will play an important role in increasing the reach of E-commerce last-mile shipments all across the country. It is expected that the growing e-commerce sector will create opportunities in intracity logistics eventually since South Korea has a well-developed transportation system. So, the orders can be delivered easily from one place to another. USA E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2026- Driven by Increase in Cross-Border E-Commerce Activities along with Same Day Delivery and Technological Innovations According to Ken Research estimates, the USA E-Commerce Logistics Market - The USA E-Commerce Logistics Market has grown at a CAGR of 33% over the last three years due to an increase in cross-border e-commerce activities and technological and logistic innovations like Same day delivery. Same day delivery has increased between 2020-2021 in United States. 24 percent of U.S. online shoppers opted for same-day delivery for purchases from pure online merchants in 2020. As of February 2021, the percentage increased to 36 percent. Increase in cross-border e-commerce activity drives the growth of the e-commerce logistics market in USA. Rising per capita incomes and increasing access to foreign brands are favoring cross-border e-commerce. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/australia-e-commerce-logistics-market-is-expected-to-generate-usd--10-bn-by-2026f-owning-to-rising-demand-of-door-step-delivery-increasing-digitisation-reducing-cost-of-packaging-along-with-favorable-government-initiatives-ken-301734515.html NEW BRUNSWICK (dpa-AFX) - A U.S. appeals court has rejected Johnson & Johnson's bankruptcy move, saying that it can't escape from nearly 40,000 lawsuits filed by women who claimed to have developed ovarian cancer after using its asbestos contained talcum powder products. J&J, which already withdrew its talc-based baby powder, is now required to defend itself against these thousands of ovarian cancer claims. Johnson & Johnson shares lost nearly 4 percent on Monday's regular trading following the court ruling. J&J's move involved creating a unit to take up the liabilities and then file for bankruptcy protection. Bllomberg reported that a three-judge panel in Philadelphia sided with cancer victims, noting that the drug major incorrectly put its specially created talc subsidiary, LTL Management, under court protection to block juries from hearing the lawsuits. The case opened back in 2014 when Mississippi sued the company arguing that its talcum powder has carcinogenic substances in the product that leads to ovarian cancer in women. A Missouri jury in 2018 awarded $4.7 billion fine to the company after 22 women blamed it for using asbestos in their talcum powders and baby products, which has led to their ovarian cancer. A Missouri appeals court in June 2020 reduced the damages award to about $2.12 billion. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson, which currently has about $424 billion market capitalization, in 2021 created a talc shell company known as LTL Management using a Texas law, and transferred its thousands of lawsuits and jury verdicts and filed for bankruptcy. Later, a New Jersey bankruptcy court upheld its bankruptcy claims to handle the talcum powder cases, noting that LTL Management was right in the chapter 11 filing. In a statement, Nachawati Law Group, which represents numerous women petitioners who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, now noted that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit found that LTL is 'highly solvent' and not entitled to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy because J&J had provided it with a $60 billion funding safety net to meet its talc liabilities. Judge Thomas Ambro, writing for the appellate panel, said that injured claimants' rights to a jury trial should be 'disrupted only when necessary.' Nachawati noted that J&J can now be held accountable for its failure to warn consumers about known cancer risks associated with talc-based products like Johnson's Baby Powder. A successful bankruptcy move would have allowed a profitable corporation to use bankruptcy law to avoid accountability in the civil justice system. However, with thousands of lawsuits set to resume, the law firm projects J&J's liability to exceed the $60 billion it had set aside for the LTL bankruptcy. J&J, which continues to claim that the talc was not harmful, reportedly expected earlier that the litigation would cost it around $190 billion. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vice-chairman of the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) Chung Seung-yun speaks during his inauguration held in the Sejong Government Complex, Monday. Courtesy of the ACRC By Lee Yeon-woo Chung Seung-yun, a prosecutor-turned-professor of law at Pusan National University, started his first day as vice-chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), Tuesday, with an apology to the public for his past controversial choice of words. "I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the members of ACRC," Chung said during his inauguration. "I believe that quite a few members would have worried about media reports regarding my appointment," Chung continued. "Now as I start my new position as the vice-chairman, I'm concerned whether I can successfully meet the expectations of the public and the members of ACRC," Chung said. Chung was at the center of a controversy last February when the presidential campaign team unveiled reform measures aimed at the police force. He was then in charge of judiciary and police reform. In a document about the Yoon Suk Yeol government's plan to reform the police, the committee used the term "Ottoke" to refer to some female police officers who irresponsibly and incompetently uttered nothing but the phrase without action toward the criminal at a crime scene. The Korean phrase "Ottoke?" means "What am I supposed to do?" It was first used in online communities to negatively depict indecisive women. Chung mentioned a case from 2021 in which two police officers one male, one female fled an active crime scene, leaving behind a victim while the attacker brandished a knife. He wrote, "Even before the aforementioned case happened, there were criticisms that police officers just say 'Ottoke?' and walk away from crimes as they are occurring." Facing a backlash from women's rights activists, Chung stepped down from the post. But about a month later, he rejoined the presidential transition committee after President Yoon Suk Yeol took office. The controversy surrounding Chung resurfaced when he was nominated for vice chairman of the ACRC last Friday. "We know how much President Yoon values him, but it doesn't make sense to appoint a man who is full of misogyny to the vice-chairman of ACRC," Rep. Lee Soo-jin, a spokesperson of Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said during the briefing at the National Assembly last Friday. "I am concerned whether he will only amplify gender conflicts, not protect the public's civil rights," Lee added. The presidential office responded that the remarks "sprang from a mistake while explaining a policy during the campaign," and did not "cause a problem" for public service. Chung said he did not know the term had a misogynistic connotation. "I searched for cases in which police officers avoided crime scenes. Among the results, there was the expression 'Ottoke?' in the most well-known case. I didn't make it up. I just copied the expression used online," Chung said. "My daughter is a college student and she said she didn't know that the term was derogatory to women My father also started his career as an entry-level police officer and retired as an inspector. So I understand the struggle of a low-ranking police officer," Chung added, asserting his innocence. NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT group, announced today the immediate launch of the renewed SkyWay software development kit (SDK). The new SkyWay SDK makes it easier than ever to implement real-time voice, video and data communication for applications and websites. People interested planning or developing online communication services may apply to attend a free webinar in person (50 people) or online (100 people) to learn about the renewed SkyWay SDK at NTT Communications' Tokyo headquarters from 3:00pm (JST) on February 23. Simple to use and supported with extensive documentation, SkyWay does not require special technical skills or knowledge of voice/video communication or constructing servers, and can be used for a wide range of applications, such as online lessons, IoT and robots. To date, SkyWay has been deployed for the development of more than 20,000 services. SkyWay is suitable for diverse call formats including voice and video, one-to-one and group calls, and video communication while sharing screens. It also is a multiplatform SDK for developing communication services suited to specific industries and business categories. SkyWay assures high-quality real-time communication, as evidenced by its service uptime rate of 99.96% in fiscal 2021. It also achieves high-quality overseas calls by setting up servers to relay communications to/from Asia, North America and Europe.1 What's more, SkyWay may be used at no charge for service verification and development until the users service is actually launched. Furthermore, fees are adjusted to the scale of service and billing is implemented on a pay-as-you-go billing basis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online communication has rapidly diversified and now commonly includes events involving dozens of people as well as communication robots. In response, NTT Com decided to upgrade SkyWay's architecture and release it as a new service with enhanced functions for increased versatility, including: More simultaneous callers (expanded from 20 to 100 max.) Terminal load reduction according to end-user environment (simulcasting 2 and API for flexible media transmission/reception, such as only specific video/audio) and API for flexible media transmission/reception, such as only specific video/audio) Authentication and authorization for controlling transmission of video/audio to each end user The following are two examples of SkyWay's expanded functionality. 1. Virtual office SkyWay can be used to create a system for an office-wide presentation reaching up to 100 people, with simulcasting allowing people to receive audio/video suitably adjusted to each user, such as low-resolution video to reduce system and battery load for mobile devices or terminals with low processing power. Also, participation can be controlled for private conferences. 2. Remote work support SkyWay also can be used to create a system that allows a supervisor to remotely instruct multiple people at a worksite, using video for detailed directions and only audio if simple verbal directions are sufficient. Selective use of video and/or audio enables the system to reach many people with minimum load. Service applications will be accepted from January 31. For details, please visit the website or contact a NTT Com sales representative, and for service rates, please see here. (Partially in Japanese only) Looking ahead, NTT Com expects to further upgrade SkyWay by expanding the scale of voice and video calls, enhancing data communications for synchronization of more people, and supporting gaming platforms for live streaming and the metaverse. In addition, voice and video call experiences will be improved. Also, new SkyWay functions for measuring quality and analyzing problems will increasingly upgrade video and voice in diverse environments. Going forward, NTT Com will continue to develop SkyWay-related business to support the further evolution of real-time communication and its easy implementation by nonexperts in a world where people communicate meaningfully through the power of digital technology. For more information about SkyWay, please visit here. 1 Technology that enables a terminal to select the most appropriate relay device in order to minimize delay between terminals (granted patent No. 6254620). 2 Technology for transmitting the same video to different terminals using different bitrates, such as low-resolution to mobile devices with limited processing power and bandwidth and high-resolution to PCs. About NTT Communications NTT Communications solves global technology challenges by helping enterprises utilize managed IT-infrastructure solutions to overcome complexity and risk in their IT environments. These solutions are backed by our worldwide infrastructure, including industry-leading, global tier-1 public and private networks reaching over 190 countries/regions, and more than 500,000m2 of the world's most advanced data-center facilities. As the core provider of the DOCOMO group's enterprise-business services and solutions, we create value by providing global-scale support for restructuring in industry and society, new workstyles and digital transformation in communities. Together with NTT Ltd., NTT Data and NTT DOCOMO, we are the NTT Group. www.ntt.com Twitter@NTT Com Facebook@NTT Com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005787/en/ Contacts: For more information SkyWay Promotion Office Platform Service Division NTT Communications Corporation E-mail: skyway@ntt.com SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindray, a global leading medical device solutions provider, today announces the launch of next-generation BeneHeart series defibrillators, the BeneHeart D60 and D30. The new BeneHeart defibrillators aim to raise the standards for resuscitation with superior reliability, expert comprehensive diagnosis and monitoring tools, and introduce a whole-process quality improvement solution for both in-hospital and pre-hospital rescue. "Defibrillators play a critical role in reducing all-cause mortality and emergencies. We believe that through upgrading first-aid diagnosis and treatment tools and introducing comprehensive rescue quality improvement schemes, we can ensure that prompt, correct, and high-quality medical interventions are implemented to save patients' lives and improve their quality of life," said Mark Sun, General Manager of Mindray International PMLS Sales & Marketing. Unveiled at Arab Health 2023 in Dubai, the next-generation BeneHeart series defibrillators feature several upgrades that elevate ease of use and reliability to a new level. The high-definition capacitive large screen supports simple gesture control for increased operational efficiency, with physical knobs and buttons still available for crucial operations. Weighing only 4.2kg with the battery, the new defibrillators come with a water-/dust-proof and drop-protection design and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20C to 55C, ensuring durable support in high-intensity emergency environments. Equipped with the patented QShock and filtered ECG analysis technologies that shorten the charging and interruption time for faster defibrillation, the new BeneHeart D60 and D30 offer a comprehensive CPR evaluation system to monitor real-time CPR performance, from both operational process and effect, providing instant feedback for clinicians. The new BeneHeart defibrillators also come with structured debriefing protocols that support automatic rescue data recording and uploading to help improve resuscitation teams' performance in the long run, as well as single and multi-person training modes that support hands-on CPR and defibrillator operation. All these technologies and features reflect Mindray's brand-new 'Rescue Triangle' concept of all-round resuscitation quality improvement covering the whole clinical process from resuscitation to debriefing and training. The Mindray BeneHeart D60 is more than just a defibrillator; its multiple diagnosis and analysis functions make it an ideal solution for complex pre-hospital environments. The model offers professional 12-lead ECG analysis functions with intelligent assistance to help efficiently diagnose chest pain conditions and identify myocardial infarction locations, and a 6-channel recorder generating real-time ECG reports. Its point-of-care ultrasound function enables accurate and confident decision-making by providing step-by-step trauma identification tools, operation guides, and reference images. These diagnosis reports can be sent remotely to the target hospital with one click, allowing for advanced treatment planning to save the lives of critically ill patients. "Emergency care demands no less than the highest requirement of efficiency and effectiveness to save a patient's life. With the new BeneHeart defibrillation solution, a combination of diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment solutions for emergencies, we aim to unlock the full potential to help clinicians quickly and confidently navigate the difficult situations they encounter," added Sun. Contact person: Rita Wang Email address: intl-marcom@mindray.com Phone#: +86 755 81888775 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1986522/Mindray_BeneHeart_D60_Defibrillator.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mindray-unveils-next-generation-beneheart-defibrillation-solutions-to-raise-standards-for-resuscitation-301725675.html GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market is highly consolidated with 4 players - Equinix, Vantage Data Center, CyrusOne and Iron Mountain. These are the major hyperscale data center companies contributing 45% of market share in Germany catering to IT, BFSI and Telecom industry. The 5G and 6G technology will push the adoption of IoT-enabled products in the Germany market. Primary demand drivers for Hyperscale Data Center services in Germany are industries such as Cloud, followed by Telecom, 5G Deployment, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The industry is moving towards variety of technological advancement related to IoT and AI. These technologies ensure growth in terms of competitiveness and better customer services. Current Market Positioning: The number of people connecting to the internet is continuing to drive demand for data-center-based compute and connectivity. Companies choose to "rent" server space from a cloud provider, which is eventually kept in a data centre, rather than investing in real hardware. Energy Efficiency: It is a key component that drives the hyperscale data center market, as all businesses strive to improve their total energy efficiency. Organizations seek data centers that use the least amount of energy while having the least impact on the environment. The drive to save money on power rises the demand for energy-efficient hyperscale data centers. In data centers, high-density blade servers, and storage systems provide higher computation capability per Watt of energy consumption. Increasing Investments: The rising number of smart hospitals in Germany owing to rising investments in digital healthcare infrastructure in the country. Smart hospitals accelerate patient's journey and increase operational efficiency. Increasing investments in communication and technology is also boosting the market growth in Germany. Internet of Things devices: The increase in the Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the various industries is speculated to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period. Growing AI adoptions also boosts the growth of Hyperscale Data Centers. Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication- "Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Outlook to 2027- Driven by the growing adoption of remote work and surging demand of cloud computing solutions" by Ken Research provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of the hyperscale data center market in Germany. Growing volume of big data and Low costs to enterprises are expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR over the forecasted period 2022P-2027F. Key Segments Covered Segmentation By End Users Enterprises Cloud Providers Segmentation By Industry Users Technology BFSI Telecom Healthcare others Segmentation By Type of Solutions provided Storage Network Server To learn more about this report Download a Free Sample Report Key Target Audience Data Centers Service Providers Telecom Companies Governments Cloud Providers Information Technology Companies Telecommunication Service Providers Enterprises Time Period Captured in the Report:- Historical Period: 2017-2022P 2017-2022P Base Year: 2022P 2022P Forecast Period: 2022P-2027F Companies Covered:- Supply Side Companies Vantage Data Center CyrusOne Equinix Iron Mountain Cloud HQ Stack infrastructure Interxion Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Demand Side Companies Amazon web services Oracle IBM Microsoft Key Topics Covered in the Report:- Executive Summary Country Overview of Germany Market Overview of Hyperscale Data Center in Germany Market Size of Hyperscale Data Center Industry in Germany on the basis of Volume and Revenue, 2017-2022P on the basis of Volume and Revenue, 2017-2022P Market Segmentation of Hyperscale Data Center Industry in Germany , 2022P(By End Users and Industry Users, and By Solutions Provided) , 2022P(By End Users and Industry Users, and By Solutions Provided) Industry analysis Growth Drivers of Hyperscale Data Center Market Government Rules and Regulations in Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Hyperscale Data Center Market Issues and Challenges and Trends in Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Hyperscale Data Center Market TAM, SAM, SOM of Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Demand Analysis of Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Competitive Landscape Value Chain Analysis Market Segmentations; Competition; Future Market Size, 2027) Competition Landscape Cross Comparison of Major Companies on the basis of Data Centers, Location, Employees, Revenue and Certifications Strengths and Weakness of Major Players in Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Hyperscale Data Center Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2022P-2027F Future Market Segmentation (By End Users and Industry Users, and By Solutions Provided) Analyst Recommendations Research methodology For more insights on the market intelligence, refer to below link:- Germany Hyperscale Data Center Market Related Reports by Ken Research:- South Africa Hyperscale Data Center Market Outlook to 2027 - Driven by the Growing Adoption of Remote Work and Surging Demand of Cloud Computing Solutions South Africa Hyperscale Data Centers Market is Expected to grow at a CAGR in double digits between 2022 and 2027E, one of the major determinants for the surging growth in coming years is attributed to the favourable government rules & regulations, formulated to support domestic and foreign investments in data and cloud infrastructure. Increased awareness on environmental impacts and government's aim to limit carbon footprints in upcoming years, will result in businesses adapting to a strategy to utilize least amount of energy. Teraco offering clients a global data center platform designed to enable digital businesses to scale within a highly connected data community across six Continents. USA Hyperscale Data Center Market Outlook to 2027F- Driven by the growing adoption of remote work and surging demand of cloud computing solutions According to Ken Research estimates, Hyperscale data center market in USA generated a revenue of USD ~ Billion in 2022, expanding at a CAGR of ~14% in between 2017 and 2022. The surging growth is attributed to the increasing usage of internet, popularity of smart homes, wearables, trend of automation across industries, etc. The growth of Big Data; data coming from a number of sources that needs to be stored, processed and analysed to make informed business decisions in each and every industry. The drive to lessen energy consumption will act as a catalyst for the increased demand of energy efficient hyper-scale data centers in coming years. Morocco Data Center Market Outlook to 2027F- Demand for Low Cost Data Centers along with Higher Capacity is expected to grow in the near future Morocco's Data Center market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.1% between 2022 to 2027F. This is majorly due to increasing reliance on technology, rising investment to expand capacity, digital transformation, and an increase in government initiatives. The market is expected to increase due to trends of a rising middle class in the country and accelerated urbanization. Moreover, e-Commerce has great potential in Morocco due to a willingness to make online payments or through a mobile money account. The data center market in Morocco is expected to grow because Morocco will be linked to the Mediterranean's longest giant submarine cable system called "Medusa" by early 2025. It will connect nine countries in North Africa and Southern Europe which provide access to telecommunication infrastructure that is crucial for developing the digital ecosystem in North African countries by 2024 and 2025. Philippines Data Center Market Outlook to 2027F- Driven by investment from the global players and the transition from colocation to hyperscale with high internet penetration According to Ken Research estimates, the Philippines Data Center Market - which grew from approximately USD ~0.2 Bn in 2018 to approximately USD ~0.3 Bn in 2022 - is forecasted to grow further into USD ~0.6 Bn opportunity by 2027F, owing to the new government policies, rapid digitalization and cloud adoption. Roll out of 5G and increasing young population using the internet, Digital and instant payments and the demand for domestic data storages will drive the BFSI and IT/ITes share. The rising demand for decreased latency in data transfers and improved connectivity amid the increasing adoption of smart devices is likely to boost the demand for retail colocation data centers. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661352/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperscale-data-center-industry-in-germany-is-expected-to-reach-usd-2-bn-in-2027f-owing-to-the-growing-ai-adoptions-and-internet-of-things-devices-ken-research-301734548.html Catapult Organization is proud to introduce Catapult Crown, the first investment platform to exclusively focus on dental startups. Delray Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - Catapult Organization, a leader in the dental industry, announced today Catapult Crown, a partnership between Catapult Organization's leading dentists and experienced investors who have come together to create a way to democratize investing. The platform places the dental community in the driver's seat by allowing them to choose which companies to invest in. Catapult Crown is a division of Catapult Organization, the parent company of Catapult Education. Catapult Education has provided continuing education ("CE") to tens of thousands of dentists in the United States over the past two decades. Furthermore, Catapult Education has evaluated dental products for the past 20 years. Catapult Crown and its investment professionals are leveraging that experience to select cutting-edge startups in the dental industry for participation on the Catapult Crown platform. "Who better to invest in the future of dentistry than those who operate within it each and every day?" asks Dr. Lou Graham, Founder, Director, and CEO of Catapult Crown. "The decades of experience within the dental industry have provided us with the vantage point to identify, diligence, and present promising startups that aim to solve dentistry's biggest problems." Utilizing a global panel of dental experts and an executive team composed of legal, IP, and business analysis experts, the Catapult Crown investment due diligence process begins with a dental panel review. It then takes a deep dive into the business metrics, leadership abilities, intellectual property and other legal considerations. Finally, a group meeting takes place to determine if the company meets all criteria for placement on the Catapult Crown investment platform. With over 100,000 subscribers between Catapult Organization's LMS and its YouTube channel, the selected opportunities gain immediate exposure to those in the dental industry. Once the product, service, or technology is ready to enter the marketplace, Catapult Crown's coordination with Catapult Education, its associated education partners, and the initial dental investors (champions of the product) brings the potential of immediate awareness and sales for the selected start-up. Lastly, featured companies can leverage Catapult Organization's strong industry presence and relationships, paving the way for strategic partnerships with manufacturers and distributors. Saul Kaplan, one of the founders and the MD for Europe, Middle East, and Asia (EMEA) for Catapult Crown, said, "I'm excited that the platform equalizes investing to allow for the entire dental community to have the opportunity to potentially own a portion of a dental startup that aims to revolutionize the dental sector." There is no fee to sign up to the platform and view the investment opportunities, although investors must meet specific eligibility criteria. Community members can choose to invest from $10,000 upwards in any of the opportunities. Catapult Crown has partnered with Carta, which performs the administrator role, and the dental community will use its trusted services to complete paperwork and execute all investments. About Catapult Organization From industry-leading CE to group purchasing, product reviews, and investment opportunities, Catapult Organization aims to positively and profoundly impact all aspects of the dental industry. For more details on Catapult Organization, please visit www.catapulteducation.com or subscribe to our YouTube channel @catapulteducation. To sign up for the platform, please visit www.catapultcrown.com. Please direct inquiries to hello@catapultcrown.com. Disclosures: Nothing herein should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security offered by Catapult Crown or any third party, nor shall there by any sale of any securities in any state, country or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, country of jurisdiction. Any such offer of solicitation to invest in any security would be made through a confidential private offering memorandum and related transaction, offering and governance documents, which will contain material information not included herein regarding, among other things, information with respect to fees and expenses, investment risks and potential conflicts of interest. Factual statements regarding Catapult Crown, its products or services, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. Certain investments are not suitable for all investors. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and Catapult Crown's fees and expenses. The rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long term investments. Investment losses are possible, including the potential loss of all amounts invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors and users should consult with licensed legal professionals and investment advisors for any legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice before considering an investment. Media Contact Name: Alyssa Nugent Company Name: Catapult Organization Email: alyssa@catapultorganization.com Website: https://www.catapultcrown.com Address 1: 1615 NW 4th Ave. City: Delray Beach State: FL Country: United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152841 EQS-News: Linde plc / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Linde to Increase Green Hydrogen Production in California 31.01.2023 / 11:59 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Linde to Increase Green Hydrogen Production in California Woking, UK, January 31, 2023 - Linde (NYSE:LIN; FWB:LIN) announced today plans to increase its green hydrogen production capacity in Ontario, California, in response to growing demand from the mobility market. Linde will build, own and operate the first of several planned five-megawatt PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzers to increase its hydrogen capacity. Following this initial investment, the new electrolyzer together with the existing plant will produce enough green hydrogen to avoid up to 75,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year. Expected to start up in the second half of 2024, the new electrolyzer is one of several green hydrogen projects Linde is planning across the United States. "We continue to see growing demand for green hydrogen as decarbonization in the mobility sector becomes a reality," said Marcos Cuevas, Vice President West Region, Linde. "As the largest liquid hydrogen producer in the U.S., we are proud to leverage our technology and expertise to help California achieve its ambitious climate goals." As one of the world's leading industrial gases and engineering companies, Linde is playing a key role in the clean energy transition. The company is actively helping its customers to decarbonize their operations with the latest hydrogen technologies through its world-class engineering organization, key alliances and ventures. Growing its established hydrogen business across the value chain, Linde is implementing clean hydrogen projects across a range of applications and industries. About Linde Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2021 sales of $31 billion (26 billion). We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain and protect our planet. The company serves a variety of end markets including chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases are used in countless applications, from life-saving oxygen for hospitals to high-purity & specialty gases for electronics manufacturing, hydrogen for clean fuels and much more. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions. For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com Contacts: Investor Relations Juan Pelaez Phone: +1 203 837 2213 Email: juan.pelaez@linde.com Media Relations Anna Davies Phone: +44 1483 244705 Email: anna.davies@linde.com 31.01.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com 48,842m infill/extensional/condemnation drilling program completed Feasibility Study completion expected May 2023 23,000m step-out exploration program to begin shortly Monte do Carmo property still considered in "Discovery" phase TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from its 2022/23 infill/extensional drill program for the completion of its Feasibility Study expected by the end of May at its Monte Do Carmo Project located in Tocantins State, Brazil ("MDC"). The 2022/23 drill program has successfully upgraded the bulk of the known resources into Measured and Indicated categories, targeted new extensional zones and condemned areas for project infrastructure in support of the ongoing Feasibility Study. The final hole as part of this program was completed last week. Full assay results from the program are expected to be completed in February. The Company is now finalizing plans for the 2023 exploration program which will be designed to test numerous targets along a 30km stretch of known mineralization within the Monte Do Carmo property. While moving towards production, the Monte do Carmo property is still considered to be under explored and in the "Discovery" phase with potential for significant new deposits. The Company is currently reporting assay results from 17 drill holes, totaling 4,913m (see Tables 1 & 2) completed from October to December 2022. As of January 16, 2022, a total of 193 drill holes, totaling 48,842m have been completed as part of the program started in early 2022, including 157 holes at Serra Alta: and 36 holes in the satellite exploration areas. Drill Hole Highlights (All composites are reported as true thickness): Serra Alta (Infill) FSA-308 11m at 5.39 g/t Au from 3m Including 4m at 11.91 g/t Au from 7m 39m at 1.46 g/t Au from 101m Including 2m at 10.19 g/t Au from 43m FSA-286 25m at 19.01g/t Au from 443.18m Including 3m at 178.46 g/t Au from 446m FSA-309 91m at 2.09g/t Au from 66m Including 7m at 19.09 g/t Au from 110m Mark Brennan, CEO and Co-Chairman commented, "The infill program at Serra Alta has been extremely successful in converting the majority of known resources for the pending feasibility study, as well as having identified several extensional zones, namely Gogo do Onca, E2 and the new and very promising Northeast zone." He continued, "While work continues to focus on delivering the Feasibility Study, we are very excited to be in the final stages of planning an aggressive new exploration program for 2023 at Monte do Carmo. There are a substantial number of gold showings and targets on the property that have not yet been drill tested where we see the potential for future discoveries similar to Serra Alta. We remain convinced of the district scale potential at Monte Do Carmo." East Zone Drill holes FSA-286, FSA-307, FSA-309, FSA-311, FSA-313, FSA-315, FSA-316, FSA-317, FSA-318, FSA-319 were collared in the East Zone. The best reported intercepts in the East Zone correspond to hole FSA-286 that intercepted a notable discrete sheer quartz vein that reported 3m at 178.46 g/t Au from 446m (including 1 m at 412 g/t). The shear vein has a Northwest orientation. This intercept defines an interesting zone of coalescence of at least 3 fertile structures, including the mentioned shear zone, the East Zone/E2 general trend of extensional veins (North-South) and the main E3 Porphyritic Dyke orientation (West/Northwest). Cerrado considers that conceptually these intersection zones may represent second order control of higher-grade trends. Hole FSA-309 is also outstanding. Shallow dipping drilling targeted the granite in proximity to the volcanic intrusive contact intercepting 91m at 2.09g/t Au from 66m, including 7m at 19.09 g/t Au from 110m. Results confirm the significance of the contact zone in terms of extending the continuity and lateral extent of the mineralization and consolidate a well-endowed area on the northern edge of the east zone. Pit Norte Drill Holes FSA-308, FSA-310 and FSA 320 were collared in Pit Norte. The best intercept comes from hole FSA-308, collared in the central part of the zone. FDS-308 intercepted 11m at 5.39 g/t Au from 3m, including 4m at 11.91 g/t Au from 7m; and 39m at 1.46 g/t Au from 101m, including 2m at 10.19 g/t Au from 43m. This shallow intercept confirms the low strip in this segment of the Pit which is expected to be exploited during the early phases of mining. East 3 (E3) Drill Hole FSA-306 targeted the recently discovered E3 zone. Mineralization in E3 relates to the occurrence of a granitic porphyry dyke with a general West/Northwest direction, that provides a permissive host rock and fluid conduits to upper stratigraphic levels. Holes have been drilled in different directions to better constrain the geometry and extent of the dyke. The best intercept in E3 reported today is from hole FSA-305 that crosses 3m (apparent width) at 2.14 g/t. E3 remains open both along strike and down dip. Figure 1. Reported and Ongoing Drill Hole Locations Figure 2. Select Highlighted Cross Sections of Reported Holes East Zone E3 Pit Norte * Scales vary by section Table 1. Drill Hole Collar Table Sector Hole number UTM N m UTM E m Elevation m Depth m Azimuth Dip Pit Norte FSA-308 8810040 820461 473 210.0 125.00 -15.74 Pit Norte FSA-310 8810069 820502 505 285.6 121.69 -33.78 Pit Norte FSA-320 8810066 820504 505 210.3 140.00 -20.28 East Zone FSA-286 8810545 820676 661 573.9 100.75 -41.16 East Zone FSA-307 8810721 820466 567 170.7 95.00 -15.13 East Zone FSA-309 8810565 820510 571 180.3 75.00 -15.40 East Zone FSA-311 8810564 820510 571 150.6 95.00 -15.74 East Zone FSA-313 8810763 820420 556 164.9 80.00 -19.60 East Zone FSA-315 8810604 820440 552 201.6 80.00 -19.98 East Zone FSA-316 8810722 820465 567 114.8 70.00 -15.22 East Zone FSA-317 8810401 820670 668 340.3 92.64 -54.72 East Zone FSA-318 8810647 820444 569 170.5 75.00 -25.06 East Zone FSA-319 8810249 820343 512 132.2 120.00 -25.39 East 3 FSA-305 8810670 820858 661 565.4 118.92 -50.33 East 3 FSA-306 8810269 821359 698 550.0 314.80 -49.76 East 3 FSA-312 8810699 820891 666 687.9 110.56 -50.39 Gogo da Onca FGO-031 8811023 820556 538 204.5 145.00 -29.46 *Collar coordinates by GNSS TP-20 UTM Coordinates, Datum: SAD69 / zone 22S. *Azimuth Set by compass *Dip and drill hole trajectory by SPT (Stockholm Precision Tools) GyroMaster Table 2. Drill Hole Composites DDH From To LENGTH (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) Serra Alta Pit Norte FSA-308 3.24 14.12 10.88 10.62 5.39 FSA-308 includes 6.55 10.89 4.34 4.24 11.91 FSA-308 and 58.13 59.35 1.22 1.19 1.11 FSA-308 and 74.13 75.22 1.09 1.06 0.31 FSA-308 and 86.19 92.65 6.46 6.31 0.68 FSA-308 and 101.54 141.77 40.23 39.27 1.46 FSA-308 includes 119.62 121.84 2.22 2.17 10.58 FSA-308 includes 128.62 131.95 3.33 3.25 5.99 FSA-308 and 151.34 165.80 14.46 14.12 0.40 FSA-310 76.06 80.05 3.99 3.56 0.56 FSA-310 and 84.16 88.18 4.02 3.59 1.83 FSA-310 Includes 87.16 88.18 1.02 0.91 6.27 FSA-310 and 101.31 121.98 20.67 18.44 1.05 FSA-310 Includes 103.32 105.31 1.99 1.78 5.86 FSA-310 and 126.05 127.10 1.05 0.94 0.49 FSA-310 and 131.10 140.35 9.25 8.25 1.42 FSA-310 Includes 134.10 136.26 2.16 1.93 3.99 FSA-310 and 144.13 150.26 6.13 5.47 1.04 FSA-310 and 155.38 183.35 27.97 24.95 1.32 FSA-310 Includes 160.93 161.93 1.00 0.89 18.40 FSA-310 Includes 164.89 165.83 0.94 0.84 7.36 FSA-310 and 190.85 191.88 1.03 0.92 0.73 FSA-310 and 258.57 261.65 3.08 2.75 1.62 FSA-310 and 265.80 267.93 2.13 1.90 1.89 FSA-320 No significant values Serra Alta - East Zone FSA-286 179.30 180.27 0.97 0.95 0.96 FSA-286 and 186.55 203.88 17.33 17.03 1.04 FSA-286 and 222.79 223.82 1.03 1.01 1.17 FSA-286 and 230.70 235.82 5.12 5.03 1.24 FSA-286 and 250.63 251.71 1.08 1.06 0.63 FSA-286 and 262.57 280.51 17.94 17.63 0.75 FSA-286 and 290.20 291.25 1.05 1.03 0.55 FSA-286 and 305.14 312.40 7.26 7.13 1.30 FSA-286 and 315.65 316.68 1.03 1.01 0.54 FSA-286 and 347.49 348.54 1.05 1.03 0.63 FSA-286 and 363.12 364.19 1.07 1.05 0.43 FSA-286 and 376.14 382.92 6.78 6.66 0.43 FSA-286 and 392.80 393.92 1.12 1.10 0.30 FSA-286 and 402.61 403.72 1.11 1.09 0.55 FSA-286 and 410.21 417.40 7.19 7.07 0.33 FSA-286 and 443.18 468.21 25.03 24.60 19.01 FSA-286 includes 446.42 449.15 2.73 2.68 148.46 FSA-286 includes 452.90 455.69 2.79 2.74 22.99 FSA-286 and 481.60 485.75 4.15 4.08 0.98 FSA-286 and 491.15 497.43 6.28 6.17 0.42 FSA-286 and 500.62 501.71 1.09 1.07 0.44 FSA-286 and 515.36 516.40 1.04 1.02 1.89 FSA-307 82.21 83.22 1.01 1.01 0.35 FSA-307 and 91.54 92.60 1.06 1.06 0.34 FSA-307 and 95.84 96.88 1.04 1.04 0.30 FSA-307 and 101.07 107.22 6.15 6.15 0.66 FSA-309 34.00 46.93 12.93 12.20 0.51 FSA-309 and 52.97 56.88 3.91 3.69 0.39 FSA-309 and 65.91 162.15 96.24 90.81 2.09 FSA-309 Includes 83.06 85.12 2.06 1.94 8.50 FSA-309 Includes 109.68 116.87 7.19 6.78 19.09 FSA-309 Includes 134.26 137.40 3.14 2.96 2.26 FSA-309 Includes 161.13 162.15 1.02 0.96 3.86 FSA-311 35.18 49.82 14.64 14.48 0.85 FSA-311 includes 38.50 39.58 1.08 1.07 3.63 FSA-311 includes 44.37 45.54 1.17 1.16 3.69 FSA-311 and 52.94 53.97 1.03 1.02 1.81 FSA-311 and 57.17 58.24 1.07 1.06 0.80 FSA-311 and 68.00 69.04 1.04 1.03 0.41 FSA-311 and 73.15 74.15 1.00 0.99 2.49 FSA-311 and 81.20 82.22 1.02 1.01 1.58 FSA-311 and 85.26 90.39 5.13 5.07 1.44 FSA-311 and 94.52 104.71 10.19 10.08 1.63 FSA-311 includes 96.51 98.62 2.11 2.09 4.99 FSA-311 and 113.93 118.04 4.11 4.06 1.49 FSA-311 includes 113.93 114.95 1.02 1.01 5.22 FSA-311 and 122.18 133.40 11.22 11.09 1.58 FSA-311 includes 130.35 133.40 3.05 3.02 3.64 FSA-311 and 140.44 148.52 8.08 7.99 1.36 FSA-313 No significant values FSA-315 95.10 96.06 0.96 0.92 0.53 FSA-315 and 110.07 111.06 0.99 0.95 0.67 FSA-315 and 132.60 133.62 1.02 0.98 0.38 FSA-316 No significant values FSA-317 207.17 219.47 12.30 11.93 0.85 FSA-317 Includes 207.17 208.09 0.92 0.89 3.99 FSA-317 Includes 213.41 214.41 1.00 0.97 2.46 FSA-317 Includes 218.46 219.47 1.01 0.98 2.37 FSA-317 and 223.39 226.14 2.75 2.67 0.24 FSA-317 and 272.38 273.42 1.04 1.01 0.41 FSA-317 and 314.11 318.26 4.15 4.02 0.59 FSA-317 and 323.47 329.70 6.23 6.04 0.64 FSA-317 Includes 324.49 325.56 1.07 1.04 2.77 FSA-318 13.43 18.00 4.57 4.51 0.33 FSA-318 and 35.00 36.04 1.04 1.03 0.70 FSA-318 and 45.43 47.54 2.11 2.08 0.32 FSA-318 and 60.88 61.89 1.01 1.00 0.83 FSA-318 and 86.69 87.72 1.03 1.02 0.50 FSA-318 and 96.90 97.90 1.00 0.99 0.34 FSA-318 and 134.87 135.90 1.03 1.02 0.56 FSA-318 and 142.15 145.14 2.99 2.95 0.59 FSA-319 39.15 40.34 1.19 1.19 0.40 FSA-319 and 44.60 45.61 1.01 1.01 0.31 FSA-319 and 51.91 62.03 10.12 10.12 0.33 FSA-319 and 72.35 73.40 1.05 1.05 0.32 FSA-319 and 80.75 82.79 2.04 2.04 0.44 FSA-319 and 101.38 102.60 1.22 1.22 0.31 Serra Alta - E3 FSA-305 461.02 461.92 0.90 - 0.91 FSA-305 and 478.95 482.33 3.38 - 2.14 FSA-305 Includes 478.95 479.77 0.82 - 6.75 FSA-306 482.98 485.11 2.13 - 0.50 FSA-306 and 508.87 511.71 2.84 - 2.02 FSA-306 Includes 509.69 510.64 0.95 - 5.10 FSA-312 No significant values Gogo da Onca FGO-031 71.21 73.22 2.01 1.42 0.59 FGO-031 and 80.08 81.11 1.03 0.73 0.54 FGO-031 and 126.40 129.78 3.38 2.38 0.45 FGO-031 and 136.06 141.45 5.39 3.80 0.37 FGO-031 and 145.15 146.28 1.13 0.80 0.40 FGO-031 and 154.33 157.77 3.44 2.42 0.37 >10m x g/t >30m x g/t Quality Assurance and Quality Control Analytical work was carried out by ALS international lab (ALS). MDC send half core samples for sample preparation to the lab. The facilities of the prep lab are located in Goiania, Brazil 835 km from the MDC project and alternatively in Belo Horizonte, Brazil 1,110 Km from the MDC project. MDC sends out samples to ALS international labs (ALS) with the prep lab located in Goiania or alternatively in Belo Horizonte. ALS lab sends the prepared aliquots for analytical assay to their lab in Lima, Peru where the prepared samples are systematically analyzed for gold (ppm) by fire assay (Au-AA24) or gold (ppm) by metallic screen (Au-SCR24). Randomly the ICP (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is done for trace elements in 4 acids (hydrofluoric, perchloric, nitric and hydrochloric) digestion (ME-MS-61). ALS has routine quality control procedures which ensure that every batch of samples includes three sample repeats and at least two commercial standards and two blanks. Cerrado uses standard QA/QC procedures, inserting reference standards and blanks, for the drilling program. The Reference material used are from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd., ITAK (Instituto de Tecnologia August Kekule Ltda. And OREAS). Review of Technical Information The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Sergio Gelcich, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cerrado Gold Inc., who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mark Brennan David Ball CEO and Co Chairman Vice President, Corporate Development Tel: +1-647-796-0023 Tel: +1-647-796-0068 mbrennan@cerradogold.com dball@cerradogold.com About Cerrado Cerrado is a Toronto based gold production, development and exploration company focused on gold projects in the Americas. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the highly prospective development project, Monte Do Carmo located in Tocantins State, Brazil. At Minera Don Nicolas, Cerrado is maximising asset value through further operation optimization and continued production growth. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package. At Monte Do Carmo, Cerrado is rapidly advancing the Serra Alta deposit through Feasibility and production. The Serra Alta deposit Indicated Resources of 541 kozs of contained gold and Inferred Resources of 780 kozs of contained gold. The Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrates robust economics as well as the potential to be one of the industry's lowest cost producers. Cerrado also holds an extensive and highly prospective 82,542 ha land package at Monte Do Carmo. For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com. Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, all statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the expected timing to complete the Feasibility Study at MDC, the exploration potential and scale of MDC and conversion of resources from inferred to indicated. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737353/Cerrado-Gold-Completes-Feasibility-Infill-Drill-Program-and-Is-Finalizing-Plans-for-an-Aggressive-Exploration-Program-at-Its-Monte-Do-Carmo-Project-in-Brazil VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY) (OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce the results from two drill holes at its Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona, U.S. ("Copper Creek"). Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented "The continued success of our Phase II drill program is extremely encouraging as it confirms our view that there is significant upside to the existing Mineral Resource Estimate. This high-grade drill hole demonstrates the potential to grow the open pit mineralization at Copper Creek." Highlights Intersected 33.77 metres ("m") at 3.43% copper and 2.53 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver from 38.10 m at the Copper Knight breccia in drill hole FCD-22-016 (Table 1, Figures 1, 2). and 2.53 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver from 38.10 m at the Copper Knight breccia in drill hole FCD-22-016 (Table 1, Figures 1, 2). This interval is within a longer intersection of 65.20 m at 1.88% copper and 1.56 g/t silver from 38.10 m . and 1.56 g/t silver from 38.10 m The Copper Knight breccia is part of a cluster of mineralized breccias, which includes Copper Giant, Copper Prince, and Copper Duchess (Figure 1). Drill hole FCD-22-016 was collared north of Copper Knight and drilled to the southeast, closing a gap in historical drilling. The high-grade mineralization is located at the contact between granodiorite porphyry and hydrothermal breccia, where there is increased permeability. Mineralization remains open at depth. Figure 1: Plan View Showing Drill Holes Reported in this News Release Note: The open pit shell is based on constraints used in the MRE as presented in the report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate Copper Creek Project, Arizona" dated August 18, 2022 (the "Technical Report"). Figure 2: Cross Section Showing Drill Hole FCD-22-016 Drill hole FCD-22-011 was collared at the Glory Hole breccia and drilled to the west where previous drill coverage is low. No mineralized intervals of more than 5 m length were identified in this hole. The first 30 m of the drill hole intersected breccia and a leached cap characterized by iron oxides after sulphides, but no significant copper mineralization. Two consecutive samples from 63.36 to 67.70 m yielded 0.29% and 0.41% copper, respectively, and a single 2-metre-wide sample with 1.14 g/t silver and 0.21% copper is present at 210.75 m. These results suggest that the mineral system remains open at depth and to the west of the Glory Hole breccia. Table 1: Selected Drill Results from Copper Creek Drill Hole ID From To Length Cu Mo Au Ag (m) (m) (m) (%) (ppm) (g/t) (g/t) FCD-22-016 38.10 103.30 65.20 1.88 17 0.02 1.56 Including 38.10 71.87 33.77 3.43 11 0.04 2.53 FCD-22-011 No significant assay results Notes: All intercepts are reported as downhole drill widths. Table 2: Collar Locations from the Drill Holes Reported Herein Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Target Depth Depth (m) () () (ft) (m) FCD-22-016 548152 3624588 1276 160 -68 Copper Knight 566.0 185.44 FCD-22-011 547733 3624785 1285 255 -45 Glory Hole 783.0 256.64 Total 1,349.0 442.08 Note: Coordinates are given as World Geodetic System 84, Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 12 north (WGS84, UTM12N). Next Steps Phase II drilling continues and is focussed on three objectives: Reconnaissance drilling on new targets; Expanding the MRE; and Better delineating high-grade mineralized zones. Fourteen drill holes have been completed and the results for three drill holes have been released to date. The assay results for additional completed drill holes will be released as they are received, analyzed and confirmed by the Company. Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Quality Assurance All sampling was conducted under the supervision of the Company's geologists and the chain of custody from Copper Creek to the independent sample preparation facility, ALS Laboratories in Tucson, AZ, was continuously monitored. The samples were taken as core, over 2 m core length. Samples were crushed, pulverized and sample pulps were analyzed using industry standard analytical methods including a 4-Acid ICP-MS multielement package and an ICP-AES method for high-grade copper samples. Gold was analyzed on a 30 g aliquot by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish. A certified reference sample was inserted every 20th sample. Coarse blanks were inserted every 20th sample. Approximately 5% of the core samples were cut into core and submitted as field duplicates. On top of internal QA-QC protocol, additional blanks, reference materials and duplicates were inserted by the analytical laboratory according to their procedure. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About Faraday Copper Faraday Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in The United States of America. The Copper Creek project, located in Arizona, is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with open pit and bulk underground mining potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY". For additional information please contact: Stacey Pavlova, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications Faraday Copper Corp. E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com Website: www.faradaycopper.com To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com. Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property. Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This news release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this news release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737298/Faraday-Copper-Reports-3377-metres-at-343-Copper-within-6520-meters-at-188-Copper-at-Copper-Creek-in-Arizona EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Law amendment of securities according to 50 Para. 1, No. 1 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Results of Implementation of Share Repurchase Through Centralized Bidding Transactions 31.01.2023 / 12:15 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 1 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG Announcement on Results of Implementation of Share Repurchase Through Centralized Bidding Transactions Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hong Kong, 31 January 2023 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to the results of the implementation of share repurchase through centralized bidding transactions. The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020230131648064112131.pdf?appdesc=Announcement%20on%20the%20Results%20of%20the%20Implementation%20of%20Share%20Repurchase%20Through%20Centralized%20Bidding%20Transactions IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 31.01.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com LONDON, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexaware Technologies announced today that it has expanded its membership in the SAP PartnerEdge program to include the Sell track, with the goal of selling many SAP products, including RISE with SAP. This is in addition to its existing participation in the Service track. Participation in the Sell track will help Hexaware accelerate the sales cycle and deliver more comprehensive SAP portfolio solutions, in a flexible model that will help transform business outcomes. "Expanding our SAP partnership to the Sell track is a natural next step to continue to accelerate our clients' business transformations leveraging SAP solutions and our Triadic+ platform," said Kamal Maggon, Corporate Vice President - Hexaware Technologies. "This expanded partnership reinforces our continuous investments in innovations, solution accelerators, digital automations, and a strong focus on customer business outcomes." Hexaware will continue to help businesses that use SAP solutions in their business modernization and landscape transformation journeys with design, implementation, and integration of SAP solutions; optimizing business processes; and providing strategic business consultation. As an SAP partner, Hexaware will take an active part in deploying the intelligent enterprise and collaborative SaaS solutions. Hexaware Technologies is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits, and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs - quickly and cost-effectively. About Hexaware Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Our 30,000 Hexawarians are driven by our purpose; to create smiles through great people and technology. With 54 offices in 19 countries, we empower enterprises to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, modernize, run, and optimize their IT landscapes. We put people first in everything we do and seek to improve people's lives by collaborating with our stakeholders to build a better, more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more about Hexaware at https://www.hexaware.com. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/530945/Hexaware.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hexaware-expands-its-membership-in-sap-partneredge-program-to-include-sell-track-301734326.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - General Motors Co. (GM) said that the company and Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC, LAC.TO) will jointly invest to develop the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, which is the largest known source of lithium in the United States. As per the deal, GM will make a $650 million equity investment in Lithium Americas. Lithium Americas estimates the lithium extracted and processed from the project can support production of up to 1 million EVs per year. Lithium carbonate from Thacker Pass will be used in GM's proprietary Ultium battery cells. Lithium is a key material in lithium-ion batteries and stands up well to repeated charging and discharging, delivers higher energy density. Production at Thacker Pass is projected to begin in the second half of 2026. GM will receive exclusive access to Phase 1 production through a binding supply agreement and has the right of first offer on Phase 2 production. Lithium Americas expects Thacker Pass to create 1,000 jobs in construction and 500 in operations. 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. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) will hold a primary to pick final candidates to become the new party leader before the national convention in March, the party's election committee said Tuesday. The party will pick the top four candidates for the leadership race through a vote of paying party members by Feb. 10 and hold a national convention on March 8 to elect a new leader. It will hold a runoff if none of the final candidates wins a majority and announce the results on March 12. Four sitting lawmakers Reps. Kim Gi-hyeon, Ahn Cheol-soo, Cho Kyoung-tae and Yoon Sang-hyun as well as former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and Kang Sin-eop, an attorney and former head of first lady Kim Keon Hee's fan club, have declared bids for the PPP chairmanship until now. A Realmeter poll showed last week Kim is leading the race, with Ahn closely trailing behind. (Yonhap) Digitally-enabled Executive Risks products help protect businesses from fast-moving risks; make customizing management liability coverage easier and quicker for brokers Coalition, the world's first Active Insurance provider designed to prevent digital risk before it strikes, today announced the addition of Crime and Fiduciary Liability Insurance coverage provided through a collaboration with Zurich American Insurance Company to protect small businesses. Adding Crime and Fiduciary Liability to Coalition's Executive Risks product lines makes it easier than ever for brokers to quote and bind via Coalition's streamlined digital application process, all for protection from a wider range of risks. "Today's crime and fiduciary liability threats are digital, fast-moving, and potentially devastating for any business. Like cyber incidents, these risks can be triggered by internal or external threats, including theft, negligence, and human error," said Patrick Mitchell, Coalition's Head of Executive Risks. "With Coalition's Active Insurance approach, brokers can take proactive steps to help small businesses identify and mitigate risks related to losses tied to fiduciary liability and crime exposures." Coalition's Executive Risks products, including its existing Directors Officers Liability (D&O) Insurance and Employment Practice Liability (EPL) coverage, make it easier than ever for brokers to customize products. Coalition provides brokers with a risk assessment alongside every quote to facilitate risk management conversations with every client. The company's flexible approach allows brokers to customize coverages to address specific crime and fiduciary liability risks-in addition to the policy limits and retentions. "Coalition's industry-leading turnaround time for generating quotes is one of the principal reasons for our high success rate binding new business," continued Mitchell. "Our risk engineers are incredibly responsive and focused on extending our mission to protect the unprotected. I am thrilled with our progress and efforts to continue growing Coalition's Executive Risks offering." Coalition's new Crime Insurance is designed to help protect organizations from criminal activity both externally (via third parties) and internally (via their own employees). Even as cybercriminals and their tactics become more complex, most cyber and cybercrime attacks are still executed via social engineering. Negligence and mismanagement of benefits plans can lead to fiduciary liability claims. Coalition's new Fiduciary Liability Insurance helps businesses manage their risks related to their employee benefits plans. New policies may include excessive fee coverage, settlor coverage, and a comprehensive list of covered civil penalties. To learn more about Coalition's Executive Risks Insurance, please visit: coalitioninc.com/executive-risks-insurance. Coalition Insurance Solutions Inc. ("CIS") is a licensed insurance producer with its principal place of business in San Francisco, CA (Cal. license #0L76155). CIS' Crime and Fiduciary Liability Insurance coverage is provided through a collaboration with Zurich American Insurance Company, located at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196 (NAIC 16535). Insurance products offered through CIS may not be available in all states. CIS may receive compensation from an insurer or other intermediary in connection with the sale of insurance. All decisions regarding any insurance products referenced herein, including approval for coverage, premium, commission, and fees, will be made solely by the insurer underwriting the insurance under the insurer's then-current criteria. All insurance products are governed by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Please see a copy of your policy for the full terms, conditions, and exclusions. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Coalition and the Coalition logo are trademarks of Coalition, Inc. or its affiliates. About Coalition Coalition is the world's first Active Insurance provider designed to prevent digital risk before it strikes. By combining comprehensive insurance coverage and cybersecurity tools, Coalition helps businesses manage and mitigate digital risks. Coalition offers its Active Insurance products in the U.S., U.K., and Canada through relationships with leading global insurers, including Arch Insurance North America, Allianz, Ascot Group, Lloyd's of London, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, Vantage, and management liability coverage through Zurich American Insurance Company. Its security products are available to organizations worldwide. Coalition's Active Risk Platform provides automated security alerts, threat intelligence, expert guidance, and cybersecurity tools to help businesses remain resilient in the face of cyber attacks. Headquartered in San Francisco, Coalition is a distributed company with a global workforce that collaborates digitally and in office hubs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005479/en/ Contacts: Marisa Graves Communications at Coalition press@coalitioninc.com Children worldwide call on leaders to make good on promises of universal education in ground-breaking campaign from Education Cannot Wait. NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Through an innovative campaign delivered by the UN's global fund for education in emergencies, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), girls and boys worldwide are sharing "Postcards from the Edge" to call on world leaders to make good on promises to ensure education for all by 2030 as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. "They are inspiring testaments to the amazing power of education to transform lives. We must listen to the world's children. They deserve their human right to an education," said Yasmine Sherif, Director of Education Cannot Wait. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lucas*, a 14-year-old refugee from the Central African Republic recounts the story of seeing his mother murdered and his village burnt to the ground. Through a multi-year resilience programme delivered by UNHCR with funding from ECW, the boy is now back in school and dreams one day of becoming a doctor. In his postcard, Lucas makes an impassioned plea for world leaders "to think of us refugee children and provide funding to let us finish our studies." Several letters were submitted from girls and boys in Afghanistan. With new rules banning girls from education and stripping women of their human rights, it is not clear if Zehab* from the Uruzgan Province will be able to continue her education. But for now, she is still able to attend a non-formal community-based learning programme. "I want to get education and become a well-known doctor. But I am wondering that I might not achieve my dreams, as girls are not allowed to attend schools in Afghanistan," she says in her postcard. "I call on the world leaders to help us and give us the opportunity to learn and lead our future." Worldwide 222 million girls and boys like Zehab and Lucas are having their futures ripped from them by the converging impacts of conflict, climate change, forced displacement and other protracted crises. Leaders across the globe will come together at the Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference on February 16 and 17 in Geneva, Switzerland. Throughout the event, youth advocates and global champions will read the Postcards from the Edge to ensure the voice of the world's most vulnerable children are heard. *Names have been changed for privacy purposes. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992292/ECW_Postcards_form_the_Edge.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/postcards-from-the-edge-301734335.html Innovative offering combines signals-based approach, rules-based logic and advanced data analytics with customizable technology for targeted, efficient results NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eventus, a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions, today announced the broad introduction of Validus AML (VAML), a new end-to-end anti-money laundering (AML) platform aimed at helping firms in both the traditional finance and digital asset space combat financial crime. The new cloud-based Validus AML (VAML) offering uniquely combines a signals-based approach to behavior detection, rules-based logic and advanced data analytics to deliver a comprehensive solution producing significant efficiencies and adaptability for a changing regulatory landscape. The product introduction represents Eventus' first major expansion into a new sector of surveillance, complementing its widely used Validus platform for trade surveillance, risk monitoring and algorithmic monitoring. While Validus has always provided transaction monitoring capabilities as part of trade surveillance, VAML will offer a full spectrum of powerful detection, workflow and case management tools for current and new clients, enabling them to reduce financial and regulatory risk, identify a range of illicit financial behaviors and further streamline their use of external vendors on critical compliance functions. Enhancements to functionality will be rolled out in phases throughout the course of the year. Eventus CEO Travis Schwab said: "Firms operating in traditional financial markets and digital assets alike are facing greater challenges than ever to protect themselves from those presenting a risk to their businesses and reputations, along with their standing with government regulators. Validus AML reimagines what an anti-money laundering program can do, reflecting a paradigm shift from traditional alert-focused solutions and taking the burden off compliance teams. We're excited to introduce our flexible new solution, offering the ability to easily adapt to increasingly complex local, regional and global AML regulatory requirements and to keep pace with evolving business risk across geographies, business lines and client profiles." VAML is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution combining transaction monitoring, behavioral analytics and sanctions monitoring in a single, scalable and easily configurable platform that enables users to reduce the risk of fines and reputational damage while saving time and resources, focusing on only genuinely suspicious activity. Traditional AML platforms generate an alert for each suspicious event, which requires regulatory and compliance staff to stitch them together for a complete picture of activity from any given customer or entity. VAML's signals-based technology and flexible approach to AML behavior modeling facilitates the aggregation of multiple events into a single "scenario model," dramatically reducing false-positive alerts and producing highly effective, targeted results. VAML also maintains a customer activity profile based on historical client behaviors and transactions, with the ability to generate signals when customer activity deviates from historical patterns, contributing to the sophistication of the scenario models. Clients will be able to onboard almost any source of customer transaction and trade data from their own systems and third-party providers - along with continuously updated government watchlists - in a "low-touch" fashion through the modular new platform, with out-of-the box connectivity to the Validus trade surveillance platform. VAML gives clients a visual data layer to extract, transform and load any type of data which, when combined with the client data, enriches Know Your Customer (KYC), customer lifecycle and ongoing transaction monitoring activities. About Eventus Eventus is a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume and real-time environments of tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. The company's rapidly growing client base relies on Validus and Eventus' responsive support and product development teams to overcome its most pressing regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventus.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/635481/Eventus_Systems_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eventus-introduces-validus-aml-vaml-new-end-to-end-anti-money-laundering-solution-to-help-exchanges-institutions-combat-financial-crime-301734251.html WESTCHESTER, Ill., Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/) (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage industry, today announced that it has been named to the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (https://www.bloomberg.com/gei/) (GEI), marking its sixth consecutive year on the list. The Company is one of 484 companies across 45 countries and regions to join the GEI, a modified market capitalization-weighted index developed to gauge the performance of public companies dedicated to reporting gender-related data. This reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and external brand. "Being included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for six consecutive years is incredibly rewarding and underscores our commitment and focus on creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace," said Jim Zallie (https://www.ingredionincorporated.com/AboutUs/executiveleadershipteam/Zallie.html), Ingredion's president and chief executive officer. "Our purpose and values continue to guide us toward building and sustaining a supportive culture for female talent where everyone can reach their full potential. Building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive culture is an important driver of our growth culture that is focused on being customer preferred by enabling consumer-preferred innovation for shared value creation." "Congratulations to the companies that are included in the 2023 GEI," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "We continue to see an increase in both interest and membership globally, reflecting a shared goal of transparency in gender-related metrics." The Company submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg, in collaboration with subject matter experts globally. Those included on this year's index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. Both the survey and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the Index. About Ingredion Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2021 annual net sales of nearly $7 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs?innovation centers around the world and approximately 12,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com (https://ir.ingredionincorporated.com/) for more information and the latest Company news. About Bloomberg Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength - delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately - is the core of Bloomberg Professional Services (https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/). For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com (http://www.bloomberg.com/) or request a demo (http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/request-demo/?utm_source=bbg-pr&bbgsum=dg-ws-core-pr). CONTACT: Investors: Noah Weiss, 773-896-5242 Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602 The approval allows Eyenuk's AI eye screening system, already approved for detection of diabetic retinopathy, to aid millions of additional patients at risk for vision loss LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31, 2023, a global artificial intelligence (AI) digital health company, and the leader in real-world applications for AI Eye Screening and AI Predictive Biomarkers, has been approved to market its EyeArt AI eye screening system in the European Union for the new uses of detecting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucomatous optic nerve damage (a sign of glaucoma). The EyeArt AI system (version 3.0) has been granted a new European Commission (EC) certification as a Class IIb medical device under the EU's Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745 ("MDR") and is intended to detect signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) (including diabetic macular edema), AMD, and glaucomatous optic nerve damage in patients at risk of vision loss using computerized analysis of images of the retina. The EyeArt AI system was previously approved in the EU for the detection of DR including diabetic macular edema. This EC Certification makes the EyeArt AI system the first and only autonomous AI solution with Class IIb MDR CE marking for the automated detection of all three eye diseases and will allow Eyenuk customers in the EU to detect the diseases in a single exam using the same set of retinal images. The EyeArt AI system is also the first and only system that is both CE Marked for the detection of the three diseases as well as FDA-cleared in the United States for the detection of DR, the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. The EyeArt AI system greatly expands the availability of vision-saving eye screenings by making automated AI diagnosis and coordination of care possible in primary care medical practices without the need for a specialist's review. The system is integrated with retinal imaging cameras and can be operated by clinical support staff to generate a detailed screening report in less than 30 seconds. In regions with limited access to ophthalmologists, its ability to detect multiple eye diseases with a single exam can help reduce vision loss from these blinding eye diseases. Malavika Bhaskaranand, Head of Regulatory and Clinical Affairs at Eyenuk, commented, "Achieving MDR certification is a major milestone for Eyenuk and a result of our early adaptation to the more stringent requirements of the new regulation. It reaffirms the strong results from rigorous clinical validation of the EyeArt AI system." Kaushal Solanki, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Eyenuk, commented, "This EC certification multiplies our impact in two ways. First, our autonomous AI can now help many more patients at risk of vision loss - the population at risk of AMD and glaucoma, particularly seniors, in addition to people with diabetes. Second, our AI system can now provide a more comprehensive report for each patient with detection results for three diseases compared to just one previously." Solanki continued, "DR, AMD, and glaucoma are all asymptomatic in their early stages. The high sensitivity of the EyeArt AI system, and its ability to be delivered without a specialist, makes it easier to catch the diseases early and to take preventative measures to protect the vision of these patients. We look forward to the opportunity to forge new partnerships with world-class hospitals and healthcare institutions in Europe to help preserve the eyesight of millions across the continent with these diseases." EC Certification Caps Year of Breakthroughs for Eyenuk The EC Certification of the EyeArt AI system caps a year of significant clinical and business milestones for Eyenuk. The company's accomplishments in 2022 included: Securing $26 million in a Series A financing round, bringing the company's total funding to over $43 million Reaching the new milestone of 70,000 patients screened using the EyeArt AI system globally since its FDA clearance in August 2020, by far the most screenings by any FDA-cleared autonomous AI system Growing the number of locations using the EyeArt AI system to more than 200 in 18 countries and throughout the US Publication of a major peer-reviewed study (https://www.ophthalmologyscience.org/article/S2666-9145(22)00117-8/fulltext) finding that the EyeArt AI system is far more sensitive in identifying referable DR than dilated eye exams by ophthalmologists and retina specialists Winning Juniper Research's Future Digital Health award for the "Best Digital Diagnostics Solution" Being named a finalist for the UCSF Digital Health Award About Eyenuk, Inc. Eyenuk, Inc. is a global artificial intelligence, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About the EyeArt AI System The EyeArtAI system provides fully autonomous screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucomatous optic nerve damage, including retinal imaging, based on international clinical standards and immediate reporting, in a single office visit during a patient's regular exam. Once the patient's fundus images have been captured and submitted to the EyeArt AI System, the detection results are available in a PDF report in less than 30 seconds. The EyeArt AI system was developed with funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health and is validated by the U.K. National Health Service. The EyeArt AI system has CE marking as a class IIb medical device in the European Union under the EU's Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745 ("MDR") for the detection of DR, AMD, and glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Additionally, the system has U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance and a Health Canada license for autonomous detection of DR. It is designed to be General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliant. The EyeArt AI system is reimbursable by government and private payors in the U.S. under the Category 1 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 92229. Learn more about the EyeArtAI System by watching this video. Media Inquiries: Todd Stein 510-417-0612 Todd@toddsteincommunications.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") is pleased to update investors on the final results of the Phase 2 diamond drilling programme at its advanced Rodruin gold exploration project, located in the Company's 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession"), in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Highlights: Diamond drilling was completed at Rodruin on December 10, 2022, with a total of 9,073 metres drilled from 85 holes. The results are now available for the final 16 holes, ROD-118 to ROD-133; 8 drill holes were completed in the Aladdin's Hill and Aladdin's Hill NE areas, with results including 4.39 g/t Au and 4.5 g/t Ag over an interval of 11.85m from 29.45m downhole depth (ROD-120) and 3.72 g/t Au and 5.8 g/t Ag over 5.5m from 26.3m (ROD-122), both associated with oxidised phyllic alteration zones; from 29.45m downhole depth (ROD-120) and from 26.3m (ROD-122), both associated with oxidised phyllic alteration zones; Mineralisation associated with gossanous carbonates at Aladdin's Hill returned intervals of 63.2m grading 0.69 g/t Au and 6.6 g/t Ag (ROD-123) and 18.7m grading 1.27 g/t Au and 6.5 g/t Ag (ROD-124), both from surface. ROD-124 also returned an intersection of 41.6m grading 4.36% Zn and 0.29 g/t Au from 74.7m; (ROD-123) and (ROD-124), both from surface. ROD-124 also returned an intersection of from 74.7m; A further 8 holes were drilled at the Central Buttress Zone, the GF Zone and the South and North Ridges which returned mineralised intersections including 3.14 g/t Au and 4.2 g/t Ag over an interval of 8.6m from surface (ROD-128) at the GF Zone, and 0.77 g/t Au and 7.0 g/t Ag over an interval of 27.5m, also from surface (ROD-127), at the Central Buttress Zone. "We have now received the final assays from the Rodruin Phase 2 diamond drilling, and are pleased to be able to announce another solid set of drill results. The final results have been forwarded on to our MRE consultants, Cube Consulting, and they can now get properly started on block modelling the Rodruin deposit" said Tonno Vahk, Interim CEO. "We are very happy with the results from the Phase 2 diamond drilling programme at Rodruin, with virtually every single hole in the programme intersecting mineralisation. We believe that we now have a sufficient drill density to meet the primary objective of the programme which was to enable us to delineate a maiden oxide mineral resource at Rodruin, which we expect to be readily amenable to exploitation using very low strip ratio open pit mining methods, and will enable us to secure the mining licence at Abu Marawat. But more than that we have really flagged up the future potential of the Rodruin deposit with some very impressive sulphide intercepts. The metallurgical samples collected from both Rodruin and Hamama were forwarded to Wardell Armstrong International in the UK before the New Year, and the test work programmes are proceeding well, with encouraging preliminary results. Our immediate focus in the field is now on the short additional drilling programme which started at Hamama in mid-January with a view to adding potential incremental oxide resources at Hamama East, as we work towards maiden and revised mineral resource estimates and delineating "commercial discoveries" at Rodruin and Hamama by mid-2023. We have also started further mapping and sampling programmes on some of our excellent regional targets including Abu Gaharish, Semna and Bohlog, in advance of new RC drilling programmes on these prospects, which we plan to start after Ramadan. So Aton continues to move ahead simultaneously on numerous fronts, as we look to secure the mining licence at Abu Marawat later this year, and to finally start to realise the enormous potential of the Concession for our shareholders, and all our stakeholders in Egypt." Rodruin diamond drilling programme The Rodruin prospect was discovered in December 2017 by Aton geologists (see news release dated December 14, 2017), and is located approximately 18km east of the Company's Hamama West mineral deposit (Figure 1). A 50 hole Phase 1 reverse circulation percussion ("RC") drilling programme was undertaken at Rodruin in 2018. Figure 1: Geology plan of the Abu Marawat Concession showing the location of the Rodruin project The Phase 2 diamond drilling programme commenced in November 2021, and oxide zone results reported to date include 88.25m grading 1.74 g/t Au and 9.7 g/t Ag, from 25.75m (hole ROD-055, see news release dated March 1, 2022), and 129.5m grading 1.00 g/t Au and 8.8 g/t Ag, over the entire length of hole ROD-056 from its collar (see news release dated March 7, 2022). Deeper sulphide mineralisation in the Aladdin's Hill NE area has returned intersections including 88.6m grading 5.76 g/t Au, 42.0 g/t Ag, 0.31% Cu and 2.40% Zn (hole ROD-071, see news release dated May 10, 2022), and 36.9m grading 7.04 g/t Au, 47.2 g/t Ag, 0.63% Cu and 7.18% Zn (ROD-075, see news release dated June 1, 2022). The final hole, ROD-133, was completed on December 10, 2022, with a total of 9,073.2 metres drilled. The rig has now been deployed to the Hamama project, where it re-started drilling on January 13, 2023. The now completed Rodruin diamond drilling programme was designed with the specific objective of delineating and establishing a maiden mineral resource estimate ("MRE") at Rodruin. The main focus of the drilling has been to delineate potential oxide resources, which will be included in the Company's submission to the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority ("EMRA") in support of "commercial discoveries" at both Rodruin and Hamama. This submission is scheduled for mid-2023, and is part of the process laid out in the Abu Marawat Concession Agreement, and which is anticipated will lead to the issuance of an exploitation licence at Abu Marawat, covering both the Rodruin and Hamama deposits. Discussion of results Results are now available for the final 16 drill holes, ROD-118 to ROD-133. The rig was converted back to its horizontal configuration, and all holes were drilled horizontally or at shallow angles to test potential near surface oxide mineralisation. These holes were drilled at the Aladdin's Hill ("AH"), Aladdin's Hill NE ("AHNE"), Central Buttress Zone ("CBZ"), South Ridge and GF Zone ("GFZ") areas, with one hole also drilled on the North Ridge. The collar co-ordinates of these holes are provided in Table 1 below, and details of all mineralised intersections are provided in Appendix A. Hole ID Collar co-ordinates 1 Dip 2 Grid azimuth 2 EOH depth (m) Comments X Y Z ROD-118 552403.3 2913048.3 761.9 1.0 183.8 76.2 Aladdin's Hill NE (oxides) ROD-119 553051.6 2912873.1 691.2 -0.6 360.1 185.5 North Ridge (oxides) ROD-120 552410.5 2913048.3 761.4 -9.2 165.1 65.8 Aladdin's Hill NE (oxides) ROD-121 552403.4 2913048.5 760.5 -29.9 180.1 61.1 Aladdin's Hill NE (oxides) ROD-122 552298.0 2912953.5 754.9 0.1 363.0 174.2 Aladdin's Hill (oxides) ROD-123 552275.6 2912978.2 755.5 -0.4 361.4 92.9 Aladdin's Hill (oxides) ROD-124 552275.5 2912977.5 754.6 -29.9 361.8 145.4 Aladdin's Hill (oxides) ROD-125 552493.7 2912894.9 795.4 -9.9 10.4 84.0 South Ridge (oxides) ROD-126 552705.6 2912858.3 764.5 -0.8 287.0 137.4 CBZ / South Ridge (oxides) ROD-127 552688.3 2912902.5 767.0 0.5 275.2 147.2 CBZ / South Ridge (oxides) ROD-128 552795.0 2912775.2 743.7 -0.2 207.8 89.7 Upper GF Zone (oxides) ROD-129 552447.0 2913024.0 762.1 0.0 168.7 64.6 Aladdin's Hill NE (oxides) ROD-130 552398.9 2913051.6 761.0 -15.6 265.1 61.5 Aladdin's Hill NE (oxides) ROD-131 552775.7 2912917.5 702.2 -2.2 158.9 115.5 GF Zone (oxides) ROD-132 552823.7 2912864.6 688.0 0.0 307.8 93.5 GF Zone (oxides) ROD-133 552823.1 2912860.2 688.2 -1.1 257.0 47.8 GF Zone (oxides) Notes: Collar co-ordinates surveyed by Leica TCRA1203+ R1000 Robotic total station Collar surveys of drill holes undertaken at c. 5-6m depth, using Reflex EZ-Trac survey tool All co-ordinates are UTM (WGS84) Zone 36R Table 1: Collar details of diamond drill holes ROD-118 to ROD-133 Aladdin's Hill area 3 drill holes were completed from the south side of Aladdin's Hill (ROD-122 to ROD-124, see Figure 2), and a further 5 at AHNE (ROD-118, ROD-120, ROD-121, ROD-129 and ROD-130). A single hole (ROD-125) tested the South Ridge, with all holes intersecting surface or near-surface mineralisation. ROD-122 returned a mineralised intersection of 5.5m grading 3.72 g/t Au and 5.8 g/t Ag from 26.3m downhole depth, where the wedge of phyllic-hosted mineralisation at AH pinches out at its western extent (Figure 2). To the west of ROD-122, in an area that had not previously been drilled, both holes ROD-123 and ROD-124 returned broad zones of Au and Au-Zn oxide mineralisation, associated with gossanous carbonates, with ROD-123 intersecting 63.2m grading 0.69 g/t Au and 6.6 g/t Ag and ROD-124 intersecting 18.7m grading 1.27 g/t Au and 6.5 g/t Ag, both from surface. ROD-124 also returned a further intersection of 1.69 g/t Au and 11.1 g/t Ag over an interval of 9.1m from 52.7m, as well as a zone of oxide Zn-Au mineralisation which returned 4.36% Zn and 0.29 g/t Au over an interval of 41.6m from 74.7m depth. Figure 2: Aladdin's Hill area - geology and drill hole collar plan At Aladdin's Hill NE hole ROD-120 returned 4.39 g/t Au and 4.5 g/t Ag over an interval of 11.85m from 29.45m depth, associated with a zone of phyllic-hosted mineralisation, possibly an extension of the higher grade phyllic-hosted mineralisation exposed at surface at AH. Hole ROD-129 returned 2.66 g/t Au and 7.2 g/t Ag over an interval of 5.25m from 5.15m depth, associated with the Upper Thrust structure. The other holes at AHNE all intercepted lower grade mineralisation associated with gossanous carbonates, including 0.47 g/t Au and 5.7 g/t Ag over an interval of 52.95m from surface (hole ROD-130). ROD-125, drilled under unmineralised carbonates outcropping at surface on the western end of the South Ridge, returned 1.46 g/t Au and 3.6 /t Ag over an interval of 4.33mfrom 57.37m depth. Central Buttress Zone 2 holes were drilled across the CBZ, ROD-126 and ROD-127, to test for potential gossanous carbonate hosted mineralisation (Figure 3). Both holes intersected oxide mineralisation, associated with voids and cavities, probably due to ancient mine workings. Hole ROD-127 returned 0.77 g/t Au and 7.0 g/t Ag over an interval of 27.5m from surface, and ROD-126 returned 0.85 g/t Au and 4.8 g/t Ag over an interval of 19.8m from 19.4m depth. Figure 3: Central Buttress / GF Zone area - geology and drill hole collar plan GF Zone A further 4 holes were drilled to test the lower grade gossanous carbonate-hosted mineralisation at the GFZ, holes ROD-128 and ROD-131 to ROD-133 (Figure 3). Hole ROD-128 returned 3.14 g/t Au and 4.2 g/t Ag over an interval of 8.6m from surface at the upper, southern margin of the GFZ. Holes ROD-131 and ROD-132 returned wide intersections of lower grade mineralisation at its lower, northern margin, in line with expectations, including 0.41 g/t Au and 6.5 g/t Ag over an interval of 76.2m from surface in hole ROD-131. North Ridge area One hole was drilled on the North Ridge, ROD-119 (Figure 4), which returned weak mineralisation in 2 narrow zones, possibly associated with the ancient Death Slots and Summit Veins workings, specifically 0.75 g/t Au and 12.2 g/t Ag over a 6.0m interval from 63.5m depth, possibly representing the down-dip extension of the Summit Veins surface workings, and 0.86 g/t Au and 8.4 g/t Ag over a 1.8m interval from 151.4m depth. Figure 4: North Ridge / GF Zone area - geology and drill hole collar plan Sample processing and analytical procedures Drill core was logged by Aton geologists, and marked up for cutting and sampling at the Rodruin core farm. Samples were typically selected over nominal 1m intervals, but as determined by the logged lithologies. The core was half-cut by Aton staff at the onsite Rodruin sample preparation facility. The split half-core samples were collected and bagged up in cloth bags, weighed and crushed to -4mm onsite, and split to a nominal c. 250-500g sample size. The coarse crushed reject samples are retained onsite at the Rodruin sample prep facility. QAQC samples are inserted at a rate of approximately 1 certified reference material (or "standard" sample) every 30 samples, 1 blank sample every 15 samples, and 1 duplicate split sample every 15 samples. The c. 250-500g dried, crushed and split samples were shipped to ALS Minerals sample preparation laboratory at Marsa Alam, Egypt where they were pulverised to a size fraction of better than 85% passing 75 microns. From this pulverised material a further sub-sample was split off with a nominal c. 50g size, which was shipped on to ALS Minerals at Rosia Montana, Romania for analysis. Samples were analysed for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish (analytical code Au-AA23), and for silver, copper, lead and zinc using an aqua regia digest followed by an AAS finish (analytical code AA45). Any high grade gold samples (>10 g/t Au) were re-analysed using analytical code Au-GRA21 (also fire assay, but with a gravimetric finish). Any high grade Ag and base metal samples (Ag >100 g/t, and Cu, Pb and Zn >10,000ppm or >1%) were re-analysed using the ore grade technique AA46 (also an aqua regia digest followed by an AAS finish). About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Javier Orduna BSc (hons), MSc, MCSM, DIC, MAIG, SEG(M), Exploration Manager of Aton Resources Inc. Mr. Orduna is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Interim CEO Tel: +1 604 318 0390 Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Appendix A - Drilling Intersections Hole ID Intersection (m) 1 Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) Comments From To Interval ROD-118 0.00 17.30 17.30 0.42 5.3 0.01 0.00 0.14 AHNE oxides 34.10 51.50 17.40 0.48 9.3 0.03 0.00 0.41 ROD-119 63.50 69.50 6.00 0.75 12.2 0.10 0.13 0.21 Summit Veins zone? 151.40 153.20 1.80 0.86 8.4 0.19 0.05 3.46 Death Slots zone? ROD-120 0.00 14.00 14.00 0.30 4.7 0.02 0.02 0.35 AHNE oxides 29.45 41.30 11.85 4.39 4.5 0.18 0.15 0.30 ROD-121 0.00 19.40 19.40 0.33 3.3 0.01 0.00 0.13 AHNE oxides 34.40 40.50 6.10 1.86 5.3 0.14 0.10 4.88 ROD-122 26.30 31.80 5.50 3.72 5.8 0.14 0.09 0.99 Aladdin's Hill oxides ROD-123 0.00 63.20 63.20 0.69 6.6 0.02 0.01 0.66 Aladdin's Hill oxides - includes 3.4m of ancient mining voids/cavities ROD-124 0.00 18.70 18.70 1.37 6.5 0.17 0.00 8.42 Aladdin's Hill oxides - includes 5.0m of ancient mining voids/cavities 52.70 61.80 9.10 1.69 11.5 0.27 0.07 0.94 74.70 116.30 41.60 0.29 4.2 0.19 0.01 4.36 incl. 74.70 77.60 2.90 0.12 9.9 0.32 0.03 8.05 ZnOx-rich narrow shear and incl. 78.40 85.15 6.75 1.03 9.2 0.15 0.01 0.41 and incl. 86.70 116.30 29.60 0.15 2.8 0.20 0.01 5.23 ZnOx-rich carbonates ROD-125 38.40 45.10 6.70 0.33 1.2 0.01 0.00 0.04 South Ridge oxides 57.37 61.70 4.33 1.46 3.6 0.01 0.01 0.04 ROD-126 19.40 39.20 19.80 0.85 4.8 0.01 0.01 0.18 CBZ oxides - includes 5.3m of ancient mining voids/cavities 85.70 93.90 8.20 0.34 8.0 0.00 0.00 0.09 ROD-127 0.00 27.50 27.50 0.77 7.0 0.02 0.00 0.15 CBZ oxides - includes 2.45m of ancient mining voids/cavities 49.20 59.50 10.30 0.31 7.0 0.00 0.00 0.02 71.20 83.09 11.89 0.30 3.7 0.00 0.00 0.05 ROD-128 0.00 8.60 8.60 3.14 4.2 0.05 0.01 1.72 Upper GFZ 17.50 22.15 4.65 0.45 4.3 0.07 0.00 0.11 ROD-129 5.15 10.40 5.25 2.66 7.2 0.11 0.09 1.26 AHNE oxides ROD-130 0.00 52.95 52.95 0.47 5.7 0.01 0.00 0.11 AHNE oxides ROD-131 0.00 76.20 76.20 0.41 6.5 0.01 0.01 0.14 GFZ incl. 0.00 37.80 37.80 0.51 8.4 0.01 0.02 0.23 98.60 101.70 3.10 0.90 4.8 0.03 0.00 0.07 ROD-132 19.40 73.50 54.10 0.34 5.2 0.01 0.01 0.09 GFZ incl. 26.00 62.60 36.60 0.39 4.2 0.01 0.00 0.08 ROD-133 - - - - - - - - GFZ (NSA >0.39 g/t Au) Notes: Intersections calculated at a nominal cut-off grade of 0.3 g/t Au in runs of continuous mineralisation Zones of poor (or no) recovery through ancient mining voids/workings were not sampled, and allocated zero grade SOURCE: Aton Resources, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737363/Aton-Reports-the-Final-Results-From-Its-Phase-2-Diamond-Drilling-Programme-at-Rodruin TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / RooGold Inc. (CSE:ROO)(OTC PINK:JNCCF)(Frankfurt:5VHA) ("RooGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that in its renewed focus to systematically advance its portfolio of highly prospective precious metals exploration properties in Australia, the Company has appointed Mr. Efdal Olcer as its new Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Olcer is an exploration geologist with nearly 20 years of international mining and exploration experience spanning across Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, including as VP Exploration for Zodiac Gold, Chief Geologist for Summa Gold and Exploration Manager for MNG Gold. Previously, he also held senior geologist positions for KEFI Minerals, Asia Minor Mining Inc. and Stratex Exploration PLC. Mr. Olcer holds a B.Sc. Degree in Geological Engineering from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey. He has extensive exploration and project development experience working in diverse geological settings, including Archean greenstone belts, porphyry and epithermal deposits, and orogenic systems. Under his leadership, several greenfield and brownfield discoveries have been converted into profitable mining operations. Mr. Olcer is a member of the Society of Economic Geologists, the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Society of Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits, Geological Society of London and the Turkish Association of Economic Geologists. Interim CEO and Director of RooGold, Vishal Gupta states, "Efdal's expertise in orogenic precious metals systems will be invaluable in helping progress the Company's Australian property portfolio with a renewed focus on targeted exploration and resource delineation. He has a proven track record of playing an instrumental role in advancing discovery-stage projects to production through his career. As we start to plan next steps for certain core properties in our portfolio, we are delighted to have Efdal join our senior leadership team to help with the process." Operational Update RooGold's portfolio of 13 high-grade potential precious metals properies was originally created with the primary objective of selecting the most lucrative of these properties as "core" assets based on initial geological mapping, prospect sampling and ease of surface access. The Company is pleased to announce that based on the results of the initial work completed by its exploration team over the last few months, Arthurs Seat and Castle Rag have now been designated as the Company's core assets in New South Wales, Australia. Arthurs Seat The Arthurs Seat property is 42 sq km in area and located ~40 km from the regional town of Inverell. Mineralization targets include both orogenic and intrusive-related silver (Ag), gold (Au) and antimony (Sb). The two key prospects include the Murray & Co Mine (Ag/Au/Sb) and McDonalds Prospects (Ag/Sb). Highest historic mine dump samples returned 750 g/t Ag and 11.6% Sb at Arthurs Seat property, which was lightly mined for Sb. Rock chip sampling results at Murray & Co Mine returned up to 6.27 g/t Au and 1725 g/t Ag and 1.1% Cu. Rock chips at McDonalds returned up to 12.5% Sb. The Company has established an excellent relationship with surface-rights owners in key areas of this property with ready access. Results from RooGold's prospect sampling has demonstrated potential for high-grade gold and silver mineralization within a broad low-grade silver geochemical halo. Mapping by RooGold has revealed new E-W faults and E-W quartz veins that show potential high-grade stibnite mineralization. Castle Rag Castle Rag is 126 sq km in area and is located an hour's drive east of the Arthurs Seat property described above. Castle Rag contains 34 historic mines and prospects, including 12 silver, two gold, and numerous molybdenum, bismuth, tungsten and tin prospects. The geology is dominated by Late Permian to Triassic intrusive leucomonzogranites and extrusive volcanics. The highly mineralized Mole Leucogranite is interpreted to underly the Castle Rag group of prospects. There are two high priority targets: the Castle Rag Group (Ag, Zn, Pb) and the 4 Mile Group (Au, Ag, Mo, Bi) of prospects. The Castle Rag Group consists of eight prospects, seven of which are silver-base metal intrusion-related vein deposits. Production at the historic Castle Rag Mine is estimated at 4,000 tonnes at average grades of 1,200 g/t Ag and >20% Pb. These prospects remain significantly under-explored, with only three holes drilled at the Castle Rag Mine for a total of 159m in 1985. The 4 Mile Group target contains gold, silver and molybdenum mineralized granite/rhyolite contact, forming a highly prospective 5km long, untested intrusive related gold exploration target. No systematic gold exploration or drilling has been conducted along this trend. Limited past surface exploration has returned grades of up to 612 g/t Ag, 5.5% Pb, 3.35 g/t Au and >1.5% Mo in rock chip samples. NI 43-101 Technical Reports Completed The Company is also pleased to announce that NI 43-101 technical reports have been completed for the Arthurs Seat and Gold Star properties by independent Qualified Persons (QP's) pursuant to the criteria established under National Instrument 43-101 and are available at www.sedar.com. The technical reports highlight the high prospectivity of these properties, and also provide a road-map for the next stage of targeted exploration. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Vishal Gupta, the Company's interim President & CEO. Mr. Gupta is a P.Geo. registered with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO), and a "qualified person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About RooGold Inc. RooGold is a Canadian junior mineral exploration issuer which is uniquely positioned to be a dominant player in New South Wales, Australia, through a growth strategy focused on the consolidation and exploration of high potential, mineralized precious metals properties in this prolific region of Australia. RooGold commands a portfolio of 13 high-grade potential gold (9) and silver (4) concessions that cover 1,380 km2, and collectively include 137 historic mines and prospects. For further information please contact: Ryan Bilodeau (416) 910-1440 info@roogoldinc.com Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the success related to any future exploration or development programs and potential economic returns. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's 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; success of the Company's projects; prices for gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information 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 gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: RooGold Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737360/RooGold-Announces-Appointment-of-Efdal-Olcer-as-VP-Exploration-and-Provides-Operational-Update Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - Hispania Resources Inc. (TSXV: ESPN) ("Hispania" or the "Company") wishes to inform shareholders that it is preparing for the exploration program to be carried out at Las Herrerias ("Las Herrerias"), on the Puebla de la Reina property, located in Extremadura, Spain. Management will be onsite in early February to meet with its geological team to review and visit local geological areas of interest on the property identified by the work carried out in 2021/22 by the company. While in the region, company management will be meeting with additional firms that carry out geophysical and diamond drilling activities, with the objective of determining timing and scope for the upcoming work at Las Herrerias. Further, management intends to again meet with the regional Ministry and politicians, including the Mayor of Puebla de la Reina, as they did in July, 2022, to ensure all local stakeholders needs are met. "We are looking forward to returning to site, and working with our local team, as well as local drilling firms, to have additional resource work completed on site, and look at the additional areas of interest noted by our local geological team that had not previously been investigated by the two previous property owners. In addition, we are keen to ensure that all governmental and environmental objectives of Hispania are being met in conjunction with local stakeholders, including the Mayor of Puebla de la Reina, Ms Ana Maria Redondo, who we continue to consult and work with", noted Norman Brewster, Chief Executive Officer. The area at Puebla de la Reina is a pre-identified high grade copper and zinc area. We believe the new zones to the west may offer additional similar opportunities. With the increased price both of copper and zinc, as well as improved technology for metal extraction, the Company believes there may be value in these previously unexplored areas. Some of these new and additional areas, as well as continued areas of interest and findings to date are noted in the Exhibits below. Image 1: Hispania Directors Norman Brewster, Rahim Allani and Eduardo Olarte with Mayor of Puebla de la Reina, Ms Ana Maria Redondo, July 2022. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8711/153036_d6328a06e4e7b967_001full.jpg Image 2: Map of Las Herrerias, PBR property, showing areas that are considered to be geologically interesting and were selected for initial groundworks consisting of geophysics (electromagnetics) which were contracted to the firm Genostica, of Huelva, Spain. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8711/153036_d6328a06e4e7b967_002full.jpg Image 3: This image depicts area lying to the west of Puebla de la Reina and shows the results of the geophysical program. The maroon symbols represent strong conductive anomalies which represent new areas of investigation, and will be further investigated initially with geophysics, ground trenching, and rock sampling where practical. Interesting results will be followed up with diamond drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8711/153036_d6328a06e4e7b967_003full.jpg Image 4: This image represents the area around the village of Puebla de la Reina. The open area in the centre is the local of the existing historical resource on the property (500,000 tonnes at 11.5% Zn, 1.6% Cu, and 1.2% Pb and 32 gpt/Au Outukumpu 1999-2001). The symbols represent the electromagnetic responses with the maroon responses being strong anomalous conductors. Additional work is warranted which will consist of geophysics, ground trenching, and sampling where practical. Interesting results from this work will be followed by diamond drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8711/153036_d6328a06e4e7b967_004full.jpg About Hispania Resources Inc. Hispania Resources Inc is a mineral exploration company focused on mining opportunities in Spain. Hispania is currently focused on developing the long-term mining potential of its core asset, the Zinc, Copper, Lead enriched Puebla de la Reina ("PBR") property in the low-risk and historic mining district of Extremadura in Southwest Spain. The PBR property covers an area of 90 km2. Hispania, through its subsidiary, La Joya, has entered into a purchase agreement with Auplata S.A. to acquire a 100% interest in the PBR property. The management of Hispania contains industry veterans who have more than 120 years of mineral exploration and production experience in multiple jurisdictions and have successfully managed multiple international mining companies. This includes in Spain, where some of the team was responsible for the founding and building of Iberian Resources, with the continued support of the local and regional governments, including the well-developed and sophisticated transportation and mining infrastructure. For more information on Hispania Resources Inc., visit: http://HispaniaResources.com/. Contact Information For more information or interview requests, please contact: Norman Brewster - Chief Executive Officer Norm@HispaniaResources.com (416) 970-3223 Rahim Allani - Director Rahim@HispaniaResources.com (416) 457-0549 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking information include, among others, the expected commencement of work on the PBR project, the expected meetings with local drilling firms, as well as information relating to Hispania. Although Hispania believes that, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Hispania can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to 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 risk that the future plans of Hispania may differ from those that currently are contemplated Additional risks include those disclosed in the Filing Statement, which are incorporate herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward- looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. This news release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this news release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153036 Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - Thunder Gold Corp (TSXV: TGOL) (FSE: Z25) (OTC Pink: TNMLF) (formerly White Metal Resources Corp) ("Thunder Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a 4,000-metre diamond drill program at the Tower Mountain Gold Property, located 50-km west of Thunder Bay, ON. Recent highlights include: 4.0 km 2 Induced Polarization ("IP") survey completed, interpretation in progress with results expected mid-February, 2023; Preliminary inversions of the North and East survey blocks indicate chargeable anomalies similar to those observed to be coincident with the Bench, Ellen and A targets to the west; 4,000-metre drill contract awarded, estimate mid-February, 2023 start date. All in costs estimated at less than $250 / metre; Phase One drilling focused on the undrilled, core chargeable response that sits north of the Bench and west of the A and Ellen targets; Remainder of the planned Phase One program shall test prioritized geophysical targets to the North, East and South of the Tower Mountain Intrusion Complex ("TMIC"); Abitibi Geophysics (Val d'Or, QC), have completed the previously announced 4.0 km2 Distributed Array ("DasVision") Induced Polarization ("IP") survey, expanding the IP footprint to the north, east and south of the TMIC, interpreted to be the potential source of gold mineralization at Tower Mountain. The Company is pleased to announce that it plans to resume diamond drilling at Tower Mountain in February, 2023. A fully-funded, Phase One drill program totaling 4,000-metres is currently being finalized. The Company's main objectives for 2023 are: extend the limits of known mineralization through step out drilling; demonstrate potential for discovery of higher-grade gold mineralization; and demonstrate potential for additional mineralization elsewhere within the assembled claim package. Wes Hanson P.Geo., CEO of Thunder Gold, notes: "We believe Tower Mountain offers a unique opportunity to define a large tonnage-low grade gold resource adjacent to the Trans Canada highway less than 50 kilometres from the city of Thunder Bay, ON. and that is what we intend to demonstrate with our Phase One drill program. "Our compilation work indicates gold mineralization is agnostic relative to alteration and rock type, occurring in both the intrusive suite as well as the host volcanics. No evidence of shearing, faulting or folding has been observed but significant evidence of brittle deformation is present, particularly in the host volcanics which appear micro-fractured in many locations based on ongoing petrographic work. Sulphide content remains the best indicator of gold mineralization, demonstrating a direct correlation. Our compilation work to date suggests excellent correlation between observed pyrite, IP chargeability and gold, particularly at the Bench, A, Ellen and 110 zones where 85 drill holes establish this relationship. These holes all lie within a broad, 20 mV/V chargeable response ( Ref. Figure 1.0 - green contour ) that in itself offers a compelling exploration target as the majority of this chargeable response is not adequately drill-tested. "I am more anxious to test the higher chargeable response (+40 mV/V - red contour, Figure 1.0) as this response has been tested by a meager five (5) holes to date, all of which are localized in the southeast corner of the chargeable target. More than 95% of this chargeable response is undrilled. The five holes that have tested this chargeable response returned higher average grades (3x) (Ref. Table 1.0) and are (4x) more likely to contain intervals above the target 0.30 g/t cut-off grade (Ref. Figure 2.0). "The +40 mV/V response is elongated along a N-S axis, extending over 500 metres and measuring 200 metres in width. The DasVision IP suggests depth continuity of over 400 metres from surface. While the data set within the +40 mV/V chargeable response is small, it certainly suggests that it is a compelling exploration target, offering the potential to rapidly establish a maiden mineral resource with the added benefit of reduced exploration costs given the fact that existing trail and road access is already in place. Our 2023 Phase One program shall test this core response with a series of 100-metre spaced drill sections along the interpreted length of the chargeable response, moving from south to north. The target area falls within our existing approved exploration permits allowing access once the drilling contractor mobilizes to site. We estimate an all-in drilling cost of $250 per metre." Compilation Overview Gold mineralization is confirmed to occur throughout the host volcanic-volcanoclastic sequence as well as within certain phases of the TMIC. Alteration is difficult to quantify visually and review of the geochemical data is ongoing. To date, the best correlation to gold grade is sulphide content which suggests a 1:1 relationship. Two independent geophysical consultants have completed inversions of the 2021 IP dataset. The results are essentially identical with both interpretations highlighting a large, strong IP chargeable response located adjacent to the Bench target and extending in a northerly direction to the east of the UV deposit (Ref. Figure 1.0). The Company believes that the chargeable anomalies correlate to increased pyrite content which, in turn, correlates to elevated gold grade. This can be observed along the southwestern boundary of the TMIC where drilling has returned anomalous gold grades at the Bench, Ellen, A and 110 targets, all of which lie within a 20 mV/V chargeable response. Eighty-five (85) drill holes totalling 16,528 metres currently define the four targets. The Bench, Ellen and A targets all lie immediately adjacent to and just outside the 40 mV/V chargeable response. To date, only parts of five holes penetrate the 40 mV/V response, all of which are attributed as Bench drill holes, located in the southwestern corner of the chargeable feature. Table 1.0 summarizes the drilled intercepts for these five holes by cut-off grade. Figure 2.0 compares gold grades at various cut-off grades extracted from the 20 and 40 mV/V chargeable anomalies. Table 1 - Summary Results of the Bench Drill Holes within 40 mV/V Chargeability Anomaly by Cut-off Grade Hole ID Cut-off Grade From To Interval Average Grade (Au (g/t) (metres) (metres) (metres) (Au (g/t) 83818 0.3 198.30 246.00 47.70 0.58 0.5 229.00 246.00 17.00 0.81 TM21-106 0.3 171.50 230.00 58.50 1.01 0.5 186.50 200.00 13.50 1.65 0.5 213.50 230.00 16.50 1.65 TM21-120 0.3 186.50 341.00 154.50 0.81 0.5 186.50 239.00 52.50 1.26 0.5 222.50 239.00 16.50 2.68 0.5 251.00 258.50 7.50 0.90 0.5 267.50 299.00 31.50 0.89 TM22-134 0.3 182.00 369.50 187.50 0.55 0.5 195.50 233.00 37.50 0.95 0.5 258.50 270.50 12.00 1.40 0.5 339.50 369.50 30.00 0.71 TM22-135 0.3 155.00 389.00 234.00 0.76 0.5 155.00 174.50 19.50 1.83 0.5 197.00 209.00 12.00 0.89 0.5 239.00 245.00 6.00 1.13 0.5 264.50 281.00 16.50 0.93 0.5 326.00 389.00 63.00 0.94 FIGURE 1 - Tower Mountain Regional Geology, 2021 Chargeability Contours w/ Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5364/153000_a109544f74a459d6_001full.jpg FIGURE 2 - Statistical Summary - Gold Grade by Chargeability Strength at Various Cut-off Grades To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5364/153000_a109544f74a459d6_002full.jpg Corporate The Company also announces that it has granted 4,600,000 options at a $0.05 strike price to Officers, Directors and Consultants effective January 30, 2023. The options have a 12-month term. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Diamond drilling utilizes NQ diameter tooling. The core is received at the on-site logging facility where it is, photographed, logged for geotechnical and geological data and subjected to other physical tests including magnetic susceptibility analysis. Samples are identified, recorded, split by wet diamond saw, and half the core is sent for assay with the remaining half stored on site. A standard sample length of 1.5 meters is employed. Certified standards and blanks are randomly inserted into the sample stream and constitute approximately 5-10% of the sample stream. Samples are shipped to the Activation Laboratories Ltd. facility in Thunder Bay, ON where sample preparation and analyses are completed. All samples are analyzed for gold using a 30-gram lead collection fire assay fusion with an atomic adsorption finish. About the Tower Mountain Gold Property The Tower Mountain Gold Property is located 5-km off the Trans-Canada highway, 50-km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The property lies within the late Archean Shebandowan greenstone belt, an emerging gold district in northwestern Ontario. The property consists of unpatented and patented lands totalling 1,968 ha. Exploration to date suggests the property offers a large gold endowment. Gold mineralization is widespread, and diamond drilling has identified low-grade gold mineralization extending outward for at least 500-meters from a central alkalic intrusion known as the Tower Mountain Intrusive Complex. Drilling has established persistent gold grades from 0.1 to 1.0 g/t along a 1,500-meter-long x 500-meter wide x 500-meter deep block of volcanic-volcanoclastic rocks immediately west and adjacent to the central alkalic intrusion. The remaining 6,000 meters of strike length surrounding the intrusion are untested. Tower Mountain shows many of the classic indicators of being an Intrusion Related Gold Deposit, which is a highly desirable exploration target. About Thunder Gold Corp. Thunder Gold Corporation, formerly White Metal Resources. is a junior exploration company focused on gold discovery in Canada. For more information about the Company please visit www.thundergoldcorp.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Wes Hanson, President and CEO For further information contact: Wes Hanson, CEO (647) 202-7686 whanson@thundergoldcorp.com THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to the gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153000 Provides Corporate Updates Toronto, Ontario and Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - The Tinley Beverage Company Inc. (CSE: TNY) (OTCQB: TNYBF) ("Tinley's" or the "Company") is pleased to provide updates on Company initiatives aimed to achieve revenue growth through the expansion of the Tinley's and Beckett's brands. Tinley's product development team has commenced reformulation of select Tinley's products to include higher THC potency and new package formats. "In California, we see a preference in the dispensary channel for high THC potency beverages. By increasing the potency of our beverages in high-demand package formats, we plan to unlock revenue from this segment of the market," said Teddy Zittell, Tinley's CEO. Tinley's will also be officially re-launching home delivery of its beverages in California to address the largely untapped segment of California consumers who don't shop in dispensaries. The direct-to-consumer delivery of Tinley's cannabis beverages will be a collaboration between the Company and its cannabis brand distribution partner, Sulo Distro, and Grass Door, a leader in direct-to-consumer delivery of cannabis products. "We believe home delivery customers, many of whom are new to the category, will respond favourably to our current lineup of Tinley's micro-dosed beverages, all of which are all low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and gluten-free," Mr. Zittell explained. "Through our management services agreement with Blaze Life Holding LLC ("BLH") and its subsidiary ILLA Canna LLC, we have locked in lower production costs for our own Tinley's brand and structured a continued revenue opportunity from current contract packing clients. We will now focus on driving increased revenue growth by building on our own brand," Mr. Zittell added. Beckett's '27 & Beckett's Tonics (USA) The Beckett's relaunch at Total Wine & More, strategically timed with Dry January, has seen rapid and unprecedented sales across their more than 200 stores spanning 27 states. In response to Beckett's products being so well received by customers, Total Wine & More has reordered Beckett's products, and the Company has commenced production to satisfy this order. Additionally, the Company is actively pursuing expansion to other retail networks, distribution groups and channels, including on-premise. Store tests, which include product demonstrations and sampling, have been conducted at select H-E-B supermarket locations in Texas. Becketts '27 & Becketts Classics (Canada) The Company plans to relaunch Becketts brands in Canada starting in Ontario in Q2 2023. Based on consumer and retailer feedback for Becketts Classics (Beckett's Tonics in the USA) ready-to-drink ("RTD") sparkling beverages, the products will now be packed in sleek 355ml aluminum cans. The Company has identified an Ontario based co-packer to produce these cans with the new recipes developed as part of the Company's overall product reformulation in 2022. This work was done by a leading international flavour company with experience in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. The RTD's are now intended to more accurately reflect the flavour profile of their beverage alcohol references. For the Becketts '27 product line, the reformulation reduced the stevia aftertaste and more closely matches the target spirit or liqueur profile. The Company is in advanced stage negotiations with two potential Ontario-based co-packers who can produce in 375ml multi-serve cork-finish bottles. The Company is concurrently evaluating alternative routes to key markets across Canada with a range of distributor and broker options focused both on the mainstream and specialty grocery business and the beverage alcohol channel. Tinley's Beverages (Canada) In Canada, Tinley's product development team is continuing to evaluate new beverage options that are better suited for Canadian consumers and Canadian regulations. To this end, the Company is in the process of working on the re-introduction of new ready to serve beverages with a 10mg THC potency and infused with other novel cannabinoids, such as CBG. "We see the new Tinley's Classics ready-to-drink cannabis 'mocktails' as a product that will be well received by Canadian consumers," commented Mr. Zittell. "However, the long process in Canada of getting cannabis drinks from the development stage into the hands of consumers remains challenging for all cannabis beverage brands in Canada, including Tinley's," added Mr. Zittell. Grant of Stock Options Tinley's also announces the grant of stock options to purchase up to 1,800,000 common shares in the capital of the Company to certain directors and consultants of the Company in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan. The stock options will be exercisable at a price of $0.10 per common share for a period of five years from the date of grant. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements and information that are not historical facts but instead include financial projections and estimates, statements regarding plans, goals, objectives and intentions, statements regarding the Company's expectations with respect to its future business and operations, management's expectations regarding growth and phrases containing words such as "ongoing", "estimates", "expects", "anticipates", or the negative thereof or any other variations thereon or comparable terminology referring to future events or results, or that events or conditions "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved, or comparable terminology referring to future events or results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to variations in the Company's business plan and model in the future, the timing of the relaunch of the Company's home delivery operations in California and relaunch of the Becketts brand in Canada and impacts of the Company's management services agreement with BLH. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by law. Products, formulations, and timelines outlined herein are subject to change at any time. For further information, please contact: The Tinley Beverage Company Inc. Teddy Zittell - (310) 507-9146 CSE:TNY; OTC:TNYBF relations@drinktinley.com Twitter: @drinktinleys and @drinkbecketts Instagram: @drinktinleys and @drinkbecketts www.drinktinley.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153023 North Korea has notified diplomatic missions in Pyongyang of its move to lift a five-day lockdown in the capital area imposed due to rising cases of seasonal respiratory diseases, according to Russia's embassy in the North on Monday. On its official Facebook account, the embassy has uploaded an image of an official letter sent by the North's foreign ministry on the country's decision to end the "special" quarantine mandate starting Monday. "We express our deep gratitude to the foreign diplomatic corps for faithfully implementing the latest strong quarantine measures," the letter read. North Korea earlier notified diplomatic missions in the capital of its decision to designate a five-day special quarantine period, effective until Sunday and subject to an extension by three days, depending on virus situations. The North cited an increase in patients with seasonal flu and other respiratory diseases as the reason for its decision, but fell short of mentioning COVID-19 cases. North Korea had advised diplomatic missions to make their staff members refrain from going outside and using vehicles as much as possible. It also recommended they "voluntarily" check body temperatures four times a day and report the results to a designated hospital. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared victory against the COVID-19 crisis in August last year after the country reported its first case in May. Outside experts raised doubts about his claim, given the country's low vaccination rate and poor health care system. (Yonhap) MONTREAL, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Inc. ("Bombardier" or the "Corporation") today announced certain matters with respect to its cash tender offer previously announced on January 17, 2023 (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash up to $354,000,000 aggregate principal amount (exclusive of Accrued Interest, and as such aggregate principal amount may be increased or decreased by the Corporation, the "Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount") of its outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Notes"), subject to possible proration and other terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Offer to Purchase dated January 17, 2023 (as amended by the Corporation's press release titled "Bombardier Increases the Maximum Amount Sought Under its Cash Tender Offer Previously Announced Today" dated January 17, 2023, the "Offer to Purchase") with respect to the Tender Offer. As of the Early Tender Date for the Tender Offer, US$258,435,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes (22.69%) were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. All Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase by Bombardier on the Early Settlement Date. All such Notes that have been accepted will be settled on the Early Settlement Date in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer as set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Bombardier expects such Early Settlement Date to be February 1, 2023. Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions with respect to the Tender Offer are as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, subject to the Corporation's right to further waive, amend or terminate any provisions of the Tender Offer, in the Corporation's sole and absolute discretion. The obligation of the Corporation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer is subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Corporation. None of Bombardier, the trustees for the Notes, the agents under the respective indentures for the Notes, the dealer managers, the information and tender agent, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates or any of its or their respective directors, officers, employees or representatives makes any recommendation to Holders as to whether or not to tender all or any portion of their Notes, and none of the foregoing has authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Holders must decide whether to tender Notes, and if tendering, the amount of Notes to tender. All of the Notes are held in book-entry form. If you hold Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you must contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if you wish to tender Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. You should check with such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to determine whether they will charge you a fee for tendering Notes on your behalf. You should also confirm with the broker, dealer, bank, trust company or other nominee any deadlines by which you must provide your tender instructions, because the relevant deadline set by such nominee may be earlier than the deadlines set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Bombardier has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC to serve as the dealer managers for the Tender Offer. Bombardier has retained Global Bondholder Services Corporation to act as the information and tender agent in respect of the Tender Offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, please contact Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC or RBC Capital Markets, LLC at their respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of the Offer to Purchase. Copies of the Offer to Purchase may be obtained at https://www.gbsc-usa.com/bombardier/or by contacting Global Bondholder Services Corporation at. This notice does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, or any solicitation of any offer to sell, the Notes or any other securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction, and neither this notice nor any part of it, nor the fact of its release, shall form the basis of, or be relied on or in connection with, any contract therefor. The Tender Offer is made only by and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase and the information in this notice is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase. None of the Corporation, the dealer managers or the information and tender agent makes any recommendations as to whether Holders should tender their Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. This announcementdoes notconstitute an offertobuy orthesolicitationof an offer tosellany securities in any jurisdiction or in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensedbrokerordealer,theTenderOfferwillbedeemedtobemadebythedealermanagersoroneor more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Bytheirnature,forward-lookingstatementsrequireustomakeassumptionsandaresubject toimportant knownandunknownrisksanduncertainties,whichmaycauseouractualresultsinfutureperiodstodiffer materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Offer to Purchase. Forinformation TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Magna Terra Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "Magna Terra") (TSX-V:MTT) is pleased to announce through its 100% owned Argentine subsidiary Atala Resources S.A. ("Atala") that Oroplata S.A. ("Oroplata"), a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), has completed an initial exploration program on the Boleadora Project. The Boleadora Project ("Boleadora") is a large greenfields exploration land package (~55,000 hectares) encompassing 12 individual Manifestacion de Descubrimientos or exploration licenses situated 17 kilometres southeast of Newmont's Cerro Negro mine area in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina (Figure 1). According to Newmont geologists, Boleadora is underlain by extensive Jurassic volcanic sequences that include welded pumice crystal-rich rhyolitic ignimbrites cut by bimodal subvolcanic domes. Main structural trends include northwest, north-northwest, and east-west corridors with chalcedonic and opaline silica veins with massive textures up to one-metre wide and silica sinter up to 50 metre by 50 metre exposures that might correspond to shallower levels of low-sulphidation epithermal system (Figure 2). This geology is favourable for hosting low-sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization. As part of the exploration program, Oroplata recently collected 134 drainage samples covering main geological areas and collection of 51 rock grab samples* in areas of hyperspectral anomalies (Figure 3). Samples were delivered to Caleta Olivia - ALS prep facilities in Santa Cruz. Analytical results are pending for these samples. Also, hyperspectral measurements will be taken at the lab to refine current spectral responses and products. During fieldwork, Newmont geologists, recognized at least two new target areas (Targets A and B) at the northern edge of the property (Figure 3) that host associated silica structures with crackle breccia channels following the main structural corridors with subtle favorable hyperspectral responses. Project Highlights Large land package comprising ~55,000 hectares; 17 kilometres along strike from Newmont's Cerro Negro Mine; Geological environment with potential to host low-sulphidation epithermal gold deposits; Recognition by Newmont geologists of two target areas for follow-up exploration; and Assays are pending and expected later in the first quarter of 2023. * Note: "grab and float samples" are selected samples and are not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the property. "We are very pleased that Newmont has completed this exploration field program at Boleadora. Their initial work supports the existence of a geological environment that is favourable for hosting low-sulphidation epithermal gold deposits in north-northwest structural control along strike from Cerro Negro, including two new areas that host silica structures and crackle breccia. We look forward to further results from Newmont's exploration efforts and are pleased with their advancement of the project to date. The trend associated with the north-northwest structural control that is an important geological feature to mineralization at Cerro Negro continues well into the Boleadora project area. The potential to delineate mineralization along this trend and identify additional similar structures within the Boleadora property is what attracted Newmont to Boleadora; that along with its close proximity to the existing infrastructure at Cerro Negro. With the geological knowledge Newmont has gained through exploring and mining Cerro Negro, we are confident that the application of this knowledge and their proven exploration techniques will add significant value to the Boleadora Project, and ensure that it is advanced in the near term." ~ Lew Lawrick, President and CEO, Magna Terra Minerals Inc. Figure 1: Location of Magna Terra exploration Projects in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Figure 2: Boleadora generalized geology with structural interpretation at district scale (courtesy Newmont). Figure 3: Left: Total samples taken at Boleadora and Targets A & B locations. Right top and bottom: silica alteration and crackle breccia showings in these areas. Boleadora Purchase Agreement Magna Terra entered into a Purchase Agreement with Oroplata (Newmont) (see press release dated June 9, 2020) that will pay Magna Terra (Atala) US$1 million as follows: US$25,000 on signing and six installments totalling US$975,000 payable (US$75,000 paid) within six years from the date of the Agreement. In addition, Newmont (Oroplata) has granted a 2% NSR to Magna Terra (Atala) on the Boleadora package. The royalty can be reduced to 1% by payment of US$2.5 million by Oroplata to Atala at anytime, and the gross royalty payable is capped at US$20 million. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by David A. Copeland, P. Geo., Chief Geologist with Signal Gold Inc., a "Qualified Person", under National Instrument 43-101 - Standard for Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Magna Terra Magna Terra Minerals Inc. is a precious metals focused exploration company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Magna Terra owns two district-scale, resource stage gold exploration projects in the top-tier mining jurisdictions of New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. Further, the Company maintains a significant exploration portfolio in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina which includes its precious metals discovery on its Luna Roja Project, as well as an extensive portfolio of district scale drill ready projects available for option or joint venture. 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. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to file a report that complies with Regulation 43-101. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future 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, and the ability of the author of the Technical Reports to finalize same. 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 the inability of the Company to execute its proposed business plans, and carry out planned future activities. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of gold, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for precious metals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, and the Company's investment and operation in the mineral exploration sector, as well as the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Magna Terra Minerals Inc. Lewis Lawrick President and CEO, Director 647-478-5307 Email: info@magnaterraminerals.com Website: www.magnaterraminerals.com SOURCE: Magna Terra Minerals Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737290/Magna-Terra-Announces-Exploration-Update-On-The-Boleadora-Project With one-year mark of the war in Ukraine fast approaching, the Romanian Red Cross turned to UiPath to aid in humanitarian and human rights catastrophe UiPath (NYSE: PATH), a leading enterprise automation software company, today announced that it has supported the Romanian Red Cross (RRC) in digitizing and automating the reporting of donations collected by the organization for the benefit of Ukrainian refugees in Romania. The RRC, a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education inside Romania. The war in Ukraine has created the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The RRC's heightened reporting needs immediately strained their staff and digital infrastructure, which is designed to sustain an annual, centralized reporting cycle. As a result, the RRC's Bucharest headquarters struggled to obtain reliable data fast from its 47 regional centers collecting donations in support of Ukrainian refugees in Romania. This hampered the RRC's external reporting capabilities, such as regularly sharing an overview of the donations collected with the Romanian Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), an agency coordinating emergency responses, as part of the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs. At the height of the humanitarian crisis, the RRC leveraged the UiPath Business Automation Platform for good, building closer connections with both the individuals it helps and the volunteers that are critical to its operations. The project initiated as a mission-critical response to the deepening humanitarian crisis has enabled the RRC to become more agile and efficient and has empowered its leadership with real-time access to vital data, including how funds donated are being used in their response. "As the humanitarian crisis deepened, the Romanian Red Cross joined in the first line of response in supporting Ukrainian refugees in Romania," said RRC Director Ioan-Silviu Lefter. "We needed to provide insight to the Romanian authorities on the donations and help we were providing to Ukrainian refugees. At the outset, we were faced with a lot of manual reporting, which impacted data accuracy and availability. The UiPath Business Automation Platform allowed us to focus on what matters most: providing vital support for millions of refugees." From pencil to paper to using software robots To move from manual reporting to an automated and streamlined process, the RRC was supported by a team of UiPath citizen developers to map, streamline, and ready the reporting process for automation. The first software robot deployed at RRC was tasked with generating reporting templates for each of the 47 regional RRC centers at regular intervals, while ensuring that they correspond to the global reporting needs of the RRC. A second software robot was trained to collect reports from each regional center and centralize the data in one master report. The software robots have significantly reduced the amount of manual input and have allowed RRC to dedicate attention to supporting those affected by the humanitarian crisis. Automation delivers faster direct aid After deploying UiPath, RRC staff was able to source reliable data at speed, supporting the organization's internal and external reporting needs, enabling decision-making processes, and enhancing its fundraising capabilities. The RRC reported the following business outcomes: Increased data accuracy and reliability: Automation has helped eliminate human error and provided staff throughout the RRC's regional centers with a streamlined and standard template for reporting. Automation has helped eliminate human error and provided staff throughout the RRC's regional centers with a streamlined and standard template for reporting. Significantly reduced time spent on reporting: Time spent by the project manager centralizing data for external reporting to DSU dropped from 8-12 hours to 30 minutes per report. Time spent by the project manager centralizing data for external reporting to DSU dropped from 8-12 hours to 30 minutes per report. Fast access to consolidated data to support decision-making : Availability of consolidated data supported RRC's leadership's decision-making process and fostered collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), currently on a mission to Romania. : Availability of consolidated data supported RRC's leadership's decision-making process and fostered collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), currently on a mission to Romania. Enhanced transparency and credibility : Access to reliable and recent centralized data, which could be shared with potential donors in real time, boosted the RRC's fundraising efforts to the benefit of Ukrainian refugees. : Access to reliable and recent centralized data, which could be shared with potential donors in real time, boosted the RRC's fundraising efforts to the benefit of Ukrainian refugees. Better measurement and visibility over volunteers' time: The automated reporting process became a framework for the RRC to quantify the time spent by volunteers on tasks. "Thanks to our partnership with UiPath, we were able to provide standardized reporting across our regional centers and provide more up-to-date information to key stakeholders. Our staff was empowered to dedicate more time to vital work in helping refugees than using pen and paper to track donations," continued Lefter. "The unjust war in Ukraine impacted millions of lives and plunged us all into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We strongly believe in the power of automation to support organizations facing crises, helping to relieve their staff and empowering them to carry out their mission," said Daniel Dines, UiPath Co-Founder and Co-CEO. About UiPath UiPath has a vision to deliver the Fully Automated Enterprise, one where companies use automation to unlock their greatest potential. UiPath offers an end-to-end platform for automation, combining the leading Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solution with a full suite of capabilities that enable every organization to rapidly scale digital business operations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005048/en/ Contacts: Media Janne Virtanen pr@uipath.com Investor Relations Kelsey Turcotte investor.relations@uipath.com Rebranding celebrates 10 years of growth and a renewal of product and service offering Name change is part of comprehensive rebranding, with new website, logo and tagline Starting on Monday, 30 January, traffic will redirect to the new www.ttrdata.com domain MADRID, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Transactional Track Record (TTR), a robust and intuitive platform delivering unrivaled transactional data and actionable intelligence on entities based in Latin America and Iberia, is pleased to announce the relaunch of its core suite of products and services under the new TTR Data brand identity. The launch of the TTR Data brand is the culmination of a comprehensive rebranding exercise that reflects the company's renewed commitment to providing the highest quality data and business intelligence, empowering clients to seize opportunities and make informed decisions. The new TTR Data brand reflects the growth and evolution of the company over its 10-year history, from a data gathering and analysis site, to a state-of-the-art platform tracking M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Capital Markets and corporate information across Latin America and Iberia in real time. Starting today, Internet traffic to our legacy site will automatically redirect to the new www.ttrdata.com domain. The company's new branding will appear in all new TTR reports, emails, blog posts, on social media platforms, and in the press, alongside the new tagline, TTR Data. Now you know. The new TTR Data brand identity has been painstakingly designed to highlight 10 years of achievement in providing the most comprehensive transactional data and business intelligence platform covering entities based in Latin America and Iberia, commented Co-founder and CEO Pedro Trinite. "The evolution of our brand reflects a fresh identity and our renewed commitment to deliver our core value proposition: turning granularity into insight," Trinite added. Read more about the new TTR Data brand identity at the following link: https://www.ttrdata.com/en/ttrdata-rebrand/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/transactional-track-record-ttr-is-now-ttr-data-301734581.html Company Combines Best-in-Class Capabilities and Workflow Tools to Help Customers Manage Growth, Innovation and Compliance Trulioo has launched an industry-defining global identity platform for person and business verification. The Trulioo platform showcases the company's expertise and innovation in helping businesses worldwide build trusted user experiences while achieving regulatory compliance and optimizing growth. Trulioo continues to evolve its identity verification capabilities by combining a full suite of global person and business verification solutions with no-code workflow building, low-code integrations and more, all in one platform. With one contract Trulioo customers can access personally identifiable information matching, Identity Document Verification, Utility Data for proof of address, Business Verification for in-depth person-of-significant-control and ultimate-beneficial-owner verification, watchlist screening and ongoing monitoring, and anti-fraud capabilities. "Trulioo is the identity platform businesses turn to in order to solve the inherent complexity in onboarding customers globally," said Steve Munford, Trulioo CEO. "We enable businesses to offer their goods and services in nearly every country in the world and remain compliant. We provide our customers with industry-leading capabilities backed by best-in-class customer success so they can focus on their business and customers." Combating Digital Distrust and Fraud The surge in online shopping, mobile payments and digital currencies in recent years presents opportunities for innovation and growth. But it also poses challenges for businesses to mitigate fraud and meet evolving regulations such as Know Your Customer, Know Your Business and Anti-Money Laundering requirements around the world. "The identity and regulatory worlds are complex, especially for businesses who are multi-national," says David Mattei, Strategic Advisor at Aite-Novarica Group. "Meeting KYC, KYB, and AML requirements across multiple countries, numerous identity data sources, and country-specific regulatory environments is a significant challenge. On top of that, companies need customizable workflows to deploy these types of solutions within their ecosystems. A solution that combines identity verification and compliance on a global scale while also being client-configurable is a much-needed capability in the industry." One Platform. One Contract. One Unified Experience for Trulioo Customers. With one platform and one contract, companies can deliver streamlined onboarding and create intuitive user experiences that build trust and inclusivity. Trulioo leverages extensive expertise, customizable identity verification workflows and comprehensive global data sources to empower customers to take their business anywhere in the world. In addition to global person and business verification services, Trulioo delivers: The Trulioo Portal, providing single sign-on access to all verification services, no-code and low-code integration methods, auditable reporting and performance analytics Workflow Studio, a no-code workflow builder allowing users to rapidly build, configure and deploy logic-driven identity workflows API Direct, providing the option to connect any Trulioo service to an existing system through a single low-code API Connection to third-party applications and first-party, external data sources Navigator, an online education hub making solution and industry expertise accessible with guided workshops and training for best practices White-glove service and ongoing support from trusted experts, including data source research and process optimization "We built a platform that solves for the numerous identity verification challenges global enterprises face every day," said Michael Ramsbacker, Trulioo chief product officer. "Trulioo is the only company that delivers an integrated, high-performance platform with comprehensive capabilities, out-of-the-box processes and models, easy no-code configurability, and the ability to customize and amend functionality. We are giving our customers the power to create verification workflows that best meet their needs with just one contract and in one intuitive platform." The Trulioo platform launch marks an important milestone for the company. In less than two years, the Vancouver-based Trulioo has nearly doubled its staffing to 430 employees, assembled an impressive executive leadership team of industry experts, expanded into new vertical markets and broadened its corporate footprint to the United States, Ireland, Denmark, Romania and Singapore. In June 2021, Trulioo secured $394 million in Series D funding, led by TCV, one of the world's largest growth equity firms. Additional investors include Goldman Sachs, American Express, Citi Ventures and Blumberg Capital. Trulioo has created a platform that simplifies regulatory compliance across industries while enhancing the customer experience and building trust. For more information, visit www.trulioo.com. About Trulioo Trulioo is dedicated to verifying the identity of anyone and any business around the world. The company's identity platform drives global growth for organizations by helping them navigate the challenges of compliance and providing real-time verification of more than 5 billion people and 300 million businesses worldwide. By leveraging world-class technology designed to make identity verification faster and more efficient, Trulioo is opening the door to the digital economy for everyone on the planet. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005070/en/ Contacts: Media: Jennifer Schenberg PenVine for Trulioo 917-445-4454 jennifer@penvine.com Or Alison Gallagher media@trulioo.com Threat report breaks down the biggest attack trends of 2022 and shares predictions for the year ahead Expel, the security operations provider that aims to make security easy to understand, use and improve, today released Great eXpeltations 2023: Cybersecurity trends and predictions, its annual report that outlines some of the most significant threats and attack trends from 2022. Compiled using aggregated data from the Expel security operations center (SOC), the report provides insights and statistics on the most significant cybersecurity threats Expel customers faced, actionable recommendations on how organizations can protect themselves, and predictions on what to expect in the year ahead. "The trends and data we saw in 2022 showed that identity fraud-in the many different forms it can take-were a top concern for our customers," said Ben Brigida, director, SOC operations at Expel. "However, we also observed a 70% increase in cloud incidents. Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics. We hope the Great eXpeltations report helps defenders stay on top of the attack trends that can impact their businesses, as well as minimize risk in the year ahead." Here are some highlights from the report: Identity threats: Business email compromise (BEC) remained the top threat to our customers, representing 50% of all incidents (consistent with findings from 2021). Fifty-three percent of all organizations experienced at least one BEC attempt. Business email compromise (BEC) remained the top threat to our customers, representing 50% of all incidents (consistent with findings from 2021). Fifty-three percent of all organizations experienced at least one BEC attempt. Cloud security: Cloud incidents increased 70% compared to 2021. Threat actors started moving away from authenticating via legacy protocols to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) in Microsoft 365. Instead, they adopted frameworks such as Evilginx2, facilitating adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) phishing attacks to steal login credentials and session cookies for initial access and MFA bypass. Cloud incidents increased 70% compared to 2021. Threat actors started moving away from authenticating via legacy protocols to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) in Microsoft 365. Instead, they adopted frameworks such as Evilginx2, facilitating adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) phishing attacks to steal login credentials and session cookies for initial access and MFA bypass. Ransomware: Eleven percent of incidents could have resulted in deployment of ransomware had we not intervened-a seven percentage point increase compared to 2021. As Microsoft continues making it easier for organizations to block macros in files downloaded from the internet, ransomware threat groups and their affiliates are abandoning their use of visual basic for application (VBA) macros and Excel 4.0 macros to gain initial entry to Windows-based environments. Instead, ransomware operators opt to use disk image (ISO), short-cut (LNK), and HTML application (HTA) files to gain initial entry. Eleven percent of incidents could have resulted in deployment of ransomware had we not intervened-a seven percentage point increase compared to 2021. As Microsoft continues making it easier for organizations to block macros in files downloaded from the internet, ransomware threat groups and their affiliates are abandoning their use of visual basic for application (VBA) macros and Excel 4.0 macros to gain initial entry to Windows-based environments. Instead, ransomware operators opt to use disk image (ISO), short-cut (LNK), and HTML application (HTA) files to gain initial entry. Phishing: Eighty-eight percent of malicious email submissions were credential harvesters. Credential theft via phishing continues to grow with identity the main focus of today's attacks. For each of these attack trends, Expel's SOC leadership team shares what they observed in 2022, how to detect and prepare for these threats, and what to expect for 2023. Download Great eXpeltations 2023: Cybersecurity trends and predictions to learn more. About Expel Expel helps companies of all shapes and sizes minimize business risk. Our technology and people work together to make sense of security signals-with your business in mind-to detect, understand, and fix issues fast. Powered by our security operations platform, Expel offers managed detection and response (MDR), remediation, phishing, and threat hunting. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005374/en/ Contacts: Loren Guertin expel@matternow.com Matter Communications on behalf of Expel Governor Sununu to attend the OSRAM SYLVANIA job fair on February 1 at 11:00 a.m. HILLSBORO, NH / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / OSRAM SYLVANIA, Inc. (OSI), the leader in automotive lighting solutions for the automotive aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is making a multi-million dollar investment in its Hillsboro plant and employees. Governor Chris Sununu will visit a job fair at the Hillsboro plant on Wednesday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m. OSRAM SYLVANIA plans to employ between 75-100 new workers to support their expanded operations. Future job fairs are being planned for the first Wednesday of every month to help grow the team. The investment in the plant will enhance production and distribution operations in response to supply chain challenges while setting up the plant for future growth. As the only major automotive lighting manufacturer operating in the United States, OSI is continuing to build on their over 70-year partnership with the community of Hillsboro and surrounding areas. "In response to significant supply chain challenges, OSRAM SYLVANIA is leveraging our strong workforce and innovative technology to optimize our operations right here in Hillsboro, and we're pleased that Governor Sununu will be joining us for our job fair to recruit new team members," says Mark Savoy, U.S. and Canada CEO for OSRAM SYLVANIA's North American business. "Our retail customer partners will benefit from significantly increased reliability while we continue to strengthen our investment in and relationship with the community and surrounding areas." Daily, OSRAM SYLVANIA's Hillsboro plant manufactures hundreds of thousands of SYLVANIA branded light bulbs destined for consumer sales through auto supply outlets across the country. While improvements, including streamlined production methods using lean manufacturing best practices, were already underway, the team turned to SYLVANIA's long history of innovation for further inspiration. Investing in a strategic plant reconfiguration plan and capitalizing on its strong workforce will drive even greater improvements and further raise the New Hampshire plant's position as a world-class technology company. "In my nearly twenty years with SYLVANIA, two things have been constant: the company's dedication to excellence and its strong commitment to our people," says Hillsboro plant manager Jim Faulhaber. "There is a reason our plant has thrived here for over a half century and generations have viewed us as an employer of choice. We not only offer great benefits, we also offer a career path forward for every team member." For more information about career opportunities at OSRAM SYLVANIA, visit osram.com and search "Hillsboro" on the careers page. ABOUT OSRAM SYLVANIA SYLVANIA is a trademark of OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc., the U.S. headquarters of OSRAM, and is the #1 aftermarket automotive lighting brand in the USA* As a global company with a history dating back 110 years and businesses around the world, OSRAM's innovation, ingenuity, reliability, and commitment to aftermarket solutions represent a winning combination for our partners and our consumers. As a member of the OSRAM family, SYLVANIA's integrated in-house skills allow for the development of products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing. SYLVANIA's long history of delivering innovative aftermarket solutions continues to drive its mission to create a more connected road for everyone. *The NPD Group/U.S. Retail Tracking Service, April 30, 2022. To learn more, visit our website . # # # If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Erin O'Malley, Director of Marketing at 603-289-3489 or email her at erin.omalley@ams-osram.com . SOURCE: OSRAM SYLVANIA View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737312/OSRAM-SYLVANIA-Makes-Multi-Million-Dollar-Investment-in-Hillsboro-NH-Plant Gloria B. Herndon to chair group of distinguished leaders in business and politics Establishment of Strategic Advisory Board provides renowned leadership and business development expertise in Africa and the Middle East as Visium introduces its proprietary technologies throughout the Region FAIRFAX, VA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Visium Technologies, Inc, ("Visium" or the "Company") (OTC PINK:VISM), a global cybersecurity and analytics company, announced today the formation of its Africa Business Development Advisory Board, and the appointments of Dr. Gloria B. Herndon, Dr. Lassina Zerbo, Ambassador Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ambassador Joseph Huggins, and Bizuayehu Admasuu as its inaugural members. Mark Lucky, Chief Executive Officer of Visium Technologies, commented, "The establishment of our Africa Business Development Advisory Board is an exciting development for the Company. As we continue to pursue significant opportunities for our TruContext technology platform, it is important that we have strategic guidance from individuals with a diverse background of expertise to support our initiatives in Africa. Drs. Herndon and Zerbo, along with Ambassador Spio-Garbrah, Mr. Admasuu, and Ambassador Huggins bring significant experience, expertise, and key relationships in their respective fields that we are confident will advance our strategy in the Middle East and Africa, by building our revenue base, and by supporting the digital transformation of these regions. We are honored to have this group of business veterans working with us". Mr. Lucky continued, "Growth in the African tech ecosystem is accelerating and we are positioned to benefit from this exponential growth. Africa's tech ecosystem is projected to grow from an estimated $115 billion in 2022 to $712 billion by 2050, according to Endeavor Nigeria. At the U.S.-Africa Business Forum in December 2022 in Washington, DC, as part of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, President Biden announced the launch of a new "Digital Transformation with Africa" (DTA) initiative. This initiative plans to invest over $350 million and facilitate over $450 million in financing for Africa to support the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy. The transformation of Africa's digital ecosystem represents a significant market opportunity for Visium, in both the commercial and government sectors. The Africa Business Development Advisory Board is providing the guidance for Visium to successfully develop these markets". Dr. Gloria B Herndon, Chairperson CEO of GBGroup Global, with over 50 years of successful diplomatic and business experience on the African Continent, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.Dr. Herndon has served on boards with The Smithsonian, Corporate Advisory Board of Office Depot, former American Express board member, National HeadStart Associations, NAFEO, American Association of Community College, Association of Community College Trustee and US Angola Chamber of CommerceDr Herndon attended Southern Illinois University, earned a Masters and a PhdD in International Economics and Law from Johns Hopkins University, where she was also recognized as a Rockefeller Fellow and also worked at the Brookings Institute, and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Dr. Lassina Zerbo Served as Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, and the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. Dr. Zerbo was the Co-chair of the Global Agenda Council (GAC) on Nuclear Security for the World Economic Forum. PhD in Geophysics from the Universite de Paris XI, France. Mr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah Founder and Chairman of African Business Communication, established in 1995. He is the former Minister for Trade and Industry of Ghana. He was formerly Minister of Communications, Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Mines & Energy. He also previously served as Ghana's ambassador to the United States and Mexico. He is a former CEO of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) based in London. Spio-Garbrah is Chairman of the African Business Centre for Developing Education (ABCDE), based in Ghana. He has also been a Chairman/CEO of several Pan-African non-governmental organizations, CEO of a church, and has held senior positions in the world of banking and financial services. He serves as chairman for Solarfi, a renewable energy company. Ambassador Joseph Huggins Former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana and served at U.S. embassies in Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, and Togo. He served as the U.S. State Department's Special Representative to the Southern Africa Development Community, composed of 14 countries in southern Africa. After retiring from U.S. Government service in 2006, Mr. Huggins established the Consulting firm, The Huggins Group, LLC (THG). The firm provides Strategic Advice and Intelligence Research to U.S. companies interested in trade and investment opportunities in Africa and the Middle East. Mr. Bizuayehu Admasuu With a focus on the African, UAE, and Indian markets, Mr. Admasuu has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and partner for companies looking to expand and thrive in these regions. His firm is a leading business development consultancy in Africa, UAE and India, assisting businesses in creating partnerships, identifying new business opportunities and building lasting relationships with key stakeholders. About Visium Technologies, Inc. Visium Technologies (OTC PINK:VISM) is a cyber security solutions provider that uses graph database technology to deliver an analytics-driven, risk-based approach to cybersecurity that provides context to data so that users can make intelligent decisions in real time. Built for the US Army Cyber Command by MITRE Corporation (CyGraph), and then further developed by Visium, our world class TruContextTM technology provides visualization, advanced cyber monitoring intelligence, data modeling, analytics and automation to help reduce risk, simplify cyber security and deliver better security outcomes. TruContextTM plugs the gaps left by other security tools. For more information please visit www.visiumtechnologies.com and our YouTube Channel. Safe Harbor Statement: Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views with respect to future events and performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and information currently available. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters identify forward-looking statements. Investors should be cautious in relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, whether the reverse stock split will be beneficial to the Company and its shareholders, any inability to meet the NYSE American continued listing standards in the future for any reason, and those other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any responsibility to update forward-looking statements is expressly disclaimed. CONTACT: Visium Technologies, Inc. Corporate: Mark Lucky, Chief Executive Officer mlucky@visiumtechnologies.com Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Twitter | Instagram Corporate Office: 4094 Majestic Lane Suite 360 Fairfax, VA 22033 Phone: 703-273-0383 SOURCE: Visium Technologies, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737316/Visium-Technologies-Announces-Africa-Business-Development-Advisory-Board Concrete professionals kicked off the year with the highly-attended event focusing on first-ever product innovations, environmental impact and raising record-breaking auction funds for educational programs LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Informa Markets' World of Concrete, the world's largest tradeshow fostering the growing concrete and masonry construction industries, concluded its 49th annual event held this past week at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With 48,009 registered professionals, heavy foot traffic on the show floor and over 120 countries in attendance, the World of Concrete further solidifies itself as the critical meeting place for industry advancement. "The 2023 edition of World of Concrete far exceeded our expectations. The crowded show floor and packed educational sessions prove how essential meeting face to face is, that it remains important now more than ever to have a space to connect, to learn, to share across the concrete, masonry and construction industries as a vital contributor to our economy," says Jackie James, Vice President, World of Concrete. "In-person attendance is on its way back to pre-pandemic levels and the World of Concrete event leads global trends in construction." World of Concrete took more than 587,000 net square footage (NSF) of the convention center, with both indoor and outdoor spaces full of product displays, demonstrations and competitions. Notable highlights included unveiling of exciting new innovations, such as the first ever Mobile 3D Robotic Concrete Printer and AI Site Map Printer, top of the line work trucks with electric batteries and aerodynamic improvements, and the widest range of original manufactured equipment from excavators to wireless concrete sensors, AI-based platforms and modern materials like the eco-driven Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. Returning for the 18th consecutive year, The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program held its Silent & Live Auctions, generating a record-breaking fund of more than $2.1 million. Live auction and online donations fueled the grant for the program designed to prepare students for the concrete workforce early in their careers. The CIM program provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management, a business program specifically developed for the concrete industry. The proceeds from the 2023 CIM Auction will benefit the CIM National Steering Committee (NSC) and support the current CIM programs at Middle Tennessee State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Texas State University, California State University - Chico, South Dakota State University, the Executive MBA program, as well as help fund scholarships. World of Concrete has also donated $15,000 to the CIM Education Program for the second consecutive year. The highly anticipated 2023 edition of the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 competition was also held on Wednesday, January 18. The winner, mason Michael Schlund, a Wisconsin native and his tender, Arron Kowalski, laid 759 bricks in one hour, and Schlund was crowned "World's Best Bricklayer" leaving with a new Ford F250 4x4 Super Duty truck, an Essick Pro12 Mixer, and more than $15,000 in cash and prizes. Scott Tuttle, mason, and Brian Tuttle, tender, took second place with 716 bricks in one hour. Brian is a former World Champion and winner of SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN, making Brian and Scott Tuttle among the most experienced competitors in this year's field. The event's second most coveted award, the SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN, went to mason Mario Hernandez and mason tender Gerson Lux, who built "the most sellable wall." This year World of Concrete also offered more than 160 technical sessions, including hands-on training, safety expertise and business development. Noted new additions to the 2023 education program were eight concrete basics and leadership courses presented in Spanish, a revamped three-hour comprehensive concrete repair track, and new workshops focusing specifically on women in construction. "Over 300,000 concrete contractors are employed in the United States and represent the backbone of the American and international workforce, says Kevin Thornton, SVP of Construction, Informa Markets. "World of Concrete is proud to support laborers in education and connection providing opportunity to advance the industry toward enhanced sustainability, efficiency and safety, and continuing growth." World of Concrete will return in 2024 for its 50th Anniversary, slated for January 23-25; Education January 22-25 in Las Vegas. To find more information on this event visit www.worldofconcrete.com -- About World of Concrete World of Concrete is the industry's ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry's leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, and a world-class education program. Visit www.worldofconcrete.com for details. Follow World of Concrete on social at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and YouTube for the most up to date information on the 2024 expo. About Informa Markets Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. Contacts Informa Markets Infrastructure and Construction PR IC.PR@informa.com SOURCE: Informa Markets View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737295/World-of-Concrete-Returns-with-Strong-Attendance-Pushing-the-Boundaries-to-Pre-Pandemic-Levels TORONTO, ON and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Sekur Private Data Ltd. (CSE:SKUR)(OTCQX:SWISF)(FRA:GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, is pleased announce that it is preparing the launch its anticipated non-big tech, Swiss hosted privacy VPN solution, SekurVPN. In the past year, Sekur has had a multitude of requests from its existing users base for the creation of a private non-big tech VPN solution. The Company has been working on this solution for some time now, and has aquired all the servers for the encryption processing and hosting of SekurVPN in its Swiss data centers. Sekur has already completed the Mac client and the iOS application, and is on track for completing SekurVPNs Android application early in February. SekurVPN is expected to launch globally by the first week of April 2023, at the latest, with its existing three versions, Mac, iOS and Android, with Windows system launch soon after. The Company will first launch the website www.sekurvpn.com in the next few weeks, in order to take pre-registrations for SekurVPN. SekurVPN is planned to be priced at US$7/month/user and US$70/year/user for the service. However, a special launch price of US$28/year for the next 2 years will be offered to the first 5,000 people registering to the service. This represents a 60% to the yearly price, which already offers 2 months free usage. SekurVPN is meant for privacy enthousiasts and users wanting to mask their IP address from hackers. An example would be users going to their e-banking or shopping online, using their emails, and wanting to have full privacy and protection from hackers hyjacking their location and signal. The service is not meant for streaming media such as on demand or e-gaming. The Company will guarantee proper speed high encryption for normal privacy usage and regular email and web surfing. Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data said: "We have listened to our customers and are very excited to announce the launch of SekurVPN for late March 2023. We have high hopes for the success of SekurVPN, due to its highly private nature, since it does not use any big tech computing or hosting and offers only Swiss IPs. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and, as we are not connected to any Big Tech platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. We look forward to continuing to offer true data privacy to all individuals and their businesses and protect their intellectual property, and their privacy, from data miners and malicious hackers." Sekur, which includes SekurMessenger and SekurMail, is part of a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one application, includes the Company's latest SekurMail technology, which includes proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur 's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients' email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large Enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology ("DLP") with real time continuous archiving. Recent data breaches in messaging applications have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications from cyber-attacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices. SekurMessenger now comes with a proprietary feature and technology called "Chat-By-Invites". This feature allows a SekurMessenger user ("SM user") invite a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way, without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, finance, insurance, medical, government, energy, manufacturing, trade and pharmaceutical sectors. SekurMessenger also eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not only not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a user's phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a user's phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a Sekur number. The Sekur number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other Sekur users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including Sekur's proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers. Sekur's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner. Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved. About Sekur Private Data Ltd. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers, and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website at https://www.sekur.com, and approved distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. On behalf of Management SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD. Alain Ghiai President and Chief Executive Officer +1.416.644.8690 corporate@sekurprivatedata.com For more information, please contact Sekur Private Data at corporate@sekurprivatedata.com or visit us at https://www.sekurprivatedata.com For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com . Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. SOURCE: Sekur Private Data Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737383/Sekur-Private-Data-Ltd-Readies-to-Launch-SekurVPN-Its-Swiss-non-Big-Tech-Hosted-Encrypted-Privacy-VPN-Solution Russian, Pakistani FMs discuss energy cooperation Xinhua) 10:34, January 31, 2023 MOSCOW, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Monday in Moscow to discuss cooperation in the energy sector. "Particular attention was paid to the promising area of energy, including the supply of hydrocarbons and the construction of the Pakistan Stream natural gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore, our flagship project," Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with Zardari. The negotiations on the construction of the Pakistan Stream pipeline have entered "an advanced stage" and further progress will be made "in the very near future," Lavrov told reporters. At the briefing, Zardari expressed the hope that cooperation with Russia will help mitigate Pakistan's energy problems. During Zardari's first visit to Russia since he took office in April last year, both sides also discussed joint fight against terrorism, plans to deepen humanitarian, cultural and educational ties, the situation in Afghanistan and the Ukraine crisis. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a joint news conference with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 10. Reuters-Yonhap North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday highlighted the importance of the United States' extended deterrence for South Korea, saying it has an "extremely important task" amid Pyongyang's growing nuclear threats. Stoltenberg made the remarks during an event in Seoul hosted by the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, responding to a question on the sensitive issue of whether Seoul needs a nuclear-sharing policy with the U.S., akin to NATO's Nuclear Planning Group. "I think it's important to understand that what we call extended deterrence, meaning that NATO allies and also some NATO partners, like South Korea, they don't have their own nuclear weapons but are covered by the nuclear deterrence that the United States provides. That is where to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons," he said. The first randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind clinical study of Steriwave nasal photodisinfection in 75 predominantly vaccinated COVID-19 patients has been published. The study, published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,1 met its primary endpoint, with a highly significant decrease in viral infectivity recorded as early as two days after treatment (p<0.0001). By contrast, patients in the placebo control arm, who underwent simulated treatment without the active components being applied, were non-responsive (p=0.24). No serious adverse events were reported. Steriwave therapy also significantly improved the immune-protective status of treated patients, as measured by PCR testing one week after treatment (over six times fewer PCR-positive patients compared to controls). These results were paralleled by significant improvement in the patient-reported symptoms of chest tightness and headache. The study was conducted at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra, a tertiary teaching hospital in Pamplona, Spain during the highly contagious sixth Omicron outbreak in late 2021 and early 2022. Over 90% of the patients recruited into the study were fully vaccinated. Read more. About Ondine Biomedical Inc. Ondine Biomedical Inc. is a Canadian life sciences company innovating in the field of photodisinfection therapies. Ondine has developed a patented, painless, rapid, photodisinfection technology platform which can be used in the development of prevention and treatment therapies for a broad-spectrum of pathogens -including bacterial, viral, and fungal species, multidrug-resistant strains, and emerging threats such as the virulent hospital microbe, Candida auris. Ondine Biomedical Inc. has seven products under various stages of development. About the Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain With over 3,000 professionals working exclusively at its headquarters in Pamplona and Madrid, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra is a leading research hospital in Spain in the field of personalised medicine. The Clinic is recognized for both its teaching and research work, as well as the prestige of its professionals and the diagnosis and treatment of highly complex pathologies. The Clinica Universidad de Navarra is a world-class hospital characterised by diagnostic speed and precision, multidisciplinary faculty, and acquisition of the latest technologies offering care across 48 different medical and surgical specialties. 1 Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology25 January 2023, Sec. Virus and Host, Volume 13. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005684/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Simon Vane Percy Telephone: +44 (0)7710005910 Email: simon@vanepercy.com amanda@vanepercy.com 31 January 2023 TWENTYFOUR SELECT MONTHLY INCOME FUND LIMITED (the "Company") (a non-cellular company limited by shares incorporated in the Island of Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, as amended, with registered number 57985 and registered as a Registered Closed-ended Collective Investment Scheme with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Legal entity identifier: 549300P9Q5O2B3RDNF78) Directorate Changes 31 January 2023 The Company announces the appointment of Wendy Dorey as an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company and the resignation of Mr Ian Martin who has been a Director for almost nine years. Both with effect from 1 February 2023. The Board wishes to thank Mr Martin for all his hard work and valued contribution to the Board and to the Company during his tenure and welcomes Mrs Dorey to the Board. Mrs Dorey is an experienced professional in the financial services industry, with key competencies in business strategy, financial regulation, risk management and investment marketing and distribution. She is currently a Director of Dorey Financial Modelling Limited, an investment consulting company, a Commissioner for the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, a Non-Executive Director for Schroders (CI) Limited and a Non-Executive director for Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund Limited. Mrs Dorey has over 20 years' industry experience working for asset managers, pension consultants and retail banks in the UK, Guernsey and France. She has worked for a number of leading asset managers: BNY Mellon, M&G Asset Management, Friends Ivory & Sime and Robert Fleming/Save & Prosper. She has also consulted to the Defined Contribution Consulting arm of the Punter Southall Group, and obtained retail banking experience at Lloyds Bank and Le Credit Lyonnais. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and qualified as a Chartered Director in 2020. She is also currently Chair of the Guernsey Branch of the Institute of Directors. There are no disclosures to be made in respect of LR 9.6.13 (2-6). All of Mrs Dorey's current directorships in publicly quoted companies and in the past five years are noted below as required by LR 9.6.13 (1). Directorships current Weiss Korea Opportunity Fund Limited Directorships in previous 5 years None For further information, please contact: Numis Securities Limited: Hugh Jonathan +44 (0)20 7260 1000 Nathan Brown New Technology And Patent Filings To Detect Safety and Consent Violations In Psychedelic Therapy Sessions While Maintaining Client Privacy. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - Radix Motion, a fully-owned technology subsidiary of Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, and a premium brand of psilocybin truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in compliance with all applicable laws, is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated December 6, 2022, the Company is expanding its patent portfolio with a new application on the use of human movement data to increase safety in psychedelic therapy sessions while maintaining client privacy. The new patent application covers Radix Motion's new technology on the use of real-time analysis of human movement data to identify the position and body movement of a psychedelic facilitator or therapist to detect if a potential violation is occurring and activate real time alerts and safety measures. This technology does not require sending or storing any video information and helps to protect patient privacy. With this new technology, Radix Motion is leading the way in creating safer and more private psychedelic therapy sessions for clients. The new patent application was filed in the U.S. as a "continuation-in-part" (CIP) application that also consolidates the disclosures of Radix Motion's previously published Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application and its pending provisional application on biomarker-augmented therapy. As all PCT claims around the use of 3D movement data in psychedelic therapy were found novel and inventive in an International Preliminary Report on Patentability, the next step will be to request "fast-track" examination under the "Patent Prosecution Highway" (PPH). As PPH applications generally enjoy higher allowance rates, it is hoped this will lead to an issued patent in the U.S. and in other PPH jurisdictions where a PPH request is granted. Besides the U.S. filing, the PCT was also entered as a national stage application in Canada, and Radix Motion has a month to decide to enter the PCT elsewhere, including in Europe and Australia. "Clients in psychedelic sessions are in especially vulnerable states, and unfortunately there are known cases of abuse, even in clinical trials, that could have benefited from real time analysis of the data instead of learning about the unfortunate cases after the fact via video recordings," said Sarah Hashkes, CEO of Radix Motion. "We hope our our expertise around movement data analysis and use of AI will be an important tool that clinics, therapists and clinical research coordinators find as an invaluable asset to help keep clients safe from potentially predatory acts, while also protecting their privacy," added Sarah. "The 'bypass' CIP strategy was the most cost-effective way to consolidate Radix Motion's inventions across different applications, while at the same time adding its new safety technology to expand them," said Graham Pechenik, a registered patent attorney and the founder of Calyx Law, and Red Light Holland's senior advisor. "We are excited to continue to work with Sarah and the team at Radix Motion to bring their foundational 3D movement data technology closer to being patented, while also building upon it with new technology that can improve the safety of psychedelic services," Graham explained. "We appreciate the opportunity to protect Radix Motion's inventions, in ways that are aligned with its goal of ethical IP and its core value of protecting user's privacy." "Radix Motion's embodied technology is aimed towards creating technological infrastructure for the growing psychedelic ecosystem to help ensure best practices around psychedelics as a tool for growth. As a company we've always wanted to contribute to positive change and this is just another example of that," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "Candidly, we are also hoping it's another revenue stream for Red Light Holland as it's a technology we believe is broadly applicable and expect to license or sell which is why we are grateful for the expertise of patent lawyer Graham Pechenik and the team at Calyx Law who are working towards ensuring our investment is protected." Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as such term is defined in the CSE policies) has reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. About Radix Motion Radix Motion is a technology company founded in Silicon Valley focused on building immersive and embodied technology for health and wellness. Amongst their products are Meu, an AR/VR interactive hologram messenger, iMicroapp a microdosing app that also measures poses, Wisdom VR, an interactive education that explains what psychedelics do to the brain and more. About Red Light Holland Red Light Holland is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, and a premium brand of psilocybin truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in compliance with all applicable laws. For additional information, please contact: Todd Shapiro Chief Executive Officer and Director Tel: 647-643-TRIP (8747) Email: todd@redlight.co Website: www.RedLight.co Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's performance, business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing of, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company's intention to devote resources to the protection of its intellectual property rights, including by seeking and obtaining registered protections in Canada, U.S., and other jurisdictions; the Company and Radix Motion being eligible to utilize fast-track examination offered by the Patent Prosecution Highway in the U.S., Canada, and other participating patent offices; the potential benefits of psychedelic usage data; and Radix Motion's technology will help it lead the way by being an invaluable asset by improving the safety of psychedelic services, while protecting clients' privacy. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: current and future members of management will abide by the Company's business objectives and strategies from time to time established by the Company; the Company will achieve the performance, meet their business objectives and milestones in their anticipated time and within the anticipated cost; the Company will retain and supplement its board of directors and management, or otherwise engage consultants and advisors having knowledge of the industries (or segments thereof) within which the Company may from time to time participate; the Company will have sufficient working capital and the ability to obtain the financing required in order to develop and continue its business, brands and operations; the Company will continue to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled consultants and/or employees, as the case may be; no adverse changes will be made to the regulatory framework governing psychedelics, taxes and all other applicable matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts business and any other jurisdiction in which the Company may conduct business in the future; the Company will be able to generate cash flow from operations, including, where applicable, distribution and sale of mushrooms and mushroom products; the Company will be able to execute on its business strategy as anticipated; the Company will be able to meet the requirements necessary to obtain and/or maintain authorizations required to conduct the business; general economic, financial, market, regulatory, and political conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will not negatively affect the Company or its business; the Company will be able to successfully compete in the psychedelic industries; the Company will be able to effectively manage anticipated and unanticipated costs; the Company will be able to conduct its operations in a safe, efficient and effective manner; general market conditions will be favorable with respect to the Company's future plans and goals; the Company will be able to utilize fast-track examination under the Patent Prosecution Highway in the United States, Canada and other participating patent offices; the Company will combine psychedelic usage data with technology; the Company will customize treatments and interventions, resulting in increased benefits of its technology; the Company will obtain its patent upon the terms outlined herein; the Company will devote resources to the protection of its intellectual property rights, including by seeking and obtaining registered protections and developing and implementing standard operating procedures; and Radix Motion's technology will help it lead the way by being an invaluable asset by improving the safety of psychedelic services, while protecting clients' privacy. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to attract and retain qualified members of management to grow the Company's business, brands and its operations; unanticipated changes in economic and market conditions (including changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic) or in applicable laws; the impact of the publications of inaccurate or unfavourable research by securities analysts or other third parties; unanticipated changes in the psychedelic industries in the jurisdictions within which the Company may from time to time conduct its business and operations, including the Company's inability to respond or adapt to such changes; the Company's inability to secure or maintain favourable lease arrangements or the required authorizations necessary to conduct the business and operations and meet its targets; the Company's inability to effectively manage unanticipated costs and expenses, including costs and expenses associated with product recalls and judicial or administrative proceedings against the Company; risk that the Company will be unable to provide affordable and equitable access adult access to naturally occurring psilocybin; risk that the Company will not be eligible for fast-track examination under the Patent Prosecution Highway in the United States, Canada and other participating patent offices; risk that the Company will be unable to combine psychedelic usage data with technology; risk that the Company will be unable to devote resources to the protection of its intellectual property rights, including by seeking and obtaining registered protections and developing and implementing standard operating procedures; and risk that its patent application will be denied in whole or in part; and Radix Motion's technology's inability to improve the safety of psychedelic services, while protecting clients' privacy. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153040 Layton, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - Utah-based mold removal and odor remediation expert, Pure Maintenance, announces its milestones for 2023 with an achievement of removing mold from a quarter of a billion square feet across the globe. Pure Maintenance specializes in eradicating mold from both the surface and air using its unique VaPure System, powered by its patented and innovative dry fog technology. Within a short span of time, the company has established more than 170 branches worldwide. While celebrating its achievements, Pure Maintenance emphasizes its aim to serve more clients, by expanding its branches, with affordable and demolition-free air quality maintenance and mold remediation. In the year 2022 alone, the company has successfully treated a large volume of the area across the world, which amounts to almost 250 million square feet with its mold remediation technology. This also means that Pure Maintenance has saved several home-owners from intrusive demolition projects due to mold infestation. The reason is, the mold remediation technology developed and used by the company doesn't require the facilities to be destroyed. In addition, Pure Maintenance cleans the entire building, considering the potential spread of pathogens through the air to other areas in the same building, instead of just focusing on the area of infection. Another milestone achieved by the company is the opening of 6 new international offices, including its second branch in Western Australia being the latest. The new branch in Australia is its 170th office and the company achieved this milestone within a short period of three years. Commenting on the achievements and growth of the company, Brandon Adams, the CEO of Pure Maintenance said, " We opened a new location every 3 weeks last year. Our plan is to open a new office every 2 weeks this year." Another milestone the company is aiming to achieve is to develop an air quality monitoring system. The company is already partnering with another entity in developing a system that can monitor the airborne concentration of infectious products in real time. The aim is to make the process more science-based, rather than based on manual assessments. About Pure Maintenance Pure Maintenance is headquartered in Layton, Utah, United States, and was established in 2003. The company specializes in Mold Abatement, Mold Remediation, Mold inspection, Mold removal, Odor Remediation, and Disinfection Services. The services provided by the company are available across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Media contact Name: Nez Iskandrani Email: nez@puremaintenance.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153039 Japan's first commercial certificate authority incorporating Quantinuum's Quantum Origin solution to strengthen security protections for IoT devices against current and future threats CAMBRIDGE, England and BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantinuum, the world's leading integrated quantum computing company, today announced that Cybertrust Japan Co., Ltd., Japan's leading certificate authority, has integrated its Quantum Origin quantum-computing-hardened private keys into a new certificate issuance and distribution platform for IoT devices to ensure secure communications now and into the future. Cybertrust Japan's new authentication infrastructure for high-speed, high-volume certificate issuance and distribution for large volumes of IoT devices includes the NIST-selected post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. The certificate authority is further protecting devices from current and advancing threats by incorporating Quantinuum's Quantum Origin solution, the only cryptographic solution that leverages the power of quantum computers to generate quantum-computing-hardened keys. "Integrating Quantum Origin assures our customers that they can build innovative IoT-based solutions on a platform they can trust to deliver speed and higher security, including post-quantum algorithms support. As a result, customers and partners can use and sell our certification services securely for the long term," said Yasutoshi Magara, President & CEO of Cybertrust Japan. "We would like to promote activities aimed at realizing a safe and secure society together with Quantinuum." IoT devices typically use certificates to authenticate their connection to other devices or networks to prove that they are trusted devices. The challenge when providing and managing certificates across these devices is complex because of the volume of devices trying to connect to networks and the need to provide fast access to data. Security measures need to be robust while also enabling real-time communications. "Cybertrust Japan and Quantinuum have shown that an advanced quantum-computing-based solution like Quantum Origin can be seamlessly integrated into authentication infrastructure to strengthen key and certificate generation. Cybertrust Japan is the first certification provider in the world to support quantum-computing-hardened keys using Quantum Origin," said Duncan Jones, Head of Cybersecurity at Quantinuum. "As the use of IoT devices grows, companies must ensure that their devices have state-of-the-art protection against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks that threaten their most valuable assets and data. Quantum Origin is the world's only solution that provides encryption keys generated by quantum computers giving customers an unrivalled ability to strengthen existing security measures and reduce their risk of exposure from advanced encryption-based attacks." Cybertrust Japan's Secure IoT Platform protects end devices through the entire product lifecycle from semiconductor design to the implementation of the devices to the ultimate disposal of the devices. The Secure IoT Platform creates security certificates for the manufacturing process to protect the hardware, to make the manufacturing process traceable and to provide a long-term defect warranty. The product also includes a management platform for the devices to allow secure OS and software updates in addition to securing the data created and transmitted by the devices. About Cybertrust Japan As Japan's first commercial certificate authority, Cybertrust Japan provides authentication and security services as well as Linux/OSS services for on-premise, cloud and embedded domains by applying MIRACLE LINUX kernel technology and open source software (OSS) knowledge. Combining these technologies and deep security expertise, the company also promotes services that support the reliability of customer services by proving the correctness of "people, tangible things and intangible things" for IoT and other cutting-edge fields. Cybertrust Japan is committed to realizing a safe and secure society with highly specialized and neutral technologies for IT infrastructure. About Quantinuum Quantinuum is the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, formed by the combination of Honeywell Quantum Solutions' world leading hardware and Cambridge Quantum's class leading middleware and applications. Science led and enterprise driven, Quantinuum accelerates quantum computing and the development of applications across chemistry, cybersecurity, finance, and optimization. Its focus is to create scalable and commercial quantum solutions to solve the world's most pressing problems, in fields such as energy, logistics, climate change, and health. The company employs over 480 people including 350 scientists, at nine sites in the US, Europe, and Japan. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cybertrust-japan-integrates-quantum-computing-hardened-private-keys-from-quantinuum-into-new-iot-authentication-platform-301733959.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / The World Economic Forum (WEF) published a new white paper this month that details 10 action pillars to help shape manufacturers' strategic engagement with supply chain and operating officers to encourage business collaboration in achieving net zero. The "No-Excuse" Framework to Accelerate the Path to Net-Zero Manufacturing and Value Chains is the first output of WEF's Industry Net Zero Accelerator, an initiative aiming to raise awareness of the necessity for companies to seek "systemic collaboration across and between value chains" on their path towards achieving net-zero emissions. Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is collaborating with Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy (Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge), Capgemini, Siemens, and other advanced manufacturing companies on the WEF initiative. On January 17, Moret and other members of the WEF Industry Net Zero Accelerator Initiative shared insights from the white paper in a panel discussion held during WEF's annual summit in Davos, Switzerland. One key topic for the panelists was how systemic collaboration with suppliers and industrial partners can be leveraged to achieve progress on corporate net zero commitments. Download the full white paper Rockwell Automation was among the contributors to a new WEF white paper on Net Zero Manufacturing published in January 2023. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rockwell Automation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Rockwell Automation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rockwell-automation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Rockwell Automation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737424/Achieving-Net-Zero-Emissions-White-Paper-Details-10-Pillar-Framework-for-Success LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Launched in 2016, S&P Gallery is a leading art advisory service and online e-commerce art platform for novice and experienced art collectors, art lovers, and individuals looking for the perfect artwork to decorate their homes. S&P Gallery has a sister company, Zeno, which is a publishing house and wholesale fine arts supplier that specialises in limited edition prints and selling to galleries all over the world. Zeno's goal is to connect galleries with artists, giving artists a platform to sell their work and helping galleries find up-and-coming, established, and blue-chip artists. This year, S&P Gallery plans to expand by opening 12 new galleries in the UK, 1 gallery in the United States, and 1 gallery in France, while its publishing house, Zeno, plans to supply art to 100 galleries all over the world. Luke Sparkes, CEO of S&P Gallery, states, "traditionally, the art market is one of the world's best-kept secrets. One used to have to be incredibly rich with the right connections to be in the art market. What makes Smith & Partner unique is that we welcome investment at any level. Our publishing house Zeno creates limited edition prints which allow people to get on board at a slightly easier entry level." A Bespoke, Personalised Service S&P Gallery provides a bespoke personalised service for each artist, which includes a face-to-face meeting, creating and delivering a marketing strategy, and producing video content for artists' social media platforms to help promote and nurture their growth. You can Follow S&P Gallery London on Instagram to take a look at its latest artists and their work. Additionally, S&P Gallery offers an accessible 360-degree service to anyone looking to buy a piece of art or invest at any level. With 900+ art investment clients globally, the gallery's in-house team studies art market trends, demand, history of artwork sales, and auction prices. The gallery has two state-of-the-art storage facilities for protecting artworks. The first facility is in Switzerland, which insures artwork, transportation costs are recovered, and the facility cost is free from VAT tax. The second storage facility is in Martin Speed, Vauxhall, which is across the M16 building in London, England. S&P Gallery's goal is to educate interested individuals about art, whether a buyer wants a an original or print. The gallery works with a number of top NFT artists, including Miss Aniela, Jeremy Jones, Johnny Popkess, Bjorn Persson, NOEL, Alexander Lee Reagan, Kevin T Kelly, and Daniela Raytchev. They also sell limited edition prints from Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol. For further information on S&P Gallery's latest artists and artwork collection, you can Follow S&P Gallery London on Twitter. About S&P Gallery S&P Gallery is an online art gallery with a physical space in South Kensington, London; specialising in original artworks and limited-edition prints; offering exclusive access to artworks from emerging and established artists as well as a range of blue-chip artworks. Its team of expert art advisors carefully study the art market, closely observe trends and keep an eye on art performance indicators in order to make the most of the potential future profitability of the artwork in the gallery's catalogue. More information To find out more about S&P Gallery and to view its current lists of artists and artwork, please visit their website at https://spgallery.co.uk/. https://thenewsfront.com/london-based-art-investment-firm-sp-gallery-to-expand-across-the-uk-united-states-and-france/ ### Contact Information S&P Gallery 58 Gloucester Rd South Kensington London SW7 4QT United Kingdom 020 4531 8796 https://thenewsfront.com/organisation/sp-gallery/ SOURCE: S&P Gallery View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737414/London-Based-Art-Investment-Firm-SP-Gallery-To-Expand-Across-The-UK-United-States-And-France Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB: BLGO), a company that invents, develops, and commercializes innovative technologies in the cleantech space, including for PFAS contamination, advanced water and wastewater treatment, industrial odor and VOC control, air quality control, and infection control. President and CEO of the company, Dennis P. Calvert, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly for an interview. Jolly began by commenting on BioLargo's 125% increase in revenues in 2022 compared to 2021, and asked about the catalysts for this increase. Calvert explained that among the company's portfolio of proprietary life sciences technologies is its disruptive odor control technology that is experiencing dramatic revenue growth due in large part to the success of a consumer product goods partnership (www.pooph.com) that has launched a pet odor product that is enjoying growing success in online sales and in retailers like Walmart. He added, "The [company's] engineering group itself is also finding significance in customer adoption for their services, so it has been the combination of both," shared Calvert. "As our overhead stays relatively fixed, all of a sudden we have cash flow, and that is a great thing for BioLargo." "The key is the adoption of products and services that can scale, and that is what we're witnessing." "Could you give us an update on your PFAS treatment technology?" asked Jolly. "Basically, the machine creates an electric field and as the water flows through the machine, the PFAS is drawn to its opposite charge," explained Calvert. "[The PFAS] is collected to extract it and take it out of the water," he added. "It is able to create a non-detect status, which means it can take it all out," said Calvert, adding that BioLargo secured its first customer for PFAS mitigation services in August 2022. "What are you most excited about for 2023?" asked Jolly. "We're looking forward to selling more of our products and services." To hear Dennis Calvert's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8239346-biolargo-inc-discusses-125-revenue-increase-for-2022-with-the-stock-day-podcast. Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/. About BioLargo, Inc. BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB: BLGO) is a cleantech and life sciences innovator and engineering services solution provider. Our core products address PFAS contamination, achieve advanced water and wastewater treatment, control odor and VOCs, improve air quality, and control infections and infectious disease. Our approach is to invent or acquire novel technologies, develop them into product offerings, and extend their commercial reach through licensing and channel partnerships to maximize their impact. See our website at www.BioLargo.com. Contact Information Dennis P. Calvert President and CEO, BioLargo, Inc. 888-400-2863 Safe Harbor Act This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include without limitation those about BioLargo's (the "Company") expectations regarding anticipated revenue and plans for future operations, and may be identified by words such as "we believe". These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; the effect of global and regional economic conditions on the Company's business, including effects on purchasing decisions by consumers and businesses; the ability of the Company to compete in markets that are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change; the ability of the Company to manage frequent introductions and transitions of products and services, including delivering to the marketplace, and stimulating customer demand for, new products, services, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the dependency of the Company on the performance of distributors of the Company's products. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates. About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. SOURCE: Stock Day Media (602) 821-1102 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153041 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) Tuesday announced a new joint venture Blue Blade Energy with Tallgrass and Green Plains Inc. to develop and commercialize ethanol-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF technology. If the technology is successful, Blue Blade is expected to proceed with the construction of a pilot facility in 2024 and a full-scale facility by 2028. The agreement envisages providing ethanol-based fuel to fly more than 50,000 flights annually between United's hub airports in Chicago and Denver. As the Sustainable Aviation Fuel technology uses non-petroleum feedstock, it will be a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel that offers up to 85 percent lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. As per the agreement, Tallgrass will manage the research and development of the technology, including pilot plant development, and will manage the construction of the production facility. Green Plains will supply the low-carbon ethanol feedstock. United Airlines will assist with the technology development, fuel certification, and into-wing logistics. Further Green Plains has agreed to purchase up to 2.7 billion gallons of SAF. 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. PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envision Pharma Group (Envision) today announced the appointment of two senior executives while further expanding its global focus on M&A, technology-enabled solutions, and strategic consulting for the life sciences industry. Dominic "Nick" Marasco has joined as Chief Commercial Officer of Envision Pharma Group, and member of the Executive Leadership Team. Nick is an experienced global commercial leader with nearly 30 years of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industry experience. Having held several C-suite positions, he has a proven track record of successfully launching and growing products and solutions with a focus on driving profitable revenue growth, building, and leading high-performing commercial organizations. Nick will lead the development of Envision's commercial-to-customer strategy while identifying new pathways to progression, with a focus on continuing its revenue growth and expanding its customer reach and solutions. He will help develop, lead, and reinforce Envision's position as a technology-enabled commercialization, data analytics, and integrated medical capabilities and solutions company. Another key part of his role is to implement a coordinated and integrated sales structure across Envision to reinforce its technology-enabled positioning. Before joining Envision, Nick served as Chief Commercial Officer of BioAgilytix, supporting three buyer-side acquisitions and integrations, as well as one sell-side sale of BioAgilytix to new private equity owners. Prior to BioAgilytix, he served as Executive Vice President, Global Business Development, Commercial at Syneos Health, where he led the overall strategic direction of the global business development team for the commercial division, both in the US and internationally. Nick was also previously Head of US Sales for the Neuroscience Business Unit at Amgen, and prior to that Global Commercial Head, Amgen Biosimilars. He has also held executive-level commercial and business development positions at Sandoz Biopharmaceuticals (a Novartis company) and IQVIA (formerly Quintiles). Nick shares, "It is a distinct pleasure to join both Meg Heim and the entire team at Envision Pharma Group. Envision is a company that is experiencing phenomenal growth and high customer engagement and loyalty across each of the pillars of the organization and has continued to realize the growing demand of customer needs and advisory services. Even better, Envision has excelled at progressive innovation via services and technology to achieve a comprehensive solutions-oriented service platform. I am excited to join this dynamic team." Gregory "Greg" Carpenter joins Envision Pharma Group as Chief of Staff, CEO, and member of the Executive Leadership Team and brings with him a wealth of global experience and expertise. Greg has held several leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry and positions spanning sales, marketing, medical, and transformation. His expertise covers areas of communications, strategic planning and implementation, coalition and consensus-building leadership development, omnichannel marketing, and change management. Before joining Envision, Greg's most recent role was leading a go-to-market transformation for the Sanofi US General Medicines team that included building an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) solution, and helping the organization understand and embrace omnichannel marketing. Greg says, "I am delighted to join Envision Pharma Group and help carry out our mission of improving lives through a compelling combination of technology and services to enable clients to better serve patients. Through our expertise in scientific and commercialization strategy and solutions, medical affairs, and AI-driven technology solutions, Envision is helping our customers to excel in a rapidly changing healthcare environment." Meg Heim, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Pharma Group, adds, "I am so excited to welcome Nick and Greg to the Envision team. These new positions are critical to the fulfillment of our business expansion, mission, as well as being a commitment to our vision that enables us to execute upon our strategic plans." About Envision Pharma Group Founded in 2001, Envision Pharma Group is a global, technology-enabled commercialization, integrated medical capabilities and solutions, and HEOR data analytics, partner to the life-science industry. As a leading provider of evidence-based scientific communication services and industry-leading technology solutions, and strategic consulting that have applicability across the full pharmaceutical industry spectrum and related functional responsibility, Envision provides solutions to over 200 pharma and biotech companies, including 18 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at www.envisionpharmagroup.com. Contact Information: Colleen Carter Communications colleen.carter@envisionpharma.com 1 (203) 480 0080 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during the latter's visit to the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of presidential office Security grouping becoming conspicuous in Northeast Asia By Nam Hyun-woo North Korea criticized North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to Seoul, calling it a prelude to war and an attempt to create an Asian version of NATO. The condemnation was the latest in a series of hostile statements by Pyongyang against the U.S. decision to deliver tanks to Ukraine to assist Kyiv's war with Russia, showing that the North is seeking to benefit from the China-Russia bloc's confrontation against the trilateral security group of South Korea, Japan and the U.S. The North's official Korean Central News Agency, Monday, carried an article by Kim Tong-myong, a researcher at the North's association of international relations, which claimed that the NATO chief's trips to Seoul and Tokyo are "a prelude to war and confrontational behavior" bringing the "flame of a new Cold War to the Asia-Pacific region." The researcher condemned Stoltenberg as the head of the military organization that turned Ukraine into a "theater of proxy war" and said "his arrival in the Asia-Pacific region, which is out of his operational scope, is raising concerns." Stoltenberg arrived in Seoul on Sunday for a two-day visit, seeking to boost NATO's relations with Asian partners including South Korea and Japan. The NATO chief was invited to meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday and discussed expanded cooperation between the two sides in digital and emerging technologies, climate change and defense industries. During the meeting, Yoon asked Stoltenberg and NATO to play "active roles" to deter North Korea's "reckless provocations." Stoltenberg promised to bolster South Korea-NATO cooperation and lauded the expanding defense industry cooperation between the two sides. The NATO chief invited the South Korean leader to attend July's NATO Summit in Lithuania, and Yoon replied that he will consider it. The North Korean researcher added that the Ukraine war is entering a new crisis following the U.S.' decision to deliver tanks to Kyiv, and that it is obvious that the NATO chief will coerce South Korea and Japan by talking about Chinese threats in order to call for the necessity of an Asian version of NATO, as well as putting pressure on them to provide weapons to Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their summit in Vladivostok in this April 25, 2019, file photo. Yonhap VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (TSX:SGQ)(HK:1878) ("SouthGobi" or the "Company") This announcement is made by the Company pursuant to Rule 13.09 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities ("Listing Rules") on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, paragraphs 3.20 and 3.42 of the Guidance Letter HKEX-GL-112-22 ("Guidance Letter") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong). Reference is made to the announcements of the Company dated April 21, 2022, July 29, 2022 ("July 29 Announcement"), September 15, 2022, November 23, 2022, and December 30, 2022 (Hong Kong time) in respect of the Delisting from the TSX and the NEX Listing Application following which the Company will become primary listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (collectively, "Announcements"). Unless otherwise specified, capitalized terms used in the Announcements shall have the same meanings when used herein. MIGRATION EXCHANGE NOTICE 1.1 Introduction The Board wishes to inform the market that on January 20, 2023 (Hong Kong time), the Company received a written notice from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("Migration Exchange Notice") of its decision that the majority of trading in the Company's Shares has migrated to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's markets ("Migration") on a permanent basis as more than 55% of the Company's total worldwide trading volume took place on such markets over the most recent financial year under Note 1 to Listing Rule 19C.13. Approximately 89.6% of the total worldwide trading volume, by dollar value, of the Shares over the Company's financial year ended 31 December 2022, took place on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's markets. 1.2 Migration Grace Period Note 2 to the Listing Rule 19C.13 provides the Company with a grace period of 12 months to comply with the applicable Listing Rules ("Migration Grace Period"). The Migration Grace Period will end at midnight on the first anniversary of the date of Migration Exchange Notice ("Migration Exchange Notice Date"). The Hong Kong Stock Exchange will regard the Company as having dual primary (rather than secondary) listing status on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange upon the expiry ("Expiry") of the Migration Grace Period, i.e., January 20, 2024 (Hong Kong time). For the avoidance of doubt, the Migration Grace Period is conditional on the continued primary listing of the Company on the Recognised Stock Exchange of its primary listing (i.e., the TSX). If this condition is not fulfilled, the Company will be regarded as having delisted from its primary listing on the Recognised Stock Exchange for the purpose of Listing Rule 19C.13A and become primary listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Consequently, Listing Rules 19C.11, 19C.11A, 19C.11B, and 19C.11C (as applicable) will no longer apply to the Company. As disclosed in the Announcements, the Company is preparing for the voluntary delisting from the TSX and subsequent listing of its Shares on the NEX division of the TSX-V through the NEX Listing Application, which will constitute a delisting from its Recognised Stock Exchange of primary listing (i.e., the TSX) upon the Effective Date. Please refer to the Announcements and the section headed "2. Update on Listing Application in Canada" in this announcement for further details and the latest status of the Delisting and the NEX Listing Application. Therefore, upon the Expiry (in respect of the Migration) or the Effective Date (in respect of the Delisting), whichever is earlier, the Company shall fully comply with the Listing Rules requirements applicable to a primary listed issuer, unless otherwise being exempted or waived by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Company acknowledged that it shall provide the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with an updated report, on a monthly basis, on its progress towards compliance with the Listing Rules which will apply to the Company at the end of the Migration Grace Period. The Company also acknowledged that it shall publish an announcement upon Expiry, stating the end of the Migration Grace Period, together with the details required under paragraph 3.21 of the Guidance Letter. 1.3 Compliance with and Waivers from the Listing Rules Upon Expiry, it is expected that the Company will be able to comply with all the relevant Listing Rules applicable to a dual primary listed issuer, including the Listing Rules on which the Existing Waivers (as disclosed in the section headed "1.4 Impact of Migration and the Way Forward" in this announcement) apply, which are nonetheless expected to be withdrawn or will no longer be applicable upon Expiry, unless otherwise separately waived or exempted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Company intends that, save as the Company's waiver applications on "two-way" voting under Listing Rule 13.38 and on certain continuing connected transaction requirements under Listing Rules 14A.36 and 14A.53 in respect of the continuing connected transactions pursuant to the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement entered into originally with CIC (through Fullbloom) and later with the Fund following the Completion, as detailed in the July 29 Announcement ("Waiver Applications"), it has taken and will take all reasonable and prudent steps to comply with all the relevant Listing Rules applicable to the Company following Expiry or the Effective date, whichever is earlier, by making all necessary Arrangements to effectuate the Migration or the Delisting, as obliged by the applicable Listing Rules requirements. For further details of the Arrangements and the Waiver Applications, please refer to the July 29 Announcement. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange may or may not grant such waivers pursuant to the Waiver Applications. Pursuant to Note 3 to the Listing Rule 19C.13, any continuing transaction of the Company in place as at the Migration Exchange Notice Date will continue to be exempted from the applicable rules set out in Listing Rule 19C.11 for a period of three years from the Migration Exchange Notice Date. However, if such transaction is subsequently amended or renewed before the expiry of the aforementioned three-year period, the Company must comply with the relevant requirements under the rules at such time. For the avoidance of doubt, this exemption does not apply to any other circumstances unless otherwise stated in the Listing Rules. Additionally, in the event of the Delisting, such exemption will no longer apply to the Company upon the Effective Date. 1.4 Impact of Migration and the Way Forward The Company is continuously assessing the legal, financial, and operational impact of the Migration to the Company. As of the date of this announcement, the Company believes the Migration will not bring about any material impact to Shareholders and potential investors trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Migration Exchange Notice states that the stock marker "S" in the Company's stock short name will be dis-applied only when the Company is able to fully comply with all the relevant Listing Rules applicable to a dual primary listed issuer. The stock marker "S" continues to apply until Expiry, provided that the Company is in compliance with all the relevant Listing Rules applicable to a dual primary listed issuer. In the event the Company is unable to implement all necessary changes to its corporate and organisational structure in order to comply with the corporate governance requirements in the Listing Rules and/ or put in place an internal control system to enable itself to fully comply with an applicable Listing Rule (and, if applicable, where no waiver has been granted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) upon Expiry, the stock marker "S" shall remain in the Company's stock short name and can only be removed after all rectification measures have been carried out and the Company is fully compliant with all applicable Listing Rules. The Company will also disclose details of such breaches of the Listing Rules, the progress of the rectification, and the amount of time needed for full compliance with the specific Listing Rules. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange may also consider pursuing disciplinary actions in respect of any non-compliance with the relevant Listing Rules. In addition, in the event that the Company is unable to fully comply with an applicable Listing Rules upon Expiry (save for any continuing transaction that will continue to be exempted pursuant to Note 3 to Listing Rule 19C.13), the Hong Kong Stock Exchange may, on a case by case basis, exercise its discretion to extend the grace period, suspend trading of the Shares or impose other measures as it considers necessary for the protection of the investors and the maintenance of an orderly market. If any extended grace period has been granted under a time-relief waiver, the Company shall publish an announcement upon the grant and the expiry of such extended grace period, informing the Shareholders and the investors of the status of compliance. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the receipt of the Migration Exchange Notice, save as otherwise specified in the Guidance Letter, the Company will continue to be entitled to the Existing Waivers prior to Expiry (in respect of the Migration) or the Effective Date (in respect of the Delisting), whichever is earlier. Such Existing Waivers include, among others, the following specific waivers granted by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, exemption and ruling granted by the SFC, on an individual basis: Rules Subject matter Rule 13.09(2) of the Listing Rules General obligation of disclosure Rules 13.11 to 13.22 of the Listing Rules Advances to entities and financing arrangements etc. Rule 13.28(7) of the Listing Rules Disclosure of identities of placees Rule 13.38 of the Listing Rules Notice of a meeting of holders of listed securities and proxy forms Rule 13.39(4) to (5) of the Listing Rules Voting by poll and poll results announcement Rule 13.44 of the Listing Rules Voting by directors with material interests on board resolutions Rules 13.46(2) and 13.48 of the Listing Rules Distribution of annual and interim reports Chapter 14 and Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules Notifiable and connected transactions Chapter 17 of the Listing Rules Share option schemes Part XV of the SFO Disclosure of interests under Part XV of the SFO For further details of the Existing Waivers, please refer to the July 29 Announcement. The Existing Waivers will be withdrawn upon Expiry (in respect of the Migration) or the Effective Date (in respect of the Delisting), whichever is earlier, and the Company is expected to fully comply with the relevant Listing Rules and provisions of the SFO accordingly. The Company has been observing the Codes as approved by the SFC (as amended from time to time) since June 2014 when the Takeovers and Mergers Panel issued a ruling that the Company should be considered a "public company in Hong Kong" within the meaning of the Codes. Please refer to the Panel Discussion published by the Takeovers and Mergers Panel on June 30, 2014, for further details. 2. UPDATE ON LISTING APPLICATION IN CANADA 2.1 Update on the Effective Date of Delisting As disclosed in the Announcements, the Company's NEX Listing Application is subject to review (which involves, among other things, customary due diligence work) and approval from the NEX. The Company wishes to update its Shareholders and investors that as the Delisting shall be subject to obtaining approvals from the TSX and NEX in connection with NEX Listing Application, the anticipated Effective Date is thus postponed to the end of February 2023 instead of the end of January 2023. The Company will provide further updates once further information is available. The Company's common shares will remain listed on the TSX while the NEX Listing Application is under review by the NEX. There may exist specific uncertainties as to whether and when the Delisting will proceed. Shareholders who have any queries about the implications of the Delisting are advised to obtain appropriate professional advice. Shareholders and potential investors are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of the Company. The Company will closely monitor the development of the aforesaid matters and keep the Shareholders and potential investors informed of any material development in connection with the above matters by way of periodic announcements and/or further announcement(s) as and when appropriate. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute, or form part of, any invitation or offer to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any of our securities. Shareholders and potential investors should exercise caution when dealing in our securities. If there is any inconsistency or discrepancy between the English version and the Chinese version, the English version shall prevail. About SouthGobi SouthGobi, listed on the Toronto and Hong Kong stock exchanges, owns and operates its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine in Mongolia. It also holds the mining licences of its other metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in South Gobi region of Mongolia. SouthGobi produces and sells coal to customers in China. Contact: Investor Relations Office: +852 2156 1438 (Hong Kong) +1 604 762 6783 (Canada) Email: info@southgobi.com Website: www.southgobi.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain information included in this press release that is not current or historical factual information constitutes forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including information regarding including the Company's continued listing on the TSX while the NEX Application is under review by the NEX, the grant of waivers by the HKEX pursuant to the Waiver Applications, the ability of the Company to comply with all the relevant Listing Rules applicable to a dual primary listed issuer and the anticipated Effective Date of the listing of the Company's common shares on the NEX, respectively. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "could", "should", "seek", "likely", "estimate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including, among other things, the ability of the Company to satisfy the HKEX's primary listing requirements, the ability of the Company to satisfy the NEX's listing requirements and the NEX approving the Company's NEX Listing Application and other similar factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from what the Company currently expects. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue importance on forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this disclosure, and not to rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it is under no obligation and does not undertake to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, further events or otherwise at any particular time, except as required by law. Additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those in such forward-looking statements is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: SouthGobi Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737396/1-Inside-Information-and-Announcement-Pursuant-to-Rule-1309-Of-the-Listing-Rules-in-Relation-to-Migration-Exchange-Notice-And-2-Update-on-Listing-Application-in-Canada PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Today, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn"), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced a data integration partnership with YouTube for podcasters. Specifically, Libsyn's AdvertiseCast, the industry's premier podcast advertising marketplace that connects advertisers with podcasters, is now connected with YouTube, the fastest-growing podcast listening platform, to feed real-time, IAB-compliant data into its marketplace. This connection enables Libsyn podcasters, brands, and advertisers to gain streamlined access to accurate insights on podcast downloads from YouTube. Video podcasts are on the rise with nearly six in ten (57%) listeners saying they prefer podcasts with video, according to a recent Signal Hill Insights study. YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for podcasts, with a vast global audience of over two billion active users. Publishing in multi-format (audio and video) and multi-channel (podcast and YouTube) helps podcasters expand their reach and build their community while increasing monetization opportunities. The multi-format and multi-channel approach is also opening a number of opportunities for advertisers to reach highly engaged and diverse audiences. "Podcasters are increasingly uploading their shows to YouTube as both a distribution and marketing channel and AdvertiseCast is continuing to offer richer data and insights on campaign performance for brand partners," said Anthony Savelli, SVP of Sales for AdvertiseCast. "YouTube is one of the most popular podcast listening platforms in the U.S. and usage share has steadily grown from 14% in 2019 to 24.2% in 2022. Libsyn was the first hosting company to support publishing podcasts to YouTube and this data integration furthers our commitment to the multi-channel approach and will provide better transparency to brands and advertisers." In addition to bringing IAB-compliant data into the AdvertiseCast marketplace, Libsyn has also made improvements to the workflow for publishing podcasts to YouTube. IAB-complaint stats for YouTube are also available to podcasters hosting on the Libsyn platform that have not yet chosen to monetize through the AdvertiseCast marketplace. The companies anticipate further announcements to help podcasters improve and expand reach and assist advertisers with improved transparency into the value of podcasting. About Liberated Syndication Founded in 2004, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn") is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio content. In 2021, the Company hosted over 75,000 shows with 5.8 million podcast episodes and delivered over 6 billion downloads to listeners globally. Libsyn's AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that make it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns on over 3,000 shows. Based in Munich, Germany, Libsyn's Julep Media platform is the leading podcasting hosting platform and advertising marketplace in Europe. Libsyn also powers podcast membership platform, Glow, and web hosting platform, Pair Networks. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more company information. Media Contacts: Ray Yeung + Nancy Zakhary | ray@relev8.co+ nancy@relev8.co SOURCE: Liberated Syndication, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737427/Libsyn-Announces-Partnership-with-YouTube-to-Deliver-Real-Time-Metrics-for-Podcast-Advertisers Company's New Name: Bridge Business Credit New brand signifies company's growth beyond Great Lakes region TROY, MI / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Great Lakes Business Credit, one of the nation's fastest-growing alternative commercial finance companies, has announced a rebranding, with the new name of Bridge Business Credit. Under its new name, the Bridge Business Credit team of experienced financial professionals will serve operating companies located throughout the Central and Eastern U.S. time zones. Bridge Business Credit offers creative, nimble, and flexible loan structures for businesses with potential that cannot obtain or maintain conventional financing to assure continued operation and future success. The company is focused exclusively on providing business loan commitments ranging from $500,000 to $6 million. As a privately held non-bank, BBC offers one of the widest and most accessible arrays of alternative financing resources in the industry. Bridge Business Credit has already provided more than $500 million in asset-based lending solutions, helping save companies by retaining their employees and providing growth capital. A major advantage for Bridge Business Credit is its ability to close and fund loan commitments within 21 to 30 days of proposal acceptance - much quicker than competitors. BBC has its own field examination team on staff, not needing to rely on third party sources for loan processing. Moreover, BBC does not have termination or prepayment penalties as a borrower migrates to conventional financing as soon as possible. Rhett B. Rowe, CEO, Bridge Business Credit "Our new name both describes our services of providing interim 'bridge' financing and furthers our growth path to expand our financing capabilities to more businesses seeking to regain financial stability and return to conventional financing," according to Bridge Business Credit CEO Rhett B. Rowe. "Bridge Business Credit, strengthened by a major recapitalization and its highly qualified team, is now more than ever strategically positioned to provide businesses the help they need in this extremely challenging economy." Bridge Business Credit plans to showcase its new brand identity at the Turnaround Management Association's (TMA) Distressed Investing Conference in Las Vegas which starts Jan. 31, 2023, and at numerous other financial industry events in the coming months. About Bridge Business Credit: Located in Troy, Michigan, Bridge Business Credit (formerly Great Lakes Business Credit) was established in 2002. Its experienced team of dedicated financial professionals serve companies with potential that are unable to obtain conventional financing. By working to understand their client's business, Bridge structures flexible financing with asset-based lines of credit. Eligible collateral categories include accounts receivable; inventory; machinery and equipment; as well as owner-occupied commercial real estate. Learn more at www.bridgebusinesscredit.com or by calling (248) 733-0300. SOURCE: Bridge Business Credit View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/736990/With-Expansion-Great-Lakes-Business-Credit-Rebrands NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Bloomberg: New York Harbor is cleaner and healthier than it has been in many years and the recent sightings of dolphins and whales are good indicators of the renewed health of New York City's waterways. Among the many reasons for these improvements are the local community organizations working to protect and restore our ecosystem of rivers, estuaries, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife in our waters and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Bloomberg partners with a number of nonprofits around the world to support our environment through local action, including New York Restoration Project (NYRP). Sherman Creek Park, a once illegal dumping ground along the Harlem River is now one of the few thriving wetlands in New York City, thanks to the intervention of the team at NYRP alongside groups of volunteers. Wetlands are crucial in the fight against climate change as it is estimated that they can sequester ten times more carbon than tropical forests. For decades, wetlands had disappeared dramatically in New York with only about 10 percent of its historic freshwater wetlands remaining, according to the Natural Areas Conservancy. At the heart of NYRP's wetlands restoration work was the immediate threat of climate change-induced erosion taking over parkland in the neighborhood. NYRP introduced an ecosystem-based solution called a living shoreline in 2020 consisting of an artificial oyster reef with specialized concrete blocks called Oyster Castles and native plantings to build a new habitat. This unique solution slows water levels and allows the water to deposit sediment naturally. To support the habitat, NYRP enlisted hundreds of local community and corporate volunteers to help remove nearly 25,000 pounds of trash and 17,280 pounds of compostable materials. Volunteers also planted dozens of native shrubs and ground cover. "Building a resilient shoreline that will improve the park and habitat for years to come has been an incredible experience. We could not have done it without Bloomberg and we think it's a great example of how to adapt more of NYC's shoreline in the years to come," said Jason Smith, NYRP's Director of Northern Manhattan Parks. In the spring of 2022, Bloomberg employees helped plant 3,000 spartina grass plugs as part of ongoing conservation efforts to protect the park and restore the wetlands. These native marsh grasses, alongside the adjoining artificial oyster reef, are seeing positive changes and growth that are encouraging for the community. There's an increase in blue crabs and snapping turtles in the area. Bloomberg employees will continue to lend a hand by helping remove invasive plants and clear the shoreline of debris to help NYRP continue their incredible transformation of one of Manhattan's last remaining wetlands. Today, Sherman Creek Park and the Living Shoreline serve as an outdoor classroom welcoming hundreds of visitors from the surrounding community including local schools in Washington Heights. Around the world, Bloomberg employees helped support wetlands by volunteering locally with a diverse range of nonprofit partners doing incredible work to protect our waterways, parks, communities, and planet. In California, we joined the Friends of Ballona Wetlands to help revitalize the last coastal wetland in Los Angeles - Ballona Creek. We also partnered with Save the Bay to clean up the wetlands along the Martin Luther King, Jr Shoreline in Oakland. Employees in Washington DC joined the Anacostia Watershed Society for a Wetland Restoration Workday in the wetlands of Kingman Island. In Baltimore, we teamed up with the Living Classrooms Foundation at the East Harbor Campus. In Miami, we joined the 40th Anniversary Baynanza Cleanup in Biscayne Bay, and in Brazil, we joined our environmental partner Limpa Brasil in Sao Paulo. Employees in Asia also helped maintain the Pulau Ubin mangrove in Singapore, the Arakawa wetlands in Tokyo, the wetlands in Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul, and the Pak Nai wetland area in Hong Kong. In addition, employees in Sydney volunteered at Duck Pond at Centennial Parklands, in London at the Perivale Meadow Wetlands in London, and in Dubai at the Ajman Al Zorah mangrove. Throughout all of these projects, employees helped remove invasive phragmites plants and other invasive species, as well as debris that would otherwise end up in the wetlands, on our beaches, and in the ocean. In many cases, we also helped plant native wetland grass and plants to help grow and revitalize the native habitat. Volunteering locally to support the organizations around the world working to maintain and restore coastal wetlands is just one important piece to achieving a cleaner and safer planet for future generations. At Bloomberg, we're tackling the climate crisis from every angle. Find out more about how Bloomberg Philanthropies is working to fight climate change around the world by turbocharging the clean energy transition, protecting the ocean, and supporting sustainable cities. Wetlands at Sherman Creek Park - Before and after successful establishment and growth of marsh grass plantings. Photo Credit: Craig Warga (L), Ben Hider - benhiderimages.com (R) View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bloomberg Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bloomberg View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737425/Vanishing-No-More-Restoring-a-Dying-New-York-Wetland-With-Community-Volunteering STEINBACH, MB, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RocketRez, a leading ticketing and business operations software platform powering mid-market tours and attractions, today announced the close of a US$15 million Series B funding round with Level Equity, a New York City-based growth investor focused on best-in-class software pioneers. Charles Chen from Level Equity will join the RocketRez Board of Directors as part of this transaction, joining Blueprint Equity from its previous funding round. With this funding, RocketRez will accelerate its ability to provide incredible end-to-end guest experiences in new market verticals, and extend the capabilities for leading tours and attractions already in its portfolio such as Maui Ocean Center, Xtreme Xperience, Aquarium of the Bay, and Governors Island. Beyond engineering and software development, this new investment will enable RocketRez to continue adding key leadership positions and expand its sales capabilities as it looks to new vertical markets and geographies. RocketRez will also continue to develop its partnerships and integrations. Overcoming economic challenges builds confidence among investors Over the past two years, and during the global COVID-19 pandemic, RocketRez more than doubled its growth including its portfolio of clients, dollars transacted through its platform, employee count, and geographic reach. This acceleration in growth when the travel and tourism industry was facing existential challenges caught the attention of Level Equity. Together, RocketRez and Level Equity will bring data-focused enterprise-level ticketing and business intelligence to mid-market tours and attractions. As tours and attractions transition from legacy technology toward digital maturity, RocketRez enables operators to leverage data from every touchpoint along the customer journey to enhance their on-site guest experience. "We believe in RocketRez's vision and their high-growth potential as demonstrated by the marquee clients they've onboarded and retained during these challenging times," said Charles Chen, Partner at Level Equity. "Global tourist attractions have weathered the storm in part due to the innovative solutions provided by RocketRez. They understand that technology and data are what will power their vision for the ultimate guest experience." Funding will enable more innovative guest experiences driven by customer data "The ability to capture data from multiple digital touchpoints gives operators more robust insights into customer behavior that cannot be achieved with disconnected sets of technology services," said RocketRez CEO John Pendergrast. "Level Equity's investment into RocketRez will help us accelerate more fulsome digital solutions that will deliver even better guest experiences for our customers and will enable us to expand our geographic reach." "Online and on-site ticket purchases, mobile ticket scanning, retail and food and beverage purchases, email and SMS communication, and various other interactions are all part of a single customer journey. With that information, an operator can make faster, smarter decisions about how to deliver a better guest experience, based on each visitor's preferences. Large operators have built their own platforms but for mid-market operators they need to buy an all-in-one software platform and that's what RocketRez delivers," continued Pendergrast. RocketRez is an all-in-one ticketing and operations platform geared toward mid-market tours and attractions with revenues of $2 million to $200 million which includes functionality for online and on-site ticketing through ecommerce, Point-of-Sale and contactless kiosk channels, revenue management, business intelligence, customer management as well as retail and food and beverage sales. It also includes partnerships with industry leading services for payments, hardware, channel management and peripheral software services that add value to the platform and customers. About RocketRez RocketRez powers mid-market tours and attractions and enables data-driven guest experiences with an all-in-one cloud ticketing and operations software platform. RocketRez maintains its company headquarters in Canada, where its engineering, operations, and marketing teams are based, and has a distributed salesforce throughout North America and expanding into Europe. RocketRez primarily serves mid-market clients in several key industries: boat tours and ferries, zoos and aquariums, attractions and theme parks, and museums and galleries. For more information about RocketRez, visit www.rocketrez.com. About Level Equity Level Equity is a private investment firm focused on providing capital to rapidly growing software and technology-driven businesses. Level provides long term capital across all transaction types in support of continued growth. The firm has raised $3.0 billion in committed capital, has backed over 100 companies since inception, and has offices in New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, and Greenwich, CT. For more information about Level Equity, visit www.levelequity.com . Sarah Coombs for RocketRez, 416-729-8550, scprcanada@gmail.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rocketrez-raises-us15-million-to-power-the-future-of-guest-experience-at-tours-and-attractions-301734838.html New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - The Finnish IQ testing specialist, Wiqtcom, is pleased to announce the launch of a new IQ test that has been scientifically designed to open up IQ testing and improve the intelligence of people worldwide. The Finnish IQ testing specialist, Wiqtcom, has announced the launch of a new IQ test To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/152701_41f9ab04f4a15a38_001full.jpg Wiqtcom achieved significant international attention when the company used its own data and published a list ranking the most intelligent countries in the world in 2022. The new test is free for all users, no matter their background or location, and can help them understand how to train their minds to improve their IQ. Thirty multiple-choice questions are presented for the test taker to answer. With no time limit and a commitment to providing a culture-fair experience (meaning no prior knowledge or academic ability is required to test your innate intelligence), test takers can instantly see how well they performed. Figure: Which figure is the odd one out? To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/152701_41f9ab04f4a15a38_002full.jpg Using logic to boost your intelligence Unlike other tests, this new test aims to show people the logic behind any questions that they got wrong, along with explanations for why certain answers were correct. This helps people to understand how IQ tests work and can give them insight into the type of questions that are likely to appear on Mensa-level tests. This is critical for test takers who intend to attempt to join any high-IQ society. By understanding the logical process behind these questions, test takers can hone their reasoning skills and improve their total IQ with scientifically proven methods. Expanding educational horizons Several IQ tests are available on the https://www.worldwide-iq-test.com website, including a paid option that delivers validated results and an exact IQ score. As part of Wiqtcom's commitment to continual self-improvement, an Academic Cooperation program is available to enable educational facilities to analyze students' ability with an accurate IQ test at no cost. More about this program can be found at https://www.worldwide-iq-test.com/academic-cooperation. For those with short on time: Quick IQ Test A five-question Quick IQ test is also available for those who are short on time but want to get an idea of how their intelligence stacks up. Figure: Which figure logically belongs in the empty box of the grid? To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/152701_41f9ab04f4a15a38_003full.jpg Wiqtcom invites everybody from around the world to take its tests, use its scientific methods to improve intelligence, and then retry the tests. Wiqtcom believes that everyone has the potential to become more intelligent with the right tools and motivation. Wiqtcom, the company behind the new IQ test Wiqtcom Inc. is a Finnish organization that has been testing intelligence around the world since 2019. The company believes in transparency and wants to share data and knowledge on intelligence and encourage the development of intelligence and healthy lifestyles for individuals. The company's mission is to democratize intelligence, and with that in mind, the online IQ tests have been designed. It is open to anyone from any background or location and allows them to challenge themselves and work on improving their own mental abilities. Please visit here for more information. Contact: Mikko Raassina support@worldwide-iq-test.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/152701 New SaaS solution makes finding knowledge and expertise in the digital workplace effortless Sinequa's Workplace Search is an advanced, turnkey solution that helps companies solve their ever-growing information findability challenges. Built on decades of research and product development, Sinequa's advanced search capabilities are uniquely designed for the workplace. They optimize the all-important employee experience, empowering the workforce to achieve more, duplicate less, and make better decisions every day. Leading organizations are reimagining employee productivity and collaboration with Workplace Search. In Q4 2022, Sinequa began a partnership with a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, which now uses Sinequa as a core component of its digital workplace strategy. Today, Sinequa announces Workplace Search, a solution that equips employees with fast, effortless retrieval of company knowledge. Sinequa already works with the world's largest organizations that understand the importance of company knowledge. Now, organizations of all sizes can leverage the power of Sinequa to bring business-critical knowledge straight to their employees, improving employee productivity and collaboration like never before. Sinequa's Workplace Search enables organizations to rapidly deliver relevant knowledge to their workforce so they can do their best work securely and at scale. Employees today are drowning in tools. According to a recent study by Forrester, organizations use an average 367 different software tools, creating data silos and disrupting processes between teams. As a result, employees spend 25 percent of their time searching for information instead of focusing on their jobs. "Organizations can no longer rely on siloed applications and their embedded basic keyword search. Workplace Search leverages the latest large language technology to understand users' natural language and deliver unmatched relevance and performance. Knowledge-driven organizations can now equip their employees with ubiquitous, consumer-grade search experiences across information silos," said Adrien Gabeur, VP, of Cloud SaaS at Sinequa. Hosted and optimized on Microsoft Azure the preferred partner's cloud platform Workplace Search is an advanced, turnkey product that helps companies solve their ever-growing information findability challenges. Sinequa quickly connects to any content sources for a single, secure search application that makes finding information effortless. Advanced capabilities such as natural language processing (NLP) and understanding (NLU) make Workplace Search the most capable search solution for the workplace. Employees can achieve more, duplicate less, and make better daily decisions with Workplace Search. "Finding knowledge that lives within an organization's siloed systems is a growing problem. Not only does it directly impact employee productivity, but revenue and customer outcomes. With Workplace Search, Sinequa has the potential to address the rapidly evolving needs of the workplace with advanced relevance and scalability," said Hayley Sutherland, Research Manager, Knowledge Discovery Conversational AI, IDC. Reimagine the employee experience with Workplace Search Workplace Search includes highly configurable features out of the box to power the search experience. As a SaaS-based solution with industry-certified security mechanisms, it's easy to get started and process high volumes of data, and delivers the most relevant search experiences through unique capabilities built for a new era of work. These capabilities include: Relevance from day one Over the years, Sinequa has advanced its relevance capabilities for the best search experiences. In addition to cutting-edge NLP on which the search experience is based, Workplace Search also embarks state-of-the-art Neural Search capabilities that further enhance search relevance. Actionable insights Unique and intuitive features like Presentation Builder, the ability to locate individual slides within a presentation, and the ability to directly preview documents within the search results, ensure employees can quickly surface actionable insights. Document Navigator provides quick access to key information, automatically highlighting relevant keywords and passages within the document, with no format or size limitations. Real-time collaboration Today, collaboration requires employees to know who has the knowledge and expertise they're looking for and exactly where to find it. Workplace Search enables employees to find experts on topics relevant to their search, view their related work, and collaborate by quickly starting a chat and sharing information. Sinequa Workplace Search is available now. For more information, visit https://www.sinequa.com/products/sinequa-search-cloud-as-a-service/workplace-search/ About Sinequa Sinequa enables organizations of all sizes to put their content to work through the Sinequa Search Cloud. Customers trust the Search Cloud to connect, organize, and enrich all their content, learn from employee interactions, and present contextually relevant information with every search. Employees are empowered with the knowledge, expertise, and insights needed to make fast, informed decisions. Sinequa helps customers accelerate innovation, reduce duplicate work, foster real-time collaboration, and increase productivity. For more information, visit www.sinequa.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005600/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts North America Heather Racicot Sinequa@resonancecrowd.com +1 360-632-5616 UK Jon Burch Sinequa@resonancecrowd.com 0208 819 3170 LinkedIn now offers free and discounted resources to nonprofit organizations across the globe through LinkedIn for Nonprofits SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, launched a free online Resource Hub for nonprofits through their LinkedIn for Nonprofits program to help nonprofits make the best use of the LinkedIn platform - including how to use LinkedIn Live and Events, newsletters, articles, Groups, and more. The Resource Hub, which is offered today in English, French, German, and Spanish, is the first free resource of this caliber ever created to help the nonprofit community further their mission on LinkedIn. "As a company dedicated to helping create equitable access to opportunity, knowledge and ideas, LinkedIn for Nonprofits helps nonprofit organizations advance their missions and increase their impact through our LinkedIn platform," said Meg Garlinghouse, VP of Social Impact at LinkedIn. "We are taking big steps to reduce barriers to entry that nonprofits might have. And once they are on the platform, providing them with the resources to fully use all of LinkedIn's capabilities and amplify their voice and reach on LinkedIn." According to LinkedIn research, only 19% of nonprofits on LinkedIn feel confident they're using the platform to its full potential. Many of these organizations lack the resources to make the most of LinkedIn without support. This fact led to the creation of LinkedIn for Nonprofits, which, since its launch in 2013, has grown to support hundreds of thousands of nonprofit professionals in over 200 countries. This includes discounted and donated products across LinkedIn's Talent, Fundraising, and Learning suites, a dedicated support team, and access to a community of nonprofits around the globe. "LinkedIn has been our secret weapon in the fight for social good," said Shelton Banks, CEO @ re:WORK TRAINING. "Between their sales solutions and dedicated nonprofit support team, we've been able to recruit an army of volunteers and mobilize a force of donors. We're thrilled to see LinkedIn launching a Resource Hub for nonprofits and can't wait to see the impact it will have on the sector." As of today, to supplement the 50% discount on LinkedIn product offerings, the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub will be the destination for global nonprofit professionals to access free online resources, including a collection of guides and best practices. The Resource Hub will also include custom support through live webinars and "Ask-Me-Anything" sessions, in partnership with LinkedIn's Member and Customer Success team, to answer individual questions from nonprofit professionals in real time and help nonprofit organizations to build their brand and grow their impact using LinkedIn. All content will be tailored to address the concerns nonprofits care about most, including fundraising and attracting talent, volunteers, and donors. A new 2023 LinkedIn survey of nonprofit professionals around the world revealed that finding new donors is the most common challenge nonprofit professionals are currently facing when it comes to fundraising. Over 63% of nonprofit professionals agree they've used LinkedIn to successfully connect with a potential donor, and 64% agree the people they want to connect with to raise money for their organization are on LinkedIn. "LinkedIn believes that successful nonprofits are built on a foundation of active communities and the bedrock of every successful organization is the people supporting it - its talent, donors, volunteers, program participants, and supporters, who form a powerful network of impact," said Ariana Younai, Head of LinkedIn for Nonprofits. "That's why we started LinkedIn for Nonprofits - to help nonprofits make more of the connections they need at scale, so that they can achieve their goals. The launch of our new Resource Hub is another step we are taking to make this a reality." About LinkedIn LinkedIn connects the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful, and transforms the way companies hire, market, sell, and learn. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce. LinkedIn has 900+ million members and has offices around the globe. About LinkedIn for Nonprofits LinkedIn for Nonprofits offers nonprofit organizations access to free online resources, ways to connect with the nonprofit community, and the ability to purchase discounted LinkedIn products so they can drive their missions forward. This is done by 1) educating nonprofit professionals on LinkedIn and its products through free resources, educational events, and a dedicated support team, 2) offering a significant discount on LinkedIn Talent, Learning, and Fundraising products to eligible organizations, and 3) nurturing the global nonprofit community on LinkedIn through nonprofit-specific content, Groups, and LinkedIn Live events. Media Contact: Simone Bell simobell@linkedin.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1992494/Large_Use_CMYK_Blue_LI_for_Nonprofits_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/linkedin-for-nonprofits-launches-free-linkedin-resource-hub-for-nonprofits-301734284.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Comcast Corporation Last year was full of hard work and dedication from my colleagues and our community partners to close the digital divide. I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with people across the country who are passionate about an issue that's persisted since I worked in the Clinton Administration. To close out my "digital equity tour" of 2022, I had the privilege of traveling to the great city of Atlanta to spend time with many of the city's outstanding leaders and welcoming citizens. Striking Stories One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with people whose lives are being changed through our digital equity efforts. Atlanta had no shortage of these inspiring stories. I met Shanard at a Digital Equity Summit, hosted by Inspiredu, a nonprofit that drives digital inclusion and literacy for Georgia families, communities, and schools. Shanard had recently been released from prison after having been incarcerated for more than 20 years. At first, he tried to succeed in his reentry journey without access to the Internet. But because the outside world had changed so much during his decades behind bars, he struggled. Early in 2022, Inspiredu helped Shanard enroll in Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which now provides free Internet service for millions when combined with the vouchers made available under the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program. It was a big deal for him, because it was the first time in his life that he has home-based Internet access. Shanard described his newfound access to me as a "game-changer" in his life's prospects. Through the Internet, he has already obtained three educational certifications and even started his own home inspections company. During the summit, I also participated in a fireside chat with Richard Hicks, President and CEO of Inspiredu. We discussed the importance of home-based broadband adoption, digital literacy, and digitally centered workforce development programs. We also talked about digital navigators, who are trusted individuals in the community who can help people get online and teach them digital skills. They can make a big difference in helping people, like Shanard, overcome some of the challenges of signing up for Internet service and the ACP. And we discussed how signing up isn't all that's to it; the magic of Internet access comes when people make the most of what the Internet has to offer. Attendees to the summit also heard from local community organizations as well. Representatives from Atlanta-based nonprofits TechBridge, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Westside Works, and Advocates for Kids all shared impactful stories about their efforts to increase digital adoption in the community one family at a time. Sarah Winograd-Babayueski, Program Manager at Advocates for Children, shared an especially powerful story about a mother of two her organization is helping to get back on her feet. Hard times forced this mom and her kids to live in their car and in temporary motel housing. Despite all those harsh challenges, the family's high school-aged daughter still somehow had the fortitude to complete her ACTs so she could apply for college. Sarah, and Advocates for Children, are currently working on finding permanent housing for the mom and her two children. On behalf of Comcast, I donated a free laptop to this family, and we also pledged to help them apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program once they're established in a home. Dynamic Devices Speaking of free laptops, my trip to Atlanta wouldn't have been complete without a special holiday surprise! At KIPP Vision Primary and Academy School, we announced that all 500 students from grades three to seven were receiving free laptops courtesy of Comcast. Before the pandemic started, the students at KIPP Vision were ranked at the top of their district for academic achievement. However, since schools were shut down and the students were all sent home during the pandemic, many fell behind because they lacked the tools and technology necessary for remote learning. And, the school itself subsequently fell in its academic rankings. But now, with their new laptops, all those students can get online at home to do their homework and make up for some of the learning loss that they experienced. At KIPP Vision, I also had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Yungai, a mural artist and parent of two KIPP alumni. He was so inspired by the learning environment KIPP Public Schools has created, that he decided to "give back" by designing striking murals in KIPP schools across the Atlanta area. His images help foster a culture of pride, a sense of belonging, and a dash of style. For example, in one of the hallways we toured, Muhammed had painted book spines to inspire children to grow up with a love of reading. He also painted portraits of students throughout the building so they could see themselves as the special children they are. Giving Back As a child, knowing you are valued and that your future matters to others can greatly impact your confidence and success throughout life. Growing up in Baltimore in the 1960's and 1970's, I faced challenges and experienced disparities comparable to other Black males of my generation, and even today. I was blessed by parents who refused to allow me to surrender to the obstacles. And, just as importantly, my mom and dad instilled in me the responsibility to give back and reach back. I've had unbelievable opportunities within my professional and personal life, but I'm always mindful about where I came from and how I can help create impactful change for others. This personal mission is what drives my passion to expand digital equity for all, so everyone can use their individual talents to change their lives for the better. I know that closing the digital divide carries with it the capacity to close other divides as well - housing, educational gaps, economic and work skill disparities, food insecurity, health care inequities, and so much more. I'm so proud of the work we at Comcast accomplished last year, and over the last decade. I look forward to 2023 and beyond as we travel to more cities and support more community partners in helping to get as many people connected to the Internet as possible so everyone can enjoy their own future of UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES! Broderick Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy & Executive Vice President, Digital Equity View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Comcast Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Comcast Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Comcast Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737448/Empowering-Atlanta-and-Beyond-To-Reach-Unlimited-Possibilities By Cho KyooHong On Jan. 9, the Ministry of Health and Welfare reported to President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning its 2023 plan, of which the main tasks include leaping forward as a leading country in the field of biohealth through human resource cultivation, deregulation and export support. Noting that a large number of quality jobs can be created as the biohealth industry grows, President Yoon called for strong support from the government for domestic enterprises to be up to global standards, which requires a tax benefit corresponding to that of the semiconductor sector, capacity development and a solid industrial ecosystem. The global pharmaceutical and medical device markets are valued at roughly 1,400 trillion won and 600 trillion won, respectively. The emerging digital healthcare market is projected to reach 700 trillion won by 2027, which is equivalent to the Republic of Korea's top export industry, the semiconductor industry. As such, the global healthcare market presents a great opportunity we must take advantage of. Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyoo-hong NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / TriplePundit Originally published by TriplePundit The apparel industry is well known for extensive supply chains, often with a reputation for unsustainable practices. While many apparel companies are just now making efforts to implement sustainability into their business models, HanesBrands says it has for decades been a sustainability leader in the industry. Unlike other companies in the sector, HanesBrands is in a unique position to implement extensive sustainable practices - due largely in part to a majority ownership of its supply chain. Approximately 70 percent of HanesBrands' total unit volume comes from facilities owned or controlled by the company directly. The breadth of this ownership means that the company has the opportunity and responsibility to implement direct and meaningful change. Through a focus on energy and resource efficiencies and investments in biomass renewable energy to fuel textile mills in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, HanesBrands has reduced energy usage by 33 percent and Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent since 2007, with 48 percent of the company's energy now being sourced from renewables worldwide. Water efficiency projects have resulted in a 36 percent percent reduction in water use since 2007, which in turn has fueled a further reduction in energy consumption. These significant investments in energy and manufacturing facility infrastructure have helped to significantly move the needle on the company's sustainability goals. The impact of HanesBrands' majority supply chain ownership has also laid the foundation for direct and immediate impact to the business. So why did the company invest so heavily in these projects? "First and foremost, it generated really significant cost savings to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Because we own these assets, we have been the direct beneficiary our invested capital dollar, said Chris Fox, HanesBrands's chief sustainability officer. HanesBrands' unique supply chain ownership ensures that the company's sustainability strategy extends beyond stakeholder engagement as a means of corporate responsibility. Direct control of these facilities means that sustainability can be integrated directly into the company's business model and ultimately its bottom line. While the majority of HanesBrands' supply chain lies under its direct control, the company says the remaining 30 percent is not immune to the scrutiny of its sustainability vision. From the responsible sourcing of cotton, 61 percent of which is grown in the United States, to the preference of land and sea transportation in lieu of air as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to the company's work with third-party groups such as the Fair Labor Association, HanesBrands says its entire supply chain is assessed through the lens of sustainability. The final piece of HanesBrands' supply chain - consumer use - is one where the company is proactively reaching out to consumers, primarily through active awareness-building. "Convincing the consumer to wash in cold water, for example - there is no greater impact that any of us can have on carbon emissions generated to make and care for apparel," Fox said. "Hanes has teamed up with Tide to educate consumers about the small steps we all can take, like washing clothes in cold water. About half of the total greenhouse gas emissions generated over the life cycle of apparel comes from heating water in the laundry room." On a broader scale, HanesBrands understands that innovations in supply chain sustainability extend beyond the bottom line. With the advantages of its significant market share, majority supply chain ownership and affordable products, HanesBrands' business model not only brings necessary innovations to the apparel industry, but also allows consumers to vote with their dollar and purchase affordable products that support future innovations in sustainable apparel supply chains. "Our model is bringing sustainability to the masses. It is sustainability at a much more affordable price point," Fox said. "Through our efforts, we want the consumer to be able to know and trust that they are buying truly sustainable products because of the breadth of our overall sustainability processes and program - and that it really can be affordable. Sustainability can be affordable for everybody." HanesBrands has a significant advantage in implementing sustainability within its supply chain. While most other companies in the apparel industry do not have this level of direct and immediate impact, HanesBrands' initiatives can serve as a lesson to the sector that investment in innovation, resource efficiency, and consumer awareness are more than the bastion of corporate sustainability reports. Sustainability as value can help shape the company ethos, but utilization of sustainability as a business model ensures lasting and industry-wide change. This article series is sponsored by HanesBrands and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team. Images courtesy of HanesBrands View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from TriplePundit on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: TriplePundit Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/triplepundit Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: TriplePundit View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737450/The-Sustainability-Advantages-of-a-Majority-Owned-Supply-Chain-in-the-Apparel-Industry McKinnon Legal, a family law firm based in Miramar, Florida, is pleased to announce that it is now offering divorce and mediation services to same-sex couples in the South Florida region, including Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. Miramar, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - McKinnon Legal, a family law firm based in Miramar, Florida, is pleased to announce that it is now offering divorce and mediation services to same-sex couples in the South Florida region. The firm has extensive experience handling the unique legal issues that may arise in these cases and is committed to providing supportive and compassionate representation to its clients. "McKinnon Legal seeks to understand the challenges that same-sex couples may face when going through a divorce," said a spokesperson for the South Florida Family Law Firm. "That's why they work closely with their clients to find personalized solutions that meet their individual needs and goals, and provide them with the highest level of legal representation." McKinnon Legal Miami-Dade Same-Sex Divorce & Mediation, Asset Division Attorneys To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/153030_8bee0e1cf49cc99e_001full.jpg The firm's website, https://mckinnon-legal.com/miramar-divorce-lawyer/same-sex/, offers information on the divorce process for same-sex couples in Florida, as well as the rights and protections available to them under state law. In addition to divorce and mediation services, McKinnon Legal also provides assistance with a variety of other family law matters, including child custody and support. Some of the unique challenges of the dissolution of marriage for same-sex couples which can have unique complications compared similar marriages of heterosexual couples can include: Legal recognition: In some states, same-sex marriage may not be legally recognized, which can make it difficult for couples to obtain a same-sex divorce. Division and Equitable distribution of marital assets: In cases where a couple has been together for a long time, they may have accumulated a significant amount of joint assets. Dividing these assets fairly can be challenging, particularly if the couple lives in a state that does not have clear guidelines for the division of assets in same-sex divorce cases. Many divorce attorneys are not equipped to handle the unique challenges that come from same-sex couple unions that dissolve, in part because there is often unclear guidelines as to which partner - if either - is owed anything like permanent alimony. Child custody: If a same-sex couple has minor children, determining custody, parental rights, and visitation arrangements can be complex. In some cases, one partner may not be recognized as a legal parent, which can make it difficult for them to assert their rights to custody or visitation, a unique challenge in gay marriages. Health insurance: If a couple has been covered under one partner's health insurance, the divorce process may involve figuring out how to obtain coverage for both partners. Pension and retirement benefits: Dividing pension and retirement benefits can be complicated in any divorce case, but it can be particularly challenging for same-sex couples in states that do not recognize their marriages. Social stigma: Some same-sex couples may face discrimination or stigma during the divorce process, which can be emotionally difficult to navigate. These are just a few of the challenges that same-sex couples may face when getting a divorce. It is important for couples to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney who can help them navigate these challenges and protect their rights. Recently, Christina McKinnon, founder of McKinnon Legal, appeared on The Attorney Post Podcast to discuss her practice and her approach to family law in South Florida. During the interview, Christina spoke about the importance of understanding her clients' needs and goals, and working with them to find personalized solutions to their legal issues. She also emphasized the importance of compassionate and understanding representation for clients going through the often-difficult process of divorce and child custody matters. In addition to discussing her practice and approach to family law, Christina also shared insights on the current state of the legal industry in South Florida and the challenges and opportunities that lawyers in the region are facing. Overall, it was a valuable and informative discussion that provided valuable insights into the world of family law in South Florida. McKinnon Legal serves clients in the Miami-Dade County area and throughout South Florida, including cities such as Miami, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. McKinnon Legal's South Florida office can be reached via their website or by calling (305) 416-0045. Contact Info: Name: Christine McKinnon Email: christina@mckinnon-legal.com Organization: McKinnon Legal Address: 2750 SW 145th Avenue Suite 106, Miramar, FL 33027, United States Website: https://McKinnon-Legal.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153030 The orthopedic digit implants market is predicted to grow positively due to the growing geriatric population and rising prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the growing number of orthopedic conditions will drive the growth of the orthopedic digit implants market LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading orthopedic digit implants companies' market shares, challenges, orthopedic digit implants market drivers, barriers, and trends, and key orthopedic digit implants companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global orthopedic digit implants market during the forecast period. is anticipated to dominate the global orthopedic digit implants market during the forecast period. Notable orthopedic digit implants companies such as Acumed LLC, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Arthrex, Inc., VILEX, LLC, Merete GmbH, Anika Therapeutics, Inc., Advin Health Care, Bond Well Ortho Products., Zimmer Biomet., Teijin Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd., Safe Orthopaedics, ArthroCare Corporation, and several others are currently operating in the orthopedic digit implants market. and several others are currently operating in the orthopedic digit implants market. On January 10, 2023 , Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, announced its ACL TightRope implant had received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric indications. a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, announced its ACL TightRope implant had received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric indications. In December 2022 , Oxford Performance Materials, Inc. , an industry leader in advanced polymer science, coating technologies, and 3D-printed biomedical devices is collaborating with Jajal Medical, a leader in 3D visualization and digital planning, to provide a fully integrated solution for patients with major bone defects who require customized orthopedic implants. , an industry leader in advanced polymer science, coating technologies, and 3D-printed biomedical devices is collaborating with Jajal Medical, a leader in 3D visualization and digital planning, to provide a fully integrated solution for patients with major bone defects who require customized orthopedic implants. In December 2022 , Canary Medical , a medical data company focused on developing and commercializing its patented implantable sensor technology and complementary data and analytics ecosystem, announced the release of Canary Quantiles Recovery Curves, its first orthopedic analytic module. , a medical data company focused on developing and commercializing its patented implantable sensor technology and complementary data and analytics ecosystem, announced the release of Canary Quantiles Recovery Curves, its first orthopedic analytic module. In February 2022 , Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, Medical Devices Companies announced that DePuy Synthes, the Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, had acquired CrossRoads Extremity Systems, a Tennessee -based foot and ankle company that provides a broad range of procedure-specific, sterile-packed implants and instrumentation systems cleared for lower extremity indications. To read more about the latest highlights related to the orthopedic digit implants market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Report Orthopedic Digit Implants Overview An orthopedic digit implant is a docile medical device made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or stainless steel, with a plastic coating that functions as artificial cartilage. These implants are used to replace missing or damaged bones in small joint segments such as the knee, ankles, toes, elbow, and fingers. The main factors driving the growth of the orthopedic digit implants market are an increase in orthopedic disease cases and an increase in the global geriatric population. Orthopedic digit implants on the market include intramedullary toe implants, hemi phalangeal implants, metacarpal joint implants, and scaphoid bone implants. Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Insights North America is expected to account for a sizable portion of the global orthopedic digit implants market. The region's growing geriatric population and rising prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis will drive up demand for orthopedic digit implants in North America, driving up overall orthopedic digit implants market growth. Furthermore, growing awareness and demand for minimally invasive surgeries will drive overall orthopedic digit implants market growth in North America. Additionally, due to the region's strong economic position and well-developed healthcare infrastructure, the orthopedic digit implants market in the region will grow during the forecast period (2022-2027). Moreover, the product launch in the region will tend to increase the orthopedic digit implants market growth. For instance, on January 10, 2023, Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive surgical technology, announced its ACL TightRope implant had received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric indications. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the orthopedic digit implants market, get a snapshot of the Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Outlook Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Dynamics The orthopedic digit implants market is experiencing increased product demand for a variety of reasons. The increasing prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis around the world is expected to boost the orthopedic digit implants market. Furthermore, the growing number of geriatric patients will increase the demand for orthopedic digit implants, as geriatric people are more prone to orthopedic disorders. However, stringent regulatory approvals and hypersensitivity, implant displacement, infections after surgery, and implant toxicity may impede the growth of the orthopedic digit implants market. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a minor impact on the orthopedic digit implants market. There was a significant shortage at the start of the disease, which was attributed to the imposition of stringent lockdowns to prevent the virus from spreading. Compared to patients suffering from coronavirus, hospital admissions for rheumatoid arthritis, orthopedic disorders, and other chronic disorders were not prioritized. Some types of medical devices were no longer manufactured. Furthermore, during the pandemic, surgeries were temporarily halted. The physician has either postponed or canceled the semi-urgent and elective cases to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, the orthopedic digit implants market has gained traction with the vaccination of the masses and the resumption of resources and raw materials. Get a sneak peek at the orthopedic digit implants market dynamics @ Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Dynamics Analysis Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 2019-2027 Base Year 2021 Orthopedic Digit Implants Market CAGR ~7% Projected Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Size by 2027 USD 134.53 Million Key Orthopedic Digit Implants Companies Acumed LLC, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Arthrex, Inc., VILEX, LLC, Merete GmbH, Anika Therapeutics, Inc., Advin Health Care, Bond Well Ortho Products., Zimmer Biomet., Teijin Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd., Safe Orthopaedics, ArthroCare Corporation, among others Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Assessment Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Segmentation Market Segmentation By Product Type: Meta Tarsal Joint Implants, Meta Carpal Joint Implants, Toe Intramedullary Digit Implants, Scophoid Bone Digit Implants, and Hemiphalangeal Digit Implants Meta Tarsal Joint Implants, Meta Carpal Joint Implants, Toe Intramedullary Digit Implants, Scophoid Bone Digit Implants, and Hemiphalangeal Digit Implants Market Segmentation By Material Type: Pyrocarbon, Titanium, Ninitol, and Others Pyrocarbon, Titanium, Ninitol, and Others Market Segmentation By End User: Hospitals, Speciality Orthopedic Clinics, and Others Hospitals, Speciality Orthopedic Clinics, and Others Market Segmentation By Geography : North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of World : , , , and Rest of World Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOL's Views, Analyst's View Which MedTech key players in the orthopedic digit implants market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Orthopedic Digit Implants Companies Table of Contents 1 Report Introduction 2 Executive summary 3 Regulatory and Patent Analysis 4 Key Factors Analysis 5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 6 COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Orthopedic Digit Implants Market 7 Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Layout 8 Global Company Share Analysis - Key 3-5 Companies 9 Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Company and Product Profiles 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight Interested in knowing the orthopedic digit implants market by 2027? Click to get a snapshot of the Orthopedic Digit Implants Market Trends Related Reports Orthopedic Braces and Support Systems Market Orthopedic Braces and Support Systems Market Insights, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecast - 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key orthopedic braces and support systems companies, including Ottobock, Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics, LeTourneau Prosthetics and Orthotics, among others. Orthopedic Prosthesis Devices Market Orthopedic Prosthesis Devices Market Insights, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecast - 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key orthopedic prosthesis devices companies, including Ottobock, Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics, LeTourneau Prosthetics and Orthotics, Advanced Arm Dynamics, among others. 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It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Connect with us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Additionally, get in touch with our business executive to explore @ Healthcare Due Diligence Services Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +1(919)321-6187 https://www.delveinsight.com/medical-devices Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-global-orthopedic-digit-implants-market-to-observe-impressive-growth-at-a-cagr-of-7-by-2027--delveinsight-301734305.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / By Meryl Richards, Ceres Director, Food and Forests There is much discussion around what a just transition looks like in sectors such as energy and industry, but one that has received less consideration is the food and agriculture sector - where it is a critical issue. Responsible for approximately one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, the food sector is a critical player in the transition to a lower emissions economy, as well as acutely exposed to the impacts of climate change. Under increased pressure from consumers and investors to address these risks, more companies are announcing their climate transition plans, including many leaders in the food and agriculture sector. In creating their climate transition plans, food companies must address risks to the most critical actors in the sector: farmers and farmworkers. A just transition means supporting farmers and farmworkers in the transition to lower emissions modes of production, along with addressing the physical impacts of climate change Not only does their work underpin the sector's supply chain, but these individuals will have ultimate responsibility for making the necessary changes to protect our food system from climate change and reduce emissions from agricultural production. By supporting them in doing so, companies can help create agricultural production models that are more sustainable, regenerative, and profitable than the current one. Building on Ceres Roadmap 2030 and the CA100+ Just Transition indicator, a new report from Ceres discusses the importance of ensuring the climate transition in the food and agricultural sector is fair and equitable for farmers and farmworkers. Climate Transition Plans in the U.S. Food Sector: Addressing Risks to Farmers and Farmworkers outlines the business case for assessing and tackling risks impacts to these groups and offers guidance to companies and investors on what effective just and inclusive transition plans should include. The business case for addressing risks to farmers and farmworkers Food companies must understand and address the impacts of both climate change and the transition to lower emission production methods on farmers and farmworkers because they pose significant business risks that could destabilize entire supply chains. Climate change is creating dangerous heat conditions for farmers and farmworkers. In the U.S., for instance, extreme heat already threatens the health of farmworkers and exacerbates labor shortages, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100F during the labor-intensive harvest season in the West and South. Farmers and farmworkers in the Global South face similar risks, made more severe by the predicted intensity of climate impacts and existing conditions such as poverty and food insecurity. Increased heat and precipitation changes - along with catastrophic storms - are also already reducing agricultural yields and causing geographic shifts in crop production. Such impacts have the potential to disrupt supply chains as well as put economic strain on farmers and rural communities, with more severe impacts for BIPOC and smallholder farmers. Meanwhile, technologies that can help increase resilience and reduce emissions, such as precision agriculture to reduce fertilizer-induced emissions or feed additives to tackle enteric methane, have the potential to create new jobs but also require initial or ongoing investments on-farm. The shift to less emission-intensive sourcing may reinforce inequalities by privileging wealthier farmers who have the resources to manage the costs and potential risk of new technologies. Such a shift has the potential to exclude groups disadvantaged by racism or discrimination, such as BIPOC and Indigenous farmers, women, and those without secure land tenure. What companies can do to ensure a just and inclusive transition The transition to more resilient and lower-emissions modes of production can bring new business opportunities, but companies need to support farmers and farmworkers to fully realize those benefits. The report explains concrete actions that companies can take to help craft climate transition plans that are equitable and inclusive. Companies can start by understanding and acknowledging addressing risks to farmers and farmworkers within their supply chain and committing to addressing them. If companies do not have a human rights policy, they should develop one in line with the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. That policy should be complemented by formal recognition of the unique challenges that climate change poses for farmers and farmworkers and the potential effects of the company's transition strategy on those groups and a commitment to reduce emissions in line with recognized just transition principles. In developing transition plans, companies should include plans to address climate risks to farmers and farmworkers. Components of such plans may include strategies to share the cost of the transition to climate smart practices by providing financial and technical assistance and retaining, upskilling, or compensating affected workers. Companies should also support policy and regulations that support farmers and farmworkers in improving the resilience of agricultural systems and reducing agricultural GHG emissions, as well as legislation that protects farmworkers from dangerous conditions. Importantly, a just transition requires both fair outcomes and fair process. Plans must be developed in consultation with affected suppliers, workers, and communities in order for companies to fully understand both the opportunities and challenges of the transition and how to mitigate the potential risks. Finally, companies should develop clear key performance indicators to track progress on their just transition commitments and disclose regularly against those indicators. While the food and agriculture sector urgently need transformation, companies must ensure that climate transition plans are just and equitable for all its stakeholders, especially the ones who the sector most depends on. By taking these actions, companies can help generate the most benefits - both as a corporation and for the farmers and farmworkers in their supply chains. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Ceres on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Ceres Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/ceres Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Ceres View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737457/What-Companies-and-Investors-Need-to-Know-about-a-Just-Climate-Transition-in-the-Food-Sector The new Ion8 OneTouch 2.0 Evo water bottle has received the highly prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award in 2022. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005828/en/ New OneTouch 2.0 Evo (Photo: Business Wire) Keeping in line with their current OneTouch water bottle, OneTouch 2.0 Evo maintains Ion8's unique one-handed opening with one simple click and smooth flow for safe, spill-free enjoyment. In addition the new OneTouch Evo includes a triple lock system for peace of mind when using the bottle on-the-go. Paired with a full-flip hygiene spout cover the Ion8 OneTouch 2.0 Evo is 100% leakproof in transit, cup holder friendly, and includes a clip-away carry handle. With the added features of being both dishwasher safe and easy to clean, the Evo is odour resistant for fresh flavours all day. Made with recyclable BPA Free carbon neutral bio-plastics made with plants, or endlessly recyclable stainless steel, the Evo are sustainable, reusable, carbon neutral, and stay true to climate friendly ethos of Ion8. The simple elegance of the Ion8 OneTouch 2.0 Evo allows for a stylish and timeless look with the most advanced design technology created by Ion8 yet. OneTouch 2.0 Evo will be available from February 2023. About GOOD DESIGN GOOD DESIGN is an international symbol of a company's firm commitment to innovation and superior design embodiment. Materials and products are kept in the Museum's Permanent Design Collection and frequently exhibited in the United States and abroad. The emphasis of the GOOD DESIGN program is on quality design of the highest form, function, and aesthetics a standard beyond ordinary consumer products and graphics, and forwards the ideals of a design process that embodies product excellence and endurance and strong public identity. For more than 70 years, designers and manufacturers across fifty nations are honoured for their singular achievements in producing hallmarks of contemporary design. Subsequently, honouring both products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace. The Chicago Athenaeum continues the organization of the program to create a revived awareness about contemporary design. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005828/en/ Contacts: Contact Person: Debbie Wann Email: debbie@aydya.co.uk NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / On Monday, January 16, 2022, over 1,000 Georgia Power employees and their loved ones volunteered in more than 30 service projects throughout the state, which has been noted as the largest volunteer turnout to date. Through partnerships with Hands On Atlanta, United Way, along with local churches and food pantries, employees spent the day serving their communities. "We're really excited about what we've got going on this year," said J.D. Wilson, president of the general office chapter of the Georgia Power Citizens, the company's employee volunteer organization. "At the core of our company, we want to make sure our communities are better because we are engaged in them. That starts with volunteering and taking part in events that make life better for our neighbors." Employee volunteerism in communities around the state has long been a hallmark of Georgia Power, going back at least a century, and is recognized in its longstanding motto, "A Citizen Wherever We Serve." In 2022, Georgia Power employees reported over 42,000 hours of community outreach. To learn more about the company's commitment to the future of Georgia, visit www.georgiapower.com/community. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Southern Company Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Southern Company View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737461/Georgia-Power-Celebrates-MLK-Day-as-a-Day-On-With-Largest-Volunteer-Response-on-Record Regulatory News: The Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders of Targetspot SA (Paris:ALTGS) (Brussels:ALTGS) held on 31 January 2023 approved the change in the company name to Llama Group SA. The new name opens a new chapter in the history of the company, which has refocused on the Winamp entity and its three brands (Winamp, Jamendo and Bridger) following the sale of the Targetspot-Shoutcast digital audio business to Azerion, the transaction having been finalised on 23 December 2022. The change in name is accompanied by a new stock market identity. Listed on Euronext Growth in Paris and Brussels, the ticker of the Llama Group share will be ALLAM (previously ALTGS), effective no later than the start of trading on 3 February 2023. The share keeps its current ISIN (BE0974334667). It also remains eligible for the PEA-PME small caps equity savings plan. NEXT EVENT Annual results 26 april 2023 after market close About Llama Group Llama Group is a leader and pioneer in digital music. With an extensive know-how covering many sectors of its business, the group owns the iconic music platform Winamp, the copyright management company Bridger and the music licensing company Jamendo. Llama Group aims to build the future of the music industry by continuously investing in the robustness and range of innovative solutions, as well as in the talent and capabilities of music-loving people. The group lives by the values of its companies: empowerment, access, simplicity, and fairness. At its core, Winamp has always stood for empowerment and the love of music. Winamp envisions a world where artists and fans are connected like never before through a cutting-edge music platform. Bridger's mission is to support songwriters by offering them an innovative and easy solution for online copyright collection. And finally, Jamendo allows additional revenue streams to independent artists through licensing. The Llama Group has a strong international footprint and all of its brands operate globally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005879/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Marianne Py mpy@actifin.fr Media Relations Isabelle Dray idray@actifin.fr Ghent, Belgium, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Press release - regulated information Biotalys NV, today announces that 10,000 new shares were issued on 18 January 2023 as a result of the exercise of subscription rights under the Company's long term incentive plan. In view hereof, and in accordance with article 15 of the Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major shareholdings (the "Belgian Act"), the outstanding share capital and outstanding voting securities of the Company can be summarised as follows: Share capital: EUR 44,564,320.02 Total number of securities carrying voting rights: 30,959,454 (all ordinary shares) Total number of voting rights (= denominator): 30,959,454 (all relating to ordinary shares) Number of rights to subscribe for securities carrying voting rights not yet issued: 2,162,109 "ESOP Warrants", entitling their holders to subscribe for a total number of 2,162,109 profit certificates which will, if and when issued, automatically convert into a total number of maximum 1,081,052 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares) 700,252 "ESOP IV Warrants", entitling their holders to subscribe for a total number of maximum 700,252 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares). Under ESOP IV an additional number of 1,021,407 ESOP IV Warrants are still available for future grants. 6,500 share units, awarded in aggregate to the independent directors of the Company in the framework of its remuneration policy. Each share unit contains the obligation - subject to vesting of all share units - to subscribe to one new share of the Company at an issue price of one EUR per share-unit. Cash settlement is possible. The conditions of the share units are described in the remuneration policy of the Company. The Company has no outstanding convertible bonds or non-voting shares. Pursuant to the Belgian Act, a notification to the Company and the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is required by all natural and legal persons in each case where the percentage of voting rights attached to the securities held by such persons in the Company reaches, exceeds or falls below the threshold of 5%, 10%, and every subsequent multiple of 5%, of the total number of voting rights in the Company. For further information, please contact: Toon Musschoot, Head Investor Relations & Communication T: +32 (0)9 274 54 00 E: Toon.Musschoot@biotalys.com About Biotalys Biotalys is an Agricultural Technology. Attachments Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares For immediate release 31 January 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 125,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 872.10 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 14,059,887; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 210,931,416. The figure of 210,931,416 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / Bath & Body Works Perfumer Michael R. Carby has created some of Bath & Body Works' most-loved fragrances and is a mentor to others in the industry. Perfumer Michael R. Carby has created some of Bath & Body Works' most-loved fragrances, including Cactus Blossom, Sun Washed Citrus, Eucalyptus Rain and Beach Weather. In honor of Black History Month, we're highlighting Carby, his inspirations and his innovative work in this field. Carby is a perfumer at the Givaudan fragrance house, a key Bath & Body Works partner. His work resonates around the globe, in the universal language of fragrance. How did you get started? I first joined the fragrance industry in 1993 working as an analytical chemist for the Egyptian company, KATO Flavors & Fragrances. My primary responsibilities were to analyze the molecular constitution of essential oils and fragrances. Through my curiosity and a newfound passion for the creative side of the industry, I began working more and more on creative fragrance development and grew to love perfumery. Was there anyone who helped you along the way? There have been several wonderful individuals who have structured my career. Ultimately, Givaudan President and CEO Gilles Andrier and his wife Master Perfumer Daniela Andrier granted me the opportunity to join the creative sector of our organization. The belief and trust extended was not only exhilarating but heartfelt. I consider Mr. and Mrs. Andrier true pioneers of diversity in the field. Outside of the work you've done with Bath & Body Works, you've been instrumental in some fun, noteworthy products like working with the artist Drake on his signature scent. What do you love most about what you do? It has been said, "When your fragrance is mentioned in a rap song, you have truly created something special." For me, the creative process is a dance between an empirical science and the subjectivity of art. It's amazing to see certain fragrances grow, from something personal, to becoming a movement. I most enjoy evaluating ingredients, accords and fragrances with the individuals who have asked for my mentorship. You share that your background in Jamaica helped open a new world for you. Can you share more? I was born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, an industrial city in the English Midlands famous for its pottery and bone china. My parents first introduced my older brother, sister and I to their homeland in Jamaica in 1977. Comparing the steel and concrete of an industrialized European nation, the cow fields soaked with chimney soot and hard rain, to a Caribbean rainforest filled with lush fruits and mosquitoes was quite a life-changing experience. Can you share anything with us about your unique approach to fragrance development? My strategies for development may differ from others due to my unique journey through the industry, navigating the scientific principles of fragrance chemistry while superimposing an interpretation of olfactory beauty and perfection. I was not classically trained but was surrounded with essential oils and ingredients from every corner of the world. I would never compare my creative prowess to the late and great Jimi Hendrix, but sometimes an individual is able to synthesize a harmonic pattern with only an instrument, devoid of sheet music and formal instruction. Risk-taking and passion-sharing might best describe the end product of my creative agenda. Having a mentor was an important part of helping you get where you are today. How important is mentoring the next generation of fragrancers to you? Mentorship is a partnership - the sharing of thoughts and ideas amongst individuals who might not always define the characteristics and descriptions of scent similarly. I often tease those who I mentor that I am learning more from them than they could possibly learn from me. Each generation has to be given the guidance and opportunity to express their creativity based upon the experience of a good mentor and the freedom to evolve. What do you hope for the future of your field? I hope to see growth within our industry - an industry where the beauty of each creation and creator is reflective of the diversity of ingredients which when blended brings joy and happiness to each and every soul. I hope to be an ambassador of this purpose and continue to evolve a fragrance culture with the young and soon-to-be superstars of the industry. Bath & Body Works is committed to developing the next generation of perfumers. We're proud to support the American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program which awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups majoring in chemistry-related disciplines. The Bath & Body Works Foundation is donating $170,000 to support the ACS Scholars Program's mission and help open doors for the next generation of chemists to pursue perfumery or wherever their passion for chemistry takes them. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bath & Body Works on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bath & Body Works Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bath-body-works Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bath & Body Works View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737487/Bath-Body-Works-Celebrates-Perfumer-Michael-R-Carby-During-Black-History-Month At North Port inside Port of Busan, about 10,000 fans of BTS gather to watch the K-pop band's concert streaming live from Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Oct. 15, 2022. North Port, the city's up-and-coming urban space, will be the center of the city's presentation for a Bureau International des Expositions delegation visiting in April. Yonhap City seeks to capitalize on North Port's attractiveness, citizens' passion By Ko Dong-hwan The mayor of Busan expressed confidence that Korea's second-largest city will secure the lead in the race to host World Expo 2030 by impressing a delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) due to arrive in April. Mayor Park Heong-joon intends to highlight the southern port city's uniqueness during the BIE's planned visit to assess the feasibility of the bid. He plans to make the North Port redevelopment project, a new urban space being created inside the Port of Busan, the centerpiece of the city's expo bid presentation. The mayor said the southern port city's strategic location in Northeast Asia and its ongoing urban rejuvenation process are its major strengths. "Various public transport routes and convenient access make North Port a good focal point to appeal to the BIE," the mayor told The Korea Times, Thursday. "And we will stress that all Busan residents are rooting for the bid from their hearts. Such grassroots spirit constitutes the essence of realizing the true value of an expo." North Port is where the Port of Busan one of the 10 busiest container ports in the world that transported 425 million tons of goods in 2022 alone took its first steps, starting in 1876. Then the rest, of what is now a gigantic shipyard, gradually expanded, while North Port went on losing its significance as a harbor while increasingly becoming the city's experimental urban space. Now, residential apartments are creating a new skyline, while the city government is redeveloping the area as a new culture, business and leisure hub. A new opera house is under construction, with completion scheduled for 2025. Also, BTS' concert at Busan Asiad Main Stadium last October was live-streamed via a giant screen set up at the old shipyard in front of 10,000 fans and watched from across the world. The intergovernmental organization for the expo, which has 170 member states, is expected to dispatch eight envoys, including Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes, officials from the headquarters in Paris and representatives from member states, which has yet to decide which city to vote for Busan, Riyadh, Rome and Odesa. After visiting Seoul first, the envoys are then expected to stay in Busan from April 4-6. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon speaks during an interview with The Korea Times, June 26, at his office in Busan Metropolitan City Hall. Courtesy of Busan Metropolitan City SAN DIEGO, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a new survivable Air-Launched Effect (ALE) for the first time as part of a flight demonstration based out of the Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, on Dec. 8, 2022. The ALE, known as Eaglet, was launched from a U.S. Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Eaglet flight was jointly funded by GA-ASI and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC). "The first flight of the Eaglet was an important milestone for the GA-ASI/U.S. Army team," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "Eaglet is intended to be a low-cost, survivable UAS with the versatility to be launched from a Gray Eagle, rotary-wing aircraft, or ground vehicles. It enables extended reach of sensors and increased lethality while providing survivability for manned aircraft." Eaglet fits into the 'ALE Large' category, which encompasses larger, more powerful sensors or payloads. Because of its design, Eaglet is capable of carrying a diverse range of payloads in support of multiple Army missions. Eaglet design extends battlefield options for commanders while reducing their decision cycles. Gray Eagle can carry Eaglet for thousands of kilometers before launching it while being controlled through unmanned-unmanned teaming or as a component of advanced teaming command and control concepts. Eaglet can work in concert with other long-range payloads carried by Gray Eagles, helicopters, or other platforms to support deep sensing in Multi-Domain Operations. With this successful flight of the Eaglet, GA-ASI will work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to feature it in other exercises to further determine its potential. The Eaglet is the newest entry into GA-ASI's Evolution Series of advanced UAS concepts. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.. Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. # # # Contact Information: GA-ASI Media Relations GA-ASI Media Relations asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com +1 (858) 524-8101 Sharyn Nerenberg Media Contact, Hughes Network Systems sharyn.nerenberg@hughes.com (301) 428-7124 Susan Ong External Communications, SES suzanne.ong@ses.com +352 710 725 500 Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Noram Lithium, Western Metallica, Palamina Corp, Trillion Energy, ARway and Eloro Resources discussing their latest news. The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. Noram Lithium Corp (TSXV:NRM) announces significant increase in its estimated mineral resources at the Zeus Lithium Project Noram Lithium (NRM) announced a significant increase in its estimated mineral resources at the Zeus Lithium Project in Nevada. The company reports an increase of 190 per cent in Measured and Indicated lithium carbonate equivalent Resources from the August 2021 MRE. CEO Greg McCunn sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the news. For the full interview with Greg McCunn and to learn about Noram Lithium, click here. Western Metallica Resources (TSXV:WMS) announces drill program updates Western Metallica Resources (WMS) released updates from its various mineral projects in Spain. The Penedela Project saw a total of 2,236 metres drilled across 12 holes from 2020 to 2022, to a maximum depth of 335.6 metres. Greg Duras, CEO of Western Metallica Resources, sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the company's plans. For the full interview with Greg Duras and to learn about Western Metallica Resources, click here. Palamina (TSXV:PA) encounters surface and underground gold at Usicayos Palamina (PA) has returned 5.1 g/t gold over 4 m (surface) and 15.4 g/t gold over 2.7 m (underground) from its Usicayos Gold Project in Peru. The results stem from the second field program in the Sol de Oro Zone completed in December 2022. President and CEO Andrew Thomson spoke with Sabrina Cuthbert about the new gold results and future exploration. For the full interview with Andrew Thomson and to learn about Palamina, click here. Trillion Energy (CSE:TCF) to commence 3D seismic reprocessing project for SASB Trillion Energy has announced the commencement of its 3D seismic reprocessing project for SASB. The new seismic model will provide a more accurate mapping of individual gas reservoir units, provide better imaging of the gas trapping faults and superior structural maps. The model will identify and define stratigraphic exploration gas prospects (to which there are many on SASB), but which have never been drilled. For the full interview with Arthur Halleran and to learn about Trillion Energy, click here. ARway Corp (CSE:ARWY) announces major upgrades to its spatial computing wayfinding platform ARway (ARWY) has launched major upgrades to its spatial computing wayfinding platform. Upgrades include spatial video content, full occlusion, and enhancements to the user experience of the ARway Creator Portal. Evan Gappelberg, CEO of ARway, sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the news. For the full interview with Evan Gappelberg and to learn about ARway, click here. Eloro Resources (TSXV:ELO) provides exploration updates from the Iska Iska Project Eloro Resources Ltd. (ELO) announced assay results from additional diamond drill holes from the Iska Iska silver-tin polymetallic project in southern Bolivia. The Iska Iska silver-tin polymetallic project is a royalty-free property located in southern Bolivia. Bill Pearson, Executive VP of Exploration, provided Sabrina Cuthbert with exploration updates. For the full interview with Bill Pearson and to learn about Eloro Resources Ltd., click here. Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit? The Power Play by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. 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CONTACT: The Market Herald marketing@themarketherald.ca themarketherald.ca SOURCE:?The Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737530/The-Power-Play-by-The-Market-Herald-Releases-New-Interviews-with-Noram-Lithium-Western-Metallica-Palamina-Corp-Trillion-Energy-ARway-and-Eloro-Resources-Discussing-Their-Latest-News Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) today announced that it has been included in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) for the third year running. With an overall score of 80.6%, surpassing the index average score of 73%, PMI joins an A-list of global companies committed to transparency in gender reporting and advancing equality in the workplace. "Achieving gender balance at all levels of the company is one of our top priorities, and I am delighted that our efforts are recognized again in this year's index," commented Silke Muenster, Chief Diversity Officer at PMI. "While we are making significant progress, we know we need to keep our foot on the acceleration pedal. An inclusive workplace that leverages the full talents of both women and men is crucial to our smoke-free vision, making our organization more innovative, resourceful, and engaged." In 2022, PMI achieved its target of ensuring at least 40% female representation in managerial roles and announced a new target to achieve 35% of women in senior roles by the end of 2025. Other initiatives to further gender equality at PMI include the following. Becoming the first EQUAL-SALARY globally certified company (March 2019) and the first company to be re-certified (April 2022), confirming equal pay for equal work for women and men everywhere PMI operates (90+ countries). Addressing gender bias in talent assessments-including in recruitment, performance management, and opportunities for promotion. Evolving how businesses measure inclusion. PMI sponsored pioneering research by the IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, published in 2022, on how inclusion is measured and how this should evolve to drive impact. We are now piloting a new way to measure inclusion within PMI. Introduction of global inclusive parental leave guidelines (2021). Launching an employee resource group for women, to provide a supportive place to inspire and empower women to advance their skills, expand their network, and unlock their full potential. Celebrating the talents of women by launching a women-in-leadership program to support females in leadership positions. The 2023 Bloomberg GEI comprises 485 companies from 45 countries and regions. GEI is a modified market capitalization-weighted index that aims to track the performance of public companies committed to transparency in gender-data reporting. It measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. Companies included on this year's index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. "Congratulations to the companies that are included in the 2023 GEI," said Peter T. Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg and founding chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "We continue to see an increase in both interest and membership globally, reflecting a shared goal of transparency in gender-related metrics." PMI submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg, in collaboration with subject matter experts globally. About the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) Companies submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg, in collaboration with subject matter experts globally. Those included on this year's index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. Both the survey and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD 1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. For more information on the GEI and how to submit information for next year's index, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/gei. Bloomberg clients can access the GEI at {BGEI Index DES For more information on Bloomberg's sustainable finance solutions, including the GEI, please visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance/. Bloomberg media contact: GEIComms@bloomberg.net Philip Morris International: Delivering a Smoke-Free Future Philip Morris International (PMI) is a leading international tobacco company working to deliver a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products, which are sold in markets outside the U.S. Since 2008, PMI has invested more than USD 9 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate, and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of world-class scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of versions of PMI's IQOS Platform 1 devices and consumables as modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs), finding that exposure modification orders for these products are appropriate to promote the public health. As of September 30, 2022, excluding Russia and Ukraine, PMI's smoke-free products are available for sale in 70 markets, and PMI estimates that approximately 13.5 million adults around the world had already switched to IQOS and stopped smoking. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, in February 2021, PMI announced its ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and deliver innovative products and solutions that aim to address unmet consumer and patient needs. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com. About Bloomberg For more information on Bloomberg's sustainable finance solutions, including the GEI, please visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance/. Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision- makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people, and ideas. The company's strength-delivering data, news, and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately-is the core of Bloomberg Professional Services. For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com or request a demo. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131005849/en/ Contacts: Philip Morris International David Fraser T. +41 (0)58 242 4500 E. david.fraser@pmi.com abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI") abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. ("FAX") PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / January 31, 2023 / The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on January 31, 2023, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of January 24, 2023 (ex-dividend date January 23, 2023). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $ 0.1200 FAX NYSE American abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0275 Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital. Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund's fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders. The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions paid this month as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies. Each Fund's estimated sources of the current distribution paid this month and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows: Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share Fund* Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains** Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.1200 $0.0132 11% - - $0.1068 89% - - FAX $0.0275 $0.0143 52% - - - - $0.0132 48% Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year* to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share Fund Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains ** Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.4800 $0.0528 11% - - $0.4272 89% - - FAX $0.0825 $0.0429 52% - - - - $0.0396 48% * ASGI has a 9/30 fiscal year end; FAX has a 10/31 fiscal year end. **includes currency gains Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a "Return of Capital," it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income." The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The following table provides the Funds' total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds' annualized and cumulative distribution rates. Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information Fund Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 12/31/2022 Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV Cumulative Total Return on NAV Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV ASGI 7.52%3 7.07% 10.78% 1.77% FAX -2.13% 10.58% 11.70% 1.76% 1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. 2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of December 31, 2022. 3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through December 31, 2022. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy"). While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund's Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances. Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd., abrdn Australia Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC and Aberdeen Standard Alternative Funds Limited. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. If you If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact Investor.Relations@abrdn.com https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter For More Information Contact: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds Investor Relations 1-800-522-5465 Investor.Relations@abrdn.com SOURCE: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/737521/abrdn-US-Closed-End-Funds-Announce-Distribution-Payment-Details Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 31, 2023) - High Fusion Inc. (CSE: FUZN) ("High Fusion" or the "Company") announces the replacement of one of its directors. Effective immediately, Aaron Johnson has resigned his position as director of the Company. The board position will be replaced by Mr. Ross Mitgang. Ross currently serves as controller of Plaza Capital, a boutique merchant banking and advisory firm and is a director on several public and private companies. "We would like to thank Aaron for his guidance and support over the past five years and we welcome Ross to the Board," said John Durfy, CEO of High Fusion. About High Fusion Inc. High Fusion Inc. (formerly Nutritional High International Inc.) is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry with a specific focus on flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company operates and controls licenses in California and Colorado. High Fusion has manufacturing, retail and grow operations in California through its acquisition of the business of OutCo Labs Inc. The Company's brand portfolio includes the OutCo and Thrive brands. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please visit www.high-fusion.com. For further information, please contact: High Fusion Inc. Robert Wilson, Chief Financial Officer 416-666-4005 Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. 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. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plans; legal changes relating to the cannabis and psychedelic industries proceeding as anticipated; and the Company's continued response and ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic being consistent with, or better than, its ability and response to date. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, the Company 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 securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/153103 Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas, TX-based de-extinction company, raised $150M in Series B funding. The round was led by United States Innovative Technology Fund, with participation from Breyer Capital, WestRiver Group, Bob Nelsen, Animal Capital, Victor Vescovo, In-Q-Tel, Animoca Brands, Peak 6, BOLD Capital, and Jazz Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to continue to advance genetic engineering and pioneer new software, wetware and hardware solutions, all of which have applications to de-extinction, conservation and human healthcare. Founded by technology and software entrepreneur Ben Lamm and George Church, Colossal creates technologies for species restoration, critically endangered species protection and the repopulation of critical ecosystems that support the continuation of life on Earth. As part of its Series B, the company has also announced the launch of its Avian Genomics Group, which will pursue the de-extinction of the iconic Dodo, a bird species that was wiped out of its native ecosystem, Mauritius, as a direct result of human settlement and ecosystem competition in 1662. The Woolly Mammoth de-extinction team now includes over 40 talented scientists and three laboratories to innovate across computational biology, cell and genome engineering, stem cell biology, embryology, protein engineering and assisted reproductive technologies. The Colossal Thylacine team consists of 30 dedicated scientists. FinSMEs 31/01/2023 CropX Technologies, a Napa, CA-based provider of digital solutions for agronomic farm management, acquired Tule Technologies, a precision irrigation company based in California. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. This acquisition brings new data capture technologies to the CropX Agronomic Farm Management System and expands its market in California drip-irrigated specialty crops. Effective immediately, all Tule employees will join CropX, adding expansive on-farm and client service expertise in the specialty crop and drip irrigation space, as well as technology talent to CropXs growing global team. Founded in 2014 with backing from Y-Combinator and others, and led by CEO Dr. Tom Shapland, Tule Technologies combines proprietary technology, agronomic expertise, and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with irrigation decision support solutions. Their in-field sensor, developed at the University of California, Davis, measures Actual Evapotranspiration (i.e., the water use of a farm field). The companys customers include the winemakers who tend to coastal Californias most prized vineyards to the agronomists who farm thousands of acres of tree crops in Californias inland valleys. combines proprietary technology, agronomic expertise, and artificial intelligence to provide farmers with irrigation decision support solutions. Led by CEO Tomer Tzach, CropX provides a system that offers its users real-time mobile and desktop insights and advice on irrigation, disease control, nutrient management and more, based on above-ground crop sensing data and below-ground soil monitoring. Tule brings a complementary new mode of data collection from above the plant canopy that precisely determines crop water use, which will enhance CropXs artificial intelligence predictions, recommendations, and automations, and add to its solutions for drip-irrigated specialty crops such as tree-nuts and vineyards. This is the fourth acquisition CropX has made since 2020 and the second US-based company. They acquired Nebraska-based CropMetrics in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020, New Zealand-based Regen in Q4 of 2020, and Netherlands-based Dacom Farm Intelligence in Q3 2021. FinSMEs 31/01/2023 Hyperplan, a Paris, France-based agtech company which specializes in satellite and meteorological data, raised 4.1M in funding. The round was led by Demeters Agrinnovation fund, BNP Paribas Developpement, Polytechnique Ventures, PeakBridge, Techmind and Unilis Agtech. The company intends to us the funds for the deployment of its collaborative culture monitoring platform to all crops, including vegetables, sugar crops, root crops and vines. Founded in June 2021 and led by Jean-Baptiste Kopecky, Victor Lamendin and Ruben Sabah, Hyperplan is a SaaS company whose mission is to help industrial companies cope with the growing volatility of crop production. Its technology, based on satellite and meteorological data, allows its customers to anticipate crop production and improve their commercial or industrial operational decisions in terms of economic efficiency, reduction of CO2 intensity and reduction food losses. FinSMEs 31/01/2023 U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is greeted by military officers upon his arrival at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. AP-Yonhap Containing China's rise also expected to be high on agenda By Kang Seung-woo The U.S. defense chief is expected to use a meeting with his South Korean counterpart as an opportunity to assure Seoul of Washington's extended deterrence commitment against North Korea's evolving nuclear threats. In addition, how to contain a rising China is likely to be high on the agenda as well amid the current geostrategic competition between Washington and Beijing that is developing into a new Cold War. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in South Korea, Monday, for his talks with Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, scheduled for Tuesday. "Austin is anticipated to talk about the U.S.' plan to strengthen its commitment to South Korea against North Korea's nuclear threats," said Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification. On 25 January, Chinese Ambassador to the UK H.E. Zheng Zeguang sent a congratulatory letter to In Conversation with the Bridge Builders, an event held by CGTN Europe. In the letter, Ambassador Zheng extended congratulations on the successful holding of the event, and emphasised that cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both the Chinese and British people and meets the trend of the times. Only by following the principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation can China-UK relations move forward smoothly. In the new year, the Chinese side will proceed from the fundamental interests of the people of both countries and work with visionary people from all walks of life in the UK to remove disruption and obstacles in the icebreaking spirit. Through dialogue and cooperation, we will advance China-UK relations along the right track. The full text of the congratulatory letter is as follows: As we celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit, CGTN Europes holding of the In Conversation with the Bridge Builders event is truly meaningful that adds to the festivities of the New Year. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, I would like to extend warm congratulations to CGTN Europe for its successful special series To the Future Together featuring bridge builders of friendship between China and the UK. I would also like to extend New Years greetings from the bottom of my heart to Chinese and British friends attending this event. On 26 January 2022, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the Icebreakers 2022 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the 48 Group Club. In his message, President Xi fully acknowledged the first generation of icebreakers in the 1950s represented by Mr Jack Perry for their historical contributions to China-UK relations and encouraged visionary people and entrepreneurs in both countries to carry forward the icebreaking spirit to promote the China-UK friendship in the new era. President Xis message has greatly inspired people from all walks of life in our two countries who care about and support the growth of China-UK relations. The 20-episode special series To the Future Together run by CGTN Europe present in a vivid way the stories of 20 bridge builders. Their extraordinary stories are deeply touching and inspiring and their contributions to the China-UK friendship deserve our respect. Over the past half century, it was because of the hard work of Mr Jack Perry and the other icebreakers like him that China-UK relations continued growing despite ups and downs; on the journey ahead, for China-UK relations to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward, we need more bridge builders of the new era to brave difficulties and carry on the friendship. Cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both the Chinese and British people and meets the trend of the times. Only by following the principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation can China-UK relations move forward smoothly. In the new year, the Chinese side will proceed from the fundamental interests of the people of both countries and work with visionary people from all walks of life in the UK to remove disruption and obstacles in the icebreaking spirit. Through dialogue and cooperation, we will advance China-UK relations along the right track. To conclude, I wish the In Conversation with the Bridge Builders event a full success and I wish you all a happy Chinese New Year. ***** This special event was organized by CGTN Europe. Its the culmination of their Bridge Builders multi-media series launched in 2022 to mark 50 years of the ambassadorial relationship between China and the UK. In attendance were Stephen Perry, son of Jack Perry, one of the first-generation icebreakers, Frank Slevin, Chair of the UK National Committee on China, and John McLean, board member of the China-Britain Business Council, as well as members of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and the London Chinatown Chinese Association, the bridge builders themselves, and representatives from media organizations and various other fields from both China and the UK. Samsung has reported its earnings for Q4 2022 that ended December 31, 2022 in which the company posted 70.46 trillion won ($57.2 billion approx.) consolidated revenue, down 7.97% YoY. It made an operating profit of 4.31 trillion won ($3.5 billion approx.), down 68.92% YoY, its lowest in 8 years. This is due to weak demand amid a global economic slowdown, said the company. Earnings at the Memory Business decreased sharply as prices fell, and the System LSI Business also saw a decline in earnings as sales of key products. However, the Foundry Business posted a new record for quarterly revenue while profit increased year-on-year on the back of advanced node capacity expansion as well as customer base and application area diversification. For the whole of 2022, it posted 302.23 trillion won ($245.4 billion approx.) consolidated revenue, up 8.09% YoY. It made an operating profit of 43.38 trillion won ($35.22 billion approx.), down 15.97% YoY. Samsung MX (Mobile eXperience) in Q4 2022 The MX and Networks businesses posted 26.90 trillion won in consolidated revenue, down 7% YoY. The division posted 1.70 trillion won in operating profit, down 36% YoY and down 47.5% QoQ. Revenue and profit at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business declined amid weak demand in the mid- to low-end segments, while the Networks Business posted an increase in revenue, led by domestic demand for 5G installations and expansion in overseas businesses. The impact of the decline in sales of mass-market smartphones was greater than previously expected, while flagship sales held up well relative to market projections, said Samsung. Samsung MX Q1 2023 In the first quarter, Samsung expects a sequential decrease in market demand across all smartphone segments, amid continuous macroeconomic uncertainties. The company plans to expand flagship product sales with the successful launch of its new Galaxy S23 series, equipped with an enhanced camera and gaming functionalities, among others. Samsung said that it will also continue to enhance its Galaxy ecosystem products, consisting of PCs, tablets and wearables, while maintaining its focus on effective resource management for solid profitability. In 2023, the company expects smartphone market demand to contract due to persistent macroeconomic conditions. Mass-market models are expected to be impacted the most, while consumer demand for premium smartphones and tablets is projected to stay relatively solid. The MX Business plans to achieve strong sales and solid profitability by strengthening the competitiveness of its premium flagship products. For the mass-market segment, the company plans to collaborate with mobile carriers on various sales programs, including those aimed at expanding the 5G smartphone user base. Source Apple has started exporting an AirPods component from India to China and Vietnam, reports Bloomberg. This adds to Apples strategy of diversifying production across India and several other countries. According to the report, Jabil, a US-based company with a manufacturing facility in Pune, has begun exporting AirPods enclosures (or plastic bodies) to China and Vietnam. This is an encouraging sign, and we are seeing the production of AirPods-related parts for the first time. As Luxshare Precision Industry has received government approval, we may soon hear about the production of AirPods in India. Luxshare Precision was one of many Chinese suppliers to be granted permission to increase production through joint ventures with Indian partners. Apple product manufacturing in India has significantly increased the countrys exports. As previously reported, Apple has surpassed Samsung to become the leading mobile phone exporter, with December exports totaling $1 billion. Based on earlier reports, Apple is expected to move some AirPods, Beats production to India to grow its industrial footprint. Based on a J.P. Morgan report from September, Apple is said to be planning to move manufacturing of 25% of all iPhones to India by 2025. Source A photo showing North Korea's missile launch is displayed at the Unification Observation Post in Paju near the inter-Korean border, Jan. 27. More than 76 percent of people in South Korea support the idea of arming their country with nuclear weapons to counter growing security threats from North Korea, a new study showed Monday. AP-Yonhap Survey suggests widespread skepticism over denuclearization of North Korea By Jung Min-ho Over 76 percent of people in South Korea support the idea of arming their country with its own nuclear weapons to counter growing security threats from North Korea, a new study showed. According to the results of a survey released Monday by the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, a think tank, 60.7 percent of the respondents said they believe their country is somewhat in need of developing its own nuclear weapons, while 15.9 percent said it is very much in need. Only 3.1 percent said the country is in no need of such weapons, while 20.3 percent said the need is low. The level of approval measured for nuclear weapons is higher than the numbers shown in other studies in recent years, including a survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (71 percent) and another one by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies (70.2 percent). The latest research conducted by Gallup Korea between Nov. 28 and Dec. 26, based on one-on-one interviews with 1,000 people, shows that there is widespread skepticism over the possibility of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. While 56.4 percent of respondents said they think the denuclearization of North Korea is impossible, 21.2 percent said it is nearly impossible. Only 1.9 percent said it is very likely. Graphic by Cho Sang-won Intelligence agencies in Seoul and Washington say North Korea has completed preparations for its first nuclear weapons test since 2017. Nearly 79 percent of the respondents said they believe the North will proceed with the test. In recent years, North Korea stepped up efforts to develop long-range nuclear weapons to undermine joint U.S.-South Korean defense systems. Asked whether they think the U.S. would be willing to take the risk of a nuclear war with the North to protect the South, 51.3 percent of respondents said that they somewhat or strongly believe so. The study also shows a high approval rating of 71.9 percent for trilateral security cooperation (with the U.S. and Japan). This comes despite more than half of the respondents seeing Japan unfavorably, possibly due to diplomatic friction over the renewed wartime forced labor issue that occurred during Japan's colonial rule over the peninsula (1910-45). Park In-kook, president of the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, speaks during a media conference at the Press Center in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap Students wearing face masks attend a class at an elementary school in Seoul, Jan. 30. Yonhap Most people in cafes, offices and schools in Seoul kept wearing their face masks Monday, the first day of the lifting of a mandate for indoor places. Starting midnight, the government lifted most mandatory indoor mask-wearing rules after more than two years, except at hospitals, pharmacies and on public transportation. The scrapping of the last remaining pandemic restriction came as the daily caseload has continued to decline. On Monday, the country reported 7,416 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest level in about seven months. Like most other people, Kim Yoo-jeong is excited the Omicron variant is on decline. Yet, she is not yet ready to let her guard down. "I am sure that the government decided to revise the rule as it is certain about managing the virus situation. But I still want to wear the mask for the sake of myself," Kim said as she was waiting in line for her latte at a Starbucks store in Seoul's Seocho district. Just like previous days, most of the people in the store masked up while waiting, except for when they were drinking or eating. People wearing masks get off at Gwanghwmun Station in central Seoul, Jan. 30. Yonhap A platform at Sindorim Station on Seoul Metro Lines 1 and 2 is crowded with morning commuters wearing masks, Monday. Most people on subway platforms were seen wearing masks despite the relaxation of the indoor mask mandate. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-suk By Lee Hyo-jin Monday marked the first day of the drastic easing of Korea's indoor mask mandate after it was enforced nationwide in October 2020. Starting midnight, wearing a mask in most indoor facilities has become optional with a few exemptions. People are no longer legally obliged to wear masks indoors, except at hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, welfare centers for people with disabilities, and public transportation. Masks are now optional at subway platforms, train stations, bus terminals and airports. Despite the eased rule, however, most people at subway platforms and gyms seemed reluctant to bid farewell to their years-long habit of wearing masks. Almost all subway users seen in the morning on the platforms at Sindorim Station on Seoul Metro Lines 1 and 2 were masked up. Even though notices were attached inside stations and platforms that the indoor mask mandate has been lifted, few were eager to take them off. "I know the mask mandate has been removed, but I didn't think about taking it off because I'm so used to it. And I don't want to stand out among others. I feel I might get unwanted attention if I don't cover my face," Byun Jeong-yoon, a college student, told The Korea Times as she waited for the train to arrive on Line 2. Not everyone seemed to have heard the news of the lifting of the mask requirement. A woman in her 70s who wished to stay anonymous said, "I didn't know that I can take the mask off. But I will wear it anyway. The weather is cold and I haven't been infected with the virus yet, so I'm still cautious." A man in his 60s surnamed Hwang was one of the very few people to be seen without a face covering. He was wearing the mask around his chin. "I saw it on the news this morning that we're allowed to take it off on subway platforms. I hope we can remove it inside the trains, too. I don't see the point of wearing it on the train when people can freely mingle without masks at restaurants and bars," he said. Contrary to anticipation that gym-goers would be the first ones to embrace the lifting of the mask mandate, Monday morning was not very different from previous days, according to a 39-year-old gym owner in Yangcheon District identified only by his surname Eom. "About twenty people came this morning, but only one of them was unmasked. I guess people feel awkward to take their masks off all of a sudden. It may take a few days for all of us to get used to the new rule," he said, adding that he will also keep on wearing a mask for the time being. The lifting of the mask mandate came as Korea has been steadily seeing a downward trend in infections in the past several weeks. The country reported the lowest tally in seven months for Sunday with 7,416 new cases, raising the aggregate total to 30,157,017, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Children at a kindergarten in Gwangju smile on Monday, the first day when the easing of the indoor mask mandate came into effect. Yonhap Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks during a press conference at Seoul City Hall, Monday. Yonhap Mayor Oh Se-hoon blames former Moon government for surging energy bills, blasts disability group that staged subway protests for disrupting law and order By Ko Dong-hwan Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been on the offensive over several issues that are dividing the nation. Regarding the rising energy bills that put an extra financial burden on citizens, Oh pointed his finger at the previous Moon Jae-in government as a source of the problem and declared the Moon government's reckless policy to phase out nuclear power plants responsible for the disaster. In a sarcastic comment, Mayor Oh said the controversial left-wing radio host who left TBS last year sweated a lot to side with the liberal opposition party and serve its interests. He made the divisive remarks during a press conference at City Hall on Monday as an extensive range of commodities from utility bills to public transit fares and snacks are poised for price hikes this year. The earliest and most widespread sign of the price hikes came with energy bills. Members of the public across the country have reported they were shocked to find their monthly bills from last month nearly doubled. Many local reports said people have been hit with "heating bill bombs out of the blue." One of the reasons for the price hike was the particularly cold weather this winter compared to previous years, which drove up demand for heating. But according to the mayor, another reason is the country's flawed energy policies, particularly for nuclear power. "There are structural problems surrounding the rising heating bills, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine (which affects Russia's gas exports)," the mayor said. "But before that, anti-nuclear policies from the previous Moon Jae-in administration capsized the country's nuclear power production industry from profiting with a comfortable net gain to recording a great net loss. It killed the buffer zone between energy policies and how they affect people's bills, resulting in consumers directly suffering from the turbulence in the country's power generation and distribution via their utilities bills." Commuters crowd the subway platform inside Gwanghwamun Station, Nov. 24, 2022. Subway fares throughout the country are expected to rise this year alongside other market costs. Newsis The country's energy policies took a sharp turn when the administration transitioned from Moon to Yoon Suk Yeol last May, as the new leadership proclaimed it would revive the country's nuclear industry that was bridled by the previous administration. Despite protests from environmental activists and local residents near nuclear reactors against Yoon's pro-nuclear policies, the president has been lauding the energy's comparative affordability and the country's reactor construction technologies that have enabled lucrative reactor construction projects. "Even setting aside the previous administration's misjudgment, the present administration should recalibrate the country's current situation and come up with a new energy policy draft," the mayor said. "The city government will then discuss with the central government about introducing new medium- to long-term energy policies." As to the city's plan to raise public bus and subway fares by up to 400 won ($0.33), the mayor again pointed to the central authority during Monday's press conference. He said the Ministry of Economy and Finance had declined to budget enough for Seoul City to maintain its welfare service allowing residents aged 65 or older to ride the city's subway system free of charge. The mayor criticized the ministry, Monday, saying its decision ignored the "valuable agreement reached" between the conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the liberal main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to preserve the service dubbed the city's "public service obligation." The free subway service for elderly people, however, has been blamed for keeping Seoul Metro, the city's subway operator, underperforming for years and running at a net loss. Last year, the city-run company recorded a net loss of over 1 trillion won ($814 million). Under the hike, the city's bus rate will increase from 1,200 won to 1,600 won and the subway rate from 1,250 to 1,650 won. "First, let me tell you that even by raising the fares by 400 won, it's still far from offsetting the operators' fuel costs," the mayor said. Kim Ou-joon speaks during his YouTube show on Jan. 17 that is a spinoff from TBS' "News Factory." He launched the show after being dropped from TBS last year. Screenshot from YouTube Visiongain has published a new report entitled Asia-Pacific Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) 2023-2033. It includes profiles of Asia-Pacific Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Market Segment by Type, (Nearshore, Offsource, Onshore) Market Segment by Service, (Voice Processing, Telemarketing Services, Visualization Services, Other Services) Market Segment by Application, (Customer Care & Demonstrations, Sales & Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Human Resource & Development, Other Application) Market Segment by End-User, (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Healthcare Sector, Manufacturing Sector, Retail & E-Commerce, Other End-User) Market Segment by Region, (Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Eastern Asia, Western Asia, Central Asia) plus COVID-19 Impact Analysis and Recovery Pattern Analysis (V-shaped, W-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped), Profiles of Leading Companies, Region and Country. The Asia-Pacific business process outsourcing (BPO) market was valued at US$68.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period 2023-2033. An Increase In The Use of BPO Services by Start-ups Facts have caught up with practices, and business process outsourcing helps start-ups flourish globally (BPO). The idea that BPO is exclusively appropriate for big, established businesses is no longer true. Businesses of all shapes and sizes profit from the new development. Outsourcing, which several start-ups are hesitant to use, could be one such answer. However, a dynamic assessment of a company could reveal a need for cost-cutting, the addition of essential human resources, or the support of specific business processes that lack the requisite infrastructure. The idea that BPO is exclusively appropriate for big, established businesses is no longer true. Businesses of all shapes and sizes profit from the new development. In a 2018 Clutch survey, 37% of small businesses reported outsourcing at least one key business operation, while 52% said they planned to do so the following year. Growth and scaling must be a top strategic priority if you want to achieve the desired unicorn status (worth above $1 billion). Download Exclusive Sample of Report https://www.visiongain.com/report/asia-pacific-bpo-market-2023/#download_sampe_div How has COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the Asia-Pacific Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Market? Nearly every industry has been negatively impacted by the COVID19 problem, which has resulted in supply chains being disrupted, nationwide lockdowns, and organisations considering the idea of long-term or even permanent remote working. In the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, contact centre employees take millions of calls daily while working from various places. China was the first nation to request that these individuals work remotely in response to the COVID-19 epidemic, and other nations soon followed. The longevity of these workers depends on a variety of factors, including their capacity for change and willingness to collaborate across functional lines. According to a recent survey, the COVID-19 epidemic may be affecting our ability to sleep. Since the pandemic began, 70% of people have reported experiencing one or more new sleep difficulties. World Sleep Day raises awareness of the need of sleep for physical and mental health. 13,000 persons in 13 nations were polled for the study by Royal Philips, which examined attitudes, views, and sleeping habits. People all over the world are aware that they are not getting enough sleep, and for some, the pandemic has had a detrimental effect on their sleep. How will this Report Benefit you? Visiongains 302-page report provides 157 tables and 158 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the Asia-Pacific business process outsourcing (BPO) market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall regional market for Asia-Pacific Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, service, application, end-user and company size and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing Asia-Pacific business process outsourcing (BPO) market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company. What are the Current Market Drivers? Growing Demand for Cost-Effective Solutions Companies in the Asia-Pacific region are looking for cost-effective solutions to reduce their operational costs. Business process outsourcing (BPO) services provide a cost-effective way to outsource non-core business functions such as customer service, human resources, and finance. Increasing Adoption of Digital Technologies The adoption of digital technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing is driving the growth of BPO services in the Asia-Pacific region. These technologies enable BPO providers to offer more efficient and effective services to their clients. Download Exclusive Sample of Report https://www.visiongain.com/report/asia-pacific-bpo-market-2023/#download_sampe_div Where are the Market Opportunities? Growing Skilled Labour Force in the Region The Asia-Pacific region has a large pool of skilled labour, particularly in countries such as India, the Philippines, and China. This skilled labour force is a major driver of the BPO market in the region. Growing Outsourcing Trend and Government Initiatives Companies in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly outsourcing their non-core business functions to focus on their core competencies. This trend is driving the growth of the BPO market in the region. Governments in the Asia-Pacific region are promoting the BPO industry through initiatives such as tax incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure development. This is encouraging more companies to invest in BPO services. Competitive Landscape The Economic growth in this region is a driving factor for the growth of the BPO market as the companies are expanding and looking for cost-effective solutions to operate their business. The major players operating in the Asia-Pacific business process outsourcing (BPO) market are Accenture Plc, IBM Corporation, Cognizant, Capgemini SE, Infosys Limited, ADP Inc., Amdocs, CBRE Group, Inc., Concentrix Corporation, HCL Technologies Limited. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch. Recent Developments 02 Dec 2022, Fiftyfive5, a customer insights and advisory firm, has been acquired by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). Accenture Song's (formerly Accenture Interactive) ability to help clients tap data insights and performance marketing to accelerate growth and innovation across Australia and New Zealand will be strengthened as a result of the move. 07 Dec 2022, IBM signed an agreement to acquire Octo, a U.S.-based provider of IT modernization and digital transformation services to the federal government, including defence, health, and civilian agencies. The acquisition of Octo by IBM creates one of the federal government's largest digital transformation partners. To access the data contained in this document please email oliver.davison@visiongain.com To find more Visiongain research reports on the IT sector, click on the following links: Do you have any custom requirements we can help you with? Any need for a specific country, geo region, market segment or specific company information? Contact us today, we can discuss your needs and see how we can help: oliver.davison@visiongain.com About Visiongain Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent market intelligence providers around, the company publishes hundreds of market research reports which it adds to its extensive portfolio each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis across 18 industries worldwide. The reports, which cover 10-year forecasts, are hundreds of pages long, with in-depth market analysis and valuable competitive intelligence data. Visiongain works across a range of vertical markets with a lot of synergies. These markets include automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors. Our customised and syndicated market research reports offer a bespoke piece of market intelligence customised to your very own business needs. Contact: LOS ANGELES, CA, Jan. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire WPF Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: WPFHD), announces today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Vezbi, Inc (Vezbi) for 265,000,000 common shares of WPF Holdings. At closing, the shareholders of Vezbi will be issued 10 common shares of WPF Holdings in exchange for 1 common share of Vezbi. The share exchange is based on Vezbis last funding round. A Form 10 and S-1 registration statement (for the new shares issued) will be filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in preparation for uplisting onto a national exchange. Additionally, WPF Holdings will be changing its name and applying for a new trading symbol after becoming a fully reporting company with the SEC. Vezbi is a community-driven Super App designed to organize and consolidate all facets of life in one centralized application. What makes Vezbi so unique is its commitment to no algorithms, no anonymity, and no data selling. As accountability is the emphasis of the app, Vezbi believes that it is the first true Super App in the United States, and will become a platform which will minimize fake reviews, fake news and online bullying. Current features within the app include: Tasks, Events, Messaging, Micro-Vlogs, SnipBits, Communities, Intercom, The Vezbi Marketplace, Shop Now, FAVR, and Micro-Apps. Vezbi will continue to develop its technology under WFP Holdings (i.e. user verification, rating systems, payments, etc) while focusing on increasing market share (domestic and international). About WPF Holdings WPF Holdings is a technology holdings company, focusing on new and cutting edge applications and projects that focus on small and mid-sized businesses to empower businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities that the digital world has to offer. Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. CONTACT WFP Holdings, Inc. Investor Relations Contact: info@wpf-holdings.com Vezbi, Inc. Investor Relations Contact: investors@vezbi.com BUDAPEST, Hungary, Jan. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hungary is known for its culture, fine gastronomy, old-world wines, natural beauty, and new attractions. With multiple hotel investments in the pipeline, including a W and two renowned international hotel brands, voco, and Vignette Collection, the Hungarian hotel offering grows more luxurious in 2023. "Budapest experienced an invigorating rebound in 2022," explains Ivan Ljubinkovic, Head of Business Development at Visit Hungary. "The many developments underway today will continue enticing travelers worldwide to live the treasure of our destination." HOTEL NEWS W Budapest Hotel, Marriott group - Andrassy Avenue, Budapest (Opening 2023) W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, debuts the iconic W Hotels brand in Hungary, opening W Budapest. Housed in the Drechsler Palace, a UNESCO Heritage site, W Budapest will feature 151 rooms, including 45 suites and one Extreme WOW, the brand's lux-take on the Presidential Suite. Dorothea Hotel, Autograph Collection, Marriott group - Vorosmarty Square, Budapest (Opening July 2023) The newly constructed Dorothea Hotel Autograph Collection opens in July 2023 in central Budapest. Set among three connected historical buildings, Lissoni's architecture and sophisticated interior design features 216 rooms, including 50 suites, and four food & beverage outlets. Additionally, the property will house a sky restaurant, a wellness area with a spa, and business premises. Verno House - Szabadsag Street, Budapest (Opened Late 2022) In addition to new hotels, Budapest celebrated the opening of the boutique Verno House in December 2022, a 50-key property located in the city center close to the U.S. embassy and the liberty square. Verno House is a meeting point for travelers and locals alike, allowing a deeper understanding of the city's spirit. It evokes the idea, born in 19th century Budapest, where one can truly appreciate all the modern attributes of a city, with a nurturing, natural environment to escape to from time to time. It offers an exquisite wellness space, thoughtfully designed to be an essential component, thus pampering the body and soul. For more information, visit www.visithungary.com. Images ### About Hungarian Tourism Agency The Hungarian Tourism Agency is the governmental organization responsible for the development and public administration of tourism in Hungary. Contact Information: Maria Alejandra Silva maria.silva@newlink-group.com This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. EDINBURGH, UK, Jan. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Startup Race, a UK-based Startup growth-hacking Competition which prioritises sales over pitching skills, announced today that House of Tula has won the 6-month long competition, and was awarded the 10,000 cash prize. House of Tula founded by female Indian immigrant entrepreneur Priyansu Nath, has secured the 10,000 Startup Race cash prize and says she will use the purse to invest in online marketing, social media marketing campaigns, and bring in customers to its future crowdfunding campaigns. As an entrepreneur, you need to validate various hypotheses for your business. What The Startup Race competition did for the business was create a 6-month time frame to achieve this, said Priyansu Nath, founder and CEO of House of Tula. It was the perfect time to play your cards as not only we could test the hypothesis, but every penny generated in revenue would also count towards the competition. This meant concrete insights for the business in an accelerated time. The competition also awarded second place to Olmedo of Londons founder Mariely Macias Olmedo, another female immigrant entrepreneur (Mexico). For both our first and second place winners, their mission and business success proves that gamifying the startup process with a growth-hacking competition can help Startup founders overcome perfectionism, procrastination, and thus reduce the chance of failure, said James Shoemark, CEO and co-founder of The Startup Race Ltd. When customers actually start purchasing a startups product or service, its not only an achievement, but also significant validation for the startup concept and value proposition. More than 500 companies entered The 10,000 Startup Race, and the entrepreneurs became especially competitive towards the end. The Startup Race team used an FCA-regulated Open Banking data aggregation company to diligently, analyse and validate each bank transaction that reflected a sale the Startup Racers were able to achieve each week. This resulted in changing positions on the 10,000 Startup Race League Table each week and Priyanshu Nath won by having the most sales overall. House of Tula, the winning company, is focused on personal journaling, with sustainability at its heart and as its founding principle. House of Tula was born in 2022 following the founder Priyanshu Nath's personal well-being journey in which journaling played a key role. She discovered that writing on textured paper gave her a tactile experience that digital devices failed to offer, and journals with beautiful aesthetics made her carry the journal regularly like an accessory. With this in mind, she ventured to develop a product that would be appreciated by more people like her and found that it was popular with other customers including journallers, artists and architects, who too appreciated sustainable good quality paper, beautiful designs and the lovely feel of textured paper. Olmedo of London is an innovative clothing company founded by Mariely Macias Olmedo, another female immigrant entrepreneur from Mexico who studied fashion in London at the masters level in Italy at Instituto Marangoni. She blends authentic Mexican embroideries and the fusion of western inspirations, focused on creating contemporary garments for women. Olmedo wants to introduce one of the main characteristics of the luxury market; handmade process and authenticity creating collaborations with artisans and creative people in the UK. The 10,000 Startup Race motivated me to launch my new label with a collection of handbags made of cactus leather, said Mariely Macias Olmedo, founder of Olmedo of London. Technical challenges, administrative tasks and design approach, can be quite challenging to put together with a very specific deadline. However, with the tools and methods that the Start Up Race supports, was approached in a successful way. We will be continue constructing our beautiful project and improving in all corresponding areas. The Startup Race methodology capitalizes on the iconoclastic startup method, first developed by GodFather of the Lean Startup Movement - Steve Blank. In a 2013 blog post called Its Time to Play Moneyball: The Investment Readiness Level. Upon entry to the Accelerator, participants gained access to the worlds best Lean Startup resources in order to validate their thinking, develop their business model and personal profile in order to attract co-founders. Other free resources on Leanstack include the Foundations and Business Model Design Playbooks and Lean Canvas & Traction Roadmap tools. The Startup Race team helps entrepreneurs incorporate their UK company and open a UK business bank account to enable them to start generating sales as soon as the competition starts. Through The Startup Race process, a number of high net-worth individuals observe how the teams perform over the course of The Race and be introduced to companies that they may consider supporting at the end of the program. For more information on The Startup Race, please visit: WWW.TheStartupRace.com. ____ ABOUT THE STARTUP RACE The Startup Race is an accelerator program focused on proving that entrepreneurs succeed best through sales and revenue, over perfect pitching. The program was conceived in 2014 when a young entrepreneur asked Mr. Shoemark, who was hosting a League of Entrepreneurs Meetup at the time, if and how the startup process could be gamified. Mr. Shoemark decided that a business competition using the Pirate Metrics (AARRR as popularised by Dave McLure) could be the answer. He soon teamed up with Michael Clouser, a former Silicon Valley venture capitalist (Dot Edu Ventures) who directed the Edinburgh-Stanford Link at the University of Edinburgh. Michael is also an entrepreneurship professor and earned his BS/MBA from Cornell University, and researched on the MSc/PhD at the University of Edinburgh. The team also partnered with Edinburgh-based entrepreneurs,investors and students as partners in order to help fuel fast-growth startups in the UK and around the world. For more information on The Startup Race, please visit: WWW.TheStartupRace.com. Attachments NEWARK, Del, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Europe dog dewormers market was estimated to be worth US$ 427.49 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.67% from 2023 to 2033. By 2033, the Europe dog dewormers market to be worth US$ 1,178.20 million. Expanding Market Due to Increased Dog Healthcare Expenditures A few of the key factors influencing the market expansion include rising healthcare costs for dogs and the increasing use of e-commerce platforms to purchase pet goods. The rising occurrences of worm infections, improvements in dewormers, and the rising frequency of animal diseases are all contributing to the Europe dog dewormers market growth. These trends, along with some additional elements including concern for animal health and active government backing, are anticipated to positively fuel the market growth. Get a Sample Copy of the Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-16594 Dog Dewormers Have Some Side Effects that May Constrain the Potential Market The main things that can inhibit the Europe dog dewormers market growth are the negative effects of dog dewormers and the strict government requirements for the approval procedure of dog dewormers. In Europe, the Dog Dewormer Market had a Growth Spurt. The pandemic's spread paralyzed the area, impacting practically every region of Europe's research and development, medical supplies, and veterinary services. European nations like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia among others announced a total lockdown to stop the spread after the WHO declared the disease to be pandemic due to its broad nature. The animal healthcare sector has suffered as a result, much like numerous other industries. Decreased veterinary clinic admission rates and supply chain disruptions for dewormer medicines are just a couple of the market effects of the pandemic. The market for dog dewormers in Europe recovered growth in late 2020 thanks to e-commerce channels, and the restart of veterinary services. Key Takeaways The distribution channel category for the veterinary clinics may account for a sizeable revenue share of 39% in the Europe dog dewormers market during the anticipated term. E-commerce is expected to experience a significant growth rate of 11.08% over the forecasted period in the distribution channel category. With a share of almost 14% during the projected period, the United Kingdom is expected to dominate. Due to the existence of significant market participants, Germany had a remarkable revenue share over the forecast period at over 15.0%. Norway's market is expected to develop at a quick rate throughout the forecast period. For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-16594 Competitive Landscape Fairly fierce competition exists in the Europe dog dewormers market. The prominent market players include Merck & Co., Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ceva, Sava Healthcare, Beaphar, and Bob Martin, among others. To acquire a competitive advantage over one another, these players engage in acquisitions, the introduction of new products, partnerships, and collaborations. Recent Development Approval Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH declared in January 2021 that NexGard medicines, which are used as antiparasitics in dogs and cats, have received marketing authorization approval in Europe. European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Commission approved the request. Acquisition to boost their pipeline-building efforts In 2021, Dechra Pharmaceuticals boosted its pipeline activities by acquiring Mirataz, Osumia, and 15% of Medical Ethics. Launch to treat stomach and lungworms, and other worms In April 2019, Taurador, a dewormer for a topical treatment to treat lungworms, gastrointestinal roundworms, warbles, and other worms in cattle, was introduced by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. Click on the Below Link to Buy this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/16594 Key Segments By Distribution Channel: Veterinary Clinics Retail/Pet Stores E-commerce By Country: Germany Italy Spain Portugal Romania Slovakia Czech Hungary Poland Ireland The United Kingdom France Denmark Sweden Norway Rest of Europe Table of Content 1. Executive Summary | Europe Dog Dewormers Marke 1.1. Europe Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations Browse full Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/europe-dog-dewormers-market Have a Look at Related Research Reports on Consumer Product Large Breed Dog Food Market Outlook: Pet parenting is booming around the world, as a mounting number of millennials are showing an inclination towards considering adopting pets as important as having children Cat & Dog Food Toppers Market Size: The global cat & dog food toppers market is estimated at US$ 8,086.0 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 18,611.7 Million by 2032 Dog Collars, Leashes & Harnesses Market Share: The global dog collars, leashes & harnesses market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 5,432.5 Million in 2022 Dog Gates, Doors & Pens Market Sales: Future Market Insights (FMI) in its latest study has projected the global Dog Gates, Doors, & Pens Market to reach US$ 4.9 Billion in 2021 Dog Food Toppers Market Growth: The dog food toppers market is estimated to reach US$ 5,157.1 Million in 2022 and it is projected to reach US$ 11,910.9 Million by 2032 About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnerVenue, the first company to bring metal-hydrogen batteries capable of more than 30,000 cycles to the clean energy revolution, today announced the appointment of Dr. Kim Gupta as Chief Supply Officer. Gupta adds significant energy industry experience to EnerVenue. He will lead all facets of the companys supply chain management, including materials procurement and logistics. Gupta joins EnerVenue from Bloom Energy, a leading worldwide manufacturer of solid-oxide fuel cells for the distributed generation of electricity and hydrogen. For the past 11 years, he served as Vice President of Strategic Sourcing for the San Jose-headquartered firm. Gupta was instrumental in developing and expanding Bloom Energys global supply base, leading a team that transformed the company away from being supply-constrained. During his tenure, he also reduced material costs for Blooms fuel cell system by more than 50% and worked with a worldwide network of suppliers enabling $100M+ investments to feed Blooms supply requirements. Prior to Bloom, Gupta spent two decades at Intel, where he managed a critical supply line for the companys manufacturing sites. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Stanford University and an MBA from Santa Clara University. With its unique, proven, and advantageous solution for safe and long-lasting energy storage, the business case for EnerVenues batteries is clear, said Kim Gupta, Chief Supply Officer, EnerVenue. The companys growth over the past two years has been incredible. With a clear commitment to scale through its production agreements and an upcoming gigafactory, Im thrilled to assist EnerVenue through its next stage of growth. As we quickly scale manufacturing to stay ahead of the market demand for our battery systems, ensuring supply chain continuity and success is critical, said Jorg Heinemann, CEO, EnerVenue. Kim brings us the exact experience and acumen we are looking for, and his leadership will better enable us to achieve our aggressive growth goals. We welcome Kim to the EnerVenue team. EnerVenue continues to expand and advance its metal-hydrogen batteries. The company recently announced the launch of Energy Storage Vessels (ESVs), which deliver EnerVenues battery technology in more scalable and customizable large-format battery configurations. About EnerVenue EnerVenue builds simple, safe, and cost-efficient energy storage solutions for the clean energy revolution. Based on technology proven over decades under the most extreme conditions, EnerVenue batteries are refined and scaled for large renewable energy integration applications. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California. Contact Kyle Peterson kyle@clementpeterson.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe488b47-d088-438e-ae43-3b8caed45a8b ITHACA, NY, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SimpliFed, the telehealth platform dedicated to infant nutrition and parental support, announced today that in addition to serving TRICARE beneficiaries, it is now in-network for Aetnas commercial health plans. This includes Aetnas Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, full and partially insured plans, as well as self-funded plans administered by companies that leverage the expansive Aetna HMO, PPO, EPO, POS, First Health and Meritain networks. SimpliFeds lactation and baby feeding support services are available without prior authorization or cost sharing (typically for up to 6 visits) for Aetna commercial members. SimpliFed allows organizations to provide their employees with the support they need to have a successful baby feeding experience, said Andrea Ippolito, CEO of SimpliFed. Now, more than ever, it is important to support women in the workforce. These services make such a big difference when preparing for return from parental leave and managing baby feeding while working. We center care on parents and families, make it accessible and convenient with text support and telehealth appointments, and improve maternal and child health outcomes by ensuring every parent feels good about how they feed their baby. Companies with lactation programs have employee retention rates between 83% and 94% after maternity leave, compared to the national average of just 59%. SimpliFed partners with employers and health plans to improve access to breastfeeding and baby feeding support starting in pregnancy, at no cost to families. These services are vital to the health of parents and babies and are mandated under the Affordable Care Act. SimpliFed helps employees form a plan before they head out on parental leave and provides ongoing support to manage the many twists and turns throughout the baby feeding journey. SimpliFed contracts with several national commercial, TRICARE and state Medicaid plans. Many Aetna commercial plan members are eligible to access virtual appointments with SimpliFeds network of lactation consultants and baby feeding experts starting in pregnancy and throughout the baby feeding journey, at no cost to them for up to 6 visits (coverage may vary). Parents can schedule an appointment by texting BABY to 888-458-1364 or visiting www.SimpliFed.com. ABOUT SIMPLIFED SimpliFed provides judgment-free, virtual breastfeeding and baby feeding support to parents on their baby feeding journeys. Parents connect with its network of baby feeding experts from the comfort and safety of home via SimpliFeds secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. SimpliFeds mission is to create a new model for optimal feeding by building trusted relationships with parents, partnering with healthcare payers and providers, and shifting policy, practice, and narratives to drive health and economic equity, starting with babys first foods. More information can be found at: https://www.simplifed.com/. Attachments Russia warns new U.S. ambassador of consequences of confrontational policy Xinhua) 10:38, January 31, 2023 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (L) shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy in Moscow on Jan. 30, 2023. (Russian Foreign Ministry photo) Sworn in on Jan. 9, Tracy is the first woman to occupy the post of U.S. Ambassador to Russia. MOSCOW, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Monday met with new U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy, who presented copies of her credentials. During the conversation with Tracy on the sharply worsened Russia-U.S. relations, Ryabkov pointed out the counterproductiveness of Washington's confrontational policy, which is "fraught with serious negative consequences," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Russian side hopes that the U.S. envoy will strictly abide by Russian laws, observe norms and customs, adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the host country. Sworn in on Jan. 9, Tracy is the first woman to occupy the post of U.S. Ambassador to Russia. "Ambassador Tracy begins her tenure in Moscow focused on maintaining dialogue between our capitals at a time of unprecedented tension," the U.S. embassy said in a press release on Monday. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) President Yoon Suk Yeol met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday in Seoul and discussed ways to beef up security ties and extended deterrence against North Korea, the presidential office said. Austin arrived in Seoul the previous day on a regional swing that will also take him to the Philippines. Earlier Tuesday, he held talks with Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup. During the meeting at the presidential office, Yoon called for U.S. commitment of an "effective and strong" extended deterrence to cope with North Korea's growing nuclear threats. "We ask for consultations between South Korea and the United States to come up with an effective and strong extended deterrence system that can dispel South Korean people's concern about North Korea's evolving nuclear threats," Yoon was quoted as saying by presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye. Yoon also emphasized the need for effective Seoul-Washington joint drills, in light of the changing environment, for defense of the peninsula. (Yonhap) Dublin, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Today's U.S. Electric Power Industry, Renewable Energy, ISO Markets, and Power Transactions" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. If you want to truly understandthe U.S. electric power industry, this course is for you. This in-depth program provides a comprehensive and clear explanation of the structure, function, and current status of today's U. S. electric power industry; the many industry topics listed below; and how PPAs and other power transactions are done. Each part of this complex industry will be explained piece-by-piece, and then the pieces will be integrated so that you will leave the seminar with an understanding of "how it all fits together." What You Will Learn The structure and function of the electric service system, its terminology and units, and the properties of electricity. How the North American power grid is structured and how it operates; how the major sources of electric generation work ( coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewables ) and the issues they face; how control areas, spinning reserves, AGC and economic dispatch works. Who the key players in the industry are, and why the industry is so difficult to restructure. The differences between cost-of-service regulation, open access markets, ISOs, transcos, ITCs, RTOs, and ICTs. What the "smart grid" is, a summary of the different business models being tested, a discussion of the key issues and and how the smart grid is likely to develop. The major issues facing wind energy, solar and other renewables and how these generation sources relate to the proposed buildout of the backbone power grid. How ISO Day-Ahead auction markets operate, or will operate, in PJM, New York, Texas, California and other markets; what locational marginal pricing (LMP) is, and why it is important; how LMP is applied in the ISO markets, and why FTRs, TCCs, CRRs, TLRs, RPM and forward capacity markets are important concepts to understand. (The seminars presented at the Houston and California locations will discuss the Texas and California/Western Power markets respectively. Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C. seminars will focus on PJM, MISO and the New York ISO.) The structure and characteristics of the bilateral spot and forward wholesale power markets. The terminology, concepts and mechanics of bulk power trading, and the difference between physical, scheduled and contract path power flows. Why open access retail electricity markets may finally now develop. The basics of executing a wholesale power transaction - including common contract language and what NERC tags are. What "sellers choice is", and how forward "daisy chains" form at virtual trading hubs. How to financially trade physical power with financial bookouts. An overview of the three different types of forward electricity markets: physical, over-the-counter financial and NYMEX futures. The basics of the NYMEX electricity futures contract, and how it can be used to hedge electricity price risk An introduction to electricity swaps and Cfds and how these relate to ISO financial transmission rights. The definition of heat rates, spark spreads, dark spreads and heat-rate-linked power transactions. Who Should Attend: Among those who will benefit from this seminar include energy and electric power executives; attorneys; government regulators; traders & trading support staff; marketing, sales, purchasing & risk management personnel; accountants & auditors; plant operators; engineers; and corporate planners. Types of companies that typically attend this program include energy producers and marketers; utilities; banks & financial houses; industrial companies; accounting, consulting & law firms; municipal utilities; government regulators and electric generators. Key Topics Covered: The properties and terminology of electricity - current, power, var, voltage, etc An overview of the electric service system, and how it works The pros and cons of different sources of electric generation ( coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewables ), and how they work. The structure and function of the North American power grid. Who the various industry participants are and their roles. Why restructuring today's power markets is such a complicated task. How control areas function, what spinning reserves are, and how the lights are kept on. A summary of FERC Orders 888, 889, & 2000 The difference between ISOs, ITCs, Transcos and RTOs. What TLRs, ATC, OASIS, pancaking rates, shrinkage, economic dispatch and other terms mean. What locational Marginal Pricing (LMP) is and why it's used What the "smart grid" is, a summary of the different business models being tested, a discussion of the key issues and and how the smart grid is likely to develop. The major issues facing wind energy, solar and other renwables and how these generation sources relate to the proposed buildout of the backbone power grid. The difference between auction and bilateral bulk power markets and the pros & cons of each The fundamentals of the PJM, MISO, ERCOT or California wholesale market (Depending on seminar location) and the role of LMP How the PJM/MISO/ERCOT/California two-settlement energy and Day-Ahead markets operate, or will operate. The meaning of the terms "RPM" and "Forward Capacity Markets " and why this issue is important. A summary of the key issues of today and where the U. S. electric power industry is headed, including a discussion of the smart grid, renewable energy and the building of new transmission lines.. The pros & cons of PJM's RPM generation capacity planning proposal versus MISO's energy-only market-based approach. What PJM FTRs are; their equivalent names in other ISOs, and how and why these financial instruments are used. An overview of the similarities and differences between the PJM, New York, New England, MISO, ERCOT and/or California markets. (Depending on seminar location) The fundamentals of bilateral bulk power trading units and terminology. The three different types of wholesale forward power markets. Common contract language used for bilateral power transactions. What OASIS & NERC tags are. How power marketers and traders use "sellers choice" to buy and sell forward power at "virtual hubs" across North America. Speakers: John Adamiak President PGS Energy Training John Adamiak is President and Founder of PGS Energy Training and an expert in energy derivatives and electric power markets. Mr. Adamiak is a well-known and highly effective seminar presenter who has over 20 years experience in the natural gas and electric power industries. His background includes 15 years as a seminar instructor, 9 years of energy transaction experience, and 6 years of strategic planning and venture capital activities. John's academic background includes an M.B.A. degree from Carnegie Mellon University. For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1uvudp 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. Selbyville, Delaware, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The biopsy devices market value is poised to cross USD 4.5 billion by 2032, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights Inc. Lifestyle changes and the growing prevalence of cancer are among the key factors bolstering the adoption of biopsy equipment and supplies for early disease diagnosis. Based on the International Association of Research on Cancers report, lung cancer accounts for nearly 11.4% of all cancer diagnoses across the globe. Since early detection can help improve lung cancer recovery rates, the use of biopsy devices will surge. Other risk factors including exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants will contribute to the cancer burden and in consequence, stimulate product demand. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/731 Biopsy procedure requires high technical expertise in equipment handling and interpreting results. The lack of skilled healthcare professionals may hinder industry growth to a certain extent, considering the complexity of the procedure. For instance, in Europe, the shortage of healthcare professionals is likely to reach nearly 4.1 million in 2030. Concerns regarding accurate diagnosis from inadequately trained healthcare providers have also increased, thereby asserting a negative impact on biopsy medical device market progress. High operational speed and other unique properties fuel needle biopsy equipment adoption Biopsy devices market from the biopsy needles product segment to depict over 4.5% CAGR by 2032. Compared to surgical biopsy, the needle biopsy procedure is less intrusive, less expensive, and is associated with rapid operational speed. This product is also effective in the treatment of patients with benign lesions through surgery. Needle biopsy, however, carries a risk of infection and bleeding at the insertion site, which may create roadblocks to its development to some extent. Browse key industry insights spread across 189 pages with 219 market data tables & 11 figures & charts from the report, Biopsy Devices Market Size By Product (Biopsy Guidance Systems [Manual, Robotic], Needle Based Biopsy Guns [Vacuum-Assisted, Fine Needle, Core Needle] Biopsy Devices [Disposable, Reusable], Biopsy Forceps [General Biopsy, Hot Biopsy]), By End-use (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers), Regional Outlook, Industry Analysis Report, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2023 2032 in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/biopsy-devices-market Availability of advanced devices and reimbursement policies spur biopsy device demand in hospitals The hospitals segment held over 68% of the biopsy devices market share in 2022, as a result of the extensive availability of innovative healthcare devices and reimbursement policies. According to the coding and reimbursement guide from Hologic, in 2021, the National Average Medicare rate for breast biopsy procedures with breast localization device placement accounted for around USD 1,400 in hospitals. These factors will boost the number of surgical operations conducted in hospitals and in turn, augment the use of biopsy medical equipment. Europe to emerge as a lucrative revenue hub for biopsy device manufacturers Europe biopsy devices market to exceed USD 950 million by 2032, due to the growing burden of cancer. European countries with the highest rate of this disease incidence include Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Furthermore, the increasing elderly population susceptible to chronic disease will encourage regional healthcare professionals to use biopsy devices for cancer diagnosis, fostering regional market development. Secure a copy of the premium research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/securecheckout/paymenta/731?gmpaycod=sugmp Product range expansion initiatives to strengthen the global industry outlook Some of the key players profiled in the report include Boston Scientific Corporation, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Hologic Inc., Inc, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Cook Group Incorporated, Devicor Medical Products, Inc. (Danaher Corporation), and INRAD Inc, among others. Browse Our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Ottawa, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Precedence Research, the global palm oil market size was estimated at USD 67.91 billion in 2022. Palm oil is a form of nutritious vegetable oil obtained from palm oil plantations. It is the oldest continually oil crop plantation, with a yield of 5-10 times that of other major vegetable oil sources per hectare. It contains a variety of essential nutrients, cholesterol-free, easily digestible, and high in phytonutrients and Vitamin A. It has a longer shelf life and costs less than other vegetable oils on the market. Palm oil is used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverages, skincare, healthcare, biofuel and energy, and others. Palm oils are used by food makers because they are simpler to stabilize and maintain flavor and consistency in processed meals. Ask here for sample pages of report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/2578 Palm oil can be utilized as a crude oil as well as refined oil. Palm oil has a bright orange color in its crude form because it is produced from the orange pulp of the fruit of the oil palm tree. Only around a fourth of the world's palm oil and palm kernel oil are used as crude oil. Under normal temperatures, crude palm oil is frequently used in household cooking in Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Brazil as a liquid oil. Key Insights: Asia-Pacific market has generated 72% revenue share in 2022. Based on nature, the conventional segment has held revenue share of over 98% in 2022. Based on product type, the fractionated palm oil segment has held 40% revenue share in 2022. Based on end user, food and beverages segment has captured 66% revenue share in 2022. Regional snapshots The biggest market share was held by the Asia-Pacific in the palm oil market during the forecast period. The market for palm oil in Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise rapidly because of the rising demand for food and beverages by individuals and the increasing sale of packaged foods. Additionally, the innovation and R&D carried out for the production of a clean and organic product with the presence of significant palm oil companies in the region will create new growth potential. The popularity of palm oil will increase across Asia-Pacific due to an increase in the availability of the product at an economical price and a rise in awareness of the health benefit among parents, which is increasing sales and fueling the market growth. Report Highlights On the basis of nature , palm oil is segmented into organic and conventional. In 2022, the conventional segment had the biggest revenue share of the market. This is owing to the low cost and widespread availability of traditional palm oil on the market. Since synthetic pesticides increase yield, conventional oil palm farms are a significant source of cash for small and medium-sized farmers. Conventional palm oil is more widespread in low-income nations with a big populace. , palm oil is segmented into organic and conventional. In 2022, the conventional segment had the biggest revenue share of the market. This is owing to the low cost and widespread availability of traditional palm oil on the market. Since synthetic pesticides increase yield, conventional oil palm farms are a significant source of cash for small and medium-sized farmers. Conventional palm oil is more widespread in low-income nations with a big populace. On the basis of product type , palm oil is segmented into CPO, RBD palm oil, palm kernel oil, and fractionated palm oil. In 2022, the fractionated palm oil category grabbed the largest revenue share of the market. This is because the product is easily accessible at a reasonable price. It is especially popular in low-income countries since it is readily accessible and affordably priced. The product's component nature permits it to be more cost-effective to create in large quantities. , palm oil is segmented into CPO, RBD palm oil, palm kernel oil, and fractionated palm oil. In 2022, the fractionated palm oil category grabbed the largest revenue share of the market. This is because the product is easily accessible at a reasonable price. It is especially popular in low-income countries since it is readily accessible and affordably priced. The product's component nature permits it to be more cost-effective to create in large quantities. On the basis of end user, it is divided into food & beverages, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biofuel & energy, and others. Food and beverages will have the greatest revenue share in the industry in 2022. Its substantial share is attributed to the growing use of palm oil as a raw component for manufacturing different types of food and beverages. The rise in the worldwide population and growing sales of packaged and processed foods have also affected global product growth improving market growth in global territories. Recent developments In June 2021, Cargill, Incorporated, a privately held American global food corporation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware announced to development of a new palm oil refinery in Lampung Indonesia. Ask here for more customization study@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/customization/2578 Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2032 USD 106.3 Billion CAGR 4.58% from 2023 to 2032 Asia Pacific Revenue Share 72% Food & Beverages Segment Share 66% Conventional Segment Share 98% Key Players Archer Daniels Midland, Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, IOI Corporation Berhad, Wilmar International Ltd., United Plantations Berhad, Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad, IJM Corporation Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Tbk, Univanich Palm Oil Public Company Ltd., PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations tbk, PT Sampoerna Agro, Agropalma S.A., Boustead Holdings Berhad, Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc., Asian Agri, New Britain Palm Oil Limited and Others Market Dynamics Drivers In the modern era, countries are developing, and consumers are adapting to their hectic and busy schedules. The adaptation of the schedules is changing the eating habits of consumers. The shift from homemade foods to the foods offered in bakeries and confectionery is increasing. A change in lifestyle, changing eating habits, and a rise in disposable income are encouraging consumers to opt for ready-made meals from bakeries, confectionery, and fast-food joints. Increasing sales and reducing preparation time are pushing bakeries to employ palm oil in food preparation. On the other hand, consumers have realized the benefits offered by the use of palm oil in preparing food products. The realization in consumers is encouraging them to opt and use palm oil in their homes for preparing their favorite delicacy. Restraints Functional meals and beverages with functional nutrients complement many health advantages as well as the essential nutritional content of the product. Amino acids, vitamins, minerals, protein, fatty acids, and prebiotics are included in these nutrients. Due to the growing awareness of the area of consumer health, functional products have become more and more important in recent years. Increasing product development and innovation activities are attracting consumers to opt for functional foods and beverages. In recent years consumers have shifted from bakeries and confectionery to functional meals and drinks, affecting demand and sales of palm oil. The sales drop is preventing the palm oil market's expansion. Opportunities The introduction of clean label packaging of palm oil products is expected to entice the consumers interest and encourage them to go for palm oil products. Challenges The challenge in maintaining sustainability is expected as a major challenge for the palm oil market. The palm plantation requires fire to clean the plantation and also needs deforestation to clear the plantation, which have created a challenging situation for the palm oil market. Also, the negative effect on health after COVID-19 has reduced the demand for the palm oil market. Related Reports Get Our Latest Press Releases@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/press-releases Market Segmentation By Nature Organic Conventional By Product Type CPO RBD Palm Oil Palm Kernel Oil Fractionated Palm Oil By End User Food & Beverages Personal Care & Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals Biofuel & Energy Others By Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America The Middle East and Africa Immediate Delivery Available | Buy this Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/2578 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 9197 992 333 About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. For Latest Update Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/precedence-research/ https://www.facebook.com/precedenceresearch/ https://twitter.com/Precedence_R CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canacol Energy Ltd. ("Canacol" or the "Corporation") (TSX:CNE) (OTCQX:CNNEF) (BVC:CNEC) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted the Corporations notice to conduct a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) in accordance with the rules of the TSX. As approved by the TSX, the Corporation is authorized to purchase up to 1,971,950 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float of Canacol, being 19,719,500 common shares as of January 19, 2023. As of January 19, 2023, there were 34,111,487 common shares outstanding. The maximum number of common shares that Canacol may purchase on any given day is 13,095 common shares, which is 25% of the Corporations average daily trading volume on the TSX for the six months ended December 30, 2022 of 52,383 common shares (on a post-Consolidation (as defined below) basis). Canacol may also make one weekly block repurchase which exceeds the daily limit subject to prescribed rules. The Corporation has appointed Eight Capital as its broker to conduct the NCIB transactions. The Corporation is authorized to make purchases during the period from February 2, 2023 to February 1, 2024, or until such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of the Corporation. Any common shares the Corporation purchases under the NCIB will be purchased on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and/or alternative trading systems in Canada, at the prevailing market price at the time of the transaction. All common shares acquired under the NCIB will be cancelled. The funds to purchase the common shares will be provided by working capital of the Corporation. The Corporation's previous NCIB expired on December 23, 2022 and the Corporation completed a consolidation of its common shares on the basis of five (5) existing pre-consolidation shares for every one (1) post-consolidation share (the "Consolidation") on January 17, 2023. Under the previous NCIB, the Corporation obtained the approval of the TSX to purchase up to 10,513,661 pre-Consolidation common shares, which represented 10% of the Corporation's public float at the time of approval. The Corporation purchased on the open market and cancelled an aggregate total of 5,609,332 pre-Consolidation common shares at a weighted average price of $3.10 per pre-Consolidation common share under the previous NCIB. Canacol has also entered into an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) with its designated broker. The ASPP is intended to allow for the purchase of common shares under the NCIB at times when the Corporation may not ordinarily be permitted to purchase common shares due to regulatory restrictions and customary self-imposed blackout periods. Pursuant to the ASPP, the designated broker may purchase common shares until the expiry of the NCIB on February 1, 2024. Such purchases will be determined by the broker at its sole discretion based on the purchasing parameters set out by the Corporation in accordance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP. The ASPP has been pre-cleared by the TSX and will be effective on the date of the NCIB. The ASPP will terminate on the earlier of the date on which: (i) the NCIB expires; (ii) the maximum number of common shares have been purchased under the ASPP; and (iii) the Corporation terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms. Outside of the ASPP, common shares may continue to be purchased under the NCIB based on managements discretion, in compliance with the rules of the TSX and applicable securities laws. All purchases made under the ASPP will be included in the number of common shares available for purchase under the NCIB. The Corporation believes that from time to time the market price of its common shares may not reflect their underlying value and that, at such times, the purchase of common shares for cancellation will increase the proportionate interest of, and be advantageous to, all remaining shareholders. In addition, the purchases by Canacol under the NCIB may increase liquidity to shareholders wishing to sell their common shares. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities, nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, in any jurisdiction. All sales will be made through registered securities dealers in jurisdictions where the offering has been qualified for distribution. The securities offered are not, and will not be, registered under the securities laws of the United States of America, nor any state thereof and may not be sold in the United States of America absent registration in the United States or the availability of an exemption from such registration. About Canacol Canacol is a natural gas exploration and production company with operations focused in Colombia. The Corporation's common stock trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the OTCQX in the United States of America, and the Colombia Stock Exchange under ticker symbol CNE, CNNEF, and CNE.C, respectively. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "target", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, including without limitation statements relating to the expected effective date of the Consolidation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward looking statements. They are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change and the Corporation assumes no obligation to revise or update them to reflect new circumstances, except as required by law. CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BetterWork Media Group (BMG), a media company dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering workforce communities of C-suite and senior-level practitioners, executives, scholars, consultants and solutions providers in corporate learning and talent management, announced recently the launch of its first membership program, now available via its two leading brands, Chief Learning Officer and Talent Management. Members gain access to a slew of exclusive offerings, including the member-exclusive biannual print magazine (returning June of 2023), special pricing, discounts, and early access to event details and registrations, award applications and proprietary content. "The launch of this membership program signals the beginning of many new and exciting initiatives BMG has planned for this year and those to come," said Lauren Lynch-Wilbur, co-founder and co-chief executive officer for BetterWork Media Group. "My colleagues and I are so thrilled to be able to provide learning and talent executives with even more tools for enhancing their professional development experience, while simultaneously delivering on one of our biggest goals to date." More member-exclusive offerings are expected to be announced later this year. Learn more about BMG's membership packages. BMG celebrates its second business anniversary with the launch of this program. ### About BetterWork Media Group BetterWork Media Group manages Chief Learning Officer and Talent Management, serving workforce communities of C-suite and senior-level practitioners, executives, scholars, consultants and solution providers in corporate learning and talent management. BetterWork Media Group provides a unique platform to connect, support and empower workplace communities via award-winning content, research, events, webinars and digital media. BMG's founders have more than 70 years of collective experience in the media industry. About Chief Learning Officer Chief Learning Officer is dedicated to serving as a platform and vehicle for C-suite and senior-level learning and development professionals to connect and advance in the profession and their personal careers. We are by CLOs, for CLOs. About Talent Management Talent Management is dedicated to providing in-depth information and programming for senior-level talent and HR professionals who champion organizational culture and drive the design, development and execution of talent management programs. Contact Information: Taylar Ramsey-Thompson Contract Marketing & Events taylar@taylarthompsonevents.com Related Images Image 1: BMG Membership BMG Membership This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment LONDON and EDINBURGH, Scotland and NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brand Advance SSP , the leading diversity media ad tech platform, today announced a global partnership with purpose-led ad platform Good-Loop that enables advertisers to measure the carbon footprint of their digital campaigns. The partnership will see Good-Loops proprietary green media technology utilised across Brand Advance SSP campaigns, allowing brands and agencies to reach diverse audiences all around the world using climate-friendly advertising. Using Good-Loops Green Ad Tag, Brand Advance SSP customers will be able to monitor in real time the carbon emissions generated by their online ad campaigns, helping them to reduce the environmental impact of their digital advertising. Advertising adds 32% to an individuals carbon footprint, according to a recent study by Purpose Disruptors , with the electricity required to power the digital ad ecosystem a major contributor to Adlands substantial carbon footprint. The average online ad campaign emits 5.4 tonnes of carbon (source: Good-Loop) almost half what an average UK consumer and a third of what a US consumer produces in a year. Christopher Kenna, CEO North America and founder of Brand Advance Group, said: Sometimes in life you need to put your money where your mouth is if you're going to leave a better world for your own children. At Brand Advance Group, we pride ourselves on the global audiences we offer to our clients, but can now add our focus on getting as close to Net Zero as possible. Our clients can view all the results within the Community Impact Index on our proprietary Cultural Intelligence platform, where they can monitor all their campaigns' carbon footprints and action taken to offset them. It's no surprise the very communities Brand Advance Group help clients reach are disproportionately affected by climate change and therefore it's very much in all our interest to ensure we combat this in every way possible. Were proud to partner with Good-Loop, and alongside being members of the Conscious Ad NetWork (CAN), are keen to do everything we possibly can to decarbonise digital advertising. Good-Loop CEO and founder Amy Williams said: Good-Loop and Brand Advance Group were already united by a shared vision to build a better, more equal, more positive and more responsible advertising industry. The reality is, we cannot build a truly inclusive ad industry without also addressing our environmental responsibility and no single organisation can hope to turn the tide alone. But together, with this new partnership in place, our shared vision has become a shared endeavour and our two organisations present a pretty unstoppable force for change. Good-Loop, a Certified B Corporation, is on a mission to develop solutions that move the industry towards positive, climate-friendly advertising. The companys green media technology can be appended to any digital campaign and helps advertisers track and reduce the end-to-end carbon emissions generated by their digital ads. It detects data transmission in real-time, allowing for variations in territory, device, bandwidth usage and time of day. Brand Advance SSPs unique set of solutions help brands to engage digitally (desktop, tablet, mobile,CTV, OOH and in-app) across all tiers of diversity-focussed publishers and minority owned and operated platforms around the world. To find out more about Brand Advance Group, visit https://wearebrandadvance.com/ To learn more about Good-Loop, visit https://good-loop.com Media Contacts David Waterhouse Global Communications Director, Good-Loop Email: david@good-loop.com Dean Evans Brand Advance Group Email: dean.evans @brandadvance.co.uk For Quote or Interview Christopher Kenna (CEO North America) - christopher.kenna@badiversitymedia.com Deborah Gbadamosi (CEO EMEA) - deborah.gbadamosi@brandadvance.co.uk About Good-Loop Good-Loop is a purpose-led advertising platform on a mission to make advertising better for consumers, brands and the planet. The B Corps-certified company builds turnkey products for advertisers to do good at scale. Good-Loops carbon-neutral advertising formats drive engagement by converting peoples attention into donations for good causes around the world. The companys proprietary Green Media Technology also enables advertisers to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their digital advertising. The company, which has offices in London, Edinburgh and New York, is on a mission to make the connection between brands and consumers more meaningful by delivering respectful ads that bring real social and environmental impact, while also driving significant business and brand uplifts for advertisers. The company has raised more than $6M for charities such as Save the Children, WaterAid, Make-A-Wish, the NSPCC and WWF. Clients include LOreal, Nike, Unilever, Levis, Adidas, Volvo and Mondelez. About Brand Advance Group The Brand Advance Group is a global, multi-channel diversity media network. We help brands reach diverse audiences across the globe with authenticity. Authenticity is key, which is why our teams represent the audiences we aggregate through the network, across all channels. From strategy, to idea, to execution, our diversity network provides a springboard for our clients to reach, engage and commercialise many community audiences. All the while, putting money back into these communities through the publisher initiatives we work closely with. WAUKEE, Iowa, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Advisor Solutions (Myriad), a long-established, full-service business advisory firm, today announced that Chief Operating Officer, Danielle White (White) has as of Jan. 1, 2023, been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. White takes the helm at a very exciting time as Myriad heads toward its fifteenth anniversary and will, in the coming year, be breaking ground in the Des Moines suburban area to accommodate the company's new office building and staff expansion. "This growth would not be possible without the continued enthusiastic response of our clients, and they remain our top priority," White said. "Leigh White and the Myriad team have built an impressive reputation over the last 13 years, and I am tremendously excited to build on that. I anticipate explosive growth for our firm as we deepen bench-strength and expand our operational support and business solutions well into the future. All of this is being done in order to provide our clients with the exceptional care and attention they have come to expect and value. We are a white-glove firm and our clients deserve our very best." IOWA ROOTS, NATIONAL FOCUS Myriad is an Iowa-based firm, founded in 2009. Leigh White (Mrs. White) has served as its CEO and President for the past 13 years. She will remain a vital part of the firm, transitioning into Chief Technology Officer and Chairman. Daughter Danielle White has been with the firm since inception. As COO, she has used her experience in the financial services industry and business arena to lead a team of approximately 60 as they seek to provide a broad array of all-encompassing, premier solutions for small business owners who, like Myriad, are always seeking to become more efficient, effective, and profitable. She will now assume CEO-level responsibilities as a part of a multi-year leadership succession plan. "This growth would not be possible without the continued enthusiastic response of our clients, and they remain our top priority." Danielle White, CEO Myriad Advisor Solutions Myriad is dedicated to educating and empowering small business owners across the nation, helping them to achieve their goals by alleviating the operational demands and challenges that new and growing businesses invariably face. While the company's focus has been primarily focused on supporting breakaway brokers as they move toward independence and independent financial advisors as they seek to scale and grow, Myriad also works with a short list of other types of businesses on an individual needs-and-interests basis. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT In addition to her responsibilities at Myriad, White is a proud member of The Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants, a think tank designed to share best practices for businesses, in order to continually enhance the client experience. She is also heavily involved with Entrepreneur's Organization (EO Iowa Chapter). Through these and other outlets, she is able to hone and provide a wide breadth of knowledge in business operations: everything from technology and marketing to human resources and telecommunications, all in an effort to help small business owners and breakaway financial advisors succeed in uncertain markets and an ever-changing business landscape. "I am extremely proud - both as a mother and a business mentor - to see Danielle's skill and abilities blossom in such a profound and beautiful way," said Mrs. White. "During the last few years, I had several family members pass away and as a result, I had to step back from my work responsibilities to a degree. Every business owner hopes that their company has the leadership to weather any storm. Danielle stepped in and led this firm without missing a beat. She did everything and more than anyone could have asked for during this time. That is why I know she is more than ready to lead our company forward. I am transitioning into a more focused role in order to steer our technology solutions and product development into the future. This shift will allow me to leverage my background and passion for business." ABOUT MYRIAD ADVISOR SOLUTIONS Established in 2009, this full-service business advisory and solutions firm has been dedicated to its mission of empowering small business owners to achieve their goals by alleviating the operational demands and challenges which growing businesses invariably face. While its focus has primarily been helping breakaway brokers go independent and independent financial advisors reach new levels of success, Myriad Advisor Solutions (Myriad) also works with other types of privately-held businesses on an individual needs-and-interests basis, providing these developing companies with all-encompassing business solutions, operational guidance, and technical support. The company has assisted in launching over 9,500 successful businesses with more than 3,200 locations established nationwide. As a part of that work, Myriad has configured and managed over 5,000 technology networks. It is the umbrella company for two subsidiary firms: Continuum (which deals with human resources, benefits, payroll, insurance, etc.) and Communications Experts (which specializes in providing services related to the telecommunications industry). CEO Danielle White has been employed by the company since its inception. Leigh White, who served as CEO and President, now works on product development and remains on the leadership team. To learn more, please visit MyriadAS.com. Media Contact: Grace Vogelzang Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 GraceVogelzang@ImpactCommunications.org Contact Information: Grace Vogelzang Impact Communications, Inc. gracevogelzang@impactcommunications.org (913) 649-5009 Related Images Image 1: Myriad Advisor Solutions Announces New CEO COO Danielle White takes the helm as part of multi-year leadership succession plan This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SYSPRO, a leading supplier of ERP software for manufacturers and distributors, today announced that Phoenix Systems has been awarded SYSPRO Canada's Partner of the Year for 2022. SYSPRO recognizes top-performing partners for their outstanding contribution to new account acquisition, customer satisfaction and revenue generation through this annual award. Phoenix Systems is a leading ERP software reseller headquartered in Canada and has been a SYSPRO partner for over three decades. "We are pleased to announce Phoenix Systems as our Partner of the Year for 2022," said Dexter Ang, VP Sales, SYSPRO Canada. "Over the years, their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to customer service have consistently allowed them to deliver exceptional value to SYSPRO customers. We look forward to continuing to work with Phoenix Systems and seeing the success of our mutual customers." "We are incredibly honoured to receive this honour from SYSPRO Canada," said Daniel OToole, President of Phoenix Systems. "Winning this award is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team. It is a recognition of our commitment to delivering the best possible service and support to our SYSPRO customers, and we are grateful for this acknowledgement of our efforts." With SYSPRO ERP, Phoenix Systems has played a vital role in digitalizing operations of various Canadian manufacturers and distributors who were using legacy and other ERP systems, modernizing their operations and enabling them to be more agile in the face of changing conditions. Phoenix Systems had a very successful year and exceeded their annual growth targets. About Phoenix Systems Phoenix Systems is a privately owned ERP software service and solution provider headquartered in Canada. As a North American owned and operated company with a history of long-standing relationships, they are a recognized leader in service. With over 40 years of ERP related experience, they have a proven track record of delivering effective and affordable business-critical solutions as a certified value-added solution provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, WMS, CRM, Electronic Document Publication, Barcoding/Data Collection, Quality Management, Business Intelligence, E-Commerce, Unified Communications (UC), and Cloud solutions. They offer a range of value-added managed IT services for companies with diverse technology needs, in addition to their core offerings of extendible ERP software packages that consolidate accounting, manufacturing, and distribution processes for various industries. For more details, please visit pho-sys.com About SYSPRO SYSPRO is a leading, global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software provider specializing in key manufacturing and distribution industries. For over 40 years, SYSPROs team of specialists have continued to address unique industry needs and enable customers to easily adapt and grow. The solution is scalable and can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise, or both, and accessed via the web on any device to provide customers with choice and flexibility. SYSPRO remains focused on the success of partners and customers. Our evolving solutions are aligned with industry trends to leverage emerging technology that will enable partners and customers in securing a digital future. With more than 15,000 licensed companies in over 60 countries across six continents SYSPRO offers guidance and support every step of the way as a trusted advisor. For more information, please visit syspro.com Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), the eighth largest accounting firm in the United States, announced it is again officially Great Place to Work-Certified. The certification became active January 2023, following a CLA employee survey and an in-depth culture submission. CLA also was named a Great Place to Work in 2022. At CLA, we believe our culture is a competitive advantage, said Jen Leary, CLA CEO. Our culture is a priority for all of us and weve taken huge steps forward to pour into our CLA family through active listening, celebrations, creating meaningful connections with each other and in our communities, and building out an ever-expansive wellness portfolio to advance our physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being. We are honored to see how these efforts were recognized in our employees naming CLA a great place to work. CLAs 2023 score is 87%, which is 30 points higher than the average of other U.S. companies, according to Great Place to Work. In 2022, we saw our CLA family grow by a record-breaking 11%. This growth reflects rising engagement levels of our CLA family, our steady rise in retention, and the growing way more people in this industry view CLA as a destination for their inspired career, said Cathy Clarke, CLA chief culture officer. CLAs workforce is resilient because our people embrace their individual interests and grow through new experiences. In 2022, CLA moved up its primary compensation and advancement season by four months. The firm also increased the number of employee listening sessions and several wellness benefits, including new and/or increased benefits for mental health, expanded family forming benefits, greater support for working families that have parental and/or elder-care accountabilities, and even expanding the stipend available for people to make individualized wellness choices. CLAs 2023 survey results show positive progress. Compared to the 2022 survey, every measurement area showed growth. A Great Place to Work Certification demonstrates to the market that you are an employer of choice while also helping you continuously build your culture by using reporting, analysis, and next steps. Visit CLAconnect.com/careers to explore CLAs family culture, wellness, and inspired career approach, or to find career opportunities. About CLA CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With more than 8,500 people, nearly 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) (Lithium Americas or the Company) today announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement (Purchase Agreement) with General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) (GM) pursuant to which GM will make a $650 million equity investment in Lithium Americas (the Transaction). In connection with the Transaction, the Company has provided an update on the construction plan for the Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada (Thacker Pass or the Project), including the release of an independent National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) feasibility study (Feasibility Study). Further details on the Transaction are reported in a joint release issued today by the Company and GM. All figures presented are in U.S. Dollars. TRANSACTION HIGHLIGHTS: The largest-ever investment by an automaker to produce battery raw materials, with GM to become Lithium Americas largest shareholder. Lithium Americas to receive $650 million equity investment from GM consisting of: $320 million first tranche investment for common shares representing 9.999% of Lithium Americas before separation; and $330 million second tranche investment, contemplated to be invested in the Companys U.S. business following the separation of its U.S. and Argentine businesses (the Separation ). After the first tranche investment, GM will receive exclusive access to Phase 1 production through a binding supply agreement and a Right of First Offer ( ROFO ) on Phase 2 production. ) on Phase 2 production. Investment supports the development of Thacker Pass, the largest known lithium resource in the U.S. Project estimated to supply lithium needed for up to one million electric vehicles ( EVs ) per year. Investment also supports the Companys previously announced Separation by creating the foundation for an independent U.S. business focused on Thacker Pass and a North American lithium supply chain (Lithium Americas (NewCo)). PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS: Advancing Thacker Pass construction plan targeting 80,000 tonnes per annum ( tpa ) of battery-quality lithium carbonate ( Li 2 CO 3 ) production capacity in two phases of 40,000 tpa, respectively ( Phase 1 and Phase 2 ). Phase 1 production expected to commence in the second half of 2026. ) of battery-quality lithium carbonate ( ) production capacity in two phases of 40,000 tpa, respectively ( and ). Project life of 40 years ( LOM ) utilizing less than 25% of the current measured and indicated ( M&I ) mineral resource estimate. Proven and probable mineral reserves of 3.7 million tonnes ( Mt ) lithium carbonate equivalent ( LCE ) at an average grade of 3,160 parts per million lithium ( ppm Li ). M&I mineral resource estimate of 16.1 Mt LCE at an average grade of 2,070 ppm Li. ) utilizing less than 25% of the current measured and indicated ( ) mineral resource estimate. $5.7 billion net present value ( NPV ) at 8% discount and 21.4% internal rate of return ( IRR ), after-tax when using a price assumption of $24,000 per tonne ( / t ) of Li 2 CO 3 . ) at 8% discount and 21.4% internal rate of return ( ), after-tax when using a price assumption of $24,000 per tonne ( ) of Li CO . Phase 1 and Phase 2 capital cost estimates of $2.27 billion and $1.73 billion, respectively, are based on cost estimates from Q3 2022 and include a 13.1% contingency. Awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management ( EPCM ) contract for the construction of Thacker Pass to Bechtel Corporation. ) contract for the construction of Thacker Pass to Bechtel Corporation. Thacker Pass is expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and 500 jobs during operations. TRANSACTION DETAILS STRATEGIC INVESTMENT GM has agreed to make an aggregate investment of $650 million in two tranches. In tranche 1, GM will acquire 15.0 million common shares of Lithium Americas (each, a LAC Share) at a price of $21.34 per share (the Tranche 1 Subscription Price), for gross proceeds of $320 million (Tranche 1). The funds from Tranche 1 will be held in escrow until certain conditions are met, as discussed in the Transaction Terms section below. If those conditions are met, the funds will be released to the Company and GM will own a 9.999% equity interest in Lithium Americas. Lithium Americas anticipates that the escrow release will occur by mid-2023. Following the Separation and the satisfaction of certain conditions, GM has agreed to subscribe for shares of Lithium Americas (NewCo) at the then market price on the date of subscription, subject to a cap of 130% of the Tranche 1 Subscription Price (adjusted for the Separation) in an amount equal to $330 million (Tranche 2). Lithium Americas has agreed to use the proceeds from the Transaction for the development of Thacker Pass. OFFTAKE & INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENT Lithium Americas has entered into an agreement to supply GM with lithium carbonate production from Phase 1 of Thacker Pass (the Offtake Agreement) in connection with the escrow release of the Tranche 1 investment. The price within the Offtake Agreement will be based on an agreed upon price formula linked to prevailing market prices. The term of the Offtake Agreement will be 10 years from the commencement of Phase 1 production, with the option for GM to extend by an additional five years. GM will also have a ROFO on the offtake of Thacker Pass Phase 2 production. As part of the Transaction, Lithium Americas and GM will enter into an investor rights agreement (the Investor Rights Agreement). GM will be required to lock-up their securities until the later of (i) one year after the Separation, or (ii) the earlier of (i) six months after the closing of Tranche 2, or (ii) the date Tranche 2 is not completed in accordance with its terms, provided that the foregoing lock-up restriction will not apply if the Separation does not occur (such date being the Lock-up Outside Date). The Investor Rights Agreement also provides among other things, for GM to be entitled to the following: If (i) following the closing of Tranche 1 and prior to the completion or termination of Tranche 2, GM owns any issued and outstanding LAC Shares, or (ii) following the completion or termination of Tranche 2, GM owns 10% or more of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares the right to nominate an individual to serve on the Board of Directors of Lithium Americas; If (i) following the closing of Tranche 1 and prior to the completion or termination of Tranche 2, GM owns any issued and outstanding LAC Shares, or (ii) following the completion or termination of Tranche 2, GM owns (i) 10% or more of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares or (ii) own 5% or more of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares and is a party to the Offtake Agreement (or a similar agreement with Lithium Americas) and does not have a nominee on the board of directors of Lithium Americas the right to have a nonvoting observer attend all Lithium Americas board meetings; and Until the later of: (i) the Lock-up Outside Date, and (ii) the date on which GM ceases to either (i) own 10% or more of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares, or (ii) owns 5% or more of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares and be a party to the Offtake Agreement (or a similar agreement with Lithium Americas) the right to participate in any subsequent issuances of Lithium Americas securities to top-up its pro rata ownership of Lithium Americas. In addition, GM will be subject to a standstill limitation whereby it will not be able to increase its holdings beyond 20% of the issued and outstanding LAC Shares until a period that is the earlier of (i) five years following the effective date of the Investor Rights Agreement, and (ii) one year following the date of the commencement of commercial production for Phase 1 (the Phase 1 Effective Date) as outlined in the Offtake Agreement. U.S. DOE ATVM LOAN As previously announced in April 2022, the Company submitted a formal application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the funding of Thacker Pass through the DOEs Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVM) designed to provide loans for facilities located in the U.S. for the manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles and qualifying components used in those vehicles. Lithium Americas believes that the specific terms of this investment and Offtake Agreement both demonstrate the Companys commitment to supply lithium to U.S. domestic EV production in alignment with the principles of the ATVM and position the Company as a model candidate to receive the maximum potential benefit of the ATVM program. The proceeds from the DOEs ATVM loan are expected to contribute a significant portion of the initial capital costs for Thacker Pass Phase 1. TRANSACTION TERMS Tranche 1 of the transaction will be structured through the initial issuance of 15,002,243 subscription receipts to GM, whereby each subscription receipt will, upon satisfaction of escrow release conditions, convert into one common share and 79.26% of a Tranche 2 Alternative Exercise Warrant (Tranche 2 AEW), with a Tranche 2 AEW exercisable into a common share at a price of $27.74 for a term of 36 months. The conversion of the subscription receipts will result in the issuance of all shares issuable for the Tranche 1 Investment and, through the shares issuable upon exercise of the Tranche 2 AEW, the allocation of all shares issuable under the Tranche 2 subscription. The escrow release conditions for the subscription receipts include delivery of a ruling under the Thacker Pass Record of Decision (ROD) appeal that does not result in vacatur of the ROD, and conditions related to water rights transfer for Thacker Pass among other customary closing conditions. Upon satisfaction of the escrow release conditions and the issuance of the Tranche 1 shares, the parties will execute and deliver the Offtake Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement. The parties will implement Tranche 2 either through the exercise of the Tranche 2 AEW or a purchase of shares under a second tranche subscription agreement (which would result in the automatic termination of the Tranche 2 AEW) that provides for the purchase $329,852,134.38 of shares of the Company at prevailing market price, to a maximum of $$27.74 per share (adjusted for the separation, if applicable). To the extent that GM completes an investment under one subscription alternative (either the Tranche 2 subscription agreement or the Tranche 2 AEW), the Common Shares will cease to be issuable under the other agreement. In addition to other closing conditions, Tranche 2 will be subject to a condition that the Company secure sufficient funding to complete the development of Phase 1 of the Thacker Pass Project as set out in the Feasibility Study. Completion of the Transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX and NYSE, and other customary closing conditions. A copy of the Purchase Agreement, the Offtake Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement will be available on the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.edgar.com. ADVISORS AND COUNSEL BMO Capital Markets served as financial advisor, and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Dorsey & Whitney LLP and McCarthy Tetrault LLP served as legal counsel to Lithium Americas. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to GM. Mayer Brown LLP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP served as legal counsel to GM. SEPARATION UPDATE On November 3, 2022, the Company announced that it intended to advance a reorganization that will result in the separation of its U.S. and Argentine business units into two independent public companies. The Company continues to advance the execution plan for the Separation, targeting completion in Q3 2023. For more details about the Separation, please refer to Lithium Americas press release on November 3, 2022. PROJECT UPDATE Thacker Pass Feasibility Study results reflect operational and process improvements, including increased extraction rates from an optimized mine plan through new ore control strategy, an increase in sulfuric acid utilization by targeting illite clay with greater potential for increasing lithium extraction per tonne of sulfuric acid and increased crystallization steps to further remove magnesium impurities. Other process and design improvements were made to further minimize the Projects environmental impact, including, increased capacity to 80,000 tpa within approximately the same mining footprint as the permitted pit boundary and without increasing the size of the sulfuric acid plant, additional beneficiation and neutralization circuits to increase the neutrality of filter pressed tailings and implementing a tail gas scrubber utilizing a neutralization solution in the sulfuric acid plant to minimize emissions and reduce impacts to ambient air quality. FEASIBILITY STUDY SUMMARY1 Scenarios Year 1-25 40 Years LOM Design production capacity 80,000 tpa Li 2 CO 3 (Phase 1 - 40,000 tpa) Mining method Continuous open-pit mining Processing method Sulfuric acid leaching Mineral reserves 3.7 Mt LCE at a grade of 3,160 ppm Li Period 25 years 40 years Lithium carbonate price2 $24,000 / t Li 2 CO 3 Initial capital costs Phase 1 $2,268 million Initial capital costs Phase 2 $1,728 million Sustaining capital costs $628 million $1,510 million Operating Costs (average) $6,743 / t $7,198 / t Average Annual EBITDA (per year) $1,176 million $1,094 million After-tax NPV @ 8% Discount Rate $4,950 million $5,727 million After-tax IRR 21.2 % 21.4 % CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE Phase 1 will consist of a single sulfuric acid plant with a nominal production rate of 3,000 tonnes per day (tpd) sulfuric acid. Phase 2 construction will begin upon completion of Phase 1, with the addition of a second sulfuric acid plant with an additional nominal production rate of 3,000 tpd. Total designed capacity of 80,000 tpa Li 2 CO 3 production upon completion of both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Actual production varies by year with anticipated average production of approximately 70,000 tpa Li 2 CO 3 in the first 25 years and approximately 67,000 tpa over LOM, including ramp up of Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Company continues to prepare for construction while we await a ruling for the appeal of the issuance of the ROD following a hearing held by the US District Court, District of Nevada (Federal Court) on January 5, 2023. During the hearing, plaintiffs and the Company addressed final questions, the Federal Court reaffirmed no additional hearings or briefings are required and they expect to issue a decision in the next couple months. CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE The initial capital cost estimate covers early-works, mine development, mining, the process plant, the off-site transload facility, commissioning and all associated infrastructure. The capital cost estimates include a 13.1% contingency. The Phase 2 estimate is derived from the Phase 1 estimate and the lower Phase 2 estimated capital costs are a result of mine development, infrastructure and transload facility synergies. Initial Capital Costs ($ millions) Phase 1 Costs Phase 2 Costs Mine $ 58 $ 30 Process Plant and Infrastructure $ 1,963 $ 1,582 Offsite Transload Facility $ 78 $ 31 Owner's Costs $ 169 $ 86 Total Initial Capital Costs $ 2,268 $ 1,729 In addition to the initial capital costs, $50 million in mining equipment cost will be repaid to the mining contractor over the first five years of production. Sustaining capital costs include replacement costs for mining equipment, process plant equipment, and expansions of storage facilities and infrastructure. OPERATING COST ESTIMATE Operating costs in each area include labor, maintenance materials and supplies, raw materials, and outside services, among others. Reagents account for approximately 63% of LOM total operating costs for the process plant and the sulfuric acid plant. Primary reagents include liquid sulfur, limestone, soda ash, flocculant and quicklime. Year 1-25 40 Years LOM $ per tonne Li 2 CO 3 % of Total $ per tonne Li 2 CO 3 % of Total Mine $ 1,026 15 % $ 1,144 16 % Lithium Process Plant $ 3,088 46 % $ 3,213 45 % Liquid Sulfuric Acid Plant $ 2,424 36 % $ 2,627 36 % General & Administrative $ 205 3 % $ 215 3 % Total Operating Costs $ 6,743 100 % $ 7,198 100 % MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE Thacker Pass Mineral Resource Estimate as of November 2, 2022 Category Tonnage (Mt) Average Li (ppm) Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (Mt) Measured 534.7 2,450 7.0 Indicated 922.5 1,850 9.1 Total Measured & Indicated 1,457.2 2,070 16.1 Inferred 297.2 1,870 3.0 Notes for the November 2, 2022 Mineral Resource: The Qualified Person who supervised the preparation of and approved disclosure for the estimate is Benson Chow, P.G., SME-RM. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are inclusive of 217.3 million metric tonnes (Mt) of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are reported using an economic break-even formula: Operating Cost per Resource Tonne/Price per Recovered Tonne Lithium * 10^6 = ppm Li Cutoff. Operating Cost per Resource Tonne = US$88.50, Price per Recovered Tonne Lithium is estimated: (Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) Price * 5.323 *(1 Royalties) * Recovery. Variables are LCE Price = US$22,000/tonne Li 2 CO 3 , Royalties = 1.75% and Recovery = 73.5%. Presented at a cutoff grade of 1,047 ppm Li. A resource constraining pit shell has been derived from performing a pit optimization estimation using Vulcan software. The conversion factor for lithium to LCE is 5.323. Applied density for the mineralization is 1.79 t/m3. Measured Mineral Resources are in blocks estimated using at least six drill holes and eighteen samples within a 262 m search radius in the horizontal plane and 5 m in the vertical direction; Indicated Mineral Resources are in blocks estimated using at least two drill holes and six to eighteen samples within a 483 m search radius in the horizontal plane and 5 m in the vertical direction; and Inferred Mineral Resources are blocks estimated with at least two drill holes and three to six samples within a search radius of 722 m in the horizontal plane and 5 m in the vertical plane. Tonnages and grades have been rounded to accuracy levels deemed appropriate by the QP. Summation errors due to rounding may exist. MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE Thacker Pass Mineral Reserve Estimate as of November 2, 2022 Category Tonnage (Mt) Average Li (ppm) Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (Mt) Proven 192.9 3,180 3.3 Probable 24.4 3,010 0.4 Total Proven and Probable 217.3 3,160 3.7 Notes for the November 2, 2022 Mineral Reserve: The Qualified Person who supervised the preparation of and approved disclosure for the estimate is Kevin Bahe, P.E., SME-RM. Mineral Reserves have been converted from measured and indicated Mineral Resources within the feasibility study and have demonstrated economic viability. Reserves presented at an 85% maximum ash content and 1.533 kilogram of lithium recovered per run of mine feed cutoff grade. A sales price of $5,400 US$/t of Li 2 CO 3 was utilized in the pit optimization resulting in the generation of the reserve pit shell in 2019. Overall slope of 27 degrees was applied. For bedrock material pit slope was set at 47 degrees. Mining and processing cost of $57.80 per tonne of ROM feed, a processing recovery factor of 84%, and royalty cost of 1.75% were additional inputs into the pit optimization. A LOM plan was developed based on equipment selection, equipment rates, labor rates, and plant feed and reagent parameters. All Mineral Reserves are within the LOM plan. The LOM plan is the basis for the economic assessment within the NI 43-101 technical report titled Feasibility Study, National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Thacker Pass Project Humboldt County, Nevada, USA with an effective date of November 2, 2022 (the Technical Report), which is used to show economic viability of the Mineral Reserves. Applied density for the ore is 1.79 t/m3. Lithium Carbonate Equivalent is based on in-situ LCE tonnes with 95% recovery factor. Tonnages and grades have been rounded to accuracy levels deemed appropriate by the QP. Summation errors due to rounding may exist. The reference point at which the Mineral Reserves are defined is at the point where the ore is delivered to the run-of-mine feeder. Please refer to the Technical Report for full details on the geology, mining, processing and infrastructure of Thacker Pass. MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE METHODOLOGY The Mineral Reserves estimate in the Technical Report is based on current knowledge, engineering constraints and permit status. A qualified person, as defined under NI 43-101 (QP), has reviewed and verified the Mineral Reserve estimate (the Mineral Reserves QP), and is of the opinion that the methodology for estimation of Mineral Reserves in the Technical Report is in general accordance with the 2019 CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, and using the definitions in 2014 CIM Definition Standards for the classification of Mineral Reserves. Large changes in the market pricing, commodity price assumptions, material density factor assumptions, future geotechnical evaluations, cost estimates or metallurgical recovery could affect the pit optimization parameters and therefore the cutoff grades and estimates of Mineral Reserves. MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE METHODOLOGY A QP has reviewed and verified the Mineral Resources estimate (the Mineral Resources QP) and is of the opinion that the Mineral Resource estimation methodology is in general accordance with the 2019 CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines and uses the definitions in 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for the classification of Mineral Resources. Potential risk factors that could affect the Mineral Resource estimates include but are not limited to large changes in the market pricing, commodity price assumptions, material density factor assumptions, future geotechnical evaluations, metallurgical recovery assumptions, mining and processing cost assumptions, and other cost estimates could affect the pit optimization parameters and therefore the cutoff grades and Mineral Resource estimates. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL MINERAL RESOURCES Sample names, certificate identifications, and run identifications were cross referenced with the laboratory certificates and sample assay datasheet for spot checking and verification of data. No data anomalies were discovered during this check. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) methodology utilized by Lithium Americas and results of these checks were discussed between Lithium Americas geologists and the Mineral Resources QP. Geologic logs, Access databases, and Excel spreadsheets were provided to the Mineral Resources QP for cross validation with the Excel lithological description file. Spot checks between Excel lithological description sheets were performed against the source data with no inconsistencies found with the geologic unit descriptions. Verification of the block model was performed by the creation of a geostatistical model and the review of its various outputs. Histograms, HERCO grade tonnage curves, and swath plots were created and analyzed to validate the accuracy of the block model. Based on the various reviews, validation exercises and remedies outlined above, the Mineral Resources QP concluded that the data is adequate for use for Mineral Resource estimation. MINERAL RESERVES The Mineral Reserves QP reviewed the following as part of the mine planning, cost model and Mineral Reserves data verification. Geotechnical: slope stability study completed by BARR Engineering in 2019 was reviewed. Mining Method: open-pit mining with limited blasting has been reviewed and assessed with geotechnical reports. Pit Optimization: the pit limits were established based on the Environmental Impact Statement pit extents and physical features. The final pit shell was verified to provide a positive economic value. Mine Design: ramp, bench and face angle parameters were validated by geotechnical reports. Production Schedule: the production schedule was validated based on reasonability. Labor and Equipment: estimations for equipment sizes, capacity, availability and utilization were reviewed for reasonability. Economic Model: model was reviewed and demonstrated economic viability for the project. Facilities and Materials: facilities and materials located within the reserve pit boundary will be re-located when access to those areas are required during mining. QUALIFIED PERSON The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been derived from the Technical Report and has been reviewed and approved by Rene LeBlanc, RM-SME, Chief Technical Officer of the Company, a QP as defined under NI 43-101. Further information about Thacker Pass, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters, sampling methods, data verification and QA/QC programs, methods relating to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and factors that may affect those estimates are contained in the Technical Report which will be made available under the Companys profile on SEDAR and on the Companys website. Other than as described in the Companys continuous disclosure documents, there are no known legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at this point in time. NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101 DISCLOSURE A NI 43-101 Technical Report will be prepared on the results of the updated Feasibility Study by the Qualified Persons and will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions, projections and estimates set out in this news release are subject to important qualifications, assumptions and exclusions, all of which will be detailed in the Technical Report. To fully understand the summary information set out above, the Technical Report that will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com should be read in its entirety. CONFERENCE CALL Lithium Americas will host a conference call for analysts and investors on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 10:00 am ET, followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the webcast, link here: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/888987622. To register for the dial-in numbers, link here: https://conferencingportals.com/event/PTZkmgFQ. A replay of the webcast will be available until January 30, 2024 at the link above and a transcript will also be available at www.lithiumamericas.com. ABOUT LITHIUM AMERICAS Lithium Americas is focused on advancing lithium projects in Argentina and the United States to production. In Argentina, Cauchari-Olaroz is advancing towards first production and Pastos Grandes represents regional growth. In the U.S., Thacker Pass has received its ROD and is advancing towards construction. The Company trades on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol LAC. For further information contact: Investor Relations Telephone: 778-656-5820 Email: ir@lithiumamericas.com Website: www.lithiumamericas.com FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information with respect to the anticipated use of proceeds from the Transaction, the rights to be provided to GM and the restrictions imposed on GM pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement and the Offtake Agreement, the ability to obtain regulatory approval for the Transaction including a favorable ROD and the ability of GM and Lithium Americas to meet the other closing conditions of the Transaction. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking information as that term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 (NI 51-102) of the Canadian Securities Administrators (collectively, forward-looking information). Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as plans, 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. In stating the forward-looking information herein, Lithium Americas has applied certain material assumptions including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Forward-looking information involves information about the future and is inherently uncertain, and actual results, performance or achievements of Lithium Americas and its subsidiaries may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks involved in fluctuations in lithium and other commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in information released by Lithium Americas and filed with the applicable regulatory agencies. Lithium Americas forward-looking information is based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date such information is posted, and Lithium Americas does not assume, 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. This news release also contains forward-looking information related to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Thacker Pass Deposit and the information in this news release should be qualified in its entirety based on the information in the Technical Report. The material factors that could cause actual results to differ from the conclusions, estimates, designs, forecasts or projections include geological modeling, grade interpolations, lithium price estimates, mining cost estimates, mine design parameters, and final pit shell limits such as more detailed exploration drilling or final pit slope angle. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This news release includes disclosure of certain non-GAAP financial measures, including expected average annual EBITDA with respect to the results of the Feasibility Study for Thacker Pass presented in this news release. Such measures have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. The Company believes that these measures provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the prospects of the Company and, in particular, Thacker Pass. As Thacker Pass is not in production, the prospective non-GAAP financial measures presented may not be reconciled to the nearest comparable measure under IFRS and the equivalent historical non-GAAP financial measure for the prospective non-GAAP financial measure discussed herein is nil$. __________________________ 1 The economic analysis is based on Q3 2022 pricing for capital and operating costs. 2 Based on Q3 2022 long-term lithium carbonate price outlook from a leading industry market consultant. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14b7003d-427a-4b0b-932b-c2e9208c1c6c More openness toward migrant workers needed South Korea has been pressured to find a proper solution to the rapidly decreasing population amid persistent low births and fast aging. It has poured some 280 trillion won ($22.7 billion) into propping up the birth rate over the past 15 years. Yet such efforts largely fell flat, with the total fertility rate (the total number of offspring born to the average woman during her lifetime) reaching only 0.81 in 2021, the world's lowest level. As a highly feasible remedy for the ever-serious demographic problem, there are growing voices calling for more generous and open immigration policies. Given this, albeit belated, it is encouraging the Yoon Suk Yeol administration unveiled a plan to install an agency in charge of immigration affairs sometime in the first half of this year. Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon told the president in a briefing Thursday that the envisaged apparatus will play the role of a control tower for diverse immigration policies. The ministry formed a taskforce team last November to discuss how to handle the issues of immigration covering arrivals and departures, expats and refugees. Experts from various sectors of society took part in the discussion and agreed on the need to speed up efforts to establish the immigration office soon. The plan has made little progress despite much talks. The effects of the possible setup of an immigration agency will be practical and immediate. For instance, the population-related policies have so far been dispersed in many ministries, making it difficult to push for a related agenda effectively. But the new office will be able to coordinate overlapped policies such as budget plans to efficiently implement relevant measures at the pan-government level. Yet such efficiency may be minimal compared to the huge impact the new policies will have on the nation. New migration policies have been essential to the national survival in view of the fast depletion of the population, mainly in rural areas, with no viable clues to the chronic low birth problem. The ministry is seeking to mitigate the requirements for ethnic Koreans to get jobs here, while providing those equipped with basic qualifications, such as scholastic background, with more opportunities to allow permanent stay. Due to low fertility paired with rapid aging, South Korea's economic size will likely dwindle to the world's 15th in 30 years, according to Goldman Sachs, a U.S.-based global investment bank. The bank, in its global economic outlook released on Jan. 6, forecast Korea to register 0.8 percent growth in 2040. The growth will continue to fall in the negative territories of 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent in the 2060s and 2070s, respectively. It projected Korea to be the only nation of 34 advanced countries to see its economy contract. The previous governments discussed the issue of an immigration agency but to no particular avail due to fears that more migrants would take away jobs from Korean nationals coupled with concerns about a possible rise in crime by foreigners. Now it is time to totally change our viewpoint. In fact, foreign workers have long been the major workforce in many local provinces. We need to ponder how to induce global high-quality human resources beyond the need to fill the shortage in work sites. We should learn from the cases of Japan, Taiwan and China which have been rushing to expand immigration-related organizations and budgets. According to data released by Statistics Korea, the number of migrant workers here continued to increase, reaching 840,000 last month. And the number will likely increase further this year as the government is poised to ease the visa issuance requirements for jobseekers. What is urgent at this time is our discriminatory and antagonistic attitudes toward migrant workers, which we should cast away immediately. ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland and Labrador, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vulcan Minerals Inc. (the Company - Vulcan TSX-V: VUL), is pleased to announce that Atlas Salt Inc. (TSXV: SALT), a related company, has released the results from a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of its Great Atlantic salt deposit in Western Newfoundland completed by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. The complete copy of the Atlas Salt news release can be found here https://atlassalt.com/news providing full context for the highlights below. Highlights: Robust economic valuation based on a pre-tax net present value (NPV) of $909 million at an 8% discount rate as per a 30 year cash flow model at a production rate of 2.5 million tonnes per year (Mtpa) yielding an Internal Rate of Return of 22% Low cost production utilizing a Q4 cost basis of $23.81 per tonne FOB Mining infrastructure designed to increase production up to 4 Mtpa plus recognition that mineral resources are available for a much longer mine life Indicated Mineral Resource of 187 million tonnes (Mt) at 96.4 % NaCl, plus Inferred Mineral Resource of 999 Mt at 95.6 % NaCl Project designed to utilize electricity as the environmentally friendly energy source Access to the underground deposit through dual declines allowing for production scalability and economic efficiencies Economic Summary: Table 1:Summary of Economic Outcomes Initial 30 Year Production Plan at 2.5 Mtpa Metric Units Value Pre-Tax Payback Period yrs 4.2 Pre-Tax IRR % 22.1% Pre-tax NPV at 5% discounting C$ '000 1,627,736 Pre-tax NPV at 8% discounting C$ '000 909,338 Pre-tax NPV at 10% discounting C$ '000 620,247 Post-Tax Payback Period yrs 5.0 Post-tax IRR % 17.3 Post-tax NPV at 5% discounting C$ '000 920,320 Post-tax NPV at 8% discounting C$ '000 481,900 Post-tax NPV at 10% discounting C$ '000 304,935 Vulcan retains a 3% net production royalty on the mineral licences it transferred to Atlas Salt (formerly Red Moon Resources Inc.) upon spinout of Atlas Salt from the company in 2012, which includes the Great Atlantic Salt project. Vulcan also owns 28,891,000 shares (31.2% of the outstanding shares) in Atlas Salt Inc. Patrick Laracy, President commented The PEA evaluation is very impressive. It is gratifying to have this independent PEA confirm the projects compelling commercial merits. When considering production rates greater than 2.5 Mtpa and a mine life beyond 30 years, significant additional valuation upside is present. I look forward to the finalization of the feasibility study and the development of this project. Projects of this nature have the potential to be in production in excess of 50 years based on comparable salt mines in North America with all the attendant economic benefits. About Vulcan Vulcan Minerals is a precious and base metals exploration company based in St. John's NL, with strategic land positions in multiple active Newfoundland gold exploration and development belts. The Company has leveraged its exploration exposure in most of this land position through equity ownership of other explorers obtained by way of option and royalty agreements. It also holds 31.2% of the outstanding shares in Atlas Salt. Atlas Salt is carrying out a feasibility analysis on its Great Atlantic salt deposit in western Newfoundland strategically located in the robust road de-icing market of eastern North America. Patrick J. Laracy, P. Geo. President, is the qualified person responsible for the technical contents of this news release as defined in National Instrument 43-101. We seek safe harbour. For information please contact: Patrick J. Laracy, P.Geo. President (709) 754-3186 info@vulcanminerals.ca www.vulcanminerals.ca 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. This press release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results will, may, could, or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion, delivery and timing of the referenced assessments and analysis and assumptions related thereto including access to existing infrastructure. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. LEWISBURG, Pa., Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Playworld, a leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer, today announced that Quito (pronounced KEE-toe), its new freestanding net climber, was named a winner of a prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award. Presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, the GOOD DESIGN Awards program has honored the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world since its 1950 inception. The daring climber, inspired by Quito, Ecuador, the worlds second-highest capital city and the closest to the equator, is a towering 15.54 feet (4,74m) tall, allowing kids to climb, balance, and teeter their way in, over, and through the structure. With multiple points of entry, Quito includes an easy passage to the center core, as well as a cozy space underneath. Our extraordinary Playworld design team crafted the Quito climber to be visually spectacular and broadly inclusive, welcoming thrill seekers and the less adventurous alike, said David Sheedy, vice president of global sales for Playworld. We are thrilled with the reception Quito has thus far received, honored to receive this noteworthy recognition by the GOOD DESIGN Awards, and proud beyond measure of our wonderful designers. This award is for them. Quito includes bells at the top and ground levels that provide an opportunity for social game play for all types of playground adventurers. Users can hang out inside its suspended core, which offers a sense of enclosure, a sensory bell, and colorful triangle windows. The core interior's triangle roof is reachable by scrambling higher, offering an increase in climbing challenge. Quito is available as a standalone product or in conjunction with Playworlds Mighty Descent, an 8-foot-tall (2,43m), extra-wide, innovative slide that allows multiple children to revel in the joy of sliding together. Mighty Descent is the first of its magnitude and the largest one-piece rotomolded slide in the world. Its large enough for the entire family! The GOOD DESIGN program emphasizes quality design of the highest form, function, and aesthetics. Founded in Chicago by the former MoMA curator Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., together with such pioneers in modern design as Charles and Ray Eames, Russel Wright, George Nelson and Eero Saarinen, GOOD DESIGN honors the achievements of the best industrial and graphic designers and world manufacturers for their pursuit of extraordinary design excellence. Every year, designers and manufacturers from approximately 50 nations are honored for their singular achievements in producing hallmarks of contemporary design. To learn more about Quito, visit Playworld.com/Quito. About Playworld Playworld exists to unite communities through innovative and authentic play, creating equal play opportunities for all. A division of PlayPower, Inc., Playworld dedicates itself to craftsmanship, innovation and inclusive design, instilling optimism that unites communities on common ground - the playground. To learn more, visit Playworld.com. Media contact: Jennifer Leckstrom RoseComm for Playworld jleckstrom@rosecomm.com 215-681-0770 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de8dcb25-282a-408b-94c1-467eb9dc7230 Dublin, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine Market: Analysis By End User (Adult & Pediatric), By Composition (Mono & Combination), By Region (The US, China, EU+UK, Japan & ROW), Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast up to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine market was valued at US$2.23 billion in 2021, and is predicted to grow to US$3.04 billion in 2027. The hepatitis B vaccine is an effective way to prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus. Vaccination is the core component of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevention and a key intervention in the World Health Organization's (WHO) efforts to eradicate hepatitis B by 2030. Following the approval of the first hepatitis B vaccine in 1981, there has been significant progress in hepatitis B vaccines. Furthermore, vaccine recommendations have evolved over several decades, culminating in the recommendation for universal hepatitis B immunization for all people under the age of 60. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.28% over the projected period of 2022-2027. Market Segmentation Analysis: The combination vaccines segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecasted period, due to its properties of protection against multiple causal agents. The combination vaccine also reduces the cost of packaging for individual vaccines, which would contribute to the segment market growth. For example, the Twinrix combination vaccine can protect against both hepatitis B and hepatitis A. In the report, the global hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine market is divided into five regions: The US, China, Europen Union, Japan, and ROW. The US accounted for the maximum share of the global market in 2021. The hepatitis B vaccine market in the US is a significant market, with a high demand for the vaccine due to the ongoing threat of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of HBV, government initiatives and policies to promote vaccination, technological advances in vaccine production, and increasing healthcare expenditure. There are several manufacturers of the HBV vaccine in the US, including GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Inc., and more. These manufacturers offer a range of HBV vaccines, including monovalent (mono-HBV) vaccines and combination (combo-HBV) vaccines. The specific vaccines available and their prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and the distribution channel. European Union and the UK market is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. Various reasons such as improved healthcare infrastructure, an active government drive to track HBV, and a well-established reimbursement system for hospitals, are expected to drive the growth of the market in European Union. In addition, Public Health England is constantly updating the country's HBV infection burden, relating it to economic burden, statistical modelling, and estimating vaccination cost-effectiveness. These types of studies are also expected to propel the growth of the market in EU. Furthermore, the market's growth is projected to be influenced by ongoing technological advancements, greater accessibility, and rising disposable income. The favorable environment for new vaccines, as well as government legislation, are foreseen to assist the market's growth. Companies would adjust to changing market conditions and tailor their business plans and practices to aid in the growth of the HBV vaccination in the region. Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers: One of the key drivers of the market's expansion is the increasing geriatric population. The demand for hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine may increase as the population ages, as the risk of HBV infection and complications increases with age. Older people are more likely to have underlying health conditions that may increase their risk of HBV infection and complications. Older people may also be more likely to have certain behaviors or exposures that increase their risk of HBV infection. Other significant growth factors of the market include, rising prevalence of hepatitis B virus, rapid urbanization, increasing healthcare expenditure, growing instances of HBV among infants and increase in liver cancer and cirrhosis deaths due to HBV. Challenges: However, some challenges are impeding the growth of the market such as high cost of vaccine development and inequitable access to vaccines. Inequitable access to vaccines have been observed and is a critical issue in the market, particularly in impoverished areas where awareness programs and initiatives have either failed to permeate or have not penetrated sufficiently. Furthermore, the development and distribution of HBV vaccines and antibodies in deprived areas is unequal, which is considered as a stumbling block to the market's growth. Trends: The market is projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period, due to use of AI in vaccine and drug design, technological advancements in vaccine administration and favorable government initiatives and policies. Government initiatives are considered the most important trend for the growth of the vaccine market. For instance, The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), founded in early 2000 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and now supported by a number of partners, has played an important role in promoting universal hepatitis B vaccination in low and middle-income countries. Competitive Landscape: Global hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine market is moderately concentrated, with increasing acquisitions, collaboration, and product launches. Past decades have seen rise in studies on characteristics of anti-HBs antibodies, pertaining to neonates, infants, adults, and immune suppressed patients. Due to the concentration of key players in developed regions, regional partnerships and distribution agreements have become major strategic initiatives for a number of key players. Numerous new entrants and established players also eye potential avenues in chronic HBV infected patients and intend to conduct more research on therapeutic vaccination. In March 2022, VBI Vaccines Inc. received the US Food and Drug Administration approval for the only 3-antigen HBV vaccine for adults in the US, PreHevbrio for hepatitis B. Top players have been trying to incorporate the results of multicenter studies in a bid to improve response to HBV vaccination, with a direct focus on HBV mutants. Key Metrics Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 124 Forecast Period 2022 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $2.35 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $3.04 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.3% Regions Covered Global Market Dynamics Growth Drivers Rapid Urbanization Increasing Geriatric Population Increasing Healthcare Expenditure Growing Instances of HBV Among Infants Increase in Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis Deaths due to HBV Rising Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Challenges High Cost of Vaccine Development Inequitable Access to Vaccines Market Trends Use of AI in Vaccine and Drug Design Technological Advancements in Vaccine Administration Favorable Government Initiatives and Policies Global Market Analysis Global Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine Market: An Analysis An Overview Value End User (Adult & Pediatric) Region (The US, China, EU+UK, Japan, and Rest of the World (ROW)) End User Analysis An Overview Adult Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine Market by Value Adult Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine Market by Composition (Mono Vaccine & Combination Vaccine) Pediatric Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine Market by Value Global Adult Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine Market: Composition Analysis An Overview Mono Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine Market by Value Adult Combination Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine Market by Value The key players in the global hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine market are: GlaxoSmithKline Merck & Co., Inc. Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd. Cyrus Poonawalla Group (Serum Institute of India Pvt.) Dynavax Technologies Corporation Sanofi VBI Vaccines Inc. Meiji Group (KM Biologics) LG Chem Ltd. Indian Immunologicals Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x92u3r-hepatitis?w=12 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 Highly authentic works factory prototype powered by its original engine leads Broad Arrows inaugural Amelia Auction on March 4 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Raced at the 1968 Sebring 12 Hours and the outright winner of the 1968 Targa Florio in the hands of Vic Elford and Umberto Maglioli, the 907 K also saw Porsche factory drivers Ludovico Scarfiotti, Joe Buzzetta, and Rolf Stommelen at the wheel. Single-day auction set for March 4 marks the inaugural year for Broad Arrow as the official auction house of The Amelia. Learn more at broadarrowauctions.com. GROSSE POINTE, Michigan, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is honored to announce the addition of a 1968 Porsche 907 K, the world-famous overall winner of the 1968 Targa Florio, to its inaugural Amelia Auction on March 4, the official auction of The Amelia. Chassis no. 907 025s victory at the 1968 Targa Florio is a legendary tale in a season that saw Quick Vic Elford at the top of his game. After first contesting the 1968 Sebring 12 Hours in the hands of Ludovico Scarfiotti and Joe Buzzetta, Porsche System Engineering paired the 907 with Elford and Umberto Maglioli for the Targa Florio. Elford qualified on pole, putting them both in prime position to capitalize on the speed of the Porsche. After several initial setbacks and incredible assistance from race-mad locals, Umberto would return the car to fourth position before Elford would set three successive lap records. With a half-lap to go, 907 025 passed Alfas leading Tipo 33/2 and extended that lead to over three minutes at the finish, lopping nearly 10 minutes off the previous overall best race time. No season in Elfords career matched his 1968 performance and no race in 1968 equaled his win at the Targa Florio in 907 025, a moment immortalized in the famous Porsche victory poster that year. The Targa Florio win would be the 907s crowning achievement as well as its final entrance by Porsche System Engineering. It was sold to Siegfried Lang and campaigned by his Valvoline Racing Team for 1969. Lang and the 907 saw first-place finishes in a number of hillclimb events throughout the European Alps in 1969 and 1970 before his untimely death. The 907 eventually landed in the world-class Porsche collection of Dr. Julio Palmaz, who, in 2000, entrusted the car to Patrick Scalli of Porsche Prototype Racing Cars for a restoration back to its original Targa Florio configuration. Simultaneously, the original numbered engine was placed in the experienced hands of Gustav Nitsche, who rebuilt the Typ 771/1 magnesium case 2.2-liter air-cooled 270-hp flat-eight engine to original specifications, as it appears today. Under Dr. Palmazs stewardship, the 907 was twice a winner at the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, in 2007 in the Targa Florio Class, and later in 2012 as the winner of the Corporate Award for the Best Example of Race Car Engineering. The 907 K has been with its current owner since 2015 and today is in very similar condition to when it left Scallis workshop just over 20 years ago, a testament to the quality of the restoration and the care it has received ever since (Est. $4,500,000 - $5,500,000). Broad Arrow Auctions Senior Car Specialist David Swig comments, The opportunity to find and potentially acquire a Targa Florio-winning Porsche, let alone an example attached to such notable Porsche lore, is nearly unheard of. I can think of no setting more fitting than The Amelia weekend at which to offer one of the most world-famous Porsche prototype racers of the 1960s a truly significant piece of motorsport history. Additional highlights from the revered German marque set for Broad Arrows Amelia Auction include: 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S Flachbau , an exceptionally low-mileage, matching numbers example of just 39 X85 versions of the 964 Turbo sold in the U.S., representing the pinnacle of 964 design and power (Est. $1,150,000 - $1,350,000); , an exceptionally low-mileage, matching numbers example of just 39 X85 versions of the 964 Turbo sold in the U.S., representing the pinnacle of 964 design and power (Est. $1,150,000 - $1,350,000); 2011 Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 , a low-mileage, highly optioned example of the last manual transmission 911 GT3 RS and the ultimate expression of the flat-six Metzger engine design (Est. $650,000 - $700,000); , a low-mileage, highly optioned example of the last manual transmission 911 GT3 RS and the ultimate expression of the flat-six Metzger engine design (Est. $650,000 - $700,000); 2016 Porsche 911 R , a low-mileage, two-owners-from-new example boasting the incredible combination of GT3 RS engine, six-speed GT Sport manual transmission, and wingless 911 silhouette (Est. $475,000 - $525,000); , a low-mileage, two-owners-from-new example boasting the incredible combination of GT3 RS engine, six-speed GT Sport manual transmission, and wingless 911 silhouette (Est. $475,000 - $525,000); 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster , a wonderfully restored second-year Speedster well suited for period-specific events and touring, just as Porsche intended (Est. $320,000 - $360,000); , a wonderfully restored second-year Speedster well suited for period-specific events and touring, just as Porsche intended (Est. $320,000 - $360,000); 1979 Porsche 911 SC Almeras Freres Eminence Rally Tribute , a faithful tribute to the Almeras Brothers 1982 Rallye Monte Carlo entry piloted by Bjorn Waldegard. Built on a 1979 911 SC with period-correct exterior modifications and prepared for future historic events (Est. $300,000 - $400,000); , a faithful tribute to the Almeras Brothers 1982 Rallye Monte Carlo entry piloted by Bjorn Waldegard. Built on a 1979 911 SC with period-correct exterior modifications and prepared for future historic events (Est. $300,000 - $400,000); 1995 Porsche 911 Cup 3.8 , a rare factory car complete with its matching numbers engine, ordered by Bridgestone Tire Company to promote the S-02 tire. The Cup car was maintained by Rohr Racing throughout 1995 and entrusted to Hurley Haywood and David Murry for hot laps at IndyCar events that year (Est. $250,000 - $300,000); , a rare factory car complete with its matching numbers engine, ordered by Bridgestone Tire Company to promote the S-02 tire. The Cup car was maintained by Rohr Racing throughout 1995 and entrusted to Hurley Haywood and David Murry for hot laps at IndyCar events that year (Est. $250,000 - $300,000); 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, a well-preserved, Japanese market example of the ultimate road-going, naturally aspirated, air-cooled 993 variant (Est. $325,000 - $400,000). Broad Arrows debut as the official auction of The Amelia will kickstart the companys 2023 calendar on March 4 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The Amelia Auction will feature more than 100 exceptional collector cars ranging from pre-War American and European classics to motorsport icons and modern supercars. Event information and bidder registration are available at broadarrowauctions.com. Porsche enthusiasts will want to stick around for The Amelia Concours dElegance on Sunday, March 5. Featured classes for the 28th annual event include Porsche Fiberglass Racing Spyders, Porsche Carrera 2.7 and Porsche 959. For additional information and to purchase tickets for The Amelia 2023 honoring NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon visit AmeliaConcours.com. ### About Broad Arrow Group, a Hagerty Company Broad Arrow Group, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is an advisor, market maker, and financier for car collectors with a commitment to integrity, trust, and innovation. Broad Arrow Group operates Broad Arrow Auctions, Broad Arrow Capital, and Collectors Garage and is headquartered in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Learn more at broadarrowgroup.com. Photo credits: The 1968 Porsche 907 K, chassis no. 907 025, set to star at Broad Arrows inaugural Amelia Auction (Credit - Robin Adams 2023 Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions). Vic Elford, #224, 1st OA. 1968 Targa Florio 5 May 1968 (Courtesy of Revs Institute; Eric della Faille Photograph Collection). The original, matching numbers engine pictured within the 1968 Porsche 907 K set for Broad Arrows Amelia Auction (Credit - Robin Adams 2023 Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions). Another view of the Targa Florio-winning 1968 Porsche 907 K to be offered at Broad Arrows Amelia Auction (Credit - Robin Adams 2023 Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current intentions, expectations, or beliefs regarding the business. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be outside of our control. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements include: (i) our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the subject of this press release; (ii) our ability to compete effectively within our industry and attract and retain members; and (iii) the other risks and uncertainties listed in our Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 24, 2022. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in our other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in those filings is important in order to fully understand our reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law. Attachments Dublin, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Green Hospitals Trends and Technologies: Global Market Outlook" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In this report, the market has been segmented based on product and geography. The report provides an overview of the global green hospital market and analyzes market trends. Numerous case studies have been added to various section of the report. Market values have been estimated based on the total revenue of the individual product segments. The concept of green building has existed for a long time. The need for green hospitals came into existence with the growing awareness of climate change and the monitoring of hospital activity. Green hospitals provide care for patients without harming the environment through their activities. The number of hospitals moving toward sustainability is on a rise. International nonprofit organizations are helping hospitals to achieve their goals of zero emission. Healthcare without harm is at the forefront of the global green hospital movement. Local organizations are also playing vital roles in pushing the momentum for green hospitals. Hospitals are under pressure to decrease the operating margins and to provide better quality services. The costs of energy are rising at high rates, along with the cost of water supplies and of waste disposal. It is therefore imperative for hospitals to implement more energy-efficient solutions and lighting to reduce energy bills. Hospitals must better utilize and monitor their existing facilities to get the maximum output. Using recyclable products and autoclaves to sterilize multi-use products can be a great way to reduce waste and improve costs. The major challenges while implementing green solutions include the high initial cost of technology. The high initial investments and the delayed returns of green solutions are major drawbacks affecting their implementation. The need for trained manpower is another major challenge affecting market growth. The green hospitals market includes numerous companies offering various services. No single company offers all required solutions. Companies operate in different sectors, and thus it was not possible for this report to provide a competitive landscape. Report Includes A brief general outlook of the global market for green hospitals and related technologies Analyses of the global market trends, with historic market revenue data for 2020 and 2021, estimates for 2022, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2027 Understanding the components of the green hospital, the ways and means to achieve green hospitals, and exploring possibilities for countering the grave environmental challenges/concerns Highlights of emerging technology trends, opportunities and gaps estimating current and future demand for green hospitals, and identification of the regions and countries involved in market developments Estimation of the actual market size and revenue forecast for green hospitals market in USD millions, and its corresponding market share analysis by product type and region In-depth information (facts and figures) concerning major market dynamics, technology adaptations, industry regulations, latest developments, and the impact of COVID-19 on green hospitals Review of the green hospital-related case studies and overview of green hospital dimensions such as environmental leadership and management, water management etc. Identification of the various associations involved in the modern healthcare sector, and a look at the institutions pioneering this change Company profiles of the market leading participants Key Metrics Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 56 Forecast Period 2022 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $10.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $14 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.1% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Market Outlook 1.1 Market Snapshot Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 History of Green Hospitals 3.3 Definition 3.4 Market Dynamics 3.4.1 Market Drivers 3.4.2 Market Restraints 3.4.3 Market Opportunities Chapter 4 Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Green Hospitals 4.1 Impact of Covid-19 on Green Hospitals 4.2 Positive Effect of Covid-19 on the Environment 4.2.1 Reduction in Water Pollution 4.3 Negative Effects of Covid-19 4.3.1 Increase in the Generation of Biomedical Waste 4.3.2 Impact on Hospital Workforce 4.3.3 Impact on Hospitals Chapter 5 Measures Needed for Green Hospitals 5.1 Steps for Green Hospitals 5.1.1 Leadership 5.1.2 Constructions Sites 5.1.3 Energy Utilization 5.1.4 Waste Management 5.1.5 Food 5.1.6 Water 5.1.7 Green Housekeeping 5.1.8 Procurement of Materials and Resources Chapter 6 Market Breakdown by Product 6.1 Global Green Hospital Market Size, by Product 6.1.1 Waste Management 6.1.2 Light-Emitting Diode Systems 6.1.3 Autoclaves Chapter 7 Market Breakdown by Region 7.1 Global Green Hospital Market Size, by Region 7.1.1 North America 7.1.2 Europe 7.1.3 Asia-Pacific 7.1.4 Rest of the World Chapter 8 Company Profiles 8.1 Lighting Companies Eaton Corp. Philips Lighting (Signify Holding) 8.2 Waste Management Companies Daniels Health Stericycle Waste Management Inc. 8.3 Autoclave Manufacturers Celitron Tuttnauer B.V. Chapter 9 Project Scope and Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tlej04-hospitals?w=12 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 Reston, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) and Intuit, Inc. announced the launch of the Intuit Spring Social Innovation Challenge, a nationwide competition that encourages young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. The challenge is open to all FBLA High School members across the United States and Canada and spurs participants to think creatively and critically about how they can use technology to solve important problems in their communities. The spring competition asks students to come up with a project to help make their school more sustainable. We are excited to continue to partner with Intuit, providing FBLA members with this wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents, skills, and innovative ideas, said Alexander T. Graham, FBLA President & CEO. The Intuit Social Innovation Challenge is aligned with our mission of developing community-minded business leaders who will make a real difference in the world and lead with a cause. The top three teams will receive educational scholarships and mentorship from Intuit experts to help them bring their ideas to life. Members of the first-place team will receive $5,000 each. The second-place and third-place team members will each receive $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. The fall competition attracted more than 300 high schools, and FBLA students won first place and third places. The first-place team included Neal Karani, Shaomin Kee, Adithya Ravichandran, and Vineeth Sendilraj from Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia. The third-place winners were Shriya Patel, Jai Desai, Riva Babaria, and Kristy Garcia from Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey. At Intuit, we believe that young people have the creativity and resourcefulness to change the world for the better, and we are committed to supporting them, said Intuit Strategic Partners Manager Teymour Ashkan. The Intuit Social Innovation Challenge is a great way for Intuit to walk the walk and equip the next generation of leaders with the skills to address societys greatest challenge: climate change. To learn more about the Intuit Social Innovation Challenge and apply by the March 6 deadline, please visit the FBLA website. About FBLA Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with active middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Its mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.fbla.org. About Intuit Intuit, Inc. is a leading provider of financial management and tax preparation software for individuals, small businesses, and accountants. The company's mission is to power prosperity around the world by creating products and services that simplify people's financial lives. SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a case study published on Salad.com, Numenta's optimized AI technologies attained 10x more inferences per dollar when deployed to Salad's distributed cloud, setting a new price performance standard for BERT transformers. "It's incredibly validating for our team to see Salad Container Engine outperform conventional data center services at such an affordable rate," said Bob Miles, CEO of Salad. The study's methodology saw core technologies of Numenta's proprietary AI platform deployed as stateless container workloads on different types of cloud infrastructure. In order to generate benchmark comparisons against AWS infrastructure, Numenta engineers were granted beta access to a deployment toolkit for Salad's fully managed orchestration platform. Based on over 20 years of neuroscience research, Numenta solutions introduce novel architecture, data structures, and algorithms that deliver dramatic acceleration on inference tasks and minimize the overall resource usage of intelligent systems. "By building technology based on the efficient principles and structures in the brain, we can overcome today's deep learning performance challenges and unlock new AI capabilities," said Christy Maver, Vice President of Marketing at Numenta. With the global market value of AI/ML applications projected to exceed $136B this year and a tectonic shift towards computationally expensive use cases such as generative AI, Salad is poised to provide affordable GPU access and an infinitely scalable compute supply to AI innovators. The company hopes that Salad Container Engine will provide affordable alternatives in a marketplace where 81% of IT teams cite rising infrastructure costs as a critical concern. "To combat the growing cost of hyperscale cloud services, Salad will securely and sustainably distribute applications across the world's largest pool of compute resources," said Miles. Teams interested in using Salad Container Engine may apply for early beta access by following Salad's onboarding documentation. Those interested in using Numenta technology can apply to their Private Beta Program at numenta.com/private-beta-program. Contact Information: Keith Cagney Brand Editor keith@salad.com Related Files Case-Study_-Salad-x-Numenta-v11.pdf Related Images Image 1: Price Performance A table illustrating the price-performance improvements of Numenta technology on Salad infrastructure. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Dublin, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Industrial IoT Market by Component, Industry Verticals and Geography - Global Forecasts to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The research report titled provides in-depth analysis of Industrial IoT market across five major geographies and emphasizes on the current market trends, market sizes, market shares, recent developments, and forecasts till 2029. The global Industrial IoT market is expected to reach $276.79 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.0% during the forecast period of 2022-2029. Rising investment towards Industry 4.0, government encouragement to promote industrial automation, and high productivity & efficiency requirement are the major factors driving the growth of this market. Additionally, industrial IoT for predictive maintenance and an increase in the number of data centers are expected to offer significant opportunities for market growth. However, the lack of standardization and high capital & operating expense can restrain the growth of this market up to a certain extent. Based on component, the market is segmented into hardware, platform, services, and connectivity. In 2022, the hardware segment is expected to account for the largest market share of the Industrial IoT market. Factors such as consistent engagement of the industrial sector in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through better access to information from real-time solutions attribute to the growth of this segment. However, the platform segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising adoption of industrial IoT platforms by the various industry verticals to improve operational efficiency, along with the growing need for superior monitoring technologies, is driving the growth of this segment. Based on industry vertical, the market is segmented into agriculture, manufacturing, retail, energy & utility, oil & gas, aerospace, transportation & logistics, telecom, and other industry verticals. In 2022, the manufacturing segment is expected to account for the largest market share of the overall Industrial IoT market and is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing need for centralized monitoring and predictive maintenance of assets, increasing smart factories, the advent of Industry 4.0, and the increasing adoption of autonomous robots for industrial automation. With the increasing number of networked sensors across production and supply chains, manufacturers are entering a new generation of systems that enable automatic and real-time interactions among machines, systems, assets, and things. The pervasiveness of connected devices is ?nding applicability across multiple segments of the manufacturing and supply chain throughout the value chain. Market Dynamics Market Drivers Rising Investments in Industry 4.0 Technologies Government Initiatives to Promote Industrial Automation Growing Need to Improve Productivity and Efficiency Market Restraints Lack of Standardization High Capital & Open Requirements Market Opportunities Use of Industrial IoT for Predictive Maintenance Proliferation of Data Centers Market Challenges Vulnerability Issues with IoT Devices Lack of Skilled Professionals Technology Trends Rising Popularity of IIoT Digital Twins Emergence of Edge Computing Industry Trends Rising Adoption of Smart Manufacturing-as-a-Service Scope of the Report: Global Industrial IoT Market, by Component Hardware Network Components Sensors & Actuators Others Platform Services Professional Services Managed Services Connectivity Global Industrial IoT Market, by Industry vertical Agriculture Precision Farming Livestock Monitoring Smart Greenhouse Fish Farming Smart Irrigation Manufacturing Surveillance & Safety Quality Management Resource Optimization Inventory & Warehouse Management Machine Inspection & Maintenance Production Planning Energy Management Smart Robotics Retail Operations Management Asset Management Customer Experience Management Energy & Utility Predictive Maintenance Remote Monitoring Worker Safety & Security Distribution Management Asset Management Oil & Gas Predictive Maintenance Remote Monitoring Worker Safety & Security Distribution Management Asset Management Aerospace/Airline Performance Management Energy Management Predictive Maintenance Passenger Experience Management Transportation & Logistics Smart Ticketing & Toll Parking Management Traffic Management Passenger Information Freight Information Telematics Others Telecom Asset Management Remote Monitoring Others Other Industry Verticals Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Insights 5. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Industrial IoT Market 6. Global Industrial IoT Market, by Component 7. Global Industrial IoT Market, by Industry Vertical 8. Industrial IoT Market, by Geography 9. Competitive Landscape 10. Company Profiles (Business Overview, Financial Overview, Product Portfolio, Strategic Developments) 11. Appendix Companies Mentioned ABB Ltd. The General Electric Company Emerson Electric Co. Intel Corporation Cisco Systems Inc. SAP SE IBM Corporation Honeywell International Inc. Amazon Web Services Inc. Siemens AG Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd Rockwell Automation Inc. PTC Inc. Dassault Systemes SE Robert Bosch GmbH KUKA AG Microsoft Corporation Schneider Electric SE Advantech Co. Ltd. C3.ai Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u5kyal-iot?w=12 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. Nashville, Tenn, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LBMC, one of the Southeasts largest advisory and business consulting firms, has been named to the newly released Inc. 2022 Best in Business list in the Management Consulting category for the Community Development Area of Impact. Now in its third year, Inc.s Best in Business Awards honor companies that have made an extraordinary impact in their fields and on society. The list, which can be found in the Winter issue of Inc. magazine, recognizes the most dynamic companies that have had an outstanding influence on their communities, their industries, the environment, or society as a whole. LBMC was selected from a highly competitive pool of thousands of applicants and named one of five in the community development area of impact. We are honored to be recognized as an Inc. Best in Business in the Community Development area of impact, said Jeff Drummonds, LBMCs CEO. We owe this outstanding distinction to our team members, who go above and beyond to give back to our clients, peers, and communities year in and year out. I am proud to be part of a firm whose culture is fundamentally tied to empowering and uplifting the communities where we work, live and serve. Congratulations to our team members for this Inc. magazine recognition. Inc. magazine is dedicated to showcasing Americas most dynamic businesses and the great things they do. The Best in Business awards shine a light on those that have gone above and beyond their original mission to make a social, environmental or economic impact, benefiting those around them, said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Rather than relying on quantitative criteria tied to sales or funding, Inc.s editors reviewed the companies achievements over the past year and noted how they made a positive difference in the world. They then selected honorees in 55 different categories from advertising to sustainability to retail, and more and in age-based, revenue-based, size-based, and impact-based categories. The applicant pool was extremely competitive a huge success for the 241 honored in the lists third year. Honorees for gold, silver, bronze, and general excellence across industries and categories are featured online at inc.com/best-in-business. About LBMC LBMC is a 2023 Forbes Top Recommended Firm, one of the Southeasts largest accounting and business consulting firms and a Top 35 firm in the nation serving approximately 10,000 clients with diverse needs across a spectrum of industries. LBMC has more than 750 employees, with offices in Chattanooga, Nashville (Brentwood), and Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC today offers a broad range of advisory and business consulting needs for its client base. LBMC is an industry leader in financial, human resources, technology, information security and wealth advisory services for businesses and individuals. For more information, visit www.lbmc.com. About INC. The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. Attachment HOUSTON, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BAIMEI, a rising skincare brand and manufacturer, has officially released its Face Roller & Gua Sha sets for 3 years. The up-and-coming player in the skincare industry has already achieved substantial success on social media, with thousands of views and comments across Instagram and TikTok. Committed to providing at-home, user-friendly skincare goods for daily use, BAIMEI's latest releases make perfect gifts for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or any other special occasion. Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese practice involving a press-stroke treatment of the skin. According to a study by the State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, the practice has been found to up-regulate the innate and adaptive immune functions of the skin and boost the response against intradermal antigens. Aside from being great gift ideas, BAIMEI's Face Roller and Gua Sha sets are designed to reduce facial puffiness and muscle tension. The trending beauty brand specializes in providing customers with the best self-care essentials to pamper and relax during peaceful Gua Sha sessions. "Whether you are buying a last-minute Valentine's Day Gift or just want to utilize the best tools for facial relaxation, our products will provide you with a calming experience that can't be beaten by any other set on the market today," said Lucy, Marketing Manager at BAIMEI. The brand also plans to launch a new line of face coolers in the coming months. To check out BAIMEI's growing product line and learn more about their Face Roller and Gua Sha sets, visit their official Amazon store at https://www.amazon.com/baimei. About BAIMEI BAIMEI is committed to providing at-home user-friendly skincare goods that are perfect for personal use and gifts for daily life that empower people to feel beautiful. Their story begins with a single piece of jade, rooted in Benevolence, Morality, and Truth. Baimei takes a modern approach to self-care that's deep-rooted in traditional techniques to help people find the right tools that can bring comfort and peace into life. Find BAIMEI on Amazon, see more BAIMEI on Instagram @baimeiofficial and TikTok @baimei.beauty. Contact Information: BAIMEI Customer Service baimeiservice@gmail.com Related Images Image 1: Baimei face rollers products This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment An upper-class family in the late 19th or early 20th century Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff Korea, in the early months of 1885, was in turmoil. A failed coup attempt in December 1884 resulted in large numbers of Japanese and Chinese soldiers being encamped in Seoul and the surrounding region a conflict between these two countries on Korean soil was a real possibility. Blood was being spilled in the streets by the Korean authorities. Rebels were executed and their bodies left as graphic warnings to the public. It doesn't challenge the imagination to assume that many Koreans hoped the Lunar New Year (Feb. 15 that year) would bring desperately needed change and peace. In his diary, Horace N. Allen, an American missionary and doctor, described the events surrounding the Lunar New Year holiday in 1885. Some of his observations were rather benign: "Just now the people are busy flying kites. Men and boys devote their time to this amusement and seem happy." Some of his other remarks were more caustic: "[The] city has put on a holiday attire If a collection of decayed straw stacks could be capable of such an act." A small hardware shop in the early 20th century Robert Neff Collection Just prior to the holiday, barter was unrestricted in the market (various guilds usually controlled it) and "all persons may sell whatever they have to offer. Consequently the big street is lined with markets most conspicuous among the good are the lots of brass work grouped together and brightly gleaming in the sun." The brass items mainly candlesticks, spoons, chopsticks, bowls, basins and spittoons were "all nicely done but quite expensive." But the high prices weren't confined to brass goods. Cotton, a staple lining for Korean clothing, cost 50 cents a pound (450 grams) an outrageous price when compared to the prices (12 cents to 15 cents) in the northern states of the U.S. In the Korean market, silk sold for 40 cents a yard (90 centimeters) and was of poorer quality than the "sleazy summer silks" sold in the United States for 30 cents a yard. The vegetables on sale were "a coarse tough lettuce" and "a hybrid between a radish and a turnip." Chickens and fish were sold for 20 cents each and beef, "enough for two dishes of soup," for 10 cents. Its origin was "usually a worn out bull who has happened to die or injure himself." Perhaps the most expensive aspect of living in Seoul at least for Allen was keeping his house warm. "Wood is expensive, it takes one horse load to warm one kan [a Korean measurement of space between two pillars] for a day. This costs 30c and a house costs $1.00 a day at least to be kept warm. The poor steal their wood, burn manure straw etc." Exasperated by the rising prices, Allen added, "It is a wonder how these people live." Wood merchants in Seoul in the late 19th or early 20th century Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection The common people were not the only ones preparing for the event. A Korean official from the palace asked Allen for some hair oil for the king. Apparently, the official had first visited the American Legation but George C. Foulk the American representative couldn't provide any and suggested the official ask Allen. "I had nothing but some common sweet oil," Allen wrote, but the Korean official "thought that would do well if I could flavor it. I had only cinnamon and peppermint oils. He fancied the peppermint and I put it in liberally. He went off happy and the Palace will be duly stunk up for the New Year, [with] a stink new to the [noses of the court]." On New Year's Day, Allen and his wife, Fannie, decided to take advantage of the unusually quiet afternoon by walking down the city's main street to examine "the big curfew bell" at Jongno. He was impressed with the "bright clean gowns" of the people and delighted that the shops were all closed business suspended for the holiday. Despite the festive atmosphere, there was an underlying fear amongst the handful of Westerners living in Seoul a fear that the Korean government also shared. When Allen and his wife walked to the bell, they were accompanied by six soldiers who were tasked with keeping "the crowd well back" from the Americans. Fortunately, there was no trouble that day, but there were scares over the next couple of weeks. One night, Allen and his small family heard a loud commotion coming from the streets the sound of people shouting. He feared that it might be one of the greatest banes to the city's residents, a fire or, in light of recent events (even though he doesn't say it in his diary), another coup attempt. Selling vegetables in the market in the early 20th century Robert Neff Collection WORCESTER, Mass., Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AdCare Hospital counselor Don Johnson, CADC-II, LADC-I, has received the Counselor of the Year award from the Massachusetts Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors. From 2006 to 2020, Johnson worked as a rehab counselor for AdCare Hospital. Though he currently works with AdCare Hospitals transportation department, he still maintains a private counseling practice. MAADAC honored Johnson with the prestigious 2022 Counselor of the Year award at the associations virtual annual meeting and training on January 27, 2023. Prior to joining AdCare, Johnson worked for the Salvation Army, Veterans Inc., and the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, retiring as a captain after 22 years of service. While working for Mass DOC, he volunteered for a month in Albania and Kosovo with the Balkan Mission Outreach, a Christian aid organization. His work was multi-faceted and encompassed delivering aid during the 1997 Albanian Civil War and into Kosovo in early summer 1999, as well as work in a refugee camp, and village medical clinics with his wife, Jane, who is a registered nurse. Johnson spent two years in Albania and returned for subsequent stays in 2006, 2007, and 2014. He also earned his masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA, laying the groundwork for his second career counseling individuals battling addiction. While a counselor at AdCare, Johnson completed the Addiction Counselor Education Program and achieved certification as an alcohol and drug counselor (CADC-II) and licensure as an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC-I). AdCare Hospital and its parent company, American Addiction Centers, a leading treatment provider with nine centers nationwide, are committed to helping people achieve recovery and live healthier lives. Located in the heart of New England, AdCare provides hospital-based care in Worcester, MA; detoxification and transformative residential treatment in North Kingstown, RI; and comprehensive outpatient/telehealth services throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Contact: Mary Beth Papcsy Media Relations AdCare Hospital 107 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 508-799-9000, ext. 4058 MPapcsy@contactaac.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d154e7c1-9206-4ab1-b629-e7d7c20afd5b Calgary, Alberta, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bow Valley College is honoured to be named one of Albertas Top 75 Employers in 2023. The annual competition recognizes Alberta employers providing an outstanding place to work by going beyond expectations and offering services, opportunities, and experiences that promote a positive atmosphere. We are proud to receive this award following a year that challenged all our employees to find creative and innovative ways to excel online and in person, says Suzie Johnson, Vice President, People, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Our employees demonstrated that we could achieve great things through resilience, commitment, and pride. Bow Valley College was selected as one of Albertas Top Employers for several initiatives, including its defined benefit pension plan, vacation benefits, and culture of continuous learning. The College starts new employees with three weeks of paid vacation and offers additional time off between the Christmas and New Years holidays. It provides a staff development fund to encourage employees to expand their knowledge and interests through personal or professional learning. In promoting and living our values, we encouraged employees to pursue opportunities of lifelong learning on and off the job, says Johnson. This development fund recognizes their contributions and invests in their careers and overall well-being. Some other initiatives that make Bow Valley College a positive place to work include its Staff Development and Faculty Development processes, which encourage employees to lead the performance review process. A flexible environment features hybrid work, high-tech meeting spaces, and meeting-free Focus Fridays. Last year, the College launched an Indigenous Awareness training course for all employees as part of its commitment to reconciliation. The College prioritizes mental health and well-being through various services, including an employee and family assistance program, free access to the headversity app, and Healthy Workplace Committee workshops. This years winners have struck a balance between the practical and progressive, incorporating flexibility where possible and ensuring they remain ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting the expectations of todays job-seeker, says Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp. Bow Valley College employs nearly 1,200 full- and part-time and casual employees. The Colleges main campus is conveniently located in downtown Calgary with public transit at its doorstep. It is close to numerous amenities, including retail, arts, and cultural activities, and a network of pathways along the river. We are proud to be a regional post-secondary institution, allowing employees to work in their community. Bow Valley College has campuses in Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Banff. -30- About Bow Valley College Calgary and regions only Comprehensive Community College with 14,000 full- and part-time students, Bow Valley College helps Open Doors Open Minds to in-demand jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Our graduates contribute to the digital economy, careers in business, TV & film production, and serve on the frontlines of healthcare and social services. Bow Valley College invests in virtual reality (VR), Work Integrated Learning (WIL), micro-credentials, and foundational opportunities. Salt Lake City, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salt Lake City, Utah - Salt Lake City, UT Standard Optical is excited to celebrate LASIK and cataract surgeon Dr. Terrence Spencers one-year anniversary of joining the practice in November. In addition, Terrence Spencer, M.D. has completed more than 25,000 surgeries throughout his career. Dr. Spencer is such a talented ophthalmologist, said Dr. Aaron Schubach, owner and CEO of Standard Optical. Performing more than 25,000 surgeries is an incredible feat, and we want to celebrate not only his professional success, but also how much hes helped improve the lives of our patients. Dr. Spencer never stops learning; hes always keeping up with the latest technology and innovations in the field, and were constantly impressed by his commitment. The people of Utah deserve the best, and he delivers every time. Dr. Spencer completed his Doctor of Medicine and ophthalmology residency at the University of Utah. He specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, and has a reputation for being the go-to surgeon for specialty intraocular lens procedures. As a surgeon, I get to do what I love every day, said Dr. Spencer. Correcting peoples vision and seeing the joyous look on their faces when they realize they can see clearly is a wonderful thing. It feels amazing to be able to give that to people. I love working with the team at Standard Optical they have such deep roots in Utah, and they are consistently leaders in the industry. Reaching this milestone during my time at Standard Optical is something Im proud of, and I look forward to performing many more surgeries in the future. Standard Optical is known in the industry for its constant self-improvement, including as one of the first practices nationwide to use implantable contact lenses (ICL) as a LASIK surgery alternative. Dr. Spencers anniversary and surgery milestones reflect the practices continued commitment to provide expert, high quality eye care for their patients in Utah. Standard Optical is open for appointments for both new and existing patients at any of their 21 locations throughout the state. About Standard Optical Standard Optical is over 100 years old and is one of Utahs leading optical practices, specializing in providing convenient, one-stop-shop ophthalmic care. Each of their locations also feature a large selection of eyewear along with a family-oriented atmosphere. For more information, visit www.standardoptical.net. ### For more information about Standard Optical - West Valley Eye Doctor, contact the company here: Standard Optical - West Valley Eye Doctor Aaron Schubach (801) 214-0310 aaron@standardoptical.net 1901 Parkway Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84119 Carrollton, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carrollton, Texas - TX based ArtResin would like to reach out to all artists who may be looking for quality resin tints. They have a collection of premium resin tints that are used to color and create stunning effects at resin art projects. The resins come in different colors and sizes and can be used for a wide variety of projects. ArtResin is quickly becoming the preferred supplier of resin colorant products for the community at large, due in part to their wide collection and commitment to providing excellent quality. They invite artists to browse their collection of resin products on the ArtResin online store to find the right resin colorant and epoxy resin pigment for all the creative projects they are working on. Dreaming of the brightest and boldest colors for your resin art? Look no further than ResinTint, says the company. From metallics to neons and solid tints, ResinTint has everything you need to elevate the beauty of your resin art projects. ResinTints vibrant colorants and pigments are perfect for crafting resin geodes, jewelry making, petri art, river tables, ocean art, colorful coasters, resin flow art and many more home decor items made from epoxy resin. ResinTint colorants were designed to work perfectly with ArtResin, our high quality, crystal-clear and non-toxic epoxy resin and hardener. Color tints are available in pink, orange, yellow, green, red, purple, black and blue for richly saturated hues that can be mixed with our white, neon and metallic colorants to create your own custom color blends and dyes. Whatever you need to kickstart your epoxy resin creations, weve got you covered! The resin tints come in easy-to-use squeeze bottles that allow the artist a greater degree of control over how much tint they add. ResinTint colorants are highly concentrated, meaning that even a very small amount goes a long way. An artist need not add a large amount to achieve great results, and this is what makes ResinTint one of the most cost effective resin tint options available on the market. Their colorants are also non-toxic, non-flammable and generally very safe for home use, so artists are free to pursue their creative passions without worrying about their safety. ArtResin began when David and Rebecca, the founders, discovered their love of resin. They both developed a strong passion for resin around the same time but could not find resin products that met all their needs. As such, they set out to create their own: ArtResin, a clear and safe resin product that is easy and safe to use. Their products are now available for artists everywhere to enjoy, and there are a number of videos on their YouTube channel explaining how the resins can be utilized. A number of customers have left excellent reviews of ArtResins products. One glowing review says, This is the first time I have ever worked with Resin. It was so easy, and it came out great! My second try was more challenging as a bubble appeared overnight so I had to sand and re-resin but again, it looks great! Love the product. Great instructional videos and Q&As. Also love the art resin torch. Super easy to use. Another five-star review states, The best thing about this resin is that it is safe! No VOCs mean that I can work with it and not worry about hurting my pets or myself. Art resin has a long work time but this work time shortens with age. This means that your old resin will cure quicker than your newer resin. I only buy my art resin from here, because even though Amazon might be able to deliver the resin sooner, I can't be sure of the freshness. As far as I can tell, this resin does not get hot either, so I'm not scared that my trash will burst into flames! Honestly, this is a fantastic product, and I refuse to use anything else. Visit ArtResins Pinterest for examples of some of the art that has been produced using their resin. More information can be found on the companys website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF_ipaBaC9E ### For more information about ArtResin, contact the company here: ArtResin Rebecca Zak (877) 401-4001 info@artresin.com 2300 Apollo Circle Carrollton, TX 75006 Manchester, UK, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After the huge success of $GULF, GULF Software & Technology is launching GULF CRYPTO BANK, a one-of-a-kind project, an integrated banking system in which you can work in Fiat currencies as well as digital currencies. Opening an account will be easy and accessible with a friendly user dashboard, from which users can withdraw, deposit, swap, do external and internal transfers immediately, securely and with minimal fees. Users will also be provided with a visa or mastercard that can be used at any ATM or online. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to withdraw your crypto assets to any external wallet by creating a wallet inside your bank account. The Bank will also offer personal and corporate loans based on the Islamic laws. Also, another opportunity to earn extra income is available for all active users through a referral program. Each user can obtain his or her own link for registration on which they will earn additional income from each person registering using their link and from each transaction performed by the latter, they will earn a fraction of the fees. The earnings will be added immediately to the users account balance. In a nutshell, the Bank is not only providing total financial freedom and boundless power, but it is also offering the chance for its users to earn passive income with minimal efforts; all it takes is for the users to work on his network and share his or her referral link. Expert Talk, one more feature out of many, is a hub in which any user of the Bank can publish articles, analyses, and recommendations about the crypto world. The material can be published in written or filmed format. This forum will offer the publisher high exposure and a chance to publish on social media platforms. The bank will be widely spread with numerous offices, sales points and a huge agents network which will increase the ease of its accessibility and efficiency. Currently the bank is preparing to launch very soon its public sales of shares on the day of its participation in the first Arab Summit for Crypto as a Diamond Sponsor and Partner in the event happening on February 15th in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the presence of governmental authorities, elite businessmen, entrepreneurs, and investors. The company is offering 49% as shares whereas 1 Share is equal to 1 $GULF. The 51% remainder is acquired by the developing company. Each investor will be considered as a partner in the bank and will be offered an investor account on the dashboard from which he can follow up the banks daily transactions since he or she will be receiving dividends daily to their accounts balances of each transaction according to their percentage share. It is important to note that the Bank will be registered and licensed in more than one country and is planned to be listed on the stock exchange in the future. The vision behind GULF CRYPTO BANK was established to fill the gaps and the discrepancies present in the current financial systems and to unfold a new system with better value and opportunities to its users. This is why we are here to recognize this project as one of the Top 10 Prominent Projects in the Arab World that will offer a new vision to the ecosystem and the Web3 development. https://gulfcryptobankshares.com/ Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (Volt Carbon or the Company) (TSX-V: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) is pleased to announce the acquisition by staking of a 100% owned Abamasagi Lake Lithium Project, (the "Project") located northwest of Nakina, Ontario, Canada. The mining claims were registered directly by Volt Carbon. The staking was completed following a detailed review of several publicly available Ontario Government geological databases and publications. A total of 150 Mining Claim cells were registered by electronic staking through the Ontario Mining Lands Administration System portal, covering a total area of 3100 hectares. A map showing Volt Carbons mining claims is overlaid on top of the map provided by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development (the OMND) publication Recommendations for Exploration 2021-20221 and is shown in Figure 1 below. Target area 6 was recommended by the OMND publication as a grassroots exploration property for lithium based on lake sediment anomalies. The area outlined in red and was staked by Volt Carbon. The map provided by the OMND publication showed 98th percentile deep sediment samplings of lithium and cesium anomalies in Abamasagi Lake near the areas staked by Volt Carbon. Fig. 1: Plan Map of Volt Carbons Abamasagi Lake Lithium Project (red outline). Please select link to view image The staked property lies within the English River Subprovince and north of the contact with the Caribou Lake greenstone belt and is centred on Abamasagi Lake. In close proximity to this location (Stott et al. 2002)3. Breaks et al. (2006)2, noted that near the Abamasagi Lake Road in the vicinity of its junction with the Anaconda Road, a well-exposed, clean, glacially polished outcrop of garnet-biotite-muscovite pegmatitic leucogranite was observed at 02-FWB-54 (UTM 490691E 5591192N, NAD83, Zone 16). Fertile peraluminous granite units are well exposed on glacially polished surfaces at this locality. Breaks et al. (2006)2, noted that the bulk composition of a green muscovite ( 02-FWB-54-02) revealed levels of elements indicative of a fertile pegmatitic granite system and, particularly the elevated tantalum (63 ppm Ta), the potential for the presence of beryl-type pegmatites. In addition, the publication recommended that the area be prospected for potential rare-element mineralization. With the addition of these mining claims, Volt Carbon has added mineral claims with potential critical rare earth minerals that could be used to build lithium ion batteries at its Solid Ultrabattery plant in Guelph, Ontario. The new mining claims are within 200km northwest of its Manitouwadge Graphite Project. The close proximity of the two properties will enable the Company to better manage and combine its exploration resources. The Company plans to further explore the property in 2023. Qualified Person Christian Derosier, P.Geo., PhD., is the qualified person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and acting on behalf of Volt Carbon. Dr. Derosier has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. About Volt Carbon Technologies Volt Carbon is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation, with holdings in mining claims in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia in Canada. For the latest information on Volt Carbons properties and news please refer to the website www.voltcarbontech.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. V-Bond Lee, P. Eng. CEO, President, Chairman of the Board and Director Information Contact : Email: info@voltcarbontech.com Tel: (647-546-7049) 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. References 1, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Recommendations for Exploration 2021-2022, 2, Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B. and Tindle, 2006. Fertile and peraluminous granites and related rare element mineralization in pegmatites, north-central and northeastern Superior Province, Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6195, 143p. 3, Stott, G.M., Davis, D.W., Parker, J.R. Straub, K.H. and Tomlinson, K.Y. 2002. Geology and tectonostratigraphic assemblages, eastern Wabigoon Subprovince, Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Preliminary Map P.3449, or Geological Survey of Canada Open File 4285, scale 1:250 000. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Volts business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, intends budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. Although Volt believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include statements with respect to: (i) the potential presence of beryl-type pegmatites and rare-element mineralization at the Project; (ii) the potential use of any rare-element minerals from the Project in the lithium ion batteries built at the Companys Solid Ultrabattery plant in Guelph, Ontario; (iii) the expectation that the close proximity of the two properties will enable the Company to better manage and combine its exploration resources; and (iv) the Companys plan to further explore the Project in 2023. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Volt assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. There will be one daily flight to Houston. The destination will continue to be served from AICM. Aeromexico continues to be the largest airline operating from AIFA, connecting the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico with 9 destinations through more than 220 arrival and departure operations per week. Mexico City, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mexico City, January 31, 2023.- Mexican and US authorities granted Aeromexico the necessary authorizations to initiate direct flights from Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. As a result, Aeromexico is excited to grow our position as the airline with the most connectivity to and from the center of Mexico. This route will commence operations on May 1, 2023, with one daily flight on Embraer 190 aircraft along with the flights already scheduled to Houston from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). Tickets will be available for sale through the airline's official channels in the upcoming days. This will be the ninth destination Aeromexico serves from AIFA, and the first route to connect this airport with the United States. This flight will allow our customers to travel from Mexico City and any of the 8 domestic destinations which Aeromexico serves from AIFA (Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Merida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, and Veracruz) to the United States of America, increasing connectivity between the two countries. After a regulatory assessment and an evaluation of current conditions, US and Mexican authorities approved this route considering that AIFA also serves the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico. Aeromexico is working closely with the Mexican aviation authorities to recover Category 1 aviation status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Aeromexico reaffirms its commitment to expand its network between Mexico and the United States with 22 routes, the best fleet, unrivaled service, and the highest safety standards in the industry. -oo0oo- About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexicos global airline has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 21st anniversary, and serves 170 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners. Aeromexico created and implemented a Health and Sanitization Management System (HSMS) to protect its customers and employees at all steps of its operations. Portland, OR, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For a fourth year, Black Rock Coffee Bar, a national boutique coffee chain, is partnering with JoyRx, the mission delivery of Children's Cancer Association, to help bring joy to kids and teens around the United States who are facing pediatric cancer or other serious illness. On February 3, 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar is holding a "Give Back Day" at more than 100 of its stores across the U.S. to benefit the nonprofits JoyRx Music program, which draws on the universal power of music to create transformational moments for kids and teens in treatment. All day on February 3rd, Black Rock Coffee Bar will contribute 100% of the sales from its purple-themed drink the Blue Raspberry & Strawberry Fuel. This delicious beverage was created exclusively by Black Rock Coffee Bar to align with JoyRxs passion for purple. For convenience, customers can also choose to donate through a QR code at point of purchase or directly at the window or cash register at each Black Rock location. It was an easy decision to continue to support Childrens Cancer Association and its JoyRx Music program, said Jeff Hernandez, Co-Founder and Exec. Chairman of Black Rock Coffee Bar. Our partnership with this great organization is a purposeful experience for every single barista in each of our Black Rock Coffee Bar stores. It falls in line with our mission to serve our communities with positivity, grace and meaning. Proceeds from the sales of the $3.00 Blue Raspberry & Strawberry Fuel drinks will help fund the JoyRx Music program, which is always free for families and provided by trained JoyRx Music specialists. Each in-person or digital-live session engages hospitalized kids and teens of all ages and diagnoses to choose the music medicine experience that best fits their needs. Both modes of delivery empower children with the option to watch a live music session, request a song, sing along, or engage in music lessons with instruments from the JoyRx music cart. Black Rock Coffee Bar is a top national partner for us in helping transform the pediatric healthcare experience for children and teens across the nation, said Danielle York, CEO of JoyRx | Childrens Cancer Association. With Black Rocks continued support, weve been able to expand our JoyRx Music offering to 32 pediatric healthcare facilities spanning the U.S., providing nearly 100,000 joyful music interactions to over 21,000 children last year. Thanks to Black Rocks partnership, we will be able to increase the number of kids, teens, and families we serve throughout the country. Visit www.JoyRx.org/BlackRock to participate in Black Rocks Give Back Day initiative. 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 blended energy drinks. Founded as a family-owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to more than 100 retail locations in seven states. The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also for 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/ About JoyRx JoyRx, the mission delivery of Childrens Cancer Association, envisions a human-centered healthcare environment where JoyRx lives withing the standard of pediatric care. Since 1995, JoyRx has been transforming the pediatric healthcare experience by delivering customized, no-cost, Joy-based programs to kids and teens to improve their emotional health, elevate mood, and increase resiliency. JoyRx Music, JoyRx Mentorship, and JoyRx Nature programs empower seriously ill youth to positively shift their emotional state during the stressful and painful experiences related to fighting life-threatening illness and extended hospitalizations. See JoyRx in action at JoyRx.org. Attachment Vancouver, B.C., Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The completion of the transaction is anticipated to create the worlds first publicly-listed pharmaceutical and narcotics investment company aimed at creating a global powerhouse positioned to take advantage of the rapidly growing safe supply narcotic sector and entire eco-system. Having a publicly listed vehicle will provide Safe Supply with robust financial resources to fund its ambitious growth program. Opportunity to establish a strategic foothold in the burgeoning British Columbia sector today and leadership position in the anticipated global roll-out including other provinces in Canada, Europe and the USA. Safe Supply has a robust portfolio of investment targets which positions it as the pre-eminent market leader with portfolio companies operating in all parts of the safe supply value chain from importation and distribution to laboratories and clinics. Safe Supply has a world-class management team, advisory board, investors and partners who have institutionalized other nascent sectors over the last decade including cannabis and psychedelics with best-in class industry knowledge. Pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent with Safe Supply, Origin is prepared to lend up to $500,000 as interim financing to allow Safe Supply to execute upon its business plan. Origin Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (CSE:ORIG) (the Company or Origin) announces that it has signed a binding Letter of Intent dated January 31, 2023 (the LOI) with Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd. (Safe Supply) pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities in the capital of Safe Supply by way of a business combination transaction (the Transaction). Governments around the world have signaled a significant change in attitudes towards narcotics and safe supply in recent years following a healthcare crisis relating to supply of toxic narcotics containing fentanyl and other harmful un-traceable compounds, along with deaths from fentanyl overdoses. Health Canada and British Columbias provincial governments movement to decriminalize certain schedule 1 narcotics today marks the historic third and the final wave of de-scheduling in Canada in their ground-breaking movement to fight the healthcare crisis. The safe supply of cannabis and legalization started in 2013 in Canada. Following the success of cannabis legalization, in 2019 the Canadian government launched the second wave of de-scheduling narcotics with psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy. This third and final wave of de-scheduling marks a monumental period for the country and presents a unique opportunity for investors and commercial operators to work with the Canadian government to advance their efforts. Upon closing of the Private Placement (as defined below), the Resulting Issuer (as defined below) will have more than $6 million in cash to execute upon its business plan. Pursuant to the terms of the LOI and other terms to be agreed, Origin has agreed to lend up to $500,000 as interim financing to Safe Supply to allow Safe Supply to execute on near term business objectives. Acquisition Terms The parties intend to enter into a definitive agreement in respect of the Transaction (the Definitive Agreement) by no later than February 28, 2023, or such other date as may be agreed to by Safe Supply and the Company. It is currently anticipated that the Transaction will be effected by way of a three-cornered amalgamation pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) involving Safe Supply and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, or some other similar form of transaction including a share exchange which will constitute a reverse-takeover of the Company by Safe Supply. The resulting issuer that will exist upon completion of the Transaction (the Resulting Issuer) will change its business to that of Safe Supply. The Transaction is an arms length transaction and is expected to close in early spring 2023. If the Transaction is completed, it is anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer shall be reconstituted to consist of such directors as Safe Supply and the Company shall determine, and certain officers of the Company shall resign and be replaced with officers appointed by the new board of directors. The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other items: (i) the entering into of the Definitive Agreement; (ii) the consolidation of the Companys existing share capital on a 4-for-1 basis or such other basis as mutually determined by Safe Supply and the Company (the Consolidation); (iii) the Company changing its name to Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. or such other mutually determined name; (iv) completion of the Private Placement (as defined below); (v) the entering into by Safe Supply of certain letters of intent with respect to streaming opportunities; (vi) receipt of all required shareholder, regulatory and third-party consents, including approval of the Transaction by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE); and (vii) the listing of the shares of the Resulting Issuer (Resulting Issuer Shares) on the CSE. Pursuant to the Transaction, all outstanding securities of Safe Supply will be exchanged by the holders thereof for identical securities of the Resulting Issuer on a post-Consolidation one-for-one basis. Upon entering into the Definitive Agreement in respect of the Transaction, the Company intends to issue a further press release which will disclose the further details relating to the Transaction and the Resulting Issuer. Trading of Origin s common shares has been halted as a result of the announcement of the Transaction and will remain halted pending the review of the Transaction by the CSE and satisfaction of conditions of the CSE for resumption. The Company expects that trading will not resume prior to the closing of the Transaction. Equity Financing Pursuant to the LOI, Safe Supply will complete an arms length equity financing on terms satisfactory to the Company of at least $3 million and no greater than $4 million subscription receipts ultimately exchangeable into Resulting Issuer Shares (the Private Placement). The proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund working capital and general corporate purposes, including potential streaming investments. Further Information There can be no assurance that the Transaction or the Private Placement will be completed as proposed, or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular and/or listing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. None of the securities to be issued in connection with the Transaction or the Private Placement have been, or will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful, including the United States. All information contained in this press release with respect to Safe Supply, its business, the market in which it operates and the Private Placement was supplied by Safe Supply for inclusion herein. The Company has not conducted due diligence on the information provided and does not assume any responsibly for the accuracy or completeness of such information. About Origin Therapeutics Origin is an investment issuer that has historically focused on making equity investments in psychedelics-industry-related companies to provide investors with diverse exposure to the sector. On December 8, 2022, the Company announced that its board of directors had initiated a review process to consider, review and evaluate strategic alternatives for the Company. About Safe Supply Safe Supply is a pharmaceutical streaming / investment company tackling the global safe supply eco-system. Backed by a world class management team with expertise in the narcotics industry, Safe Supply has a portfolio of potential letters of intent for investments across the value chain from narcotics licenses to laboratories to clinics and more. Safe Supply will offer investors a diversified platform to participate in this burgeoning sector and benefit from a portfolio of companies that have been handpicked and vetted by our renowned management team and advisory partners. Our goal is to be the first mover and global champion in this sector with a strong balance sheet to move quickly to establish attractive investments across the value chain. Learn more at www.safesupplystreaming.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Instagram . For Further Information: Michael Galego Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director Origin Therapeutics Holdings Inc. www.originpsychedelics.com info@originpsychedelics.com (604) 416-4099 Bill Panagiotakopoulos Chief Executive Officer and Director Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd. www.safesupplystreaming.com bill@safesupplystreaming.com Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain statements in this news release related to the Company are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature, including but not limited to the express or implied statements and assumptions regarding the intention of Origin and Safe Supply to complete the Transaction and the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that the parties will successfully enter into the Definitive Agreement or complete the Transaction or Private Placement contemplated herein, that Origin will obtain any of the required shareholder or regulatory approvals, including the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the CSE. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as may, should, could, intend, estimate, plan, anticipate, expect, believe, will or continue, or the negative thereof or similar variations. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Companys and Safe Supplys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to adverse market conditions and risks inherent in the Companys and Safe Supplys business in general. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this press release. Except as required by applicable law, the Company and Safe Supply do not intend to update these forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. PERTH, Australia, Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Techforce, a privately owned recruitment and workforce management company supplying qualified employees for a range of positions, including rigger jobs and mining chef jobs, FIFO is a popular working arrangement in the mining, construction, oil and gas industries. While FIFO can be a great opportunity offering many benefits, being away from home and family for long periods of time can impact an individual's lifestyle and isn't suited to everyone. Here, Techforce shares everything to know about the benefits and challenges of FIFO work. FIFO workers are usually required to work long hours with very little downtime, explains Techforce. Common roster arrangements include seven days on followed by seven days off or 14 days on followed by 14 days off. The pay for FIFO work is usually significantly higher than average to make up for the inconvenience of being away from home and the long hours required. Each site will have different conditions, allowances, salaries, travel conditions and recreational facilities. As most FIFO sites are isolated, there may be little or no opportunity to go anywhere outside of the camp site. Techforce points out some key benefits of FIFO work include the flexibility to work in different locations without the requirement to relocate permanently, the ability to keep work life and personal life completely separate, exposure to exciting industries and diverse people with endless career growth opportunities and the ability to relax and enjoy time with family and friends during days off. FIFO work is not without challenges and Techforce says workers can often feel isolated as they will likely miss out on many significant milestones and events back home due to the nature of living away. Being away for long periods of time can also put a strain on relationships. Additionally, the long rosters and hours can leave some feeling fatigued and burnt out. Techforce says while FIFO work is not suited for everyone, it can be an extremely rewarding and worthwhile career choice for the right person. To discover more about available opportunities, such as FIFO chef jobs Perth-wide as well as other positions, including chef jobs and more, contact Techforce. Contact Information: Techforce Personnel Marketing Manager recruitment@techforce.com.au (08) 6363 7040 Related Images Image 1: rigger jobs, chef jobs, mining chef jobs, fifo chef jobs perth This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Hyehwamun (Northeast Gate) in the late 19th or early 20th centuries / Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff In Korea, 1898 began with change and trepidation. December the last year had been brutally cold but the first week of January was pleasantly mild. There was the promise of prosperity. The rice prices, which had been extremely high due to the failure of the crops in the capital region the previous year, continued to fall as more shipments of rice arrived. There were probably some who believed that supernatural forces were responsible for this change of fate. In the vicinity of Beol-ri, a village that's now known as northeastern Seoul's Beon-dong, a hunter killed a white pheasant. He was convinced that it was an "omen of great prosperity for the nation" and so he took it to the palace so that it could be served to the royal family. The gift was accepted but it is not clear if the Korean monarch partook in any of the "omen(s)." Clearly, for those who believe in portents and omens, this was no coincidence. Beol-ri was so named because of the large number of plum trees that grew in its vicinity. The Independent (a newspaper published in Seoul) translated Beol-ri as "cutting down plum trees," and then provided its readers with a legend of the founding of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom. "As the (918-1392 Goryeo) dynasty was drawing near to its close a prophesy passed from mouth to mouth that the man destined to overthrow the then royal family was to be named Yi (Plum Tree) and that he would establish his capital near the place where the trees flourish. The kings of (Goryeo) were very much disturbed and hearing that the hateful trees flourished near Hanyang (the old name for Seoul) ordered that they should be cut down. But, according to the story, the trees would not be downed. The more cut down, the more they spread. This prophecy was ultimately fulfilled when the present dynasty was founded by a general named (Yi Seong-gye his imperial title is King Taejo)." Korean prisoners in cangues in the late 19th or early 20th century / Robert Neff Collection This was not the only hint of the supernatural. In the middle of January, The Independent reported that Yi Yu-in was appointed the new minister of law. The article noted that Yi was from the Gyeongsang region and was of "humble origin," but "his ability of fortune-telling brought him up to Seoul some years ago," where "he soon became a high official in the Government." Prior to the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, he had served as governor of Seoul, but once hostilities broke out, he returned to his home province "and remained quiet." But the call of politics (and perhaps something from beyond) compelled him to return to Seoul in 1897, where he regained some of his influence. The editor added, "We trust that he will administer the judiciary department of the Government with prophetic wisdom and foresight." There were many travesties of law in need of his wisdom and oversight. A soldier of the late 19th century / Robert Neff Collection On Jan. 3, a policeman named Tai Changyup broke into a house in an effort to steal an iron boiler. He was caught red-handed and taken to the local police station, where he confessed that he had committed the act because he was hungry and had no money to buy rice. But some other government employees apparently had enough money to get into trouble. A lieutenant in the Korean army went into "a disreputable house" to enjoy a little drinking and female companionship. To his displeasure, another guest was "monopolizing the society of inmates of the house." The officer was made even unhappier when he discovered his competition was a soldier from his own company he promptly ordered his subordinate to leave but the order was refused. The soldier told his superior that he was compelled to obey in the barracks but not in this establishment. "The officer struck the soldier with his fist. The half-drunken soldier caught the officer by the collar and dragged him out of the house and gave him a sound thrashing. The groaning of the beaten man attracted a passing policeman who found the officer prostrated in the gutter without a hat and his uniform was covered with blood. The policeman arrested both the officer and his assailant and sent them to the War Office for investigation. The officer begged authorities not to make public the occurrence, and the War Office officials refused to give the name of both the victor and the vanquished." There were also injustices heaped upon the general public. In Fusan (modern Busan), "an aged unoffending mother should be taken to the magistrate's office, stripped of her clothing, and severely beaten for the misdemeanors of an unworthy son." According to a writer from that port, he understood that Korea "has long sanctioned the punishment of innocent members of the family for the guilty," but in his opinion, this was "simply an act of barbaric injustice against which the common conscious revolts..." He asked that an investigation be conducted and the perpetrator severely punished. Whether this was done or not is unknown. By the end of September, Justice Minister Yi was having his own legal problems and was sentenced to a prison term of 10 years. He did not serve out the full sentence, as the fickleness of Korean politics soon reinstated him. Not all justice was administered by government officials. In the middle of January, a Western resident of Jemulpo (modern Incheon) and a frequent contributor to The Independent described an incident that took place in that port. He saw a large crowd of intoxicated men gathered in the street near the hotel. There was a great deal of "vociferous conversation" that soon evolved into a physical assault. A large man seized a "prostrate man on the ground by the long and luxuriant locks of hair and dragged him away with a fierce and unkind expression." Thinking the man was to be killed, the foreigner thought to interfere but suddenly recalled "several experiences on kindred occasions," and thought it best to inquire as to the reasons for the assault. From a fellow spectator, he learned: "The man owning the hair was a son-in-law. The man with a grip on the hair was his father-in-law. The son-in-law had induced his wife to take up her abode with her father temporarily and as times were hard he had left her there permanently and no longer called to see her even on her afternoons at home ... The father-in-law had stood this undutiful conduct as long as he could and then came in search of the recalcitrant. He had tried to induce him to come peaceably and to at least call on his wife but he was too mean to do it. And finding entreaty, exhortation and expostulation in vain he had resorted to the hair of the head. He was determined that his daughter should see her husband if he had to drag him to her feet by the hair of the head, and that was what it had come to. And the last I saw was the husband bumping over the ground on his way to see his wife, with the assistance of an earnest and muscular father-in-law." Jemulpo harbor in the early 20th century, where visits by navies with several ships often caused consternation in the capital. / Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Jan. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced today that the ultra-deepwater drillship, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2, has been awarded a 910-day contract by a national oil company for work offshore Brazil. The estimated backlog of $392 million excludes a mobilization fee of 90 times the contract dayrate. The new contract is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2023. About Transocean Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 38 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 28 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing one ultra-deepwater drillship and holds a partial ownership interest in a company that is constructing another ultra-deepwater drillship. Forward-Looking Statements The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as "possible," "intend," "will," "if," "expect," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, timing of the companys newbuild deliveries, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the success of our business following prior acquisitions, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, such as COVID-19, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in the company's other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the companys website at: www.deepwater.com. This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean. Analyst Contact: Alison Johnson +1 713-232-7214 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 English French REGULATORY RELEASE KLEPIERRE TERMINATES ITS EXISTING LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT AND ENTERS INTO A NEW LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT Paris, January 31, 2023 KLEPIERRE TERMINATES ITS EXISTING LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT Klepierre SA (ISIN FR0000121964) announces that, as of January 31, 2023, it has terminated the liquidity agreement for its shares listed on Euronext Paris, entered into with Rothschild Martin Maurel on February 1, 2019. This follows Klepierre SA's decision to change its investment services provider for the optimization of its shares liquidity and the management its liquidity agreement. As of January 31, 2023, when the termination came into effect, the liquidity account held: Number of Klepierre shares: 0 Klepierre SA shares; Cash balance: 10,738,920.93 euros. In the most recent interim statement at December 31, 2022, the liquidity account broke down as follows: Available resources at December 31, 2022: 0 Klepierre SA share and 10,731,679.00; Number of buy-side transactions in second-half 2022: 4,619; Number of sell-side transactions in second-half 2022: 5,363; Volume traded buy-side in second-half 2022: 1,217,464 shares for 24,881,044.46; Volume traded sell-side in second-half 2022: 1,247,464 shares for 25,461,380.60. KLEPIERRE ENTERS INTO A NEW LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT Klepierre announces that, as of February 1st, 2023, it has entered into a liquidity agreement with Kepler-Cheuvreux, in accordance with Articles L. 225-209 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) and AMF Decision No. 2021-01 of June 22, 2021 renewing the introduction of liquidity agreements for equity securities as an accepted market practice (the AMF Decision) and all other provisions referred to therein. This liquidity agreement has been entered into for a period of one year, renewable by tacit agreement. Its purpose is to promote the liquidity of Klepierre SA shares (ISIN FR0000121964) on Euronext Paris. For the purposes of this agreement, the liquidity account now holds: Number of Klepierre shares: 0 Klepierre SA shares; Cash balance: 15,000,000.00 euros. Pursuant to the terms of the liquidity agreement entered into with Kepler Cheuvreux, said agreement may be suspended in the following situations or conditions: The conditions referred to in Article 5 of the AMF Decision; At the request of Klepierre SA for any specified period. The agreement may be terminated under the following conditions: By Klepierre SA, at any time, without notice; By Kepler Cheuvreux, subject to 30 days notice. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Paul Logerot, Group Head of IR and Financial Communication +33 (0)7 50 66 05 63 paul.logerot@klepierre.com Tanguy Phelippeau, IR Officer +33 (0)7 72 09 29 57 tanguy.phelippeau@klepierre.com ABOUT KLEPIERRE Klepierre is the European leader in shopping malls, combining property development and asset management skills. The Companys portfolio is valued at 20.6 billion at June 30, 2022, and comprises large shopping centers in more than 10 countries in Continental Europe which together host hundreds of millions of visitors per year. Klepierre holds a controlling stake in Steen & Strm (56.1%), Scandinavias number one shopping center owner and manager. Klepierre is a French REIT (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris and is included in the CAC Next 20 and EPRA Euro Zone Indexes. It is also included in ethical indexes, such as MSCI Europe ESG Leaders, FTSE4Good, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, and features in CDPs A-list. These distinctions underscore the Groups commitment to a proactive sustainable development policy and its global leadership in the fight against climate change. For more information, please visit the newsroom on our website: www.klepierre.com Attachment Chai Seh-lynn, center, is co-author with North Korean refugee Park Ji-hyun of the book, "The Hard Road Out: One Woman's Escape From North Korea." Chai is pictured here at the Freedom Speakers International office with Casey Lartigue Jr., co-author with North Korean refugee Han Song-mi of the book "Greenlight to Freedom," and FSI co-founder Lee Eun-koo. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue By Chai Seh-lynn If you want to write a book and it is the two of you writing it, you have to work together a lot, share a lot. It is challenging, especially when one is from North Korea, the other from South Korea. I met Park Ji-hyun, a North Korean refugee for the first time in 2014 in the United Kingdom when Amnesty International hired me to interview her for a documentary. I spent an entire day asking her questions and listening to her answers. As I was processing all the information, I could tell it was creating confusions in my head, picturing the sufferings in North Korea, feeling the empathy for this woman, and at the same time sensing my anti-communism education instinctively kicking in, projecting Ji-hyun growing red horns on her head. This discomfort I experienced exists, in my opinion, suppressed and deeply rooted, in every single South Korean. If it was not for writing this book, I would have never addressed it myself. I would have just kept ignoring North Korea, as if it was a different country. Like all humans, I too like the comfort of repetition, accumulation of similar actions, as it gives me a sense of security. The encounter with Ji-hyun, however, shook it all up and that state of being out of balance made me realize it was time for me to write. Time to write about her, the human being, with all her emotions and memories. That is what people do, when they write in French. "An event is not complete unless written," said the 2022 Nobel Prize winner Annie Arnaud. The three things that we had in common a Korean heritage, the fact that we were women and the fact that we were missing home allowed to me engage her in conversation. The writer in me wanted to give Ji-hyun the home that she had buried in the deepest part of herself, by talking about her childhood. For her, remembering was painful, difficult, almost impossible, but I knew that exercise would bring her back to life. As for me, growing up, we never talked about North Korea at home. My friends tell me they never talk about it either. An eclipse in our life. I wrote this book as a duty of unfolding that eclipse, as if I had to redeem myself from the guilt of living with a forgotten past. Don't we exist as individuals because a country exists? The encounter of two perspectives, two cultures, two subjectivities, two interpretationsAs we know, there are always two sides to every story, and the reality is extremely more complex than it looks. Unless you meet and talk, you cannot resolve differences. You have to deconstruct yourself first, then soak yourself in the other person's skin, and only then will you be able to reconstruct yourself with a different mindset. By writing this book together, Ji-hyun and I did not achieve the big reunification, but we certainly made a "micro-reunification." A truly cathartic experience for both of us. Chai Seh-lynn is co-author with Park Ji-hyun of the book, "The Hard Road Out: One Woman's Escape From North Korea." Chai Seh-lynn is co-author with North Korean refugee Park Ji-hyun of the book, "The Hard Road Out: One Woman's Escape From North Korea." Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr. Courtesy of Jet Dela Cruz By David Tizzard Domestic Debt Exchange Programme: Some insurance companies delay sign up? Charles Benoni Okine Business News Jan - 31 - 2023 , 13:46 Some individual insurance companies are hesitant to sign on to the government Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) even though the larger association reached an arrangement with the government last week, with today being the deadline. Information reaching Graphic Business at the time of going to press, indicated that much as the association agreed to the terms of the DDEP, the final decision to participate rests solely on the approval of the boards and shareholders of the individual companies. It is not immediately clear what this latest development means to the implementation of the DDEP. Sources told Graphic Business that the deadline for the programme was too short because the final agreement to participate in the DDEP needed to go through some rigorous processes before a final decision was taken. The source said, for instance, that most of the insurance companies were foreign-owned and listed on the stock exchange in their respective countries. Any decision for the company to participate in this DDEP must be done with the approval of shareholders. The companies need to call an emergency annual general meeting and table the issues for approval by the shareholders before a decision can be take, the source said. It also noted that those that are not listed have to go through their boards, a process that cannot take just a few days to complete. The source said while the association agreed to the terms, there was a caveat just as agreed with the banks that participation in the DDEP is absolutely voluntary. Meanwhile, the government is racing against time to close the deal by today, January 31, after it had postponed the exercise on a couple of occasions to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders. So far three groups have signed onto the deal in principle. They are the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) and the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA). Background The government agreed with the banks to pay five per cent coupon (interest) on bonds for this year. It will also pay a single coupon of nine per cent on the 12 new bonds it proposes to issue to domestic bondholders who tender their old bonds. The government and the banks also agreed on the removal or amendment of all clauses in the Exchange Memorandum that empowered the Republic to, at its sole discretion, vary the terms of the exchange. The parties issued the statement after a crunch meeting on Monday, January, 23, 2023 to negotiate new designs and concessions to make it easier for banks to participate in the voluntary DDEP. The bankers association also asked the government to provide clarity on the operational framework and terms of access to the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF). The fund is expected to help fund managers, banks, insurance companies and the likes with cash flow to meet their obligations as they fall due, in view of the cash flow challenges the debt exchange programme would bring upon the participating institutions. The programme deadline is today. Context Even though bond coupons are usually paid in two installments, under the DDEP, the government proposed to pay no interest for this year. However, bonds maturing from 2024 will receive five per cent coupon in 2024 and thereafter between nine per cent and 10.65 per cent. South Africa urges MTN & GRA to resolve tax dispute Kweku Zurek Business News Jan - 31 - 2023 , 12:58 The South African government has urged mobile operator MTN Group and the Ghana Revenue Authority to work closely to resolve a GH8,209,603,842.14 (US $773 million) tax dispute. South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor last Friday encouraged MTN to work closely with the authorities in Ghana to devise a solution. A media statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said the South African Government is committed to promoting increased investment in Ghana. "The Minister calls on the parties involved to do everything possible to find an amicable solution to these reported challenges," the statement said. "Our common destiny as outlined in the Agenda 2063 aspirations, depends on a win-win intra-African collaboration and cooperation". South Africa is one of the largest foreign direct investors in Ghana, mainly in mining, communication, beverages, retail and franchising. Dispute Scancom PLC, owners of MTN Ghana has pushed back on an alleged tax infringement placed on the company by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) between 2014 and 2018. The telecommunications company says it is a tax-compliant corporate citizen and the tax liability notice of GH8,209,603,842.14 (US$773 million) issued against it by the GRA is unacceptable. The assessment of GH8,209,603,842.14 includes penalties and interest charges. In this regard, from the base component of the Assessment (that is, excluding penalties and interest), on MTN Ghanas analysis, the GRA infers that MTN Ghana under-declared its revenue by more than approximately 30 per cent over the 5-year period - 2014 to 2018. Related: MTN Ghana disputes GH8billion tax liability South Birim Rural Bank donates to Akyem Swedru SHS Samuel Kyei-Boateng, Akyem Swedru Business News Jan - 31 - 2023 , 16:05 The South Birim Rural Bank has donated GH10,000 to the Akyem Swedru Senior High School (AKISS) for the renovation of its classroom and dormitory blocks. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the bank, Bernadette Addo-Danqua, who made the presentation last Friday, said the gesture was in response to an appeal made by the management of the school to the bank at the school's 52nd anniversary celebration to assist in the development of the institution. She advised the school's management to utilise the money for the intended purpose in order to continue to receive more assistance from the financial institution. Mrs Addo-Danqua urged the students to eschew arrogance and attach special importance to their education for them to become responsible future leaders to assist in the development of their community in particular and the nation at large. She admonished them to eschew the consumption of narcotic drugs, which could negatively affect their education and health. The board chairperson enjoined the students to be law abiding and be respectful to the school authorities and the elderly in society, stressing that they should refrain from get-rich-quick attitudes at the expense of their education. She said the donation to AKISS was the second in five months that the bank had assisted a senior high school in its catchment area. According to her, the bank in September 24, 2022 donated GH10,000 to the Oda Senior High School for the rehabilitation of the girls' dormitory block whose roof was ripped off by a severe rainstorm in early 2022. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, Gladys Okyere, also admonished the students to study very hard for them to become important intellectuals in future. The Assistant Headmistresses of Administration and Academic, Sophia Anku and Lydia Achiaa ,respectively, who jointly received the money, were grateful to the bank for the gesture and promised to use it for the intended purpose. They seized the opportunity to appeal to the government, well-to-do individuals and non-governmental organisations to help improve infrastructure in the school. Vodafone Ghana adjudged Top Employer for 2023 Business Desk Report Business News Jan - 31 - 2023 , 11:54 The Top Employers Institute, has adjudged Vodafone Ghana as a Top Employer for Ghana and Africa. The Institute recognized Vodafone Ghana as a Top Employer in Ghana five years ago and in the four subsequent years thereafter as Top Employer in Ghana and Africa. A release issued in Accra yesterday day, Each year, the Top Employers Institute identifies organisations that put their people first through exceptional HR policies. The Institute's certification programme is based on the results of the HR Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, and Wellbeing. The Chief Executive Officer of Top Employers Institute, David Plink said, Uncertain economic times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2023. These employers have always demonstrated that they care for the development and well-being of their people. By doing so, they collectively enhance the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year's group of leading people-oriented employers; the Top Employers 2023. The Director of Human Resources, Vodafone Ghana, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, said the company is honoured to be recognised as a Top Employer for Ghana and Africa, 2023 by Top Employers Institute. It is a testament to our commitment to create a positive and inclusive working environment for our employees. We believe that investing in our people is not only the right thing to do, but it also drives the success of our organisation. She said the remarkable achievement re-affirms Vodafone as a leader in exceptional HR policies and outstanding working conditions and highlights the organisation's dedication to a better world of work through excellent people practices, even during uncertain economic times. POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo, fourth from right, talks with Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan, fourth from left, at POSCO Center in Seoul, Monday. After seeing POSCO Group's exhibition on its hydrogen value chain, they discussed ways for the Korean conglomerate and the Australian state to strengthen their partnership in renewable energy and rechargeable battery materials sectors. Courtesy of POSCO Group Daily Graphic Editorials Lets sustain educational intervention programmes Daily Graphic Editorials Jan - 31 - 2023 , 12:24 The fact that education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility is not questionable. This is because education is a leveller and the only way to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Therefore, for a country to achieve total progress, it is important that attention is focused on the development of its human capital and this can only be done with a solid education footing. In Ghana, a number of interventions have been put in place to ensure that education is accessible to every child of school age. Interventions such as the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (fCUBE), School Feeding Programme, Capitation Grant and the Free Senior High School are typical moves to make education accessible to all. Therefore, Daily Graphic believes that any move or effort towards improving education is a welcome one worthy of support and we are committed to that. It is in the light of this that the Daily Graphic supports the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to set aside January 24, as the International Day of Education is in the right direction. The day aims at generating debate around how to strengthen education as a public endeavour and a common good. It is also in recognition of the central role education plays in building sustainable and resilient societies, as well as in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The day further seeks to steer the digital transformation, support teachers, safeguard the planet and unlock the potential in every person to contribute to our collective well-being and a shared home. Five years down the line since the institution of the day, a number of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations in the education space have been playing crucial roles of holding duty bearers to deliver on their mandate towards achieving the SDG Four. The Daily Graphic commends these CSOs and other organisations for their watchdog role and urges the government to see their role as complementary and not an antagonistic one. Admittedly, the Free SHS programme is a great intervention to increasing access to potential students who would otherwise have missed out of the opportunity to attain secondary education. Unfortunately, even though we have less than 10 years to attain the SDGs, we still have a long way to go in terms of access and quality of education. In the country, currently, there are still schools under trees, schools without furniture, a shortfall of teachers in the rural areas, arrears on Capitation grant, among others, which are potential indicators that can affect the quality of education and be a barrier to attaining the SDGs. These issues are particularly pronounced at the basic level within the public sector, where, ironically, we have the full control of the government. The shortfall of infrastructure in schools no doubt is a great disincentive for teachers, who are key stakeholders in the development of the human capital enterprise. It is a fact that some teachers decline postings to some rural areas because of some of these challenges and that has led to the shortfall of teachers in those communities, while in the urban areas there are more than enough teachers. This is why the Daily Graphic calls for a deliberate action by the government to prioritise more investment into education, especially at the basic level to ensure a sound footing as the children progress on the academic ladder. We believe that incentive packages can be put in place to motivate those who accept posting to the rural areas to ensure that those children are not disadvantaged unnecessarily. For Ghana to be able to give its children a sound footing in education, it is important that all the interventions that have been put in place are sustained and, in some cases, improved upon. As we join the rest of the UN family to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the International Day of Education, the Daily Graphic urges the government to continue to do more in terms of access and the quality of education it offers its children in preparing them for the future. Surely, the level of preparation of todays children will determine the kind of leaders we have tomorrow. This is only possible if we give our children a solid foundation in education to enable them to rub shoulders with their counterparts anywhere in the world. Amending the Constitution we don't deserve Ace Anan Ankomah Opinion Jan - 31 - 2023 , 20:48 The framers of the Fourth Republican Constitution did not get much wrong. They delivered to us, under the circumstances, a document that was considerably forward-looking and certainly workable. However, the framers made two basic mistakes: (i) they gambled on us being a reasonable people, and (ii) they completely failed to anticipate how incredibly, extremely, and debilitatingly partisan we would become. The result is that instead of following the Constitution, we have perfected the art of being smart in dribbling around and distorting its provisions. When faced with the mess that we have created, we adopt the typical strawman stance, and blame the document for the mess. So, right now, the excuse for all our failures is that the Constitution does not work, and that we should amend it. I agree that certain provisions of the Constitution need to be looked at, simply because with the passage of time, there is the need for new thinking and some tweaking of its provisions. My position however is that this document is WORKABLE. We can live with this Constitution for a very long time, if we respect and follow the provisions, until we are able to amend it. But the Constitution is NOT the reason why we are how, what and where we are. I have, literally, tens of examples, but permit me to illustrate and expand my point with just a few of them. I. PARLIAMENT The framers of the Constitution imposed at least two mandatory, legislative obligations on Parliament. One, under article 22(2) is that Parliament shall, AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THIS CONSTITUTION, enact legislation regulating the property rights of spouses [my emphasis.] More than three decades later, our Parliament has not complied with this, apart from some minor provisions relating to land, which were smuggled into the new Land Act. Two, under article 181(5), Parliament was to make necessary modifications to the loan approval regime under article 181, to apply to international business and economic transactions that the government is a party to. To date, NOTHING. And so, there have been cases where the government has entered into such transactions, breached them and then attempted to set up its own failure to present the transaction to parliament as its defence. We have been embarrassed both in our courts and at international arbitral tribunals over these. STILL NOTHING. The result is that Parliament has abdicated its responsibilities in these matters and ceded its legislative function to the Supreme Court. And because nature abhors vacuums the Supreme Court has accepted the challenge and is gleefully engaged in judicial legislation and amendment of its own legislation on the matter, based on the accident of litigation. Thus, in cases such as MENSAH, BOAFO, QUARSON, ARTHUR and ADJEI, the Supreme Court has imposed and then amended grounds for sharing property between spouses. And in cases such as FAROE ATLANTIC and BALKAN, the Supreme Court has legislated on which transactions require parliamentary approval and which do not, while literally been begging to do what the Constitution expects of it. In BALKAN, an obviously exasperated Date-Bah JSC, after answering what he called the argumentum ad absurdum propounded by defendants counsel, implying the word major into the provisions, and then laying down an interim but non-conclusive test, then said It is therefore imperative that Parliament takes up early the challenge of framing the modifications to article 181 needed to give greater certainty and clarity as to what categories of international business or economic transactions to which the Government is a party come within the ambit of article 181(5). That was on 16 May 2012. We will soon celebrate the 11th birthday of this imperative pronouncement. Still NOTHING. So, what do we do? Lets amend the Constitution! To say what? II. CONSTITUTIONALLY-INDEPENDENT BODIES Yes, we have a very powerful presidency, and taking away a little of its powers might help. In 1969, we sought to whittle the powers of the president by, among others, identifying areas of governance where we do not want any political interference, and then creating bodies or offices that would be completely independent of the executive and the legislature, subject only to the Constitution and the Courts. Over the years and in subsequent constitutions, we have maintained and added to these bodies: Electoral Commission, Auditor-General, CHRAJ, NCCE, Media Commission, and to some extent, the Lands Commission. These, I would argue, have the same level and quality of independence as the judiciary. Yet, we have sat down for their independence to be completely eroded by the Executive and Parliament. The most affected is the Auditor-General, which has now been effectively demoted to a simple agency of government. Parliament is claiming a supervisory role over the Auditor-General, and its leaders protest loudly against the decision of the Supreme Court in OCCUPYGHANA v ATTORNEY-GENERAL, which asserted the independent powers of the Auditor-General to disallow and surcharge. As we speak, the powers of the Auditor-General to disallow and surcharge are effectively clipped. And it is not only the Executive and Parliament that are to be blamed. Largely, the people who have been appointed to that office have shown precious little to no fortitude in asserting their independence. The only one who tried to do so, was then conveniently branded a holiday-dodger, then a foreigner and then an age-cheat, and was finally hounded out of office, with nary a whimper, whinge or whine of protest from either Parliament or the opposition parties. Civil Society organisations that rushed to court in protest are still waiting for a date to be set for judgment. Any successor to that office will become compliant, because he who does not know deaths looks, should observe sleep. It beggars belief that instead of ensuring that the independence of these bodies are respected and protected so that they can do their work efficiently and effectively, we want to amend the Constitution! III. STATUTORY GERRYMANDERING The Constitution seeks to ensure that only the Electoral Commission can create constituencies. It lays down both the period and substantive considerations for doing so, so that Ghana would be protected from the rampant, partisan gerrymandering that occurs in places like the United States. But the political class cleverly provided in statute (inferior law) that no person can belong to two district assemblies. Smart. And so, getting to the constitutional 7-year cycle, the Executive and Legislature may simply create districts so that some MPs become members of more than one assembly. Then the EC is forced to create separate constituencies to accommodate this. In spite of the framers good intentions, Ghana has become the gerrymanderers delight. And the answer? Amend the Constitution. To say what? IV. ARTICLE 71 We debate the gravy and cream that article 71 has become. Yes, it provides for payment of end-of-service benefits. But where does it provide for the fantastic sums that are always decided literally on the midnight of every presidential and parliamentary term? The political class has, once again, cleverly conspired to postpone the determination of their conditions of employment to the very end of the term. Then the Committee is set up, which then is forced to consider the emoluments, taking into consideration the economic conditions at the end of the term and not the start. The Committees then recommend huge emoluments, which are then applied retrospectively so that the beneficiaries take home huge sums of money as a mix of back pay and ex gratia. We have sat down to allow such shenanigans to go on for 3 decades and instead of simply stopping it, and we want the Constitution amended. V. NUMBER OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES Should we provide a number-cap for the number of judges we appoint to the Supreme Court? The supposed answer is yes, to stop a president from appointing 5,000 SC judges. But wait a minute. Has anyone taken the time or made the effort to check the volume of work that those judges do? For the longest time they had no legal assistance. These ladies and gentlemen read the fat volumes of case bundles by themselves, did their own legal research, drafted their own legal opinions and read them. I remember being in the SC and seeing a judge read his judgment written in his hand, from a brown Ghana Schools exercise book with the Ghana map at the back for good measure. Meanwhile our SC has several jurisdictions (appellate, original, supervisory, special, etc), each of which continuously churns out cases. And they must hear them all, because unlike the US Supreme Court, they dont have the luxury of choosing which cases they will hear or not hear. Worse, we demand from them a Rolls-Royce-quality service and provide for them a tricycle budget! Where is the research to show that with the volume of work, we need a limit on the numbers? What if we amended to provide a cap and then found that they are overworked? Then we amend again to change the cap? The framers, it appears to me, had hoped that Parliament would reasonably use it approval powers to stop a president who seeks to pack the court for no reason. Parliament, I would argue, may refuse to approve appointments if it believes that they are superfluous or unnecessary, considering factors such as the volume of work. We should have the statistics: How many cases have been filed over the past 30 years? How many have been determined at both interlocutory and final stages? What is the average turn-around time of a case before the SC? How many pages of judgments have been written? What critical number of judges do we need there to ensure proper delivery of justice at that level? I have heard it said that what you measure is what you get. What you cant, wont or dont measure, is lost. Parliament is entitled to demand from the President and Judicial Council, evidence that judges that are being appointed are necessary. On this, Parliament has failed again, and abdicated the gatekeeping role that the framers gave to them. We have not measured the volume of work, but we want to AMEND THE CONSTITUTION! VI. AMEND? Yes, the Constitution provides for amendment. Non-entrenched clauses require a super-majority of Parliament (two-thirds) to enact. Entrenched clauses require 40% of the voter population voting, 75% of whom must vote yes. That is almost impossible to pull off right now because of how evenly divided the leading parties are, and how intractably partisan they are. So, the constitutional review process went south when power changed hands. The attempt to elect DCEs and stop the joke of non-partisan district level elections went pear-shaped because the parties couldnt be of one mind. The only successful amendments were in 1996, because there was virtually no opposition in that Parliament because of the boycott, and consequently the ruling party had more than the super majority. And among the key amendments made in 1996 were securing gratuities for MPs, securing two-year contract extensions for retired public servants, and removing the Vice President as the chair of some security services! I could cite several other examples of ways in which we have conspired to ignore or dribble the Constitution. Of course, some parts need amendment. But for the most part, what is required is simple common sense (unless, of course, common sense is overrated in these parts) and a desire to be more proactive in how we apply the document. We have conspired to weaken this workable document. Yet, it has been the longest lasting constitution in our history. Yes, it requires tweaks. But we definitely can work with this until we summon the partisan unanimity to amend it. PIPE DREAM! No Constitution can defend itself. Neither the paper nor the black letters on it can rise up and whip us into line. We must respect it and do our best to protect and defend it. The framers gave us a good document that we have shown we have shown we dont deserve. So, by all means, lets amend it, so we deserve it less. Methinks the first amendment required is the amendment of the Ghanaian. If we cant work with this document, we will fail even a constitution that is drafted from heaven and delivered to us by fire and by thunder, and etched in gold on tablets of stone. They call me Ace. 4 jailed 20 years for stealing GH1m from Best Point Savings and Loans GNA Jan - 31 - 2023 , 14:44 Four persons involved in the syphoning of GH1,262,496.66 from Best Point Savings and Loans Limited have been sentenced to a total jail term of 20 years. This is after an Accra Circuit Court found them guilty. The four broke down in tears after the sentence, with some relatives also unable to control their tears and reached for the convicts hands before they were escorted out of the courtroom. Silas Adjei, former IT Officer of the Company was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the court presided over by Justice Malike Wornya, a High Court Judge who sat with additional responsibility as a Circuit Court Judge. Kwadwo Kudekor, a Supporting Officer of the Company, was also sentenced to three years imprisonment. Patience Adjei, sister of Silas and a mobile vendor and James Afadzie, a trader, are to serve five years imprisonment each. Silas and Kudekor were charged with conspiracy and stealing. Silas was additionally charged with unauthorised interference with electronic record and money laundering. Patience and Afadzie were held for abetment of crime and dishonestly receiving monies stolen by Silas. Silas is said to have acquired over 18 vehicles and other properties. The prosecution, led by Mr Richard Gyambiby, a Senior State Attorney, said the complainant was Best Point Savings and Loans Limited. The prosecution said Patience was the sister of Silas and Afadzie, the husband of Patience. The State said in January 2014, the Company started operating with a banking software known as Bankers Realm, which was purchased from Kenya. The State said in the course of operations, it was realised that the Company's system had some challenges, so management decided to acquire and migrate on to a new system. The prosecution said at the end of 2015 financial year, the Company started migrating from the Bankers Realm software to a new one known as X100 format. It said having run a successful conversion test in December 2015, another conversion test with an updated database was converted for staff training in January 2016. The prosecution said another database was also converted for user acceptance test on the new software. It said after all the tests had been completed a final database known as Go Live purposes was also converted on March 18, 2016. The prosecution said during the final conversion, while the data was being validated, some discrepancies between the old and the new software were detected. It said the validation also revealed that there was a transaction amounting to GH1,262,496.66. The prosecution told the court that a Kenyan consultant was employed to help investigate the course of the discrepancies and he found out that the system had been tampered with. That was also corroborated by the software engineers of Global Union System, another company. The prosecution held that the transactions were similar in nature and emanated from four different accounts. It said the different accounts were in the names of Patience and Afadzie, one Asante Seth, aka Precious Havor and Theophilus Aboagye, aka Dennis Amankwa, all friends of Silas, who are at large. The prosecution said investigations showed that Silas had fictitiously and unlawfully credited the accounts with various sums of money and deleted the transactions from the final database for migration onto the new system of the Company. According to the prosecution, it was discovered that the narration of those transactions had been changed into interest accrued and same had been made to look like the transaction had been done automatically by the system and all its trait details had been deleted. It said Silas had resigned from the Company during the final stages of migration just when the discrepancies were discovered. During investigations, the prosecution said Kudekor had on several occasions checked and performed transactions on the four different accounts with two of the names on the accounts having different pictures. The prosecution told the court that the matter was reported to the Police and on May 3, 2016, Silas was arrested at Pokuase. It said a passport, DVLA documents on 18 vehicles, and a laptop, among others, were retrieved during a search. The prosecution said documents of three vehicles in the name of Silass wife were also found. The prosecution said while in custody, investigations revealed that two Policemen aided Silas to disinvest and cash GH195,233.72 he had invested with Ideal Finance. It said on July 26, 2016, Kudekor was also arrested. Source: GNA Agradaa's lawyer granted bail Justice Agbenorsi Jan - 31 - 2023 , 07:04 An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to Agradaas lawyer, Theophilus Donkor, who had been charged for verbally assaulting police officers who were in the process of arresting Agradaa. This was after Mr Donkor had pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault on a public officer and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace. He was granted a self-recognisance bail by the court presided over by Rosemond Baah Tosu. The two parties were asked to consider resolving their case outside the court. Mr Donkor is, however, to reappear on February 27, 2023. Filing of motion Meanwhile, the lawyer has filed a motion challenging the authority of the police who arrested him. He is arguing that personnel from the Cantonments Police Station who arrested him did not have the authority to do so because the alleged crime was committed around the Accra Metropolitan Assembly area, a jurisdiction outside the operations of the Cantonments Police Division. Agradaas latest arrest Police sources have confirmed that the Founder of Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, Patricia Asieduaa Koranteng (Agradaa), was re-arrested at the forecourt of the Accra Circuit Court by officers of the Ghana Police Service when she appeared in one of her cases. Information available indicates that the arrest is related to a case she had with a pastor by name Appiah Biblical. Agradaa is currently before two circuit courts in Accra on counts of defrauding by false pretences and charlatanic advertisement in the media. Data Protection Commission to audit companies, institutions Juliet Akyaa Safo Jan - 31 - 2023 , 08:33 The Data Protection Commission says it will this year focus on enforcing and auditing companies who have registered with the commission. The Executive Director of the commission, Patricia Adusei-Poku, explained that the move was to ensure that the registered companies were complying with the Data Protection Act 2012 Act 843, which sought to protect personal data. She said the commission had already received a dedicated prosecutor to prosecute defaulting companies. We have also requested for a fast-track court to facilitate the prosecution of defaulters, she noted. Celebration Ms Adusei-Poku was speaking at the opening ceremony of a week-long celebration to mark the Data Protection Day in Kumasi. It was dubbed: 'Data Governance for a safe digitised space. The Data Protection Week is observed from January 24 to January 28 each year to raise awareness and promote data protection best practices. It is also intended to promote events and activities that encourage compliance with privacy laws and regulations, and create dialogues among stakeholders interested in advancing data protection. This year's week-long activities included a nationwide awareness campaign and free sector-based webinars for health, academia, security and finance. It also includes a free in-person session with chief executive officers at a breakfast meeting today at the Lancaster Accra formerly Golden Tulip Hotel. Ms Adusei-Poku urged business owners to join in the activities to understand the Data Protection Act and its implications on their daily business activities. She also entreated them to register with the commission to avoid being put on the active list of non-compliant institutions awaiting prosecution. We are educating the public to access the Data Protection Commission and to know how to protect data. Section 28 says anyone who takes data should ensure that they use appropriate technologies and organisational measures to secure personal data, she said. Compliance In a speech read on her behalf, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, hinted that the year would see the enforcement of the Data Protection Act, particularly on the side of compliance to put non-compliant organisations under the radar. She further noted that the commission had put together a three to five-year strategy document to give Ghana a real time framework for data governance under the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) to fit Ghanas agenda of building a safe digitised space. A Senior Lecturer of the School of Business of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Rosemary Coffie, commended the Commission for efforts to ensure that data protection was added to the schools curriculum to build knowledge at the early stages. Officials from the Cyber Security Authority, National Communications Authority and the National Data Centre were in attendance. ECG owes Bui Power over $600m - PAC urges quick recovery Emmanuel Bonney & Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jan - 31 - 2023 , 06:28 The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has been advised to expedite its rate of recovering a $614, 373,274.36 debt owed it by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This is because the money owed the power generator has been indicated to be adversely affecting its ability to operate effectively and deliver on its mandate. The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, gave the advice when the Ministry of Energy and its agencies took their turn before the committee to answer queries raised by the Auditor General for the year 2022. The indebtedness will not go out completely at any point in time, it will continue because every day there is production, sale and repayment by the buyer, so what is more important is the rate at which the debt is being recovered, he stressed. Infractions According to the report, the ECG owed the authority $386 million as at the end of December 31, 2019, which increased to $614, 373,274.36 by the end of 2022. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BPA, Kofi Dzamesi, explained that the authority was not gaining any receivables from the ECG despite trying its best to generate more power for the country. He added that last year, the BPA generated more power than any year in the history of the authority since it was commissioned. We generated about 1,540 gigawatts and our profit margin for last year should be hitting around $70 million, yet we are not getting anything, he lamented. Recommendation The PAC Chairman equally urged the Ministry of Finance to take more steps to ensure that all government agencies settled the debts they owed one another. They should ensure that at least, they settle some of the debt the ECG owes other agencies like Bui and VRA because they buy the power from these two sources, he said. The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also recommended that steps should be taken to ensure the ECG was financially viable as it continued to deal with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Charging in dollars Dr Avedzi also urged agencies in the energy sector as well as other government agencies to refrain from charging their fees in foreign currencies, particularly, the United States dollars. Our currency is Ghana Cedi, ECG will sell the power and collect cedis and they will now go chasing to buy dollars in order to pay, he said. Ghana, TradeMark Africa sign pact to enhance trade infrastructure Maclean Kwofi Jan - 31 - 2023 , 10:05 Ghana has secured funding and technical support to improve the countrys international trade infrastructure and boost business competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The support will enable the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) to develop trading infrastructure across the various borders in the country. MoTI, through the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, last Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TradeMark Africa (TMA), a trade facilitation firm, to start enhancing the performance of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor to support intra-African trade. A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, signed on behalf of the Coordination Office, while the Board Chairman of TradeMark Africa, Erastus Mwencha, signed for the trade facilitation firm. The signing ceremony also served as the official launch of the operations of TradeMark Africa in the country. Collaboration Addressing the event at Peduase in the Eastern Region, the caretaker Minister of Trade and Industry, Samuel Abu Jinapor, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, saying that it would pave the way for the two partners to collaborate to improve trade in Ghana. He explained that AfCFTA had placed a historic responsibility on respective governments in Africa to ensure the success of the initiative, stressing that Ghana had secured technical and funding support to implement its joint border post projects. He said the MoU captured the vision of African leaders and the aspiration of their citizens for the transformation of the continent as expressed in the African Unions Agenda 2063. He said the TradeMark Africa initiative was uniquely designed to ensure better custom operations and facilitation of trade, especially for the countrys trade corridors. He noted that it was necessary to establish a functional joint border post that bridged the language barrier between Ghana and its Francophone neighbours. He added that the government was committed to work closely with TradeMark Africa to deploy solutions that could transform the countrys transit corridors, especially the Noepe-Akanu joint border post, into a modern trade facilitation centre. Intervention The Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, said it was exciting that TradeMark Africa was an African firm providing solutions to improve intra-African trade. He said 15 years before the establishment of TradeMark Africa, it took 28 steps and between 12-15 days for goods to transit from Port of Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda. However, he said, currently it took a step and less than three days for goods to transit between the same distance, thanks to specific interventions and customs procedures by TradeMark Africa. He said it was also possible for goods to transit from Abidjan to Lagos in just a day. I am very happy that TradeMark Africa is here in Accra to complement the efforts of the AfCFTA Secretariat and ECOWAS because about 70 per cent of trade in the West African sub-region is within the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, he said. Programming Mr Mwencha stated that the launch of the trade facilitation firm followed a successful rebranding from the previous TradeMark East Africa to now TradeMark Africa. He said with a continental approach, TradeMark Africa now offered an important opportunity to expand its impactful programming progressively, while supporting the aspirations of AfCFTA to unleash the impact of free trade in high value products. Our key aim remains trade facilitation, just like we have always done in the last 12 years in the east of Africa where we were founded and have had great milestones in our programmes, he added. Make minerals fund beneficial to mining communities - Jinapor Timothy Ngnenbe Jan - 31 - 2023 , 10:22 The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has asked managers of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) to judiciously utilise resources accruing to the fund for the benefit of mining communities. He said the mandate of MDF was crucial and consequential to the government's quest to make mining beneficial to citizens. "Failure to live up to your mandate of providing for the welfare of residents of mining communities have dire consequences as it can lead to upheavals, as evidenced from other mining countries in Africa," the minister added. The MDF was set up to provide development projects in mining communities that have been negatively impacted by mining activities. It derives its funds from 20 per cent of mineral royalty received from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), holders of mining leases, money approved by Parliament for the fund, grants, donations, gifts, as well as money that accrues to the fund from investments made by the MDF Board. Visit Mr Jinapor, who paid a working visit to the MDF office in Accra yesterday, said although the administrators had done well in terms of providing infrastructure in mining communities, more work needed to be done. For instance, he said, given the negative impact of illegal mining activities on residents of mining communities, it was important for the MDF to provide alternative livelihoods to the people. According to the minister, provision of sustainable alternative livelihoods was important since it would help address illegal mining activities. MDF investments In March, last year, the Administrator of the MDF, Dr Norris Hammah, told the Daily Graphic that the Fund's Secretariat had disbursed over GH500m to beneficiaries since 2017. He said the funds were mainly channelled into education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture and other sectors at mining communities. According to Dr Hammah, the fund was set up by the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912) to provide financial resources for the direct benefit of mining communities, institutions responsible for the development of the mining sector, as well as traditional and local government authorities. He, however, said some teething challenges had made it difficult to consolidate the gains made, adding that out of all the revenue streams provided under Act 912, the 20 per cent mineral royalties had been the only regular source of inflow into the fund. Dr Hammah also said that the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947), which capped the only revenue source to the fund had drastically reduced the flow of funds, thus making it difficult to execute development projects. He, however, told the visiting minister that his outfit had put in place a strategic plan to make its impact felt more in mining communities this year. While commending the minister for ensuring that the MDF got a permanent secretariat, he also appealed for more support to help his outfit deliver on its mandate. Koh Jean, chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government, speaks during a press conference at the Korea Press Center building in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul By Baek Byung-yeul The government is working on providing an integrated government system that minimizes paperwork for government services, according to the head of the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government, Tuesday. "Our goal is to ensure that people do not submit documents. It is the fault of the government system that government agencies demand so much paperwork from people," Koh Jean, chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government, said during a press conference in Seoul. "If agencies need information, they can exchange it between themselves. We will create a government system where various agencies can share information in the future," Koh added. The committee was launched in September as part of President Yoon Suk Yeol's pledges to provide administrational services based on artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific data. Koh, who was appointed as the inaugural chairman of the committee, said he told the president that the committee would need at least six months to come up with visible plans. "Last September, I asked the president to give time until March. I promised him that we will come up with a vision jointly made by committee members from both the government side and the private side," Koh said adding "we will present our roadmap to the public in March." To give a hint about its roadmap, Koh cited the disclosure of public data to help people establish their small businesses more easily. "The committee aims to release government data to support people who want to launch their businesses. People will even have access to the information on analysis data of commercial districts," he said. The committee is comprised of six subcommittees AI and data; infrastructure; service; innovating approaches to work; industry ecosystem and information protection. During the past five months, they met over 100 times. About 140 tasks were initially brought up and the selection process is underway in consideration of its feasibility. Speaking about obstacles, Koh said that establishing legal limits for data sharing between government agencies is something that the committee must address. "We are placing importance on utilizing and sharing data between agencies. We are trying to improve the legal system so that the agencies can easily share data," he said. 'Policeman' allegedly tases man to death at West Hills Mall Enoch Darfah Frimpong and Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 31 - 2023 , 19:02 His name is Shadrach Arloo, 32, and was scheduled to travel to Germany on Tuesday, but 24-hours before that journey, he had an encounter with some persons, said to be policemen that resulted in his death. Shadrach Arloo was allegedly beaten to death by one of the said policemen, assisted by suspected private security guards around the West Hills Mall area in Accra. It happened on Monday afternoon around the West Hills Mall area (January 30, 2023). His sister, Perpetual Didier, a gospel musician told Graphic Online that, Shadrach had gone to the mall for shopping. He had gone to buy some items he was expected to carry along to Germany for his elder sister - this sister had facilitated his documentation and travel. On his way out of the mall premises, he was reportedly confronted by the said policemen numbering about four and the private guards. The policemen are said to have demanded that he hands over his luggage for a search. He rejected and insisted he was not going to do so. His explanation, according to eyewitnesses was that he suspected that the police can plant something in it to incriminate him. According to the sister, the eyewitnesses have told the family that, Shadrach insisted that if they really wanted to search his bag, he was ready to go with them to the nearest police station for that purpose. This resulted in an altercation, during which Shadrach was reportedly beaten and tased, resulting in his death. The case has since been reported at the SCC Police station and the body has been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue in Accra. According to Perpetual, Shadrach had concluded all his documentation and was scheduled to travel to Germany on Tuesday (January 31, 2023) to join his sister. Meanwhile, Perpetual has told Graphic Online that, the said policeman has denied being the one who tased Shadrach and that he claimed it was the private security guards who used the taser. The incident, she claims had gotten to the attention of the Inspector General of Police, who has already contacted the family. Police statement The police in a press statement issued Tuesday night (Jan 31, 2023) said the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has commenced an investigation into the allegation and has contacted Perpetual Didier to assist with the investigation. "We would like to assure the public of a thorough investigation into the matter," a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Victor K. Dosoo for the Director of Police Public Affairs said. It said the police's attention was drawn to the video of Perpetual Didier on social media in which she alleged that a police officer has caused the death of her brother. Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh UBA rewards 2022 National Essay Competition winners Maclean Kwofi Jan - 31 - 2023 , 08:15 United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana has presented a $10,000 educational grant to three winners in its 2022 National Essay Competition in Accra. The ultimate winner, Genevieve Budu of the Ghana International School, took home $5000 while Kenrich Nii Nakai Nettey from the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) and Cecilia Akye from the Methodist Girls High School, Mamfe, who emerged second and third respectively received $3000 and $2,000. In addition, all 10 finalists received medals and certificates of participation along with laptops and other UBA-branded items. It was made possible through the UBA Foundation, a corporate social responsibility arm of the bank with a commitment to the socio-economic betterment of communities. The Managing Director (MD) of UBA Ghana, Chris Ofikulu, in a statement issued by the bank, stated that the foundation believed that the future of Africa lay in its youths. For this reason, he said the foundation had spent huge sums of money to actively facilitate educational projects and bridge the literacy gap on a Pan-African scale. He said the National Essay Competition of the bank had grown to be one of the best initiatives that allowed every student in senior high school (SHS) to exhibit their cognitive skills and potential while developing a positive work ethic with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The competition is one of our stunning initiatives to which we will forever pledge our full commitment, he said. Congratulations The Director in charge of General Administration at the Ministry of Education (MoE), Catherine Agyapomaa Appiah Pinkrah, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, congratulated all the finalists and commended UBA for its immense contributions to the countrys education and commitment to enhance the writing skills of the youth. GES pledge The Programme Officer of the Schools and Instructions Division at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ajuba Amihere Adu-Tutu, said the GES would continue to support the UBA essay competition as the importance of essay writing could not be downplayed in education. Gratitude The ultimate winner of the National Essay Competition 2022, Genevieve Budu, expressed gratitude to the entire team at UBA for organising the competition. The event was attended by the management of UBA Ghana, heads and representatives of participating schools, representatives from GES and the MoE. The 10 finalists were selected from more than 400 entries. WHO commends Ghana for eliminating sleeping sickness-As world marks NTDs Day Doreen Andoh Jan - 31 - 2023 , 08:59 The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended Ghana for eliminating sleeping sickness, one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The elimination of the disease, also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis, brings to three the number of NTDs eliminated in the country. The other two are Guinea worm, which was eliminated in 2015, and trachoma, eliminated in 2018. The Country Representative of WHO, Dr Francis Kasolo, conveyed the commendation of the global body at the country-level commemoration of this years World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, yesterday. He said the day aimed to mobilise political will and secure commitments to eliminate NTDs in line with the global NTD roadmap 2021-2030. For effective control and elimination of the NTDs that are endemic in the country, there needs to be improved healthcare services operating in an efficient health system with well-managed supply chain management which ensures universal access to quality assured medicines. Background NTDs are a group of 20 infections and parasitic diseases that are widespread in the worlds poorest, remote and urban areas, where water safety, sanitation and access to health care are substandard. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) data show that 14 out the 20 were endemic in the country, with cases in all regions. The 14 NTDs in the country include elephantiasis, lymphatic filariasis, yaws, bilharzia, buruli ulcer, leprosy, snake bites, intestinal worms, trachoma, which has now been eliminated. NTDs cause blindness, excessive and abnormal swelling of the limbs and other body parts as well as skin rashes and thickening. Marked every January 30, this years commemoration was on the theme: "Act now. Act together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases." The day is marked to create more awareness and garner the needed financial, technical and support for management and eradication of NTDs. WHO said NTDs were preventable and treatable when detected early and when people used clean water, handled food well, practised good hygiene and reduced environmental risks. It said those diseases were neglected because they were almost absent from the global health agenda, receive little funding and were associated with stigma and social exclusion. Confront inequalities WHO is calling on all, especially leaders and communities, to confront the inequalities that drive NTDs and to make bold, sustainable investments to free the worlds most vulnerable communities affected by NTDs from a vicious cycle of disease and poverty. The Interagency Country Coordinating Committee (ICCC) is encouraged to continue advocacy and engagement with other sectors such as finance, education, agriculture, water supply, sanitation and environment to address cross-cutting issues in the elimination of NTDs, Dr Kasolo said. He commended the countrys funding partners who had continuously supported the fight against NTDs and also urged the government to allocate adequate resources for NTDs prevention, control elimination and eradication. Public education The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Anthony Ofosu, underscored the critical role of public education, such as the commemoration, in managing and eliminating NTDs. He said the NTD programme and partners had been working tirelessly to make great gains in the elimination of the diseases in the country. Suffice it to say that GHS needs to maximise the partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and partners in-country and work together for the advancement of the control and elimination of NTDs, Dr Ofosu stated. He said the inter-sectorial collaboration should maximise resources, enhance efficiency and lead to cross-organisational fertilisation. Stigma and prevention The Manager of the NTDs Programme, Dr Kofi Asemanyi-Mensah, asked the public to desist from stigmatising affected persons because that deterred them from coming out to seek medical care. In his presentation, he provided evidence to the effect that NTDs were purely health conditions that were curable and preventable. Dr Asemanyi-Mensah, therefore, urged the public to adhere to preventive measures such as keeping clean environments, avoiding open defecation, using insecticide treated mosquito nets, washing hands often under running water, among others. By controlling environmental factors that invite NTDs, people can reduce their risk. For instance, eliminating areas of stagnant water, where mosquitoes like to breed, will reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, or sleeping under a treated bed net will reduce the risk of diseases carried by flies that circulate at night, he stated. The Ambassador for the National NTDs Campaign, Rev. Joyce Aryee, appealed to the people to adhere strictly to basic sanitary principles to help eradicate NTDs. Monkeypox claims 4 lives, 116 local cases recorded GNA Health Jan - 31 - 2023 , 06:41 Ghana has recorded four deaths, with 116 confirmed cases of the monkeypox disease in 14 of the 16 regions as of the close of 2022. Two deaths were recorded in Upper East, and one each in the Greater Accra and Central regions. The Savannah and Ahafo regions did not record any cases, Dr Farida Abdulai, the Deputy Director, Ghana Health Service (GHS), disclosed during a community stakeholder engagement at Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region. The event was organised by the GHS, in collaboration with the USAID Breakthrough Action-Ghana Programme, to educate the public on measures to overcome the disease. Dr Abdulai said monkeypox could affect anyone despite the age, disclosing that a 13-day-old baby died of it. More than half of the confirmed cases were, however, aged between 16 and 39 years. In August 2022, monkeypox was renamed Mpox to stem stigmatisation. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with the rashes of an infected person. Experts Medical experts say the symptoms include acute fever with a body temperature of more than 38 degrees celsius, coughing, cold, backache, sore throat, weakness and rashes. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention anytime you experience these symptoms, Dr Abdulai said, stressing that a free lab test would be run to determine whether one had the infection or not. She said alcohol intake or sea bathing were unproven treatment for the disease, stressing that those were myths without known scientific basis. Those are not the remedy for the sickness. Rather, seek proper healthcare services, she stated. Alan is a Man of Integrity - Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi Graphic.com.gh Politics Jan - 30 - 2023 , 19:44 The General Overseer of the Global Revival Ministries, Rev. Dr. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi has described the immediate past Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen as a man with integrity. According to the man of God, Kyeremanten's integrity makes him a rare industry player. Addressing congregants in Accra at a thanksgiving service, Rev Ampiah Kwofi heaped kind words on the former Trade and Industry Minister. "I am struck by the fact that Alan Kyerematen has served under former President J.A. Kufuor and President Akufo-Addo, he has served under different leadership and yet I havent heard a bad thing about him. "If your enemies have nothing against you, then you are a man of integrity, " Rev. Ampiah Kwofi told the stakeholders present. Mr Kyerematen is the longest serving Trade and Industry Minister with over 10 years of experience in the industrial space. He has declared his intention to contest in the upcoming NPP presidential primary slated for the last quarter of 2023 and has hit the ground running with his campaign. Gold for Oil deal needs parliamentary scrutiny - John Mahama Daily Graphic Politics Jan - 31 - 2023 , 06:59 Former President John Dramani Mahama, has called on the government to immediately put before Parliament, the Gold for Oil agreement for parliamentary scrutiny and approval. He said putting before Parliament the gold oil swap deal was the most appropriate thing to do since the deal was an international financial transaction. According to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana international financial transactions require the approval of Parliament, it does not matter that the Gold for Oil deal is a barter trade, he said Mr Mahama was speaking at a forum in London attended by members of the UK & Ireland Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Barter trade President Mahama cited the Sinohydro agreement that exchanges the countrys bauxite for infrastructure development by China as a classic example of barter trade. He further explained that if the Sinohydro agreement was a barter deal and went to Parliament for approval because it was an international financial transaction, why not the current deal in which Ghanas gold was being exchanged for oil. The former President noted that the deal was currently shrouded in complete secrecy since only government officials, who were involved in the transaction, knew the details, describing the development as unacceptable. There is a complete lack of transparency about the transaction, and that is one of the major problems with this government. They hide everything and do as they please, he noted. Mr Mahama explained that with parliamentary scrutiny, Ghanaians would have value for money in the gold for oil deal. He said such scrutiny would also help the public to know the beneficial owners behind the transaction. Alan Kyerematen formally informs Asantehene of presidential bid Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor Politics Jan - 31 - 2023 , 06:56 An aspiring flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen formally informed, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of his intention to contest the flagbearership of the NPP. The immediate past Minister of Trade and Industry was at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region yesterday to also seek for his blessing as he pursued his ambition to become the presidential candidate of the NPP. The courtesy call on the Asantehene forms part of activities marking Mr Kyerematen homecoming to the Ashanti Region. Mr Kyerematen also received a rousing welcome from his teeming supporters on his arrival in the region. Homecoming Addressing the Asantehene, his chiefs and elders at the Manhyia Palace, Mr Kyerematen said as a son of the land, he deemed it appropriate to come home and to meet all the stakeholders to sell his vision to them and get their support to embark on his journey. He also said the Ashanti Region was the heartbeat of the NPP and Manhyia Palace was where it all started from, so it was just right that he came to where the seed of the party was sown to seek the blessing of the elders. He told the Asantehene and his elders that he was only going to continue the good works started by his father, Dr Alex Atta Yaw Kyerematen, who was the first Director of the Kumasi Centre for National Culture. He said while serving in government, he got the approval of the President to initiate a lot of policies that were changing the lives of the many Ghanaians. Prominent among them was the One District, One Factory initiative, which saw as many as 296 factories being established across the nation with the Ashanti Region having 47 of such factories. With the support of the World Bank, he said the Ashanti Region would soon host the biggest industrial park and economic zone in Ejisu to provide jobs for people in the region and Ghana in general. He called for the support of all and sundry, particularly party delegates, to enable him to win the flagbearer position and lead the party in the next general election as presidential candidate of the NPP. Alan Kyerematen (right), responding to cheers, after exchanging pleasantries with the Asantehene Blessing The Asantehene asked Mr Kyerematen to continue to let his good upbringing guide him in his work to continue to perform well in all his endeavours and his works would be what people would use to judge him. According to the Asantehene, leaders were elected by God and if it has not been ordained by God, one can never become a leader. As such, he assured him of both his personal support and that of the Golden Stool in his endeavours and was hopeful that he would find favour with the delegates to elect him as the flagbearer of the party. Floodgate The Asantehene said he was aware that his visit would open the floodgate for other candidates to also come to seek his blessing for the contest. According to the Asantehene, his wish was for the best candidate with the interest of the country at heart to win the slot and guide the party to the elections in December 2024. Guidance Otumfuo pledged his readiness and availability to offer advice and guidance whenever called upon to. He advised the presidential candidate hopeful to sell himself to the people by telling them about his plans and vision for the country and not for the NPP alone. Israel-based EVR Motors has signed an agreement with RSB Group, one of Indias Tier-1 automotive suppliers. The agreement with RSB is EVRs fourth commercial agreement in India signed during the past eight months. Other agreements are in place with Badve Group, Napino, and, most recently, EKA Mobility. Each of the partners is in various phases of setting up production lines to provide electric motors based on EVRs proprietary electric motor topology. As a result, EVRs electric motors, are expected to be supplied to vehicle manufacturers in multiple categories from the second half of 2023. Both the RSB Group and EKA Mobility agreements see EVR developing electric motors for Light Commercial Vehicles using its Trapezoidal Stator RFPM (TS-RFPM) topology. This signifies EVRs entry into the passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, and e-bus sectors, expanding from its initial markets in the 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. EVR 230mm electric motor EVR is establishing a wholly owned subsidiary, EVR India, to serve the organizations growing customer base in the country. EVR India will manufacture electric motor coils, a patented key component of EVRs electric motor topology, for the companys partners in India and globally. EVR India will include a team of about 30 people for engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, and customer support. EVR India will provide partners with a low-risk, cost-effective supply of critical motor parts to simplify their production setup and create improved economies of scale. The company has appointed Sajal Kishore as managing director of EVR India. Kishore has been instrumental in formulating and executing EVRs India business strategy and has previously held key corporate positions in prominent automotive companies in India. EVRs electric motor product line now comprises four motor families, from 3KW to 135KW. EVRs first motors were designed for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers and are suited for a wide range of additional applications. The recent expansion of its motor line allows EVR to enter high demand segments such as passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and e-buses. Compared to standard motors, EVRs electric motors are 30%-50% lighter and smaller, cost significantly less and can be tailored to user requirements. Over the last year, EVR was granted ten patents for its new technology, and more patents are expected. EVR has recently demonstrated its electric motors with several vehicle manufacturers in India, Japan, and Europe. The company showcased at the 16th Auto Expo 2023 exhibition at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India, earlier this month. Founded in 1975, RSB Group is a global Tier-1 automotive supplier, which operates 13 manufacturing plants: 11 in India, one in the US, and one in Mexico. The company is producing shafts, gears, gear boxes, axles, 5th wheel coupling & machined products for engines, automotive components, and construction equipment. RSBs customers include Renault Nissan, Daimler India, Volvo Eicher, FIAT, TATA Motors, John Deere, and Ashok Leyland. General Motors and Lithium Americas will jointly invest to develop the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, which is the largest known source of lithium in the United States and the third-largest in the world. (Earlier post.) Under the agreement, GM will make a $650-million equity investment in Lithium Americas, which represents the largest-yet investment by an automaker to produce battery raw materials. Lithium Americas estimates the lithium extracted and processed from the project can support production of up to 1 million EVs per year. Lithium carbonate from Thacker Pass will be used in GMs proprietary Ultium battery cells. GM is launching a broad portfolio of trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles using the Ultium Platform, including the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Cadillac CELESTIQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, BrightDrop Zevo 400 and BrightDrop Zevo 600. GM has secured all the battery material we need to build more than 1 million EVs annually in North America in 2025 and our future production will increasingly draw from domestic resources like the site in Nevada were developing with Lithium Americas. Direct sourcing critical EV raw materials and components from suppliers in North America and free-trade-agreement countries helps make our supply chain more secure, helps us manage cell costs, and creates jobs. GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra The agreement with GM is a major milestone in moving Thacker Pass toward production, while setting a foundation for the separation of our U.S. and Argentine businesses. This relationship underscores our commitment to develop a sustainable domestic lithium supply chain for electric vehicles. We are pleased to have GM as our largest investor, and we look forward to working together to accelerate the energy transition while spurring job creation and economic growth in America. Lithium Americas President and CEO Jonathan Evans GMs investment will be split between two tranches. Tranche 1: GM to purchase 15.0 million shares of Lithium Americas at a price of $21.34 per share, representing a total investment amount of $320 million and 9.999% ownership. The funds for the first tranche will be held in escrow until certain conditions are met, including the outcome of the Record of Decision ruling currently pending in US District Court. If those conditions are met, the funds will be released and GM will become a shareholder in Lithium Americas. The escrow release is expected to occur no later than the end of 2023. Tranche 2: GM to invest $330 million into Lithium Americas. The second tranche investment is expected to be made into Lithium Americas US-focused lithium business following the separation of its US and Argentina businesses and is contingent on similar conditions, including Lithium Americas securing sufficient capital to fund the development expenditures to support Thacker Pass. Production at Thacker Pass is projected to begin in the second half of 2026. In connection with the closing of the first tranche investment, GM will receive exclusive access to Phase 1 production through a binding supply agreement (100% of 40 ktpa capacity) and has the right of first offer on Phase 2 production. Lithium Americas expects Thacker Pass to create 1,000 jobs in construction and 500 in operations. GM has announced four US cell plants with annual capacity of 160 GWh, including the Ultium Cells joint venture plant with LG Energy Solution in Warren, Ohio, which is in production, and additional JV sites in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Lansing, Michigan that are scheduled to open in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The first three Ultium Cells plants are expected to create 6,000 jobs in construction and 5,000 in operations. GM is currently building EVs in two Michigan plants, one Tennessee plant and one Ontario plant, and its suppliers are investing to create a robust North America-focused supply chain for EV raw materials, processed material and components, with major projects under way in California, Texas, Ohio and Quebec. The EU project HyInHeat is researching the use of hydrogen in the aluminum and steel industry. The EU is contributing 17.7 million in funding to the 24-million project. The main objective of HyInHeat is the integration of hydrogen as fuel for high-temperature heating processes in the energy-intensive industries. While some of the equipment is already presented as hydrogen-ready, the integration of hydrogen combustion in heating processes still needs adoption and redesign of infrastructure, equipment and the process itself. HyInHeat realizes the implementation of efficient hydrogen combustion systems to decarbonize heating and melting processes of the aluminum and steel sectors, covering almost their complete process chains. To reach this overarching objective within the project, furnace and equipment such as burners or measurement and control technology but also infrastructure is redesigned, modified and implemented in eight demonstrators at technical centres and industrial plants. Besides hydrogen-air heating, oxygen-enriched combustion and hydrogen-oxyfuel heating is being implemented to boost energy efficiency and to decrease the future hydrogen fuel demand of the processes. This might result in a total redesign of the heating process itself which will be supported by simulation methods enhancing digitalization along the value chain. The Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University is researching the efficient and clean combustion of hydrogen for the aluminum and steel industry in the EU project HyInHeat alongside 30 partners from twelve countries. Since critical production processes are being converted, it is a fundamental requirement to maintain product quality and yield. Priority is also given to the refractory lining to prove sustainability. From an environmental perspective, new concepts for NO x emission measurement in hydrogen combustion off-gas are being developed. Material flow analysis and life cycle analysis methods will support the comprehensive cross-sectorial evaluation, which allows the determination of the potential for the implementation of hydrogen heating processes in energy intensive industry. The project, which will run until the end of 2026 with 30 partners from 12 countries, is being coordinated by the Department for Industrial Furnaces and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University. The University's Institute of Mineral Engineering (GHI) and the Institute for Combustion Technology (ITV) are also involved. Samsung Display showcases OLEDs for smartphones that have peak brightness greater than 2,000 nits at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 5. Courtesy of Samsung Display By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Display is increasing its efforts to protect its patented organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technologies, aiming to contain its Chinese rivals at a time when OLEDs are increasingly used not only in smartphones but also in other devices such as tablet PCs and laptops, according to industry sources, Thursday. The display arm of Samsung Electronics recently filed lawsuits with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) against smartphone parts wholesale suppliers in the United States such as Apt-Ability, MobileSentrix, Captain Mobile Parts and DFW Imports, claiming that they have supplied phone repair shops with replacement displays for Samsung's Galaxy phones and Apple's iPhones. Samsung Display requested the U.S. agency to investigate these suppliers and ban the wholesalers from importing displays that allegedly infringe its patented technologies, such as Diamond Pixel technology. An industry source said the displays the suppliers imported are made by Chinese display makers that use Samsung Display's patents without authorization. "It is estimated that the displays for smartphone repairs are mostly produced by Chinese companies," the source said. The company cited Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 that declares the infringement of a U.S. patent, copyright, registered trademark or mask work to be an unlawful practice in import trade. Samsung Display's move can be interpreted as an attempt to protect its intellectual property from Chinese manufacturers' infringements. In a conference call in the first quarter of 2022, the company said it "will make every effort to protect our OLED technology." An image captured from a YouTube video promoting Samsung Display's patented Diamond Pixel technology / Courtesy of Samsung Display Manu Kumar Jain left Xiaomi, revealed the now-former executive on Twitter. He served the tech company for 9 years and played an integral role in Xiaomis rise in India as a leader of the company's operations in the Asian country. In a long letter, Jain revealed he would take some time off before taking on his new professional challenge, ideally in a new industry. Manu Kumar Jain, Xiaomi Global VP Manu Kumar Jain vacated his position as Global VP at Xiaomi, although his name was lately linked with breaching Indias foreign exchange laws. Indias Enforcement Directorate is looking into the relationship between the Chinese company and its Indian division and royalty payments flowing both ways, and the now-former executive operated from Dubai in the past few years. During Jains time at Xiaomi India, the company became the top smartphone brand without spending any advertising money, the executive added. The branchs expansion generated more than 50,000 jobs, and 100% of smartphones and Smart TVs were Made in India, another campaign Jain took credit for. Manu Kumar Jain's letter Key Xiaomi executives like Alvin Tse, Global VP, and Hugo Barra, former Director at Xiaomi, congratulated Jain and showered him with pleasantries, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Source In 2019 the US placed Huawei on a trade blacklist, which meant that US companies required a special license to continue trading. Licenses were granted to the likes of AMD, Intel and Qualcomm, the latter was allowed to ship 4G-only chipsets (which we have seen in recent Huawei P and Mate series models). Licenses continued to be granted during the early days of President Bidens administration, but insiders now say that the US is looking to expand the list of banned items. The new additions are said to include 4G tech, Wi-Fi 6 and 7, tech related to artificial intelligence as well as high-performance and cloud computing. New licenses for 4G items are already being denied, according to one insider. As for old licenses, one tech expert said that the Commerce Department is looking to revoke all old licenses. And even if it doesnt do it explicitly, those licenses will eventually expire. Back in October, Biden introduced new export controls on equipment used to manufacture semiconductors, the restrictions applied to tech for nodes more advanced than 14nm and in some cases even 16nm. Japan and the Netherlands are joining the US efforts and will ban its homegrown companies from exporting equipment to China, claimed a Bloomberg report from a few days ago. These restrictions aim to stifle the growth of Chinas domestic semiconductor industry. Huawei already confirmed that Kirin is not coming back, this year at least, since the company can't find a foundry that doesn't use US-based tech. Huawei was best known for its smartphones and networking equipment, but the company has had to adapt. It has moved into cloud computing, for example, a business that may soon become a target to US sanctions. Huawei experienced a sharp drop in revenue in 2021 when the trade restrictions started to take effect (its revenue dropped by a third). However, it has been relatively stable since and in December 2022 it posted an overall revenue of $91.53 billion. The US Commerce Department did not comment on specifics of future trade export bans. Source Sony is preparing to launch its second generation VR headset on February 22 and an important part of those preparations is announcing that the PlayStation 5 supply issues are finally over. Fans in the US, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg can pick up a PS5 online from direct.playstation.com, which also offers games and accessories like the newly launched DualSense Edge controller. This site also has pre-orders for the PSVR2 headset and the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle. Of course, the PlayStaion is available through select retailers as well. PS5 DualSense Edge PSVR2 The PS5 launched in late 2020 and came with a warning of limited supplies. The issues persisted in 2021 with no signs of clearing up in 2022. Sony even had to reduce production because it was having trouble with component supplies and logistics, so the problems did indeed continue into 2022. But all that is in the past now, Sony welcomes the new year with with increased supply of PS5 consoles. And a new ad campaign dubbed Live from PS5 a faux news broadcast that shows fan favorite virtual heroes entering the real world. The first clip is below, you can follow PlayStations social media accounts as well as this page for more. Square Enix already released Forspoken on PS5 and PC and there are plenty more games to come in 2023 some new titles, some remakes and some expansions. Here's a preview: Going back to the PlayStation VR2, the headset (with two controllers) costs $550 / 600 / 530 / 75,000. A couple of weeks ago Sony announced 13 more games with VR support, bringing the total to over 30. The PSVR2 pre-order campaign has been live since November, so Sony has a good estimate of how the new headset will be welcomed by gamers - and it looks like the news isn't as good as the company had hoped. Bloomberg reports that Sony has cut the production target for this quarter to 1 million units. It seems that the company expects things to slow down after the initial inrush of orders with the shipping target for the April 2023 to March 2024 set to just 1.5 million units. The high cost may have deterred consumers - the digital PS5 is $400, the disc version is $500, so the PSVR2 costs more than the console itself. Source | Via The governor's fiscal year 2024 budget calls for increasing government of Guam employee pay by $23 million, hiring 110 public safety workers and continuing to invest in a new financial management system, according to a news release from Adelup. The budget is $69.1 million higher than this year, but the governor's office said the projections are in line with revenue collection trends in recent years. The $23 million General Pay Plan, approved by the governor this week, reflects a comprehensive review of pay across various disciplines and professions, according to the news release. Some of the pay scales have not been updated since 2014. Our islands hard-working employees have waited too long to receive these adjustments, which will ensure our public servants receive comparable compensation with their private sector counterparts and enable these employees to continue in public service without requiring them to sacrifice their families standard of living, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in the release. The budget also calls for beefing up public safety on Guam, by hiring 40 police officers, 20 correction officers, 30 customs and quarantine officers and 20 firefighters. That's in addition to the nearly 100 public safety recruitments currently in progress. Stronger public safety starts with a stronger police presence in all our villages, stronger law enforcement at our borders, and stronger emergency response across the board, the governor said. Another $11 million will go toward the second payment for a new financial management information system, which will improve the Department of Administration's cash management and transparency. The budget is based "on months of data clearly demonstrating Guam's resiliency and recovery from COVID-19" the announcement from Adelup stated. "This administration eliminated the general fund deficit during its first term and created millions in surpluses in the last two fiscal years." Collections for the General Fund and special funds -- notably the Tourist Attraction Fund -- have been above projected levels. China-made Tesla Model 3s are seen during a delivery event at its factory in Shanghai, Jan. 7, 2020. Reuters-Yonhap Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 drive Samsung, LGES, Hyundai Motor toward 'lighthouse manufacturing' By Kim Yoo-chul The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for manufacturers in global supply chain systems to embrace significant challenges. Korean conglomerates like Samsung, LG and SK also had to adjust to the crisis by revamping their supply chains and embracing more innovative manufacturing processes. Steps taken by advanced and emerging economies to control their coronavirus infection spikes resulted in national lockdowns and temporary halts in the flow of raw materials and subsidiary products, disrupting manufacturing processes. The pandemic itself didn't necessarily bring about any new challenges in supply chains; in some business areas it merely shone a light on earlier unseen vulnerabilities, including increased inventory levels due to closures and resultant profit losses. Executives at Korea's leading exporters noted that the pandemic accelerated the identification of problems that already existed in supply chains. Sources and executives at Samsung, LG and SK groups' technology units told The Korea Times that COVID-19 forced them to make their supply chain strategies more sustainable, resilient and even collaborative with key stakeholders such as suppliers and customers. "Companies usually scale back their investments in a crisis, however, during the pandemic, Samsung didn't stop investing in technology improvements, highlighting the company's focus on the value of a digitally connected supply chain to help the firm respond quickly to volatile supply and demand situations," an official at one the conglomerates said. Last year, Samsung Electronics, the world's top manufacturer of TVs, smartphones and memory chips, said it planned to spend 450 trillion won on "focus areas," specifically artificial intelligence (AI) and application semiconductors. Company representatives said Samsung is also working on advanced robots and AI. In January, Samsung invested $46 million in domestic robot maker Rainbow Robotics. This move, which gave it a 10.3 percent stake in the firm, was seen as showing its commitment towards advancing supply chain technologies such as AI, data analytics, and robotic process automation and control towers, while retaining its current staffing system. "Maintaining a high-performing supply chain in terms of both efficiency and visibility has become a competitive necessity," another company official said. Transitional path, Foxconn model However, officials at the country's leading exporters said while they have no questions about the necessity of updating supply chains for resilience and operational excellence, it's highly unlikely that manufacturers will see any visible progress in the smart factory concept in the near future. A woman holds a Google Pixel 4 phone during a Google product launch event in New York City, in this Oct. 15, 2019, file photo. AFP-Yonhap "Data acquisition and analysis, and factory automation are required for a smart factory because it is more about a high level of customization and how factories operate," said Jeong Hong-beom, an executive in charge of handling smart factory-oriented strategies at Hyundai Motor, the country's top carmaker. Crucial to a smart factory is the technology that makes data collection possible, which includes sensors, motors and robotics on actual production and assembly lines. Because the basic structure of a smart factory includes the integration of information, communication and production technologies, with the potential for integration across manufacturing supply chains made possible via the internet-of-things (IoT), a presidential aide handling industrial policies under the former Moon Jae-in administration said it should be possible for Korean firms to pursue hybrid models according to different production bases as part of efforts to initiate smart factories. "Simply put, smart factories require a shift in mindset because they are about data management and not just factory automation. Smart factory initiatives are complex to execute and require the backing of employees and business units. Such initiatives could also face resistance to change and cause confusion inside an organization. Given the regulatory risk in terms of data transparency, auditability and labor-centric business structures, Korean manufacturers will remain in the early stages of this for a considerable period of time," the unnamed aide said. LG Energy Solution (LGES), for example, has recently created a chief data officer (CDO) position, as part of efforts to establish a data-driven smart factory structure. A spokesman at the top battery supplier for Tesla, said it is still in the process of hiring specialists, and classifying data for specific purposes. As a long-term strategy, the spokesman said LGES aims to get potential clients to think more about smart manufacturing utilizing robotics, data analytics and AI. Min Kyeong-do, an executive at Gaon Partners, a consulting company, said what is happening inside Taiwan's Foxconn is worth watching for Korean manufacturers, which have substantial overseas exposure, as the world's top maker of electronic components is taking steps to build data-driven lighthouse manufacturing networks in the wake of supply chain disruptions. The Apple logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, Oct. 16, 2019. Reuters-Yonhap More medical specialists will be coming to Guam after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority and St. Lukes Medical Center in the Philippines on Tuesday at the Guam Museum. Im excited about this agreement because it gives us more inroads into providing specialty care, medical care and nursing, said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. She said specialists in gastroenterology, neonatal intensive care, cardiac care, womens health and pediatric health are in demand. Dr. Dennis Serrano from St. Lukes Medical Center said that Guam Memorial Hospital and other health care providers on island have the facilities and medical equipment to provide services, but they lack doctors and staff in these fields. St. Lukes Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Arturo Dela Pena said this agreement will not only bring more doctors and nurses to Guam, but will also make it easier for patients to come to the Philippines. The memorandum of understanding reduces the amount of paperwork required and streamlines travel plans, medical provider information and payment to provide better quality care, said Serrano. Dr. Joleen Aguon, GMHA associate administrator of medical services, said in the past there have been challenges with traveling on commercial flights and arranging intensive care between Guam and St. Lukes Medical Center. To create the pathway to get to St. Lukes was a little challenging, so to have this MOU in place to collaborate between the U.S. and the Philippines is groundbreaking for us and our patient care, said Aguon. The partnership also includes collaboration on educational activities such as lectures, seminars and annual joint conferences in the Philippines. Guam Visitors Bureau board chairman Milton Morinaga called for a special board meeting Tuesday afternoon after an eight-month pause and amid a still sluggish tourism industry, but a clash of opinions, a lack of quorum and heated exchanges over the status of two board members stopped the meeting from further proceeding. GVB President Carl Gutierrez and Sen. Telo Taitague took turns telling Morinaga and other board members that the board didnt have a quorum, so it wouldnt be able to take any official action. They said that included a motion to elect Akihiro Tani of Fish Eye Marine Park and George Chiu of Tan Holdings to fill the positions vacated by Charles Bell and Stephen Gatewood. They said the two board member selections were void because they were made without prior public notice, in violation of the Open Government Act, and any further action on them would be another illegal act. GVB counsel Joe McDonald, along with Gutierrez and Taitague, recommended that the board seek the Office of the Attorney Generals opinion on Tani and Chius status before calling a board meeting. Gutierrez also said Morinaga was proceeding with the board meeting illegally, to which the board chairman said its not illegal in his opinion. Chiu and others said its the chairmans prerogative to proceed with the meeting. Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor Rudy Paco, mayors council representative to the board, couldnt be reached to attend the meeting. Pacos attendance could have given the board the minimum eight members to meet a quorum for a meeting. Heated exchange Gutierrez, Taitague, Chiu and others engaged in a back-and-forth discussion marked at times by harsh words, talking over each other, and banging on the table to make a point. Board member Sam Shinohara, of United Airlines, asked that officials keep it professional. Gutierrez used the words damn thing before slapping his hand against the table in front of Morinaga. Morinaga said, Please do not yell at me. The board chairman repeatedly asked people to try to contact Paco. Gutierrez told Morinaga that it was his problem as chairman that members were not present. Shinohara, who participated by phone, shared his frustration with whats been happening within GVB since early 2022. It is really frustrating for me on my end. Its been eight months since this board has convened. The tourism industry is ... not anywhere recovered, he said. And you know, I just think its shameful that this group cant find a way to work together and figure out how we can collaborate to get things done. GVB board member Sonny Ada had the same sentiment after the exchanges. I just think were trying to help this industry. My God, were getting muddled in this stuff. Lets have a meeting, lets work together, lets get the membership involved like it always has in 40-plus years and move to improve the arrivals on island. Period, Ada said. GVB management earlier said Ada resigned from the board. A notice about Tuesdays meeting also indicated Morinagas resignation and the installment of a newly elected chairman, which both didnt happen at the meeting. But Morinaga announced that the board members present on Tuesday included him, Ada, Shinohara, Jeff Jones, Ho Eun, Ben Ferguson and new member Mary Rhodes. Morinaga said Paco did confirm the previous day that he was attending via phone. Speaker Therese Terlajes office, right after the board meeting, confirmed the Jan. 31 appointments of three individuals to serve as legislative directors and alternate director on the GVB board: Rhodes and Ho Eun as legislative directors, and Laura Nelson Cepeda as an alternate director. Some at the GVB board meeting asked whether their appointments still need further action from the Legislature. Questions remainGVBs leadership woes continue while Guams tourism is still a fraction of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Korean arrivals to Guam are still at 50% of what they were prior to the pandemic, while Japan arrivals are still at about 12% of their pre-COVID-19 levels. The agency tasked to oversee the tourism industry is still embroiled in a leadership battle between Gutierrez and board members. GVB management earlier said the board does not have a quorum of at least eight members because it only has six members. The board is supposed to have 12 members. The agency has so far not received new appointees from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, while the speakers appointments were made prior on the same day of the planned special board meeting. A GVB general membership meeting on Jan. 10 was cut short when there was no quorum to be able to elect new members to the board. There are four nominees awaiting the GVB general memberships vote. A quorum was also needed to approve the proposed third amendment to GVB bylaws, which includes a new provision that essentially removes the board from making decisions related to GVBs annual multi-million budget. On hold Morinaga, managing director of PHR Ken Micronesia Inc., which is Japan-based Ken Corp.s holding company for several hotels on Guam, has been the GVB board chairman for most of the COVID-19 pandemic but the board has not met since May 2022. Under Morinaga, the board voted to suspend all meetings until the bylaws are reviewed, following Gutierrezs series of accusations starting in early 2022 against board members, including allegations of violations of the Open Government Act and of unethically voting for GVB programs that benefit their businesses. At the Tuesday meeting, Gutierrez said these issues came about after the review of GVB bylaws, and efforts to align them with the law that created GVB. Gutierrez also said its Morinagas responsibility to inform board members whether theyre still on the board or not, based on the GVB counsels opinion. Chiu said he didnt get a notice that he was off the board, when Ada asked. Ada invited him to sit at the board table. No, Gutierrez said, as he pointed to Morinaga while saying, He got the notice. Its his responsibility to tell him that the legal opinion is that youre off the board. He doesnt want to inform anybody. Gutierrez continued to address Morinaga: Youre just exaggerating the situation. You came in here to resign from GVB under that guise. Creative production company Project: Inspire is launching Inspire 101, a series of after-school programs for students who want to learn the ins and outs of two prominent creative avenues on Guam. Programs Students can apply now to the companys songwriting program hosted by Straight Up Music or dance program hosted by Guam Dance Community. Elementary, middle and high school students in the dance program will get a chance to study different genres, including hip-hop, contemporary, freestyle and jazz. Guam Dance Communitys Jazztin Alis, a Guam-raised dancer and performing artist and dance teacher of the Philippines, and Isabelle Bella Lanada, a leading officer of Guam Dance Community and seasoned dancer will be instructing the five-month program. Online personality, songwriter and Project: Inspire audio engineer Jed Antonio, along with surprise guest instructors, will teach middle and high school students writing techniques, proper terminology, music production and performance skills in the 16-week songwriting program. Being an artist in 2023, you have to understand that you have to wear multiple hats. You cant just be the producer, you cant just be the songwriter, you cant just be the marketer. ... you have to wear multiple hats, said Antonio. But Antonio, a 12-year industry vet whos opened for artists like Jhene Aiko, the late PNB Rock and E 40, and just last year worked with K-pop girl group TWICE, puts an emphasis on helping students discover their individual creative process. Its about finding their voice. That is my main goal for this program, said Antonio, calling this one of his biggest hurdles as an artist. By the end of the program, songwriting students will have worked together to write and produce songs that comprise a collective EP. More information Classes are set to begin on Feb. 20 for dance and Feb. 21 for songwriting. For information on tuition and fees, scheduling and application deadlines visit projectinspire.co. A free trial will be offered to dance students for the first week between Feb. 20-24. For questions about the dance program email dance@projectinspire.co or call 671-787-4370. For questions about the songwriting program email freeflow@projectinspire.co or call 671-486-0707. Theres ongoing harm caused by the militarys operation of an open detonation range at Tarague Beach, lawyers for Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian are arguing before a federal appeals court. The activist group had a lawsuit seeking the shutdown of the Air Forces open detonation and open burn ranges at Tarague dismissed by District Court of Guam Chief Justice Frances Tydingco-Gatewood late last year. They are now asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reverse the decision. Prutehi Litekyan previously asked the court to order the Air Force to stop disposing of waste at Tarague until an environmental analysis was completed. Tydingco-Gatewood ruled that Prutehi Litekyans members werent being harmed because the military was only reapplying for a permit to operate the ranges, which have been in use since the 1980s. She found federal law didnt require the Air Force to conduct additional environmental analysis, because the Guam Environmental Protection Agency was already reviewing the permit for the ranges. Members of Prutehi Litekyan are suffering cultural, spiritual, scientific, recreational, aesthetic, economic and other harm, from the operation of the Tarague disposal ranges, arguments submitted on Jan. 26 state. The Air Force is able to continue detonations at Tarague because it reapplied for a permit with Guam EPA, meaning the permit application is causing harm, filings state. Without the permit renewal application, all (open burn and open detonation) operations under the 2018 permit would have had to cease on September 3, 2021, when the permit was set to expire. Tydingco-Gatewoods ruling that the Air Force did not have to complete an environmental analysis of the ranges under the National Environmental Policy Act was unprecedented, the appellants argue. The district court improperly substituted its policy preferences for Congresss, filings state, when Tydingco-Gatewood exempted the military from environmental analysis. The judge found it would be redundant to have the Air Force conduct an analysis under NEPA when Guam EPA was reviewing their case. Joint Region Marinas and Andersen Air Force Base officials have previously asserted that open detonation is the safest way to dispose of World War II-era munitions found on Guam, and that the Tarague ranges have undergone environmental impact analysis. Open burning of hazardous was recently banned outright through Public Law 36-139, passed in December. Most forms of hazardous waste detonation were also banned though, unearthed ordnance from World War II is still permitted. Even with the ban in place, Prutehi Litekyans members have stated they will continue with the lawsuit in the hopes of having the Air Force relocate the detonation range at Tarague. Peter J. Santos is an attorney and was a 2022 write-in candidate for the attorney general of Guam. Our View: We don't want to be like the nations that practice caning as judicial punishment Lee Webber is the former publisher of the Pacific Daily News, Honolulu Advertiser, president of Gannett Pacific and Asia area manager for USA Today international. South Africa: Institutions urged to register NSFAS students without upfront registration fee Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on all higher learning institutions to allow National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded students to register without paying an upfront registration fee, while the scheme is finalising the upfront payment schedule. Nzimande made the call during a media briefing on NSFASs state of readiness for the 2023 academic year in Pretoria on Tuesday. The NSFAS budget for the current financial year is projected to be R47 billion to fund approximately 900 000 NSFAS beneficiaries, a 7% increase in the number of students qualifying for NSFAS bursaries as compared to the 2022 financial year. Out of these qualifying students, over 60% of undergraduate students in our public university system receive support from NSFAS and well over 90% of students in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. On confirmation of the 2023 academic year allowances, an inflated linked increase of 5% on all allowances, other than the living allowance, has been effected for our universities, Nzimande said. The Minister announced that students at universities which provide accommodation and catering will receive a R5 460 learning material allowance and an accommodation allowance capped at R61 500. Students at university-managed, self-catering institutions will receive an allowance for learning materials to the value of R5 460, R16 500 per annum living allowance and accommodation allowance capped at R45 000. The Minister announced that the living allowance increment across the board will be R1 650 per month, which is 10% increment as compared to the 2022 figure. Living with relatives (not in private accommodation) students will receive a learning materials allowance of R5 460 and R16 500 per annum living allowance. Private off-campus accredited accommodation students will receive a learning materials allowance of R5 460, R16 500 per annum living allowance and an accommodation allowance capped at R45 000, Nzimande said. For TVET colleges that are own catered, Nzimande said residences will only receive an accommodation allowance to the value of R54 045 per annum, while college managed own and leased self-catered accommodation will for the first time receive a living allowance of R6000, personal care allowance of R3 045 and a maximum of R45 000 plus living allowance paid to TVET college. TVET students in private accommodation will receive a R6000 living allowance, R3 045 personal care allowance and R45 000 per annum accommodation allowance. TVET students residing less than 10km from the college, will receive a R6 000 living allowance, R3 045 personal care allowance and R7 718 travel allowance, the Minister explained. All allowances - apart from the living allowance increase - are in line with the 2023 NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions for financial aid already published and shared with institutions. Nzimande advised unsuccessful applicants to appeal NSFAS decisions by submitting the relevant supporting documents between 20 January 2023 and 20 February 2023. NSFAS application close Meanwhile, NSFAS applications for funding for the 2023 academic year, which opened on 28 September 2022, will officially close at midnight. NSFAS has advised students who have applied for funding to log onto their myNSFAS accounts to track their applications. Applicants can access their application updates on WhatsApp at 078 519 8006 or dial *120*67327 to track their 2023 application status. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-01-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Technology drives development of Chinese string musical instrument in Yangzhou 10:41, January 31, 2023 By Wang Jue ( People's Daily Yangzhou, a city in east China's Jiangsu province, known as "capital of guzheng (a Chinese plucked zither)," is seeing thriving development of the musical instrument manufacturing industry, frequent guzheng-playing competitions, as well as vibrant exchange and training activities of the ancient Chinese musical instrument. Over the recent years, the city has been leveraging technology for better development of the guzheng manufacturing sector. A woman plays electric guzheng in an exhibition hall of musical instruments in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. (People's Daily Online/Feng Jiangjiang) Xiong Liqun, honorary president of the Yangzhou City Guzheng Association, has developed an electric guzheng. Different from traditional models, the electric one is made of environment-friendly composite materials, which makes the instrument lighter and more portable. Besides, the electric guzheng comes with a worm drive tuning device that makes tuning much easier. In addition, the instrument can be connected to earphones and speakers to avoid disturbing neighbors while playing and to ensure clear sound in big classrooms. Xiong has not only redesigned the appearance of guzheng but also developed an artificial intelligence teaching system that makes guzheng teaching convenient, interesting, and more efficient. Jia Hongliu, a guzheng manufacturer from Yangzhou's 486 Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, has also invented an intelligent teaching support system, which can recognize and rate guzheng sound quality, finger exercise, and playing posture. It supports guzheng teaching with interactive projection, as well as audio and video materials, and enables tuning through smart string recognition and projection calibration technologies. Leng Bunian, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage item guzheng, carves surface decorations on a guzheng in Yiling township, Jiangdu district, Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. (People's Daily Online/Yu Xing) "We hope to make breakthroughs in guzheng teaching with the latest technologies, so as to better popularize the instrument," said Jia. After some 40 years of development, Yangzhou now stands as the largest guzheng manufacturing base and cultural base in China. Li Tongzhi, president of the Yangzhou City Guzheng Association, told People's Daily that Yangzhou is home to over 280 enterprises engaged in the guzheng industry. Each year, the city produces around 650,000 sets of guzheng, 65,000 sets of guqin, another type of plucked string Chinese musical instrument, and more than a million sets of guqin and guzheng accessories. About 20 of these enterprises boast annual income of 10 million yuan ($1.48 million), and three rank among the top 50 musical instrument makers in China. Photo shows the 486 Intangible Cultural Heritage Center in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo from Yangzhou Daily) Relevant industries are prospering in the city because of the sound development of guzheng manufacturing. At present, there are more than 80 enterprises in Yangzhou involved in the making of guzheng accessories, such as radens, jade, cases, stands, strings, and hardware. Besides, the city receives over 100,000 tourists attending guzheng activities on an annual basis, which has facilitated consumption in catering, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, culture, and training. According to incomplete statistics, more than 25,000 people in Yangzhou are engaged in the guzheng industry. Yangzhou is home to more than 100 guzheng training facilities and millions of guzheng learners. It has launched a campaign that encourages every elementary and middle school in the city to open extracurricular courses about intangible cultural heritage items, such as guzheng, guqin, Yangzhou opera, oral performing arts, and puppetry. The campaign helps introduce guzheng to more people and will lay a solid foundation for the future development of the instrument. It is culture and craftsmanship that vitalize Yangzhou's guzheng manufacturing, and now technology is leading the traditional Chinese musical instrument to a brighter future. The guzheng industry of Yangzhou is bound to see further improvement as it is inherited, popularized, and expands its influence both in China and in the rest of the world. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) POSCO Chemical said Monday it has signed a largest-ever long-term contract to supply a key component used in electric vehicle (EV) battery cells to Samsung SDI. POSCO Chemical will supply high-nickel cathodes, consisting of lithium, nickel, cobalt and aluminum, to Samsung SDI, for a 10-year period starting this year for 40 trillion won ($32.5 billion), the chemical unit of steel giant POSCO Holdings said. Cathodes are a core component that determine the power of EV battery cells. They account for more than 40 percent of a battery's production cost. POSCO Chemical has been expanding its battery materials business since its advance into the sector in 2012. It touts itself as one of a few companies capable of producing both cathodes and anodes for EV batteries. The latest agreement follows the 13.7 trillion-won cathodes supply deal POSCO Chemical clinched in July last year with Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors. POSCO Chemical has bagged more than 21 trillion won worth of cathodes supply orders from Ultium Cells. POSCO Chemical began commercial operations at its cathode plant in Korea's southwestern city of Gwangyang, which has an annual production capacity of 90,000 tons. It plans to complete the construction of its cathode plant in Pohang, a southeastern industrial city in Korea, within this year and is on track for the completion of a high-nickel cathode plant in Canada next year under its own joint venture with GM. (Yonhap) Published on 2023/01/30 | Source Actors Kim Jae-young and Yoon So-hee will meet as the male and female main characters in the audio drama "Sometimes - For Sale Because I Broke Up". Advertisement On the 19th, the production company STUDIO X+U said it has cast Kim Jae-young and Yoon So-hee as the main characters of the first episode of the audio drama "Sometimes - For Sale Because I Broke Up". "Sometimes - For Sale Because I Broke Up" is the story of a fling between Lee Joo-ah and Lee Joon-pyo, who meet as sellers and buyers at a used market. Lee Joo-ah meets Lee Joon-pyo to purchase a limited edition couple bracelet. She is placed in a situation where she witnesses her boyfriend's affair at the place of the deal. Lee Joon-pyo has experienced something similar, so he starts to care about Lee Joo-ah without realizing it. Actor Kim Jae-young plays the role of promising IT developer Lee Joon-pyo. He is the highest-paid talent in the industry, but he is suffering from the aftermath of a breakup and burnout after breaking up with his girlfriend who he dated for three years half a year ago. Lee Joon-pyo meets Lee Joo-ah while organizing his ex-girlfriend's items, and he undergoes changes in his daily life. Yoon So-hee plays the role of web novel writer Lee Joo-ah. Her life motto is "Let's not be a burden! Let's not be embarrassed". She is devoted enough to get a limited edition bracelet for her boyfriend, but she witnesses her boyfriend's affair and goes through a breakup. Yoon So-hee, who hates being a burden to others, is in pain because she can't even tell her friend about her difficulties. She gradually opens her heart to Lee Joon-pyo, who asks her if she is okay. It will be released on the 30th. Customers shop for makeup items at a cosmetics store in Seoul on June 9, 2022. Yonhap By Kim Jae-heun Department stores and other retailers are organizing various promotional events to boost sales of beauty products to capitalize on the government's decision to lift the indoor mask mandate on Monday, according to industry officials Sunday. Lotte Department Store is preparing hands-on events under the theme of Blooming Beauty Week scheduled for next month expecting increased demand for cosmetic products being purchased. Thirty-seven brands including AmorePacific, Mac, Bobby Brown and Shiseido will participate in the promotional event, which will be held for 10 days from Feb. 3. "We have prepared various hands-on events for consumers to come and experience makeup items, which they have to see and experience before buying them," a Lotte Shopping official said. "There will be makeup shows and makeup experience time for visitors. We will also introduce exclusive beauty products from each brand that are being offered during our promotional period." Shinsegae Department Store is also hosting Shinsegae Cosmetics Fair from Feb. 2 to Feb. 19, which will see 70 cosmetics brands participating, including Estee Lauder, Sulwhasoo and Yves Saint Laurent. The company will give out discount coupons to its membership customers who purchase certain amounts of cosmetics goods on its online shopping platform. Those who pay with Shinsegae affiliate credit cards and earn mileage points can later use them as cash. Hyundai Department Store is holding a makeup show and pop-up event with international cosmetics brand NARS at The Hyundai Seoul from Jan. 30 to Feb. 4. The following week, the retailer will also hold a pop-up event with Dior cosmetics. The three retailers have already enjoyed soaring sales in the cosmetics category. Lotte said its revenue for color cosmetics increased 25 percent, year-on-year, from Jan. 2 to Jan 20. After the Lunar New Year, its sales in the same sector skyrocketed 40 percent in only four days. "After the government revealed its plan to lift the quarantine measure requiring people to no longer wear face masks, from Jan. 30, we saw an instant increase in sales of color cosmetics products," a Lotte Shopping official said. Shinsegae and Hyundai also saw their makeup sales increase by 21.6 percent and 25.8 percent, respectively, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 20. Roberto Rempel, president and CEO of GM Korea, speaks during a press conference at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Monday. Courtesy of GM Korea By Baek Byung-yeul General Motors will introduce six new cars and new electric vehicles (EV) and intensify customer services here to get closer to Korean consumers, the CEO of its Korean unit said Monday. "We are planning to launch six new vehicles in Korea right within the six months," Roberto Rempel, president and CEO of GM Korea, said during a press conference in Seoul. "We also target to launch more vehicles in 2024. These vehicles will reshape customer perception." The company will soon unveil its new crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Chevrolet Trax Crossover. The company will produce the new CUVs at its plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, and export them to the global market, especially the North American market. Roberto Rempel, third from left, president and CEO of GM Korea, poses with officials of the U.S. carmaker's Korean unit during a press conference at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Monday. Courtesy of GM Korea Henderson County Business DISH ON DINING: Breedloves rebrands as Queen Bs Marketplace Mike and Jenny Breedlove drew a loyal following when they opened their sandwich shop at 316 Chadwick Avenue. They expanded the menu, the specials and the hours, all until they fell victim to the volatile labor market. Read Story Henderson County News DISH ON DINING: Coffee shop reopens under new ownership Patrons of Appalachian Coffee Co. on Fifth Avenue West were disappointed when the cafe and sandwich shop abruptly closed a few months ago. Read Story JOHN HOWELL has refused to confirm whether he will stand at the next general election amid speculation that his predecessor could make a return to the constituency. The Henley MP said he would make a decision at a later date after reports that former prime minister Boris Johnson has been house-hunting in the area and looking at schools. It has been claimed that Mr Johnson, who served as Henley MP from 2001 to 2008, could return as he wants a safe seat at the election, which is expected to be held next year. At the last election in 2019, Mr Johnson won the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat with a majority of 7,210 while in the Henley constituency Mr Howell was 14,053 votes ahead of his nearest rival. Mr Howell is understood to have told local Conservative party members privately that he is yet to make up his mind on whether to run again. I am not commenting at the moment, he said. It will be a decision that I make at a later date. Asked whether Mr Johnson could come back if he did stand down, he said: I sincerely hope not. Mr Johnsons spokesperson said that he had already confirmed that he would be standing in Uxbridge and South Ruislip at the election. Meanwhile, Mr Howell criticised environmental campaigners who have unveiled mock blue plaques to honour MPs who voted against proposed tougher laws on the dumping of raw sewage in Britains waterways. A spoof plaque with his name on has appeared on the bridge between Goring and Streatley with the note: Voted to block a law requiring water companies to dump less raw sewage in our rivers and seas. 20th Oct 2021. Mr Howell said: I think, first of all, how ignorant they are as it fails to recognise that we are the only government to have held water companies to account on sewage discharges. This is not something that has started in the past year or so, it has been going on since before privatisation. The amount of money needed to get rid of that problem would be astronomical so there needs to be a process in place to tackle it. I think people need to look carefully at the situation and to issue an apology. Last week, Mr Howell had a paper endorsed by the Council of Europe which aims to create a new instrument to prevent environmental damage during armed conflicts. He said: I was in Strasbourg when I was amazingly successful in getting my paper to introduce a new crime of ecocide unanimously approved. It came about as I was the rapporteur on this particular topic and it looks at the situation right across Europe, not just in places like Ukraine, but elsewhere where someone could launch a nuclear strike. It will be an international treaty but there is a long way to go to finalise the terms. What it will do is to make it an offence so we can have a go at someone who launches an attack on particular ground with chemical weapons and take them to international court. It is a very good way of ensuring you can get accountability of protecting the environment, the same way you can get accountability for targeting individuals. I have been working on it for about a year, with the help of some of my civil servants, and this is the result. It has now been picked up by the Icelandic prime minister to be put forward to a summit in May. People buy bakery products at Paris Baguette's new store in Red Bank in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Sunday. Courtesy of SPC By Kim Jae-heun SPC has opened its 120th Paris Baguette store in the United States as Korea's largest bakery brand expands its presence in the world's largest economy, company officials said Monday. The firm operates 20 stores directly through its U.S. subsidiary, and individuals and corporations run the remaining 100 stores under franchise agreements. The latest Paris Baguette franchise store opened in Red Bank in Monmouth County, New Jersey, which is a commercial district that doesn't see many tourists. This is meaningful as Paris Baguette is gaining popularity among town locals and not only because Koreans visit the store or live there. "Opening our 100th U.S. franchise Paris Baguette store in Red Bank is meaningful in terms of our global business expansion. We will further advance into the Canadian market and complete the construction of a global manufacturing facility in Malaysia this year to boost our business worldwide," an SPC official said. SPC plans to sign 160 additional franchise contracts and aims to introduce 1,000 stores across the United States in 2023. About 85 percent of Paris Baguette stores in the U.S. are operated by local franchisees. The bakery-cafe brand has gained recognition among locals, in Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper West Side in New York and downtown Los Angeles. SPC plans to open more stores in new areas such as North Carolina, Colorado, Maryland, Washington, Minnesota, Tennessee and Hawaii. Meanwhile, Paris Baguette has stood out in the U.S. bakery industry since it first entered the local market in 2005. Last year, the bakery brand ranked 25th among the best franchise brands evaluated by the US-based magazine Franchise Times. It is the highest ranking achieved by a Korean brand so far. SPC also opened two Paris Baguette stores in England, three in France and plans to open the very first one in Canada. Currently, the company has 450 stores in nine countries including China, Vietnam and Singapore. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Jan. 30, in Jerusalem. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Monday for "urgent steps" to calm spiraling violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after high-level talks in Jerusalem. Blinken travelled to Jerusalem on the second leg of his Middle East tour, after meeting Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and foreign minister in Cairo. Israel is reeling from an attack Friday that killed seven civilians outside a synagogue in annexed east Jerusalem, a day after the deadliest army raid in years in the occupied West Bank claimed 10 Palestinian lives. Following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken urged "all sides now to take urgent steps to restore calm, to deescalate". "We want to make sure that there's an environment in which we can, I hope, at some point, create the conditions where we can start to restore a sense of security for Israelis and Palestinians alike," he said. In the latest bloodshed, Israeli troops Monday killed a Palestinian driver in the West Bank, with the army saying the car had hit a soldier's leg before speeding off. Since the start of the year, the conflict has claimed the lives of 35 Palestinian adults and children including attackers, militants and civilians. Over the same period six Israeli civilians, including a child and one Ukrainian civilian have been killed. All were shot dead in the attack Friday outside the synagogue in an east Jerusalem settlement. 'Dangerous developments' The United States has historically taken a lead on Middle East diplomacy, and Egypt, which has relations with Israel, has long served as a mediator in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Following what Blinken described as "very candid" discussion with Netanyahu, the top U.S. diplomat met Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and President Isaac Herzog. Blinken, whose long-planned visit has taken on a new urgency amid the spiraling violence, will also travel to Ramallah in the West Bank for talks with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas. The fatal east Jerusalem shooting was preceded by the Israeli forces' deadliest operation in the West Bank in years, killing 10 people Thursday in the densely populated Jenin refugee camp. Israel said its forces targeted Islamic Jihad operatives. The military later hit sites in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave. The Islamist group said Blinken's visit "emphasizes the absolute support and partnership with the (Israeli) occupation". Netanyahu's cabinet has moved to punish "the families of terrorists that support terrorism" with home demolitions and other measures. His government is also planning to rescind the rights to social security benefits of attackers' relatives, and steps to make it easier for Israeli citizens to obtain permits to carry firearms. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Jan. 30, in Jerusalem. AP-Yonhap People and rescue workers gather to look for survivors under a collapsed roof, after a suicide blast in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan Jan. 30. Reuters-Yonhap A suicide bomber struck a crowded mosque inside a police compound in Pakistan on Monday, causing the roof to collapse and killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 150 others, officials said. Most of the casualties were police officers. It was not clear how the bomber was able to slip into the walled compound, which houses the police headquarters in the northwestern city of Peshawar and is itself located in a high-security zone with other government buildings. Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander for the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on Twitter. But hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani distanced the group from the bombing, saying it was not its policy to target mosques, seminaries and religious places, adding that those taking part in such acts could face punitive action under TTP's policy. His statement did not address why a TTP commander had claimed responsibility for the bombing. ''The sheer scale of the human tragedy is unimaginable. This is no less than an attack on Pakistan,'' tweeted Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who visited the wounded in Peshawar and vowed ''stern action'' against those behind the bombing. He expressed his condolences to families of the victims, saying their pain ''cannot be described in words.'' Pakistan, which is mostly Sunni Muslim, has seen a surge in militant attacks since November, when the Pakistani Taliban ended their cease-fire with government forces. Earlier this month, the Pakistani Taliban claimed one of its members shot and killed two intelligence officers, including the director of the counterterrorism wing of the country's military-based spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. Security officials said Monday the gunman was traced and killed in a shootout in the northwest near the Afghan border. The TTP is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban. The TTP has waged an insurgency in Pakistan in the past 15 years, seeking stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, the release of its members in government custody and a reduction in the Pakistani military presence in areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province it has long used as its base. Monday's assault on a Sunni mosque inside the police facility was one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in recent years. More than 300 worshippers were praying in the mosque, with more approaching, when the bomber set off his explosives vest. Many were injured when the roof came down, according to Zafar Khan, a police officer, and rescuers had to remove mounds of debris to reach worshippers still trapped under the rubble. Meena Gul, who was in the mosque when the bomb went off, said he doesn't know how he survived unhurt. The 38-year-old police officer said he heard cries and screams after the blast. Mohammad Asim, a spokesman at the main government hospital in Peshawar, put the death toll at 59, with 157 others wounded. Police official Siddique Khan said the bomber blew himself up while among the worshippers. Senior police and government officials attended the funerals of 30 police officers and arrangements to bury the rest were being made. Coffins were wrapped in the Pakistani flag their bodies were later handed over to relatives for burials. Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the Pakistani Taliban have a strong presence, and the city has been the scene of frequent militant attacks. Rescue workers look for survivors under a collapsed roof, after a suicide blast in a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan Jan. 30. Reuters-Yonhap A person stands by a sign of Huawei during World Artificial Intelligence Conference, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Shanghai, China, Sept. 1, 2022. Reuters-Yonhap The Biden administration has stopped approving licenses for U.S. companies to export most items to China's Huawei, according to three people familiar with the matter. Huawei has faced U.S. export restrictions around items for 5G and other technologies for several years, but officials in the U.S. Department of Commerce have granted licenses for some American firms to sell certain goods and technologies to the company. Qualcomm in 2020 received permission to sell 4G smartphone chips to Huawei. A Commerce Department spokesperson said officials "continually assess our policies and regulations" but do not comment on talks with specific companies. Huawei and Qualcomm declined to comment. Bloomberg and the Financial Times earlier reported the move. One person familiar with the matter said U.S. officials are creating a new formal policy of denial for shipping items to Huawei that would include items below the 5G level, including 4G items, Wifi 6 and 7, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing and cloud items. Another person said the move was expected to reflect the Biden administration's tightening of policy on Huawei over the past year. Licenses for 4G chips that could not be used for 5g, which might have been approved earlier, were being denied, the person said. Toward the end of the Trump administration and early in the Biden administration, officials had still granted licenses for items specific to 4G applications. American officials placed Huawei on a trade blacklist in 2019 restricting most U.S. suppliers from shipping goods and technology to the company unless they were granted licenses. Officials continued to tighten the controls to cut off Huawei's ability to buy or design the semiconductor chips that power most of its products. But U.S. officials granted licenses that allowed Huawei to receive some products. For example, suppliers to Huawei got licenses worth $61 billion to sell to the telecoms equipment giant from April through November 2021. In December, Huawei said its overall revenue was about $91.53 billion, down only slightly from 2021 when U.S. sanctions caused its sales to fall by nearly a third. (Reuters) Mint House at Metro St. Petersburg Will Open Its Doors In Spring 2023, Marking The Third Florida Location For The Tech-First Hospitality Brand. Mint House , the premier tech-enabled residential hospitality brand offering spacious, high end apartment-style accommodations across the U.S., announced today the impending opening of Mint House at Metro St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Florida in Spring 2023. The newly constructed residential hospitality property - fully operated by Mint House - will offer 100 apartment-style hospitality units in the thriving EDGE district downtown. The transaction marks the third Florida location for the next-gen hospitality brand (which is currently operating two locations in Miami) and the first on the gulf coast. Mint House at Metro St. Petersburg will offer luxurious amenities for guests staying a night or for multiple weeks, and will include a resort-style pool, wellness-focused fitness center, bicycle rental program and valet parking, plus direct access to the EDGE District's Main Street, St. Petersburg's hottest neighborhood for shopping, dining, nightlife and art. Each apartment-style hospitality unit will be equipped with a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and ample workspace. In addition to offering tech-first spaces to work, stay and play, Mint House at Metro St. Petersburg will offer Mint House's signature Stock Your Stay program, allowing guests to pre-stock their apartment with groceries prior to arrival. Both properties will also participate in Mint House's subscription Mint Pass program, offering frequent travelers perks, and each create less CO2 emissions than a traditional hotel with smart thermostats, as well as zero soap and plastic waste. Today, Mint House has more than 25 artfully designed, tech-first properties in more than 16 major U.S. cities including New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Austin and Nashville, with recent openings in Scottsdale, Dallas and Birmingham. Hotel website HVS is pleased to announce that Larson Moye has joined the fast-growing Brokerage & Advisory division of HVS, the only global consulting firm focused exclusively on the hospitality industry. Larson Moye is joining as a Senior Associate for the HVS Americas Brokerage & Advisory division and specializes in the acquisition and disposition of hotels across Colorado. Larson's knowledge of current market conditions, his broad network of hotel owners, and his expertise in transaction management create positive results for his clients. He is committed to working with clients in a collaborative and transparent manner to assist them in achieving their investment goals. Larson is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans and is a licensed real estate sales agent in Texas. Transitioning from his most recent role of Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, with six cities on four continents on his Four Seasons resume, Yves Giacometti is looking forward to his appointment as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, overseeing a number of properties, in addition to a pipeline of hotels and resorts coming up. For Giacometti, the move to Cairo was a dream come true - especially Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, an iconic landmark on the banks of the river Nile, that with its architectural expression establishes a strong skyline image in the bustling city. The award-winning Hotel taps into the Egyptians' passion for luxury, with contemporary interiors featuring one of the largest collections and masterpieces of local Egyptian art. The Hotel boasts an impressive 365 rooms and suites, most with private terraces overlooking the Nile, authentic culinary creativity with a team of expert chefs, nine dining options serving anything from authentic Chinese and Egyptian cuisine to Italian coastal and Mediterranean cuisine, an acclaimed Spa and diverse banquet and meeting spaces. In 2025, Four Seasons commitment in Egypt includes the opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Cairo Capital at Madinaty, set on 185 hectares (460 acres) that will be a captivating destination for those who wish to visit the ancient metropolis of Cairo and effortlessly explore the modern extension of the iconic capital city. The Hotel will feature 346 rooms and suites, while the Private Residences will be comprised of 107 villas and 80 luxury residences. Close to Giacometti's heart is the highly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel Luxor in one of the country's most storied destinations; this impressively historic city acts as an open-air museum with some of Egypt's finest artifacts on grand display throughout. The Hotel will include 200 guest rooms and suites, each with views of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and will be located just south of the highly acclaimed Luxor Temple, which dates back to 1400 BC. Throwing himself into local culture upon arriving to a new city, Giacometti, who has a deep appreciation for foreign culture and traditions arrived with his family, wife Lorena and four-year-old son Mateo who are elated to be in Cairo. A familiar face with an additional new responsibility: Stefan Frank, who as Senior Director Operations is already in charge of Deutsche Hospitality's Rhine-Main/Belgium cluster of 13 hotels, will also have direct responsibility for the flagship hotel of the brand family as of January 01, 2023. Previously, Stefan Frank had led the Steigenberger Airport Hotel in Frankfurt am Main as General Manager until April 2021. Stefan began his professional career in finance at InterContinental Hotels in Hamburg and Frankfurt as well as at the Forum Hotel Hamburg. In 2003, he oversaw the opening of the InterContinental Cologne as Deputy Director before moving to InterContinental Frankfurt as Resident Manager. During the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Stefan was part of the management team for the entire Olympic Village with 7,000 athletes and support staff. Back in the international hotel industry, he took over General Manager andArea General Manager positions of IHG's luxury brand at Intercontinental Hotels in Moscow, Sofia, Kiev and Bucharest. The Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof opened in 1876 and is in the heart of Frankfurt's banking district and historic Old Town. The sightseeing hotspots Maintower, Romer and St. Paul's Church are just steps away. The iconic hotel has 261 guest rooms and 42 suites, as well as a newly designed event space that is one of the most exclusive in the city. Furthermore, the renowned restaurant Oscar's and the famous Autorenbar are part of the hotel's portfolio. The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas is pleased to announce the appointment of John Paul Kirwan to Vice President of Operations. Kirwan is eager to elevate The Villa Group's vacation experience and services to the highest hospitality standards. With over 35 years of creating dream vacation experiences for families, The Villa Group Beach Resorts & Spas continue to receive accolades and awards year after year due to its position as a top collection of all-inclusive luxury resorts in Mexico, while also attracting the best talent. As the new Vice President of Operations. Kirwan brings more than two decades of experience managing hotels and resorts of various categories and sizes. Kirwan launched his hospitality career in management as a Commissary Manager at Royal Resorts in Cancun, Mexico. Throughout his career, he continued to expand his portfolio and expertise in the development of financial strategies, management, marketing, hotel projects, crisis management, and calculation of hotel projects, as well as design and implementation of operation manuals, among other focuses. From his more than 20 years of experience in managerial positions, Kirwan has garnered valuable leadership skills and has guided several luxury hospitality brands to success. In his last two positions, Kirwan was the Director of Resort Operations, where he managed a 16-hotel brand, and later held the position of Project Manager, working with over a thousand employees. As the Vice President of Operations, Kirwan hopes to leverage his extensive experience and expertise in collaboration with his new team to create innovative initiatives and strategies that will significantly increase the value of The Villa Group brand. His goal is to ensure that the highest standards of hospitality continue to be maintained. Kirwan is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Los Cabos Hotel Association, as he is invested in the development of himself and others around him. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas - Texas' first and Dallas' only five-star hotel is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Booth as Director of Sales and Marketing, adding to its exceptional team of industry-leading talent. In his new role, Booth will develop and implement sales initiatives and marketing strategies to support the luxury property's continued growth while delivering unparalleled levels of distinguished service. Booth joins The Ritz-Carlton team with more than 20 years of industry experience in sales, marketing, and operations, bringing proven excellence in hospitality market-share growth, increasing profitability, and achieving superior results. During his tenure with the Hyatt Corporation, Booth served as the Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing for its portfolio of all-inclusive brands, and prior to that, held Regional Vice President positions for the Southern and Central regions, respectively. Booth received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as well as Executive Education in Strategic Sales Management from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Executive Education in Design Thinking from the Stanford School at Stanford University. PITTSBURGH - Business at the Mountain Lodge Telluride is simply sensational, especially since the slope-side sanctuary built for adventure seekers transitioned its back-office accounting solution to PVNG by Aptech. With business on a steady incline, the property needed an accounting system that streamlined data entry especially when it comes to uploading payroll for its large seasonal workforce. PVNG gave Mountain Lodge Telluride the lift it was looking for. One of the biggest benefits of PVNG is the ability to upload journal entries. This comes in handy for the large income journal and payroll. Before, we were not set up to receive a direct file from Paylocity for the payroll entries. That meant we had to go into the General Ledger and enter each line item one at a time for each employee. However, with PVNG, we can export this information into a .CSV file which then uploads into PVNG so no line-by-line items have to be keyed in. This is a huge time savings, and it also removes the possibility for human error. Now in busy season, efficiency is key, and thats exactly what we get with PVNG. Huascar (Rick) Gomez, chief financial officer, Mountain Lodge Telluride PVNG is a game-changer in the world of hotel accounting. It features Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, and Bank Reconciliation modules, along with web browser navigation to upload the hotel data remotely. PVNG also contains OCR invoice processing, a myriad of payment options, drill-down capabilities in financial statements and reports, and the ability to handle single or multi-property accounting. It can also be deployed as a hosted service. Mountain Lodge Telluride delivers an authentic Western alpine experience, with guests choosing between hotel-like lodge rooms and one-, two-, and three-room suites, and condominiums or luxury log cabins with ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, ski rental at onsite with Christy Sports, ski lockers and storage, electric car charging stations, multilingual staff, outdoor heated pool & hot tubs, fitness center and steam room, The View restaurant, meeting and event facilities, concierge services and more. We are delighted that Mountain Lodge Telluride is having such a tremendous experience with PVNG. Seasonal operations like Mountain Lodge Telluride need to be able to rely on their accounting solution to ensure all financials such as payroll, invoice entries, revenue reports, and account inquiries are being processed quickly and correctly and without downtime. PVNG streamlines common daily procedures and makes them user-intuitive, allowing operators to accomplish daily accounting requirements with a minimum number of steps. Plus, our hospitality-specific formulas, like RevPAR, Occupancy, and ADR, can be accessed with greater flexibility and drill down something Aptech customers need and appreciate as travelers and profits return. Cam Troutman, Aptech vice president For more information on PVNG by Aptech, visit http://www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Computer Systems Inc. Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider, as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner. Incorporated in 1970, Aptechs state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise over 3,500 properties including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue is registered to Aptech Computer Systems Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. Barbara Worcester +1 440 930 5770 BentallGreenOak to Acquire Landmark Hotel Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka Canada-based fund manager BentallGreenOak (BGO) is set to acquire the 1,039-key Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka at an undisclosed price which is believed to be at least JPY50 billion. BGO has signed an agreement with Japan-based hospitality firm The Royal Hotel, Ltd. to purchase its flagship property in a deal that would also include UK-based hospitality operator IHG Hotels & Resorts. The property is located within the Kita Ward and occupies an 11-acre plot on an island in the Dojima River, just west of Osakas central business district and a 10-minute drive southwest of Osaka Station. The Rihga Royal Hotel comprises of 18 restaurants, 56 ballrooms, banquet halls and a large conference facility. The property which opened in 1935, will be rebranded as IHGs high-end Vignette Collection and is slated to open by 2025. After acquiring the asset at the equivalent of JPY48 million per key, BGO plans to spend an additional JPY13.5 billion on renovations. Furthermore, BGO will also be acquiring a 33% stake in The Royal Hotel, Ltd., becoming its largest shareholder. Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation Acquired UAN Kanazawa for JPY20.5 Billion Japan Hotel REIT Advisors, Co., Ltd., the asset management company of Japan-based Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation has resolved to acquire UAN Kanazawa from Japan-based GK Esquilino Investment for JPY20.5 billion. Situated in Kanazawa City, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, the 47-key property was opened in 2017 and was managed by Japan-based Solare Hotels and Resorts Co., Ltd.. The property has a total floor space of 2,606.85 square metres, and features a food and beverage outlet, fitness centre, a guest lounge, a launderette, and a nursing room. The hotel receives a mix of fixed rent (JPY9 million a month) and variable rent. Laoag International Airport Secures PHP900 Million for Expansion Philippines Department of Transportation has recently approved PHP900 million for Laoag International Airports site acquisition for its planned expansion this year. The expansion plan covers a total of 58.5 hectares, and it will expand the airports runway to 205 metres east and 170 metres west from the centre lane to accommodate larger aircrafts. Once fully completed, international and regional flights are hoped to be revived at the airport, including direct international flights between the city and Honolulu, as well as Laoag-Cebu flight. The project is aimed to enhance the connectivity and mobility of Ilocos Region, and speed up the provinces economic recovery. Hilton Unveils New Premium Economy Brand, Spark by Hilton US-based Hilton Worldwide has recently introduced a new value driven brand, Spark by Hilton to its portfolio. The introduction of Spark by Hilton fills an open space in the hospitality industry by creating a new premium economy lodging option to offer value, quality and consistency to guests and owners. Spark by Hilton also leverages an innovative conversion model to offer compelling investment option for owners. Currently there are more than 100 deals in various stages of development across America, and the first Spark by Hilton property is anticipated to open this year. About HVS HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. Langeweile "Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?" Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously addressed the negative consequences of boredom, and, I must say, I agree. In the German language, specifically, the term "boredom" is perfectly represented by the word "Langeweile," which can be loosely translated as "long while." This linguistic construction, composed of "lange" (long) and "Weile" (while), reflects the assumption that boredom is characterized by a perception of time passing slowly. Let me show you this empirically. Remember when your nerdy friend invited you to sit through Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings director's cut edition*? That's langeweile. (*Sorry, but someone had to say it). I was looking for a job, and then I found a job (and Heaven knows I'm miserable now) It is common to believe that langeweile should be an inherent part of any job. But should it? Sure, it may be inevitable to some extent, but it does not have to be a constant or overwhelming experience, especially if there's no added value in being miserable. Let me tell you a story: an intern working for a major global hotel chain recently admitted, in a one to one conversation during a recent hospitality conference, that he spends a significant portion of his workday compiling custom Excel reports for his general manager. This tedious and time-consuming task is not only demotivating for the intern, but it's also degrading (gee, I am sure putting all of the money and time invested in hotel school to good use!) . Sure, we all get an ego boost when our employees worship us through Excel Druidic sacrifices. Still, it's worth remembering that (most of us) are "just" hoteliers, not Norse Gods, and our main goal should be profitability and the well-being of our team/guests. Satire aside, this story serves as a reminder of the challenges many hospitality employees face every single day. Every day is exactly the same The intern's experience highlights the need for hotels to streamline and automate their processes, particularly those that are repetitive and time-consuming. In addition, hotels need to find ways, in an industry where employee retention can be challenging (we wrote an entire article on the topic: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4111169.html), to engage and motivate their staff. Not to mention that bored employees tend to be less productive, more likely to experience stress or disengage from their work, and more prone to errors. For example, during a recent off-the-records conversation with the General Manager of a major four-star property, I was told that his hotel experiences a six-figure financial loss per year solely due to data entry mistakes related to rates. This highlights the importance of accurate data entry in the hospitality industry, where even minor errors can have significant financial consequences. It also underscores the need for hotels to implement effective systems and processes to ensure that data is entered correctly and consistently. We want to enable our people to spend more time with guests and focus on critical tasks. It is important to find the right balance between technology and the human touch, and we are leveraging the power of available APIs in combination with robotic process automation to make this happen. It is a great journey with enormous potential for our industry to do more with fewer team members and, at the very same time, improve the guest experience. We also firmly believe that automation will long term assist with staff retention, as removing the redundant, manual tasks leads to higher job satisfaction. Wietse Bijzeit, Group Director Technology & Business Solutions at Sircle Collection Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate In 1980, Steve Jobs stated in an interview for a documentary film that the computer is "the most remarkable tool that we've ever come up with" and "the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds." This analogy suggests that computers (if Jobs were still alive today, he would have likely preferred the term "AI") can enhance and expand the human mind's capabilities in a similar way that bicycles facilitate the movement of the human body. This idea has become increasingly relevant in the decades since he made this statement, as technology has become an integral part of modern society and has transformed many aspects of how we work, communicate, and access information. The bicycle analogy emphasizes technology's ability to amplify the human brain's capabilities and highlights the potential for humans to interact with machines in powerful ways. That is precisely why automation has become increasingly prevalent in so many different fields. Business owners should consider the potential applications of automation in their operations and how it can improve their performance and free human staff from the monotony of tedious, repetitive tasks. Artificial and biological teams should work in symbiosis, not in rivalry. It's not only hotel employees that would be happy to offload repetitive tasks to computer automation - guests also expect it. Guests increasingly expect mundane interactions with their reservations or stays to be self-service and completely automated, which leads to increased guest satisfaction and reduces staff involvement and workload. Michael Heinze, Chief Architect at Shiji /smbtk Symbiosis, as defined by Heinrich Anton de Bary, the founding father of modern mycology, refers to the "coexistence of unlike organisms." In the context of the workplace, this could refer to the relationship between humans and machines as they work together to achieve common goals. A symbiosis between humans and machines could potentially simultaneously address boredom in the workplace and improve consistency and accuracy of digital workflow. For example, machines can take on repetitive or routine tasks, freeing humans to focus on more engaging and meaningful work, leading to increased job satisfaction and employee motivation. In addition, the use of technology can facilitate collaboration and communication, which can also contribute to a more positive and enjoyable work environment. And this is where Robotic process automation (RPA) comes into the picture. A study by Forrester Consulting found that 66% of surveyed companies reported that RPA restructured existing work to allow for more human interactions, while 60% said it helped employees focus on higher-value tasks. In addition to streamlining processes and improving efficiency, RPA can also improve customer service. The perception of the hospitality industry is often that it is a people-facing industry, but the reality is that many tasks performed within the sector today are mundane and repetitive, rather than being interpersonal and creative. This is supported by recent studies that have found that up to 69% of activities performed within the hospitality sector could be automated. Michael McCartan, Chief Growth Officer at Atomize Right Where It Belongs Several studies have shown a strong correlation between human interaction, the perceived value of work, and job satisfaction and performance. Human interaction in the workplace, whether with coworkers, supervisors, or clients, can provide a sense of connection and belonging that is essential for psychological well-being. In addition, the perceived value of one's work is a significant predictor of job satisfaction and performance. When individuals feel that their work is meaningful and has a positive impact, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their jobs. Now, back to the intern's story: how motivating can it be to copy/paste data into Excel PivotTables? I'd say not very. And I have a feeling the old Friedrich would agree with me. Don't you? (hint: if you don't, there's a good chance you can finish this sentence: "One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness [___________] them.") 1. Automation May Not Come for Everyone's Job After All, https://www.bain.com/insights/automation-may-not-come-for-everyones-job-after-all-infographic/. About RobosizeME RobosizeME is a process automation specialist for the global hospitality industry, helping companies automate operational processes. RobosizeME virtual robots automate hospitality's administrative processes by updating systems for essential business data to optimise human effort in all areas of hotel operations, including reservations, front of house, back office, revenue management, group sales, engineering and meetings and events. RobosizeME helps experienced staff to focus on guests and delivers the business cost-effectiveness and value. RobosizeME virtual robots are fully built, maintained, supported, and hosted, including the connectors to hospitality IT systems and the automation software licensing. For more information on RobosizeME and RPA within hospitality, visit robosize.me Stephen Burke Founder & CEO RobosizeME Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Japan and NATO must "remain united and firm" in the face of security threats posed by China, North Korea and Russia's war in Ukraine, Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday in Tokyo. Stoltenberg, secretary general of the European and North American military alliance, warned that Beijing was keeping a close eye on developments in Ukraine and "learning lessons that may influence its future decisions". He spoke alongside Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after the pair held talks as part of a trip to Asia by Stoltenberg aiming to boost ties with democratic allies. "What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow. So we must remain united and firm, standing together for freedom and democracy," he said. Stoltenberg and Kishida said they were worried by the increasing cooperation they saw between China and Russia. "We highlight with concern Russia's growing military cooperation with China, including through joint operations and drills in the vicinity of Japan," they said in a joint statement. (AFP) Click here for a Print Subscription with Online Digital included. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Below you will see test that reads Print Subscribe Access. Click this to then Get Started attaching your account number and zip code to you online user account. Click on the banner above if you would like to become a print subscriber with digital access. If you simply want online access without print click get started below. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. McCann Gets $600K Grant for Practical Nursing Expansion NORTH ADAMS, Mass. McCann Technical School has received a $600,000 state grant to expand its practical nursing program. Superintendent James Brosnan announced the grant at Thursday's School Committee meeting. The funds, which become available starting July 1, come after the school received a $3,110,000 grant to construct a 5,580 square-foot HVAC facility in December. "Great news for us that we were awarded [this]," Brosnan said. "Actually, we were the only vocational school that was awarded a grant for expanding, so we're really thrilled about that." Some $350,000 of the grant funds will go toward new training simulators, and $250,000 to new faculty. Brosnan noted that the state is struggling with staffing for registered nurses, and grant funds were available for such an expansion to be possible. "They were putting investment monies in, and I said, you know, just because we got one doesn't mean we can't get something else in," he said. The new simulators, Brosnan said, will be put in McCann's space at the Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams campus. He said they should be a significant upgrade over the aging simulators used currently. "Ours are 10, 12 years old, the science of them is just long gone. The software doesn't work; they don't work," Brosnan said. The new faculty position will be funded by the grant for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The new instructor will allow the program to take on more students. "If you're going to expand your student body, the biggest problem you have is finding the instructor. So now that the funding is there, we can do that for two years," Brosnan said. Brosnan also updated on the school's planned parking expansions, which he said is currently in the design phase. He said once designs are completed, the project can go out to bid. "We expect that to be shovel ready, good to go and start construction at the very end of June to finish those parking lots before school opens," he said. In other business: The committee voted on school choice for the district, voting to reject it, as it has the previous 28 years. Principal Justin Kratz gave an update on progress with the school year. He said every student was placed in one of their top three shops, with 95 percent getting placed in their top two choices. "I've never seen that happen. So I was pretty excited that we were able to get the kids into placements that are pretty favorable," he said. Kratz also said this was the first year in several when they were able to hold in-person awards for Skills USA. Turkiye stands to gain from China's Spring Festival consumption boom, experts say Xinhua) 10:51, January 31, 2023 People enter the Kagithane station of a new metro line connecting central Istanbul and the city's new international airport in Istanbul, Turkiye, Jan. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Shadati) ISTANBUL, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Widespread consumption during the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, reflects a dynamic Chinese economy and could rub off on Turkiye in the coming year, experts and tourism industry professionals here have said. Mustafa Sonmez, a Turkish economist and writer, said the festival brought about a robust economic rebound. Such dynamism would "find a place in the Chinese economy, China's domestic market, and the world economy," and could make its way to Turkiye in 2023. Robust tourism activities and an increase in consumption from the holiday season would positively affect the world economy, Baris Doster, a scholar at the Istanbul-based Marmara University, said. Tourists visit Cappadocia region in Turkiye on Jan. 1, 2023. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) After China optimized its COVID-19 responses on Jan. 8, easing international travel, Turkiye started to see more Chinese tourists arriving, especially during the Spring Festival. "I wish all Chinese people a year of abundance, prosperity, peace, and happiness," Hasan Eker, vice president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Irfan Karsli, head of the Istanbul-based Ligarba Travel Agency, said that tourism representatives looks forward to the arrival of Chinese tourists. After hosting over 420,000 Chinese tourists in 2019, according to official data, Turkiye had initially projected to attract nearly one million in 2020, but such hopes were dashed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, TJ Joulak, general manager of the Shangri-La Bosphorus, decorated the hotel with a sea of red lanterns, a giant wish tree and various rabbit figures of all sizes. Sevgi Uzgen, a history teacher, visited the hotel to enjoy the New Year decorations. "I wish the year of the Rabbit could bring abundance and luck to people," Uzgen told Xinhua after taking several photos of her mother next to a rabbit statue. "Rabbit is an adorable animal," said Betul Pakis, a designer in charge of the hotel decorations. "I hope it will bring peace to the whole world." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Paying for your ride and food orders will soon be easier and hassle-free as the countrys leading mobile wallet GCash partners with Grab Philippines, the countrys leader in transportation and deliveries. GCash and Grab mark their milestone partnership with GCash available as a direct payment option in the Grab app by February. (L-R) GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad, GCash Head of Commercial Sales and Operations Luigi Reyes, GCash Chief Commercial Officer Ren-Ren Reyes, GrabFin Philippines President Martha Elaine Borja, Head of GrabPay Philippines Cris Alcaraz, and Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head Justine Anne Aruta The landmark partnership will give Grab users access to the easiest, most convenient, and secure cashless transactions when they add GCash as a direct payment method on the Grab app. GCash will be officially available as a mode of payment on the Grab platform by February. Through this partnership, users can simply choose GCash as their payment method, and pay cashless for GrabCar, GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabExpress and other Grab services with just a few taps on their smartphones. Moreover, this partnership enables users to avoid transfer fees which go as high as Php50. With this partnership, we once again realize our commitment to make the lives of Filipinos better each day by delivering a more convenient, secure, and cost-efficient way to pay for their rides and food and grocery deliveries. We look forward to this partnership and we will continuously innovate and build more partnerships that will improve the lives of the Filipinos, said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon. To make their cashless transactions more convenient and rewarding, customers of Grab also get to avail of GCash exclusive deals, and get special treats when they pay for their transactions using GCash. Country Head of Grab Philippines Grace Vera Cruz shared, Grab Philippines is dedicated to empowering our stakeholders in a digital-first economy, and key to this is driving a deeper and wider cashless adoption in the country. With more Filipinos transacting via cashless means, we are accelerating our prospects of digital transformation. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners such as GCash on this agenda, and we are optimistic that through this partnership, we can improve the lives and livelihoods of many of our kababayans, while building a cashless, digital-first economy for all Filipinos. Grab is Southeast Asias leading superapp for ride hailing, food delivery, and on-demand grocery delivery. It touts strong foothold in markets like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Prior to this development, GCash and Grab have already established a strategic collaboration. Their initial partnership has provided Filipinos safe, seamless, and secure digital experience by allowing users to transfer money from their GCash wallet to their GrabPay wallet, and vice-versa. Building on GCash and Grabs shared mission of addressing Filipinos daily needs, this partnership also helps in creating a more cash-lite and digitally driven economy. As part of its vision of achieving Finance for All, GCash will continue to innovate and establish partnerships to offer affordable, convenient and safe services making Filipino lives better every day and beyond, in the new normal. This publication is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in the Indian market and includes a gu... I first visited Taiwan in 1985. I was deputed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. My mission was to start a dialogue with the Kuomintang (KMT). I spent three days talking to various officials. The end result was the signing of an agreement where Taiwan recognised the right to self-determination of the Tibetan People. From the past official KMT records in Nanking, Tibet never paid taxes to China. This was my first contact with Taiwan. In 1997, HH Dalai Lama made his first-ever visit to Taiwan on the invitation of then President Lee Teng Hui. President Lee took the bold step of opening the doors of Taiwan to His Holiness. The visit was most successful and changed the attitude of His Holiness towards the people of Taiwan. I recall His Holiness asking me what I thought of his visit and I pointed out that this was his first-visit ever to a Han territory. It was historical and if he was successful in Taiwan, he would be successful in mainland China. After His Holiness visit to Taiwan and after viewing its robust democracy, he recognised the Taiwan people as a separate entity. Wonderful to stay in the country..I am a guest of the Indian Govt..I appreciate it, says Dalai Lama in Delhi as he addresses the Indian Institute of Public Administration. pic.twitter.com/pcoLarCKl7 Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 21, 2023 Later in 1997, I visited Taipei to start grassroots lobbying for Tibetan issues. On one occasion I met Taipei Mayor Chen Shui Bian who was quite upset as he was not given an audience with His Holiness during his visit. As Mayor he issued an invitation to His Holiness which His Holiness accepted when Chen Shui Bian became the President. In a breakfast meeting with Ambassador James Lilley, then Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Hsu Shing Liang asked Ambassador Lilley if the Chinese would ever fire their missiles towards Taiwan? Ambassador Lilley turned towards me and said why dont we ask our Tibetan friend. I retorted by giving the example of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950 where they used modern weapons against us Tibetans. I have always felt the DPP were good in opposition politics but never had any idea of Chinas brutal tactics and how to defend Taiwan. One issue which I found disturbing was national identity. In the nineties there were two distinct campsthe mainlanders and the local residents. Today this has evolved as young people in Taiwan identify themselves as Taiwanese. After Typhoon Morakot where there was widespread death and destruction His Holiness was invited to Taiwan and the KMT Government issued him a visa on condition he did not make any political statements. President Tsai Ing Wen, in her first term, was the only DPP President to not issue a visa to His Holiness on his request to visit Taiwan. After thirty years in Taiwan, I admire the way democracy has become very vibrant. But I always wonder whether the Taiwan people have the will to stand up to the PRC. One-country two-systems which was started in Tibet and failed in Hong Kong has come and gone. What is now left for the PRC is the use of brute force as they have suppressed Tibet, then Hong Kong and are now using strong arm tactics on Taiwan. I believe Taiwan democracy will survive but the Taiwan people have to stand up for themselves first. Also read: Dalai Lamas nephew bugles global action against China for violations in Xinjiang (Khedroob Thondup is the nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was sent by the Dalai Lama to Beijing from 1980 till 1993 for talks where he Interacted with senior officials like Xi Zhongxun. Xi Jinpings father and and former President Hu Jintao. Views expressed are personal and exclusive to India Narrative) A day after India raised security concerns, several ministers of the ruling Anthony Albanese government in Australia came forward on Tuesday to severely condemn the communal violence unleashed by Khalistani supporters on the streets of Melbourne over the weekend. Australian Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles said that he was concerned while the countrys Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP Tim Watts stated that he was appalled to see violence break out at Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday. I was concerned to see violence break out at Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday. Australia respects the right of individuals to engage in peaceful protest and supports the non-violent expression of views. Pleased Victoria Police responded quickly and are investigating, tweeted Giles today. I was appalled to see the violence at Fed Square in Melbourne on the weekend. People have the right to engage in peaceful protest in Australia, but there is no place for the violence or vandalism weve seen recently. Pleased Victoria Police responded quickly and are investigating, added Watts. Australias High Commissioner to India Barry OFarrell, a former Premier of New South Wales, also took to social media, saying that he was saddened by the violence so soon after both countries celebrated diversity and unity on their respective national days. Saddened by these scenes so soon after Australia and India celebrate diversity and unity on their respective national days. Our commitment to peaceful protest does not extend to violence, tweeted the Australian High Commissioner. Saddened by these scenes so soon after Australia and India celebrate diversity and unity on their respective national days. Our commitment to peaceful protest does not extend to violence. @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @dfat @VohraManpreet @HCICanberra https://t.co/XX1OvbnJYC Barry OFarrell AO (@AusHCIndia) January 31, 2023 As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra called on Victoria Premier Dan Andrews on Monday to convey New Delhis deep concern with the pro-Khalistan elements stepping up their activities in Australia, engaging in violence and holding the so-called referendum in Melbourne and Sydney. Citing Indias strong and growing bilateral relationship with Australia, Vohra discussed with Andrews the issue of stopping extremist Khalistani groups from engaging in further activities prejudicial to peace and harmony. Canberra has already been made aware of activities/members of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) which are using the Australian territory for activities detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and national interest of India. Tensions boiled over on Sunday as members of radical Sikh groups clashed with the Indian diaspora during a so-called Khalistan referendum event. Several people were injured in the clashes as, members of pro-Khalistani groups engaged in violence and also desecrated the Indian national flag, the videos of which have now gone viral on social media. Sundays incident follows the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalisation, including of three Hindu temples, by pro-Khalistan elements in Melbourne in recent weeks. Stating that these incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community, the Indian High Commission had earlier raised an alarm at the frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating and their use of graffiti which glorified anti-Indian terrorists. New Delhi has urged the Australian government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in Australia, hoping at the same time that not only the perpetrators are brought to justice but suitable action is also taken to prevent further attempts. On Monday, the Indian Ambassador in Australia also paid respects at the sacred BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the iconic ISKCON Krishna Temple and the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, which were defaced with anti-India graffiti earlier this month. Visited the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne, a place of worship that has always been revered by all communities and faiths. That makes its vandalization with hate-filled grafitti by pro-Khalistani elements even more condemnable. Confident that they will not succeed pic.twitter.com/cm6Ckm2FCO Manpreet Vohra (@VohraManpreet) January 30, 2023 Vohra said he discussed the peaceful communitys concerns over recent attack by vandals, and the disturbing violence witnessed in Melbourne on Sunday. The Indian diplomat said that the hate-filled graffiti by pro-Khalistani elements was threatening the peaceful Indian-Australian community in Melbourne and must be stopped. Confident that they will not succeed, tweeted Vohra. Also Read: India raises serious concern with Canada on vandalism of Hindu temple Worlds largest crypto exchange Binance has announced that it is launching a prepaid crypto card in Brazil, which is Latin America's largest economy, as part of the crypto giant's efforts to "broaden the connection between traditional finance and crypto". The Binance Card indialegallive According to a statement, the Binance Card is currently in beta testing and should be widely available in the next few weeks, making Brazil the second country in Latin America to receive it after Argentina, as per Reuters report. Brazil is one of Binance's ten-largest markets, the crypto exchange said, adding that the prepaid card will allow all new and existing Binance users in Brazil with a valid national ID to make purchases and pay bills with cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and BNB, at over 90 million Mastercard merchants worldwide, both in-store and online. Users can enjoy a seamless transaction in which their cryptocurrencies are converted to fiat currency in real-time at the point of purchase. One of the perks includes up to 8% cashback in crypto on eligible purchases and zero fees on ATM withdrawals (although please note that third-party services and network fees may apply). As per Binance, Binance cardholders will be able to manage their cards through the card dashboard on the Binance App and website. Users will also be able to view their transaction history and access customer support via the card dashboard. By using the Binance Card, merchants continue to receive fiat and the users pay in any cryptocurrency they choose across 14 supported currencies. Adoption and Innovation mastercard Guilherme Nazar, General Manager at Binance for Brazil says: Brazil is an extremely relevant market for Binance and we will continue to invest in new services for local users, as well as contributing to the development of the blockchain and crypto ecosystem in the country. Payments is one of the first and most obvious use cases for crypto, yet adoption has a lot of room to grow. We believe the Binance Card is a significant step in encouraging wider crypto use and global adoption, and the openness of Brazilians to innovation makes the country a great market for this release. The 2022 Mastercard New Payments Index, a global survey of more than 35,000 respondents, found that Brazil is one of the top markets in crypto interest across the world: 49% of Brazilian consumers have done at least one crypto related activity in the past year in comparison with the global average of 41%. Brazilians are eager to embrace crypto beyond an investment asset. Today is an exciting step in our crypto journey, which draws on the strengths of both our trusted global network and Binances infrastructure to support consumer choice in payments, says Marcelo Tangioni, Mastercard Country Manager, Brazil,as per Binance report. Also Read: Binance CEO Says He's 'Poor Again' After Terra Luna Holdings Crash Currencies and Fees shutterstock As per Binance, Binance Card holders in Brazil will be able to pay by using 14 different currencies, including the Brazilian Real, BNB, BUSD, USDT, BTC, ETH, SANTOS, ADA, DOT, SOL, SHIB, XRP, MATIC, and LINK. Users can select in the app or platform the preferred currencies they intend to use. Payments with BRL are zero fee (please note that third-party services and network fees may apply), while there's an applicable 0.9% conversion fee on payments using cryptocurrencies. In addition to supporting additional cryptocurrencies, Binance plans to continue to expand the card into new markets around the world. Also Read: How 10 Major Cryptocurrencies Have Performed In 2022 For the latest and interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here. Hutchinson has been based in Asia over the last six years and most recently served as the general manager of the Singapore business of Hyphen Group, one of the largest fintech companies in the Greater Southeast Asia region. The other roles he held at this company include general counsel and chief of staff. He has also practiced law as an M&A lawyer, spending time at the Dublin offices of law firms William Fry and Eugene F. Collins, part of Addleshaw Goddard. Given the general consolidation of brokers in the London market and the market share of the main players, buyers are left with very little choice at their greatest time of need, said Baird. Therefore, we are creating a new division which does not have a house view, is not limited to certain geographic markets, in order to provide more choice to cedants and to support them in managing their portfolio given the market dynamics. News Advantages of cow weighing and EID system and introduction of used livestock scales A comprehensive program for livestock health suitable for operation location, size and type is essential to reduce the chance of disease and even death for livestock in any operation, and to ensure profit. "Regular animal weighing is a highly effective early warning system for potential health concerns." The emotional and financial impact of health problems in livestock can be enormous if they are not addressed and dealt with promptly. A comprehensive program for livestock health appropriate for the location, operation size, and type is crucial to reduce the chance of dying and disease in animals in any operation, and to ensure the profitability of any operation. Early Warn The routine weighing of animals is an extremely effective early warning system to identify health-related concerns that could be a concern. If other variables (eg feeding habits, etc.)) remain the same weight loss could be a clear indication of a possible health issue. A regular weighing program in the farming operation allows health issues to be identified quickly and with greater accuracy than conventional visual checks. For instance, certain animals are more vulnerable to specific parasites than other animals. with regular weighing, these can typically be detected and treated for specific animals without the need for whole herd/flock treatments. A timely and efficient control of sick stock minimizes cost and time of recovery and also reduces the loss of revenue (milk not being put into the vat dry stock that is not reaching weight goals). Better Decision Making Apart from using information about weight to track weight loss proactive programs can help in a variety of different aspects related to herd management, for instance: Decisions about slaughter or sale - the ability to choose animals to be sold or slaughtered according to the current weight and average daily weight gain Impact of feeding programs - measure the how successful different feeding programs are and also allows choice of the right stocks for feeding preference (i.e. get premium prices on meat, according to the target weight ranges) The results of the breeding plan. Select your preferred genetics based upon weight gain performance Mating preparation - make sure that the animals are in the ideal weight for optimal reproduction success. After becoming pregnant keeping livestock healthy also has positive effects in reducing the rate of abortions and increasing the ease of birth and recovery rates following birth. Electronic Identification: cost or investment? With the increasing world population, ensuring the safety of agriculture's output all over the world is becoming increasingly important in our ability to provide food for the world. This is why numerous governments have either already or are currently in the process of adopting traceability requirements that are mandatory, with electronic identification tags for each animal. While it is a necessity for producers to meet the requirements, they have found ways to convert this mandatory cost to an opportunity for investment. Beyond compliance, these tags allow farmers to control their herds to a single stock unit by drastically cutting down on the amount of labor required in comparison to traditional manual recording methods. If you want to know more about,Please email sales@bmscales.com, and our engineers will contact you within 48 hours. Advantages of used livestock scales The used livestock scales can not only achieve automatic cluster management according to the weight data but also monitor the change and trend of animal weight, realize fine breeding, reduce workforce and improve the efficiency of daily work management; In the face of the increasing gap between meat supply and demand, we can effectively achieve incremental breeding and steadily increase benefits. In terms of animal protection, the used livestock scales can be used to carry out ear tag wearing, medication, epidemic prevention, and treatment for animals in Baoding District to reduce the difficulty of daily work, such as management, fetal supervision, midwifery, and other work. Typical application scenarios of used livestock scales: information management of medium and large-scale pastures and animal husbandry applications of beef cattle, cows, calves, sheep, etc. The trend of used livestock scales Digital smart pasture is the main trend of future pasture development. Some large animal husbandry companies have invested in and developed used livestock scales and face recognition software for animals. Through a continuous collection of animal facial data, we can observe the changes in animal health and behavior. AI recognition technology can play a huge role in wildlife protection, animal disease warning, video tracing, animal/pet loss, and other aspects. In the future, it will also be applied to smart farms to monitor the health of cattle and sheep. With the support of big data, animal husbandry enterprises can monitor the food and water intake and behavior patterns of cattle and sheep, providing a more accurate scientific basis for precision breeding. With the rapid development of the Internet of Things technology and communication technology, through the installation of intelligent terminals with sensors, such as used livestock scales, the farm environment data will be transmitted to the cloud and presented on mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc., forming a large-scale and digital management means to further guide livestock production and solve the challenges faced in practical applications. The combination of blockchain and smart pasture will promote food safety traceability to a new stage. The decentralized, asymmetric encryption algorithm, data tamper-proof, and other features of the blockchain will better realize the traceability of food at the source level, ensure the traceability of every link of the livestock industry chain from pasture to table, and improve the service and experience for consumers. The combination of automatic feeding, used livestock scales, and other technologies with intelligent breeding technology will accelerate the process of intelligent precision breeding. The big data of breeding environment monitoring will provide an important decision-making basis for precision breeding, such as basic information of livestock, amount of exercise, breeding information, environmental temperature, and humidity, and realize intelligent precision health management, accurate prediction of estrus, automatic supplementary feeding, pasture management, etc. The used livestock scales is Turnkey Service Provider Zhengzhou Bangmao Weighing Equipment Co., Ltd.(BMScales) is a high-tech application-oriented enterprise integrating solution design, innovative product development, equipment production and service. The business scope includes: check weighers and weight acquisition and analysis for monitoring product weight in the production process. The company is located in Zhengzhou City with convenient and developed transportation. The company has complete production equipment and testing equipment, strong scientific research and development, and management and service teams. The weighing and weighing equipment designed and produced has the characteristics of high accuracy, fast speed, clear interface, intuitive display, easy learning, easy operation, and durability. Please send an email with your request to: sales@bmscales.com , and our professional sales engineer will get back to you within 48 hours. Inquiry us When is it safe to go back to exercise? And how do I do it? These are the most common questions mums whove recently had babies ask womens health physiotherapist Fiona Healy. Healy works in private practice in Killarney and also gives postnatal exercise classes online with The Bump Room, a team of physiotherapists offering online and in-person support, motivation and reassurance to new and expectant mothers its done through movement, education and advice. Women, particularly those who were quite active pre-pregnancy, realise that after being pregnant and having a baby their body isnt what it was. Theyre trying to understand how to get back to what they were, says Healy. Women come with a variety of birth experiences, which directly affect how soon they can resume their normal exercise. Women whove had a straightforward delivery, where everything went according to plan, will probably recover quicker than the woman who had a forceps birth, a long pushing stage or a big baby. Pointing out that theres a 30% risk of some degree of prolapse in the first year postnatal most commonly of the bladder Healy says these women need support and guidance getting back to exercise. And then theres diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) separation of the tummy muscles, a quite natural occurrence that happens to pretty much everybody at the end of pregnancy, says Healy. For most, it heals naturally within the first two months, but for some it lingers and they need rehab, support and strengthening of the abdominal muscles. Other issues too can plague women in the postnatal phase, putting exercise firmly on the back burner. A 2021-published systematic review of 24 studies found that, one year post-partum, urinary incontinence was present for 32% of women. And an Australian study published last year found pelvic floor symptoms including urinary incontinence a substantial barrier to exercise. Meanwhile, about 25% of all women postpartum suffer from pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and/or pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP), according to a 2004 study. And a Danish study (exa.mn/pelvic-girdle-pain) found 8.5% of women with PGP post-delivery still had pain two years after giving birth. PGP can linger in 10% of women, says Healy, explaining that it commonly affects the pubic bone in front or the sacrum at the back. Its quite a sharp pain and typically activity-dependent. Women usually feel it when moving, or after moving it can be a real barrier to getting back to exercise. Fiona Healy: women's health physiotherapist Free rehab Healy wishes women in Ireland could get a proper postnatal physical check, as women in France do. Here, the six-week GP check screens the baby and the woman for post-natal depression. In France, women get eight postnatal visits to a womens health physiotherapist after each baby paid for by the State. There are also free rehab classes. In the first three to six months post-birth women are well looked after. Attending a womans health physiotherapist at the six-week mark provides an opportunity for assessment and picking up any issues. But some women get caught in what Healy calls the fog of having a newborn. Motherhood is so overwhelming and theyre often sleep-deprived. They can lose themselves and their connection to themselves. Some women come after their second or third baby. Usually by then theyll have a few problems stacked on top of each other. These problems, explains Healy, will have built up gradually. Maybe it started with a bit of incontinence when they coughed or sneezed. They let that go. Then they got a bit of back pain and let that go. By the time you meet them the back pain has developed. Theyre not engaging in any exercise. And the stress incontinence has become more severe theyre leaking when walking. Yet, identifying and resolving problems is vital, says Healy, because you need to be strong for motherhood. Mothers bodies need to be able to tolerate the demands of a baby. You need muscle strength. Your babys going to get heavier. You need flexibility to be able to lift a heavy baby, to lift buggies in and out of cars. While women can start walking straightaway after the birth or as soon as their body feels comfortable aerobic exercise has to wait 12 weeks. So does running or any jumping-type sport. Some women take longer. If theyve had a forceps or difficult birth, its going to take longer, like with any injury. Prior to the 12-week milestone, she says women need to prepare for returning to impact exercise. At the six-week stage, wed get them started on a programme that would include squats, lunges, pelvic floor strengthening. Single leg strength is really important for example. She points out that women, who were unable to exercise during pregnancy because of nausea or pain, will need more strengthening because theyll have become deconditioned. Rachel Fanning at home in Co. Cork with her son Fiachra. Running on empty Mum-of-one Rachel Fanning was surprised at how long it took her body to heal following the birth of now nine-month-old Fiachra. Particularly as shed had a straightforward pregnancy, a natural birth and no epidural. I was surprised I couldnt go back running, even after six weeks. It was surprising how long it took for me to honour this huge thing my body had gone through. Society puts pressure on you, we want to hurry it all up when are you going back to work but your body needs to heal. Its the biggest thing that happens to a woman. In her late 30s, Rachel absolutely loves running. Pre-baby I did the park run on Saturdays. I had a personal best of 22 minutes and eight seconds. Running was very important to me. It gave me energy, made me appreciate nature, got the adrenalin pumping Id feel wonderful after it. A teacher from Donoughmore, Co Cork, Rachel stopped running halfway through pregnancy. Some fitness instructors dont know what to say to pregnant people so they err on the side of caution. They tell you to be careful and you dont know what that is so you end up not exercising. I walked a lot through the second phase of my pregnancy and I did an online prenatal yoga class. Eleven weeks after having Fiachra, she tried to start back running. I knew nothing about postpartum exercise or how to get back to exercising. I had a bit of incontinence. I didnt know this was a problem that could happen after having a baby. No one talks about it, so when it occurs, you dont know its a problem for anyone else. Theres shame, embarrassment attached to incontinence, which there shouldnt its a natural thing that can happen. Recommended by the Bump Room to attend a womens health physiotherapist and armed also with a GP referral Fiona met the physiotherapist and had her problem resolved after two sessions. She looked at my posture and showed me where I was holding onto stress in my stomach. She showed me how to untuck my pelvic floor to relieve stress. She gave me techniques on how to hold my posture properly. I returned gradually to running about three months ago. Im back running now, but my speeds much slower. I dont time myself anymore I just run. Rachel compares looking after a baby to being at a gym session. If Id known the gym would help me after having a baby, Id have said theres a point to all these squats. With a baby, youre always squatting whether you like it or not. But no gym instructor tells you this will help in motherhood. Because everythings heavy the prams heavy, the baby seat. Youre constantly securing the baby seat, lifting it out of the car, attaching it onto wheels often with just one arm because youre holding the baby as well. Rachels advice to other postpartum mums is not to feel youre being precious or dramatic by attending a womens health physiotherapist, even if everything feels OK. Its not in our culture to go but theyre the experts in this field. A 57-year-old man was arraigned on the opening day of the county sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday and admitted sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl almost 20 years ago. The accused man was arraigned before Judge Helen Boyle and he pleaded guilty to the single count against him that between November 1 and November 2, 2003, at a location in County Cork he sexually assaulted a named girl. Judge Boyle was told that the injured party in the case was eight years old at the time of the crime. The defendant was 38. The accused man opted to surrender his bail as the case was adjourned until April 25 for sentencing. Defence barrister, Kate Aherne, said: It is a historical offence going back two decades. A guilty plea was flagged in advance in writing. Prosecution barrister, Lilly Buckley, said that owing to particular sensitivities in the case it would be necessary to adjourn sentencing for certain arrangements to be made. Judge Boyle ordered that the anonymity of the parties should be preserved in any coverage of the brief hearing. Ms Buckley BL said that the issue relating to anonymity could be addressed again on the next occasion when the case comes up for sentencing. In such cases, the injured party is given the opportunity to prepare a victim impact statement for the sentencing hearing. Stephen Silver, who denies murdering Garda Colm Horkan but admits to his manslaughter, told gardai that the deceased tried to attack him and added: "With all that's going on with the police in this world, I shot him," a prosecution barrister told the Central Criminal Court today. Opening Mr Silver's trial, prosecution counsel James Dwyer SC said the accused man then mentioned Black Lives Matter, which the barrister suggested may have been a reference to the murder of George Floyd in America. Mr Dwyer also told the jury of six men and six women that an issue which they may have to consider is whether Mr Silver was "ill-disposed towards gardai" and whether that "manifested itself in his behaviour on the day he killed" Garda Horkan. Mr Silver (46), a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard, Foxford, Co. Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan (49) knowing or being reckless as to whether he was a member of An Garda Siochana acting in accordance with his duty at Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on June 17, 2020. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The jury heard when they were being sworn in on Monday that the defence will be raising the issues of bipolar disorder and the accused having diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. Prosecution case Opening the prosecutions case on Tuesday morning, Mr Dwyer said the State takes a view on the evidence which is that Mr Silver is guilty of the crime of capital murder. Outlining the facts of the case, the barrister said that Gda Horkan was a single man who lived with his father in Charlestown in Co. Mayo and had spent almost 25 years as a member of An Garda Siochana. At the time Gda Horkan died, Mr Dwyer said, he had not been formally appointed as a detective but had been approved by a Superintendent to carry out detective duties. He had also been authorised to carry firearms and given permission to wear plain clothes when on duty. The accused man Mr Silver, he said, grew up on the outskirts of Castlerea, left school after his junior certificate exams, had worked as a fitness instructor for a number of years prior to June 2020 before setting up his own business as a motorcycle mechanic in Foxford where he lived. The accused was married but had been separated three months prior to the death of Gda Horkan. The lawyer said the evidence will be that the accused had a history of mental health difficulties and a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He also had a number of hospital admissions mainly as a younger man. A number of days prior to the killing, counsel said Mr Silver was in the company of an Australian woman who was visiting Ireland and had stayed in the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport between June 15 to 17. The woman was flying out of Ireland on June 17 and Mr Silver left Dublin that morning. Day of the shooting Detailing the evidence that will be heard, Mr Dwyer said the accused travelled in a van to Castlerea arriving there in the early afternoon. Mr Silver spoke to a friend at a train station, who showed him videos on Facebook of a garda raid earlier that month on the home of another of the accused's friends, James Coyne. There will be evidence, Mr Dwyer said, that Mr Silver became annoyed and went to the Knockroe estate in Castlerea to call on Mr Coyne, someone he had not met for many years. Mr Silver and Mr Coyne decided to travel together in the accused's silver van to his garage in Foxford. En route to Foxford, Mr Silver stopped the van at Castlerea Garda Station where he got out of the vehicle and went into the public office to make a complaint to gardai about an elderly person being abused by gardai. The accused told officers he had evidence on his phone and would be taking it further. The court will also hear evidence, the lawyer said, that Mr Silver and Mr Coyne then went to the accused's garage where Mr Coyne tried out a motorcycle. The accused told Mr Coyne: "You're a natural, you can have it". The pair returned to Castlerea at 10.30pm that evening. The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that the accused's van pulled up at the forecourt of Castlerea Garda Station on their way back and turned around before returning to Mr Coyne's home. When they got to the house, the men took out the motorcycle and took turns riding around a green area in the estate with no lights and no helmets. Eleven gunshots were found to have been fired from multiple angles at Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Mr Dwyer also indicated to the jury that some of the neighbours called gardai and one neighbour recalled he heard someone who answered the description of Mr Silver shouting: "I dare the armed squad to come down here now". The men left the estate on foot close to midnight heading towards the centre of town to buy food. Mr Silver wanted to take the route past the garda station but instead went along Patrick Street towards the junction with Main street. The barrister said that Gda Horkan had taken up duty that afternoon at 2pm, had his own garda-issued firearm on him and was driving an unmarked Hyundai garda patrol car. He said a neighbour had seen a car matching that description entering the Knockroe estate just before midnight, around the same time the two men had left on foot. Shooting Counsel said the court will hear that as the men came into the centre of Castlerea at the corner of Patrick Street and Main Street, Gda Horkan pulled up beside them, and appeared to roll down the passenger window. Mr Silver spoke to the garda at the window of the vehicle. The barrister further stated that there would be a number of accounts from various eye-witnesses, including Mr Coyne, about what happened afterwards. Some form of exchange took place between Mr Silver and Gda Horkan with the officer getting out of the unmarked car and approaching the accused. According to Mr Coyne, Gda Horkan told Mr Silver he was arresting him and a physical struggle developed between them, which evolved into a struggle for the firearm that the garda had on him. Evidence will be that a shot from the gun was discharged and Gda Horkan was wounded. Mr Silver rolled away with the gun and proceeded to repeatedly shoot the officer. 15 cartridges were found at the scene and the gun was emptied. At this stage, Mr Dwyer said two other gardai arrived at the scene in a marked garda patrol car having left the Knockroe estate. They were the first gardai on the scene and had heard the shots as they drove past before turning around and blocking the road. One of the gardai approached Mr Silver, saw him throw the gun away and told him to lie face down. Mr Silver told gardai: "That man tried to attack me and with all that's going on with the police in the world, I shot him." Mr Dwyer said the accused mentioned Black Lives Matter, which counsel suggested was a possible reference to the murder of George Floyd in America. Mr Silver was arrested and taken to Castlerea Garda Station. Injuries A garda at the scene applied CPR to Gda Horkan and was assisted by colleagues but it was quickly apparent that Gda Horkan had sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The officer's remains were removed to Mayo General Hospital early the following morning, where a postmortem was carried out by Dr Linda Mulligan. Eleven gunshots were found to have been fired from multiple angles, there were three entry wounds to the deceased's back. One of the wounds was a close contact wound and the majority of shots came from a distance of greater than one metre, said Mr Dwyer. The court will also hear, the barrister indicated, that some of the exit wounds from the bullets had a short appearance which suggested Gda Horkan was on the ground when he was shot. The cumulative effect of all of these gunshot wounds, he said, meant that Gda Horkan had received massive internal injuries and multiple fractures. Dr Mulligan will give evidence that the garda suffered catastrophic injuries which were non-survivable, he said. The court heard further evidence will be that Gda Horkan had blunt force trauma to his left eye and left temple, which had a similar configuration to the butt of the pistol and may have been caused by a blow with the butt of the gun. Mr Silver was seen by a local GP shortly after being detained and later by a psychiatrist, who didn't conduct a formal assessment of him but was satisfied on his observations that the accused was fit to be interviewed by gardai. Garda interviews Another part of the prosecution case will be interviews with Mr Silver, which the jury will see and hear in due course. In his first interview, the accused said: "Then this big blue car pulled up and this lad said, 'who are you?'. He said 'I'm a guard'. He came up to me. I pushed him". The accused said he had seen a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and that he didn't know who he was. Counsel said the accused man said he pushed Gda Horkan as he "was in my space". Mr Silver continued: "A struggle ensued, I felt him going for something. The next thing he had it out, then bang, bang. I got the gun off him and I think I shot him". Mr Silver said he found out afterwards that Gda Horkan was dead saying: "I'm angry about it as a garda tried to kill me, is that a garda car?" Mr Dwyer said the accused is charged with capital murder and pointed out the Oireachtas considered gardai and prison officers were deserving of special protection when acting in the course of their duty. He said the State would have to prove that Gda Horkan was acting in the course of his duty at the time, that the accused knew that and was at the least reckless at the time. He added: "We say Gda Horkan died as a result of the actions of Mr Silver, we say those actions were unlawful in terms of the initial struggle and repeated shooting of him. We say Mr Silver had the intention to kill or cause serious injury at the time Gda Horkan died." In addition, Mr Dwyer said despite Mr Silver's references to things like a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and an unmarked patrol car, it is the State's case that the accused knew well that Gda Horkan was a member of An Garda Siochana at the time and a member on duty. Mr Dwyer said that an issue the jury might have to consider in the case is whether Mr Silver was ill-disposed towards An Garda Siochana and that this manifested itself in his behaviour on the day he killed the deceased. Mental health He went on to say that the issue of diminished responsibility may arise in the case and that the jury would be assisted by forensic psychologists. "It is suggested that Mr Silver had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and that he was suffering from a relapse at the time he was shot and the defence say this substantially diminished his responsibility. "We disagree and say Mr Silver had significant functioning mental capacity at the time he killed Gda Horkan," said Mr Dwyer. In summary, counsel said that the accused must prove that defence on the balance of probabilities if the State proves there was an unlawful killing. The accused's barrister, Dominic McGinn SC, made a series of admissions on his behalf. These included that Gda Horkan died on the main street in Castlerea as a result of being shot a number of times and that his client was responsible for the shooting. He said the main issue in the case would be the state of mind of Mr Silver at the time. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of six men and six women. It is expected to last six weeks. Gardai believe a white Irish male was involved in an alleged sexual assault on a woman in north Dublin and not migrants, as has been repeatedly claimed by right-wing agitators. The claims that male refugees or black men carried out the attack have fuelled and heightened anti-refugee protests in Finglas in recent days. The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of last Friday, after the woman was dropped off on Cappagh Road in Finglas. A large number of local women, along with some children, entered Finglas Garda Station after and demanded answers. Separately, a number of prominent males have led protests that have become increasingly hostile and abusive towards gardai with these same people threatening to evict gardai from Finglas Garda Station on Wednesday evening and to lock down main routes in the area. These protesters have been constantly alleging that refugee men are rapists, and that they pose an extreme danger to local women and children, and have repeatedly claimed migrants were involved in Fridays alleged attack. Some of the organisers have called on people to bring weapons, even guns, to protests. The protests initially started over renewed attempts by the authorities to use a vacant factory in Finglas to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. A number of high-level sources have confirmed to the Irish Examiner that gardai are following a definite line of inquiry in relation to the alleged sexual offence, and that they are looking to speak to a white Irish male from outside Dublin in relation to it. The involvement of migrants or refugees has been ruled out. A well-known convicted criminal from the area is also involved in the protests. While gardai are eager not to give oxygen to the right-wing organisers, sources do admit that local management and frontline members are on alert, preparing for an escalation in the protests. There is a growing fear something will spark off in a deliberate attempt to force gardai to intervene and be dragged into a physical altercation, that will then be recorded and circulated online to supporters. Gardai issued a statement on Wednesday saying they are looking to speak to a taxi driver in relation to the alleged assault "who picked up a fare from a white man and white woman" at around 1.30am on January 27. The passengers in the vehicle are described as being a white woman, aged in her 20s and a white man, also aged in his 20s. As reported by the Irish Examiner last Friday, detectives are investigating if the actions of certain protestors in Finglas have "stepped over the line" into criminality, including breaches of the Public Order Act. The Garda Representative Association local branch has called for a task force to be set up to address the issue, describing the situation as "near anarchy". Fine Gael TD for Kerry Brendan Griffin has confirmed that he will not contest the next general election. It was first revealed by the Irish Examiner on Friday that Mr Griffin was one of nine Fine Gael TDs who are not expected to run in the next election, in what will be a significant blow to party leader Leo Varadkar In a letter to party members and councillors last night, Mr Griffin wrote that after much consultation with his family he will not be seeking a nomination to stand in the next general election. The reasons for this is a straightforward one. I have two young sons and I want to be around them more for the remaining years of their childhood, he said. Politics demands absolute commitment and is an extremely time- and attention-consuming profession. "It is also a job that takes you away from home and loved ones for long periods of time on a regular basis. "And when you are at home, your mind is often preoccupied with any number of issues and challenges," he added. There has been speculation about Mr Griffin's intentions after he was overlooked for the position of chief whip during the recent Cabinet reshuffle. Mr Griffin acknowledged Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar for having confidence in him when appointing him Minister of State for Tourism and Sport in 2017 and his subsequent appointment as deputy chief whip. Mr Griffin is based in Castlemaine, in what is now a five-seat constituency uniting Kerry North and Kerry South. He was first elected to the Dail in 2011 after spending three years in the county council. In an interview with Radio Kerry's Kerry Today, Mr Griffin said chief whips job would have suited him and he was disappointed not to get it. The journey home that night after his last job as deputy chief whip to organise the election of the Taoiseach was "long, wet and lonesome" and felt like coming back to Kerry after losing the All-Ireland, he said. The whips job would have suited me family-wise, based in Leinster House, he said. The reality was if he accepted a junior ministry he was facing seven more years and his children would be older teenagers. He was straight up with the Taoiseach and had an hour-long conversation with him. Mr Griffin added that he "hated" travelling abroad as junior minister and being away from his family for 17-hour days. Covid and being at home for three months in a row for the first time in years had shown him a different way of life, Mr Griffin said. That taste of being at home, just being at home at night time. It really was an eye opener in terms of what the craziness of the previous three years entailed, he said. Politics for him was never about personal ambition and he said he would not do the Taoiseachs job for the world. Mr Griffin has no plans post politics, but stressed he had given 20 years to Fine Gael and will continue to work for the party making sure it will retain its seat in Kerry. Meanwhile, speculation has moved to who will replace him with sitting councillors Aoife Thornton in Listowel, Patrick Connor-Scarteen in Kenmare and Bobby OConnell in Castleisland, seen as contenders. Much has been said, and much more will be said as St Brigids Day becomes entrenched in our culture from 2023 onwards. Books have been published, PhDs have been completed and wells have been drunk from, but the question remains who was Brigid? Let's look at the evidence and the lore, the myths and the miracles behind the woman and find out exactly how this holiday came to pass looking behind the curtain of the campaign that lobbied the government for such a day. Will the real Brigid please stand up? You could spell her name as Brigid, as this public holiday does, or you could write it as Brigit as some scholars do, or you could also refer to her as Brig or Biddy, or even Brigantia like the pan-European Celtic Goddess. You can equally relate to her as a pre-Christian Celtic Irish goddess, connect to her as the Christian saint, or search out the woman Brigid who walked these lands and founded a powerful church in fifth-century medieval Ireland. Between spellings and incarnations, the choices are many, but the question remains: Was she a goddess, a made-up saint co-opted from the Celts, or a real woman? Myths of cloaks covering the Curragh aside, theres plenty of corroborating evidence to suggest that a very powerful, and nifty woman called Brigid did exist. Niamh Wycherley, a medieval historian at Maynooth University is the foremost authority on Brigid and her relationship with her goes way back, from taking her name at her confirmation to completing her masters on the Kildare womans hagiography the biography of saints. She went on to write about Brigids relics in her PhD and in her book The Cult of Relics in Early Medieval Ireland, as well as lecturing extensively about her. Was Brigid real? It depends on the one you're asking about, but if you're asking about Brigid of Kildare there is ample evidence to say such a woman did exist, and with much power and influence. "There is so much written about her, especially in medieval times, Brigid was such a big deal," says Ms Wycherley. She was supposedly born in 451, less than 20 years after Patrick is thought to have come to Ireland (432). "In the annals they record multiple dates for her birth and death," says the historian. "But what is really clear in the annals is how powerful the church of Kildare becomes, more specifically Brigid's church of Kildare it becomes one of the most powerful churches in Ireland, with a monastery of men and women, led by a man and a woman. And we have so few women written into the annals," says Ms Wycherley. While dates of Brigid of Kildare's birth and death may vary, the historian says one thing is always agreed upon: "Every story concurs that Brigid founded the church, one of the biggest churches in Ireland". It was quite the "big deal". St Brigid in willow, an artwork at the National Museum of Ireland's Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, crafted by artists Aidan Crotty and Naomi Rogers. Picture: Karen Cox By "big deal", this isn't a case of the first woman Taoiseach in 2024, or beyond, this achievement came at a time in Ireland when women were essentially slaves, with no autonomy of their own. Brigid lived in an Ireland where women were classified as "legally incompetent" and "senseless" in legal texts, explains the historian. The only other people who received such classification were children under the age of 14, slaves and the "insane". To be a woman in Brigid's time was to live a life as defined by your closest male relative. "The abbess or leader of a womens religious community was often the most notable exception to this rule. She controlled land and negotiated deals, wielding comparatively significant influence in society. "Female monasticism provided one of the very few routes by which a woman could achieve some social and political authority," says Ms Wycherley, and this is the role Brigid of Kildare occupied. The historian cites another uncontested fact in history all surviving historical sources all agree that Brigid was part of a dynasty, the Fothairt, with branches around Leinster. Indeed, the recently rediscovered three-county Brigid's Way starts in Faughart, Co Louth. The Fothairt dynasty of which Brigid was a part of "were fairly low key", says the historian, but still, it gave her enough sway to found and lead a church, whereas Patrick would have arrived here with no pre-existing contacts needing to negotiate entry into every townland which he came across. Despite Brigid's connections, Ms Wycherley reckons she was a woman of resilience and resolve, going by one piece of evidence. Medieval history shows that women who chose the Church over marriage were sometimes punished by rape, with one text claims that Brigid's "brothers were very upset that she had denied them the bride-price to which they were entitled had she married". Having shunned marriage, Brigid established her church in Kildare, which would probably have been a small wooden building and such was her sway and influence, in the space of a century it grew to be one of the most powerful institutions on the island. "In just over 100 years this church grew to be one of the powerful institutions in the country, how it went from zero to 100, we don't know. But no one in academia disagrees that a woman founded Kildare, and every source named her as Brigid," says Ms Wycherley. Brigid the saint As well as the woman Brigid, there is the saint. Facts begin to loosen and vary widely here, turning into lore and myth, although some tales have their origin in truth. Cogitosus, an Irish monk wrote the Vita Sanctae Brigitae, (The Life of Brigid) around 650 therefore, about 200 years after her birth. Dr Wycherley emphasises that this depiction is not to be mistaken with pure fact. It's where some of the myth around the saint emerges. "Cogitosus's bias is clear, glorifying Kildare, 'Kildare has the most important saint', 'Kildare is great'. He is also deeply religious, he is painting Brigid as the ultimate saint, like Mary, his story is mostly to entertain, it is not a historical document," notes Ms Wycherley. Indeed, it is in this document where St Brigid's abortion work was cited, making Brigid a patroness of the Repeal movement for some. He details how she met "a certain woman who, after taking a vow of virginity, had lapsed through weakness into youthful desire of pleasure, and her womb swelled with child". Brigid then, exercising the most potent strength of her ineffable faith, blessed the pregnant woman and caused what had been conceived to disappear. The woman was returned to health and to penance. From abortionist to lesbian icon, St Brigid also featured during our marriage equality referendum. It was said a younger nun by the name of Darlughdach served as Brigids ambassador and her anam cara (soul friend). It was also said that they were so close they shared the same bed. Ms Wycherley says however, that the idea that Brigid was a lesbian perhaps came more from misogyny than fact. "Women were allowed to live within a community of women. The men hated all-women communities and that's where the lesbianism comes in men were being misogynistic about what women got up to," she says. Terminating pregnancy and being in same-sex relationships aside, there are St Brigid tales that are far easier to identify as myths. She is often cited as working miracles from a young age, eager to feed the poor, multiple stories circulate where she gave away her family's store of butter or only meat when someone came knocking and on returning to her home the new meat and new butter reappeared. Then there is the famous cloak story of St Brigid asking the King of Leinster for land for her church. "Will you give me as much land as my cloak will cover?" she is said to have asked. Not thinking that would garner much square footage, Brigid had four sisters catch a corner of the cloak each and run towards each point of the compass. The cloak miraculously grew and grew until it covered acres of land. There are also stories of her turning water into beer and curing a child's muteness. Her long list of miracles meant she became a patroness to many, some of whom include midwives, blacksmiths, poets, sailors and female revolutionaries. But if Brigid the saint was many things, so too was the goddess of the same name. The supposed Celtic goddess is known as a triple goddess. She was goddess of both the alchemical power of fire, and the healing power of water. For this, she is seen as the perfect yin and yang, a balance between fiery and diplomatic energies. She was also known as the goddess of poetry. In Irish mythology, Brigid was a goddess of the Tuatha De Danann a magical race that possessed supernatural powers, and she was a daughter of the chief of the gods, The Dagda. Goddess Brigid is also known as the Flame of Ireland, or as the "fiery arrow" upon which to launch your greatest intentions. She is also strongly associated with Imbolc or Imbolg, which is the start of spring in the ancient Celtic calendar and mirrors the cycle of nature. But returning to fact, Ms Wycherley says we lack the evidence to say that Celts living here ever worshipped a goddess called Brigid. "The whole goddess thing makes medieval historians uncomfortable because we don't have historical evidence that they had an actual goddess Brigid in Ireland, but there is evidence in other places of a goddess called Brigantia. "We can't say, 'This is how people worshipped Brigid before the saint'," says the historian. So whether she was a saint, a real-life woman or a goddess that preceded both, our best bet, bringing all evidence to mind is that there was a trailblazing leader named Brigid who walked these lands and led our ancestors 1,500 years ago. "To create such a massive impact in this misogynistic and restrictive society, Brigit must have been well connected, thick-skinned and defiant," says Ms Wycherley. How did the public holiday ever come about? There would be no St Brigid's Day without Herstory a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform, founded in 2016, that celebrates female role-models. And how St Brigid's Day as a public holiday came to be has tinges of the same sexism that was rife in Brigid, the church leader's, misogynistic medieval Ireland. But Brigid aside, the idea of a public holiday arose in the autumn of 2021, to honour the lives lost during the pandemic and those who worked tirelessly on the frontlines. In the end, two holidays were announced, a one-off day last March to mark the impact of Covid-19, and a new one though it was not always going to be called St Brigids Day. An "Irish thanksgiving" holiday for November was a strong contender. St Brigid crosses. Picture: Cillian Kelly In the end, it went to a woman who walked these lands more than 1,500 years ago and who founded and led one of, if not the most, powerful institutions on the island of Ireland the church of Kildare, during the brutal and misogynistic Middle Ages. While St Patrick arrived in Ireland with his message of Christianity becoming our patron saint with a much-celebrated holiday, Brigid was actually of these lands, and existed around the same time. Moreover, there is evidence of Christianity in eastern and southern parts of Ireland before Patrick ever got here. So how did this public holiday actually get over the line? You could say it all started with another female trailblazer, the late Josephine Hart of Mullingar, and later of London, who died in 2011. While known in London for her 1991 international bestselling novel Damage, that sold 1m copies, the poet and Booker prize judge, her Irish home place is now a carpark. "Herstory came about really because of Josephine Hart in Mullingar, she was bulldozed out of modern history," says Herstory founder, Melanie Lynch. She was a local role model, an amazing writer, a bestselling author, and her house was turned into a carpark. "Meanwhile, in 2015, the council at the same time was seriously talking about building a museum for Niall Horan. "That's how I started Herstory, it was a real catalyst. How could this trailblazer be bulldozed out of history?" says Ms Lynch. Local children in the area could tell me what Kim Kardashian had for breakfast but not who Josephine Hart was." Herstory was going to just be a one-off exhibition about amazing Irish women and then Melanie would "go back to advertising and the rat race". As part of the exhibition planning, Ms Lynch ended up sitting down with the Royal Irish Academy. Her exhibition inspired the academy to count the number of women in The Dictionary of Irish Biography (DIB). Out of 10,000 people, there were 1,000 women. "You need to be remarkable to get into it and at the same time I was talking to children in schools they could name about five famous Irish women," says Ms Lynch. The start of Herstory in 2016, also coincided with the 1916 centenary, and they worked to draw out all of the women involved in the Easter Rising, about which there was lots of noise. But by 2018, when the new history curriculum for the Junior Cycle was unveiled there was no mention of any of the women uncovered. "Within two years they were all forgotten about," says Ms Lynch, "so Herstory turned from exhibition into movement". Some of its work in the intervening years include drawing out the role of women in the Northern Ireland peace process an exhibition on this launches in Washington DC's Capitol Hill this month, before going on to the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. And St Brigid's Day? "One of our board directors Treacy O'Connor said: 'Let's go for a national public in her name'," explains Ms Lynch. Herstory took the suggestion seriously and some of the advisers to the campaign included Fulbright scholar Ruairi McKiernan, poet Laura Murphy and former chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Ellen O'Malley Dunlop. It was 2019 and Melanie Lynch "thought it would take a decade". "We launched the petition in 2019, it didn't get much traction, maybe 15,000 signatures, and there was lots of lobbying of politicians, I personally sat down and wrote to every politician on the island," says Ms Lynch. Leo Varadkar tabled the idea of a new public holiday in late 2021, again just two short years after another Herstory campaign and Brigid "wasn't on the list, there was instead all this talk about Thanksgiving". Siobhan McSweeney got behind the campaign to endorse St Brigid. Ms Lynch said a perfect media, and social media storm, was created, with former justice and foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan writing a letter to the Irish Times endorsing Brigid and actors like Cork's Siobhan McSweeney getting behind the campaign. On January 19, 2022, it was made official, there would be a new recurring public holiday and it would be called St Brigid's Day, falling on the first Monday of February, except where February 1, happens to fall on a Friday, in which case that Friday will be the public holiday. It is our 10th public holiday and only one to be named after a woman. You cant call Britain a banana republic. It would be totally wrong. Because Britain, after all, isnt a republic. Its very proud of the fact that its head of state inherited the job although youd have to wonder if the pride isnt diminishing a bit, watching the antics of the royal family. But still, the very fact of a royal family means that you cant stick any old tropical fruit in front of its name and hope to have an accurate descriptor. So what do you nick-name a country whose political system has been corrupted from the top, to the point where it is impossible to be anything but cynical? A mango monarchy, thats what were looking at. What fascinates me is how should we define it and how should we compare it to whats happening here at home? The distinguished journalist and writer Robin Wright set out to answer the question Is America becoming a banana republic a few years ago in the New Yorker magazine. Her definitions were as good as anything Ive come across. Over the past century, she wrote, banana republic has evolved to mean any country (with or without bananas) that has a ruthless, corrupt, or just plain loopy leader who relies on the military and destroys state institutions in an egomaniacal quest for prolonged power. We havent seen the military deployed in the UK yet, just unremitting and endless corruption and a couple of loopy leaders, some of whom give egomania a bad rap. So lets stick to mangos for a while. Over the weekend, after very considerable dithering, the British Prime Minister sacked the former Chancellor of the Exchequer and current Chair of the Tory Party (it carries a place in the Cabinet in the mango monarchy, that job). He sacked him after he got a report confirming that Nadhim Zahawi had broken the so-called Ministerial code, not once but seven times. And he didnt break the code seven times one Tuesday morning. Hes been at it for the best part of two years. He knew there was an investigation into some of his dodgy tax dealings, he participated in the investigation; when he settled it, he incurred a large penalty, and he knew he had an obligation to let all that be known to the proper authorities. Not only did he pretend there was nothing going on, but he threatened journalists with libel if they ever had the temerity to report true facts. It was like something straight out of the Ray Burke school of Dodging and Diving. You remember Rays technique, Im sure. Stand up in the Dail, tell a bare-faced lie, declare youve drawn a line in the sand, and see what you can brazen out. And if youre doing it while relying on a leader who doesnt want to confront you and keeps invoking due process as a way of delaying the necessary confrontation, so much the better. In this case Zahawis Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had clearly attended a few seminars in the Bertie Ahern school of How to Avoid Political Accountability. Or maybe they all just learned their tricks from Boris, the man who believed that if a lie could help you survive to the end of the week, sure you never know what might turn up to get you through the following week. Johnson funds Talking of Johnson, it has now emerged that the man he appointed as Chair of the BBC was instrumental in helping to organise a guarantor for a hefty credit facility to help fund Johnsons chaotic lifestyle. The guarantor was a Canadian billionaire called Blyth. The whole thing stank to high heaven and should have been investigated by the Cabinet Secretary. He apparently decided, since Johnson and Blyth had a family relationship, no investigation was necessary. Family relationship? I actually laughed out loud one night when Channel 4 News traced the actual relationship. Possibly, stretching a point, fifth cousin once removed. I bet if I worked hard enough, I could find a fifth cousin once removed among the ranks of North American millionaires. Not that it would do me any good! So what about us then? Am I the pot calling the kettle black? Weve had our moments, thats for sure. I will go to my grave convinced that Charles J Haughey and his cronies came as close as possible to destroying the democracy that matters to us. We have never seen corruption like that in Ireland and it was a spectacularly venal type of corruption because its primary purpose was to support his jumped-up lifestyle. In that sense at least, Haughey might have been the godfather to Johnson. But we cleaned up our act. For quite a while now, the laws and structures have been in place to try to ensure that corruption wont become embedded in our politics. Theyre not strong enough yet, but theyre there and there is evidence that they work reasonably well. And there is evidence too that our politicians live by the rules. And yet in the last fortnight or so weve had febrile excitement about Paschal Donohoes election expenses. Ive lost count of the number of times he had to parade himself in the Dail to explain his errors in election accounting. There is no doubt whatever in my mind that we are talking about errors here errors about tiny amounts of money in election terms and not deliberate concealment. Dont get me wrong. If Paschal Donohoe, for example, had made a tax settlement with the Revenue while he was Minister for Finance, and had lied about it, Id be in the queue demanding his resignation. But he did nothing like that. Opposition deputies did what they have to do and Ive no problem with that either but it was clear from the start that none of them believed we were dealing with an act of corruption here. And if the truth be told, I suspect every single member of Dail Eireann had the thought running through their heads, there but for the grace of God . Ive been there, and I can tell you that when you set out to be as compliant as possible with the law in relation to election expenses, youre taking on a full-time and painstaking job. Exactly the same thing applies to Sinn Fein. Youll know Im no fan of that party, but I was a bit boggle-eyed by the stick they have had to take for forgetting to report some of their election spending. Apparently, they forgot to report it because it was in respect of bills they forgot to pay. You'd have to say, enough already. Were not perfect, and weve never been perfect. Thereve been many times in the past when political heads needed to roll. This was no such occasion, and in fact, it made the whole of politics and political coverage look silly. Maybe the lesson we need to learn from our next-door neighbour is that some things never change. Political corruption is never too far away. Ultimately, its the lack of openness secrecy where theres no room for secrecy that aways does the damage. And it was ever thus. Burma Myanmar Junta Colonel Assassinated by Corporal: Sources Lt-Col Kyaw Soe Aung Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Soe Aung of the juntas Signal Training Depot was shot dead by one of his troops in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Region, on Sunday, according to military sources. Lt-Col Kyaw Soe Aung was parading troops at the training depot when he was shot twice in the chest with a rifle, sources said. It is confirmed that he was shot at close range on Sunday and he died in the hospital, said a source, citing a captain who works under Lt-Col Kyaw Soe Aung. The colonel was appointed as the depots vice-principal while the National League for Democracy was in office and was previously based in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, the sources said. The lance corporal responsible has been detained and the community in Pyin Oo Lwin, a military-dominated hill station, is in shock, his family said. Some military sources said they could not make calls to personnel in Pyin Oo Lwin. Former captain Htet Myat of the civil disobedience movement said the assassination of a commanding officer by one of his troops revealed how the military is divided and some units might not be far from mutiny. We heard he was always bullying the lower ranks. There is no other way to deal with guys like that these days, the former captain said. Sources said the junta leadership is worried the incident could trigger uprisings elsewhere and is attempting to suppress the news. His family has been ordered not to issue a newspaper obituary. The situation that could lead to a huge mutiny. The incident highlights the regimes many problems. Our revolutionary groups will use it to our advantage, said a resistance fundraiser. Burma Myanmar Security Council Statement Prompts Speculation Military Rule Will Be Extended Regime chief Min Aung Hlaing submits his report on emergency rule to the NDSC on Tuesday. / Cincds A key defense and security body said after a meeting Tuesday that it discussed the extraordinary situation that continues to exist in Myanmar, prompting speculation that it will exercise its power to extend the period of military rule, which technically expired on Tuesday. A statement said the military-dominated National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meeting was held on Tuesday and the council would make an announcement about whether military rule will be extended on Wednesday. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who is an NDSC member, submitted his report on two years of military rule in the country to the council as required by the Myanmar Constitution. In his report, according to the statement, he said the countrys parallel civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force (PDF), were trying to take power by violent means. Based on his report, the statement said, council members discussed the fact that Myanmar was still in an extraordinary situation, referring to the ongoing resistance movement against the regime. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup in February 2021. The junta seized power from the countrys democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government, announcing emergency rule on grounds of vote fraud in the 2020 general electiona claim dismissed by international election observers. The NLD won a landslide victory in the polls. Two years on, the junta still has not been able to take control of the country as there has been nationwide armed resistance against the regime. Under the Constitution, the NDSC may, under normal circumstances, permit two six-month extensions of emergency rule, after which Min Aung Hlaing has to hand back power to the council, which must hold an election within six months. However, the NDSCs statement on Tuesday has raised concern among some observers that the regime intends to exploit the relevant provision in the charter to allow the council to extend military rule for another six months, arguing that circumstances are not normal. Burma Two Years of Turmoil: Key Events Since Myanmars Coup Protesters walk through smoke near a makeshift barricade during a crackdown by security forces on demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon in March 2021. / AFP YANGONMyanmars military seized power on Feb. 1, 2021, ousting the civilian government and arresting its de facto leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 2,800 people have since been killed in the juntas bloody crackdown on dissent, according to the UN, while thousands more have been arrested. Here is a look back at the two years since the coup, which ended a decade-long experiment with democracy after half a century of military rule. Pre-dawn raids Soldiers detain Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her top allies during pre-dawn raids on Feb. 1 ahead of the opening of the new parliament. The generals claim fraud in the November 2020 election, which Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide. Their actions spark global condemnation, from Pope Francis to US President Joe Biden, and soon the United States, European Union and others announce sanctions. Growing crackdown Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a young woman shot on Feb. 9, dies 10 days later after becoming a national symbol of opposition to the junta. Violent crackdowns on street protests escalate, and by March 11, Amnesty International says it has documented atrocities by the junta including the use of battlefield weapons on unarmed protesters. A day later, a UN rights expert on Myanmar accuses the military of crimes against humanity. Deadliest day More than 100 civilians are killed in protest crackdowns on March 27, 2021Armed Forces Day, the militarys annual show of strength. It is the deadliest day since the coup. The next month, ousted civilian lawmakers forced into hiding announce the formation of the shadow National Unity Government. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis trial begins In June, more than four months after she was detained, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi goes on trial in a closed junta court. She faces an eclectic mix of charges, including illegally importing walkie-talkies and flouting COVID-19 restrictions during the 2020 elections. Election results canceled In late July, the junta cancels the results of the 2020 polls, claiming more than 11 million instances of voter fraud. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi jailed On Dec. 6, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi receives her first jail sentence four years for incitement against the military and breaching Covid-19 regulations. The sentence is then cut to two years. Executions In July 2022, the junta announces it has executed a former lawmaker from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis party along with a prominent activist over allegations of terrorismthe countrys first use of capital punishment in decades. The news sparks renewed outrage. A junta spokesman later says the pair, along with two others who were executed for allegedly killing an informer, deserved many deaths. Lavrov visits Days later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visits and says Moscow backs the juntas efforts to stabilize the country and hold elections in 2023. Ex-ambassador arrested In August 2022, authorities arrest former British ambassador Vicky Bowman for allegedly breaching immigration rules. The arrest came as Britain announced new sanctions on firms it said had helped raise funds for the military during its 2017 crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. Bowman and her husband, prominent artist U Htein Lin, are later jailed for a year. In November, they are freed in a mass amnesty, along with a Japanese journalist arrested at an anti-coup protest and an Australian former adviser to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi detained since the early days of the coup. Air strikes In September, at least 11 schoolchildren are killed in a junta air strike on a school in the northern Sagaing region as the military ramps up the use of its air power. In October, air strikes on a concert held by a major ethnic rebel group kill about 50 people and wound 70, according to the Kachin Independence Army, which has clashed regularly with the junta since the coup. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi trials finish After 18 months, Daw Aung San Suu Kyis trial wraps up on Dec. 30 with a final jail term of seven years for corruption, taking her total sentence to 33 years. The junta gives no details on whether she will be allowed to serve her sentences under house arrest. Elections? In January 2023, the junta gives political parties two months to re-register under a strict new electoral law in the latest sign it is planning fresh polls this year. The United States has said any elections would be a sham. Close ally Moscow says it supports holding polls. War Against the Junta Resistance Group Executes Myanmar Military Intelligence Officer in Kachin Myanmar junta military intelligence officer Captain Paing Thu Soe Resistance forces executed a Myanmar junta military intelligence officer Sunday, one day after arresting him in Mogaung Township, Kachin State, according to the Peoples Defense Force (PDF) group responsible, UG Black K. Captain Paing Thu Soe was detained on Saturday and killed after being interrogated the following day, the resistance group said. According to UG Black K, Capt. Paing Thu Soe, 37, was a member of the Myanmar militarys Infantry Battalion 47 based in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, and gathered information on the movements of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and newly founded PDF groups, along with other local revolutionary groups in Kachin State, by donning plain clothes and posing as a driver. We had been watching his movements for a few weeks after finding out that he was a leading intelligence officer in this area operating under direct orders from Naypyitaw. We arrested him on a stretch of road at around 12 p.m. on Jan. 28, said a spokesperson for UG Black K. The group said it found evidence, including military documents, during the arrest showing that the captain led intelligence operations that had resulted in the arrests of 21 PDF members. It also said the officer had admitted to raping a woman. The Irrawaddy has not been able to independently verify the claims. According to UG Black K, in 2021 Capt. Paing Thu Soe arrested four PDF members who had returned to Mandalay from Kachin State after receiving basic military training from the KIA. He later led a separate intelligence operation that resulted in the arrests of at least 17 other PDF fighters in 2022 who had also returned to Mandalay from Kachin. We killed him [after the interrogation], as that was our mission objective for him, the spokesperson said. UG Black K has been specifically targeting the militarys surveillance operations. On Jan. 24 it arrested Ko Kyaw Thu Soe, a leader of the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) in Mogaung Township who worked alongside Capt. Paing Thu Soe. UG Black K said Ko Kyaw Thu Soe had ties not only with the military, but also with a KIA major from Hpakant Township, Kachin State, adding that the SNA was operating a drug using site near a farm that it owned. The UG Black K spokesperson said the PDF wanted the KIA leadership to investigate its corrupt officer and take action, as such behaviour was very harmful to the revolution. The Irrawaddy contacted KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu to ask about UG Black Ks claim, but the KIA spokesperson did not answer the phone. Nowadays, the juntas military is increasingly using intelligence and surveillance systems to spy on the movements of the revolution. Therefore, it is very important for us to counter it and to eliminate military spies. Otherwise, all our revolutionary movements will be delayed, said the UG Black K spokesperson. UG Black K has arrested and executed at least 17 junta military intelligence personnel and others working for them. As a reporter, history buff and Lehigh Valley native, Ive visited nearly all of the areas museums from America on Wheels and Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown to the National Canal and Sigal museums in Easton. Each one, offering unique and fascinating insight, is an important community resource. As a Bethlehem resident and son of a former Steel worker, I was especially eager to check out the new National Museum of Industrial History in south Bethlehem. The Smithsonian affiliate, which opened Aug. 2 in the Steels former 1913 Electric Repair Shop, features exhibits relating to the once-booming business that helped build majestic skyscrapers, bridges and wartime equipment, as well as other industries, such as propane and silk. By exploring the role of industry in Americas growth as a global power, the $7.5 million museum forges a connection between the countrys industrial past and the innovations of today and inspires the visionaries of tomorrow. On my first visit, Glenn Koehler, the museums marketing and outreach coordinator, gave me the VIP treatment, guiding me through the 18,000-square-foot facility and provide additional information on the interactive displays and attractions. To help you make the most of your first visit to the Lehigh Valleys newest museum, here is an account of my educational trip. Machinery Hall Upon entering the museums lobby, I am greeted by three primary attractions: the countrys longest commercially operated portable steam engine; an overhead crane from Milwaukees Pawling & Harnischfeger Co.; and an original Bethlehem Steel H-beam, which you can sit on in front of a wall-size reproduction of the famous Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photo. Passing by the gift shop, which sells everything from T-shirts and engineer hats to Rosie the Riveter dolls and 3D metal model kits, Koehler and I arrive at the museums main room. History immediately comes alive as the space showcases the buildings original brick walls, wooden ceiling beams and views of the former Carpenter & Pattern Shop next door. The front section, known as Machinery Hall, is a representation of the then state-of-the-art technology that was on display in the original Machinery Hall at the 1876 Worlds Fair in Philadelphia. Ten million Americans and visitors from 37 countries flocked to the Centennial Exhibition, where industrialists displayed their engines, pumps, boilers, turbines and machine-made goods. People came from all over to show off their industrial prowess, Koehler says. As was the case at the original Machinery Hall 140 years ago, the most prominent feature of the museums version is a mammoth Corliss steam engine. The model at the Centennial Exhibition could produce 2,500 horsepower, providing free steam power to exhibitors, while the museums 115-ton model pumped 8 million gallons of water a day to York residents until 1956. Most of the two dozen artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institution are housed in Machinery Hall, except for a 20-foot-tall Nasmyth steam hammer in the back. Among the ornately painted machines that helped build box-bed steam engine parts are an automatic lathe, which made bolts, and a radial arm drill press, which made steam cylinders. The artifacts are displayed beneath line shafting, which was used heavily during the Industrial Revolution to distribute power via a system of belts, pulleys and gears. The takeaway from this is machines making machines,' Koehler says. In this case, a slide-valve steam engine would power all of these other machines, which in turn would make gears and other equipment for another engine. Im quickly drawn to a hand-powered flywheel, which another visitor is vigorously cranking. The exhibit, a matter of strength and coordination, is intended to show the wide distinction between how much horsepower a human can generate versus that of the 1876 Corliss engine, which could produce more than 2,000 hp. The highest score Ive seen is when one of the HiJinx brewers got it up to 5.2, says Koehler, after praising me for my score of 4.4. Another highlight is the Wall of Patterns, a huge wall display of more than 30 Lehigh Valley businesses wooden patterns used to cast metal parts for machines. Among the pieces are a bronze bushing, used by Bethlehem Steels Saucon Plant; a fire grate, used by Lehigh Valley Railroads Sayre Shops, and side posts of a slate planer, used by Bangors S. Flory Manufacturing Co. Steel This is the section for those wanting to learn more about Bethlehems bygone industrial might, including how iron was made at the iconic blast furnaces behind the museum. Exhibits delve deep into the world of steelmaking while providing unique perspectives from the men and women who produced plates for ships, rail for trains, rivets for bridges and much more. There are miniature plant models, which were used to train employees and craft capital plans; a commemorative anvil, on loan from the National Canal Museum, which was made from the first steel rail rolled at the Bethlehem Iron Co.; and a Rail Evolution display, showing how rail became stronger over the decades evolving from wrought-iron in the mid-19th century to modern steel rail in the 1920s and 30s. Placards describe different methods of making steel, including open-hearth furnace (used in Bethlehem 1887-1969), and basic oxygen furnace (used in Bethlehem 1968-95). The military history of steelmaking is also on display with bombs, the last piece of Class A armor rolled in the United States (made in Bethlehem in 1953) and a 37 mm anti-tank field cannon from World War I. Im surprised and impressed to learn that Bethlehem Steel built 1,127 ships of 19 different classes during World War II. My favorite part of the museum is an interactive world map, presented on a circular table. When you press color-coded buttons, corresponding lights are illuminated, indicating locations of various topics. For example, you can see where Bethlehem built ships (California, Texas and Montreal); where Bethlehem controlled mineral properties (Indiana, Maryland and Washington); and where Bethlehems steel was used in prominent buildings, bridges, dams and rails (New Yorks Chrysler Building, San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal). One of the most interesting illustrations shows the countries from which employees came. The company reported 10,500 foreign-born employees at the Bethlehem plant alone in 1918, with 58 nationalities represented. The map shows these workers hailed everywhere from China, Mexico and Russia to nearly every country in Europe. What we like to instill in visitors is that Bethlehem Steel wasnt just here, Koehler says. There were plants all over the world and people came from all over the world to work here. All you have to do is go to the [St. Michaels] cemetery overlooking SteelStacks and youll see proof of that. One exhibit depicts the life of a steelworker complete with original hard hats, shift whistles, time card holders and suspended welfare baskets, where workers stored their belongings. A wall chart reveals the Steels accidents by department in 1909, with five killed in the blast furnaces the most of any department. Silk Another once-prominent area industry is on display from a century-old narrow ribbon loom, used by legendary American luxury brand Scalamandre Inc., to a film about early 20th-century silk manufacturing at Bethlehems former Laros Silk Mill. The gallery tells the story of the Lehigh Valley silk boom, which began in the 1880s as New England and New Jersey silk manufacturers moved here for inexpensive labor. By 1900, the Valley was the second-most-important silk-making region in the country, with 74 mills in Lehigh and Northampton counties alone. All members of the family could work in a silk mill, including young women who operated machines that wound yarn onto bobbins. For a period of about 10 years, there were more people working at Lehigh Valley silk mills than there were at Bethlehem Steel, Koehler says. Im intrigued by this portion of the museum for two reasons: (1) I never learned exactly how silk is made; and (2) silk mills have been in the news recently with the conversion of Eastons Simon Silk Mill into a mixed-use facility and plans to convert Allentowns Adelaide Silk Mill into 270 apartments. So, how exactly is silk produced? An interactive wheel takes you through the four-step process, starting with a silkworm secreting silk to form its cocoon, which is later heated, killing the moth to keep it from ruining the silk. One fact I found particularly interesting is that 80 moths produce 1 ounce of eggs, which lead to 40,000 worms, which lead to 100 pounds of cocoons, which lead to 9 pounds of raw silk. Among the other highlights are a 20-pound bobbin tray that children once carried nine hours a day, and a Jacquard loom that wove luxury fabric for interior decoration at the White House for every presidential family from Hoover to Clinton. Propane Like the steel and silk industries, propane production also has a strong local connection. In 1910, Allentown chemist Walter O. Snelling, while investigating a potentially explosive gas coming from a newly purchased Model T, founded the propane industry after he distilled propane and butane from natural gas. Snelling, who held degrees from George Washington, Harvard and Yale universities, quickly realized its potential as a plentiful and convenient fuel for lighting, cooking, metal cutting and more. Coincidentally, I toured his former Victorian mansion, including his basement laboratory, when writing about Allentowns West Park Historic House Tour a few months ago. The museum pays tributes to Snellings accomplishments with a display of his laboratory equipment, including glass flasks and cylinders, along with photos and marketing materials of American Gasol Co., the worlds first propane company, which Snelling and his colleagues incorporated in 1911. From the Snelling exhibit, I walk into a hot air balloon basket where you can learn how propane fuels such aircraft (first used in 1960) and experience a virtual ride. Koehler says it is the most popular of the interactive exhibits. The balloon lights up and an educational video makes you feel as though you are soaring through the air without ever leaving the ground. For people who are even slightly scared of heights such as myself, its a great alternative to the real thing. Another highlight is an exhibit illustrating ways the country used propane during World War II, including powering air-raid warning sirens and drying and sealing blood plasma for shipment to wounded GIs. Voice recordings Throughout the museum are stations where you can listen to firsthand accounts of the trades. In the steel area, there is an original switchboard where you can hear short oral histories from former employees such as Bess King (plant facilities, late 1970s-early 1980s), who says she was a tomboy and wasnt intimidated by the fact that there was going to be a lot of guys around, and William Major (Coke Works, beginning 1973), who says he had to work harder than the next guy. In the silk area, day-to-day struggles are recounted by former employees such as Dennis Wieder (Macungie Silk Mill, 1926-41), who says, It got to the point you thought you couldnt breathe anymore, and Anna Zuercher (17 Lehigh Valley silk mills, 1920s-30s), who says, You didnt know if youd have a job tomorrow. You also can hear quotes from politicians and community leaders such as ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert, former Bethlehem Mayor Don Cunningham and former Gov. Tom Ridge regarding the industrial sites redevelopment. [This area] has played such a vital role in the history and development of our country, the city of Bethlehem, our Lehigh Valley and our nation, Glenn Reibman, former Northampton County executive, says in one of the recordings. ryan.kneller@mcall.com 610-820-6597 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY * What: A Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to preserving Americas rich industrial heritage through exhibits on steelmaking, silk manufacturing, propane production and more. * Where: 602 E. Second St., Bethlehem * Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday * How much: $12; $11, seniors, students and veterans (with valid ID); $9, ages 7-17; free, ages 6 and under. * Info: 610-694-6644, nmih.org October 27th marked the annual Tip-Off in the Forest for the Indiana State Mens and Womens Basketball teams. This event is summed up best as a way to get the players' recognition before the season begins, have a great time, and get the fans involved. Leading Communications and Technology Event Returns to Florida for 23rd Consecutive Year Shelton, CT January 31, 2023 TMC today announced that ManageEngine has signed on a Silver sponsor for MSP Expo, the #TECHSUPERSHOW, being held February 14-17, 2023 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. MSP Expo is the premier conference and networking summit for MSPs. This is where MSP business owners and technology specialists share strategies to grow their managed services businesses. Were glad to welcome ManageEngine as a Silver sponsor of MSP Expo in 2023, said Rich Tehrani, TMCs CEO. ManageEngine offers scalable, secure IT management solutions for managed service providers (MSPs). ManageEngine can help MSPs meet their clients requirements effortlessly. They are a must-see at the MSP Expo. "We are delighted to be a part of MSP Expo, which has become one of the premier gatherings of MSP executives and business decision-makers. ManageEngine has an extensive suite of IT management solutions for MSPs that not only offer improved security but also help with the efficient handling of IT problems and achieving compliance-related goals. We look forward to interacting with MSP Expo attendees and guiding them through their IT problems," said Sekar Subramanian, regional sales director at ManageEngine. Solution experts from ManageEngine will be available at booth 664 to interact with existing and potential customers and address their questions. Visit ManageEngine's website to learn more about how ManageEngine's various solutions can fulfill the requirements of MSPs. About ManageEngine ManageEngine is the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corporation. Established and emerging enterprises including 9 of every 10 Fortune 100 organizations rely on ManageEngine's real-time IT management tools to ensure optimal performance of their IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, endpoints and more. ManageEngine has offices worldwide, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, India, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Japan, China and Australia, as well as 200+ global partners to help organizations tightly align their business and IT. For more information, please visit manageengine.com, follow the company blog and get connected on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. About TMC Celebrating 50th Anniversary in 2022. Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet. For more information or to register for MSP Expo, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Michelle Connolly. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO or MSP Expo should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109. For the latest MSP Expo news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @MSPExpo. Media and Analyst Contact: Michelle Connolly Marketing Manager TMC 203-852-6800 x 170 [email protected] Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [ Free eNews Subscription Share this Page Edited by Erik Linask The Australian Taxation Office has renewed and extended its agreement with Macquarie Government, part of Macquarie Telecom Group, to leverage a range of data and cyber security services. The extended agreement will see Australian Taxation Office (ATO) benefit from Macquaries Secure Internet Gateway (SIG), 24x7x365 Security Operations Centre (SOC), sovereign data centre, hyperconverged infrastructure, and cloud services. This will support the connection between ATOs IT environment and the internet and protect the sensitive data of Australian organisations and citizens. Since the ATO signed an agreement in 2019, Macquarie has migrated SIG services as well as supported ATOs IT and security teams in relation to SIG. This involved monitoring of digital events on the ATOs SIG and triage of targeted attacks by Macquaries SOC. Macquarie Government provides SIG and other cyber security services to approximately 42% of the Federal Government based on staff headcount. Macquaries SOC provides a full inspection of internet traffic flows, content, and images to meet ATO policies, the Governments Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and Information Security Manual (ISM) controls, according to ATO. Were proud to play a key role in keeping one of Australias most fundamental government agencies secure, at a time when Australians are looking for greater assurance their critical government data and the institutions that store and protect it are fully secure, said Macquarie Government managing director Aidan Tudehope (pictured above). In growing its government cyber security capabilities, Macquarie Government has continued to invest in its infrastructure and service capabilities, including a significant focus on recruitment. It has more than 220 security cleared engineers servicing its clients. Macquarie Government has also expanded its sovereign data centre campus in Canberra, opening the $17 million Intellicentre 5 data centre in 2021. In December, Macquarie Government, Australias government cyber security specialist, also became the first company in Australia to have both its cloud and data centre services Certified Strategic by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA). This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 30 January 2023. COMPANY NEWS by CyberArk & Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre: With the ongoing cybersecurity hacks Australia has been experiencing, it is essential organisations are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be cyber resilient, particularly in the area of critical infrastructure. CyberArk , the global leader in Identity Security, has partnered with the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre as part of its commitment to the growth and development of the Australian cybersecurity ecosystem. Through collaboration with other key companies and startups in the industry, CyberArk hopes to impact the cyber resilience of Australian businesses and to address the current talent and skills crisis, as well as bring added innovation and resilience to Australias cyber security and defence strategy. Thomas Fikentscher, Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand, CyberArk said: As Australia and the rest of the world is faced with emerging cyber threats, especially targeted at critical infrastructure industries, it is more important than ever to foster a collaborative network of industry and emerging leaders in the sector to build stronger resilience capabilities with the right tools and knowledge for organisations to operate safely in the digital economy. Our collaboration with the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre is a great step in the right direction to drive needed innovation and also address the current talent and skills crisis. We couldnt be more thrilled to be a part of this initiative and see what we can achieve together. The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre facilitates the growth of Australias cyber community by championing collaboration, innovation and enterprise to thrive in the complex security threat landscape. It is part of LotFourteen, a world-class innovation district in South Australia solving complex global challenges leading to greater economic, social and cultural outcomes for all. The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre is committed to increasing Australias cyber security awareness, resilience and capability. As a member-based organisation, we believe collaboration can deliver greater outcomes and advancements within the cyber security ecosystem, and we are thrilled to be working with CyberArk. Our collaboration with CyberArk is one of relevance given the current skills and talent shortages and challenging threat landscape affecting all sectors of the industry, and we are excited to work together to strengthen the cyber security posture of organisations in Australia via various initiatives, said Kim Scott, Director and Chairman of the Australia Cyber Collaboration Centre. Lot Fourteens concept was first initiated in 2015 and is now a burgeoning innovation/hi-tech precinct which has $750M federal government funding, state funding and also $400m funding from industry coming into it. It is designed to accelerate innovation, research, education and commercialisation through collaboration. Telecom provider Orange Belgium and rival Telenet have signed acommercial 15-year wholesale agreement, which will provide access to the other partys fixed networks and cover both current hybrid fibre-coaxial and fibre-to-the-home technologies in both areas. Orange Belgium claims the agreement will democratise multi-gigabit fixed and mobile speeds in the country. In addition, Orange Belgium will provide Telenet with wholesale access to the hybrid fibre-coaxial network of VOO and Brutele and to its future fibre-to-the-home network in the regions of Wallonia and Brussels-Capital. Telenet will also become a wholesale customer, which will increase network penetration and the return on modernisation investments, Orange Belgium claims. The agreement is related to the acquisition of 75% less one share of VOO by Orange Belgium, which will require the approval of the European Commission. With the acquisition of VOO, we have an ambitious investment plan to modernise the network and provide our customers with multi-gigabit connectivity. Telenet's network agreement will complement our ability to deliver a hybrid fibre-coax and fibre-to-the-home connectivity value proposition to our customers, wherever they live, comments Orange Belgium CEO Xavier Pichon. We also welcome Telenet as a wholesale customer on our future VOO network. These agreements will promote competition and investments in networks on a national scale. The US is thinking of cutting off Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies from accessing any American components, including those from Intel and Qualcomm, a report claims. Bloomberg said some Biden administration officials were pushing for a total ban on US components reaching Huawei which has already been prevented from obtaining many American goods. It cited "people familiar with the matter" as saying Washington was looking at adjusting its licensing policy to achieve this end, but that no final decision had been made. The US tightened its policy on semiconductors in October last year, to restrict "the PRCs [People Republic of China's] ability to obtain advanced computing chips, develop and maintain supercomputers, and manufacture advanced semiconductors". In May 2019, while Donald Trump was in office, 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 placed 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 its Windows operating system 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. In November 2020, Huawei sold its low-cost Honor smartphone business to a conglomerate of firms. Once the top smartphone vendor in China, Huawei has now fallen well behind the likes of Xiaomi, Oppo and vivo. If Huawei is blocked from getting products from Intel, that could hit its laptop business which has been able to operate without any hitches so far, given that it is able to obtain Windows from Microsoft which it uses as the operating system on these devices. Bloomberg said the cutting off of Huawei would not mean much in material terms to US firms as the Chinese company now made up less than 1% of revenue for Qualcomm, Intel and AMD, according to its own analysis. CASE STUDY by blueAPACHE : Originally established as Madad Pty Ltd in Brisbane in the 1920s, Sealy of Australia has grown to become a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of high-quality mattresses. The companys journey with the Sealy brand began in 1969 when its owners travelled to the United States and negotiated to become a licensee of the American company in the Australian market. In 2000, this relationship evolved into a joint venture between the two companies that now underpins Sealys operations outside of the US. Sealy of Australias office in Brisbane is the headquarters for a network of offices and 15 manufacturing facilities across Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. These facilities enable the company to manufacture close to their customers and offer a premium service level, consistent with the brand. Across its broad geographic footprint, the company uses a mix of retail partners and Sealy branded stores to allow customers to experience and purchase its products. The importance of consultative business relationships Throughout its century-long history, Sealy of Australia has prided itself on the strong links it maintains with its business partners. The companys management believes that solid, long-term relationships underpin commercial success. Sealy Chief Information Officer, Phil Moss, says other important factors in good business relationships are the price points involved and the value that each delivers to the company. Unfortunately, we found that a telecommunications provider we had been working with for many years was no longer delivering on these three important points, says Moss. The technology being used was okay, however the business relationship had reached the stage where we had no choice but to look elsewhere for support. After reviewing a range of alternatives and carefully evaluating a shortlist of prospective new partners, a decision was taken in April 2021 to commence a new partnership with blueAPACHE. We were very impressed with blueAPACHE from the outset, says Moss. They took time to build a firm relationship with us and to understand our particular requirements. They then set about designing a networking infrastructure that met our needs both in Australia and internationally. During this period it became clear to us that blueAPACHE had the superior business experience and technical capabilities we needed to make a positive impact to our overall IT operations. The advanced technology mix recommended when combined with the companys costs and focus on achieving results ensured we would have a winning formula for success from the outset of the deployment. We found that blueAPACHE were also very consultative in their approach. Rather than coming with preconceived ideas of what we should deploy, they instead listened to what we needed and understood the critical role that data networks play within our business. Moss says it is also important that the two companies continue to have a strong cultural alignment. This stems from the fact that both are Australian based and have expanded internationally. Of all the factors at play, this alignment was key for us, he says. The senior management teams within both companies cemented strong relationships. This convinced us that, should any issues arise in the future, we would be able to have them resolved very quickly. A staged deployment Once planning had been completed, blueAPACHE began a staged rollout of the new network. Links were maintained with the legacy infrastructure to ensure there was no disruption to business activity and, if required, voice and data traffic could revert to the old network. After beginning with the companys six Australian sites, Sealy worked with blueAPACHE to roll out network links to one site in New Zealand, one in the United Kingdom and ten across the Asia-Pacific region. Following rigorous testing, the completed new network went fully live in April 2022. Moss says the works were completed during COVID lockdowns which served to complicate the rollouts, however the blueAPACHE team remained focused on the end goal of a fully functional network. blueAPACHE was very proactive throughout the deployment and took full ownership of any issues that arose, he says. I really liked the honesty exhibited by the team. They worked together as a cohesive whole and offered as much support as we required. Critical support for the Sealy brand and customer experiences As well as supporting Sealys office-based staff, the new network is also critical for the companys manufacturing capabilities. This is because all mattresses are made to order with a lead time of just three days. If the network is down, this promise to customers cannot be met which means the Sealy brand would suffer. Each time a mattress is produced, it is scanned and a unique barcoded sticker is printed and affixed to confirm it has successfully passed the companys rigorous quality assurance processes, says Moss. For this to happen, data needs to travel, in real time, between the factory and the companys headquarters in Australia. If there are any delays in this process it can lead to costly delays and disruption in the factory. If you have no data and no sticker, you end up with an unproductive factory, double handling of pieces, and perhaps the wrong pieces delivered. This is a situation we need to avoid at all costs. Moss says the network is also vital to other parts of the business. Staff across all locations need to access data and applications while also relying on it to provide voice communication services. Network links also provide critical support for the companys back-office functions. Moss says that, while its the Sealy brand that gains most attention, those working in the back office are equally important for the company. As well as our manufacturing facilities, the network supports core applications such as our ERP system and accounting applications, he says. An expanding relationship As well as being a partner that can manage and maintain Sealy Australias voice and data links, Moss says blueAPACHE has also shown it can add value in other ways. They keep a close eye on the evolving technology landscape and proactively suggest new approaches and products that could support our business as we continue to grow, says Moss. Chris Marshall, Managing Director, blueAPACHE, says the project benefitted from the fact that Sealy was able to leverage blueAPACHEs existing reference network architecture. This significantly reduced risk as the reference architecture aligns with recognised industry security frameworks. The project also benefitted from the fact that we were able to have one team in place that worked across everything from project deployment across the network to client service and cloud layers, Marshall says.. Moss says he looks forward to a long-term working relationship with blueAPACHE. Im confident we now have in place a proactive and trusted partner that will continue to support our operations in the longer term, he concludes. Wendi Stanford was, the prosecutor said, a woman who killed her son and almost got away with it. But the dogged determination of two police detectives, plus forensic evidence that cracked a cold case, led to a guilty verdict more than 10 years after 2-month-old Dillon Harbins death in Allentown. Now his mother, Wendi L. Stanford, will serve the next 15 to 30 years in a state prison. The defendant took her sons life, said Anna-Kristie Morffi Marks, Lehigh County deputy district attorney. It was a life full of promise. It was a life barely lived. A jury in January found Stanford, 32, guilty of third-degree murder and child endangerment. The panel found Stanford caused the babys November 2003 death by violently shaking him and hitting his head against a hard object. Weeping and shivering in court Tuesday, Stanford continued to declare her innocence. I am a mother who has suffered, not a violent monster, she told Judge Robert L. Steinberg. I am not a violent person and I belong home with my family. My children need me. Stanford, who has four surviving children, was arrested in 2013 after a grand jury investigation into Dillons death. The infant was taken off life support Nov. 11, 2003, two days after Stanford claimed he suddenly stopped breathing shortly after she put him to bed in her Walnut Street home. The case was ruled a homicide after doctors found a 4-inch fracture on the babys skull. Though police had initially looked into the babys death in 2003, the case grew cold after Stanford and her family moved to their native Alabama. Stanford told doctors and police that her 2-year-old daughter pushed Dillon out of a baby swing, causing him to fall on his head on a carpeted floor. Witnesses said she made a point at the hospital of loudly telling the little girl its not your fault, its not your fault. Three doctors testified at Stanfords trial that Dillons injuries were not consistent with falling from a baby swing. Allentown police Detective John Buckwalter investigated the babys death along with county Detective Ralph Romano. They tracked Stanford down in Alabama and brought her back to Allentown to face the charges. Buckwalter said it continues to bother him that Stanford blamed Dillons death on her daughter. He described the girl, now in her teens, bursting into tears at her fathers Alabama home last year when he told her how Dillon actually died. Her entire life, she thought she killed that baby. Her mother never once called her to tell her that she didnt do it, Buckwalter said. I dont think what Wendi did was natural. To put herself before the love of her child, that shows me Wendis not natural. Romano, the county detective, told the judge he was still hopeful that Stanford would confess. I hope today we can finally find out what happened and this kid can rest in peace, he said. Stanfords parents, sister and husband testified on her behalf. All said she was a loving mother who would never harm a child. Her stepmother, Karen Hooper, said Stanford was so devastated by Dillons death that she was delusional at his funeral. It was the most horrible thing Ive ever seen. This woman had to be restrained from taking her dead infant out of the coffin, she said. Stanfords husband, Russell Rusty Stanford, said he believes his wife was wrongly convicted. Although Morffi Marks noted the Stanfords lost custody of their own three children due to accusations of neglect and Wendi Stanfords drug use, Russell Stanford said child protection agents overreacted because he had problems with another baby mother of some of his seven other kids. Im pretty devastated. My kids ask every day where she is. Shes suffered enough, you know, losing her child 10 years ago, he said. As a condition of the sentence, Stanford is barred from having any unsupervised contact with children. Her attorney, David Nicholls, said Stanford intends to appeal her conviction. She maintains her innocence, she said she didnt kill that baby, and I have to respect that, he said. Third-degree murder is an intentional killing with malice, but without premeditation. Morffi Marks argued that the act of shaking and striking the baby against furniture proved Stanford acted maliciously. The jury declined to find Stanford guilty of first-degree murder, sparing her a mandatory life sentence. The maximum sentence for third-degree murder is 20 to 40 years. Before handing down the sentence, Steinberg called the crime unthinkable and unfathomable, citing statistics on how rare it is for a parent to kill an infant. This child was defenseless, and for whatever the motivation, you took his life, Steinberg told Stanford. lmason@mcall.com Twitter @LehighCourts 610-820-6506 This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. A Bucks County man admitted in federal court Wednesday that he and his wife conspired to steal nearly $1.5 million from Greek fraternities, sororities and alumni at Lehigh University. Albert Fisher, 77, of Milford Township pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud and filing false tax returns before U.S. District Joseph F. Leeson in Allentown. The seven charges carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $1.75 million fine, according to court documents. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gallagher said the government will request a sentence at the short end of the range recommended under federal sentencing guidelines in recognition of Fishers acceptance of responsibility for the crimes. He had been scheduled to stand trial on the charges earlier this month before agreeing to plead guilty. Leeson scheduled Fishers sentencing for Jan. 17. Fisher was charged in April, about two years after Fraternity Management Association, the company his wife managed and where he was employed, abruptly ceased operations. His wife, Elizabeth Fisher, committed suicide in February after her husband became a target of the investigation, her attorney said, and was never charged with a crime. The closure left hundreds of Lehigh fraternity and sorority members without meals for the last half of the spring 2014 semester. Prosecutors say university and alumni groups incurred an additional $990,000 in losses as they scrambled to provide alternative dining options for students. The indictment detailing allegations against Fisher said the total loss to victims was at least $2.45 million. Fraternity Management Association is now suing Elizabeth Fishers estate, Albert Fisher, the couples children, several other FMA employees and members of the organizations board of trustees. The suit in Northampton County Court claims that the Fishers, their family and employees benefitted wrongly by taking money from the company and that the board members failed to properly oversee its business. Prosecutors say Albert and Elizabeth Fisher, who is identified as Person No. 1 in the indictment, stole from the company between 2009 and 2014 by paying themselves exorbitant salaries and using FMA accounts to pay credit card bills for luxury department stores, clothing, furniture and travel, including a cruise. Elizabeth Fisher also authorized payments to a consulting firm, Fisher and Associates, that she created and which used the couples home as its business address. FMA was the consulting firms sole client and paid nearly $458,000, court documents say. Albert Fisher often claimed that he had worked more hours than he had actually worked. In some months, he claimed to have worked more than 24 hours a day. In January 2012, for example, Fisher was paid for an average of 35 hours for each of the 31 days in the month, court documents say. Elizabeth Fisher also wrote checks to make payments on Albert Fishers credit cards, including nearly $12,000 at Neiman Marcus and more than $1,700 at Saks in January 2013. In July 2013, she used the companys account to pay for a $7,900 cruise, $9,844 worth of travel, $2,000 worth of home furnishings and $1,300 more at Neiman Marcus, court documents say. In March 2014, Elizabeth Fisher sent an email to each of the fraternities and sororities stating the company had more than $1.4 million in its accounts. The following day, she sent another email stating it was financially insolvent and would go out of business. The company had about $2,500 remaining in its accounts, the indictment says. Fraternity Management Association was founded in 1967 to manage food purchasing and preparation, housekeeping and financial services for Greek organizations at Lehigh. The company had been closely associated with Lehigh, with the university collecting room and board fees for fraternity and sorority members through its bursars office. However, in 2011, Lehigh changed the relationship, no longer collecting the money and requiring Fraternity Management Association to move out of university office space. peter.hall@mcall.com Twitter @pahall215 610-820-6581 Following fierce public outcry, an Ohio judge on Wednesday agreed to take a second look at the 10-day jail sentence given to a 79-year-old grandmother who repeatedly violated her towns ordinance against feeding stray cats. Nancy Segula of Garfield Heights was sentenced to jail last week following her fourth court appearance for violating a city ordinance that makes it illegal for people to feed dogs and cats that arent their own. Segula, who was first cited in 2015, admitted to feeding up to 22 felines, who she said were left to fend for themselves after her neighbor moved away. The story touched a nerve with Lehigh Valley cat rescuers, who often find themselves caught between well-intentioned cat lovers and neighbors who consider free-roaming cats pests. Cats dont stay on one property, so its understandable that people get upset when someone in the neighborhood is feeding cats but not getting them fixed, said Barbara Greenzweig, president of the Palmerton Cat Project, a group of volunteers who successfully petitioned Palmerton Council to ease its cat-feeding policy in the borough earlier this year. Rules about feeding stray and feral cats vary from town to town, with cats often lumped in with wild animals such as raccoons and deer. Bethlehem, for example, doesnt have a cat-specific ordinance, but people can be cited under a public health nuisance ordinance that addresses individuals who leave out food for stray animals, said Bethlehem Health Director Kristen Wenrich. Residents who feed stray cats in violation of the ordinance face a $100 fine for their first offense, up to $1,000 for a fourth or subsequent citation. Jail time is highly unlikely, said Bethlehem police Chief Mark DiLuzio. I think an ordinance like the one in Ohio does more harm than good, DiLuzio said. Its better to try to educate the feeder instead of punishing them. Cat-feeding is not addressed under any Emmaus ordinance, but residents can be fined for violating the boroughs cat at large rules, which prohibit people from allowing pet cats to roam free, said animal control officer April Schiel. Once a resident starts feeding cats that wander onto their property, an argument could be made that they own the animals, Schiel said. That means they need to show the cats are vaccinated against rabies. Our main concern is a rabies outbreak, Schiel said. The main complaint we hear is that cats dig up peoples flower beds. Schiel said she tries to educate cat-feeders about low-cost trap-neuter-return ? TNR ? in which feral cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated, then returned to the area they were trapped from. Over time, TNR is believed to reduce free-roaming cat populations. Cat-feeding is definitely a gray area. If a person is feeding cats, they should definitely make sure those cats are fixed, Schiel said. No one in Palmerton has been jailed for feeding stray cats, but tensions in the Carbon County borough ran high last year after a 76-year-old woman was fined $123 for feeding two feral cats who had been coming to her home for years. Under a 2017 ordinance, residents can be cited for providing feeding stations for wild animals, including free-roaming cats. Animal control officers were alerted to the womans actions by a neighbor, and an officer took photos of paper plates with cat food on them in her yard. The woman stopped feeding the cats, but they continued to show up for dinner. Someone snapped a photo of them waiting patiently to be fed and shared it on Facebook, sparking outrage among cat rescuers, who packed several council meetings. In April, the two sides came to a compromise, with Palmerton Council adopting a policy that allows for the controlled feeding of feral cats, as long as plates are picked up and no food is left out overnight, without rescinding the ordinance. Greenzweig, of the Palmerton Cat Project, said it was the good outcome. Cats who have become reliant on human caretakers can still be fed, while her group educates residents about vaccinating and sterilizing the animals. Thats the bottom line. If you feed cats, you have to fix them, Greenzweig said. Back in Ohio, officials in Nancy Segulas town were reeling Wednesday from the uproar over her impending jail stay. In a statement, a Garfield Heights spokesperson addressed the many phone calls to Garfield Heights police and City Hall. It is important to note that the animal warden has received numerous complaints regarding this issue from other residents in the area of Mrs. Segulas home, dating back to early 2015. Once aware of the issue, the animal warden attempted to work with Mrs. Segula to humanely clear the area of the cats and advised her of the city ordinance prohibiting feeding strays. Mrs. Segula was also made aware of her neighbors concerns, however, she continued to feed the cats, the statement read. Segula, who was found guilty of contempt of court for her continued cat feeding, was supposed to report to jail Aug. 11. But Municipal Court Judge Jennifer Weiler on Wednesday stayed Segulas sentence, saying she wanted to examine the case. A new court date has not yet been set. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com Jerry Rivera, a senior at Freedom High School, is known for his quiet confidence and analytical mind. Its this strategic nature that recently helped the 17-year-old secure a full-ride scholarship to Princeton University. His tuition, meals and housing will all be covered. Ive always known about college debt since middle school, and Ive always wanted to avoid that, he said. That was the main reason why I applied to QuestBridge, because I knew that it was an opportunity. I just had to take it. QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects low-income, high-achieving students with top colleges and universities. These schools provide either full scholarships or large financial aid packages to admitted participants. Rivera said it was his goal to earn a full ride when he learned about QuestBridge through a mail flier. He completed a college prep program with the organization before applying to schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University and Princeton, through the National College Match program. My parents were supportive, they did whatever they could to help, but I knew that no one in my immediate family had experience with applying to college, he said. So it sort of felt like I was taking it all on my own, because I had to do a lot of stuff by myself. The first in his family to attend college, Rivera found out he was admitted to the New Jersey Ivy League school in December. He plans to study either computer science or electrical engineering. Gladys Oquendo, Riveras mother, said her son was worried about not being able to afford college. Oquendo doesnt work, and Riveras father is employed as a security guard at Wind Creek Bethlehem. He was doing everything by himself, she said. I didnt really know what he was doing until he told me, I got in. And I said, You got in where? He opened his Chromebook, and right there, it said that he was matched with one of the colleges. Let me tell you, I cried, she said. I cried because hes the first one. I mean, Princeton? Princeton. Its unbelievable. Freedom High School senior Jerry Rivera sits next to his mother, Gladys Oquendo, during a ceremony celebrating Riveras being a recipient of a full scholarship to Princeton University through QuestBridge on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township. Rivera said he applied to Princeton because the university offers a wide range of majors in the STEM fields, which are science, technology, engineering and math. He likes the flexibility this provides, and he appreciated the schools emphasis on independent work. Rivera said hes interested in technology, electrical systems and problem-solving, but hes still weighing his options when it comes to potential majors. As he thinks about attending Princeton next year, Rivera said hes intimidated, but also excited. He wants to focus on his work, but also become more outgoing. He sees Princeton as an opportunity to be more social and get involved in clubs. I feel like that was my biggest regret for high school since I wasnt really active until halfway through, he said, noting the COVID-19 pandemic limited some of his social experiences when learning was online. Its going to be hard to get used to since college is a lot different, he said. And its also going to be a bit harder because I dont have anyone to talk to about the experience. Rivera said he hopes to connect with other QuestBridge students at Princeton to make friends and talk about college with other students who are the first in their families to go. That opens me up to meeting people with similar situations as me, he said. As for his time in the Lehigh Valley, Rivera grew up going to Bethlehem schools and ranks in the top 10 students in his senior class. He has been exposed to potential engineering career options through a district vocational technical program in partnership with Lafayette College, for which he is working on building a remote control car to act as a mini-rescue vehicle. Rivera is also part of Freedoms chess and engineering clubs, and enjoys his math and science classes, he said. His teachers said Rivera is among the hardest-working students theyve taught. Hes got the Kobe Bryant work ethic of math. He just works at it so hard, said Chris Bilotti, who taught Rivera pre-calculus. Theres obviously natural ability there, but his work ethic is unparalleled. Bilotti said Rivera would often turn in work with detailed explanations, including hand-drawn copies of the graphs from his calculator work. Jeff Young, who teaches Riveras Advanced Placement calculus class, said Rivera is always interested in understanding concepts, not just getting good grades. And although Rivera is naturally quiet, Young said he comes out of his shell when hes working on math problems, even correcting Young on errors. Unfortunately, Im a little notorious for making mistakes, and the class running joke is theres always a mistake, and Jerry is often the one who finds it, he said. Sometimes we call it, Jerry Math. John Harvey, who taught Riveras Advanced Placement physics 2 class, said hes similarly seen Rivera become more outgoing during class. I had them work a lot in teams on some of the problem-solving, and he was a great group member, Harvey said. He would know when to take a leadership role, and when to sit back and listen. Harvey said Rivera would playfully chastise his group when they didnt listen to him about an answer. Hes usually very quiet, very reserved, so for him to jump out and tell his group, See, I told you I was right. You didnt listen. It was just neat, Harvey said. Hes very unassuming. Hes not boastful or arrogant about his quality of work. Riveras modesty continued even after being admitted to an Ivy League school, one of the best in the country, Harvey said. He recalls Riveras humility when the two talked about the achievement. He was so modest, Harvey said. I would be running around with my hair on fire, I would be so excited. And he was just very calm about it. He is undoubtedly deserving. Morning Call reporter Jenny Roberts can be reached at 484-903-1732 and jroberts@mcall.com. Today Rain showers this morning with numerous thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Tomorrow Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 77F. Winds light and variable. An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo Myanmar's military seized power on February 1, 2021, ousting the civilian government and arresting its de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 2,800 people have since been killed in the junta's bloody crackdown on dissent, according to the United Nations, while thousands more have been arrested. Here is a look back at the two years since the coup, which ended a decade-long experiment with democracy after half a century of military rule. - Pre-dawn raids - Soldiers detain Suu Kyi and her top allies during pre-dawn raids on February 1 ahead of the opening of the new parliament. The generals claim fraud in the November 2020 election, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide. Their actions spark global condemnation, from Pope Francis to US President Joe Biden, and soon the United States, European Union and others announce sanctions. - Growing crackdown - Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, a young woman shot on February 9, dies 10 days later after becoming a national symbol of opposition to the junta. Violent crackdowns on street protests escalate, and by March 11, Amnesty International says it has documented atrocities by the junta including the use of battlefield weapons on unarmed protesters. A day later, a UN rights expert on Myanmar accuses the military of crimes against humanity. - Deadliest day - More than 100 civilians are killed in protest crackdowns on March 27, 2021 -- Armed Forces Day, the military's annual show of strength. It is the deadliest day since the coup. The next month, ousted civilian lawmakers forced into hiding announce the formation of a shadow "National Unity Government". - Suu Kyi's trial begins - In June, more than four months after she was detained, Suu Kyi goes on trial in a closed junta court. She faces an eclectic mix of charges, including illegally importing walkie-talkies and flouting Covid-19 restrictions during the 2020 elections. - Election results cancelled - In late July, the junta cancels the results of the 2020 polls, claiming more than 11 million instances of voter fraud. - Suu Kyi jailed - On December 6, Suu Kyi receives her first jail sentence -- four years for incitement against the military and breaching Covid-19 regulations. The sentence is then cut to two years. - Executions - In July 2022, the junta announces it has executed a former lawmaker from Suu Kyi's party along with a prominent activist over allegations of "terrorism" -- the country's first use of capital punishment in decades. The news sparks renewed outrage. A junta spokesman later says the pair, along with two others who were executed for allegedly killing an informer, "deserved many deaths". - Lavrov visits - Days later, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visits and says Moscow backs the junta's efforts to "stabilise" the country and hold elections in 2023. - Ex-ambassador arrested - In August 2022, authorities arrest former British ambassador Vicky Bowman for allegedly breaching immigration rules. The arrest came as Britain announced new sanctions on firms it said had helped raise funds for the military during its 2017 crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. Bowman and her husband, prominent artist Htein Lin, are later jailed for a year. In November, they are freed in a mass amnesty, along with a Japanese journalist arrested at an anti-coup protest and an Australian former adviser to Suu Kyi detained since the early days of the coup. - Air strikes - In September, at least 11 schoolchildren are killed in a junta air strike on a school in the northern Sagaing region as the military ramps up the use of its air power. In October, air strikes on a concert held by a major ethnic rebel group kill about 50 people and wound 70, according to the Kachin Independence Army, which has clashed regularly with the junta since the coup. - Suu Kyi trials finish - After 18 months, Suu Kyi's trial wraps up on December 30 with a final jail term of seven years for corruption -- taking her total sentence to 33 years. The junta gives no details on whether she will be allowed to serve her sentences under house arrest. - Elections? - In January 2023, the junta gives political parties two months to re-register under a strict new electoral law in the latest sign it is planning fresh polls this year. The United States has said any elections would be a "sham". Close ally Moscow says it supports holding polls. Lula has even created a ministry for the indigenous people in the Amazon, which is unprecedented, says Brazilian lawyer Paulo Busse. But what the President says is one thing, and whether he will have the conditions to implement what he says is a whole different issue. Our Congress is divided, and half the Congress is made up of members of the agribusiness caucus, which is against the environment and against indigenous and traditional communities rights. He will have to negotiate with them. Busse co-wrote a "Communication" to the International Criminal Court, asking the ICC to act on possible crimes against humanity in the Brazilian Amazon. It was drawn up on behalf of a group of Brazilian and international NGOs and filed to the ICC on November 9, 2022, just as Lula was staging a comeback in elections to defeat Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro (in power from 2019 to January 1, 2023), whose right-wing policies and ties to agribusiness are seen as having largely exacerbated the Amazon problem. Its not a case against Bolsonaro Another co-author of this Communication is British lawyer Richard Rogers of the NGO Climate Counsel. Considering how long these types of crimes have been going on and the lack of accountability through the local justice system, we feel there's evidence that the Brazilians are either unwilling or unable to deal with this issue, Rogers told Justice Info. There are many Brazilian prosecutors who are very active and very courageous, but they are attempting to deal with an individual event, such as a single murder. He says there has never been an effort to take a bird's eye view and construct a case of crimes against humanity within the Brazilian justice system. So we feel the ICC, which has a mandate to prosecute international crimes, is better placed to look at how the crimes committed over the last decade can be tied together as part and parcel of the same policy, developed and implemented by a network of public and private sector actors, says Rogers. And its not just about Bolsonaro, he told Justice Info. The evidence suggests that certain members of the Bolsonaro administration are key actors within the network and have been instrumental in promoting the criminal policy resulting in crimes against humanity, and so these individuals would likely be persons of interest for the ICC, he continued. But Bolsonaro is part of the system, not the system per se. Its not a case against Bolsonaro, we see this as a system crime. And it's a system that needs to be dismantled. Murder, torture and land-grabbing There have been over 12,000 land or water-related conflicts in the Brazilian Amazon over the past ten years, according to the Communication filed in conjunction with Greenpeace Brasil and Observatorio do Clima to the Prosecutors office at the ICC. It says it provides evidence that an organised network of politicians, civil servants, law enforcement officers, businessmen, and other criminals carried out a widespread or systematic attack against rural land users and defenders in the Amazon region. These crimes include murder, persecution, and inhuman acts, says the Communication. The evidence shows that, from 2011 to 2021, the conflicts have resulted in 430 murders, 554 attempted murders, 2,290 death threats, 87 cases of torture, and over 100,000 expulsions or evictions. The victims are from a variety of Indigenous Peoples, traditional communities, and other vulnerable groups, whose land has been ruthlessly exploited for profit through a widespread or systematic attack against their lives and livelihoods. Weak Brazilian justice in a very difficult region Busse agrees that there are some courageous Brazilian prosecutors, who have taken up some cases. But, he says, we have a justice system that especially in the Amazon region is historically unable to investigate and prosecute those crimes. And it is not only lack of will, it's also lack of resources -- human resources, financial resources. The region is very difficult. For instance, the mobility in the region is controlled by organised groups. This is one of the heritages that Bolsonaro left. What is needed now, he says, is for the State to reclaim the ground from these organised groups and give more resources to the justice system. We need a project to implement the laws that we have, that are very clear that the Brazilian State has the obligation to protect environmental defenders and traditional communities in the Amazon, he told Justice Info. He says the government also needs to put more prosecutors specialised in these environmental issues and human rights issues in the region, which basically ends up in more financial investments for the State. Legal avenues outside the ICC This is by no means the first NGO Communication to the ICC asking it to act on Brazil. There have been at least six others since November 2019, all targeting Bolsonaro directly. Rogers says this one is broader and less politicised. Asked if they have had a response from the ICC, he says they have had only an acknowledgement of receipt. And if the ICC doesnt take this up? Our job is to try to persuade the ICC Prosecutor that this is a case that falls within their jurisdiction and is so serious that it should be prioritised over others, says Rogers, because the Amazon also has such an important place in the world to prevent global warming. It's either the biggest carbon sink or one of the biggest carbon emitters, depending on what you do with it. We see this Communication as a kind of springboard to pursue various other forms of accountability, he says. Those could include accountability in the local courts, as well as targeting human rights abuses and the corrupt officials through human rights sanctions regimes, targeting businesses and financiers through anti-money laundering legislation. There is also potential civil action in Brazil or elsewhere, and possible universal jurisdiction cases in third countries for crimes against humanity. The situation in Brazil is fragile, says Busse, especially after the arrests of Bolsonaro supporters involved in the January 8 attack on governments buildings in the capital. He says that historically we could never tackle crimes in the Amazon. I know its going to be difficult. But for the first time in history, we have a president that has put it at the centre of his agenda. UN rights experts called Tuesday for an immediate independent probe into abuses and possible war crimes committed in Mali by government forces and Russia's Wagner group. In a statement, the experts said that since 2021 they had received "persistent and alarming accounts" of violations committed by Malian armed forces and their allies in the Mopti area and elsewhere. Among the abuses were "horrific executions, mass graves, acts of torture, rape and sexual violence, pillaging, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances," they said. The experts include members of the UN working group on the use of mercenaries, and the special rapporteurs on torture and on protecting rights while countering terrorism. They are appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the world body. They said they were especially concerned about reports of mass executions last March at a village called Moura in central Mali. Over several days, according to their information, "Malian forces, accompanied by military personnel believed to belong to the Wagner Group, executed several hundred people who had been rounded up." Most of the victims were members of the Fulani, a minority, also called Peul, they said. Human Rights Watch (HRW) in April last year had sounded the alarm over the bloodshed at Moura. The group said 300 civilians had been killed in "the worst single atrocity" recorded in Mali's long-running conflict. The UN's peacekeeping force also requested access to the site. The UN experts said on Tuesday they had conveyed their concerns directly to Mali's government. "We are disturbed by the apparent increased outsourcing of traditional military functions to the so-called Wagner Group in various military operations, also encompassing operations defined as counter-terrorism," they said. "Mali must exert the utmost vigilance in prohibiting the direct participation in hostilities of all private individuals operating on its territory," they insisted. "The use of mercenaries, mercenary-like actors and private security and military companies only exacerbates the cycle of violence and impunity prevailing in the country." Wagner, an infamous Russian mercenary group founded in 2014, has been involved in conflicts in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East as well as Ukraine. Earlier this month, the Uited States designated it a "transnational criminal organisation", putting it in league with Italian mafia groups and Japanese and Russian organised crime. 50 Years Friendship between China and Australia: Chinatown busker Kieran Laws People's Daily Online) 10:54, January 31, 2023 Kieran Laws, from Australia, engages in both teaching and music. He developed a strong interest in Chinese music after listening to Jay Chous songs, and spent two years in China from 2013. Back in Australia, he began performing Jay Chous songs in Sydneys Chinatown, which was met with great acclaim. He also uses Chinese to communicate with his students and their parents of Chinese background. Laws believes his experience in China as well as Chinese culture have had a positive impact on him, and is looking forward to his future visits to the country. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang) In saying he wants to scare the hell out of kids, Lamont McClure means it in the best way possible. Hes not an ogre, but a government leader concerned that messages about the danger of tainted street drugs might otherwise be lost on young people already awash in warnings about lifes perils. But we dont just want to scare them, we want to educate them, the Northampton County executive said Tuesday during a news conference announcing the launch of a multimedia awareness program called Fake Is Real. Its a paradoxical name for a straightforward problem the growing prevalence of street drugs laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid so powerful that a dose the size of a few grains of sand can be deadly. Officials estimate 4 out of 10 pills bought on the street marketed by dealers as oxycodone or other drugs contain lethal amounts of fentanyl. It is also found in heroin and cocaine. Fentanyl-tainted drugs are just the latest unnerving facet of the opioid epidemic that, since 1999, has killed nearly 600,000 Americans through overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention divides the epidemic into waves, beginning with the increase of opioid painkiller prescriptions in the 1990s and moving into a rapid increase in heroin and synthetic opioid deaths in the 2010s. As much as we see things in television and read about this epidemic, its hard to fathom, said District Attorney Terry Houck, one of Tuesdays speakers. Its frightening, the amount of cases I see just in Northampton County. And though it is a small part of the world, its no less frightening. The logo of Northampton Countys Fake Is Real campaign to raise awareness of the danger of fentanyl-tainted street drugs Much of the countys counterattack on fentanyl is funded, in a roundabout way, by the pharmaceutical companies blamed for starting the epidemic by aggressively marketing opioids to physicians. Many patients prescribed pills for injuries or post-operative pain soon found themselves in thrall to substances with immense addictive power. When they couldnt get more by prescription, they turned to the street market. This was my wakeup call, Houck said. We received complaints about drug deliveries resulting in death that we investigated criminally, only to find that the addict was really a person who had a knee procedure a year or two prior to that and got hooked on pain medication that was prescribed. Houck and other Pennsylvania district attorneys successfully sued Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson and other drug companies. The office received more than $2 million from its share of the settlement. Houck gave the money to the Human Services Department for measures to fight addiction, including the Fake Is Real campaign. The county is also getting money from the states share of a $26 billion national settlement against drug companies. Spread over 18 years, it will be used to support recovery centers, improve mental health assessments and referrals, strengthen veterans services and create a mobile outreach vehicle called Hope One, which will bring programs into underserved neighborhoods. Sarah Clark of the Easton marketing and branding firm Kudu, hired to created Fake Is Real, said it is geared toward the 13-35 age group, considered the most vulnerable to the epidemic. The most visible element will be billboards and signs around the county, some carrying grim messages You Dont Take Fentanyl, Fentanyl Takes You and Youll Only Be Dead Wrong Once and directing people to the most important part of the campaign, its website, fakeisreal.org. Its a clearinghouse of information on how to get help with drug addiction, how to share the dangers with loved ones, and how to acquire and use naloxone, a medication sold under the brand name Narcan that can reverse the effect of narcotics overdoses. Pennsylvania has seen a 760% increase in fentanyl deaths from 2015 to 2021, said Kathleen Jiorle, administrator of the countys Drug & Alcohol Division, offering the kind of statistic that officials hope will cause users to think twice about buying street pills. That is roughly a total of 14,000 people that have died from fentanyl since 2015, she said. We are hoping this campaign will shed a brighter light on this problem in our community. Morning Call reporter Daniel Patrick Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6598 or dsheehan@mcall.com. Netflix's hit movie "20th Century Girl" earned massive popularity in 2022. Apart from topping the global chart as one of the most-watched Korean content on the platform, its lead stars also gained recognition. With the 2023's arrival, let's know what's in store for Kim Yoo Jung, Byeon Woo Seok, Roh Yoon Seo, and Park Jung Woo after they made outstanding performances in the "20th Century Girl"! Kim Yoo Jung Kim Yoo Jung has long been recognized for her acting skills. From leading various dramas alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry, Kim Yoo Jung is one of today's in-demand actresses. She marked "20th Century Girl" as her return to acting following a hiatus. This year, she will meet the audience for the first time on stage as she makes her debut as a musical actress in "Shakespeare in Love" to run from January 28 to March 26. The celebrity is also being courted to lead the fantasy romance drama "My Demon" where she might team up with K-heartthrob, Song Kang. Byeon Woo Seok Thanks to his natural charm and laudable acting, Byeon Woo Seok won the hearts of the viewers after he played the role of Poong Won Ho in "20th Century Girl." He, unsurprisingly, amassed a million followers on Instagram amid the film's popularity. This 2023, projects are in store for the new K-heartthrob. He will star in the forthcoming movie "Soul Mate," alongside Kim Da Mi and Jeon So Nee, which is scheduled to release in March. Byeon Woo Seok is also returning to the small screen through the series "Strong Girl Nam Soon." Roh Yoon Seo Before making her silver screen debut in "20th Century Girl," Roh Yoon Seo already made her appearance through tvN's healing series "Our Blues." With her back-to-back projects in 2022, the rookie continues to be relevant in the eyes of many. She is currently starring in the healing K-drama on Netflix, "Crash Course in Romance." She plays the role of the genius and kind student Nam Hae E. Roh Yoon Seo is getting more recognition in her new drama for exhibiting a new side of her. Roh Yoon Seo was previously courted to join Park Ji Hoon in the upcoming webtoon-based drama "Bastard." However, her agency announced that she declined the offer. Park Jung Woo He first met the viewers in "Hospital Playlist" season 1, which also marked his acting debut in 2020. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Byeon Woo Seok Admits His Heart Skipped A Beat in THIS '20th Century Girl' Scene Because of Kim Yoo Jung In the same year, he starred in OCN's "Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation." Since he entered the world of showbiz, Park Jung Woo has been receiving offers to star in dramas. The young actor also appeared in "Hospital Playlist 2" and "D.P." As of this writing, Park Jung Woo has no confirmed projects yet. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramastars. KDramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Park Bo Gum and IU's new drama "Thank You For Your Hard Work" has included two award-winning stars who will join the powerhouse cast lineup. According to reports, Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon have confirmed to join the upcoming drama series written by Im Sang Choon of "Fight for My Way" and "When the Camellia Blooms." Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon to play Park Bo Gum and IU's Roles in New Drama In the highly anticipated K-drama, it follows the story of Ae Soon and Gwan Shik who were both born on Jeju Island. The drama will focus on the duo's connection and will go back and forth between the childhood and adulthood of the two main characters. With this, the two veteran stars will portray the older version of IU who plays Ae Soon. She dreams to become a poet despite being unable to attend school due to their family's status. Although she was not born into a well-off family, Ae Soon has a bold character and is full of positivity. As for Park Hae Joon, he is set to play the role of Park Bo Gum as Gwan Shik. In the upcoming K-drama, Gwan Shik is described as someone who is very diligent and timid. He silently loves Ae Soon and has been with her since they were little. With the team-up between two powerhouse stars, the series is expected to increase the level of immersion as the veteran stars play adult Ae Soon and Gwan Shik. Slated to premiere sometime this 2023, Park Bo Gum and IU's drama is directed by Kim Won Seok, of "Misaeng (Incomplete Life)," "Signal," and "My Mister." Following the cast update, reports say that they will start production in the first half of 2023. Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon's Drama and Movies Apart from their upcoming team-up with IU and Park Bo Gum, Park Hae Joon and Moon So Ri have starred in a slew of notable on-screen projects. Besides playing the role of Cha Jin Soo in "Doctor Stranger" he also played a supporting character in "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" "My Mister" and a lead role in "My Beautiful Bride." Interestingly, he received global fame after playing the budding producer Lee Tae Oh in the hit K-drama "The World of the Married." She plays the on-screen husband of Kim Hae Ae who portrays doctor Ji Sun Woo, but despite his almost perfect family, he had an affair with Yeo Da Kyung, played by Han So Hee. As for Moon So Ri, starred in "The Legend," "My Life's Golden Age" and "On the Verge of Insanity." Moreover, she is headlining the cast of the star-studded K-drama "Queen Maker" with Kim Hee Ae and Ryu Soo Young. Fans' excitement rose up through the roof as Seol in Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo's comeback drama "Oasis" has finally released its first ever teaser! "Oasis" is a romance drama set in the '80s; a new period drama that will deliver a great watching experience about love, youth and friendship. 'Oasis' Unveils First Teaser With Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon, More The forthcoming youth series "Oasis" starring Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo unveiled its first ever drama teaser! On January 30, broadcast network KBS amplified the prospective viewers' excitement and released the teaser of its upcoming period romance series. "Oasis" follows three young adults who experience all the ups and downs of life while keeping their relationship, friendship and dreams amidst the changing time of the '80s. Seol In Ah takes on the role of Oh Jung Shin, a quirky transfer student from Seoul while Jang Dong Yoon plays the role of Lee Doo Hak, a high school student who only has himself and his friend Choi Cheol Woong, played by Chu Young Woo. In the newly released teaser, viewers are taken back to the past as Lee Doo Hak and Choi Cheol Woong go back to school and get punished for their mischievousness. The appearance of Oh Jung Shin, clad in her band attire, exudes ethereal and cider-like aura. Because of this, Lee Doo Hak and Choi Cheol Woong couldn't take their eyes off of her. While the scene decorates the screen with purity and excitement, a dark shadow falls on the three youths' faces as they struggle in the societal changes and expectations that threaten the foundation of their friendship. Attention is given to Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo, the three hottest stars of their generation, who meet for the first time through "Oasis." 'Oasis' K-drama Details and What To Expect From the Show KBS2's upcoming period melodrama "Oasis" marks Seol In Ah, Jang Dong Yoon and Chu Young Woo's comeback work after dominating the year 2022 with their respective projects. It also celebrates Seol In Ah and Jang Dong Yoon's reunion after six years. The two first met on the set of the hit drama "School 2017." On the other hand, "Oasis" will be handled by renowned directors Han Hee and Yoon Sung Shik and screenwriter Jung Hyung Soo. "Oasis" aims to bring comfort to the people who experienced, and are currently experiencing, the struggle of keeping oneself together as they are tested by time, fate and society. In the series, the characters will be put to hurdles and are expected to endure the challenges during the major crisis in the '80s and '90s. The KBS work is set to hit the screen on March 6 at 9:50 p.m. KST! Don't miss it! KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Song Joong Ki and Katy Louise Saunders once again made headlines after the Hallyu superstar announces his marriage to his girlfriend. From wedding bells, the "Reborn Rich" star also surprised the public after he mentioned on his fan cafe that he is soon to become a father. Now that secrets are out, reporter turned YouTuber Lee Jin Ho spills more tea about the couple's relationship. Former Reporter Turned YouTuber Says Song Joong Ki and Wife Have Been Dating for 3 Years As obtained by a media outlet, the former reporter revealed a surprising detail about Song Jong Ki's relationship with his new wife. In his YouTube channel, Lee Jin Ho uploaded a video, titled "Song Joong Ki remarried! The crucial secret that the groom-to-be couldn't tell" and says that the actor and the British actress have been dating for quite some time. He said that after the actor's agency confirmed his relationship status to the public, the South Korean heartthrob attended a dinner along with the cast of his upcoming movie "Ro Ki Wan" where he spoke about how he met Katy Louise Saunders. "Since the rumor was new, other actors' interest naturally went to it. At dinner, Song Joong Ki showed other actors all the photos of Katy Louise Saunders on his phone," the YouTuber said. Moroever, he also added that the cast and officials of the movie were surprised and were stunned to see how beautiful the British actress is. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Song Joong Ki's Wife Rumored to Give Birth in THIS Month + Actor's Agency Shares Wedding Updates On the other hand, some thought that she might be a little older than Song Joong Ki. Lee Jin Ho also added that during the team's get-together, the actor revealed that he and his now wife have been dating for almost three years. It was after Song Joong Ki revealed how he met Katy Louise Saunders and how their relationship began. "In fact, he told his colleagues that Katy had settled in Korea for a year and they had been seeing each other for nearly three years," the reporter-turned-YouTuber added. As for the reason why he only revealed his relationship just now, Lee Jin Ho claimed that the actor "can't help but be swept away by rumors," adding that it felt like he is set to reveal his relationship to the public after registering the marriage. Dispatch Says Katy Louise Saunders Has Been Living At the Song Joong Ki's Luxurious Estate After surprising the public with bombshell news, Dispatch revealed that the couple have been living under one roof even before he confirmed the romance. The media outlet says that the British actress went to Korea in the Spring of 2022 and stayed with Song Joong Ki at his Hannam district villa in Seoul. With Song Joong Ki's now wife living at his place, the actor even hired an English-Korean translator to help assist Katy when he is not around and filming his movies. KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Song Joong Ki closes the month of January with a bang! The internationally-acclaimed star announced his marriage with British partner, former actress Katy Louise Sanders. Apart from that, the couple is also expecting! But while the Hallyu scene is thrilled with the news, many avid fans of the actor remained indifferent and here's why. Song Joong Ki Criticized Over Remarriage Announcement Wedding bells just rang for Song Joong Ki and Katy Louise Sanders! On January 30, the "Reborn Rich" actor announced that he has finally tied the knot with his British partner, former actress Katy Louise Saunders, much to fans' surprise. The couple confirmed their romantic relationship in December 2022, which became a hot topic not only in the Hallyu scene but also in the overseas channels. Song Joong Ki's remarriage brought delight to fans all over the world. His avid supporters congratulated him on his newfound love. However, some of the fans refuse to put on a happy face for the actor. These fans have been with Song Joong Ki since his rookie days, and celebrated with him during his romantic tryst with ex-wife Song Hye Kyo. "My Joong Ki phase has come to an end," one fan wrote, pertaining to how Song Joong Ki allegedly left Song Hye Kyo to be targeted by the media during their divorce in 2019. Another fan stated their disappointment, saying, "Not to be that person but I cannot watch his dramas anymore after he divorced Song Hye Kyo while she was abroad." My Joongki phase has come to an end. I will never forget how he stayed silent when hye kyo was being slut shamed in Korea plus he divorced her while she was filming her drama abroad. careal (@kdchingu) January 30, 2023 its true, not to be that person but I literally cannot watch his dramas anymore after that. dianxia | EXO SPRING (@yooliest) January 30, 2023 You talk like you know the whole story... You will never what happened behind the screen unless they publicized it Munch@@mel (@Beat2_Melo) January 30, 2023 However, some of the fans still defended Song Joong Ki. Some fans also mediated the online commotion as fans would never see the other side of the coin, especially when things as sensitive as marriage and divorce are never fully publicized. Despite the surprise, fans congratulate Song Joong Ki, and wish happiness to the newly wedded couple. On the other hand, Song Joong Ki and Katy Louise Saunders registered their marriage to the British Embassy in South Korea on January 31. Song Joong Ki's 'Bogota,' 'Hwaran,' More The year 2023 is certainly Song Joong Ki's best year yet! Apart from his newfound happiness with British wife, he's also set to return with a slew of projects! Song Joong Ki's upcoming noir film "Hwaran" is reportedly currently in its post-production process. It focuses on the stories of people who will do anything to escape reality. However, details such as its premiere haven't been disclosed yet. In addition to that, "Bogota: City of the Lost," which is another gravity-defying film, is also in its final process of polishing. "Bogota: City of the Lost" depicts the stories of immigrants in Bogota, the land for the hopeless. The film also stars veterans Lee Hee Joon and Kwon Hae Hyo. It is expected to air in the first half of 2023 so don't miss it! ICYMI, watch Song Joong Ki in his outstanding role as a conglomerate heir in "Reborn Rich" here: KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Along the banks of Ridley Creek in Delaware County, an immigrant couple living an ordinary life on a small farm in the 1680s feared their neighbor was a cunning witch who had cast a spell on their calf. Their fears were confirmed by Margaret Matsons rap on the door just as they were engaged in an act intended to conjure her the boiling of the calfs heart. To Annakey and John Coolin, immigrants of Dutch or Swedish origin, Matsons appearance was proof of her treachery. But to Matson, who denied the charges, the Coolins were the ones acting strangely, using an unorthodox way to make broth. She begins to say that it would have been better if wed been boiling the bones of the calf. The bones! Annakey Coolin testified, incredulous at the suggestion, and loudly imitating Matsons reported cackle. Her evidence, as well as that of three other witnesses at the trial, was not enough for the jury to find Matson guilty, though she is still known in American folklore as The Witch of Ridley Creek. Eight years before the infamous Salem witch trials, Matson, a middle-aged Swedish immigrant living with her husband in what is now Chester, was tried in Philadelphia for witchcraft Pennsylvanias only witch trial, according to Jill Youngken, assistant director and chief curator at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. As a prelude to Halloween, the museum re-enacted the trial Saturday afternoon before a gallery of about 50 people. Using actual trial transcripts, actors in period costumes spoke of thee and thy and the devils tongue. The only break with authenticity was a waxed Wicked Witch of the West overlooking the mock courtroom. Matson, played by Lori Sweeney, stood in her own defense as neighbors accused her of causing their livestock to perish, and one woman claimed she had threatened her own daughter with a knife. Before the hullabaloo, Matson and her husband had been fairly successful farmers in the decades they lived by Ridley Creek. Indignant, Matson said Henry Drystreets testimony that she bewitched and sickened cattle consisted of nothing but hearsay. How dare you say that to me? My testimony is unimpeachable, actor Joshua Fink, playing Drystreet, retorted. A fairly recent arrival to the colony, William Penn, portrayed by David Keehn, presided over the trial and read the jurys verdict: not guilty of witchcraft, but guilty of having the appearance of a witch. For that, Matsons husband was ordered to put down 50 pounds that would be returned after six months of good behavior. The museum re-enacted the trial once before, nearly a decade ago, Youngken said. More frequent are its re-enactments of Salem witch trials, which usually happen in July. Thats probably why museum members such as Tom Brockel, who played a jury member in a Salem trial two years ago, did not know there was ever a witch trial in Pennsylvania. Thats kind of the reason I was intrigued, he said. These trials, Youngken said, should be considered cautionary tales with relevance to modern history. She drew parallels to the McCarthy era of the 1950s and the day care sex abuse hysteria of the 1980s and 90s, both involving rampant accusations that destroyed livelihoods and reputations. We may believe we are more understanding, more tolerant, than those living in the 1600s, Youngken said. But are we? Two people are in custody after driving recklessly on Interstate 94, losing control, then fleeing a crash scene Monday morning, according to the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department. Sgt. David Wright said the department received a complaint at 9:39 a.m. about a reckless driver headed southbound on the interstate. A few minutes later, a deputy spotted a vehicle weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed and initially began a pursuing it. Wright said, however, that law enforcement wasnt even close to the vehicle when it lost control as it exited I-94 at Highway C, crashing at the off-ramp. The occupants fled the scene on foot. According to a criminal complaint, the vehicle was stolen from Milwaukee. According to a social media release by the department, one of the occupants made his way onto the interstate and was nearly struck by several vehicles before making it to the median, where deputies stopped him from going back into the traffic lane. Both suspects were taken into custody and treated for hypothermia by Bristol Fire & Rescue. According to the release, the incident was a multi-jurisdictional effort, with Pleasant Prairie Police officers assisting in the search for the suspects. The department also shared drone footage captured by the Wisconsin State Patrol. Just Born has lost one of its family executives credited with automating the process used in mass-producing its iconic marshmallow chicks and bunnies. Ira Bob Born died Sunday, the Bethlehem candy-maker known for its Peeps said Monday. He was 98. The son of Just Born founder Sam Born, who started the company 100 years ago, and father of retired company CEO Ross Born, Bob Born was honored four years ago by Bethlehem with a day noting his role as Father of Peeps. In 1953, Just Born acquired Rodda Candy Co., a jelly bean maker that had a side business producing shaped marshmallow candies by hand. At the time, it took about 27 hours to make the marshmallows using pastry tubes, according to a 2019 Morning Call story. Bob Born and an engineer, Joe Truse, designed and built a machine to produce Peeps in less than six minutes. The company used the machine for Peeps-making for more than 50 years; as of four years ago, Just Born was producing 2 billion Peeps annually, or about 5.5 million a day. Bob Borns role undoubtedly helped lead to the companys growth as one of the largest in the U.S. The National Retail Federation says consumers will spend nearly $26 billion alone for Valentines Day sweets. Bob Born also came up with the recipe for another popular Just Born candy, Hot Tamales. The companys products include Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenbergs Peanut Chews. Bob will be remembered as a tireless and passionate advocate for the candy industry and a wonderful supporter of our community, David Shaffer, company executive, said in a news release. Shaffer said Born was instrumental in privately run Just Born reaching its 100-year milestone. Borns father began the business in 1923, opening a small candy shop in Brooklyn. The name, Just Born, was concocted because of the freshness of the products. Sam Born and his brothers-in-laws, Jack and Irv Shaffer Davids father and uncle saw the business thrive, and were lured to Bethlehem in 1932. They moved the companys operations to an empty printing factory, and it grew to 600 employees, becoming a major business in the city once known as a steel town. Bob Born graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering physics. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a radar specialist and a lieutenant on a destroyer in the Pacific. Later, the Navy sent him to the University of Arizona and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for graduate work in math and physics. Born applied to medical school and was accepted, but while he was waiting for his classes to begin, he went to work at Just Born. He fell in love with the candy business and decided to stay. Bob Born became Just Borns president in 1959 and held the role for more than 30 years. He spent most of his retirement in Florida, where he led a literacy program and enjoyed hobbies including photography. He was active until a few months before he died, when he had a difficult recovery after a hard fall. He is survived by his widow, Patricia; son Ross and daughter Sara; five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His funeral will be private. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Morning Call journalist Anthony Salamone can be reached at asalamone@mcall.com. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! In this episode, we hear from Alen Voskanian, a palliative care physician, who shares his personal experience with COVID-19. Dr. Voskanian reflects on the mental coping mechanisms he used to try and understand how he contracted the virus and the guilt he felt about potentially exposing his family. He also discusses the challenges of seeking medical care as a physician, including the fear of asking for help and the stigma surrounding seeking care for mental health. Dr. Voskanian ultimately learns the importance of prioritizing his own wellness and encourages other physicians to do the same. Alen Voskanian is a palliative care physician. He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, A physician in denial after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience. With so many demands on their time, physicians today report record levels of burnout. Burnout is caused by many factors, one of which is clinical documentation. Studies indicate physicians spend two hours documenting care for every hour spent with patients. At Nuance, we are committed to helping physicians do what you love care for patients and spend less time on clinical documentation. The Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience, or DAX for short, is an AI-powered, ambient clinical intelligence solution that automatically captures patient encounters securely and accurately at the point of care. Physicians who use DAX have reported a 50 percent decrease in documentation time and a 70 percent reduction in feelings of burnout, and 83 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational. Rediscover the joy of medicine with clinical documentation that writes itself, all within the EHR. VISIT SPONSOR https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RATE AND REVIEW https://www.kevinmd.com/rate FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/kevinphomd FOLLOW ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinphomd GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/EEx2l5 Powered by CMEfy. PPL said Tuesday it has fixed the issue that caused some customers to receive monthly bills shockingly higher than average and will waive late fees for January and February. In a letter to customers, PPL Electric Utilities also said it wont shut off power to residential and small-business customers for nonpayment through March 31. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said it has begun a comprehensive investigation into circumstances surrounding unusually high bills recently received by PPL customers along with the accuracy and integrity of the Allentown utilitys billing practices. The matter has been referred to the PUCs independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement for investigation, which enforces the state public utility code and PUC regulations, according to a news release. PPL said while gathering data from customer meters, an unspecified technical system issue made the data temporarily unavailable in generating and displaying customer usage. That led to excessively high estimated bills for thousands of customers, rather than bills based on actual usage. The issue involved bills sent Dec. 20 through Jan. 9. Estimates based on historical usage may have been higher or lower than actual usage, the letter says. If this impacted you, you have either already received a corrected bill with actual usage or an adjustment on your next monthly bill to ensure you only pay for the electricity you used. More service agents are being added to reduce long wait times for customers calling to inquire about billing. We continue to offer payment plans and assistance programs that can help if you are struggling to pay your electric bill, the letter says. This includes self-service options that are available to you online at pplelectric.com/billhelp or by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL. State Consumer Advocate Patrick Cicero, whose office spoke with PPL officials, said more than 795,000 customers were affected. The higher bills came at a time when higher generation supply prices have increased most customers bills. PPLs most recent spike, which took effect Dec. 1, raised its rate to 14.6 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from 12.4 cents. The 18% increase added about $22 per month to the typical residential customers bill, according to the company. The PUC also encourages consumers to contact PPL with concerns about the size and accuracy of their bills, and work with the utility to explore options for corrected bills, payment options and financial assistance options. Consumers who are dissatisfied with the utilitys action can contact the PUC at 800-692-7380. In addition, the PUC said consumers who are unable to reach PPL agents or do not receive a response from PPL should notify the commission regarding that issue. This is not the first time PPL has run afoul of a billing matter. After about 12,000 customers got wrong bills last spring, the company blamed the mix-up on a data cleanup of mailing addresses. And the PUC approved a settlement in August 2021 after PPL improperly billed five residential customers during 2017 and 18. PPL agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty and provide better procedures in its billing practices. PPL, which delivers electricity to 1.4 million customers in 29 counties, including much of the Lehigh Valley, is a subsidiary of PPL Corp. It also provides electricity and natural gas to more than 3.5 million customers in three other states: Kentucky, Rhode Island and Virginia. A charity founded in memory of a young Kilkenny College student who passed away in a tragic riding accident has raised and donated 3,000 to equuip for mental health supports for the Irish racing industry. Tiggys Trust is named in memory of Tiggy Hancock - a talented rider, a beloved daughter, adored sister and loyal friend - who died in 2021, aged 15. Tiggy touched the lives of so many in her short life - her golden heart, infectious fun personality and cheeky smile extended to all who knew her. The Trust honours Tiggys memory by spreading kindness, generosity and inclusivity that was an integral part of her personality. Tiggys Trust uses funds raised to assist young people by offering mental health support and by providing training and education to help young aspiring equestrians achieve their goals. As part of this, Tiggys young friends were asked to select charities involved with mental health projects that were close to their hearts to donate funds to. Two of her friends, Josh Williamson and Rosie-Mae OGrady have selected equuip for their donation. The Tiggys Trust donation to equuip comes under the Young Lives Lost initiative. Mental health supports and services are a key pillar of the work that equuip, Horse Racing Irelands education, training and people welfare department, provide to help support individuals working in the racing industry and the 3,000 donation from Tiggys Trust will go towards funding mental health support for jockeys and young people aspiring to be jockeys in Ireland. Equuip currently have an industry assistance programme available to all working in the industry which offers 24 support, seven days a week, 365 days a year which is a free and confidential service. In addition to this they have recently appointed a People Welfare Coordinator to develop, deliver and support industry-specific mental health and physical wellbeing programmes nationally for stable and stud staff, jockeys, breeders and trainers. Elaine Burke, equuip Manager, said: We are so honoured to be receiving this donation from Tiggys Trust, and we look forward to working with Josh and Rosie-Mae on how best to use the funds in honour of Tiggy. Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Senior Medical Officer, said: "We are very grateful to Tiggys Trust and to Josh Williamson and Rosie-Mae OGrady for choosing the jockey population for their donation. It is clear the memory of Tiggy lives on in the lives of those she touched, and I look forward to working with Josh and Rosie-Mae with equuip to put these funds to good use in offering continued support to jockeys." Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, recently hosted an important engagement between the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and senior members of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) in Kilkenny. The meeting took place in the Kilkenny County Council Chamber to discuss areas of cross-border collaboration at local government level. During his welcome address, Cllr Fitzpatrick noted that 2023 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and emphasised the importance of cross-border relations. The Kilkenny Cathaoirleach, who is also the AILG President, noted that it was great to engage and build upon the good working relationship between the AILG and NILGA. Following an exchange of welcomes and introductions from both sides, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary joined the meeting remotely to offer government support for joint projects between both sides. Following a series of detailed presentations by AILG and Kilkenny County Council, a detailed discussion took place between councillors both North and South of the island on the importance of leadership at local level and the need to promote the important role and importance of local government. Both sides laid the groundwork for a collaborative campaign later in the year. 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. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. When Lehigh Valley doctor Charles Harris started approving patients for medical marijuana a few years ago, most of them were dealing with chronic pain. Using cannabis helped them tremendously, he said. Patients told him their pain wasnt keeping them awake at night anymore they could finally get a good nights sleep or at least a few hours of rest in a row. Then, in the summer of 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Health changed its rules to allow patients to use medical marijuana for another condition: anxiety disorders. The move, Harris later joked with friends, caused his business phone to melt. It was a veritable tsunami of patients, Harris told Spotlight PA. That wave spread to doctors across Pennsylvania, one of only a few states to specifically endorse cannabis as a treatment for anxiety. Anxiety disorders are now the leading reason Pennsylvanians get a medical marijuana card, a first-of-its-kind analysis of more than 1.1 million certification records obtained by Spotlight PA reveals. The records which the Department of Health attempted to keep secret by suing Spotlight PA in state court offer the first comprehensive look at how a decision by former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs administration transformed Pennsylvanias medical marijuana program, and, in the eyes of some, made it possible for basically anyone to get a medical marijuana card. In 2021, the most recent full year of data, doctors created more than 385,000 medical marijuana certifications and anxiety disorders were a factor in 60% of them. Anxiety often is the only reason a patient qualifies for medical marijuana. Health Department data show that most of the time doctors list one condition for a certification. In 2021, nearly 40% of certifications or more than 151,000 listed anxiety disorders as the sole qualifying condition, ranking well ahead of others such as chronic pain and cancer. But medical evidence that cannabis or its compounds help treat anxiety is limited and mixed. In fact, a major national study in 2017 noted that regular cannabis use is likely to increase the risk for developing social anxiety disorder. Medical marijuana program leaders in at least three other states have rejected it as a qualifying condition, citing the lack of scientific evidence, the potential for some doses and types of cannabis to worsen anxiety symptoms, or other unintended consequences. Supporters of Pennsylvanias decision say it has given patients another treatment option at a time when more people are suffering from anxiety, and that it has worked for many. And they note that federal restrictions have limited cannabis research, making it harder to prove the benefits. Still, a wide range of medical professionals including supporters of cannabis as a treatment option for anxiety told Spotlight PA they are concerned about the medical marijuana certification process in Pennsylvania, the Department of Healths oversight of doctors, and the information patients receive from physicians who approve them. Harris, a retired emergency room physician, supports cannabis as a treatment option for anxiety disorders and said his patients have had impressive results. But he questions how thorough most doctors are during their medical marijuana consultations. His impression, he said, is they spend very little time with their patients. Some patients schedule appointments with doctors through third-party certification companies businesses that the state Department of Health says it cannot regulate. Previous Spotlight PA reporting revealed that some of these businesses make misleading or incorrect medical claims, benefit from unequal advertising rules, and allegedly tie a doctors payment to patient approvals. Their profits are often dependent on patient approvals, with some offering money-back guarantees if customers are not approved for a card. Steven Evans, a medical marijuana physician in Berks County, said some of the stories his patients have told him about their experiences with large certification companies gave him concerns. He worries that some medical card companies and doctors arent doing enough to try to screen out people who really dont have anything wrong with them they just want to use marijuana as a recreational drug. I dont think that most of these telephonic services are demanding any kind of documentation that the person actually has that problem, Evans told Spotlight PA. I think thats a huge issue. A recent Facebook post from Keystone Cannabis Coalition, a group that advocates for adult-use legalization in Pennsylvania, underscores the worries some medical providers have about the current system. The post argued medical cannabis should be well-regulated for those with legit medical needs. But if lawmakers will not legalize marijuana, the group wrote, the medical program should act as the Underground Railroad so that people have some legal protection against the brutality of the state. The ongoing adult-use cannabis legalization debate looms over the medical program. In recent years, two Republican state senators have come out in support of ending the prohibition a historic step in Pennsylvania. Last fall, Democratic legislative victories in the state House gave new hope to legalization advocates. And this year, Maryland will join two other neighbor states New York and New Jersey where adult-use is already legal. Its not clear whether new Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro who supports adult-use legalization will bring any significant changes to the medical marijuana program. When questioned by Spotlight PA this past fall and in December, Shapiros campaign and transition teams did not identify any specific changes he supports for the medical program. For now, Pennsylvania doctors are the gatekeepers to who can legally use marijuana. !function(){use strict;window.addEventListener(message,(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data[datawrapper-height]){var t=document.querySelectorAll(iframe);for(var a in e.data[datawrapper-height])for(var r=0;r